Tragedy at Antarvedi Beach: young man Washed Away in Beach During New Year Celebrations
AR Rahman to Make Acting Debut in Prabhudeva’s Moonwalk
Music maestro A.R. Rahman, renowned for delivering timeless chartbusters over the last three decades, is all set to step in front of the camera for the first time in his illustrious career. According to the latest reports, the Oscar-winning composer will make his acting debut in the upcoming comedy film Moonwalk, which stars Prabhudeva in the lead role.
While Rahman has made a few cameo appearances in songs earlier, he has never portrayed a full-length character until now. In Moonwalk, he will be seen playing a fictionalised version of a film director named A.R. Rahman. The film is being directed by Manoj N.S. and produced by Behindwoods Productions.
Interestingly, Rahman will be portrayed as an angry young director, marking yet another first in his career. He has not only composed the music but has also sung all five songs in the album himself. This makes Moonwalk the first film in which the entire soundtrack features Rahman’s unified vocal presence.
When director Manoj N.S. approached Rahman with the role, the legendary composer reportedly agreed instantly, eager to explore his acting potential. Moonwalk also marks the first-ever collaboration between Prabhudeva and A.R. Rahman, and the duo has already shot a song together, which is said to have turned out exceptionally well.
Sources reveal that Rahman thoroughly enjoyed shooting for the film, with the entire unit thrilled to witness him perform as an actor. While Prabhudeva will be seen as a choreographer, Rahman plays the role of his film director.
The ensemble cast of Moonwalk includes Aju Varghese, Arjun Ashokan, Satz, Sushmitha, Nishma, Swaminathan, Redin Kingsley, Rajendran, Deepa Akka, Santhosh Jacob, and Ramkumar.
Bunny Vas Clarifies Mithra Mandali Loss, Shares Box Office Lessons
Tollywood producer Bunny Vas is currently busy promoting his recent horror release, Eesha, engaging in various promotional activities to keep the audience’s attention on the film. At the same time, in several interviews, he has been sharing updates about his upcoming projects as well as his past ventures.
During one such interaction, Bunny Vas spoke about his highly anticipated project, Mithra Mandali. While the film was expected to perform exceptionally well at the box office, it failed to meet expectations and was labelled a dud on its opening day. Initial reports had suggested losses of around ₹20 crores, sparking widespread speculation.
Bunny Vas clarified the situation, stating that when he had watched the film earlier in the editing suite, he felt it had blockbuster potential. However, when he viewed it with an audience, people did not laugh or react in the places he had expected, which contributed to the underperformance. He confirmed that the actual loss was around ₹6 crores.
Reflecting on the experience, Bunny Vas emphasized that this setback has helped him refine his choices in selecting projects. He also noted that changing box office dynamics have highlighted the importance of strong content and effective marketing strategies, lessons that will shape his future films.
Purushaha Posters Generate Buzz with Humour and Relatable Characters
The makers of Purushaha continue to generate strong curiosity around the film with their cleverly designed posters, which blend humour with relatable middle-class emotions. From the outset, the promotional campaign has stood out for its witty captions and character-driven visuals, creating significant buzz even before the release of a teaser or trailer.
After introducing the male leads through posters that cleverly hinted at their personalities, the team has now begun unveiling the female characters. The first look of Vaishnavi received a warm response, and the spotlight has now shifted to actress Hasini Sudheer. Her humour-filled first look, paired opposite Saptagiri, has captured the audience’s attention. Presented as mischievous and dominant, Hasini’s character is shown to have Saptagiri completely at her mercy. The playful visual, featuring Hasini in boxing gloves with Saptagiri trapped in between, strongly hints at laugh-out-loud sequences between the duo.
The light-hearted tone of the poster and its catchy caption reinforce expectations that the film will heavily rely on situational comedy and character-driven humour. By revealing each character with a clear and fun personality trait, the team is maintaining steady engagement from both movie enthusiasts and social media audiences.
Presented by Battula Saraswathi under the Kalyan Productions banner and produced by Battula Koteswara Rao, Purushaha marks the debut of Pavan Kalyan Battula as a hero. The film is directed by Veeru Ulavala and boasts a strong technical team including cinematographer Satish Muthyala, music director Shravan Bharadwaj, editor Koti, and art director Ravi Babu Dondapati.
Adding to the excitement, popular comedians such as Vennela Kishore, VTV Ganesh, Anantha Sriram, Pammi Sai, and Mirchi Kiran are set to play key roles, promising nonstop entertainment. With post-production progressing swiftly, the release date of Purushaha is expected to be announced soon. Judging by the response to its posters, the film is shaping up to be a fun-filled entertainer that celebrates everyday struggles with humour and heart.
Mad Cube Shelved, Naga Vamsi Announces Mad Juniors with New Cast
One of the most talked-about Telugu film franchises at the moment is the Mad series, produced by Sithara Entertainment’s Naga Vamsi. While fans were eagerly anticipating Mad Cube, the sequel confirmed by director Kalyan Shankar, recent reports suggest a major change in plans.
The much-anticipated Mad Cube, starring Narne Nithin, Sangeeth Shoban, Ram Nithin, and Sri Gouri Priya, has reportedly been shelved. Instead, Naga Vamsi is now producing a new installment titled Mad Juniors, featuring a fresh cast, with Kalyan Shankar returning as director.
Although Naga Vamsi has not provided an official explanation for the shift, sources indicate that the original actors from Mad 1 and Mad 2 were demanding extremely high paychecks. Unable to accommodate these costs, the producer opted to reboot the sequel with newcomers, relying on the director’s proven ability to deliver engaging cinema.
Industry insiders view Mad Juniors as a cost-effective gamble, with the potential to perform well at the box office while keeping production expenses under control. Fans of the franchise will be curious to see if the new cast can carry forward the spirit of the beloved Mad series.
Naveen Polishetty’s Wedding Joke Steals the Show at Promotions
After multiple delays, actor Naveen Polishetty’s next film Anaganana Oka Raju is finally set to hit cinemas on Sankranthi eve. Directed by Maari, the film is scheduled for a January 14 release, and the actor has been going all out with promotions.
As part of the promotional campaign, Naveen recently hosted a quirky, cinematic “fake wedding reception” with co-star Meenakshi Chaudhary, inviting media representatives as guests. During the interaction, a journalist cheekily asked Naveen when he would get married for real, apart from these on-screen promotional weddings.
Staying true to his trademark wit, Naveen responded, “My parents are struggling to find the right bride. Let me know if you have any matches for me.”
The journalist then jokingly hinted that he could find a match for Naveen—but only from the USA. While said in good humour, the comment carried context, as rumours have been doing the rounds about the actor possibly dating a Telugu girl based in the United States. Unfazed by the hint, Naveen brushed it off with humour, asking the journalist to take his number and send him suitable matches.
The light-hearted exchange quickly became a talking point, adding an extra dose of entertainment to the film’s promotional buzz.
“USA Sankranthi Premieres: Raja Saab vs Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu Trends”
As 2025 draws to a close, the Telugu film industry steps into 2026 with high expectations surrounding the crucial Sankranthi release season. As is customary, early discussions have intensified around USA premiere advance bookings, which are often considered a strong indicator of box-office potential.
Two major films dominating the conversation are The Raja Saab, scheduled for January 8 premieres, and Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, set for January 11 premieres.
The Raja Saab has so far collected USD 280,619 from 342 locations across 1,021 shows, selling 9,899 tickets. Overall North America premiere advances currently stand at around USD 290,000. While this figure is relatively higher in absolute terms, it is being viewed as underwhelming considering the film stars Prabhas. For perspective, his earlier films Kalki 2898 AD and Salaar recorded premiere advances of approximately USD 3.9 million and USD 2.5 million respectively. Against that backdrop, the current trend raises concerns about whether The Raja Saab can even reach the USD 1 million mark. Much will depend on booking momentum in the final week before release.
On the other hand, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu has collected USD 77,464 from 119 locations, spanning 423 shows, with 3,684 tickets sold so far. The film is currently registering daily advances of around USD 10,000, and trade circles expect better traction once New Year celebrations conclude. With nearly twelve days remaining for its premieres, the film still has sufficient time to build momentum.
Looking at historical Sankranthi performance in the USA for Chiranjeevi’s films, Waltair Veerayya earned around USD 680,000 from premieres, Khaidi No. 150 crossed USD 1.29 million, and Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy collected approximately USD 858,000. These benchmarks add further interest to how Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu will fare in the coming days.
The next week will be decisive for both films. Additionally, the steady run of Dhurandhar may also be impacting advance booking patterns. Whether audience confidence strengthens or caution continues will become clear as the Sankranthi season approaches.
Pemmasani Chandrasekhar Denies Sand Mining Allegations
For the past two days, social media has been flooded with images and reports of tipper trucks bearing the name “Pemmasani” allegedly involved in sand mining and transportation. This triggered rumours linking the vehicles to Telugu Desam Party MP from Guntur and Union Minister for Rural Development, Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, with claims suggesting his involvement in illegal sand mining activities.
Responding strongly to the allegations, the Union Minister issued a detailed clarification, firmly denying any direct or indirect involvement in sand mining, transportation, logistics, or any related commercial activities. He stated that he was compelled to respond after his name was allegedly misused for unlawful activities, causing damage to his public image.
Pemmasani Chandrasekhar categorically clarified that he has no business interests in real estate, mining, transport, or logistics sectors, either personally or through any proxy arrangements. He further asserted that he neither owns nor operates any logistics companies in India, nor does he support or promote such ventures in any form.
Warning against the misuse of his name, the minister stated that strict legal action would be initiated against any individual or group found using his name or brand for illegal activities. “If any false publicity, advertisements, or photographs are being circulated using my name, they are completely baseless,” he said.
In a related clarification, Pemmasani Infratech India Private Limited, headed by Srinivas Pemmasani, stated that it has been operating a stone crusher unit at Kondapalli since 1995 and has no connection with sand mining or illegal transport activities. The minister also strongly condemned what he described as “deliberate misinformation and malicious propaganda” being spread on social media.
Samantha–Raj Nidimoru Ring in New Year Together in Lisbon
Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu has stepped into a new phase of her personal life after tying the knot with filmmaker Raj Nidimoru on December 1, 2025. After keeping their relationship largely private for a long time, the couple made it official in an intimate ceremony attended by close family and friends.
The newlyweds are currently holidaying in Lisbon, Portugal, where they are welcoming the New Year 2026 together. Samantha has been sharing joyful moments from their vacation, giving fans a glimpse into their sightseeing trails and relaxed time abroad.
Over the past two years, Samantha had noticeably reduced sharing personal moments on social media. However, following her marriage to Raj Nidimoru, she appears visibly happy and glowing, and has resumed posting personal pictures, much to the delight of her fans.
Adding to this new chapter, the couple is also jointly backing a new film project, marking the beginning of their professional collaboration alongside their personal journey
“కథే ప్రాణం.. యంగ్ డైరెక్టర్లకు సురేష్ బాబు బలమైన సందేశం”
తెలుగు ఫిలిం ఛాంబర్ నూతన అధ్యక్షుడిగా బాధ్యతలు చేపట్టిన ప్రముఖ నిర్మాత సురేష్ బాబు తాజాగా ఈషా మూవీ సక్సెస్ మీట్లో పాల్గొని పరిశ్రమపై, ముఖ్యంగా యంగ్ డైరెక్టర్లు మరియు స్టోరీ రైటర్ల పరిస్థితిపై ఆసక్తికర వ్యాఖ్యలు చేశారు.
సాధారణంగా ఒక కొత్త దర్శకుడు లేదా రచయిత తన కథను తెరకెక్కించాలంటే నిర్మాతలు, హీరోల చుట్టూ సంవత్సరాల తరబడి తిరగాల్సి వస్తుందని చాలామంది ఆవేదన వ్యక్తం చేస్తుంటారు. ఈ అంశాన్ని ప్రస్తావించిన సురేష్ బాబు, ఈ కష్టం ఇప్పటి కాలానికే పరిమితం కాదని, గత తరాల నుంచే కొనసాగుతోందని తెలిపారు.
ఈ సందర్భంగా ఆయన మాట్లాడుతూ,
“చాలా మంది యంగ్ డైరెక్టర్లు, స్టోరీ రైటర్లు స్క్రిప్ట్ పట్టుకుని ఐదారు సంవత్సరాలు నిర్మాతలు, హీరోల చుట్టూ తిరుగుతూనే ఉంటున్నారు. ఈ పరిస్థితి ఈరోజు మొదలైనది కాదు. మా నాన్న డి. రామానాయుడు గారు సినిమాలు నిర్మించే రోజుల్లో కూడా ఇదే పరిస్థితి ఉంది,” అని అన్నారు.
తన తండ్రి మొదటి సినిమా సందర్భాన్ని గుర్తు చేసుకున్న సురేష్ బాబు, “మా నాన్న మొదటి సినిమాకు డైలాగ్స్ రాయడానికి నరసరాజు గారిని ఫిక్స్ చేశారు. అయితే కథ కోసం చాలా కాలం వెతికారు. ఎవరూ కథ చెప్పలేదు. ఒకరోజు బీచ్లో కూర్చున్నప్పుడు నరసరాజు గారు చెప్పిన కథే రాముడు – భీముడు. ఆ కథను ఆయన ముందు చాలా చోట్ల చెప్పారు కానీ రిజెక్ట్ అయ్యింది. కానీ మా నాన్నకు ఆ కథ నచ్చి, ఎన్టీఆర్ గారికి వినిపించగా ఆయన ఓకే చెప్పారు. అలా ఆ సినిమా తెరకెక్కింది,” అని వివరించారు.
ఈ ఉదాహరణను ఉద్దేశిస్తూ, “కష్టపడితేనే సక్సెస్ తలుపు తడుతుంది. స్క్రిప్ట్ రైటర్లు, దర్శకులు ఈ స్థాయిలో పోరాడితేనే అవకాశాలు వస్తాయి,” అని సురేష్ బాబు పేర్కొన్నారు.
అలాగే, యంగ్ టాలెంట్కు ప్రోత్సాహం ఇస్తూ,
“ఎవరెన్ని సార్లు రిజెక్ట్ చేసినా హోప్స్ వదులుకోకండి. మీ కథకు ఒక రోజు కచ్చితంగా విలువ వస్తుంది. పోరాటం కొనసాగించండి,” అంటూ నూతన దర్శకులు, రచయితలకు పిలుపునిచ్చారు.
ఇక మరోవైపు, కథాబలం లేకుండా తెరకెక్కుతున్న సినిమాల వల్లే సినీ పరిశ్రమకు నష్టం వాటిల్లుతోందని సురేష్ బాబు అభిప్రాయపడ్డారు. “ప్రేక్షకులు థియేటర్లకు దూరం కావడం లేదు. పరిశ్రమే వారిని దూరం చేస్తోంది. మంచి కంటెంట్తో వస్తే ప్రేక్షకులు తప్పకుండా ఆదరిస్తున్నారు. దీనికి కోర్ట్, లిటిల్ హార్ట్స్, రాజు వెడ్స్ రాంబాయి చిత్రాలే నిదర్శనం,” అని తెలిపారు.
కథాబలం లేని సినిమాల వల్ల పరిశ్రమతో పాటు ప్రేక్షకులు కూడా నష్టపోతున్నారని ఆవేదన వ్యక్తం చేసిన సురేష్ బాబు వ్యాఖ్యలు ప్రస్తుతం సోషల్ మీడియాలో వైరల్గా మారాయి.
రవితేజ కొత్త సినిమాలతో సాలిడ్ కంబ్యాక్కు సిద్ధం
మాస్ మహారాజా రవితేజ గడిచిన కొన్ని సినిమాల ద్వారా వరుస తగిన ఫలితాలు పొందలేకపోతున్నా, నిరాశకు దారి తీస్తున్నా, వేరే కొత్త ప్రాజెక్ట్లతో ముందుకు సాగుతూ ఉన్నారు. ప్రస్తుతానికి రవితేజ నుంచి భర్త మహాశయులకు విజ్ఞప్తి అనే సినిమా ప్రేక్షకుల ముందుకు రాబోతోంది.
కిషోర్ తిరుమల దర్శకత్వంలో తెరకెక్కిన ఈ సినిమాలో డింపుల్ హయాత్, ఆషికా రంగనాథ్ హీరోయిన్లుగా నటించగా, సంక్రాంతికి ప్రేక్షకుల ముందుకు రానుంది. రవితేజ ఈ సినిమాతో మంచి హిట్ సాధించి, తన కెరీర్లో సాలిడ్ కంబ్యాక్ ఇవ్వాలని ఆశిస్తున్నారు. అందుకే భర్త మహాశయులకు విజ్ఞప్తి ఫలితం రవితేజ కోసం కీలకమైనది.
ఇక రవితేజ, శివ నిర్వాణ్ కాంబినేషన్లో మరో సినిమా చేయబోతున్న విషయం ఇప్పటికే తెలిసిందే. ప్రీ-ప్రొడక్షన్ వర్క్ జరుగుతూ ఉందని, దీనికి ఇరుముడి అనే టైటిల్ను మేకర్స్ పరిశీలిస్తున్నారని సమాచారం. శివ నిర్వాణ్ ప్రాజెక్ట్తో పాటుగా రవితేజ మరో సినిమాను కూడా లైన్లో పెట్టారని టాలీవుడ్ వర్గాలు తెలిపాయి.
వివిధ జానర్ల్లో సినిమాలు తీసి టాలెంటెడ్ డైరెక్టర్గా పేరు తెచ్చుకున్న వివేక్ ఆత్రేయ దర్శకత్వంలో రవితేజ ఓ కొత్త సినిమా చేయబోతున్నారని సమాచారం. సరిపోదా శనివారం తర్వాత వివేక్ ఎవరిసঙ্গে సినిమా చేస్తాడో అందరు ఆసక్తిగా ఎదురుచూశారు. ఇటీవల వివేక్ రవితేజను కలిసిపొట్టి ఓ కథ చెప్పారని, ప్రాజెక్ట్ అతి త్వరలో almost కన్ఫర్మ్ అయ్యిందని టాక్ వినిపిస్తోంది. శివ నిర్వాణ్ ప్రాజెక్ట్ తర్వాతే వివేక్ ఆత్రేయ సినిమా రియాలైజ్ అయ్యే అవకాశం ఉందని వార్తలు వస్తున్నాయి.
