Thaman S Speech | AKHANDA 2 Pre Release Event | Nandamuri Balakrishna | Boyapati Sreenu
Tovino Thomas Hints at Joining NTR–Neel Film
Director Prashanth Neel, who revolutionized commercial cinema in recent years with massive hits like KGF and Salaar, is now teaming up with Man of the Masses NTR for one of the most awaited pan-Indian films. Though the film’s official title is yet to be revealed, fans and media have already crowned it #NTRNeel, reflecting the enormous hype surrounding the project.
As the much-anticipated film gears up to resume shooting after a lengthy break, strong reports suggest that Neel is planning to bring several high-profile actors on board for crucial roles. Adding fuel to the buzz, Malayalam star Tovino Thomas has now sparked speculation with a curious response.
During a brief exclusive interaction with manatelugu at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, when asked about his involvement in the NTR–Neel project, the Identity actor replied,
“Right now, I am not in a position to comment about it.”
This diplomatic answer—neither confirmation nor denial—has intensified rumours that Tovino may indeed be part of the action-packed saga.
Meanwhile, additional reports suggest that Bollywood veteran Anil Kapoor has also been approached for a significant role. However, the makers have not yet officially confirmed any of the supporting cast.
On the female lead front, Kannada beauty Rukmini Vasanth is strongly believed to be finalized opposite NTR, though an official announcement is still awaited.
With such exciting names being speculated, expectations on the NTR–Neel combination continue to soar, and fans are eagerly looking forward to the next major update from the team.
Thanksgiving Day Store Closures and Limited Hours Across the U.S.
Thanksgiving Day in the United States continues to reflect a growing trend among major retailers, with many choosing to close their doors to allow employees to spend the holiday with their families. Leading chains such as Walmart, Target, Costco and Sam’s Club will remain fully closed on Thanksgiving, reopening early the following morning for Black Friday sales. Department stores and other big-box retailers nationwide are following the same pattern.
However, several grocery chains will operate with reduced schedules to accommodate last-minute shoppers. Stores like Kroger, Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market and Food Lion are expected to remain open for limited hours, typically closing by early afternoon. Select convenience stores and pharmacies may also open, though operating hours will vary significantly by location. Shoppers are encouraged to check with their nearest store for precise timings.
Samantha Leads UN Women Campaign Against Online Harassment
Samantha has joined UN Women India for a special 16-day campaign focused on ending online harassment. Speaking about the initiative, she highlighted the seriousness of digital abuse faced by women today.
“Women encounter many forms of online harassment—threatening comments, deepfake photos, abusive DMs,” she said. “I’ve seen how deeply it impacts trust, safety, and mental health. It can make people afraid to even express themselves.”
Samantha also acknowledged her own experiences. “I’ve faced this myself, so awareness is crucial. We need stronger systems and stricter laws to protect women online. Being part of this campaign is an honor.”
On the professional front, Samantha is currently balancing multiple responsibilities. Along with managing her new clothing brand, she is also actively involved in her production house, Tralala Entertainment. She is presently shooting for Maa Inti Bangaram at Ramoji Film City, directed by Nandini Reddy. The film marks the second production venture under her banner.
Ravi Teja’s Kids Carve Their Own Path in Films
These days, star kids aren’t just stepping in front of the camera—they’re also learning the ropes behind the scenes, a smart move in today’s film industry. Many actors’ children are exploring roles as assistant directors, music coordinators, and other technical departments.
Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja’s children are taking noteworthy steps in this direction, but not in the typical “hero or heroine” path. His son, Mahadhan, is working as an assistant director on the pan-India project Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Prabhas. By learning under a prominent director, Mahadhan is gaining invaluable filmmaking experience and could eventually carve his own niche as a director—or even an actor.
Ravi Teja’s daughter, Mokshada, is also entering the industry in a significant off-screen role. She will serve as the executive producer for her father’s upcoming film, directed by Shiva Nirvana. In this role, she will oversee production activities and financial management, gaining hands-on knowledge of how a film is run.
Sources say both Mahadhan and Mokshada are serious about mastering the craft and building their own identity in the industry, rather than relying solely on their father’s stardom. Ravi Teja, who has faced a few challenging years with flops, is making a comeback with Bharatha Mahasayulaku Vignayapthi, slated for release during Sankranti.
Vijay Sethupathi Replaces Balakrishna in Jailer 2
Ever since the announcement of Superstar Rajinikanth’s highly anticipated sequel, Jailer 2, rumors have circulated in Kollywood that seasoned Telugu star Nandamuri Balakrishna would appear in an extended cameo as a powerful police officer. Director Nelson Dilip Kumar reportedly crafted a role tailored to Balakrishna’s persona and mannerisms.
Given his long-standing rapport with Rajinikanth, many expected Balakrishna to accept the special appearance. However, recent reports reveal that the role has now gone to Vijay Sethupathi, who has begun shooting for his part in the ongoing Goa schedule. Tamil media suggests that Vijay agreed to the brief yet impactful role after Balakrishna declined due to prior commitments.
Earlier speculation had indicated that Pushpa fame Fahadh Faasil might take on the role, but the makers ultimately finalized Vijay Sethupathi for the cameo originally meant for Balakrishna. This development seems to settle the suspense surrounding Balakrishna’s involvement in the sequel.
Jailer 2 has already assembled a star-studded cast from across India, including Vidya Balan, Shivaraj Kumar, Mithun Chakraborty, Mohan Lal, and SJ Surya, with Vijay Sethupathi being the latest addition. Produced by Sun Pictures, the film will feature music by Anirudh Ravichander and is slated for release in mid-2026.
Amazon India Black Friday Sale 2025: Top Deals, AI Features & Big Savings
Amazon India has officially announced its Black Friday Sale for 28 November to 1 December 2025, with early deals now live across major categories including smartphones, home appliances, fashion, beauty, and daily essentials. The event features offers from leading brands such as Apple, Samsung, OnePlus, HP, LG, GAP, and Armani Exchange, alongside new releases like WHOOP 5.0 and Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. Shoppers can also avail up to 10% savings on select Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank, and Amazon Pay ICICI credit card transactions.
A key highlight of this year’s sale is Amazon’s expanded AI-driven shopping experience. The assistant Rufus enhances product discovery with personalised recommendations, while Lens AI allows users to find products by simply clicking photos. Additional tools such as review summaries, room-visualisation features, and buying guides help customers make informed decisions effortlessly.
The Black Friday lineup includes curated sections such as New Deal Drop, 8 PM Deals, Upgrade at 99, Top 100 Influencer Favourites, Doorbuster Deals, and specialised stores for travel, weddings, gifting, winter essentials, and product exchanges.
Tech and Electronics
Amazon is offering major discounts on smartphones and electronics, including top models like the OnePlus 13s, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G, and new entrants such as the OnePlus 15 and Oppo Find X9 Pro 5G. Budget-friendly options like the Redmi A4 5G, realme Narzo 80 Lite 5G, and iQOO Z10x 5G are also part of the sale. Customers can find up to 80% off on accessories from boAt, JBL, Sony, and Apple, along with up to 75% off on tablets, cameras, and wearables. Laptops from Dell, ASUS, HP, and Lenovo are discounted by up to 45%.
Brand-specific highlights include the Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G at an effective price of ₹1,18,999 with bank offers, OnePlus 15 starting at ₹69,499, and Redmi A4 5G at ₹7,999.
Home Appliances and Kitchen Essentials
Refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, dishwashers, and kitchen appliances are available with discounts up to 65%, featuring offers from Samsung, LG, Bosch, Haier, and more.
Fashion and Beauty
Fashion and beauty selections are discounted by up to 70%, covering brands such as GAP, Puma, Vero Moda, and New Balance. Grooming tools, perfumes, and personal care essentials—including popular options like Jaguar Classic Black—are also available at reduced prices.
Amazon Bazaar & Everyday Essentials
Amazon Bazaar offers up to 80% off on home décor, cleaning essentials, accessories, and apparel starting at just ₹99. Groceries, baby care, pet care, and pantry items are discounted up to 60%, while Amazon Fresh provides up to 50% off on daily-use staples.
Smart Home & Entertainment
Echo speakers, Fire TV devices, and Fire TV-powered smart TVs are available with discounts up to 45%. Notable deals include Echo (4th Gen) at ₹5,000, Fire TV Stick HD at ₹2,999, and the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus at ₹4,999.
Amazon Pay & Prime Benefits
Prime customers using the Amazon Pay ICICI Bank credit card earn 5% unlimited cashback, while non-Prime users get 3%. Amazon Pay Later offers instant credit and reward benefits, along with savings on flights, hotels, and bus bookings. Prime members continue to enjoy fast delivery, early access to exclusive deals, and entertainment benefits through Prime Video and Amazon Music.
Chiranjeevi to Shine in a Bold New Avatar
Megastar Chiranjeevi, known for portraying a wide array of characters over the decades—from lover boy and mass action hero to cop, naxal, and politician—will now be seen in a completely new avatar in his upcoming untitled film with director Bobby Kolli. “Chiranjeevi’s role will be entirely fresh, something he has never done before. The film promises to be a magnum opus,” reveals a source, adding that shooting is set to begin in January. “It will be a path-breaking commercial entertainer in Tollywood.”
Chiranjeevi and Bobby previously delivered the blockbuster Waltair Veerayya, which grossed over ₹140 crore in the Telugu states and remains one of the megastar’s biggest hits. “Both Chiranjeevi and Bobby wanted to recreate that box-office magic. The director has crafted a role filled with substance—presenting Chiranjeevi in a fiery, never-seen-before avatar,” the source added.
The film is said to be packed with entertainment elements, including songs, comedy, and high-octane mass moments, designed to thrill the megastar’s massive fan base.
Noted writer Kona Venkat, who is penning the script and also worked on Waltair Veerayya, confirmed the news: “Chiranjeevi garu’s multifaceted talent will be fully showcased. His role in this film will stand out even among his 150-plus films. He will be seen in a refreshing, new shade,” he said, keeping further details under wraps.
Kavitha’s Emotional Reaction to Her Expulsion from BRS
One of the major developments in Telangana politics recently has been the expulsion of Kalvakuntla Kavitha from the BRS, the very party founded by her father, K. Chandrashekar Rao. No longer a part of her family’s political fold, Kavitha now stands at a crossroads, preparing to chart her own independent political course.
Addressing the media today, Kavitha became emotional as she spoke about the circumstances that led to her removal from the party.
“A few people strategically moved to expel me from the BRS. They had their own vested interests in pushing me out and distancing me from my parents. They conspired and separated me from the people I love the most. While I was in jail, I thought more about my mother than even my own children. That is the depth of my love for them. But today, I am having to work without the support of my own family,” she said.
Her words reflect how deeply the separation from her parents continues to affect her. Earlier, Kavitha had openly accused Harish Rao and former MP Santosh of giving negative feedback to the party leadership, leading to her exit from the BRS—her father KCR’s political home.
As she rebuilds her political identity outside the BRS, it is clear that Kavitha is still processing the emotional impact of being distanced from her own family.