Central Minister Pemmasani Chandrashekar Great WORDS About Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee
సంక్రాంతి బరిలో ప్రభాస్ ‘ది రాజా సాబ్’
పాన్ ఇండియా స్టార్ ప్రభాస్ నటిస్తున్న భారీ పాన్ ఇండియా చిత్రం **ది రాజా సాబ్**పై అంచనాలు రోజురోజుకీ పెరుగుతున్నాయి. ప్రభాస్ తన మార్క్ యాక్షన్ ఎంటర్టైనర్లకు పూర్తి భిన్నంగా, ఫస్ట్ టైమ్ కామెడీ థ్రిల్లర్ జానర్లో ఈ సినిమా చేయడం విశేషం. భయపెడుతూనే వినోదాన్ని అందించేలా ఈ సినిమా రూపొందుతోందని ఇప్పటికే విడుదలైన ప్రమోషనల్ కంటెంట్ స్పష్టం చేసింది. ఈ చిత్రాన్ని పీపుల్ మీడియా ఫ్యాక్టరీతో కలిసి ఇషాన్ సక్సేనా నిర్మిస్తున్నారు.
ఈ సినిమాలో బాలీవుడ్ క్రేజీ నటులు సంజయ్ దత్, బోమన్ ఇరాని, అలాగే సముద్రఖని కీలక పాత్రల్లో నటిస్తున్నారు. ప్రభాస్ సరసన మాళవిక మోహనన్, నిధి అగర్వాల్, రిద్ధికుమార్ హీరోయిన్లుగా కనిపించనున్నారు. దర్శకుడు మారుతికి ఇది తొలి పాన్ ఇండియా సినిమా కావడంతో పాటు, తొలి స్టార్ హీరో మూవీ కావడం కూడా సినిమాపై ఆసక్తిని పెంచుతోంది. అయితే ఇదే సమయంలో ప్రభాస్ అభిమానుల్లో కొంత సందేహం కూడా కనిపించింది.
ఇదిలా ఉండగా, ది రాజా సాబ్ భారీ ప్రమాదం నుంచి తప్పించుకుందనే టాక్ ఇండస్ట్రీ వర్గాల్లో వినిపిస్తోంది. తొలుత ఈ సినిమాను డిసెంబర్ 5న విడుదల చేయాలని మేకర్స్ భావించారు. కానీ అదే సమయంలో రణ్వీర్ సింగ్ నటించిన సెన్సేషనల్ చిత్రం ధురంధర్ విడుదలై బాక్సాఫీస్ వద్ద సంచలనాలు సృష్టిస్తోంది. ‘అవతార్ 3’ మేనియా ఉన్నప్పటికీ, ధురంధర్ తన ప్రభంజనాన్ని కొనసాగిస్తూ రికార్డులు తిరగరాస్తోంది.
ఇలాంటి పరిస్థితుల్లో డిసెంబర్లో ది రాజా సాబ్ రిలీజ్ అయితే బాక్సాఫీస్ వద్ద తీవ్ర ప్రభావం పడేదని ముందే అంచనా వేసిన డిస్ట్రిబ్యూటర్లు, రిలీజ్ను వాయిదా వేయాలని మేకర్స్కు సూచించారట. సంక్రాంతి బరిలో విడుదలైతే సినిమాకు భారీ బిజినెస్ జరుగుతుందని చెప్పడంతో, ఆ సూచనను సీరియస్గా తీసుకున్న మేకర్స్ జనవరి 9కి రిలీజ్ను పోస్ట్పోన్ చేశారని సమాచారం.
ఒకవేళ డిసెంబర్లోనే సినిమా విడుదలై ఉంటే ధురంధర్తో పెద్ద క్లాష్ తప్పదని, అది బాక్సాఫీస్ రెవెన్యూను తీవ్రంగా దెబ్బతీసేదని ఇండస్ట్రీ వర్గాలు అభిప్రాయపడుతున్నాయి. సమయానికి సరైన నిర్ణయం తీసుకుని ఈ ప్రమాదం నుంచి తెలివిగా తప్పించుకున్నారని విశ్లేషిస్తున్నారు.
ప్రస్తుతం సంక్రాంతి రిలీజ్ కోసం ది రాజా సాబ్ టీమ్ వేగంగా ఏర్పాట్లు చేస్తోంది. త్వరలోనే అగ్రెసివ్గా ప్రమోషన్స్ ప్రారంభించనున్నారు. అందులో భాగంగా డిసెంబర్ 27న భారీ ప్రీ-రిలీజ్ ఈవెంట్ నిర్వహించేందుకు ప్లాన్ చేస్తున్నారు. ప్రభాస్ కెరీర్లో ఫస్ట్ టైమ్ ట్రై చేస్తున్న ఈ కామెడీ థ్రిల్లర్, సంక్రాంతి బరిలో బాక్సాఫీస్ వద్ద ఎలాంటి ఫలితాన్ని అందిస్తుందో తెలుసుకోవాలంటే జనవరి 9 వరకూ వేచి చూడాల్సిందే.
జైలర్ 2లో షారుఖ్ ఎంట్రీ? సెన్సేషన్గా మారిన లీక్
సూపర్ స్టార్ రజనీకాంత్ ఓ సినిమాలో నటిస్తున్నారు అంటే చాలు… ఆ ప్రాజెక్ట్పై దేశవ్యాప్తంగా చర్చ మొదలవుతుంది. అలాంటి అరుదైన చరిష్మా ఆయనకే సొంతం. సీనియర్ స్టార్ హీరోల్లో అమితాబ్ బచ్చన్, రజనీకాంత్, చిరంజీవి వంటి నటులు ఏ భాషలో సినిమా చేసినా, వారు చేసే ప్రతి ప్రాజెక్ట్ జాతీయ స్థాయిలో ప్రత్యేక ఆకర్షణగా మారుతుంది.
ప్రస్తుతం రజనీకాంత్ నటిస్తున్న ‘జైలర్ 2’ గురించే సినీ వర్గాల్లో పెద్ద ఎత్తున చర్చ జరుగుతోంది. దర్శకుడు నెల్సన్ దిలీప్ కుమార్ తెరకెక్కిస్తున్న ఈ చిత్రాన్ని భారీ మల్టీస్టారర్గా, భారీ బడ్జెట్తో రూపొందిస్తున్నారు.
మోస్ట్ అవైటెడ్ జైలర్ 2 కోసం ఎంపిక చేస్తున్న నటీనటుల జాబితా రోజు రోజుకీ ఆసక్తిని పెంచుతోంది. ఈ చిత్రంలో కీలక పాత్ర పోషిస్తున్న బాలీవుడ్ వెటరన్ నటుడు మిథున్ చక్రవర్తి, అనుకోకుండా కాస్టింగ్పై ఓ పెద్ద లీక్ ఇచ్చారు. ఓ బెంగాళీ మీడియా ఇంటర్వ్యూలో మాట్లాడుతూ, షారుఖ్ ఖాన్ కూడా జైలర్ 2లో నటిస్తున్నాడు అని వెల్లడించడంతో ఈ వార్త సెన్సేషన్గా మారింది.
ఇప్పటి వరకూ జైలర్ 2 కాస్టింగ్ గురించి చిత్రబృందం అధికారికంగా ఏ ప్రకటన చేయలేదు. అలాంటిది మిథున్ నోట ఈ విషయం రావడంతో, రజనీకాంత్–షారుఖ్ ఖాన్ కాంబినేషన్లో సినిమా వస్తుందనే ప్రచారం ఒక్కసారిగా పీక్స్కి చేరింది.
ఇటీవల తనకు బాగా నచ్చిన కథ ఏది అని ప్రశ్నించగా, మిథున్ మాట్లాడుతూ జైలర్ 2 కథ తనను చాలా ఆకట్టుకుందన్నారు. అదే సమయంలో నటీనటుల గురించి మాట్లాడుతూ, మోహన్లాల్, షారుఖ్ ఖాన్, రమ్యకృష్ణన్, శివరాజ్కుమార్ తదితరులు ఈ చిత్రంలో నటిస్తున్నారని లీక్ చేశారు. ముఖ్యంగా షారుఖ్ ఖాన్ పేరు బయటకు రావడంతో ఈ వార్త మరింత హాట్ టాపిక్గా మారింది.
రజనీకాంత్–షారుఖ్ ఖాన్ మధ్య స్నేహం ఈనాటిది కాదు. షారుఖ్ నటించిన ‘రా.వన్’ చిత్రంలో అతిథి పాత్ర కోసం రజనీకాంత్ను ఖాన్ స్వయంగా కోరగా, రజనీ వెంటనే అంగీకరించి రోబో పాత్రలో కనిపించారు. సినిమా విజయం సాధించకపోయినా, స్నేహానికి విలువ ఇచ్చిన రజనీపై షారుఖ్కు అపారమైన గౌరవం ఉంది.
ఇప్పుడు ఆ స్నేహానికి ప్రతిఫలంగా, జైలర్ 2లో షారుఖ్ అతిథి పాత్రలో నటించాడా? అన్న ప్రశ్నలు తెరపైకి వస్తున్నాయి. ఒకవేళ అది నిజమైతే, ఉత్తరాది బాక్సాఫీస్ వద్ద రజనీ సినిమాకు భారీ మైలేజ్ దక్కే అవకాశం ఉందని విశ్లేషకులు భావిస్తున్నారు. కేవలం పెద్ద స్టార్ కనిపించాడన్న కారణంతో కాకుండా, పాత్రకు ప్రాధాన్యం ఉంటేనే ఈ కాస్టింగ్కు పూర్తి న్యాయం జరుగుతుందని సినీ వర్గాలు అభిప్రాయపడుతున్నాయి.
Champion Review: Debut with Hype, Struggles to Engage
Backed by top production houses Swapna Cinema and Anandi Art Creations, Champion marks the debut of Roshan—son of actors Srikanth and Ooha—as the lead hero. The film generated massive buzz, with support from stars like Ram Charan, Prabhas, and Vijay Deverakonda. With high expectations, the film finally hits theatres.
Story:
Set in 1948, during the turbulent days when the Nizam of Hyderabad refused to join India, the village of Bhairanpally becomes a centre of resistance. Michael, an outsider seeking to earn money to pursue his dream of playing football for Manchester FC, gets drawn into the villagers’ revolt. The story revolves around how Michael becomes a key part of Bhairanpally’s uprising.
Performances:
- Roshan impresses with his charm and screen presence. His Telangana-accented dialogues feel natural, and he carries the demanding role with sincerity.
- Anaswara Rajan delivers a standard village belle performance, while Kalyan Chakravarthy commands authority as Raji Reddy, though his slang feels slightly off.
- The supporting cast, including Prakash Raj, KK Menon, and Murali Sharma, strengthens the narrative with impactful portrayals.
Technical Highlights:
- Mickey J Meyer’s music, particularly the viral “Gira Gira,” resonates well and complements the story.
- Madhie’s cinematography captures the period beautifully, bringing 1940s Telangana to life.
- Thota Tharani’s production design adds authenticity with meticulous details.
Positives:
- Roshan’s confident debut
- Engaging music, especially “Gira Gira”
- Strong visuals and period detailing
Negatives:
- Sluggish pacing and dull moments
- Weak narration and storytelling
- Revolt sequences lack intensity
- Overlong runtime with unnecessary subplots
Analysis:
Champion aims to tell the true story of Bhairanpally’s revolt against the Razakars, the Nizam’s private militia. While historically significant, the film struggles to translate these events into a gripping cinematic experience.
Introducing Michael as an outsider adds a fresh perspective, but prolonged sequences, including the villagers’ suspicion and stage-play segments, stretch the film unnecessarily. The romantic subplot fails to leave an impact despite Roshan’s screen presence.
The second half sees a few memorable moments, such as the father-son backstory featuring Dulquer Salmaan and the depiction of the villagers’ fight against the Razakars. Yet, a lengthy climax reduces the emotional impact.
Historical films often face the challenge of balancing authenticity and commercial appeal. Here, Champion falls short due to weak writing, slow pacing, and an extended runtime.
Verdict:
Despite noble intentions and historical relevance, Champion struggles to engage audiences consistently. Roshan’s debut and the music are bright spots in an otherwise uneven experience.
Bottom Line: Fails to captivate.
Prabhas Teases Fierce New Avatar in Spirit
Despite juggling multiple high-profile projects, Prabhas has already embarked on his most ambitious venture yet—Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The film has been generating massive buzz since its announcement, and excitement around it continues to grow.
Today marks the birthday of Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who has delivered a hat-trick of blockbusters, with his most recent film Animal becoming a sensational Pan-India success. On this special occasion, Prabhas took to social media to extend his wishes to the director while also hyping up Spirit.
“Happy Birthday Bro… Can’t wait for everyone to witness what you’re creating,” wrote the star, reflecting his excitement and confidence in the project. His words underscore how impressed he is with the film’s vision and progress.
In Spirit, Prabhas will be seen as a fierce and uncompromising cop, promising to showcase the actor in a never-before-seen avatar, adding to the anticipation surrounding the film.
Shambhala Review: Aadi Saikumar’s Thriller Comeback
After years without a major hit, Aadi Saikumar teams up with director Ugandhar Muni for the supernatural horror thriller Shambhala, with music by Sricharan Pakala. The trailer and promotions generated curiosity, and the film finally hits theatres. The question: has Aadi Saikumar struck gold, and has Muni delivered his first commercial success?
Plot Overview
Vikram (Aadi Saikumar), a geoscientist and atheist, travels to a remote village to examine a fallen meteor. Soon, strange events plague the villagers, and some begin dying in violent ways. Why is Shambhala—meaning “place of peace”—turning violent? How does Vikram navigate a superstitious village while dealing with the inexplicable? The story unfolds around these mysteries.
Performances
- Aadi Saikumar: Confident, convincing in most sequences, though occasionally slightly offbeat.
- Archana Iyerr: Shines in the second half, delivering a decent performance.
- Madhunandan: Captures varied emotions effortlessly in his crucial role.
- Ravi Varma & Annapoornamma: Both deliver solid performances in their respective roles.
Child artist: Impresses with a natural portrayal of an autistic girl.
- Technical Aspects
- Music: Sricharan Pakala’s background score is too loud at times, though the character-introduction song is effective and memorable.
- Cinematography: Praveen K. Bangarri captures night sequences beautifully.
- Editing: Shravan Katikaneni’s work could be tighter, especially in the first half, which feels repetitive and stretched.
- Visuals: Budget constraints led to AI-generated animated backstory sequences. A bigger budget could have made the visuals more impactful.
Positives
- Strong, unique storyline
- Engaging first 20 minutes
- Thrilling sequences in the second half
- Creative introduction of characters via song
Negatives
- Repetitive and convenient screenplay in the first half
- Loud background score
- Some illogical plot points
Analysis
Shambhala tackles the Science vs God & Belief theme through a pro-God lens. The story blends the concept of the six arishadvargas—desire, anger, greed, ego, attachment, jealousy—into the narrative. The first half, with its song-based introduction of six characters, is engaging and creative.
However, the film loses momentum before the interval due to repetitive sequences and stretched dialogues. Some scenes, like sending a lone scientist to investigate a meteor, feel unrealistic.
The second half picks up the pace as Vikram evolves from an atheist to a believer. Key sequences, including temple-based action and the resolution of the remaining arishadvargas, are compelling. Dialogues like, “Ikkada jayinchalsindi bhoothanni kaadu, mana manasuni”, underline the film’s core message effectively.
Verdict
Shambhala is a well-conceptualized film with uneven execution. The strong initial setup and engaging second half make it a decent watch, though tighter editing and a more consistent first half would have elevated the experience.
For Aadi Saikumar, this is his best outing in years, and the film has a fair chance at the box office. A watchable option for this festive season.
Final Verdict: Good Concept, Mid Execution
Pawan Kalyan Signals Support for Lokesh as Naidu’s Successor
It appears that Jana Sena Party chief and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan is mentally preparing himself to accept his Cabinet colleague and TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh as the probable successor to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
While Chandrababu Naidu has not publicly revealed his long-term succession plans, it is increasingly evident that he is grooming his son Lokesh to take charge both within the party and the government. Lokesh has already begun playing a significant role in administration, directly and indirectly, strengthening his position within the ruling setup.
What is drawing attention now is that Pawan Kalyan too appears to be extending tacit support to Lokesh as the future chief ministerial face of the ruling coalition.
At a recent event in Amaravati, where appointment letters were distributed to newly recruited police constables, both Naidu and Pawan Kalyan were present. Lokesh, however, was in Visakhapatnam, where he signed an MoU related to the proposed Aero Defence City project by GMR and Manas Trust. Despite Lokesh’s absence, Pawan Kalyan publicly remarked that his presence was “missed,” a comment that quickly became a talking point in political circles.
More recently, during a Jana Sena Party leaders’ meeting, Pawan Kalyan repeatedly stressed that the TDP-JSP-BJP coalition should remain in power for the next 10 to 15 years. He clarified that this vision was not about weakening Jana Sena or strengthening another party, but about first consolidating democracy and governance in Andhra Pradesh.
Political analysts point out that Pawan Kalyan, currently 54 years old, would be in his mid-to-late 60s if such a long-term coalition plan materialises—effectively ruling out any immediate claim to the chief minister’s post. This has led many within both Jana Sena and the TDP to believe that Pawan Kalyan is playing a carefully calculated “safe political game”, prioritising stability within the coalition while enjoying significant influence and authority in the present government.
However, this approach has not gone down well with sections of the Jana Sena cadre, who feel that repeated assertions about long-term coalition rule indirectly sideline Pawan Kalyan’s own chief ministerial aspirations.
Aware of this internal unease, Pawan Kalyan reportedly used the Monday meeting with party leaders to explain his position. He is said to have made it clear that given the party’s current strength, Jana Sena cannot independently come to power in Andhra Pradesh without aligning with a larger political force.
Overall, Pawan Kalyan appears content operating within a political “safe zone,” ensuring minimal personal and coalition risk—even if that stance risks alienating a section of his core supporters in the long run.
TDP Govt Eyes Hospitality-Led Redevelopment at Rushikonda Palace
Even as uncertainty continues over the fate of the palatial bungalows constructed on Rushikonda Hill during the previous YSR Congress Party regime in Visakhapatnam, the TDP-led coalition government appears to be considering additional construction on the hill to make the project commercially viable.
At the third meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee formed to examine options for the utilisation of the Rushikonda Palace, held on Wednesday at the Secretariat, members observed that the existing structures are not fully suitable for hotel operations in their current form. The committee discussed the possibility of constructing additional buildings to support a hospitality-driven model.
State Finance Minister Payyavula Kesav, a member of the sub-committee, said that several proposals submitted by leading hospitality players were reviewed. He revealed that reputed groups such as Taj, The Leela, Atmosphere Core, and FEMA have expressed interest in redeveloping and operating the Rushikonda property.
The committee broadly agreed to move forward with a hospitality-centric approach, provided the project meets financial viability, environmental safeguards, and regulatory compliance. International best practices in beachfront development, including models followed in the Maldives and Puducherry, were also discussed as reference points.
Speaking to the media, Kesav stated that the government is inclined to hand over the Rushikonda Palace for hospitality use, while ensuring optimal utilisation of the limited nine acres of land beneath the hill earmarked for hotel development.
He further clarified that the last two blocks of the Rushikonda Palace will be retained for public use, including an art gallery, cultural programmes, and other civic activities.
Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh said that after examining CRZ regulations, the committee found that construction of up to 60,000 square feet is feasible on the hilltop. While multiple organisations have shown interest, he stressed that the government is focused only on a sustainable and viable project, with priority given to developing rooms and related facilities to support the hospitality model.
A final decision on the utilisation of the Rushikonda Palace is expected to be taken shortly.
Nivetha Thomas’ Fitness Transformation Wins Hearts Online
Nivetha Thomas is once again grabbing attention, not just for her fashion choices but for her noticeable fitness transformation. Known for confidently embracing her natural look, the actress now appears leaner, fitter, and more self-assured, inspiring many of her followers along the way.
In her latest photo drop, Nivetha looks effortlessly chic in a black embroidered outfit, complemented by minimal accessories. Her toned physique stands out without appearing forced or overdone, highlighting how consistency, balance, and self-care can truly elevate one’s presence. The styling remains understated, but her sharper silhouette and calm confidence add a refreshing edge to the look.
Fans were quick to shower praise, appreciating her dedication and the positive, healthy nature of her transformation. Many described it as motivating rather than dramatic, applauding how natural and graceful the change feels. This new phase only adds depth to her already impressive screen presence.
On the professional front, Nivetha was last seen in the Telugu film 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu. While she is yet to announce her next project, her latest appearance has already created a strong buzz, reminding everyone that Nivetha Thomas remains very much in the spotlight.
Ram Gopal Varma Hails ‘Dhurandhar’ as a Gamechanger in Indian Cinema
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has described the blockbuster “Dhurandhar” as a gamechanger that the Indian film industry cannot ignore. According to him, the film challenges the traditional “VFX-heavy, expensive sets, item song-filled, star-centric” formula and sets a new benchmark for filmmakers.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), RGV wrote:
“Whenever a path-breaking and massive hit like #Dhurandhar comes along, industry insiders tend to ignore it because they feel threatened by their inability to match its standards. They think of it as a nightmare, which disappears only when they return to their own films.”
He added that this is particularly true for the so-called Pan-India biggies currently in production. Many of these projects were conceptualized based on older templates, which are the exact opposite of what Dhurandhar has achieved. RGV emphasized that the film has become one of the most-discussed films in the last 50 years, making it impossible to overlook.
Comparing the film to a “large, scary dog,” RGV said:
“Even if you try to ignore it, you can’t help noticing it. Every production office working on upcoming big films will feel its presence. They may avoid mentioning its name, but it keeps lingering in their minds.”
Unlike formulaic, star-driven masala films, Dhurandhar has earned acclaim for its storytelling and craftsmanship, rather than just its star power. RGV described it as a “horror film” for filmmakers still clinging to the old hero-worship template:
“With the film being celebrated instead of the star, makers stuck in masala traditions will feel crucified in their own creations. No matter how much they wish it away, the impact of #Dhurandhar will be felt whenever their next film releases.”
Varma concludes that Aditya Dhar Films has held up a mirror to the industry, compelling filmmakers to rethink their approach and measure their work against the high cinematic standards set by Dhurandhar.