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War 2 Advance Bookings Lag Ahead of Release

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The YRF Spy Universe has been one of India’s most talked-about film franchises, uniting top stars in high-octane action spectacles. After War set the box office on fire in 2019, fans eagerly awaited the next chapter. That wait ended in 2023 when War 2 was announced, bringing Hrithik Roshan back as Kabir, now teaming up with Telugu superstar Jr NTR. The buzz was instant, with trade circles predicting a potential ₹1000 crore blockbuster thanks to the combined Bollywood–Tollywood appeal.

However, with just four days to go before release, advance sales aren’t matching the hype. Overseas bookings opened 10 days ago, starting with North America — typically a stronghold for Telugu films and Jr NTR’s fanbase. Yet, early numbers have been underwhelming, possibly due to steep ticket prices and the option for fans to use passes from day one. Other overseas territories are faring slightly better but still far from the frenzy expected after the film’s announcement.

In India, limited bookings began on August 9, but only about 10% of seats in North India have been filled so far. The nationwide push starts August 10, while the Telugu states will open bookings on August 11 after securing government approval for ticket price hikes.

Complicating matters, War 2 will face a box office clash with Coolie, another highly anticipated release. Adding to the challenge, YRF has surprisingly kept promotions low-key, with minimal public appearances from the lead stars. Industry chatter suggests some audience fatigue with the Spy Universe after Tiger 3 failed to fully deliver.

In a bid to boost momentum, the makers are hosting a grand pre-release event in Hyderabad today, August 10, featuring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR on stage together for the first time. Whether this star-studded showcase can ignite stronger advance bookings ahead of the August 14 release remains to be seen — and could be a decisive factor in War 2’s opening week fortunes.

70MM Announces Six New Films with Grand Launch

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The film industry is currently facing multiple challenges, including rising piracy and a shortage of quality content affecting theatrical collections. However, some producers are proving that with the right mix of quality production, audiences will still flock to theatres. One such bold example is the production house 70MM, which recently took a daring step by announcing six new projects simultaneously.

Known for delivering quality entertainers like Bhale Manchi Roju, Anandho Brahma, and Sridevi Soda Center, 70MM continues to uphold its commitment to quality cinema. Producers Vijay Chilla and Shashi Devireddy have officially launched all six films with a grand pooja ceremony, signaling their dedication to bringing unique and engaging stories to the big screen.

The makers emphasize that each project will offer a distinct cinematic experience, catering to diverse audience tastes. Details about the cast and crew for these new ventures will be revealed soon, promising an exciting slate of films ahead.

ఎన్నికల వ్యవస్థను ప్రక్షాళన చేసే దిశగా ఈసీ | Central Election Commission’s Key Decision

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ఎన్నికల వ్యవస్థను ప్రక్షాళన చేసే దిశగా ఈసీ | Central Election Commission’s Key Decision

Varalakshmi Vratham || Varalakshmi Vratham || Manjula Nirupam

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Varalakshmi Vratham || Varalakshmi Vratham || Manjula Nirupam

మా ఇంటి వారాహి వ్రతానికి విచ్చేసిన అమ్మవారులు || Neeli Meghaalaloo || Tamada Media

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మా ఇంటి వారాహి వ్రతానికి విచ్చేసిన అమ్మవారులు || Neeli Meghaalaloo || Tamada Media

OpenAI Rolls Out Huge Bonuses Ahead of GPT-5 Launch

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In a major move just before the launch of GPT-5, OpenAI has announced substantial bonus payouts for around 1,000 employees — roughly one-third of its full-time workforce.

According to The Verge, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman surprised staff with the news via Slack, revealing that researchers and software engineers in applied engineering, scaling, and safety teams will receive quarterly bonuses for the next two years. These can be taken as stock, cash, or a mix of both.

The payouts will vary by role and seniority. Top researchers are set to earn mid-single-digit millions, while engineers will receive hundreds of thousands. Altman cited market dynamics and the growing competition for AI talent as key reasons for the increase.

“As we mentioned a few weeks ago, we have been looking at comp for our technical teams given the movement in the market,” Altman wrote. “We very much intend to keep increasing comp as we keep doing better and better as a company. But we wanted to be transparent about this one since it’s a new thing for us.”

The competition for AI experts has intensified, with tech giants and startups alike offering lucrative incentives. Altman has recently lost several top researchers to Meta, while Elon Musk’s xAI is also aggressively hiring.

Meanwhile, GPT-5 is now available to all users. Plus subscribers get higher usage limits, while Pro subscribers gain access to GPT-5 Pro — an advanced version with extended reasoning for more comprehensive and accurate answers. OpenAI describes GPT-5 as a “unified system” that combines a fast, efficient model for most queries with a deeper reasoning model (GPT-5 Thinking) for complex problems, using a real-time router to determine the best approach.

Harish Shankar–Vijay Deverakonda Film with Sithara on Cards

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For years, it was an open secret in industry circles that director Harish Shankar wasn’t particularly close to Sithara Entertainments. In casual, off-the-record chats, he was even said to have remarked that while he’d gladly work with Haarika & Hassine Creations, Sithara wasn’t on his list.

However, things have changed in recent months. Harish has grown closer to director Trivikram Srinivas, and as a result, Ustaad Bhagat Singh — once moving at a snail’s pace — is now back in full swing.

Now, in an interesting twist, sources reveal that Harish Shankar is gearing up to do a film for Sithara Entertainments. Since Haarika & Hassine Creations handles only Trivikram’s projects, this collaboration will naturally fall under Sithara’s banner. The hero? Vijay Deverakonda.

Vijay currently has two films in the pipeline — one with Mythri Movie Makers that’s about to go on floors, and another with director Ravikiran Kola. It’s still unclear whether Harish will wait for Vijay to wrap up these commitments or opt for a different lead.

Industry insiders, however, insist that the Harish Shankar–Vijay Deverakonda–Sithara combination is almost locked, and that once Ustaad Bhagat Singh wraps, Harish’s next big project will indeed be with Sithara Entertainments.

రష్యా అధ్యక్షుడు పుతిన్ & ట్రంప్ సమావేశం | India Welcomes Meet Between Trump, Putin

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రష్యా అధ్యక్షుడు పుతిన్ & ట్రంప్ సమావేశం | India Welcomes Meet Between Trump, Putin

Super Prime Time : ఓట్ చోరీ.. హోరాహోరీ ! | Rahul Gandhi

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Super Prime Time : ఓట్ చోరీ.. హోరాహోరీ ! | Rahul Gandhi

రాజగోపాల్ రెడ్డి ని పార్టీ హైకమాండ్ ఎలా బుజ్జగించనుంది ? | Bhatti Vikramarka Interview | Cross Fire

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రాజగోపాల్ రెడ్డి ని పార్టీ హైకమాండ్ ఎలా బుజ్జగించనుంది ? | Bhatti Vikramarka Interview | Cross Fire

USCIS Updates CSPA Visa Availability Rules

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The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a significant policy update regarding the calculation of age under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). Effective for requests filed on or after August 15, 2025, USCIS will now determine visa availability based exclusively on the Final Action Dates chart published in the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin. This change aligns USCIS policy with the Department of State, ensuring consistent standards for applicants pursuing adjustment of status and immigrant visas.

Under the revised policy, applicants with pending adjustment of status cases filed before August 15, 2025, will continue to benefit from the prior February 14, 2023, guidance, which allowed the use of the more favorable Dates for Filing chart in some instances. This transitional provision accommodates those who relied on earlier rules.

The CSPA was designed to protect certain unmarried children under 21 from “aging out” due to lengthy visa processing delays. However, the updated policy introduces stricter criteria: children must file for permanent residency within one year of visa availability unless they can demonstrate extraordinary circumstances.

Immigration advocates have raised concerns that this change will disproportionately affect children of high-skilled immigrants from countries with significant visa backlogs, notably India and China. The policy underscores the challenges faced by immigrant families navigating protracted visa queues, where children risk losing legal status despite growing up in the United States.

Harish Shankar and Dil Raju’s SVC Reunite for Pan-India Blockbuster

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Renowned director Harish Shankar and the prestigious production house Sree Venkateswara Creations (SVC), led by Dil Raju and Shirish, are teaming up once again for a highly anticipated Pan-India project. This collaboration, known for delivering commercial blockbusters like Subramanyam for Sale and Duvvada Jagannadam, promises to bring another exciting cinematic experience to audiences across the country.

Having worked with many talented directors over the years, Dil Raju has forged a strong creative partnership with Harish Shankar. The director has often referred to SVC as his “home banner,” reflecting the comfort and trust he shares with the production house. This upcoming project marks a reunion that fans and industry insiders alike have eagerly awaited.

Following the release of Ustad Bhagat Singh starring Pawan Kalyan, Harish Shankar is set to commence pre-production on this ambitious new film. A leading star hero has been roped in to headline the venture, adding to the buzz surrounding the project. Further details will be announced in due course.

Praveen Kandregula Urges Audiences to Watch Paradha Only If Reviews Are Good

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Filmmaker Praveen Kandregula, known for his critically acclaimed works such as Cinema Bandi and Subham, has urged audiences to watch his upcoming female-centric drama Paradha only after checking the reviews. Speaking at the theatrical trailer launch, Kandregula highlighted the challenges faced during the film’s shoot in difficult locales like Leh-Ladakh and emphasized the team’s dedication to delivering a compelling cinematic experience. He encouraged movie lovers to experience Paradha exclusively in theaters without waiting for its OTT release, assuring that the film’s hard-hitting content will resonate widely. Clarifying that Paradha is not an art house film but a properly crafted commercial entertainer, the director’s statement has generated significant buzz ahead of the film’s August 22 release. The film stars Anupama Parameswaran alongside Darshana Rajendran, Sangeetha, and Gautham Menon, and is produced by Sreenivasulu P, Vijay Donkada, and Sridhar Makkuva.

Baahubali: The Epic — A Decade of Cinematic Legend

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A decade ago, Baahubali: The Beginning revolutionized Indian cinema, setting unprecedented standards in scale, storytelling, and visual grandeur within Telugu filmmaking. Under the visionary direction of S.S. Rajamouli, the film not only redefined audience expectations but also laid the foundation for Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, which went on to break box office records and captivate a pan-India audience.

Featuring stellar performances by Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, and Tamannaah Bhatia, the two-part epic transcended conventional boundaries, expanding the reach and influence of Telugu cinema across India and internationally.

In a landmark tribute to this cinematic phenomenon, the creators are set to reintroduce the saga in a never-before-seen format. Both installments have been masterfully re-edited into a single, cohesive narrative titled Baahubali: The Epic, slated for a grand worldwide release on October 31, 2025. This release strategically coincides with Prabhas’ birthday week and marks the film’s 10th anniversary year.

With an approximate runtime of 3 hours and 45 minutes, Baahubali: The Epic offers a refined viewing experience by trimming select scenes and songs, incorporating unseen footage, and weaving the story into one seamless, immersive journey — celebrating the legacy of a magnum opus that reshaped Indian cinema.

9 PM | ETV Telugu News | 9th August “2025

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9 PM | ETV Telugu News | 9th August “2025

Telugu Film Federation Proposes Phased Wage Hike Amid Strike

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The recent strike by the Telugu Film Federation, demanding a 30 percent increase in wages and allowances, brought the Telugu film industry to a sudden halt, highlighting the growing tensions between workers and producers. While some producers argued that film workers already receive higher compensation compared to other sectors and opposed the strike, many acknowledged that the lack of a pay raise for the past three years justified the workers’ demands, though a 30 percent hike in a single phase was considered challenging.

In response, senior members of the Telugu Film Chamber engaged in discussions with worker representatives and proposed a phased wage increase as a compromise. According to senior producer Damodar Prasad, the agreed plan offers a 15 percent wage hike this year for workers earning ₹2,000 per day, followed by 5 percent increases over the next two years. For those earning ₹1,000 daily, the chamber proposed a 20 percent hike initially, with a 5 percent increase in the third year and no change in the second year. To protect low-budget film productions, wages for workers on such projects will remain unchanged.

This proposal is contingent upon the workers’ agreement, with the final resolution depending on mutual consent between both parties. The phased approach aims to balance fair compensation for film workers while ensuring the sustainability of film production across various budget levels.

Malaika Arora Shines Bright at Gaurav Gupta’s Bridal Contour Launch

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Malaika Arora undeniably stole the spotlight at the launch of Gaurav Gupta’s Bridal Contour Collection, proving once again why she remains an iconic presence in the fashion and entertainment world. Amid a crowd of young actresses, it was the 50+ diva who truly commanded attention with her impeccable style and confidence.

Draped in a breathtaking white cutout gown, Malaika showcased her commitment to fitness and wellness through her toned and curvaceous silhouette. The ensemble perfectly accentuated her figure, complementing her poised demeanor and effortless grace. Her high bun hairstyle paired with bold black mascara further enhanced her striking look, as she confidently owned the runway like a seasoned queen. Her radiant smile and charismatic presence captivated both the audience and photographers alike, turning heads at every corner.

Since her last on-screen appearance in the 2022 reality show Moving in With Malaika, which featured her sister Amrita Arora and celebrities like Nora Fatehi, Malaika has shifted her focus from acting to modeling and brand endorsements. This recent event only reaffirms her enduring relevance and dominance in the fashion industry, highlighting that Malaika Arora continues to set trends and inspire at every stage of her career.

Disco Shanthi Makes a Comeback with Supernatural Thriller Bullet

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Veteran South Indian actress and renowned dancer Disco Shanthi, known for her iconic glamorous dance performances across more than 900 films in multiple languages, is making a much-anticipated return to the silver screen after nearly 28 years. Her comeback project, the supernatural thriller Bullet (Telugu title: Bullettu Bandi), directed by Innasi Pandiyan, features leading stars Raghava Lawrence and Elviin. In this film, Disco Shanthi portrays a soothsayer, adding a captivating and mysterious dimension to the narrative. Her striking first look has already generated significant buzz on social media, sparking excitement among longtime fans and intrigue among newer audiences. Reflecting on her return, Disco Shanthi described the experience as both exhilarating and challenging, highlighting the unique emotions of stepping back onto a film set after decades. This comeback not only reaffirms her enduring legacy in South Indian cinema but also introduces her timeless talent to a new generation of moviegoers.

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Chiranjeevi Denies Meeting Unions, Condemns Rumors Amid Telugu Film Industry Strike

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Megastar Chiranjeevi has firmly addressed recent rumors surrounding the ongoing labor unrest in the Telugu Film Industry. With employee unions announcing a strike demanding a 30% salary hike, tensions have risen as the Film Chamber has refused to hold discussions due to the unions’ unilateral decision to strike.

Speculation had circulated that Chiranjeevi had met with representatives from the Film Federation and the unions, allegedly assuring them that the wage hike demands would be met and that he would resume shooting soon. However, the Megastar took to X to categorically deny these claims, stating, “It has come to my attention that some individuals claiming to be members of the Film Federation have gone to media falsely claiming that I have met them and given an assurance that their demands regarding 30% wage hike etc., shall be met and that I will be starting shooting very soon.”

He clarified that he has not met anyone from the federation and emphasized that resolving industry-wide issues requires collective dialogue through the Film Chamber, which is the apex body of the Telugu Film Industry. “No individual including me can give any unilateral assurances to solve any problem one way or the other,” he added.

Expressing concern over the spread of these baseless and misleading rumors, Chiranjeevi condemned such claims as attempts to sow confusion among stakeholders. He assured that he will engage with both parties soon but urged all involved to refrain from circulating false information that could derail the negotiation process.

Mahesh Babu turns 50.. Chiranjeevi Wishes to Mahesh Babu

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Mahesh Babu turns 50.. Chiranjeevi Wishes to Mahesh Babu

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