NC24 – The Excavation Begins | Naga Chaitanya | Karthik Dandu | Sukumar | Ajaneesh Loknath | SVCC
Naga Chaitanya Embarks on a Mythical Journey with NC24
Stepping into an uncharted cinematic realm, Yuva Samrat Naga Chaitanya is set to headline NC24, a first-of-its-kind mythological thriller directed by the visionary Karthik Dandu. After bending the boundaries of reality with the critically acclaimed Virupaksha, Karthik Dandu now crafts a world where ancient myths collide with intense thrills.
NC24 is being produced under the prestigious banners of Sri Venkateswara Cine Chitra (SVCC) and Sukumar Writings, with the seasoned BVSN Prasad backing the project. The film promises an extraordinary cinematic experience, delving deep into the forgotten and the forbidden.
The recently unveiled glimpse, titled “The Excavation Begins,” offers a compelling preview of the journey ahead — a saga born out of years of dreaming, months of meticulous planning, and days of relentless hard work. The teaser captures an intense moment where Naga Chaitanya’s character reaches a hidden, ancient site and lights a flambeau, symbolizing the awakening of secrets long buried. As the flames come alive, the haunting words appear: “The Excavation Begins.”
Naga Chaitanya undergoes a striking transformation, both physically and emotionally, to embody this complex, layered character. His portrayal is supported by a stellar technical team, featuring Ajaneesh B Loknath composing the music and Neil D Cunha handling the cinematography — both poised to elevate the narrative’s grandeur.
With NC24, audiences can expect a cinematic spectacle that unearths mysteries lost in time. As the countdown begins, the stage is set for an epic excavation that promises to leave an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
Mohanlal’s Thudarum Delivers a Gripping Family Thriller
Just two months after the release of L2: Empuraan, Mohanlal is back with another project, Thudarum, which hit theaters yesterday in Malayalam and today in Telugu. While the initial buzz is modest in Telugu-speaking regions, the film has witnessed a phenomenal response in Kerala, setting a new record by selling over 4 lakh tickets in a single day on BookMyShow.
A major highlight of Thudarum is the reunion of senior actress Shobana with Mohanlal, portraying his wife on-screen after nearly two decades. Their chemistry has been warmly received, adding a nostalgic charm to the film.
From its very first show, Thudarum has garnered highly positive reviews, with strong word of mouth fueling its box office performance. Some early viewers are even drawing bold comparisons to the iconic Drishyam series, setting high expectations for the film’s long-term success.
Thudarum is a gripping family thriller centered around Benz (Mohanlal), a simple man who rents out his old black Ambassador car to make a living. His family — his wife, son, and daughter — is his entire world. However, an unexpected incident draws him into a crime he did not commit. What initially appears to be a small favor to the police spirals into a nightmare, putting his loved ones in grave danger and tarnishing his reputation. As the stakes rise, Benz’s journey from helpless victim to a man driven by revenge unfolds through a series of unpredictable twists.
The first 40 minutes of the film adopt a relatively slow pace, building the world and characters carefully. However, director Tarun Moorthy expertly accelerates the narrative from the pre-interval sequence, crafting a tense, emotionally charged thriller around the theme of honor killings. While the major twist may feel somewhat predictable halfway through, the final reveal delivers a Sukumar-style shocker that leaves a lasting impact.
Technically, Thudarum shines with Jakes Bejoy’s powerful background score heightening the tension at crucial moments. Combined with stellar performances from the entire cast, the film cements itself as a compelling addition to Malayalam cinema’s tradition of intense crime thrillers.
Delhi HC Orders AR Rahman, Mani Ratnam to Deposit Rs 2 Crore in Copyright Dispute
The celebrated song Veera Raja Veera from filmmaker Mani Ratnam’s historical epic Ponniyin Selvan 2 has found itself at the center of a major legal controversy. Composed by Oscar-winning music director AR Rahman, the classical number, which played a pivotal role in elevating the valor of the protagonist on screen, has now led to a copyright infringement suit.
On Friday, the Delhi High Court issued an interim order directing AR Rahman, along with production houses Madras Talkies and Lyca Productions, to deposit a sum of Rs 2 crore in connection with the lawsuit. The case was filed by Padma Shri awardee and renowned Dhrupad vocalist Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar. The court further instructed the makers of Ponniyin Selvan 2 to appropriately credit the Junior Dagar Brothers for the composition across all relevant online platforms.
The court observed that Veera Raja Veera is musically “identical” to Shiva Stuti, a revered devotional piece composed and performed by the late Ustad Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar and Ustad Nasir Zahiruddin Dagar—popularly known as the Junior Dagar Brothers. The original piece was recorded in 1978 at the Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam during the Holland Festival.
In 2023, Ustad Nasir Faiyazuddin’s son and legal heir, Wasifuddin Dagar, filed the copyright infringement suit, alleging that Rahman’s Veera Raja Veera borrowed the musical foundation and taandav style of the Dagar brothers’ rendition without permission or credit, amounting to outright plagiarism.
In response, counsel for Madras Talkies and AR Rahman strongly refuted the allegations, dismissing them as misconceived and motivated by financial gain and publicity. They contended that Veera Raja Veera is based on a traditional composition created by Narayana Panditacharya in the 13th century and asserted that Rahman’s work is an original piece within the Dhrupad tradition.
As the legal proceedings continue, this case has sparked significant debate within the artistic community about the intersection of tradition, originality, and intellectual property in classical music adaptations for contemporary cinema.
Ground Zero: A Realistic but Unremarkable Thriller
Ground Zero, a Hindi action thriller directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, was released in theatres yesterday, starring Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi in the lead role as BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey. The film is based on a real-life counter-terrorism operation that took place in Jammu and Kashmir in 2003, which culminated in the elimination of notorious terrorist Ghazi Baba. Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under the Excel Entertainment banner, Ground Zero aims to bring attention to a lesser-known chapter of Indian military operations.
The film’s narrative is built around the dramatic, often harrowing realities faced by security forces during counter-terrorism missions. Emraan Hashmi’s portrayal of Officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey brings a personal touch to the otherwise intense and action-heavy plot. The film doesn’t merely focus on high-octane action sequences but also delves into the psychological toll these missions have on the soldiers and their families, adding a human element to the story.
Shot in various locations across Jammu and Kashmir, Ground Zero successfully creates an immersive atmosphere, grounding the film’s tone in authenticity. The setting, both visually and narratively, enhances the sense of realism the film strives for. However, despite its serious approach and connection to real events, the film’s storytelling has been described as straightforward, which has led to a mixed reception from both critics and audiences.
The early word of mouth and reviews have been fairly lukewarm, with many pointing to the film’s conventional treatment and lack of fresh narrative twists. While the performances, particularly Hashmi’s, have been appreciated, the film’s inability to generate sustained excitement at the box office on opening day raises concerns about its long-term prospects. Ground Zero attempts to balance action with a reflective look at the personal and emotional costs of such operations, but it seems to have missed a deeper, more engaging connection with the audience.
Given its serious and grounded depiction of real-life events, Ground Zero is certainly a noteworthy attempt in the genre of patriotic thrillers, yet its early box office performance and critical reception suggest that it may struggle to gain the momentum needed for a successful run in cinemas. Whether the film will manage to find its footing in the coming days remains to be seen.
Prabhas Revamps Approach with Renewed Dedication to Quality and Success
In the Telugu film industry, it is often said that only a hardworking and dedicated superstar can maintain consistent success at the box office. This principle briefly eluded Prabhas following a series of setbacks with films like Adipurush and Radhe Shyam. However, recent developments suggest that Prabhas has taken valuable lessons from these experiences and has significantly transformed his approach to filmmaking.
Industry sources reveal that Prabhas is now deeply involved in every aspect of his projects, ensuring that each film is crafted with precision and care. Determined to leave no stone unturned, the star is making a concerted effort to oversee all stages of production, from scripting to final execution. His hands-on approach extends to the promotional strategies as well, with reports indicating that no promotional material or major update is released without his personal approval.
Understanding that mere performance is not enough in today’s pan-Indian market, Prabhas has shifted from being solely an actor to playing an active role in the creative and production processes. He is said to be meticulously monitoring the quality of execution, insisting on the highest standards across all departments to ensure that his films resonate strongly with audiences nationwide.
This renewed commitment marks a significant turning point in Prabhas’ career. With greater involvement and a sharpened focus on quality content, the actor is clearly setting the stage for a remarkable comeback, reaffirming his place as one of India’s most beloved and bankable superstars.
Houthi Allegations of U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen Amid Escalating Tensions
The Houthi movement in Yemen has recently claimed that U.S. warplanes have carried out over 1,200 airstrikes against Yemen since mid-March, contributing to a growing humanitarian crisis in the region. According to a statement issued by the Houthi foreign affairs authority, these air raids have resulted in numerous civilian casualties and widespread damage to critical infrastructure. The group specifically mentioned the destruction of residential neighborhoods, health facilities, water tanks, ports, and even archaeological sites, accusing the U.S. of violating both international law and humanitarian law.
In its statement, the Houthi leadership criticized the U.S. government for attempting to evade accountability for what they described as “sinful aggression” against Yemen. The Houthis further emphasized that Washington’s military actions have exacerbated the suffering of Yemeni civilians, calling for international scrutiny of these operations.
The United States, under President Donald Trump’s directive, resumed military operations in Yemen on March 15, 2025, following a series of Houthi missile attacks that targeted American interests. Trump pledged that U.S. airstrikes would continue until the Houthi forces no longer posed a threat to the “freedom of navigation” in the region. The conflict, which initially centered around the ongoing civil war in Yemen, has been further complicated by regional tensions and the Houthis’ alignment with Palestinian causes, particularly their support for Gaza amidst the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
On April 22, the Houthis claimed responsibility for shooting down a U.S. MQ-9 drone over the northwestern Yemeni province of Hajjah. This marks the seventh drone shot down by the group in April alone, and the 22nd since November 2023. The group’s spokesperson, Yahya Sarea, confirmed the downing of the drone using a locally manufactured surface-to-air missile. In addition to this, the Houthis reported launching new attacks targeting two U.S. aircraft carriers— the USS Harry Truman and the USS Carl Vinson— as well as their accompanying warships in the Red and Arabian Seas. These military actions reportedly employed a combination of cruise missiles and drones, in response to the ongoing airstrikes being conducted by the U.S. military against Houthi positions.
The escalation of hostilities has contributed to a highly volatile situation in the region, as tensions continue to rise between the Houthis and U.S. forces. The Houthis’ involvement in regional conflicts, including their support for Palestinian militants, further complicates the geopolitical landscape. Despite the ongoing threats and military exchanges, the U.S. government has yet to respond to the Houthi’s recent allegations, raising concerns about the long-term impact on the already fragile humanitarian situation in Yemen.
As the conflict continues, the international community remains divided, with calls for both sides to exercise restraint and seek diplomatic solutions to avoid further escalation and mitigate civilian suffering.
India’s Swift Response to Myanmar Earthquake: Operation Brahma Provides Critical Aid
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28 has led to a devastating toll, with the official Myanma Alinn reporting that 3,763 people have lost their lives, 5,107 have been injured, and 110 remain missing. In addition to the initial shock, 154 aftershocks, ranging from magnitudes of 2.8 to 7.5, have continued to affect the country, according to Myanmar’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology.
In response to this humanitarian crisis, India launched Operation Brahma, a comprehensive relief initiative aimed at providing urgent aid to those affected by the earthquake. On April 17, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Abhay Thakur delivered critical relief supplies to Mandalay’s Chief Minister Myo Aung, in the presence of leaders from the local diaspora. The aid package included essential items such as rice, noodles, cooking oil, sugar, dal, salt, blankets, medicines, and an RO water plant, alongside other vital provisions like ready-to-eat meals (MREs) and a genset.
India’s Operation Brahma has been extensive, with the country being the first responder to the earthquake. Over 750 metric tons of relief material, including food grains, medical supplies, tents, blankets, and water purification equipment, have been sent to Myanmar. Additionally, India deployed an 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Urban Search and Rescue team and a 127-member Indian Army field hospital team, further strengthening its relief efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic event and conveyed India’s condolences to Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister of Myanmar. Modi reaffirmed India’s unwavering support, underscoring the country’s readiness to deploy further resources and relief assistance. The Prime Minister also met with Senior General Hlaing on April 4 during the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, where they discussed the ongoing relief efforts under Operation Brahma.
India’s prompt and robust response to the earthquake highlights its commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Myanmar in its time of need, reinforcing the bonds of cooperation between the two nations.
Naga Chaitanya’s NC24: Title Leak Sparks Buzz
It has already been officially announced that Akkineni Naga Chaitanya will be teaming up with talented director Karthik Dandu for his next project, tentatively titled NC24. The film is gearing up to begin its shoot soon, and Chaitanya has expressed immense excitement about this collaboration.
In this context, a recent promotional interview featuring Naga Chaitanya has gone viral on social media. During the interaction, Chaitanya appeared candid and spoke passionately on a range of topics, particularly highlighting his enthusiasm for NC24. He revealed that the film would be a mythological thriller mounted on a grand scale, promising a unique cinematic experience.
Interestingly, during the course of the interview, Chaitanya seemingly had an accidental slip of the tongue, inadvertently revealing the title of the film. Realizing the mistake almost immediately, he requested the interviewer to mute that specific part. However, eagle-eyed fans managed to lip-read the clip and speculated that the film’s title is Vrusha Karma.
This speculation has now gone viral across social media platforms, sparking widespread curiosity and discussions among fans and cinephiles. That said, there has been no official confirmation from either Naga Chaitanya or the film’s team regarding the title. An official announcement, likely through a first look poster or teaser, is awaited to validate the speculations.
With NC24, expectations are high for a gripping mythological thriller, and audiences are eagerly looking forward to seeing Naga Chaitanya in a new and exciting avatar.
