ధర్మస్థల సామూహిక ఖననం కేసు | Dharmasthala Mass Burial Case | Skeleton Found at 6th site
Swecha Standuu Song from Mithra Mandali Released
The makers of Mithra Mandali have released the film’s second single, Swecha Standuu, following the tremendous response to the teaser and the first track Kattanduko Janaki.
Composed by RR Dhruvan, with lyrics by Dhruvan and director Vijayendar S, Swecha Standuu is a quirky and fun-filled proposal song that experiments with broken-English expressions and playful storytelling. The song carries a vibe similar to Kolaveri Di, with its energetic and offbeat style.
Sung by Dhanunjay Seepana and RR Dhruvan, the track has a youthful and relatable tone, perfectly aimed at Gen Z listeners.
Produced under BV Works by Bunny Vas in association with Sapta Aswa Media Works and Vyra Entertainments, Mithra Mandali features Priyadarshi, Niharika NM, Vishnu Oi, Rag Mayur, Prasad Behara, along with Vennela Kishore, Satya, and VTV Ganesh.
The film is backed by strong technical work, with RR Dhruvan handling music, Siddharth SJ on cinematography, Peekay on editing, Gandhi Nadikudikar leading production design, and Shilpa Tanguturu managing costumes.
With two catchy songs and a promising teaser already making waves, Mithra Mandali promises a fresh, humorous, and entertaining cinematic experience.
Produced by Kalyan Manthina, Bhanu Pratapa, and Dr. Vijender Reddy Teegala, with Somaraju Penmetsa as co-producer and Rajeev Kumar Rama as executive producer, the film continues to build strong buzz ahead of its release.
Animal Wins Multiple Awards at 71st National Film Awards
The winners of the 71st National Film Awards, honoring the finest films of 2023, have been announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at a press conference in New Delhi.
The awards, which recognize films certified by the censor board between January 1 and December 31, 2023, highlighted several standout contributions in the Feature Films category.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal earned multiple honors. The film received a Special Mention for Re-Recording Mixer, awarded to M R Rajakrishnan for his exceptional sound mixing work in Hindi.
In addition, Animal bagged the Best Background Music Award, credited to Harshavardhan Rameshwar, and the Best Sound Design Award, which went to Sachin Sudhakaran and Hariharan Muralidharan for their outstanding technical expertise.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for creating the cult classic Arjun Reddy (2017) and its Hindi remake Kabir Singh (2019), has once again been recognized for his impactful cinematic vision and technical brilliance with Animal.
India Expands Consular Services in US from August 2025
In a major diplomatic move, India is set to expand its consular services across the United States beginning August 1, 2025. Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Vinay Kwatra, announced the launch of eight new Indian Consular Application Centers in Boston, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Addison, Orlando, Raleigh, and San Jose.
The announcement was shared through a video message posted by the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “Here is a message from Ambassador Vinay Kwatra about this expansion and the positive changes it will bring to our service delivery,” the embassy captioned.
Kwatra highlighted that this expansion will significantly improve India’s ability to provide timely and accessible consular services to the rapidly growing Indian diaspora in the U.S. “This will enhance our outreach and strengthen our delivery capabilities,” he said.
A key change includes all Indian Consular Application Centers operating on Saturdays, offering greater convenience for students and working professionals. Kwatra also referred to the upcoming opening of two full-fledged Indian consulates in Boston and Los Angeles, aimed at strengthening India–U.S. ties and deepening community engagement in major cities. He urged the Indian community to regularly check the embassy website for updates on services and rollout schedules.
As per India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the United States is home to nearly 5.4 million people of Indian origin, including around 2.07 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), making them the third-largest Asian ethnic group in the country.
In a reciprocal step, the United States has also opened its fifth consulate in India, located in Bengaluru, further boosting bilateral engagement between the two nations.
Nagababu Prioritizes Alliance Unity Over Personal Ambitions
Jana Sena MLC Nagababu has clarified that he was the first to step aside in the interest of maintaining alliance unity. Speaking at a party meeting in Anakapalli district, he explained that he withdrew his nomination for the Anakapalli MP seat immediately after party chief Pawan Kalyan directed him to do so. Nagababu emphasized that respecting coalition dharma is more important than personal ambition and urged leaders and workers of Jana Sena, TDP, and BJP to prioritize unity over disagreements.
Nagababu criticized those creating unnecessary confusion by talking about seat-sharing and conspiracies within the coalition. He said these distractions must be countered strongly. Highlighting the importance of North Andhra, he said the region is no longer backward and needs to be developed socially, economically, technically, and politically under the new government. He expressed his willingness to work for the growth of this region.
He revealed that Pawan Kalyan is personally reviewing all party committee appointments from the state to the village level. Nagababu also strongly attacked the previous YSRCP government, calling it corrupt from liquor to land deals. He noted that he had started his campaign in Anakapalli when his name was announced for the MP seat, but after the alliance gave that seat to the BJP, he immediately stepped aside and chose to focus his efforts on Pithapuram, where Pawan Kalyan contested and won.
Expressing his admiration for North Andhra, Nagababu announced plans to open a Jana Sena office in the region soon. He added that he will work closely with Anakapalli MLA Konathala Ramakrishna and other senior leaders to advance development initiatives. He pointed out that within just one year, the NDA government has accomplished projects such as ₹350 crore worth of new roads covering 200 villages in agency areas like Araku and Paderu—projects that the YSRCP failed to achieve in five years.
Reflecting on past tensions, Nagababu acknowledged that some of his earlier comments—suggesting that Pawan Kalyan’s Pithapuram win was purely due to Jana Sena efforts—had upset TDP workers and caused friction in the alliance. However, the matter was resolved after Chandrababu Naidu assured that Nagababu would be given a role in the cabinet in the future.
Nagababu concluded by reiterating that his actions speak louder than words: he has placed the alliance above personal aspirations and will continue to support its unity, while being mindful that his statements should also reflect that commitment.
Bengaluru Couple Gets 90-Day France Visa in 4 Days
A Bengaluru-based couple recently shared their successful France Schengen visa experience on Reddit, sparking interest among fellow Indian travellers. Their application, processed through VFS Global in July 2025, resulted in a 90-day multiple-entry visa—delivered just four working days after their biometric appointment.
According to the original Reddit post on r/SchengenVisa, the couple had applied with a 16-day itinerary but were pleasantly surprised to receive an extended 90-day visa. The swift turnaround was attributed to meticulous documentation, a strategic approach in the application process, and a comprehensive cover letter detailing funding and travel plans.
Inside Their Application: Key Documentation and Tips
The couple submitted a group application, including the following documents for both applicants:
Day-wise travel itinerary
Round-trip flight bookings
Accommodation bookings (under one name, annotated for both)
Travel insurance for the full duration
Employment verification letters
Marriage certificate and wedding photographs (to support the family application)
Financial documents such as salary slips, ITRs, mutual fund statements, and home loan records were included solely in the sponsoring partner’s file. The spouse’s application contained a formal sponsorship letter confirming that the trip would be fully funded by the partner.
The couple also shared practical tips that may benefit future applicants:
Use black-and-white printouts (colour is not necessary)
Highlight key information such as passport numbers and bank balances
Always opt for a multiple-entry visa, even for shorter trips
Use dummy bookings, but ensure they remain valid and verifiable during processing
A fellow Redditor added a word of caution: “They do check PNR and hotel booking statuses. Maybe randomly, but they do.”
“Spain and France Are Faster”: Community Insights
The post prompted responses from other Indian applicants who had recently obtained Schengen visas. One user reported receiving a France business visa within just three working days. Another, who applied for a 35-day Germany visa for himself and his wife, noted approval within a week.
The original poster’s itinerary included stays in Paris (6 nights), Amsterdam (5 nights), and Munich (5 nights). While multi-country itineraries are acceptable, they advised others to consider limiting their trip to one or two countries for simplicity during the visa process, stating: “You can always modify your travel plans later—just ensure your main destination remains the same.”
Hanu-Man Wins Big at National Film Awards
Hanu-Man, the unexpected pan-India blockbuster starring Teja Sajja, has added yet another feather to its cap by winning two prestigious National Film Awards. Directed by Prasanth Varma and produced by K. Niranjan Reddy under PrimeShow Entertainment, the film became a massive hit across the country.
Praised for its innovative blend of Indian mythology and superhero storytelling, Hanu-Man has been recognized in two categories: Best Action Direction (awarded to Naidu & Prudhvi) and Best AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics), acknowledging the film’s groundbreaking visual effects and top-notch technical standards.
More than just a box-office success, Hanu-Man has become a cultural milestone—showing how imagination, devotion, and bold filmmaking can transform an underdog project into a national sensation. For Teja Sajja, it has also cemented his position as a rising new-age hero in Indian cinema.
Following this success, the actor is now gearing up for another superhero film titled Mirai.
Sukrithi Veni Wins National Award for Gandhi Thaatha Chettu
At the recently announced 71st National Film Awards on August 1, Telugu cinema once again shone on the national stage. Young talent Sukrithi Veni Bandreddy bagged the Best Child Artist award for her impressive performance in the film Gandhi Thaatha Chettu.
The film, directed by Padmavathi Malladi and presented by Tabitha Sukumar under the banners of Sukumar Writings, Mythri Movie Makers, and Gopi Talkies, has earned national recognition for its heartwarming storyline.
Gandhi Thaatha Chettu is an emotional tale about the special bond between a granddaughter and her grandfather, centered around her efforts to save a tree that holds deep sentimental value. Through this simple yet powerful narrative, the movie emphasizes the importance of trees and intergenerational relationships.
Sukrithi Veni’s natural and endearing performance as the little girl became one of the film’s highlights, making a strong impact on audiences and jury members alike. Winning a National Award with her debut performance is a remarkable achievement, and the Telugu film industry has been celebrating her success and talent, proud to see such young talent rise to prominence on a national platform.
ప్రశాంత్ వర్మ ప్రాజెక్టులపై అనిశ్చితి
ప్రశాంత్ వర్మ కెరీర్ మొదలైనప్పటి నుండి ప్రతీ సినిమాతో కొత్త కాన్సెప్ట్లను ప్రేక్షకులకు అందిస్తూ వస్తున్నారు. గత సంవత్సరం విడుదలైన హనుమాన్ సినిమాతో ఇండస్ట్రీ హిట్ అందుకున్న ఆయన, సీక్వెల్గా జై హనుమాన్ను ప్రకటించారు. 2025లో రిలీజ్ అని అనౌన్స్ చేసినప్పటికీ, ఇప్పటివరకు షూటింగ్ మొదలుకాకపోవడంతో ఈ ప్రాజెక్ట్పై అనుమానాలు వ్యక్తమవుతున్నాయి.
ఈ చిత్రానికి సరైన కాస్టింగ్ కోసం చాలా సమయం తీసుకున్న ప్రశాంత్ వర్మ, చివరికి కాంతారా ఫేమ్ రిషబ్ శెట్టిని హీరోగా ఫైనల్ చేశారు. ఫస్ట్ లుక్ వీడియో విడుదల చేసిన తర్వాత ఎటువంటి అప్డేట్ రాకపోవడంతో ఈ సినిమా భవిష్యత్పై ప్రశ్నలు తలెత్తుతున్నాయి.
ఇక రిషబ్ శెట్టి ప్రస్తుతం వరుస ప్రాజెక్టులతో బిజీగా ఉన్నారు. కాంతారా ప్రీక్వెల్తో పాటు, ఛత్రపతి శివాజీ కథ ఆధారంగా ఒక చిత్రం, అలాగే సితార బ్యానర్లో ఒక పీరియాడిక్ డ్రామా చేస్తున్నారు. ఈ షెడ్యూల్ల మధ్య జై హనుమాన్కు డేట్స్ ఇస్తారా లేదా అన్న సందేహం ఉంది.
ఇదివరకు మహాకాళి పేరుతో రణవీర్ సింగ్తో ప్లాన్ చేసిన సినిమా, నందమూరి మోక్షజ్ఞతో ప్రకటించిన ప్రాజెక్ట్ కూడా జరగలేదు. ఈ తరహా అనిశ్చితి కారణంగా ప్రశాంత్ వర్మ ప్రాజెక్టులపై క్లారిటీ లేకపోవడం గమనార్హం.
డైరెక్టర్గా టాలెంట్ ఉన్నప్పటికీ, ప్రాజెక్ట్ ప్లానింగ్లో ఇలా ఆలస్యం చేస్తే కెరీర్కి రిస్క్ అవుతుందని సినీ వర్గాలు సూచిస్తున్నాయి. ప్రస్తుతం ప్రశాంత్ వర్మ ఏ ప్రాజెక్ట్పై పని చేస్తున్నారు, ఆయన నెక్ట్స్ స్టెప్ ఏంటన్నది చూడాలి.
Taapsee Pannu on Choosing the Tough Path in Cinema
Taapsee Pannu, who celebrated her birthday on Friday, reflected on her career choices and why she often chooses the tougher path in the film industry.
After over 13 years in Hindi cinema, Taapsee admits she’s now in a quieter phase, carefully choosing projects that excite her. “I’ve been reading a lot of scripts lately, but most of them feel similar to what I’ve already done. Over the years, I’ve explored so many characters and genres that finding something truly new has become challenging. These days, it takes a lot more filtering,” she explains.
She points out that trends like spy thrillers, which are currently popular, don’t appeal to her anymore. “I did films like Baby and Naam Shabana almost a decade ago. Just because the industry has woken up to that genre now doesn’t mean I should repeat myself. I’ve already experienced that space and moved forward,” she adds.
Talking about the film that changed everything for her, Taapsee says, “Pink was a turning point in my career. I knew the story was special when I heard the script, but I didn’t expect it to become so revolutionary. At that time, I didn’t even know Amitabh Bachchan sir was going to be a part of it. After Pink, the industry began to see me differently. I became one of the few actresses who could confidently lead a project. The scripts I get now are driven by strong female characters and are no longer tiny-budget films. Producers know what kind of cinema I stand for. I’m also happy that there are now more actresses who can carry a film on their shoulders without relying on a big male star.”
While this recognition is empowering, Taapsee admits it comes with a heavy price. “It’s a stressful responsibility. There’s enormous pressure, a lot of judgment, and very little credit. You’re often criticised more than appreciated for taking that position. Even today, I see people in the industry who believe a lead actress shouldn’t be in the driver’s seat of a film.”
When asked if it bothers her to not be counted among the so-called “commercial queens,” she calmly responds, “I’ve stopped worrying about what others expect from me. My focus is on work that excites me and allows me to take creative risks. I want audiences to see the kind of chances I take. Yes, I’ve chosen a difficult road—it doesn’t bring easy appreciation—but I’m not here for short-term wins. I’m in this for the long run.”
71st National Film Awards: 12th Fail, Jawan and Mrs. Chatterjee Shine
The 71st National Film Awards celebrated the year’s most powerful performances and meaningful stories, shining a spotlight on films that deeply resonated with audiences through emotion and real-life struggles.
The Best Film honour went to 12th Fail, a heartfelt story of a young boy from a poor background who overcomes immense odds to become an IPS officer. With its core message of honesty, perseverance, and never giving up, the film has inspired countless viewers across the country.
In the acting category, Shah Rukh Khan was awarded Best Actor for Jawan, where he played a common man taking a bold stand against corruption—a performance that was intense, emotional, and a refreshing departure from his usual roles. Sharing the honour with him was Vikrant Massey for his exceptional portrayal in 12th Fail. His moving performance of a young man struggling through hardships to crack a competitive exam touched millions of hearts.
Rani Mukerji took home the Best Actress award for Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway. Based on a true story, the film showcased her as a determined mother fighting a foreign government to reclaim her children. Her performance was a blend of raw pain, resilience, and courage, and stood out as one of the year’s most compelling acts.
This year’s National Awards once again highlighted that strong writing, authentic emotions, and powerful storytelling remain at the core of great cinema.
