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BJP-Led NDA Breaks 45-Year Left Hold in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation
For the first time in Kerala’s political history, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has secured control of the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, ending over four decades of uninterrupted Left Democratic Front (LDF) dominance in the state capital.
The NDA won 50 seats in the 101-member civic body, comfortably crossing the majority mark. The ruling CPI(M)-led LDF finished a distant second with 29 seats, while the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) managed 19 seats. Two seats were won by Independents.
The result marks a major breakthrough for the BJP in Kerala, coming close on the heels of actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi’s landmark Lok Sabha victory from Thrissur. Thiruvananthapuram has long been considered a stronghold of the Left, and the NDA’s success here signals a significant shift in urban voting patterns.
The victory is expected to strengthen the BJP’s momentum ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. Party leaders are now turning their focus to urban constituencies such as Nemom, Vattiyoorkavu, and Kazhakkoottam, all of which fall within the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation limits.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor retained the Thiruvananthapuram seat, defeating BJP candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar by a notably narrow margin—an outcome that, in hindsight, hinted at the BJP’s growing urban support base.
However, despite its strong showing in the capital, the BJP failed to replicate similar success in other urban centres and rural regions during the ongoing local body elections across Kerala.
Political observers note that Thiruvananthapuram district’s comparatively higher Hindu population has historically made it a key area for the BJP’s expansion strategy. The party’s growth in the corporation has been steady: from just six councillors in 2010, it rose to 35 in 2015, dipped slightly to 34 in 2020, and has now peaked with the NDA clinching full control of the civic body—underscoring the changing political dynamics in Kerala’s capital.
Film Censorship Inconsistencies Raise Public Concern
Many people today no longer understand how film censor boards function or what criteria guide their certification decisions. Recent examples highlight the growing confusion and inconsistency in the process.
Akhanda 2, which features extreme violence, including repeated beheadings, was granted a UA 16+ certificate. In contrast, Mowgli, a film without comparable violent content, received an A certificate. Such contradictory classifications raise serious questions about the consistency, logic, and fairness of the certification system.
The irony is that these age restrictions are rarely enforced at theatres. Children well below sixteen are freely allowed into screenings of Akhanda 2, just as audiences enter Mowgli without any age verification. When rules are not implemented on the ground, the very purpose of certification becomes meaningless.
A regulatory system that exists only on paper fails both viewers and filmmakers. Over time, this disconnect steadily erodes public confidence in the censor board and in the authorities responsible for enforcing its decisions. When films with minimal violence face stricter restrictions while graphic content is diluted or overlooked, the board’s credibility inevitably suffers.
Unless certification standards are clearly defined and enforcement is made rigorous, trust in the entire regulatory framework will continue to decline.
Chiranjeevi Wishes Victory Venkatesh on His Birthday
Victory Venkatesh, who plays a pivotal role in Megastar Chiranjeevi’s much-awaited Sankranthi entertainer Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, is celebrating his birthday today.
The two actors, who share a long-standing friendship and a strong on-screen rapport, will be seen together for nearly 20 minutes in this Anil Ravipudi directorial—making their combination one of the film’s biggest highlights.
Wishing his close friend on the special occasion, Chiranjeevi took to social media and wrote,
“You’ve always brought warmth and positivity wherever you go, and I cherish every moment we’ve shared during the shoot of #ManaShankaraVaraPrasadGaru. Have a truly joyful and blessed year ahead.”
Along with the heartfelt message, the Megastar shared a picture that beautifully captures their bond, seemingly from a song shoot. In the image, Chiranjeevi and Victory Venkatesh are seen watching the monitor, all smiles—perfectly reflecting the warmth and camaraderie they share both on and off screen.
Director Anil Ravipudi appears to have crafted engaging characterizations and crackling, memorable moments for the two stalwarts, further raising expectations for the film as one of the most anticipated Sankranthi releases.
Divi Vadthya’s Serene Beachside Moment
The photograph captures Divi Vadthya standing at the edge of the seashore as soft sunlight dissolves into the waves behind her. Her beachwear is simple yet elegant, radiating quiet confidence and perfectly complementing the calm, pastel hues of the horizon.
Divi’s poised stance and composed expression lend the frame a deep sense of serenity. A gentle breeze lifts her hair while the tide rolls in, creating a natural rhythm that enhances the visual harmony of the moment.
What stands out most is the seamless balance between grace and authenticity. Rather than dominating the scene, she blends effortlessly into it, embodying coastal ease and quiet strength. The image feels less like a posed photograph and more like a peaceful pause in motion—an understated celebration of nature, presence, and calm confidence.
“Dekh Lenge” Ignites Musical Buzz for Pawan Kalyan’s Ustaad Bhagat Singh
The musical promotions for Power Star Pawan Kalyan’s much-anticipated film Ustaad Bhagat Singh, directed by Harish Shankar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers, kick off on a high note with the release of the first single, “Dekh Lenge.”
Staying true to his trademark style, Rockstar Devi Sri Prasad delivers a high-voltage track that hooks listeners instantly. Packed with pulsating rhythms and infectious beats, the song gets the adrenaline pumping from the very first note.
From the catchy opening chant “Ram Pam Pam” to the explosive refrain “Step Esthe Bhookampam,” the number firmly establishes itself as a full-blown dance anthem. The energetic composition perfectly matches the mass appeal associated with Pawan Kalyan’s on-screen persona.
Shot on a lavish set, the song boasts sleek and stylish visuals. Dressed in a sharp black suit, Pawan Kalyan oozes charisma, showcasing his signature high-energy dance moves and commanding screen presence. Adding to the glamour, Sreeleela turns up the heat with her stunning saree look, making the song a visual treat alongside its foot-tapping beats.
Gurram Paapi Reddy Trailer Promises Dark Comedy and Courtroom Chaos
The upcoming Telugu film Gurram Paapi Reddy, starring Naresh Agastya and Faria Abdullah in the lead roles, is steadily building strong buzz ahead of its release. After attracting attention with an engaging promotional event, the makers have now unveiled the film’s trailer, which offers an intriguing mix of humour, dark comedy, suspense, and thrills.
The trailer introduces a vibrant ensemble cast and quickly sets the tone for an unconventional narrative. The story revolves around Naresh Agastya and his friends, whose ill-fated plan to steal a corpse spirals into a chain of chaotic and humorous consequences. What begins as a bizarre crime soon escalates into a series of comedic misadventures, eventually leading to a quirky courtroom drama that adds another entertaining layer to the plot.
The film is strengthened by an impressive supporting cast that includes Yogi Babu, Brahmanandam, Rajkumar Kasireddy, Vamshidhar Kosgi, Motta Rajendran, John Vijay, and others, each contributing to the film’s comic energy. The trailer also highlights strong technical values, polished visuals, and a brisk narrative style, suggesting a fun-filled entertainer in the vein of Jathi Rathnalu and similar new-age Telugu comedies.
Directed by Murali Manohar, Gurram Paapi Reddy promises a fresh cinematic experience with gripping moments, sharp humour, and engaging drama. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 19, and expectations are high following the trailer’s positive reception.
US States Challenge Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
California and nineteen other US states have filed a federal lawsuit in Boston seeking to block the Trump administration’s rule imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers. This marks the third legal challenge to the controversial fee since it was announced in September.
The states argue that the steep hike—from the current $2,000 to $5,000 range—violates federal law and threatens to disrupt key sectors of the US economy, including technology, healthcare, and higher education.
Led by California, the coalition includes New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, New Jersey, and Washington, among others. The lawsuit claims the fee exceeds legal limits that restrict visa charges to covering only the administrative costs of running the programme. The states warn that such a high fee would place severe financial strain on employers and institutions that rely heavily on H-1B workers.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the Trump administration lacks the legal authority to impose the fee, calling it an unlawful overreach. His office warned that the policy could worsen labour shortages and force service reductions in essential areas such as hospitals, universities, and research institutions.
Under the order, new H-1B visa recipients are barred from entering the US unless their employers pay the $100,000 fee. The administration clarified that the rule does not apply to existing H-1B holders or applications submitted before September 21. The White House maintains that the policy is a lawful use of presidential authority aimed at preventing abuse of the visa programme.
Critics of the H-1B system argue it enables companies to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign labour. However, business groups counter that the programme is vital for addressing persistent skill shortages. A separate coalition—including the US Chamber of Commerce, unions, and employer groups—has also filed lawsuits challenging the fee.
Court hearings related to the challenges are expected to take place in Washington, DC, next week. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for US employers dependent on global talent and for the future of the H-1B visa system itself.
Dhandoraa Title Song Out: High-Energy Anthem Creates Buzz
Words have power—they can stir emotions, leave lasting impressions, and ignite excitement. The newly released title song of Dhandoraa perfectly exemplifies this. From its very first beat, the track commands attention with its loud, confident, and raw energy. Acting as a bold announcement, the lyrics strike directly, each line carrying attitude and weight.
Composed by MarkKRobin, the music features heavy beats and a gripping rhythm that gives listeners goosebumps. Lyricist Kasarla Shyam brings his signature meaningful and grounded style, giving the song its sharp edge and memorable impact.
Adding to the anticipation, Primeshow Entertainment is bringing Dhandoraa to Ceded Andhra and Karnataka with full force. The film boasts a powerful ensemble cast including Shivaji, Bindu Madhavi, Navdeep, Nandu, Ravi Krishna, Manika Chikkala, Mounica Reddy, Raadhya, and more. Scheduled for a Christmas release on December 25, 2025, Dhandoraa is already generating strong buzz with its electrifying title track.
SS Rajamouli Praises Ashish Chanchlani’s Sci-Fi Series Ekaki
SS Rajamouli, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Baahubali and RRR, rarely compliments other creators, making his recent praise of YouTuber-turned-actor Ashish Chanchlani noteworthy. During the Varanasi title launch event at Ramoji Film City, Rajamouli lauded Ashish’s new series Ekaki, calling it “promising.” He highlighted the intriguing genre shift from horror to sci-fi as a clever twist. On social media, he wrote, “Met Ashish during the Varanasi event and now I am happy to see him with his own fully written, produced, and self-made series. #Ekaki looks promising… Especially the genre shift from horror to sci-fi. A clever twist. All the best @ashchanchlani !!”
Ashish expressed immense joy, describing Rajamouli’s recognition as his “biggest achievement.” He shared, “Rajamouli sir, thank you for your guidance and kind words. Honestly, hearing this from you is a dream come true. Your reaction? My biggest achievement. Love you sir.”
Creating Ekaki was a challenging endeavor for Ashish, who took on multiple roles including writer, director, producer, and actor. He revealed, “This was nothing as I’ve done before. When we started, I had no idea what we were really getting into. It was a tough ride, seven months of pre-production, 80 days of shooting, seven more months of post-production. But I loved every part… putting in all that effort and seeing it come alive, it feels worth it. I just hope people enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it.”
The series follows a group of friends visiting the enigmatic Ekaki Villa for a weekend trip, where fun quickly turns eerie as unexplainable events unfold. Ekaki promises a unique blend of horror and sci-fi that defies expectations.
Ramoji Buzz: Ram Charan, Jr NTR Begin Major Film Schedules
Ramoji Film City is once again at the centre of Tollywood’s excitement, with two major star-driven projects entering crucial phases of production.
Ram Charan’s much-anticipated film Peddi has resumed shooting in Hyderabad, marking one of its most important schedules. According to sources, this phase will continue until the end of January and focuses heavily on emotionally intense and dialogue-driven sequences. Several key scenes are also planned for a later shoot in Delhi.
A senior crew member revealed that this schedule plays a decisive role in shaping the film. “This is one of the most critical phases. We are filming emotionally heavy moments along with high-impact action scenes. The timeline is tight, but if everything goes as planned, the dialogue portions will be completed by January-end,” the source said.
Ram Charan’s commitment on set has drawn widespread praise. His disciplined preparation and hands-on approach to action sequences are said to be elevating the film’s realism. “The stunts look raw and grounded, and Charan is executing them with incredible precision. His dedication is setting the tone for the entire unit,” added the insider.
Notably, the makers are maintaining momentum by beginning post-production alongside the shoot. Editing, background score, and music work are already underway, ensuring the film stays on track without waiting for filming to conclude.
Meanwhile, Jr NTR’s upcoming action drama with director Prashanth Neel is also set to roll today, December 13, at Ramoji Film City. Dismissing recent speculation, sources confirm that the project is moving ahead smoothly and that Bollywood actress Kajol is not part of the cast.
The film pairs Jr NTR with Rukmini Vasanth, known for her role in Kantara 2, adding a romantic angle to the high-octane narrative. NTR reportedly took a brief break from his commitments to physically transform for the role. “Prashanth Neel has envisioned a rugged, larger-than-life avatar for NTR. Fans can expect a power-packed action spectacle,” a source said.
In an interesting departure from his usual style, Prashanth Neel is also said to be planning a special song sequence featuring NTR and a top heroine. Designed as a mass-appeal chartbuster on the lines of Oo Antava from Pushpa, the song could take two to three months to shoot, adding glamour and commercial appeal to the film.
With both Ram Charan and Jr NTR’s projects progressing simultaneously at Ramoji Film City, Tollywood fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks.
Aadhi Pinisetty’s Villain Role Becomes a Showstopper in Akhanda 2
Akhanda 2 has struck a powerful chord with audiences, earning positive reviews across the board. While Nandamuri Balakrishna’s commanding screen presence remains the film’s backbone, it is Aadhi Pinisetty’s terrifying antagonist that has truly intensified the impact. His eerie sorcerer-like appearance and menacing performance have left audiences unsettled—and impressed.
Interestingly, Aadhi was not the original choice for the role. Director Boyapati Srinu had initially approached Manchu Manoj and even narrated the full script to him. However, due to prior commitments, Manoj had to turn the offer down. Several other actors were considered thereafter, but none seemed to fit the part convincingly.
That’s when Aadhi Pinisetty entered the picture. Encouraged by friends and close associates, he read the script and quickly signed on. The decision has paid off handsomely. This isn’t Aadhi’s first successful collaboration with Boyapati Srinu—he previously delivered a memorable villainous turn in Sarrainodu, once again proving his strength in negative roles opposite a mass hero.
In Akhanda 2, Aadhi’s performance adds genuine menace and depth, reinforcing the idea that a powerful antagonist is just as vital as a larger-than-life protagonist. His scenes crackle with intensity, often stealing the spotlight.
Meanwhile, Manchu Manoj continues to make waves in his own right. He recently received widespread acclaim for his role in the action-fantasy film Mirai, which reportedly grossed close to ₹150 crore. His performance was widely praised, reaffirming his formidable screen presence as an antagonist.
Ultimately, Akhanda 2 works not just because of Balakrishna’s star power, but because its villains are written—and performed—with conviction. Aadhi Pinisetty delivers in a big way, proving that strong antagonists don’t just support the story—they elevate it. And while Manoj didn’t take this particular path, it’s clear he remains a force to reckon with.
Thaman Opens Up on Toxic Competition in Telugu Film Industry
S Thaman, currently one of the busiest music composers in Indian cinema, has spoken candidly about what he describes as increasing toxicity within the film industry, particularly in Telugu cinema. The composer, who has delivered eight releases this year alone—including Game Changer, Daaku Maharaaj, They Call Him OG, and the recently released Akhanda 2—shared his views during a promotional interview for Akhanda 2.
Reflecting on how success is perceived in the industry today, Thaman said genuine appreciation has largely disappeared. He observed that acknowledging others’ work has become rare and that backstabbing has become common practice. According to him, when he is approached for a project, another music director often intervenes by offering to do the same film for significantly lower remuneration, a trend he termed unhealthy and discouraging.
Thaman also pointed out that other film industries display a stronger sense of unity compared to Telugu cinema. Drawing a comparison, he noted that composers like Anirudh can easily work across industries, including Telugu films, whereas he finds it difficult to secure projects in Tamil cinema due to a preference for local talent. He added that Telugu cinema has consistently welcomed composers from other languages, a gesture he feels is not always reciprocated.
Clarifying that he is not complaining, Thaman said he enjoys working in a competitive environment. He named composers such as GV Prakash and Anirudh from Tamil Nadu, Ravi Basrur and Ajanesh Loknath from Karnataka, and Gopi Sundar and Jakes Bejoy from Kerala, all of whom are actively contributing to Telugu cinema. He said he is happy to be part of such a diverse creative space.
However, Thaman made a strong observation about remuneration practices, alleging that some composers who do not earn even lakhs in their home industries are being paid crores in Telugu cinema. He claimed that such individuals work purely for financial gain rather than out of passion for Telugu films, often using PR agencies to secure projects and sharing a portion of their fees with them.
Speaking about his own earnings, Thaman revealed that most of the budget allocated to him is spent on music production, including payments to singers and technical teams. He said he takes home very little from film projects and that his primary personal income comes from live performances. Thaman is currently working on The Raja Saab, Idhayam Murali, and NBK 111.