Cherlapally Drugs Case: వాగ్దేవి ల్యాబ్లో కార్మికుడిగా చేరి గుట్టురట్టు చేసిన పోలీస్
Lokesh Kanagaraj at Crossroads After Coolie Setback
After the lukewarm response to Coolie, Lokesh Kanagaraj seems to be entering a testing phase in his otherwise meteoric career. Once hailed as the “golden boy” of Tamil cinema, the director is now facing both creative and commercial setbacks.
Initially, Lokesh had lined up Kaithi 2 as his immediate next, but the project has been put on hold. Instead, he is reportedly eyeing a grand comeback with an ambitious venture that could unite two legends—Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan—on screen.
But there’s a dampener for fans. His much-hyped collaboration with Aamir Khan has been shelved. The project, expected to take off after Kaithi 2, has now been dropped, with insiders hinting that Aamir’s brief cameo in Coolie failed to create the desired impact—leaving both sides disinterested in pursuing a full-fledged film together.
Industry trackers suggest that Lokesh might need to recalibrate his path. Rather than chasing only larger-than-life spectacles, he may find his footing again by returning to what made him special in the first place—fresh, gripping, and intense storytelling. Only then can he reclaim the edge that once set him apart in Indian cinema.
Akhand 2 Release Date Confirmed: December 5
The release mystery surrounding Akhand 2 has finally been clarified. Fans have been eagerly speculating whether the film would release in December or January, but insiders now confirm that the release date has been locked.
Originally scheduled for September 25, the film was unexpectedly postponed, leaving fans disappointed. The makers explained that delays in post-production work were the reason for the hold, assuring that the new release date would be announced soon. This announcement briefly worried Nandamuri fans, who were anxious about further delays.
Adding to the speculation, social media buzzed with rumours that the film might be postponed because Pawan Kalyan’s OG was releasing around the same time. However, sources clarified that the delay was purely due to VFX work and had nothing to do with competing releases, reassuring fans.
Recent reports suggest that Akhand 2 will now release as a Sankranti treat on January 9. However, Balakrishna has reportedly considered December 5 as the ideal release date after weighing the benefits of a December release over January. The post-production work is expected to be completed by early November, making a December release feasible.
Given the risk of leaks and the strategic advantage of a strong December window, the makers, along with Balakrishna and Boyapati, have finalized December 5 for the release. Official announcements are expected in the coming days. Balakrishna, keen to release a powerful mass entertainer like Akhand in a prime month, reportedly insisted on a December release to maximize its impact.
Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela Spark Dating Rumours
Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan and Telugu star Sreeleela, who are set to appear together in Anurag Basu’s upcoming film, are once again at the center of dating speculations.
The rumours initially gained traction in March when a video of Sreeleela attending a family celebration at Kartik’s home went viral. The speculation has intensified following their joint appearance at Ganesh Chaturthi festivities in Mumbai.
Photos from the intimate gathering show the duo coordinating in white outfits. In one image, Kartik stands beside Sreeleela’s mother, while the actress poses next to Kartik’s mother, Mala Tiwari. Another snapshot captures Kartik taking a cheerful group selfie with both families, including his parents, Mala and Manish Tiwari, along with Sreeleela and her mother. These warm interactions have fueled rumours of a budding romance.
The buzz around the pair began earlier this year at the IIFA Awards 2025, when Kartik’s mother was asked about her “future daughter-in-law.” She replied that the family hoped for “a very good doctor,” a remark that drew attention since Sreeleela is pursuing a medical degree alongside her acting career.
Additionally, Sreeleela attended a family celebration in March for Kartik’s sister, Dr. Kritika Tiwari, marking her professional milestone. While neither Kartik nor Sreeleela has publicly confirmed or denied the dating rumours, their repeated appearances together at family events continue to capture fans’ interest.
The duo will soon be seen sharing the screen in Anurag Basu’s untitled project, officially announced in February.
Chiranjeevi’s Humor Shines on Man Shankar Varaprasad Sets
Megastar Chiranjeevi, who entered the film industry without any film background and rose to stardom through sheer hard work, continues to be a role model not just as a hero but also as a political leader and social contributor. Apart from his acting prowess, Chiranjeevi is known for his impeccable comic timing and good-natured, clean sense of humor.
Renowned for entertaining audiences with mass, action, and family-oriented films, Chiranjeevi has left his mark with movies like Annavaru and Shankar Dada MBBS, showcasing his unique, jovial humor. Those who have interacted with him off-screen often testify that he maintains the same cheerful and playful personality in real life.
Recently, veteran actor Harshvardhan recalled some funny moments he shared with Chiranjeevi on the sets of Man Shankar Varaprasad, directed by Anil Ravipudi, in which both actors are part of the cast. Speaking in an interview, Harshvardhan revealed a humorous incident during a shoot:
“One day, during some free time on the set, Chiranjeevi came and sat beside me. He spoke to me so warmly, saying, ‘Harsh, you should always be by my side.’ I got very emotional. Then he jokingly added, ‘Only if you’re next to me will you realize how fit and energetic I am.’ He didn’t stop there — he continued, ‘If you’re not beside me, I can’t survive… you’re my guide… I have no one else,’ and playfully teased me,” Harshvardhan shared, highlighting the playful humor that Chiranjeevi brings to everyone around him.
This incident is a testament to how jovial and light-hearted Chiranjeevi is, even with his co-stars. Harshvardhan’s recounting of the story made the anchor laugh uncontrollably, and fans are equally amused. Many netizens believe that if director Anil Ravipudi utilizes Chiranjeevi’s comic timing properly in Man Shankar Varaprasad, the movie is bound to be a blockbuster. Anil Ravipudi, known for getting the best out of his actors, seems perfectly poised to harness Chiranjeevi’s unique humor.
Ultimately, audiences will have to wait until next Sankranti to witness how these two legends combine their talent and deliver yet another memorable cinematic experience.
Rashmika to Lead Next Big Female-Centric Film
Alongside star-driven films, female-centric movies occasionally make a big impact at the box office. From the era of Vijayashanti to Nayanthara, Anushka, and Samantha, several actresses have successfully carried such films. In Telugu cinema, Anushka brought a special craze for lady-oriented movies after Vijayashanti. Her films like Arundhati, Rudhramadevi, and Bhaagamathie were all huge successes. Even if a few films stumbled along the way, an Anushka-led female-centric movie was almost always considered a safe bet.
Director Krish’s latest venture, Ghati, featured Anushka in the lead. Released last Friday, the film failed to connect with audiences. The lack of promotional activities by Anushka also contributed to the minimal buzz, ultimately leading to its box-office failure. Krish and Anushka had aimed to deliver a compelling story based on Ghati’s life, offering audiences a special cinematic experience. However, Krish as a director fell short, though Anushka performed her role well.
Even a top-tier female-centric star like Anushka couldn’t save Ghati at the box office. Next up is Rashmika Mandanna’s The Girl Friend, a female-led film as well. Although Deekshit Shetty plays the male lead, the title role and primary focus remain with Rashmika. Early promotional content from the movie has already impressed audiences, and the songs have created a positive response.
Both Anushka and Rashmika consistently give their best in their roles. However, all the effort Anushka put into Ghati went in vain. Now, it remains to be seen whether Rashmika’s The Girl Friend will succeed. In addition to this, Rashmika has a film with Vijay Deverakonda, directed by Rahul Sankrityan, which is said to be a period drama. She is also receiving consecutive offers from Bollywood. The Girl Friend is set to release in Hindi on a large scale, and Rashmika is reportedly extremely confident about the film.
Peter Navarro Criticizes India’s Russia Oil Trade
Tensions between the United States and India have escalated due to India’s ongoing oil trade with Russia, a move that has reportedly displeased the U.S. president and led to the imposition of significant tariffs on Indian imports.
In this context, Peter Navarro, former trade adviser to Donald Trump, sparked controversy with a tweet criticizing India. He claimed that India was purchasing Russian oil purely for profit, suggesting that these funds were indirectly supporting Russia’s actions in the Ukraine war. Navarro also argued that India’s high tariffs were harming American jobs.
However, the tweet was swiftly fact-checked by the X community. Users pointed out that India buys Russian oil primarily for energy security rather than profit and that these purchases do not violate any international sanctions. The fact-check also highlighted that the U.S. continues to import certain goods, such as uranium, from Russia, pointing to a perceived double standard. Many on the platform labeled Navarro’s remarks “hypocritical.”
Navarro responded angrily to the fact-check, accusing Elon Musk of allowing “propaganda” on the platform and dismissing the note as “crap,” insisting that India was still profiting from Russian oil. India’s Ministry of External Affairs firmly rejected Navarro’s claims, calling them “inaccurate and misleading,” and reiterated that the oil trade is fully legal and essential to meet the country’s energy requirements.
Kamal Haasan Confirms Film with Rajinikanth
Speculation about a collaboration between Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth has been swirling ever since director Lokesh Kanagaraj worked with Kamal. The rumors were finally confirmed at the recent SIIMA awards, where Kamal Haasan officially announced, “We will come together.”
When asked if the project is happening soon, Kamal revealed that the collaboration is indeed on the horizon. “Rajini and I were supposed to work together long ago. It might be a surprise in terms of business. We can’t confirm if it’s Tharamana Sambavam, but if the audience enjoys it, we are happy,” he said.
Kamal also hinted at the scale of the project, suggesting that the trade will be surprised by the numbers involved, while remaining humble about the collaboration. “For me, it’s another opportunity. Some might think we are competing with each other, but I see it as a chance to work with him. Apart from that, there is nothing more. We always wanted to produce each other’s films, and now we finally will,” he added.
Lokesh Kanagaraj recently directed Coolie, starring Rajinikanth, and had previously collaborated with Kamal on Vikram. While Kamal’s announcement has excited fans, it may take over a year before the project fully materializes.
Trump Administration Set to Overhaul H-1B Visa Rules
The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to revamp the H-1B visa program, introducing stricter eligibility criteria, enhanced scrutiny of employers, and a focus on higher-paid workers—changes that could significantly affect Indian professionals.
A new rule, expected for proposal by December 2025, will revisit key aspects of the H-1B system. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) aims to redefine exemptions from the 85,000 annual cap, potentially limiting eligibility for research institutions and workers changing employers. Additionally, stricter rules for third-party placements are being formalized, reviving Trump-era measures that were previously invalidated in court. Employers may soon need to provide detailed contracts demonstrating continuous specialty work throughout the H-1B term, while a tighter interpretation of the “employer-employee relationship” could create additional hurdles for consulting and staffing firms.
Experts highlight that the administration is now moving these third-party placement rules into formal regulation, rather than issuing policy memos susceptible to legal challenges.
In parallel, DHS plans to change how H-1B lottery selections are conducted. A separate rule, expected this August, would prioritize applicants with higher wages using the Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). While the current beneficiary-centric lottery system will remain, wage-based selection could disadvantage recent graduates and entry-level professionals. These proposed changes echo policies from Trump’s first term, which saw higher denial rates and shorter H-1B approval durations. Unlike previous iterations, however, the new regulations would enshrine many of these measures, making future rollbacks more difficult.
Indians are expected to be most affected. In fiscal year 2023, they accounted for 58% of initial H-1B visas and 79% of renewals. Any overhaul is likely to disproportionately impact new applicants and tech contractors from India.
