30 Stranded Midair for 3 Hours After Chennai Joyride Malfunction
Aamir Khan’s YouTube Release Strategy Praised by Suresh Babu
Renowned producer and exhibitor D. Suresh Babu has praised Bollywood star Aamir Khan’s innovative distribution strategy for his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, which will be released on YouTube via a pay-per-view model. This approach bypasses traditional OTT platforms, sparking widespread discussion in the film industry. “Aamir Khan is known for his creativity both on and off the screen. His decision to use YouTube as a direct distribution platform is intriguing and worth monitoring. While it’s too soon to say if this will revolutionize the industry, it has definitely sparked a healthy debate,” Suresh Babu said. He added that since the film is concept-driven, the industry will closely watch how it performs in this new format.
While acknowledging the shift towards digital releases, Suresh Babu emphasized that nothing can replace the magic of the theatrical experience. “Theatre remains unmatched. Leading stars and filmmakers still value packed cinemas and the energy of a live audience,” he remarked. He pointed out the current OTT release windows—four weeks in South India and eight weeks in the North—creating pressure to balance theatrical and digital runs. “OTT is now a permanent fixture in the film business, but theatres have unique revenue models and cultural significance. Balancing these is challenging but essential,” he explained.
Highlighting changes in viewer habits, especially among younger audiences, he noted, “This generation embraces OTT platforms, favoring binge-watching and on-demand content. The traditional model of four daily shows is evolving as audiences demand flexibility.”
Addressing ongoing tensions between producers and exhibitors, Suresh Babu traced the demand for fair revenue sharing back to 2009. With declining footfalls threatening the survival of over 1,500 single-screen theatres in Telugu states, he stressed the need for innovative solutions. “Theatrical revenue remains vital for big-budget, star-led films. We must find sustainable ways to revive theatres,” he said.
He criticized the outdated rental system still prevalent in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, contrasting it with the percentage-based revenue-sharing model common elsewhere. “The rental system is obsolete globally. Adopting a shared revenue model, similar to multiplexes, would revitalize our theatres,” he argued.
On rumors about a bandh planned ahead of Pawan Kalyan’s film Hari Hara Veera Mallu, Suresh Babu dismissed them as false. “A bandh was never planned; those rumors were spread by vested interests,” he clarified. He welcomed the Andhra Pradesh government’s recent efforts to make cinema more affordable and streamline theatre operations, adding, “We want to encourage more audiences back to theatres.”
Modi Pays Tribute to NTR on 102nd Birth Anniversary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the legendary Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) on his 102nd birth anniversary, honoring his enduring legacy and expressing confidence that NTR’s dreams will be realized.
Modi hailed NTR as a champion of the poor and a visionary leader who made Telugu people proud on the global stage. He highlighted NTR’s lifelong dedication to public service and his unwavering commitment to being a voice for the underprivileged.
Describing NTR as an inspiring figure, the Prime Minister shared that he draws significant motivation from NTR’s life and ideals. He also mentioned that the NDA government in Andhra Pradesh is actively working to fulfill the goals that NTR passionately believed in.
Modi further remembered NTR’s extraordinary contributions to Indian cinema, noting that his legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and leaders alike. He recalled paying homage to NTR during his recent visit to Andhra Pradesh, where efforts to revive the Amaravati capital project were underway.
The occasion also saw several film industry personalities paying their respects to the iconic star and leader.
Kamal Haasan Nominated to Rajya Sabha by DMK Alliance
Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK has announced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for June 19. Among the four nominees is actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan, marking a significant step in his political journey. The announcement was made by DMK President and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
Out of the four Rajya Sabha seats up for election from Tamil Nadu, the DMK will contest three, while one has been allotted to Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) as part of the alliance agreement between the two parties. Kamal Haasan, founder of MNM, will be making his parliamentary debut with this nomination, which is being viewed as a strategic move to strengthen the alliance and expand its influence at the national level.
The three DMK candidates include P. Wilson, a senior advocate and sitting Rajya Sabha MP known for his legal expertise and for representing the state in major legal cases; S.R. Sivalingam, a veteran DMK leader and former Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, bringing experience in administration; and Rokaiya Malik, known by her pen name Kavignar Salma, an acclaimed Tamil poet and novelist celebrated for her work on themes of gender, identity, and social justice. Her nomination reflects the party’s emphasis on cultural representation and women’s empowerment.
With the ruling coalition holding a comfortable majority in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, the election of all four candidates is expected to be a smooth process. This development not only signifies Kamal Haasan’s formal entry into parliamentary politics but also showcases the DMK’s strategic blend of legal, political, and cultural representation.
Nara Rohit Was First Choice for Fahadh’s Role in Pushpa
Director Sukumar’s Pushpa franchise turned out to be a massive box office success, with unforgettable performances by Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil. Their roles have become so iconic that it’s hard to imagine anyone else stepping into their shoes. Most fans would wholeheartedly agree. But here’s an interesting revelation — Fahadh Faasil was not the original choice to play the antagonist, Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat.
Tollywood actor Nara Rohit recently confirmed that he was initially approached for the role. Speaking about it, he shared:
“During the COVID-19 lockdown, I posted some photos with a moustache. That’s when producer Ravi Shankar garu reached out to me, and Sukumar garu also spoke to me. At that point, the project was still evolving. Later, as the scale of the film expanded, they decided to go with Fahadh. But yes, I was considered in the beginning.”
Nara Rohit humbly acknowledged Fahadh Faasil’s powerful performance, saying, “I’m not sure if I could have done what Fahadh did. Maybe if I was on that set, I could have caught the vibe and done my version. But after watching Fahadh, I thought — wow, that was truly fantastic.”
As for what’s next for Nara Rohit, he’s gearing up for the release of his upcoming film Bhairavam, which hits theatres on May 30. The action-packed film also stars Manchu Manoj and Bellamkonda Srinivas.
Deepika Padukone Speaks Out After ‘Spirit’ Exit; Vanga Reacts Strongly
Days after her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit sparked a storm of speculation and online drama, Deepika Padukone addressed the controversy in a recent interview. Choosing to remain composed and reflective, the actress said she relies on her inner voice when faced with difficult choices.
“I think what keeps me balanced is just being truthful and authentic. Whenever I’m faced with complicated situations, I always listen to my inner voice, make my decisions, and stand by them. That really gives me peace and a sense of equilibrium,” she shared.
Her statement comes in the wake of mixed reactions from the public — while many fans applauded her for standing her ground, others criticized her, accusing her of playing into what they called “fake feminism.”
Meanwhile, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga took to social media to express his disappointment — without directly naming Deepika. In a strongly worded tweet, he wrote:
“When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) between us. But by doing this, you’ve ‘DISCLOSED’ the person that you are. Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for? As a filmmaker, I put years of hard work into my craft. For me, filmmaking is everything. You didn’t get it. You won’t get it. You will never get it,” he posted, ending with the hashtag #dirtyPRgames.
The online discourse continues to polarize opinions, with both parties sticking to their perspectives. Whether this clash will impact the film’s progress or the industry dynamic remains to be seen.
Taara Taara Song from Pawan Kalyan’s Film Impresses Fans
With audio promotions currently driving the film’s pre-release buzz, direct interviews and other promotional activities are yet to kick off. So far, three songs from the film have been released — while one managed to strike a chord with audiences, the other two fell short of expectations. Now, the much-anticipated special number, Taara Taara, is out and has pleasantly surprised fans.
The song, headlined by Nidhhi Agerwal, highlights her dance prowess and on-screen glamour. Interestingly, this is the very song that earlier faced some objections from Pawan Kalyan over certain lines. Despite the lack of high expectations surrounding Taara Taara, its energetic beats mixed with a melodic undertone have made it a decent crowd-pleaser.
The lyrical video also includes brief glimpses of Pawan Kalyan, raising excitement among fans who are now eager to watch his chemistry with Nidhhi on the big screen. While the song itself is average in terms of musical impact, the low expectations have worked in its favor — fans seem content for now.
Taara Taara is sung by Lipsika and Aditya Iyengar, with lyrics by Sri Harsha Emani and music composed by the legendary MM Keeravani.
Jointly directed by Krish Jagarlamudi and Jyothi Krishna, the film is all set to hit theatres on June 12th, 2025.
Clash Within BRS: Kavitha’s New Political Journey Begins June 2?
The internal conflict within the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) appears to have reached a critical point following the collapse of negotiations between Kalvakuntla Kavitha and the emissaries of her father and party president, K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), on Monday.
The political storm intensified after a letter written by Kavitha to her father was leaked, clearly signaling her decision to challenge both KCR and her brother, K. T. Rama Rao, directly. Reports indicate that she is now seriously considering launching a new political party, voicing her dissatisfaction with the current leadership and direction of the BRS.
Sources close to the developments confirm that Kavitha conveyed her intentions directly to emissaries dispatched by KCR. Leaders associated with the Telangana Jagruthi organization, which she heads, suggest that a formal announcement regarding the new party could be made on June 2, coinciding with Telangana Formation Day.
Kavitha’s frustration over her perceived marginalization within the party has been evident for quite some time. Her recent speeches and public statements have been widely interpreted as veiled criticisms of the BRS leadership and governance.
On Monday, she is believed to have firmly informed KCR’s envoys that she would pursue an independent political path if her sidelining within the party continued. She even hinted at launching a new party if necessary.
Political circles are abuzz with speculation that Kavitha is preparing to formally exit the BRS and announce her new political outfit on June 2. Close aides suggest she no longer envisions a future for herself within the BRS due to what they describe as prolonged neglect and exclusion.
In recent weeks, Kavitha has been actively organizing public meetings and outreach initiatives, positioning herself as a standalone political figure. Under her leadership, Telangana Jagruthi has been gaining momentum, with several new committees being formed to expand its grassroots reach.
Most notably, on Tuesday, she launched the Singareni Jagruthi Committee, appointing nine conveners to spearhead the initiative. Her growing activity has sparked considerable interest, especially as she promotes her new vision using the tagline “Bahujana Social Justice”—signaling a potential shift toward inclusive, grassroots-driven politics.
As Telangana gears up for its formation celebrations, all eyes are now on Kavitha and the anticipated announcement that could reshape the political landscape of the state.
జాన్వీ కపూర్ కోలీవుడ్ డెబ్యూ షురూ? ధనుష్తో 57వ చిత్రంలో అవకాశం!
బాలీవుడ్, టాలీవుడ్ రెండింటిలోనే బిజీగా తన స్థానం నిలబెట్టుకుంటున్న జాన్వీ కపూర్, ఇప్పుడు కోలీవుడ్ లో కూడా ఎంట్రీ ఇవ్వనున్నట్టుగా వార్తలు వచ్చాయి. ఇప్పటికే దేవర సినిమాలో పాన్ ఇండియా పరిచయం దక్కించుకున్న జాన్వీ, రామ్ చరణ్తో కూడి పెద్దిలో నటిస్తూ తన కెరీర్ను మరింత బలోపేతం చేస్తోంది.
అయితే, కోలీవుడ్లో జాన్వీకి డెబ్యూ అవకాశం గురించి పలు లీకులు వచ్చాయి. మొదటగా కోలీవుడ్లోనే లాంచ్ అవుతుందని ప్రచారం జరిగింది, కానీ అది ఫలించలేదు. తర్వాత తండ్రి బోనీకపూర్ ఈ విషయం పైన మరింత ఆలోచించి, రెండవ కుమార్తె నైనా కపూర్ను తమిళ పరిశ్రమలో ప్రవేశపెట్టాలని భావించారు.
కానీ తాజాగా మరో ట్విస్ట్ వచ్చింది. జాన్వీ కపూర్ అక్క మీదే ముందుగా కోలీవుడ్ డెబ్యూ చేసే అవకాశాలు బయటికి వచ్చాయి. ప్రత్యేకంగా ధనుష్తో జాన్వీ కపూర్ డెబ్యూ గురించి చర్చలు జరుగుతున్నాయని చెన్నై మీడియా నుండి వినిపిస్తోంది.
ఈ ప్రకారం, ధనుష్ 57వ చిత్రంతో జాన్వీని లాంచ్ చేయడానికి ప్లాన్ చేస్తున్నాడు. ఈ చిత్రం ధనుష్ స్వయంగా దర్సకత్వం వహిస్తున్న చిత్రం కాగా, ప్రస్తుతం ‘ఇడ్లికడై’ చిత్ర షూటింగ్ పూర్తయ్యింది. త్వరలో విడుదలకు సిద్ధంగా ఉన్న ఈ సినిమా తర్వాత, ధనుష్ మరో మారిసెల్వరాజ్ దర్శకత్వంలో 56వ చిత్రాన్ని పూర్తి చేస్తారు. అనంతరం 57వ చిత్రంలో జాన్వీ కపూర్తో కలిసి పని చేసే అవకాశం ఉంది.
బాలీవుడ్లో ‘తేరే ఇష్క్ మే’లో నటించిన జాన్వీ ఇప్పుడు కోలీవుడ్ లోకూ బలంగా అడుగుపెడుతూ, తన యాక్టింగ్ ప్రతిభతో ప్రేక్షకులను ఆకట్టుకోబోతుంది.
కమల్ హాసన్ పాఠం: ప్రమోషన్లోనే విజయ రహస్యం!
ఈరోజుల్లో సినిమా తీయడం ఒక్కటే కాదు… దాన్ని ప్రేక్షకుల దగ్గరికి తీసుకెళ్లడం అంటే అంతకంటే పెద్ద బాధ్యత. ఒకప్పుడు హీరోలు షూటింగ్ పూర్తయిన వెంటనే తదుపరి ప్రాజెక్ట్లో బిజీ అయిపోతుండేవారు. కానీ ఇప్పుడు పరిస్థితి మారిపోయింది. సినిమా రిలీజ్కు కనీసం నెల రోజుల ముందు నుండి హీరో, హీరోయిన్, దర్శకుడు, నిర్మాతలు కలిసి ప్రమోషన్లో యాక్టివ్గా పాల్గొనాల్సిన అవసరం ఉంది.
ఈ రోజుల్లో సినిమాకు ఫలితం ఎలా ఉన్నా, మినిమం ఓపెనింగ్స్ రావాలంటే బజ్ క్రియేట్ చేయాల్సిందే. ప్రమోషన్ లేకుండా, సినిమాకు హిట్ టాక్ వచ్చినా, వసూళ్లు తగ్గిపోవడాన్ని ఎన్నో సార్లు చూశాం. తమిళ ఇండస్ట్రీలో నయనతార లాంటి కొంతమంది స్టార్స్ ప్రమోషన్కు దూరంగా ఉంటారు. కానీ అలాంటి సినిమాలు బాక్సాఫీస్ వద్ద ఆశించిన స్థాయిలో ఆడినట్లు డాక్యుమెంటెడ్ ఉదాహరణలు లేవు.
ఇలాంటి పరిస్థితుల్లో, కమల్ హాసన్ వయసుతో సంబంధం లేకుండా సినిమా ప్రమోషన్లో ఎంతగా యాక్టివ్గా ఉంటున్నారో చూడటం నిజంగా ప్రేరణ కలిగించే విషయం. ప్రస్తుతం కమల్ హాసన్ ‘థగ్ లైఫ్’ సినిమా ప్రమోషన్లో నాన్స్టాప్గా పాల్గొంటున్నారు. ఇది ఆయన మణిరత్నంతో కలిసి చేస్తున్న చిత్రం కావడంతో అంచనాలు ఆకాశాన్ని తాకుతున్నాయి. ‘నాయకుడు’ తర్వాత మరో మేజర్ సినిమా అవుతుందనే ఉత్కంఠ ఉంది.
ఇప్పటికే కమల్ హాసన్ హైదరాబాద్ లోను, నార్త్ ఇండియాలోనూ ప్రమోషన్లలో పాల్గొన్నారు. తమిళనాడులో ఎన్నో ఈవెంట్లకు హాజరై సినిమాపై ఆసక్తి పెంచారు. ఆయన యాక్టివ్ ప్రమోషన్ చూడగానే, ఇండస్ట్రీలో చాలామంది ఆశ్చర్యపోతున్నారు. 70 ఏళ్ల వయసులో కూడా ఈ స్థాయి ఎనర్జీతో ప్రచారంలో పాల్గొనడం యువ హీరోలందరికీ నేర్చుకోవాల్సిన పాఠం.
కేవలం తమిళ ప్రేక్షకులకే కాకుండా పాన్ ఇండియా ఆడియెన్స్ను టార్గెట్ చేస్తూ థగ్ లైఫ్ ప్రమోట్ అవుతోంది. త్రిష ఈ సినిమాలో హీరోయిన్గా నటించగా, శింబు కీలక పాత్రలో కనిపించనున్నారు. జూన్ 5న థియేటర్లలోకి రాబోతున్న ఈ సినిమా, అంచనాలను అందుకుంటుందా లేదా అన్నది వేచి చూడాలి.
