High Tension in Tadipatri : తాడిపత్రిలో టెన్షన్ వాతావరణం
Amitabh Bachchan Celebrates Abhishek’s 25 Years in Films
New Delhi: Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan has proudly celebrated a major milestone in his son Abhishek Bachchan’s career, as he completes 25 years in the film industry this June. Abhishek made his acting debut on June 30, 2000, with the film Refugee, directed by J.P. Dutta, where he starred opposite Kareena Kapoor Khan. He portrayed a nameless Indian Muslim who helps refugees cross the India-Pakistan border through the Great Rann of Kutch — a performance that marked the beginning of a diverse acting journey.
Marking the occasion, Amitabh responded to a fan-made video on social media platform X, which showcased various characters played by Abhishek over the years. In his heartfelt reply, the legendary actor wrote in Hindi,
“Is variety ko main pranam karta hoon, aur apne putra ki sarahna karta hoon. Jee haan, pita hoon main uska, aur mere liye mera putra Abhishek sarahna karne yogya hai.”
(“I bow to this variety and I praise my son. Yes, I am his father, and to me, my son Abhishek is worthy of praise.”)
Earlier this month, Amitabh also penned an emotional note on his personal blog, appreciating Abhishek’s commitment to choosing challenging and unconventional roles. He wrote,
“Each role he has accepted and played has been with immense dedication… He has always delivered the character to perfection. His choice of films and roles has given him the opportunity to explore different dimensions.”
Abhishek’s latest release is Housefull 5, the newest installment of the popular comedy franchise. The film, which released on June 6, features an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez, Nargis Fakhri, and Sonam Bajwa. It continues to draw audiences in theatres.
With a filmography that spans genres — from intense dramas to light-hearted comedies — Abhishek Bachchan has carved his own niche in the industry. And with the unwavering support of his legendary father, his journey is one that continues to inspire.
Meghalu Cheppina Prema Katha Set for Monsoon Release
Meghalu Cheppina Prema Katha, starring Naresh Agastya and Rubiya Khatoon in the lead roles, is creating a positive buzz ahead of its release. With veteran actors like Radhika Sarathkumar, Aamani, and Suman playing key roles, the film promises an emotional and heartwarming experience.
After impressing audiences with its teasers, the makers have now locked the release date — the film is set to hit theatres on 17th July, perfectly timed for the monsoon season. Described as a breezy, feel-good romantic tale, the movie is expected to connect well with both young and mature audiences alike.
Directed by Vipin and produced by Uma Devi Kota, Meghalu Cheppina Prema Katha offers a fresh musical take on modern love stories. The team is confident that the chemistry between Naresh Agastya and Rubiya Khatoon will leave a lasting impression. Naresh, known for his standout performances in Mathu Vadalara and the Vikatakavi series, is all set to charm audiences once again with this romantic outing.
With a blend of seasoned performers, a soulful soundtrack, and a relatable storyline, the film aims to be a refreshing cinematic experience this rainy season.
Rashmika Reinvents Herself with Mysaa
Since the massive success of Pushpa, Rashmika Mandanna has become one of the most popular and widely recognized actresses across India. With a strong presence in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi cinema, she has steadily built a pan-India appeal. Now, she’s ready to explore new horizons with her upcoming female-centric film titled Mysaa.
The makers recently unveiled the first-look poster, and it has already created a buzz on social media. Rashmika’s intense expression and commanding screen presence in the poster have drawn comparisons to iconic roles like Jyothika in Chandramukhi and Anushka Shetty in Arundhati. It marks a striking departure from her usual glamorous roles.
Mysaa is being directed by Ravindra Pulle, a protégé of renowned filmmaker Hanu Raghavapudi. The film is said to offer a realistic and emotionally driven narrative, focusing more on Rashmika’s performance than on commercial appeal. It is a brave and challenging move, as leading a female-centric film relies heavily on both compelling storytelling and a strong, nuanced performance.
This film, along with another upcoming female-led project titled Girl Friend, reflects Rashmika’s ambition to prove her range as a serious actress. While she has enjoyed success with several blockbuster films, critics have often questioned the depth of her acting, especially when compared to powerhouses like Sai Pallavi.
However, Mysaa may well be the turning point. If it connects with audiences and performs well, it could not only elevate Rashmika’s career to new heights but also silence detractors who doubt her ability to carry a film on her own. With two strong roles on the horizon, Rashmika is clearly ready to redefine herself—not just as a star, but as a performer.
Nagarjuna Praised as Real-Life Hero After Land Donation
One of the boldest and most progressive decisions taken by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy after assuming office was the demolition of the N Convention Center in Hyderabad. The property, owned by popular actor Nagarjuna, had long been mired in controversy due to its location on an illegal river embankment. By removing the structure, Revanth Reddy put an end to a long-standing dispute that had attracted public and media attention for years.
Surprisingly, rather than reacting with anger or pursuing legal action, Nagarjuna responded with grace and maturity. Over time, he appeared to grow closer to the Chief Minister, with the two being seen together at prominent events like the Miss Universe ceremony and Akhil Akkineni’s wedding.
Speaking about the incident in a recent interview, Revanth Reddy revealed Nagarjuna’s response to the demolition:
“After we took down the N Convention Center, Nagarjuna proved to be a true Good Samaritan. He even donated two acres of nearby disputed land for city development. He showed great integrity and earned my deep respect. He is a real-life hero,” the Chief Minister stated.
Nagarjuna’s unexpected act of generosity, donating land for public use instead of retaliating, has drawn widespread admiration. His dignified response not only won praise from Revanth Reddy but also strengthened his public image as a responsible citizen and compassionate leader.
Kannappa Opens Strong with Steady Collections
The Manchu family’s dream project, Kannappa, hit the big screens just two days ago amidst sky-high expectations, backed by a massive budget of over ₹200 crore. Despite the grandeur, the film faced an uphill battle prior to release, with limited business deals and no major OTT tie-ups. As a result, Manchu Vishnu opted to release the film himself in several regions on a commission basis, betting on its theatrical performance to drive future digital and satellite deals.
The film generated significant pre-release buzz, thanks to its mythological storyline, lavish production values, and the presence of superstar Prabhas in a key role. On opening day, Kannappa witnessed housefull shows across many theatres, especially in Telugu states, and reportedly grossed around ₹20 crore—a solid start that brought relief and optimism to the makers.
Despite receiving mixed critical reviews, the film managed to hold steady on its second day, with collections remaining nearly on par with day one. The stability in performance, particularly in the Telugu-speaking regions, is being seen as a positive sign.
In the Hindi market, where the film opened slowly, the second day saw a notable 40% jump in collections, indicating growing interest. Trade analysts pointed out that southern films often take time to gain traction in the North, with past examples like Baahubali and Pushpa following a similar trajectory.
However, in the Tamil and Malayalam markets, Kannappa has underperformed, with below-average response so far. Despite this, if the film continues to perform well in the Telugu and Hindi belts, it could recover a significant portion of its hefty investment.
All eyes are now on Sunday’s numbers, which many hope will surpass the first two days and set the momentum for a stronger theatrical run in the days to come.
Hari Hara Veera Mallu Trailer to Drop on July 3
Powerstar Pawan Kalyan’s much-awaited film Hari Hara Veera Mallu is all set to hit theatres on July 24. In a major update that comes as a relief to fans, the team has officially confirmed that the theatrical trailer will be released on July 3. While this announcement has certainly reignited the buzz, it also brings with it some apprehension—can the trailer maintain the hype all the way to the release?
Following the film’s earlier postponement, the makers took their time to wrap up post-production work. Now, with the trailer ready for release, expectations are high. If the trailer delivers the punch it promises, it could provide the much-needed momentum. If not, the team will need to step up the promotional game to maintain audience interest.
In recent times, we’ve seen several film trailers drop weeks ahead of their release dates, but only a few have managed to sustain audience curiosity. Given Pawan Kalyan’s star power and the action-packed premise of Hari Hara Veera Mallu, fans are hopeful that this trailer will strike the right chord.
However, Pawan Kalyan’s involvement in the promotions remains uncertain, which puts added responsibility on the rest of the team—especially the lead actress, the director, and the technical crew—to push the film into the limelight. A powerful trailer can set the tone for a strong promotional campaign, but the true impact will only be known once it drops.
Interestingly, original director Krish Jagarlamudi may not actively participate in the promotions, which means Jyothi Krishna, who stepped in later, will need to lead the charge and rally fan support.
With fans eagerly waiting to witness Pawan Kalyan’s return to the big screen, the mood is cautiously optimistic. While the timing of the trailer release has sparked some concern, there’s speculation that the makers may have more promotional surprises in store to keep the momentum going.
Vijay Deverakonda Inspires at ‘Dil Raju Dreams’ Launch
Star hero Vijay Deverakonda gave an emotional and inspiring speech at the grand launch of ‘Dil Raju Dreams’, a noble initiative by renowned producer Dil Raju aimed at nurturing and supporting emerging talent in the film industry. The event drew hundreds of aspiring artists, filmmakers, and dreamers looking for their first big break in cinema.
Taking the stage, Vijay opened up about his own struggles before stardom. He recalled the early days of his career, when he would wake up every morning and search for casting calls online—particularly on the website Idlebrain.com. It became a daily ritual, driven by the hope that one day, an opportunity would come.
That opportunity finally arrived in the form of a casting call for director Sekhar Kammula’s film Life Is Beautiful. Out of over 60,000 applicants, only 11 actors were selected—including Vijay and fellow actor Naveen Polishetty. Vijay described the six months leading up to that moment as stressful and uncertain, yet filled with hope. “Even though I didn’t know if I would be chosen, the possibility kept me going,” he shared.
Drawing a parallel to ‘Dil Raju Dreams’, Vijay said that such platforms can reignite the hopes of lakhs of aspiring artists. “If even one person makes it through this initiative and stands on stage someday saying, ‘I got my break because of Dil Raju Dreams’, then this entire effort will be worth it,” he said passionately.
He concluded his speech by thanking Dil Raju for this visionary step and wished the best of luck to all the applicants. His words struck a chord with the audience, reminding everyone that with perseverance, hope, and the right opportunity—dreams do come true.
Meenakshi Chowdhary Stuns in Festive Saree Elegance
Actress Meenakshi Chowdhary recently made a striking appearance in a stunning orange multi-hued saree, turning heads with her effortless elegance and vibrant charm. The rich tones of her saree perfectly complemented her radiant persona, merging traditional aesthetics with contemporary flair.
Adding a modern twist to her ensemble, Meenakshi paired the saree with a sleek sleeveless blouse, subtly enhancing her poised and graceful silhouette. Her understated makeup, complemented by a confident smile, elevated the entire look, making her presence truly unforgettable. Every element of her appearance reflected thoughtful styling and refined taste.
Beyond fashion, Meenakshi’s appearance is a reflection of her inspiring journey—a seamless blend of beauty, intellect, and ambition. With each public appearance, she continues to set benchmarks for modern femininity, gracefully balancing tradition and trend.
On the professional front, Meenakshi is currently making waves with her roles in NC24 and Anaganaga Oka Raju, further cementing her position as one of the most promising talents in the industry.
Maargan Gains Momentum Despite Low-Key Telugu Release
Maargan, starring Vijay Antony, hit screens yesterday alongside Kannappa, and although the initial turnout was underwhelming, the film has shown promising signs of picking up pace. Distributed by Asian Suresh Productions, the film managed to secure a decent number of screens across Telugu states. However, the morning shows witnessed a dull response, likely due to minimal pre-release buzz.
Interestingly, as the day progressed, word of mouth and social media chatter began to generate traction. Evening shows saw a noticeable improvement in occupancy, signaling that the film might find its footing among its target audience.
Directed by Leo John Paul, Maargan is a crime thriller with a mild supernatural edge, a combination that has appealed to fans of the genre. The film stands out for its tightly woven screenplay, well-placed twists, and a narrative style that keeps viewers engaged. For Vijay Antony, who has had a mixed track record in recent years, Maargan could be his most solid outing since Bichagadu.
One of the major drawbacks, however, has been the lack of promotional activity in the Telugu market. While Vijay Antony actively promoted the film in Tamil Nadu through media interactions and fan events, the Telugu campaign was relatively silent. A pre-release event was conducted, but it failed to make a significant impact. In today’s competitive cinematic landscape, even a modest level of localized promotion can be the difference between a sleeper hit and a missed opportunity.
In contrast, Kannappa’s lead actor Manchu Vishnu has gone all out with promotions, underlining the importance of strong marketing. Maargan, despite being a dubbed release, had enough merit to deserve similar attention. The Telugu audience has shown consistent support for content-driven films, and Maargan fits that bill.
Vijay Antony’s recent projects have largely failed to resonate with audiences, with only Bichagadu 2 making a decent mark. With Maargan, not only does he return to form as an actor, but he also contributes as a music composer, showcasing his versatility.
If the current buzz continues and word-of-mouth sustains over the weekend, Maargan could potentially turn profitable for its makers. With a few more promotional efforts, the film might have tapped even deeper into its market potential.
US Senate Slashes Remittance Tax to 1%, Major Relief for NRIs
In a move poised to bring significant relief to the non-resident Indian (NRI) community in the United States, the US Senate has proposed a substantial reduction in the remittance transfer tax—from the previously proposed 3.5% to just 1%. This revision is part of the updated draft of US President Donald Trump’s legislative package titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
The Senate version of the bill, released by Republican lawmakers, notably narrows the scope of transactions subject to the tax. Under the new proposal, remittances from accounts held at US banks and financial institutions—as well as those made via debit and credit cards issued in the United States—will be excluded from taxation. This means a majority of routine NRI remittances are likely to fall outside the ambit of the new levy.
Earlier drafts of the legislation had proposed a 5% tax, which was subsequently reduced to 3.5% in the House version. The Senate’s move to further lower it to 1% comes ahead of a self-imposed July 4 deadline to finalize and pass the bill.
Commenting on the development, Lloyd Pinto, Partner – US Tax at Grant Thornton Bharat, said:
“The updated Senate version significantly changes the remittance transfer provisions that were passed by the House Republicans. The remittance transfer tax has been reduced to 1% from the earlier proposal of 3.5%. Moreover, the exclusions will provide significant relief to NRIs.”
The remittance tax will only apply to transfers where the sender uses cash, money orders, cashier’s checks, or other similar physical instruments. The revised tax is slated to take effect on transfers made after December 31, 2025.
Tax experts believe that the exclusions for electronic bank transfers and card-based transactions will ensure that most NRIs are shielded from additional financial burdens when sending money to India.
This proposed change, if enacted, could positively impact the remittance ecosystem and bolster the flow of funds from the US to India by minimizing regulatory costs and simplifying compliance.
