Pawan Kalyan Visakhapatnam Tour: Key Instructions Issued | AP Deputy CM Vizag Visit Updates
Chiranjeevi Plans Podcasts to Share Life Lessons and Experiences
Megastar Chiranjeevi recently revealed that he is considering creating a series of podcasts, sharing life lessons and personal experiences. The idea, he said, was suggested by his daughter Sushmita and writer BVS Ravi. While some have recommended making a documentary on him, Chiranjeevi expressed a personal preference for the podcast format, which he feels allows for more direct and intimate storytelling.
During an interaction with Tollywood media, Chiranjeevi reminisced about various incidents from his life. He recalled that after entering politics, he was completely detached from films for nearly nine years. He humorously shared that when someone mentioned Kajal as the heroine for Khaidi No. 150, he had no idea who she was, adding that he also didn’t know Tamannaah at that time. Such was his distance from cinema during his political tenure.
Chiranjeevi also reflected on the challenges of balancing films and politics, noting that while he could not manage both simultaneously, his brother Pawan Kalyan has that unique ability.
He further highlighted his long-standing and close relationship with the media. He recalled patiently accommodating multiple photo shoots for different publications, even when one cover photo would have sufficed. Chiranjeevi also shared a past communication gap he had with a film magazine editor, underscoring the ups and downs of his interactions with the media over the years.
Through these reflections, Chiranjeevi gives fans a glimpse into the man behind the megastar persona, hinting at a more personal and insightful journey through his upcoming podcast venture.
Mamata Alleges Political Conspiracy in Ajit Pawar’s Plane Crash
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged a political conspiracy surrounding the tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash at Baramati on Wednesday morning. Referring to recent social media speculation that Ajit Pawar was considering leaving the BJP just two days ago, she hinted at possible foul play and criticised the lack of security for both citizens and political leaders in the country.
Banerjee also raised concerns over the alleged misuse of probe agencies by the ruling party at the Centre, stating that their credibility and independence have been compromised. With her party, the Trinamool Congress, facing stiff competition from the BJP in West Bengal ahead of the Assembly elections, Banerjee expressed being deeply saddened and shocked by the news of Ajit Pawar’s death. She also took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over discrepancies in the SIR.
Banerjee is among several political leaders demanding an impartial investigation into the plane crash that claimed the lives of Ajit Pawar and five others at Baramati. Leaders including RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav have echoed the call for a fair probe.
The BJP, however, hit back at Banerjee, accusing her of politicising Pawar’s death during a period of mourning. West Bengal BJP election co-in-charge Biplab Deb pointed out that even Ajit Pawar’s uncle, Sharad Pawar, and cousin, Supriya Sule, had not raised any doubts regarding the incident.
Ajit Pawar was en route to Baramati to address four public meetings in connection with the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections in Maharashtra when the tragic crash occurred.
Neha Shetty Turns Heads with Stylish Activewear photo
Neha Shetty may not have any new film announcements at the moment, but she continues to stay in the spotlight with her latest pictures. The actress gained popularity in South Indian cinema with her memorable role as Radhika in the hit film DJ Tillu. She began her career with the Kannada movie Mungaru Male 2 and later made her mark in Telugu films like Gully Rowdy and Bedurulanka 2012. However, in the past couple of years, she hasn’t had any full-length lead roles.
Recently, Neha turned heads while promoting her close friend’s activewear brand. In the photos, she is seen sporting a chic black romper that perfectly accentuates her toned figure. The bold back design, sporty cut, and sleek styling give the outfit a modern fitness-inspired vibe. Complemented by yellow-tinted sunglasses, chunky boots, and soft waves in her hair, Neha exudes effortless confidence and style.
While she may not currently have upcoming films to announce, Neha Shetty is actively maintaining her presence through fashion and brand endorsements. By supporting her friend’s activewear label, she also underscores her interest in fitness and lifestyle trends. Films aside, Neha continues to stay relevant, proving that poise, confidence, and style are enough to keep her in the public eye.
Karthi’s Telugu OTT Version of Va Vathiyar Draws Backlash
Karthi’s latest film Va Vathiyar made a surprising leap to OTT just fourteen days after its theatrical release, leaving fans completely unprepared. The Telugu-dubbed version, announced earlier as Anna Gaaru Vostaru, had generated significant buzz following its formal announcement last December and promotional events in Hyderabad featuring Karthi himself. Expectations among Telugu movie lovers were naturally high.
Karthi has a reputation for taking special care with dubbing and localization. In the past, he has personally lent his voice and ensured that cultural references, signboards, and other contextual elements are properly adapted for Telugu audiences. That reputation only made the OTT release of Anna Gaaru Vostaru all the more disappointing.
The main issue lies in the careless handling of the Telugu version. The original Tamil film revolves heavily around references to MGR, who forms the emotional and ideological core of the story. For Telugu audiences, who do not share the same connection, the makers attempted to replace these references with legendary actor NTR. While the idea made sense on paper, the execution faltered completely. Visuals still show MGR, but the background dialogue suddenly switches to NTR references, resulting in jarring inconsistencies that pull viewers out of the narrative. Rather than creating emotional resonance, the scenes end up feeling confusing and awkward.
For a film already struggling with content, this sloppy approach only compounds the problem. Viewers who had hoped for a decent home-viewing experience were left frustrated by the mismatched adaptation, which feels more like a rushed checkbox exercise than a genuine attempt to connect with Telugu audiences. Adding to the disappointment, the OTT platform did not upload a proper standalone Telugu version. Instead, it only offers a Telugu audio option while keeping the original visuals intact. Fans argue that this shows a lack of respect for the Telugu title that was heavily promoted.
Social media is flooded with criticism over this negligence. Many cinephiles point out that if the film was marketed specifically for Telugu viewers, at the very least, the adaptation should have been coherent and respectful. Unfortunately, the backlash appears to be largely ignored, leaving fans disappointed that the promise of Anna Gaaru Vostaru was never truly honored.
Shankar Finds Producer for ‘Velpari’ with Strict Budget Conditions
Director Shankar Shanmugam was once the undisputed trailblazer of the pan-India formula that now dominates Indian cinema. Long before the trend became mainstream, he introduced audiences to visual extravaganzas and grand, big-budget entertainers. However, in recent years, the celebrated filmmaker has lost his sheen, delivering back-to-back disappointments at the box office.
With films like Robot 2, Indian 2, and Game Changer failing to live up to towering expectations, Shankar has found himself in a difficult phase. These setbacks have not only dented his market but also made it challenging for him to convince top-tier actors and secure producers willing to invest the massive budgets traditionally associated with his filmmaking style. The heavy losses incurred by Indian 2 and Game Changer further fuelled speculation that his long-cherished dream project, Velpari, might struggle to find backing.
However, fresh reports suggest that Shankar may finally have found a producer for this ambitious venture—albeit with strict financial conditions. According to reliable Kollywood sources, leading Bollywood distribution and production house Pen Studios, known for releasing several South Indian films across North India, has agreed to associate with Velpari, which is based on the acclaimed Tamil novel of the same name.
That said, the collaboration comes with firm budgetary stipulations. Pen Studios has reportedly asked Shankar to submit a detailed budget estimate along with a clear and structured shooting schedule. More importantly, the production house is said to have demanded a written assurance from the director that the film’s budget will not be exceeded under any circumstances once shooting begins. It remains unclear whether Shankar has accepted these conditions and formally given his consent.
The project is expected to go on floors only after Shankar signs an agreement accepting these terms. A few months ago, the director had publicly expressed confidence about bringing his dream project to life on the big screen. However, the cast and crew of this much-anticipated period drama are yet to be announced. If it materialises as planned, Velpari is likely to be the most ambitious and possibly the biggest project in Shankar’s illustrious filmography.
Chiru and Balayya Set for Gangster Showdown Once Again
Chiranjeevi and Balakrishna are once again in the spotlight, this time for an unexpected and intriguing reason. The two senior superstars are reportedly working on upcoming projects that share a similar gangster backdrop, sparking fresh excitement among fans and trade circles alike.
Megastar Chiranjeevi is currently collaborating with director Bobby on a high-voltage action drama set in the gritty world of gangsters. The film is said to be largely set in Kolkata and promises a fresh narrative approach packed with intense action and strong emotional undertones. While the title is yet to be finalised, the project has already generated steady buzz.
Meanwhile, Nandamuri Balakrishna is gearing up for a new film with director Gopichand Malineni. Interestingly, this project has also transitioned into a gangster-themed story. Initially planned as a period drama, the makers have now opted for a completely new subject, with the story expected to unfold against a Mumbai backdrop.
What adds an extra layer of excitement is the possibility of both films releasing around the same time. If schedules align—or face delays—there is even speculation of a Sankranti 2027 clash, potentially reviving the classic Chiranjeevi vs Balakrishna box-office rivalry.
Though both stars have portrayed gangster roles in the past, those films did not emerge as major blockbusters. Now, at a senior phase of their illustrious careers, their decision to revisit similar roles has sparked renewed curiosity. If both projects move ahead as planned within the same genre, audiences could be in for a major treat.
Seeing Chiranjeevi and Balakrishna as new-age gangsters simultaneously could easily become one of the most talked-about moments in Tollywood in the coming years.
NTR and Pawan Kalyan: Politicians Known for Ever-Changing Public Getups
There is an interesting common thread that connects NTR and Pawan Kalyan in their political journeys—both have been known for appearing in strikingly different public getups while active in politics. This trait sets them apart from most mainstream political leaders in the Telugu states.
If one looks at leaders such as N. Chandrababu Naidu, the late Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, K. Chandrasekhara Rao, or A. Revanth Reddy, none of them ever adopted unusual or out-of-the-box attire in their political lives. Chandrababu Naidu has consistently stuck to monochrome shirts and trousers, while YSR was almost always seen in a white dhoti and white lalchi. Jagan Mohan Reddy largely appears in simple full-sleeve shirts and stitched trousers, a style mirrored by Revanth Reddy. KCR, too, has remained uniform in his appearance, favouring a white full-sleeve shirt and white trousers.
In contrast, NTR frequently experimented with his public image. During his iconic 1983 campaign, he initially appeared in a khaki outfit, later adopting the look of a sanyasi with a tonsured head. Soon after, he surprised many by switching to a Swami Vivekananda-inspired getup. Eventually, following his marriage to Lakshmi Parvathi, NTR settled into a white dhoti and lalchi, complemented by a kanduva—a look he continued until the end of his political journey.
A similar pattern can be observed in Pawan Kalyan’s public appearances over the years. At different points, he has been seen in a Muslim attire, as a devout Christian offering prayers in a church, and as a Sanatana Dharma protector dressed in saffron. On other occasions, he appeared as a swamiji with a long beard, in a Brahminical dhoti-clad look with a vertical tilakam, or even continuing his rugged “OG” movie appearance. At times, he opted for a simple white lalchi-pyjama, and more recently, he surprised everyone by donning a Sikh look with a pagdi.
This constant reinvention of appearance has made both NTR and Pawan Kalyan stand out in the political landscape, blending symbolism, messaging, and mass appeal in ways few other leaders have attempted.
Sharmila Bets on MGNREGS Stir to Revive Congress in Andhra Pradesh
It has been quite some time since Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y S Sharmila has been seen actively engaging in party programmes aimed at reviving the Congress or strengthening its base in the state. At a time when her brother, YSR Congress Party president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, has stepped up his political offensive against the ruling Telugu Desam Party–led coalition in a bid to reclaim power, Sharmila continues to struggle to carve out a distinct political identity of her own.
The Congress high command had appointed Sharmila as the APCC chief with the clear objective of positioning her as a counterweight to Jagan Mohan Reddy in Andhra Pradesh. Her campaign during the 2023 elections, which largely focused on targeting the YSRCP leadership, did create some political buzz. However, criticism soon emerged even within Congress circles that Sharmila had concentrated excessively on attacking Jagan while largely ignoring the NDA alliance, both at the Centre and in the state.
Realising that prolonged inactivity could push her to the margins of state politics, Sharmila appears to have decided to regain visibility through sustained political action. As part of this effort, she met senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, in New Delhi on Tuesday.
According to sources, Sharmila placed a key proposal before Rahul Gandhi related to launching a major agitation centred on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). She urged Rahul to attend the programme as the chief guest, highlighting that February 2 marks 20 years since the landmark employment guarantee scheme was introduced. With the Centre recently taking several decisions on MGNREGS that Congress strongly opposes, the party is gearing up for protests and renewed mobilisation on the issue.
Following the meeting, Sharmila stated that Rahul Gandhi had assured her of his visit to Andhra Pradesh and active participation in the party’s agitation. She announced that the movement would be launched from Bandlapalli village in Anantapur district, the very place where the scheme was formally inaugurated during the tenure of her father, late chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.
Political observers point out that the initiative carries strong symbolic value, as Sharmila is attempting to revive a programme closely associated with her father’s legacy. With the NDA currently in power both at the Centre and in Andhra Pradesh, Rahul Gandhi’s decision to launch a major movement from the state is expected to have wider political and strategic implications for Congress going forward.
The Raja Saab Crashes in North America, Ends as Major Disappointment
The Raja Saab, starring Prabhas alongside Sanjay Dutt, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar, and Zarina Wahab, has ended its theatrical run on a highly disappointing note. Despite being mounted as a big-ticket fantasy horror-comedy, the film failed to live up to expectations, especially in overseas markets.
While the film continues to add marginal numbers in domestic circuits, its run in the most crucial overseas territory—North America (USA and Canada)—has officially concluded as a major disaster. Shockingly, The Raja Saab could not even cross the $2.5 million mark in the region. This comes as a huge setback, particularly in the wake of Prabhas’ Kalki 2898 AD achieving massive success in North America, which had set sky-high expectations for his next release.
Alarm bells had already started ringing during the advance booking phase, with ticket sales falling well short of trade projections. Still, the film managed a somewhat decent start by collecting $1.4 million from premieres and posting an opening-day total of $1.76 million, including premieres. However, the momentum dropped sharply soon after.
Poor word of mouth proved fatal, resulting in a steep decline in collections after the opening. The film eventually wrapped up its North American run with a total gross of just $2.356 million, approximately ₹21.64 crore. Of this, the USA contributed $2.168 million (₹19.92 crore), while Canada added a meagre $188,000 (₹1.72 crore).
Language-wise, the original Telugu version dominated the collections with $2.295 million (₹21.08 crore). The Hindi-dubbed version performed poorly, collecting only $58,000 (₹53.29 lakh), while the Tamil-dubbed version made an almost negligible contribution of $3,000 (₹2.75 lakh), underlining the film’s outright failure across markets.
Directed by Maruthi, The Raja Saab released in theatres on January 9 and was produced by T. G. Vishwa Prasad, Krithi Prasad, and Ishan Saksena under the banners of People Media Factory and IVY Entertainment. With reports suggesting a massive budget of around ₹500 crore, the film’s underwhelming performance has turned it into one of the biggest commercial disappointments in Prabhas’ career, particularly in the North American market.
Vishwambhara Eyes July Release, Skips Summer Rush
Clarity has finally emerged regarding the much-delayed release of Vishwambhara. After multiple postponements, the makers have decided to move away from the crowded summer season. Megastar Chiranjeevi, who recently scored a massive success with Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, is said to be keen on avoiding intense box-office competition during the holiday window.
As per the latest update, Vishwambhara is now being planned for a July release, with July 10 currently under strong consideration. Post-production work is still in progress, particularly the visual effects, which are taking longer than initially anticipated. However, the team remains confident of meeting the revised deadline.
Chiranjeevi reportedly feels that a longer gap between releases will work in his favour, especially after already making a strong impact during the Sankranthi season. Directed by Vasshist, the film stars Trisha and Ashika Ranganath as the female leads and is positioned as a high-scale entertainer, raising expectations among fans and trade circles alike.
Nagarjuna’s 100th Film Turns Grand with Tabu and Family Cameos
Telugu superstar Nagarjuna Akkineni has recently impressed audiences by stepping into grey-shaded roles in films like Sekhar Kammula’s Kubera and Rajinikanth’s Coolie. His commanding screen presence and refined performance in these projects earned widespread appreciation, reaffirming his versatility even after decades in cinema.
Now, the veteran actor is gearing up for a milestone moment in his illustrious career—his 100th film, which will be helmed by a Tamil filmmaker. The landmark project will be directed by Ra Karthik, who gained critical acclaim with his directorial debut Nitham Oru Vaanam (2022). The upcoming film is said to be a big-budget action thriller, marking Ra Karthik’s most ambitious venture to date.
Interestingly, the film is being produced by Nagarjuna himself and is being described as emotionally rich, drawing comparisons to his iconic film Manam. Adding to the excitement, the movie will feature special cameo appearances by Nagarjuna’s sons, Naga Chaitanya and Akhil Akkineni, making it a true family affair.
Further elevating the buzz, actress Tabu has reportedly come on board for a pivotal role. Tabu, who shares a long-standing friendship with Nagarjuna, previously starred in his superhits like Ninne Pelladatha and Aavida Maa Aavide, and also appeared in a special song in his production venture Sisindri. Sources suggest that Tabu personally expressed her desire to be part of Nagarjuna’s 100th film, leading to her inclusion in the project.
With an emotionally resonant storyline, a celebrated director, family cameos, and the addition of Tabu, Nagarjuna appears determined to make his 100th film a grand multi-starrer that truly lives up to the significance of the milestone.
Ram Charan’s Peddi Likely to Miss March Release, Dasara Window in Focus
The massive success of SS Rajamouli’s RRR propelled Telugu star Ram Charan onto the global stage. However, his immediate follow-up film, Game Changer, failed to live up to expectations at the box office. With that setback, all eyes are now firmly set on Peddi, being directed by Buchi Babu Sana of Uppena fame.
While Ram Charan and the producers had earlier confirmed March 27 as the film’s release date, fresh reports suggest that the movie will not be able to meet that deadline. Even the previously speculated Summer 2026 release, with May as a tentative window, now appears unlikely. According to insider sources, the makers are gearing up for a massive upcoming schedule that will be shot across multiple locations in India and abroad.
Although it remains unclear whether songs will be filmed in Europe or if the overseas schedule involves key portions of the narrative, nearly 30 percent of the film’s shoot is reportedly still pending. Given the scale of the remaining work, trade circles believe Peddi may now target a Dasara release, though not in the immediate future.
This delay has come as a disappointment to fans who were expecting the Mega hero to dominate the big screens in the first quarter of the year. As things stand, the team appears focused on completing the film without compromise, even if it means pushing the release further to ensure a grand cinematic experience.
Arijit Singh’s ₹414 Crore Net Worth and the Life Behind His Success
Arijit Singh has been in the spotlight recently following reports suggesting that he may step away from playback singing, a development that has sparked renewed interest in his career, earnings, and lifestyle. From his early days on Fame Gurukul to becoming the most dominant voice in Indian film music, Arijit’s journey has been defined by consistency, chart-topping hits, and sold-out live concerts.
According to a Mint report, Arijit Singh’s net worth is estimated at around ₹414 crore (approximately $50 million). His annual income is believed to be close to ₹70 crore, driven largely by film songs, large-scale live performances, and brand endorsements. The singer reportedly charges between ₹8 lakh and ₹10 lakh per film song, with fees varying depending on the scale and profile of the project.
Live concerts form the backbone of Arijit’s earnings. In 2025, music composer Monty Sharma revealed to Lallantop that Arijit charges close to ₹2 crore per live performance. For a two-hour concert, his fee is said to go up to around ₹14 crore. According to Insider.in, ticket prices for his shows in India typically range from ₹2,000 to ₹80,000 based on venue and seating. At one Pune concert, premium lounge tickets reportedly reached a staggering ₹16 lakh.
Internationally, his concerts command similarly high prices. Ticket rates for one overseas event reportedly started at £210 (around ₹26,600) and went up to £2,410 (approximately ₹3.05 lakh) for VIP packages. Beyond music, Arijit earns significantly through brand endorsements, having collaborated with global brands such as Coca-Cola and Samsung.
He has also rewritten digital music history by becoming the most-followed artist on Spotify, crossing 140 million followers and surpassing global stars like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Ariana Grande.
On the personal front, Arijit owns a luxury house in Navi Mumbai valued at around ₹8 crore and a premium car collection worth over ₹3.4 crore, featuring brands like Range Rover and Mercedes. Despite his immense success, he is known for his grounded lifestyle. His primary residence remains in Jiaganj, Murshidabad, West Bengal, where his home also houses a recording studio.
Staying true to his roots, Arijit also runs a low-cost restaurant in Jiaganj called Heshel, where meals are reportedly priced at just ₹40. The initiative reflects his desire to remain connected to the local community and lead a simple life away from the limelight. With a blend of music royalties, blockbuster concerts, and brand partnerships, Arijit Singh’s ₹414 crore net worth stands as a testament to sustained success built through years of dedication rather than overnight fame.
