Two Visakhapatnam Doctors Arrested in Srishti Case
Mayasabha – Rise of the Titans – TV series
Mayasabha – The Rise of Titans is a bold political drama web series from director Deva Katta, loosely inspired by prominent Andhra Pradesh political figures, namely Chandrababu Naidu and YS Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR). Though fictionalized, the influence of these real-life leaders is undeniable.
This style of storytelling isn’t unprecedented—Ram Gopal Varma’s Bejawada Rowdeelu and Vangaveeti explored similar themes. In Mayasabha, however, Deva Katta and co-director Kiran Jayakumar inject more creative liberty, including romantic subplots and character quirks, such as a stammer, to dramatize the personalities they mirror.
The series opens with a gripping scene at Ashram Hotel (a symbolic nod to the Viceroy Hotel) and introduces characters that strongly resemble known figures:
RCR (loosely based on NTR)
KKN (played by Aadhi Pinisetty, hinting at CBN)
MSR (played by Chaitanya Rao, reflecting YSR)
The narrative follows the evolving relationship between KKN and MSR, tracing their political journey and ideological bond. The fictional framework is layered with references that politically aware viewers will easily recognize—like KCR-resembling characters and allusions to Vangaveeti Ranga and Paritala Ravi.
Strengths:
Performances: Aadhi Pinisetty and Chaitanya Rao deliver convincing portrayals, capturing the essence of the real-life figures they resemble. Supporting performances by Divya Dutta, Nassar, and Sai Kumar are commendable.
Screenplay and Direction: Deva Katta’s writing stands out with tight dialogues and compelling political drama.
Cinematography: Visually sharp with impactful framing and scene composition.
Weaknesses:
Music: The background score lacks the emotional resonance needed to amplify key scenes.
Narrative Stretch: Certain scenes, such as a character resembling CBN orchestrating a marriage alliance for political entry, strain believability and feel out of place.
Unanswered Questions That Linger:
Why depict the YSR-inspired character as a staunch admirer of NTR?
Why include derogatory remarks from one character’s kin, seemingly undermining their own background?
Who inspired the dancer character, and what purpose does the elopement plot serve?
These elements create a disconnect at times, especially when weighed against the otherwise serious tone of the show.
Final Verdict:
Mayasabha is a politically charged fictional series that thrives on parallels with Andhra Pradesh’s real political history. It may confuse those unfamiliar with the context but will resonate with viewers who understand the nuanced power dynamics between the Kamma and Reddy communities. While strong in writing and performances, the series falters in coherence and subtlety.
Bottom Line: A politically provocative fictional tale that walks a fine line between homage and dramatization—engaging, yet uneven.
Mythological ₹400 Cr Film Turns Animated with ₹35 Cr Budget
In a surprising and strategic move, a highly anticipated mythological film — initially planned as a ₹400 crore live-action spectacle — is now being developed as an animated feature. The decision comes after the makers viewed the success of Mahavatar Narasimha, which reportedly impressed with its animation-driven storytelling.
Originally envisioned as a massive live-action project with a star-studded cast, the producers have shifted gears, opting for a more focused ₹35 crore animated version. This move eliminates the challenges of coordinating star actors, high remuneration costs, and the logistical complexities of large-scale shoots.
The producers shared their reasoning: even with the biggest stars, if the visual effects fail to deliver, audiences are left disappointed. Rather than pour hundreds of crores into VFX trying to achieve photorealism, the team believes that animation allows for greater creative freedom while staying true to the mythological narrative.
This shift is being seen as a turning point for Indian cinema, especially in the mythological genre. It signals a potential future where animation competes with live-action blockbusters, and storytelling takes precedence over star power.
With top actors demanding skyrocketing salaries, producers have often found themselves under financial pressure. Now, with the focus turning to strong writing, skilled direction, and high-quality animation, the balance of power may tilt toward creators and studios instead of just star actors.
If successful, this move could pave the way for more big-budget animated films in India — especially in genres like mythology, where imagination and scale are key. The industry will be watching closely.
Mrunal Thakur Joins ₹5 Crore Club with Pan-India Stardom
Mrunal Thakur’s journey from television to becoming one of the highest-paid actresses in Indian cinema is a testament to her talent, strategic choices, and ever-growing pan-India appeal.
She began her career with popular TV serials, quickly becoming a familiar face in Indian households. Her big leap into films came in 2019 with Super 30, where she starred opposite Hrithik Roshan. Although her fee for the film was under ₹1 crore, her performance made a lasting impression in Bollywood.
However, it was the 2022 Telugu blockbuster Sita Ramam that proved to be the turning point in her career. The film not only introduced her to South Indian audiences but also positioned her as a true pan-India star. Since then, her demand has soared across industries.
According to industry insiders, Mrunal has now been offered a whopping ₹5 crore to headline Son of Sardaar 2. This isn’t just a significant pay hike — it’s a clear signal of the trust filmmakers place in her ability to draw audiences. Notably, she is reportedly being paid more than the male leads in the film, highlighting her strong box office pull.
Mrunal’s success is no accident. She has masterfully balanced commercial entertainers with content-driven roles, earning praise from both critics and audiences alike. This blend of mass appeal and acting credibility has made her a top choice for filmmakers and brand endorsements.
Her digital presence also plays a big role in her rising popularity. By sharing candid glimpses of her life, Mrunal has built a strong bond with fans, further strengthening her star power.
With smart film choices, massive fan following, and growing industry confidence, Mrunal Thakur is well on her way to securing her place among the top-tier actresses in Indian cinema.
Anushka Shetty’s Ghaati Trailer Sparks Body Image Debate
Anushka Shetty, one of the few actresses in South Indian cinema who commands stardom on par with leading heroes, has always impressed audiences with her powerful performances and bold choices. From Arundhati to Baahubali, she carved a niche for herself with roles that showcased her talent and versatility.
However, in recent years, Anushka has been away from the spotlight. Her upcoming film, Ghaati, is set for a grand release, and with the trailer now out, fresh criticism has surfaced—particularly about her appearance. Ironically, Anushka was once a professional yoga trainer and known for her disciplined fitness lifestyle.
Her commitment to roles has often demanded physical transformations. A notable example is Size Zero, where she gained weight naturally for the character. While the performance earned her appreciation, it also brought long-term challenges. Despite following a strict fitness regimen, Anushka has reportedly found it difficult to return to her earlier physique.
After Baahubali, she appeared in Bhaagamathiee and Miss Shetty & Mr. Polishetty. Reports suggested that CGI was used in both films to make her appear slimmer in certain shots. This move sparked mixed reactions from audiences, and some believe it’s one reason why Anushka has avoided public events, including the Baahubali 10-year celebration.
Now, with Ghaati, similar concerns are being raised. Certain scenes in the trailer seem to use visual effects to alter her appearance, and fans have expressed disappointment. While the final judgment awaits the film’s release, it has once again opened up discussions around body image, expectations from actresses, and the pressures of maintaining public perception in the film industry.
Despite these challenges, Anushka remains a respected and beloved figure, and many are eagerly waiting to see what Ghaati brings to the table.
Nara Lokesh’s Viral Saree Story Boosts Mangalagiri Weavers
On the occasion of National Handloom Day, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh shared a heartfelt story that shed light on the incredible talent of Mangalagiri’s weavers and their impact on the local economy.
Speaking at an event in his Mangalagiri constituency, Lokesh recounted how a simple, unplanned moment made a big difference for the handloom industry. He revealed that his wife, Brahmani, once wore a Mangalagiri handloom saree, and a photo of her in that saree went viral on social media. As a result, over 100 people visited the same shop to buy that exact saree, significantly benefiting the local weaver.
“This one photo, though never intended as a promotion, ended up shining a spotlight on the incredible work of our weavers,” Lokesh said. “It’s proof that even small gestures can make a big difference in the lives of local artisans.”
Lokesh emphasized that his mission as an MLA is to enhance the income and visibility of handloom workers. He noted that beyond this viral moment, continuous efforts are being made to support the handloom community and other traditional professions like goldsmithing in the region.
His comments are being appreciated as a clever and genuine move to connect with the people of his constituency while uplifting local talent and heritage industries.
వేతనాల పెంపు తక్కువ కాదు – బన్నీ వాస్ స్పందన
టాలీవుడ్లో ప్రస్తుతం కొనసాగుతున్న కార్మికుల సమ్మెపై వివాదం ముదురుతోంది. వేతనాల్లో 30 శాతం పెంచాలని డిమాండ్ చేస్తూ ఫిల్మ్ ఫెడరేషన్ బంద్కు పిలుపునిచ్చింది. దీంతో షూటింగ్స్ నిలిచిపోయాయి. అయితే నిర్మాతలు మాత్రం వెనక్కి తగ్గకుండా ముందడుగు వేస్తున్నారు. తెలుగు ఫిల్మ్ ప్రొడ్యూసర్స్ గిల్డ్ ప్రతిభ కలిగిన వ్యక్తులు దరఖాస్తు చేసుకోవాలని ప్రకటించడంతో వివాదం మరింత పెరిగింది. ఈ నేపథ్యంలో నిర్మాత బన్నీ వాస్ స్పందించారు.
మీడియా ప్రశ్నలకు బన్నీ వాస్ స్పందిస్తూ, “నాకు ఎవరిపట్లా పక్షపాతం లేదు. నేను న్యూట్రల్. మూడు సంవత్సరాల తర్వాత వేతనాల్లో పెంపు అవసరం అని నాకు తెలుసు. కానీ ఇప్పుడు అడుగుతున్న 30 శాతం పెంపు అనేది బాగా ఎక్కువగా ఉంది. నిర్మాతలు బ్యాలెన్స్ చేయాలనే అడుగుతున్నారు, పెంపుకు వ్యతిరేకం కాదు” అన్నారు.
అలానే, “ఇప్పుడు 30 శాతం పెంచితే, మూడేళ్ల తర్వాత అది 50 శాతంగా మారుతుంది. అప్పుడు మళ్లీ పెంచాలి అనుకోవడం లాజిక్క్ కాదని నిర్మాతలు అంటున్నారు” అని వివరించారు.
తెలుగు టెక్నీషియన్స్పై చేసిన కామెంట్స్ గురించి మాట్లాడుతూ, “తెలుగు సినిమా ఇప్పుడు ఇంటర్నేషనల్ లెవెల్కు వెళ్లింది అనే మాట వాస్తవమే. కానీ ఆ స్థాయిలో వచ్చిన సినిమాలు 10-12 మాత్రమే. ఆ సినిమాల ఆధారంగా మొత్తం ఇండస్ట్రీని అంచనా వేయడం తప్పు” అన్నారు.
“ఆ పది చిత్రాల టైమ్లో రెండు మూడు వందల చిన్న సినిమాలు వచ్చాయి. కేవలం ఆ పది సినిమాల వల్లే ఇండస్ట్రీ పెద్దదైపోయిందనుకోవడం పొరపాటు. ఒక చిన్న సినిమా తీయాలంటేనే 10-12 కోట్ల ఖర్చు అవుతోంది. అన్ని ఖర్చులు పెరిగిపోయాయి” అని పేర్కొన్నారు.
చిన్న, మిడ్ రేంజ్ సినిమాల పరిస్థితిపై మాట్లాడుతూ, “ఇప్పుడున్న పరిస్థితుల్లో చిన్న సినిమాలు లాభాలు ఇవ్వడం లేదు. ఒక నిర్మాత ఎప్పటికీ ఎక్స్ట్రార్డినరీ సినిమాలు తీయలేడు. థియేటర్స్కు జనాలు రావడంలేదు. హైదరాబాద్లో ఓ ఇంట్లో షూట్ చేయాలంటే రోజుకు రూ. 60-70 వేల వరకు రెంటల్ అవుతోంది” అన్నారు.
తెలుగు టెక్నీషియన్స్ స్కిల్స్పై ఆయన అభిప్రాయం ఇలా ఉంది:
“మన టెక్నీషియన్స్ 100% స్కిల్స్ అప్డేట్ చేసుకోవాలి. ఇంటర్నేషనల్ లెవెల్ సినిమాలు తీయాలంటే మన టెక్నీషియన్స్ ఆ స్థాయికి తగిన స్కిల్స్ కలిగి ఉండాలి. లేదంటే బయటి టెక్నీషియన్స్ తీసుకురావాల్సి వస్తుంది. అది నిర్మాతలపై భారీ బరువు” అని బన్నీ వాస్ స్పష్టం చేశారు.
Vijay Sethupathi Launches Premistunna Song “Evare Nuvvu”
Premistunna, an upcoming Telugu romantic drama, is generating buzz with its soulful music and promising cast. Directed by Bhanu and produced by Kanakadurga Rao Pappula under the guidance of Varalakshmi Pappula, the film stars Satwik Varma and Preeti Neha in the lead roles.
After the first song Arere received an impressive response and crossed over a million views on YouTube, the makers have now unveiled the second single, Evare Nuvvu. Adding a special touch to the release, National Award-winning actor Vijay Sethupathi launched the song—marking the first time he has unveiled a Telugu movie song.
Vijay Sethupathi praised the team and wished them success, expressing his admiration for the film’s story. He noted that Premistunna promises to be a beautiful love story, a genre that audiences have been missing for some time.
Evare Nuvvu features lyrics by Poorna Chandra and a soulful composition by Siddharth Salur. With its emotionally rich tune, the song is already striking a chord with listeners.
Speaking at the event, director Bhanu shared his excitement:
“Having Vijay Sethupathi release our second song Evare Nuvvu is a proud and joyful moment for the entire team. His encouragement, after learning about our story, is deeply motivating. Premistunna is a heartfelt love story told through music and emotion.”
The film is being shaped as a musical love story, supported by a strong technical team—Bhaskar Shyamala as the cinematographer, Anil Kumar Achu Gatla penning impactful dialogues, Sirish Prasad handling editing duties, and Marri Ravikumar managing production.
With growing anticipation and melodious tracks striking the right notes, Premistunna is set to be a romantic treat for Telugu cinema lovers.
Balakrishna Eyes Four Films a Year
Tollywood icon and Hindupur MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna is currently at the peak of his career—both in politics and cinema. Fresh off his third consecutive victory as an MLA, Balakrishna is thriving professionally, balancing roles as an actor, talk show host, and brand ambassador.
Adding to this success, his daughter Tejaswini has become actively involved in his film career, stepping in as a co-producer and presenter for his recent projects.
Despite already commanding a massive remuneration—reportedly over ₹40 crore per film—Balakrishna feels he can push the envelope further. Until a few years ago, his fee was around ₹10 crore per project, but in recent times, it has soared with his increasing popularity and consistent box office appeal.
In a recent meeting with producers, Balakrishna surprised everyone by expressing his desire to act in four films a year—a major jump from his current pace of one film annually. If producers meet his terms, this could translate to an annual acting income of ₹160 crore.
However, this is a tall order even by industry standards. Many top stars, including actors like Nani who once managed two releases a year, are now focusing on just one due to time constraints and the growing complexity of film production.
Whether Balakrishna’s ambitious plan becomes a reality remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the veteran star has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
