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Ustaad Bhagat Singh Preponed to March 19
Pawan Kalyan’s Ustaad Bhagat Singh is now reportedly slated for a March 19 release, a week earlier than its original March 26 date, to take advantage of the long holiday weekend.
The shift comes after Yash’s Toxic postponed its March 19 release to June 4, opening up the calendar. However, the new date sets up a direct clash with the highly anticipated Dhurandhar 2 sequel, creating a buzzworthy box office showdown.
In addition, the film has seen a last-minute change in its music team, with Thaman brought in to handle the background score, replacing Devi Sri Prasad.
This move is aimed at speeding up post-production and finalizing the film ahead of the revised release. If everything goes as planned, Ustaad Bhagat Singh could become one of the most talked-about box office clashes of the season, though the makers are yet to make an official announcement.
Vishnu Vinyasam Review: Partly Entertaining Romantic Comedy
Since 2023, Sree Vishnu has proven himself as a dependable lead with three commercial hits and one critically acclaimed film. His latest venture, a romantic comedy directed by debutant Yadunaath Maruthi Rao, pairs him with Nayana Sarika (known for AAY), while Radhan provides the musical backdrop. After teasers and trailers created curiosity, the film finally hit theatres. The question remains: does it live up to expectations?
Story in Brief
Vishnu (Sree Vishnu) is a junior lecturer, and Manisha (Nayana Sarika) is the head of the department. Her quirky, eccentric personality captures Vishnu’s attention, and they fall in love. Just as marriage seems near, Manisha reveals a flaw in her jathakam (astrological chart), raising doubts about her future. Vishnu initially hesitates, creating conflict. The rest of the story explores whether the couple can overcome these challenges and unite.
Performances
- Sree Vishnu: Delivers several fun moments with his comic timing, though he occasionally overdoes it and appears monotonous in some scenes.
- Nayana Sarika: Confident and appealing, she gives a strong performance.
- Satya: Provides laughs and complements Vishnu well, though his role is limited.
- Srikanth Iyyengar: Over-the-top, rushed, and feels artificial.
- Srinivasa Reddy: Reminds audiences of Mallikarjuna Rao’s Venky role. Adequate performance but dubbing seems off.
- Supporting Cast: Brahmaji, Praveen, Murali Sharma, Satyam Rajesh, Goparaju Ramana deliver serviceable performances, but none leave a lasting mark.
Technical Highlights
- Cinematography (Sai Sriram): Vibrant and colorful, giving the film a visually pleasing look.
- Music (Radhan): Underwhelming; none of the songs stand out, and the background score is average.
- Editing (Karthikeyan Rohini): Tight runtime (~2 hours), though some sequences feel repetitive.
- Production (Sree Subrahmanyeshwara Cinemas): Adequate for a midrange romantic comedy.
Strengths
- Entertaining first half
- Effective comedy sequences
- Vishnu & Satya’s timing
- Colorful cinematography
Weaknesses
- Weak second half
- Lack of emotional depth
- Forgettable music
Analysis
Debutant Yadunaath Maruthi Rao focuses on humor, building most sequences around Vishnu and Satya. The first half is lively, with fun sequences and a well-timed conflict reveal.
However, the second half falters with predictable twists, repetitive moments, and a rushed climax. Emotional depth is missing, and the writing lacks originality, borrowing heavily from Venky’s Jagadamba Chowdary character.
Music, a key ingredient in romantic comedies, fails to leave an impression. Even at a crisp two-hour runtime, the film feels monotonous at times.
Final Verdict
Vishnu Vinyasam had the potential to be an engaging romantic comedy but ends up as a partly entertaining watch. Recommended for viewers who enjoy Vishnu & Satya’s comic timing and colorful visuals, though the second half and lack of memorable music might disappoint.
Vijay Deverakonda’s Grand Wedding Reception
Vijay Deverakonda and his partner wrapped up their wedding festivities with a grand reception at Hotel Taj Krishna in Hyderabad. Due to a minor illness, Vijay will take a few days off before resuming the shoot of Ranabaali in Kurnool from March 12.
The wedding celebrations spanned multiple locations, beginning in a five-star property in Udaipur, and included traditional Sangeeth, Haldi, Mehendi, and weddings in both Telugu and Koduva styles. Following the main ceremonies, the couple hosted a feast in Vijay’s hometown, a fan party, and a special media reception at FNCC, Hyderabad.
The events were lavishly arranged, reportedly costing around ₹12 crore, making it one of the most extravagant weddings in Tollywood in recent years. Despite offers, including a reported ₹60 crore from an OTT platform for wedding rights, the couple chose to maintain privacy and keep the celebrations exclusive.
Dacoit’s Missed Box Office Window
Adivi Sesh’s much-anticipated film Dacoit appears to have missed a prime opportunity at the box office. Originally slated for a March 19 release, the film was set to clash with Toxic and Dhurandhar 2. Back then, Sesh confidently referred to Dacoit as his “Goldfish,” expressing strong faith in both its content and box-office potential.
However, in the following weeks, promotions went quiet, creating uncertainty around the release. Eventually, the team confirmed a new date: April 10. Meanwhile, Toxic has now been postponed, and there are rumours that Dhurandhar 2 could also see a delay. Had Dacoit stuck to its March 19 schedule, it might have enjoyed a solo release during the festive window.
The situation has shifted again, with reports suggesting that Pawan Kalyan’s Ustaad Bhagat Singh could be preponed from March 26 to March 19. If that happens, Dacoit would likely avoid a direct clash with Pawan’s film.
Ironically, the movie is nearly complete, with only one song pending, and the final edit expected to be locked this week. Missing this key release window could mean that Sesh’s “Golden Fish” may not get the attention it deserves at the box office.
Saudi Arabia Eid Al Fitr 2026 Holidays
Saudi Arabia has officially announced the Eid Al Fitr 2026 public holiday for employees across government, private, and non-profit sectors, providing clarity as Ramadan comes to a close. According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, private and non-profit sector employees will begin their break at the close of business on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 (29 Ramadan 1447 AH), with the holiday extending for four days until Saturday, March 21, 2026. Government employees will receive similar days off, with official circulars issued separately.
The exact date of Eid depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the first day of Shawwal. If Ramadan completes 29 days, Eid is expected on Thursday, March 19, 2026; if it lasts 30 days, Eid will fall on Friday, March 20, 2026. Official moon-sighting committees will confirm the final date.
With the holiday dates set, preparations are already underway across the Kingdom. Cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam are expected to see increased travel and shopping activity as families prepare for festive gatherings and gift exchanges, known as “Eidiah.” The announcement also helps coordinate the holiday period with neighboring Gulf countries like the UAE and Qatar.
Eid Al Fitr, known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is one of the most important Islamic celebrations in Saudi Arabia. The day begins with congregational prayers, followed by family meals, social visits, and acts of charity, including Zakat Al Fitr, which supports those in need. The early announcement of the 2026 holiday ensures smooth planning for institutions, businesses, and residents celebrating the end of Ramadan.
US Accused of Provoking Wars to Block Rising Powers: Iran Envoy
Amid the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, Abdul Majeed Hakim Ilahi, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s representative in India, has accused the US of provoking global conflicts to hinder the rise of emerging powers like India and China. Speaking in New Delhi, Abdul Majeed claimed that Washington seeks to maintain its dominance by preventing other nations from attaining equal global status.
He stated that countries such as India, China, Russia, and the United States are poised to become the world’s most powerful nations in the near future, but the US cannot tolerate India or China reaching parity. “To prevent that, America is encouraging wars and conflicts to maintain its global dominance,” he said.
Abdul Majeed also emphasized that the ongoing war was initiated by the US and Israel, with Iran defending itself against attacks. This aligns with previous statements from Iranian security official Ali Larijani, who described Iran’s actions as defensive responses to bombardments targeting civilians. He added that since the conflict began with the US, it is Washington’s responsibility to end it: “If they stop, we will stop.”
The envoy further highlighted that Iran is facing two simultaneous battles: a military conflict with the US and Israel, and a struggle against misinformation. He claimed that false narratives are being spread to suggest that the Iranian people desire regime change. Abdul Majeed concluded by asserting that the US aims to obstruct the rise of other nations in order to preserve its global influence.
Apple MacBook Air M5 Launched with Faster AI and 4TB Storage
Apple has announced an upgraded MacBook Air featuring the new M5 chip, offering improved AI performance, double the storage, and faster connectivity at a more affordable price compared to the MacBook Pro models. The M5 chip includes a 10-core CPU, up to a 10-core GPU, and a Neural Accelerator in each core, delivering up to four times faster AI performance than the previous M4-based MacBook Air. Unified memory bandwidth has been increased to 153GB/s, a 28% improvement over its predecessor.
The MacBook Air retains its fanless aluminium design and Liquid Retina display, available in both 13-inch and 15-inch models. Apple has added a new Sky Blue color alongside Midnight, Starlight, and Silver. Base storage now starts at 512GB and can be configured up to 4TB with a new SSD offering twice the read/write speed of the previous generation. Connectivity is enhanced with Apple’s N1 wireless chip, providing Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support. Additional features include two Thunderbolt 4 ports supporting up to two external displays, MagSafe charging, and a 12MP Centre Stage camera with Desk View support.
In India, the 13-inch MacBook Air with M5 chip starts at Rs 1,19,900, while the 15-inch model starts at Rs 1,44,900. Pre-orders begin on March 4 via apple.com and the Apple Store app, with sales going live on March 11.
Thalapathy Vijay Divorce Settlement in Progress
Thalapathy Vijay recently found himself at the center of a major controversy after his wife filed for divorce. Although the divorce papers were submitted in a family court back in December, they were leaked last month, sparking widespread attention and slightly affecting his image as a family man ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections.
With political parties, including the ruling DMK, likely to raise the issue further, well-wishers have advised Vijay to resolve the matter amicably. Reports suggest that he may offer Rs. 250 crore in alimony to his wife, Sangeetha. In addition to the alimony, he is expected to take care of all expenses for their two grown children, a son and a daughter.
Their son, Jason Sanjay, has recently ventured into direction, with his first film starring Sundeep Kishan set to release soon. Sources indicate that some close associates of Vijay have already begun discussions with Sangeetha, and a formal agreement is expected shortly, bringing the divorce matter to a close.
Sampradayini Suppini Suddapoosani Launches Family Ticket Offer
As Sampradayini Suppini Suddapoosani prepares for its grand release on March 6, the makers have introduced a special initiative to make movie outings more affordable for families. Recognizing that rising ticket and snack prices often discourage group visits, the team has launched a Family Ticket offer combining affordability with added value.
Under this scheme, four adults can enjoy the film along with a large popcorn for just Rs. 499 at single screens and Rs. 799 at selected multiplexes. With popcorn prices often rivaling ticket costs, this bundled package directly addresses one of the biggest concerns families face when planning a cinema visit.
The offer was announced at the grand pre-release event, reflecting a practical understanding of audience expectations in today’s economy. The initiative is a collaboration between ETV Win, Bunny Vas Works, and Vamsi Nandipati Entertainments, who have consistently sought innovative ways to connect with viewers. By promoting the idea that “four friends are also family,” the offer appeals beyond traditional households.
If audiences respond positively, this pricing model could set a new trend for future releases. The film’s cast also includes Rohan, Prince Cecil, Ali, Kamalakar, Dhanraj, and Jabardasth Emmanuel, adding to its wide appeal.
Ustaad Bhagat Singh Gets Thaman for BGM
The makers of “Ustaad Bhagat Singh” are ramping up efforts to generate strong momentum for the film. While the initial hype has not yet matched the frenzy seen during “OG,” the team is working to excite Pawan Kalyan’s fans and establish the project as the season’s hottest release.
With the postponement of Toxic, the makers see an opportunity to recalibrate promotions and maximize visibility. Reports indicate that S. Thaman has been brought on to compose the background score. Thaman’s powerful BGM in OG played a key role in elevating the film’s impact and reception, and his involvement is expected to enhance the intensity and mass appeal of “Ustaad Bhagat Singh.” He is set to begin work soon.
Meanwhile, the songs for the film are composed by Devi Sri Prasad, with two tracks already released. The first song was a hit, but the second, “Aura of Ustaad,” fell short of expectations, slightly dampening momentum. The third single is expected to release shortly. With Thaman now handling the background score, the team hopes to amplify the film’s energy and generate the buzz needed ahead of its release.
Bunny & Mahesh Films Set for Pan-World Releases
Both Bunny and Mahesh’s upcoming films are gearing up for a pan-world release. Bunny’s 22nd film, directed by Atlee, is slated to hit screens next year, although no official release date has been announced yet. Meanwhile, Mahesh’s much-anticipated film “Varanasi”, directed by Rajamouli, is officially scheduled for release on April 7, 2027, in 120 countries—a first for any Indian film to release on such a global scale.
With this wide pan-world release, “Varanasi” is already setting records. Atlee is planning to release Bunny’s film on a global scale as well, given its unique storyline. An interesting scenario arises: if Mahesh’s film releases first, Bunny essentially becomes the “savior” for Mahesh, as the team can observe the results of “Varanasi” across 120 countries and adjust their strategies, marketing, or release plans accordingly.
This advance knowledge allows Bunny’s team to avoid mistakes and take precautionary measures before release. With a pan-world release being a relatively new experience for Tollywood—since previous Telugu films released overseas only on a limited scale—having “Varanasi” release first provides valuable insight.
If Bunny’s film releases after “Varanasi”, it benefits from lessons learned and can plan a safer rollout. However, if Bunny decides to release before Mahesh, it could turn out lucky for Mahesh. For now, Bunny is in a safe zone, with the flexibility to plan strategically based on “Varanasi”’s global performance.
MEA Advised Against Ministerial Meet with Bill Gates
It is known that Bill Gates arrived in India on February 16 and held meetings with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and other senior officials. He was scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit on February 19 but withdrew just hours before the event. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation later clarified that it remains committed to supporting health and development initiatives in India.
Meanwhile, a fresh update has emerged regarding his visit. According to The Indian Express, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) advised the Commerce Ministry against holding a ministerial-level meeting with Bill Gates during his February trip.
The advice reportedly came after the Commerce Ministry sought MEA’s opinion on an event organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), titled “Curtain Raiser of FICCI at 100,” which was scheduled for February 19 in New Delhi to mark the organisation’s centenary celebrations. The event coincided with a global artificial intelligence summit in the capital.
An MEA official from the Americas division is said to have indicated that a joint appearance with the Commerce and Industry Minister was not advisable at the present time due to political considerations. Officials further stated that the recommendation was made with approval from higher authorities. Subsequently, the FICCI programme was postponed.
These developments suggest that diplomatic and political sensitivities played a role in reshaping the schedule surrounding Gates’ India visit.
