Pilla Song | Dhandoraa | Ravi Krishna | Manika Chikkala | Murali Kanth | Mark K Robin
Dhurandhar Faces Heat Ahead of Release
Ranveer Singh and R. Madhavan’s action drama Dhurandhar is gearing up for release on December 5. Inspired by real events, the film deals with terrorism and India’s efforts to combat it at the ground level. With advance bookings now open, the movie has already generated strong curiosity among audiences.
One aspect drawing attention is the steep ticket pricing at a premium theatre in Mumbai, where the costliest seat is priced at ₹2,020, excluding food and beverages. Telugu moviegoers are pointing out that such pricing isn’t new for them, as several Telugu films also sell premiere tickets at similar rates without any add-ons.
Meanwhile, the film has run into controversy ahead of its release. The parents of late Major Mohit Sharma have approached the Delhi High Court, requesting a halt on the movie. They argue that the film indirectly resembles the martyr’s life and that his legacy cannot be portrayed or altered without the family’s permission. This comes despite the director’s clarification that the film is not based on Major Sharma.
The makers are yet to officially respond. Shot across Thailand, Mumbai, Punjab, and Ladakh, Dhurandhar is one of the most-talked-about films of the season, both for its scale and its pre-release controversies.
Sri Venkateswara Creations Plans a Massive 2026
Sri Venkateswara Creations, one of Telugu cinema’s most established production houses, has consistently delivered family entertainers over the years. While the banner has experienced a mix of hits and setbacks recently, it has largely stayed away from aggressively pursuing large-scale or pan-India projects.
Speaking to manatelugu at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, co-producer Shirish provided insights into the production house’s upcoming slate. Their film Sankranthiki Vasthunnam was screened on the festival’s closing day under the Indian Panorama section.
vAccording to Shirish, 2026 is set to be a major year for Sri Venkateswara Creations, with at least six releases lined up and nine films currently in production. Venu Yeldandi’s Yellamma, featuring Devi Sri Prasad in the lead, is scheduled for release next year. Rowdy Janardhana, starring Vijay Deverakonda and directed by Ravi Kiran Kola, is currently on floors and is planned for a Dussehra 2026 release. Ashish’s Dethadi is also slated for 2026. A Hindi remake of Sankranthiki Vasthunnam starring Akshay Kumar marks a significant Bollywood project, while Pawan Kalyan’s next film with the banner is expected in 2026. Vamsi Paidipally’s Hindi directorial debut with Salman Khan is set to go on floors soon, with a targeted release next year as well.
With multiple Telugu and Hindi projects moving simultaneously, Sri Venkateswara Creations is gearing up for one of its busiest and most ambitious years yet, strengthening its presence in both regional and national cinema.
Hook Steps Make or Break Tollywood Songs
Why do some songs become chartbusters while others fail, even with a big star cast? Many point to music, rendition, and lyrics—they are indeed important. But above all, choreography and hook steps play the biggest role.
Take “Naatu Naatu” as an example. Its choreography by Prem Rakshit, especially the iconic hook step, went viral nationwide and even in Japan, with countless reels recreating it. Similarly, songs from Pushpa, like “Srivalli”, became widely remembered due to Allu Arjun’s quirky hook step—dragging his feet as if missing his slipper—which inspired thousands of reels.
Other examples include the “Chikiri” step and the “Meesala Pilla” kerchief step, both of which generated massive social media engagement. The key takeaway for song-makers and choreographers is to create reel-worthy moments that audiences can recreate.
This is why songs like “Raja Saab” or “Jajikaya” failed to connect with viewers. Weak lyrics and music further hampered choreography, resulting in underwhelming performance despite featuring strong star casts.
Akhanda 2 Makers Announce Affordable Ticket Prices
Whenever a big-ticket film releases in Tollywood, ticket pricing becomes a hot topic. It has become common for producers of high-budget films to hike ticket prices for premiere shows and the first two weeks of release. However, exorbitant fares can impact footfalls, as some recent films saw a steep drop in revenue after the first weekend despite positive word-of-mouth. This makes it crucial for producers and distributors to carefully strategize ticket pricing.
Now, all eyes are on Akhanda 2, starring Nandamuri Balakrishna. The makers recently revealed during promotions that they plan to adopt affordable ticket pricing for both premiere and regular shows. With the film needing over ₹200 crore at the box office to secure profits for buyers, ticket pricing will play a key role in its success.
If the makers stick to their word, Rs 500–600 for premiere shows could ensure strong occupancy in the first two weeks. For context, the first installment faced no ticket hike restrictions by the Andhra Pradesh government but still secured profits in all territories, performing exceptionally well despite the COVID pandemic and gaining unanimous positive reports.
Directed by Boyapati Srinu, Akhanda 2 is being touted as one of the biggest mass entertainers of the year and is set for a huge release on December 5th, with premiere shows on the 4th. Affordable pricing is expected to further strengthen its box-office prospects and fan engagement.
Sharwanand Stuns Fans with Teen-Like Look in ‘Biker’
Sharwanand, though 41 years old, looks almost like a teenager in the latest song ‘Biker’. His agile body movements match the energy of someone much younger, and his facial skin appears fresh and firm. Fans and viewers are amazed, with many claiming he looks at least 20 years younger than his actual age.
In comparison, Jr NTR, who is 42 and close in age to Sharwanand, has also slimmed down, but the transformation has given him a slightly tired appearance, with noticeable differences in skin texture and glow.
Sharwanand’s youthful look has sparked curiosity among people in their 40s, with discussions circulating widely on social media and in film circles about what he might have done differently from NTR. While the actor hasn’t revealed the secret behind his transformation, speculation points to a disciplined and scientific lifestyle.
With the upcoming promotions for ‘Biker’, Sharwanand is expected to face questions about his striking transformation, which continues to make him a major topic of discussion among fans and media alike.
Kalyan Shankar Announces New Film: MAD Juniors
Once a successful franchise takes shape in the Telugu film industry, extensions and spin-offs often follow based on audience demand. In that context, an interesting update has emerged regarding the next project related to the MAD franchise.
Director Kalyan Shankar, who delivered youthful entertainment with MAD and MAD 2, has now registered a new title for his third project: MAD Juniors. Despite the familiar-sounding name, this film has no story connection to the earlier MAD movies. It is an entirely fresh project with a completely different tone and backdrop.
MAD Juniors will explore the horror comedy genre, blending humor with spooky, entertaining moments. Kalyan Shankar reportedly aims to deliver a new style of fun with this film. Instead of known actors, the movie will feature a completely new cast, giving fresh talent a chance to shine. This approach has created added curiosity among audiences, especially because the director is known for youthful storytelling and energetic humor.
With the title already registered, the project is expected to move into active development soon. Fans are eager to see what kind of story, characters, and entertainment Kalyan Shankar will bring this time.
MAD Juniors is expected to offer a lively and enjoyable mix of comedy and horror, supported by a vibrant new team of actors.
Rohit Sharma’s Stunning Fitness Transformation
There’s no denying that Rohit Sharma is one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, but his fitness has often been a subject of criticism. Earlier this year, he faced harsh trolling on social media for his bulky appearance, with many fans questioning his athletic readiness.
However, Rohit seems to have taken that criticism seriously. He worked intensely on his fitness and has now completed a remarkable physical transformation.
In the ongoing ODI series against South Africa, Rohit Sharma appears lean, sharp, and incredibly athletic. His new look is turning heads on the field, and the change is clearly visible in his gameplay as well. His batting looks more compact and powerful, and his speed between the wickets has noticeably improved—something that was missing in the recent past.
Rohit has clearly undergone an athletic-level makeover, becoming more agile and energetic than he has been in years. This is exactly the kind of fitness expected from him, especially if he aims to be a key part of the 2027 World Cup campaign. It’s inspiring to see a senior player put in the hard work and return in such strong form.
1. November Box Office: Hits & Misses
November, often considered an unlucky month for Tollywood, once again arrived without any major big-budget releases — but it still delivered a few surprises.
The month opened with Mass Jathara, which unfortunately turned out to be November’s biggest flop. Despite posters claiming over ₹5 crore in premiere collections, the routine content failed to impress audiences, and promotions stopped by the fourth day itself.
The second week brought a major turnaround with The Girlfriend, which emerged as the month’s biggest hit. Made on a controlled budget and powered by Rashmika Mandanna’s strong appeal along with positive premiere talk, the film collected over ₹25 crore worldwide in two weeks. In contrast, Sudheer Babu’s horror film Jatadhara crashed, while the small comedy The Great Pre-Wedding Show surprisingly clicked despite limited screens. Meanwhile, Raj Tarun’s OTT release Chiranjiva failed to leave any impact.
Mid-month releases — Kaanta, Jigrees, Gathavaibhavam, and Santana Praptirastu — also underperformed. Kaanta, despite being promoted as an artistic attempt, collapsed quickly. Interestingly, the re-release of Nagarjuna’s cult classic Shiva outperformed several new films, thanks to strong promotional efforts.
The following week, Allari Naresh’s 12A Railway Colony failed at the box office, and Premante also vanished without a trace. Six other small films released during the week but went largely unnoticed. Even re-releases like Kodamasimham and Awara could not draw crowds. However, Raju Weds Rambai managed to score modest success, especially among youth audiences.
In summary, The Girlfriend stood as November’s only notable hit, Mass Jathara became the biggest flop, and the re-release of Shiva emerged as one of the month’s unexpected highlights.
Chiru–Venky Set the Stage on Fire in Mass Festival Song
Megastar Chiranjeevi and Victory Venkatesh are sharing the sceen for the first time in Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, and fans couldn’t be moreth excited. Director Anil Ravipudi, known for turning mass moments into full-fledged celebrations, has delivered yet another cinematic treat for this film.
The latest shooting schedule has grabbed the industry’s attention as Chiranjeevi and Venkatesh have come together for a spectacular mass festival song, filmed on a grand set in Gachibowli. Choreographed by Vijay Polaki Master and composed by Bheems Ceciroleo, the song promises a vibrant blend of rhythm, color, and electrifying energy.
With over 500 professional dancers taking part, the sequence is shaping up to be one of the most extravagant visual feasts in recent times. The powerful chemistry and dynamic energy between Chiru and Venky are said to be the song’s biggest highlights, rekindling nostalgia and delighting fans who have long awaited this iconic combination. The duo is reportedly setting the dance floor ablaze.
Meanwhile, the film’s first single, Meesalaa Pilla, continues to dominate the charts with a massive 72 million views on YouTube. The makers are now gearing up to release a contrasting, melodious track picturised on Chiranjeevi and Nayanthara.
Director Anil Ravipudi is clearly going all out to make Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu a memorable experience—not just for fans, but for the wider audience as well.
Avantika’s New Teen Look Goes Viral
Avantika, the NRI girl well-known to Telugu audiences through her popular cooking-oil commercial and several notable Telugu films, is now entering her teenage years as a budding actress in the USA.
Recently surfaced photos show her radiating confidence and positivity. Her naturally curly hair and neatly styled outfit add to her fresh, youthful appeal, while her relaxed posture reflects how comfortably she is transitioning into this new phase of her life and career.
With a strong blend of acting talent, a dance background, and impressive screen presence, Avantika continues to evolve while staying connected to her roots as a former child performer. Fluent in both Telugu and English, she seems ready to explore broader opportunities and carve a promising path in international cinema.
