అమెరికా సుంకాలకు ప్రత్యామ్నాయాల వేట | Centre Mulls on to Find Alternative for US 50% Tariffs
Nagarjuna Turns Villain in Rajinikanth’s Coolie
Tollywood star Akkineni Nagarjuna, known for his versatile roles mainly as a hero, is stepping into a villain’s role for the first time in his career with Rajinikanth’s Coolie. Nagarjuna will be seen as the antagonist “Nagsa Simon” in the film. He recently spoke about this unique role during a media interaction with the film’s team.
Nagarjuna shared that after playing mostly positive characters for so long, he started feeling bored, which motivated him to take on a villain’s role this time. He revealed that director Lokesh Kanagaraj had to meet him 7 to 8 times to convince him to accept this role. Additionally, this project marks his first collaboration with music director Anirudh Ravichander.
“I was getting bored playing only good characters, so I decided to try something different with this villain role. I was also excited to work with Lokesh and Anirudh. Anirudh composed the track ‘I Am The Danger’ for me, and Lokesh added some random magic to it, which turned out fantastic. It fits perfectly with the bad character I’m playing,” Nagarjuna explained.
He also mentioned that his role is very dark and intense and that he hasn’t even shared details about it with his grandchildren yet.
In the film, Nagarjuna’s character Nagsa Simon is the leader of a human organ trafficking gang. His illegal operations attract the attention of the heroine Shruti Haasan, who raises the issue to Rajinikanth’s character, leading to a major conflict between Nagarjuna and Rajinikanth on screen.
Directed with great prestige by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie stars Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Amir Khan, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and others. Produced by Kalaignar Kalanidhi Maran under the Sun Pictures banner, the film is scheduled for release on August 14.
Deepika Padukone: Slowing Down or Strategizing?
Has Deepika Padukone slowed down in her film commitments? Is she taking cautious steps when it comes to new projects? That seems to be the current scenario. Until about a year ago, there was no need to explain how fast Deepika’s career was moving. In the past year alone, she impressed audiences with three major films — Fighter, Kalki 2898, and Singam Again. However, in 2025, she hasn’t signed or appeared in a single release yet.
Previously, she used to juggle two to three projects simultaneously, with announcements creating buzz across Bollywood media. But for the past eight months, Deepika has been relatively quiet. Recently, her production house announced a remake of the American comedy-drama The Intern, and rumors circulated that Deepika would star in it. With legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan also part of the project, fans were excited to see them share the screen. Deepika responded positively, but now reports suggest she might be stepping away from the acting role in this film.
It is said she intends to continue only as a producer and not appear as an actress. She reportedly dropped the film Spirit due to its long schedule and complications arising from it being produced by an external studio. There are whispers that she isn’t fully ready to commit to a project even within her own production house, leading to widespread speculation.
Questions are also being raised whether these decisions are being made to prioritize her family. Another version suggests that due to her husband Ranveer Singh and their baby, she isn’t signing many new films.
Currently, she is committed to Icon Star Allu Arjun’s 22nd film, a massive pan-India project shooting in Mumbai. However, Deepika has yet to join the sets. The movie’s release is still a year or more away. So, will Deepika’s fans have to wait that long? Or will she surprise everyone with another film in the meantime? Only time will tell.
Allu Arjun and Rashmika’s Perfume Bond & Silver Screen Rumors
Tollywood icon Allu Arjun and national crush Rashmika Mandanna have created blockbuster hits together with Pushpa parts 1 and 2. Both have delivered some of the biggest successes of their careers and impressed audiences across the pan-India spectrum with their performances.
Currently, Allu Arjun is busy collaborating with Kollywood star director Atlee, while Rashmika Mandanna is actively working on multiple films. From North to South, she continues to dominate the box office with a string of successful projects.
Recently, Rashmika ventured into the perfume business, launching her brand Dear Diary. She has already introduced four fragrance variants, available in 100ml and 10ml bottles, both online and offline. As part of her promotional campaign, Rashmika is gifting sets of these perfumes to many celebrities from Tollywood and Bollywood. The recipients have been sharing photos on social media, wishing her all the best.
Among them, Allu Arjun posted a picture of the Dear Diary perfumes on his Instagram story, writing, “Thank you so much, my dear Rush. Wishing you all the best on your new journey. May only good things come your way.” Rashmika responded with a heartfelt thank you, and their Instagram stories have since gone viral online.
Meanwhile, rumors have been swirling about Allu Arjun and Rashmika sharing the silver screen again after Pushpa: The Rise and Pushpa: The Rule. Reports suggest that Atlee’s upcoming film with Allu Arjun may feature five heroines, with Rashmika being one of them. However, there is no official confirmation yet. Fans eagerly await to see what unfolds next.
Anupama Parameswaran’s Bold Leap with Parada
Anupama Parameswaran is leaving no stone unturned to promote her upcoming film Parada, directed by Praveen Kandregula. Touted as a female-centric film, Anupama is passionately advocating for it, highlighting her commitment to breaking stereotypes in her career.
In a recent interview with ManaTelugu, she opened up about the pressures of being typecast by fans and her determination to carve her own path. “In life, we often listen to others out of respect, but ultimately, we should live according to our own wishes. I don’t want to be confined to the same kinds of roles; I want to explore diverse characters to understand my full potential,” she said.
Anupama emphasized her goal of becoming a versatile actress. “People tend to typecast easily. After my success in Sathamanam Bhavati, many expected me to play similar roles repeatedly. But I want to break that mold and take on different kinds of characters. This way, my market value grows, and the journey over the last ten years has brought me to Parada, which I consider my biggest bet yet.”
She added, “If Parada succeeds at the box office, I won’t be disappointed even if no other offers come my way. This film is my chance to prove my acting capabilities to everyone.”
Directed by Praveen Kandregula, Parada is scheduled for release on August 22nd.
Param Sundari: A Fresh Romantic Comedy Delight
After a few years of shifting trends, Bollywood is making a strong comeback to its beloved genre of romantic dramas and romantic comedies. Following the success of the July hit Saiyaara, August brings another promising romantic comedy, Param Sundari, starring Siddharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor.
Directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Maddock Films, Param Sundari delivers a classic romantic comedy vibe with a nostalgic Bollywood touch. The film narrates the charming love story between a North Indian man and a South Indian woman, set against the scenic backdrop of Kerala.
The plot follows Param Sachdev (Siddharth Malhotra), who falls head over heels for Sundari (Janhvi Kapoor) during a trip. The story revolves around how he wins her heart and gains acceptance from Sundari’s community, blending humor and heartfelt moments.
The recently released trailer is filled with witty dialogues and features the catchy song “Pardesiya,” adding to the film’s appeal. One standout moment is Janhvi’s entertaining monologue about the South Indian film industry and its iconic stars like Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Allu Arjun, and Yash, which adds a unique flavor to the film.
Though this marks the first collaboration between Siddharth and Janhvi, their on-screen chemistry shines, making their pairing a key highlight. The music by Sachin-Jigar has already won hearts and is expected to attract audiences to theaters.
With Santhana Krishnan Ravichandran’s stunning cinematography, Param Sundari promises to be a delightful romantic comedy that appeals to both young viewers and family audiences alike. The film is scheduled for a worldwide release on August 29.
Swiss Embassy Tightens Schengen Visa Rules for Indian Applicants”
Indian Travellers Face New Schengen Visa Rules via Switzerland, Sparking Concerns Among Non-Traditional Applicants
Indian travellers applying for Schengen visas through Switzerland are now subject to stricter documentation requirements, following a recent update from VFS Global, the Swiss Embassy’s visa services partner in India. The new policy mandates that applicants submit only the documents listed in the official checklist for their respective visa category, with no additional paperwork accepted at the Visa Application Centre (VAC).
In its official announcement, the Swiss Embassy stated that this measure is intended to improve efficiency and ensure uniform processing. However, the move has triggered pushback, particularly from applicants whose profiles do not fit conventional salaried or business categories.
Key Changes to the Visa Application Process
Under the revised rules:
Applicants submitting six months’ worth of bank statements must provide only the first three and last three pages.
For applications requiring only three months of statements, only the first and last three pages will be accepted.
To promote sustainability, applicants are encouraged to print statements on both sides of the paper.
According to VFS Global, these measures are aimed at streamlining the application process and reducing processing timelines. The changes apply exclusively to applications filed in India and will not influence the final visa decision.
Official Checklist for Schengen Visa Applications via Switzerland
Applicants must provide:
Completed and signed visa application form
Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, at least 2 blank pages, valid for 3 months beyond return date)
Recent passport-size photograph with white background
Cover letter stating the purpose of travel
Travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 in the Schengen area
Proof of financial means (bank statements of the last three months – first and last three pages only)
Proof of employment, business ownership, or student status (NOC, salary slips, business registration, or enrolment letter)
For minors: birth certificate, parental consent, and copies of parents’ passports
Concerns Over Flexibility
While the embassy asserts that the updated checklist will cut down on administrative delays, immigration experts warn that the rigid approach may disadvantage non-traditional applicants, such as freelancers, gig workers, or those with unconventional income sources. Calls for greater flexibility are growing, with stakeholders urging the Swiss authorities to adopt a more inclusive policy framework.
Dell Pro 14 Review: A Reliable Work Laptop with Ryzen AI
Dell’s recent overhaul of its laptop portfolio has brought a clearer distinction between its consumer, creator, and business-focused devices. Among the newly introduced models is the Dell Pro series, designed specifically for professionals who prioritise reliability, security, and productivity over ultra-slim profiles or gaming capabilities. The Dell Pro 14, powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI chipset, is a strong representation of this vision.
Design and Build
The Dell Pro 14 doesn’t chase ultra-thin aesthetics but instead delivers a solid aluminium chassis that feels durable and professional. The lid offers minimal flex, the hinge mechanism feels robust, and the footprint strikes a balance between portability and workspace comfort. A key strength here is its generous port selection—USB-A, USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and a microSD card slot—allowing most professionals to skip the hassle of dongles.
Display
The 14-inch display offers 300 nits of brightness, adequate for indoor office work but less suited for bright outdoor use. Colours are satisfactory for general productivity, presentations, and light creative tasks, though not ideal for professional-grade colour-sensitive work.
Performance
The base configuration includes an AMD Ryzen AI 5 220 CPU, Radeon 740M graphics, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It handles everyday office workloads, video calls, and light photo editing with ease. The AI capabilities—enabled by the Ryzen AI hardware—may not revolutionise tasks today but position the device well for the growing integration of AI-enhanced productivity tools.
Keyboard, Trackpad, and Security
Typing is comfortable, with well-spaced keys enabling fast and accurate input. The large, responsive trackpad supports precise multi-touch gestures. Security is another highlight, with both a fingerprint reader and Windows Hello facial recognition working reliably, even in low-light environments.
Battery Life
Battery performance impresses, lasting a full workday under typical office conditions, which is notable given the processing capabilities of the Ryzen AI chipset.
Verdict
The Dell Pro 14 is not about flashy aesthetics; it’s a dependable work companion. For ₹70,097 in India, it delivers durability, strong battery life, robust security, and modern AI-ready hardware. Those seeking a brighter panel or an ultra-light form factor may prefer other options, but for office-focused professionals, it’s a sensible, future-proof choice.
Steve Wozniak Slams YouTube Over Deepfake Bitcoin Scam
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has revealed he was unknowingly used as the face of a YouTube bitcoin scam and warned that similar deepfake tactics are increasingly being deployed against high-profile tech figures such as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos.
Speaking to CBS News, Wozniak said scammers took an old video of him discussing bitcoin, overlaid it with a cryptocurrency wallet address, and falsely promised to double any amount sent. “Of course it’s fraud,” he said. The deception came to light when his wife, Janet, received an email from a victim asking about their “refund.” According to Wozniak, some victims claimed they lost their life savings.
Despite repeated takedown requests, Wozniak said YouTube failed to act. “We never got to YouTube; our lawyer has gotten to their lawyer, that’s all,” he noted, adding that his wife’s direct appeals were ignored. He is now suing YouTube on behalf of the victims, but the case has been stalled for five years due to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields online platforms from liability for user-generated content.
Wozniak argued that the incident reflects how far the internet has drifted from its early ideals. “When the internet really began to be a public thing, it seemed to be there to democratise information… and then came the social web and Google. Google had to make money. And the only way to make money is tracking you and selling it to advertisers.”
Warning that billions are lost annually to cryptocurrency and AI-driven scams, Wozniak said there is “not enough real muscle to fight” such fraud. While he maintains that Apple remains “the best,” he lamented that his criticisms often go unheard: “Nobody buys my voice.”
Monica Song: Monica Bellucci’s Surprise Reaction, Pooja Hegde’s Dance Steals Show
The song “Monica” from the film Coolie is creating waves across music charts, thanks to Pooja Hegde’s captivating dance performance. The energetic track is already generating excitement among fans and is expected to draw large crowds to theatres. Interestingly, the Italian actress and model Monica Bellucci herself came across the song and was fascinated by it.
In a recent interview, Pooja revealed that Monica Bellucci had seen the song and loved it. A common friend shared the track with Monica, who appreciated the tribute. Hearing this, Pooja expressed her surprise and admiration for the iconic actress.
“I’ve always admired Monica Bellucci. She’s truly iconic in her own unique way,” said Pooja Hegde, who makes a special appearance as Monica Bellucci in the film’s song sequence.
Moreover, many fans have taken to Monica Bellucci’s Instagram, tagging her to check out the trending song. Starring Superstar Rajinikanth in the lead role and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie is set to release on August 14th.
Nidhhi Agerwal’s Elegant Silk Saree Look
Nidhhi Agerwal gracefully stuns in a flowing silk saree, its soft, elegant drape perfectly complemented by a beautifully crafted blouse featuring a stylish low neckline. The seamless blend of traditional charm and modern allure creates a captivating and regal presence.
Her vintage-inspired armlet, worn delicately on the bicep, adds a royal touch, while the saree’s intricate motifs shimmer subtly under the light, enhancing the overall sophistication. Each fold of the saree falls effortlessly, accentuating her silhouette with a perfect mix of grace and sensuality.
With striking poses and confident expressions, Nidhhi embodies poise and beauty, set against a refined yet contemporary backdrop that highlights the elegance of her ensemble. She truly epitomizes timeless style fused with understated glamour.
