Actor Sivaji Says Sorry For Comments On Actresses Clothes
Roshan’s Champion pays tribute to Bairampally’s heroic history
Actor Roshan, who is gearing up for the period sports drama Champion, is ensuring that the film’s promotions stay deeply connected to the history that inspired the story. Steering clear of typical city events, he traveled with his team from Warangal to Bairampally village, a location central to the film’s narrative.
Set in 1948, Champion follows Roshan’s character, a gifted football player whose personal journey intertwines with the turbulent politics of Hyderabad under the Nizam and the terror inflicted by the Razakars. Bairampally, historically known for its resistance against Razakar atrocities and the sacrifices of its villagers, forms the emotional and ideological heart of the story.
Roshan’s visit was more than a promotional activity. Upon arrival, he was warmly welcomed by local youngsters who recounted the real history of their village—the heroic resistance, tragic massacres, and the legacy of leaders like Raji Reddy, who played a decisive role in the armed struggle.
Deeply moved by their accounts, Roshan stated that Champion is more than just a film; it is a tribute to Bairampally’s courage. He assured the youth that, once released, the film would introduce audiences across India and beyond to the village’s history and the sacrifices of its martyrs.
A day in Bairanpally, 2025.
Our #Champion @IamRoshanMeka walks through the land of the brave with its people and stories.
In Cinemas #ChampionOnDec25th.pic.twitter.com/0bBGLWIQgh
— Swapna Cinema (@SwapnaCinema) December 23, 2025
Ranveer Singh exits Don 3, prioritizes diverse roles and Pralay project
Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh has made a sensational comeback with his latest blockbuster Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, which emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film of the year by the end of its third weekend. With the spy thriller eyeing the ambitious ₹1000 crore club, industry insiders are buzzing with speculation about the actor’s next career moves.
According to the latest rumours, Ranveer Singh is reportedly reassessing his upcoming projects and making strategic choices to diversify his acting portfolio. Sources suggest that the actor has walked out of the much-anticipated third installment of ‘Don’, aiming to avoid back-to-back similar roles and focus on stories that challenge him creatively.
The reports indicate that Ranveer is keen on collaborating with pan-India directors and filmmakers who can present him in new dimensions without typecasting. He is said to be fast-tracking his next project, ‘Pralay’, directed by Jai Mehta. The film, which revolves around a zombie theme, promises to be a radical departure from Ranveer’s previous characters. Sources reveal that he has urged the team to plan shooting schedules efficiently and complete the project quickly.
Additionally, Ranveer is reportedly looking forward to working with South Indian directors like Atlee and Lokesh Kanagaraj, aiming to further expand his pan-India appeal. While there is no official word on the fate of Don 3, it is evident that Ranveer Singh is strategically handpicking scripts that will resonate with a wider audience and further solidify his stardom.
Dhandora pre-release: Anil Ravipudi emphasizes content over promotions
The upcoming Telugu film Dhandora is slated for a theatrical release on the 25th of this month. Ahead of its launch, the makers hosted a pre-release event in Hyderabad on Monday evening, which was attended by the film’s cast, crew, and several industry guests.
A key highlight of the event was director Anil Ravipudi’s speech, where he shared his candid thoughts on film promotions and content. Ravipudi emphasized that promotions alone cannot ensure a film’s success, stating,
“Promotions are only useful to grab attention for a movie. Only the content of a film can make people buy tickets and come to theatres.” His insights resonated strongly, especially in an era where aggressive marketing often overshadows storytelling.
Dhandora is produced under Loukya Entertainments, led by Ravindra Banerjee Muppaneni, known for backing successful films like the 2012 comedy Bedurulanka and the National Award-winning Colour Photo. This strong production backing has further raised expectations for the film.
The movie features a talented ensemble cast, including Shivaji, Navdeep, Nandu, Rahul Ramakrishna, Ravi Krishna, Manika Chikkala, and Anusha. Music is composed by Mark K. Robin, while Muralikanth helms the direction, promising a film that combines engaging storytelling with strong performances.
Samantha performs intense action stunts in a saree for Maa Inti Bangaram
Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who is currently shooting for her home production ‘Maa Inti Bangaram’, is pushing her physical limits like never before. The actress has reportedly performed most of the action sequences herself, and remarkably, has done so wearing a saree, making the film one of the most demanding and defining projects of her career.
The film showcases Samantha in a powerful, action-packed avatar, with the actress personally executing high-impact stunt sequences. For the first time in her career, she performs intense action scenes in a saree—a striking visual rarely seen on the big screen. This bold choice not only enhances the film’s authenticity but also adds a uniquely Indian aesthetic to the action genre.
A source close to the project revealed,
“After ‘The Family Man’ and ‘Citadel’, Samantha wanted to challenge herself further. In ‘Maa Inti Bangaram’, she is performing most of the action herself, and that too in a saree. It’s physically demanding and visually powerful—something audiences don’t usually get to see.”
Having already established her action credentials in The Family Man and Citadel, Samantha now raises the bar with a role that blends raw, high-intensity action with deep-rooted cultural symbolism. Traditionally associated with elegance and grace, the saree here becomes a symbol of strength and resilience, as Samantha tackles demanding stunt sequences with minimal use of body doubles.
The film is produced under Tralala Moving Pictures, with Raj Nidimoru and Himank Duvurruu as producing partners. Speaking about the project, producer Himank Duvvuru said,
“‘Maa Inti Bangaram’ was envisioned as a story deeply rooted in emotion and values, but told with the scale and energy of a true action spectacle. Samantha performing most of the action herself, especially in a saree, brings a rare authenticity and power to the film.”
Elevating the film’s scale is a stellar team of technicians. Cinematographer Om Prakash brings a compelling visual language, Santhosh Narayanan’s music adds emotional depth and intensity, while international action director Lee Whittaker choreographs grounded and impactful stunt sequences.
Blending emotion, action, and spectacle, Maa Inti Bangaram reflects Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s evolving vision as a producer committed to bold, story-driven cinema.
Mahesh Babu trains in Kalaripayattu for Rajamouli’s epic adventure film
Mahesh Babu is undergoing intense physical preparation for his role in the upcoming big-budget adventure drama directed by S.S. Rajamouli. As part of his training, the superstar is learning Kalaripayattu, the ancient Indian martial art form. Hyderabad-based Kalaripayattu trainer Hari Krish Kakani recently shared pictures from their training sessions, offering fans a glimpse into Mahesh Babu’s rigorous transformation.
Kakani described Mahesh Babu’s lifestyle, aura, discipline, and hospitality as “deeply inspiring” and expressed immense pride in training what he called a “global star of Indian cinema.” Sharing a picture with the actor, Kakani wrote, “Feeling proud and truly blessed to have trained @urstrulymahesh sir in the ancient Indian traditional martial art Kalaripayattu.” He also extended his gratitude to actor Nasser and director S.S. Rajamouli for giving him the opportunity.
Kalaripayattu, which originated in Kerala, is considered one of the world’s oldest surviving martial arts. Also known as Kalari, it is a scientifically structured psycho-physiological discipline rooted in India’s historical heritage. The art form combines unique combat techniques, rigorous physical conditioning, spiritual development, and the use of traditional weapons such as sticks and swords.
Following the monumental success of Baahubali and RRR, Rajamouli continues to be synonymous with cinematic grandeur, breathtaking visuals, and massive production scales. His next project, reportedly being made on a staggering budget of ₹1300 crore, boasts a star-studded cast featuring Mahesh Babu as Rudhra, Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini, and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha.
Introduced earlier at a Globe Trotter event, the film is said to revolve around a time-travel concept. Mahesh Babu’s character was unveiled in a striking visual—blood-soaked, wielding a trishul and riding a bull—hinting at intense action blended with strong mythological undertones. The film promises a never-before-seen avatar of the superstar and is aiming for a Sankranti 2027 theatrical release.
Chinmayi, Anasuya, and Navdeep condemn Sivaji’s controversial remarks
Playback singer Chinmayi Sripada has strongly condemned actor Sivaji’s controversial remarks, stating that there was absolutely no need for a Telugu actor to offer unsolicited advice to actresses using offensive language.
Questioning the double standards, Chinmayi remarked,
“He himself was wearing jeans and a hoodie. By his own logic, shouldn’t he be wearing a dhoti and following so-called Indian tradition? If he is married, should he also wear a bindi and toe rings? This clearly shows how women are being viewed.”
Actor and television personality Anasuya Bharadwaj also reacted sharply on social media platform X, posting,
“This is our body, not yours. We will live the way we want.”
Later, while speaking to reporters at the inauguration of a garment store, Anasuya elaborated,
“Anyone can wear whatever they like. His comments reflect insecurity. Just because someone says something, does that mean everyone has to listen? Food and clothing are personal choices. We should wear what we are comfortable in. His remarks are truly unfortunate.”
Actor Manchu Manoj also expressed regret over Sivaji’s statements. While offering an apology on Sivaji’s behalf, Manoj made it clear that such remarks should not be normalised or brushed aside.
“There is no reason to remain silent or tolerate this kind of behaviour. Women must always be treated with respect, dignity, and equality. Accountability is very important in matters like these,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, actor Navdeep, who was present at the Dandora event where the comments were made, also condemned Sivaji’s statements, calling them disrespectful and inappropriate.
The remarks have triggered widespread debate across social media, with many voices from the industry demanding greater sensitivity, responsibility, and respect toward women.