9 PM | ETV Telugu News | 28th February” 2026
Vijay–Rashmika Wedding Post Breaks Instagram Record
Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna tied the knot on February 26 in Udaipur, later sharing their dreamy wedding pictures on social media the same evening. Within hours, the posts went viral, sending fans and followers into a frenzy.
Rashmika, who boasts over 50 million followers on Instagram, saw her wedding post cross an astonishing 23 million likes. Reports suggest that this surpassed Virat Kohli’s 22.9 million likes on a T20 match-related post, setting a new engagement benchmark on the platform.
Fondly called “Virosh” by fans, the couple’s massive online response reflects their combined star power. Together, Vijay and Rashmika command an impressive Instagram following of more than 73 million, making them one of the most influential celebrity couples in Indian cinema.
Rashmika Mandanna enjoys pan-India fame with blockbusters such as Animal, Chhaava, and Pushpa 2, while Vijay Deverakonda continues to maintain strong youth appeal, largely driven by the cult success of Arjun Reddy. Their wedding has only amplified their popularity, turning the celebration into a nationwide social media event.
Allu Sneha Reddy Shines at Allu Sirish’s Cocktail Night
Allu Sneha Reddy is trending once again for her elegant presence at family celebrations. Whether it’s weddings or festive gatherings within the Allu and Mega families, she consistently makes a style statement with grace and confidence. Her latest appearance was no exception.
Sneha recently shared pictures from her brother-in-law Allu Sirish’s cocktail night, where she dazzled in a stunning blue sequin saree-style ensemble designed by Manish Malhotra. The outfit featured a sleeveless crop blouse paired with a matching skirt and a beautifully draped sequin pallu. The shimmering fabric added a glamorous touch, while the fitted silhouette highlighted her toned physique.
Keeping her styling minimal yet classy, Sneha accessorized with a delicate silver chain adorned with a blue pendant. She left her hair open and opted for subtle makeup, striking the perfect balance between bold and elegant. Her effortless look instantly grabbed attention and became a talking point on social media.
With Allu Sirish’s wedding scheduled for next week, fans are now eagerly waiting to see what Sneha will wear for the grand occasion. Meanwhile, Allu Arjun is busy shooting for his upcoming film AA22xA6 with director Atlee. As celebrations continue in the family, all eyes remain on Sneha’s next fashion moment.
Dhurandhar 2 to Feature Massive 3 Hour 44 Minute Runtime
Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar has put to rest all speculation surrounding its runtime. Despite concerns over its length, the film managed to keep audiences engaged throughout and performed strongly at the box office.
Now, the latest buzz suggests that Dhurandhar 2 could take things a step further. According to exclusive reports, the sequel is expected to have a massive runtime of 3 hours and 44 minutes. While a section of viewers had minor complaints about the duration of the first part, the overall reception was positive. Given the expansive storyline planned for the sequel, makers are confident that the extended runtime will be justified and could once again deliver a blockbuster.
On the other hand, there were widespread rumors about a sequel to Yash’s Toxic. However, with reports indicating that Toxic itself has a runtime of around 3 hours and 15 minutes, speculation about a follow-up film appears to have subsided. The film is said to feature a gripping narrative packed with action, which may help it overcome any concerns related to length.
With Dhurandhar paving the way, filmmakers seem increasingly confident about experimenting with longer storytelling formats. If these big-budget films succeed, extended runtimes could well become a bold new trend in mainstream cinema.
విజయ్–రష్మిక వివాహంపై రిషబ్ శెట్టి రియాక్షన్ వైరల్
భారతీయ సినీ పరిశ్రమలో మోస్ట్ అడోరబుల్ కపుల్గా పేరు తెచ్చుకున్న విజయ్ దేవరకొండ – రష్మిక మందన్న జంట ఎట్టకేలకు ఒకటయ్యారు. ఫిబ్రవరి 26, గురువారం ఉదయం రాజస్థాన్లోని ఉదయపూర్లో ఈ వివాహ వేడుక ఘనంగా జరిగింది. కేవలం కుటుంబ సభ్యులు, అత్యంత సన్నిహితుల సమక్షంలో జరిగిన ఈ ప్రైవేట్ వేడుక వార్తల్లో దేశవ్యాప్తంగా సెన్సేషన్ సృష్టిస్తోంది.
వివాహం నెట్టింట వైరల్గా మారుతున్న సమయంలో, కన్నడ స్టార్ డైరెక్టర్, నటుడు రిషబ్ శెట్టి రియాక్షన్ ప్రత్యేకంగా చర్చనీయాంశంగా మారింది. రష్మికను వెండితెరకు పరిచయం చేసిన కిరిక్ పార్టీ చిత్రానికి రిషబ్ శెట్టి దర్శకుడు. గతంలో రిషబ్, రష్మిక మధ్య కొన్ని విభేదాలు ఉన్నట్లు తెలిసిన కధనాలు కనిపిస్తున్నాయి. అందుకే రష్మిక పెళ్లి విషయంలో రిషబ్ ఎలాంటి స్పందన చూపిస్తారో అభిమానులు ఆసక్తిగా ఎదురుచూశారు.
ప్రస్తుతం ప్రశాంత్ వర్మ దర్శకత్వంలో తెరకెక్కుతున్న జై హనుమాన్ చిత్రంలో ప్రధాన పాత్ర పోషిస్తున్న రిషబ్ శెట్టి ఇటీవల మంత్రాలయాన్ని సందర్శించారు. రాఘవేంద్ర స్వామి వైభవోత్సవంలో పాల్గొన్న తర్వాత మీడియాతో మాట్లాడుతూ, ఒక విలేకరి రష్మిక పెళ్లిని ప్రశ్నగా ఉంచారు:
“సార్, రష్మిక మందన్న పెళ్లి చేసుకుంటోంది కదా.. మీకు ఆహ్వానం అందిందా?”
ఈ ప్రశ్నను ఎదుర్కొన్న రిషబ్ శెట్టి ప్రవర్తన అందరిని ఆకట్టుకుంది. రష్మిక పేరు విన్నప్పటికీ ఎటువంటి అసహనం చూపకుండా, కేవలం ఒక చిరునవ్వు ఇచ్చి, “థాంక్యూ” అని చెప్పి అక్కడి నుంచి నడిచిపోగలిగారు. ఈ గౌరవప్రదమైన మౌనం నెటిజన్ల నుంచి ప్రశంసలు పొందుతోంది.
గతంలో, రష్మిక ఒక ఇంటర్వ్యూలో తన తొలి సినిమా నిర్మాణ సంస్థను నేరుగా చెప్పకుండా సూచించడం వల్ల రిషబ్-రష్మిక మధ్య దూరం ఏర్పడినట్లయింది. ఈ పాత విభేదాల నేపధ్యంలోనే రిషబ్ ప్రశ్నను పరిమితిగా మాత్రమే స్పందించారు. పెళ్లి పిలుపు సంబంధించిన స్పష్టత రాకపోయినా, ఆయన వ్యక్తిగతం కంటే వృత్తిపరమైన పనులకు ప్రాధాన్యం ఇస్తున్నట్లు తెలుస్తోంది.
ప్రస్తుతం రిషబ్ శెట్టి “థాంక్యూ” అన్నారు అనే వీడియో సోషల్ మీడియాలో విపరీతంగా వైరల్ అవుతోంది. ఒకవైపు అభిమానులు విజయ్-రష్మిక పెళ్లి ఫోటోలు కోసం ఎదురు చూస్తున్నా, మరోవైపు రిషబ్ జై హనుమాన్తో బాక్సాఫీస్ వద్ద మరోసారి మ్యాజిక్ చూపించడానికి సిద్ధమవుతున్నారు.
ఏదేమైనా, ఈ కొత్త జీవితం విజయ్-రష్మిక జంటకు సంతోషంగా సాగాలని కోరుకుంటూ, రిషబ్ శెట్టికి నెటిజన్లు మెచ్చుకుంటున్నారు.
NTR-Neel Shoot Wraps Jordan Schedule, Remains Unaffected by Tensions
Amid escalating international tensions following Israeli and US military strikes, Indian authorities in Jordan issued an advisory for all Indian nationals and tourists in the country. This sparked concerns about the ongoing shoot of NTR-Neel, but sources confirm that the film team remains unaffected.
The production team had already completed the Jordan schedule well in advance and returned to India. With the foreign shoot wrapped up, all remaining work for the film will take place in India, ensuring that the project’s timeline remains largely intact despite the international situation.
Initially, the Jordan schedule was planned to extend until the first week of March, but the team efficiently completed it by February 25, ahead of the escalating tensions. This proactive approach has prevented potential disruptions and allowed the team to stay on track.
Rukmini Vasanth plays the female lead in the film, which is bankrolled by Mythri Movie Makers. Despite prior delays, the team is now focused on completing the remaining schedules in India smoothly.
Pawan Kalyan’s Ustaad Bhagat Singh Set for March 27 Release
Pawan Kalyan’s long-awaited cop drama, Ustaad Bhagat Singh, is set to be the first major Tollywood release of this year’s summer season. Trade analysts are placing high expectations on the film, as the box office has been experiencing a dull phase following the Sankranti festival.
The film reunites the blockbuster duo of Pawan Kalyan and director Harish Shankar, following their hit Gabbar Singh, which has generated solid anticipation among fans. The initial teaser and first single created decent buzz, but the excitement has slightly waned due to lackluster promotional content so far. The second single received mixed reactions, leaving some fans disappointed, especially with expectations from composer Devi Sri Prasad.
All eyes are now on the trailer, which is expected to reignite interest. With nearly four years in production, Ustaad Bhagat Singh has faced delays, largely due to Pawan Kalyan’s limited availability because of his political commitments. Industry insiders suggest that a boost in promotional activity, especially with Pawan Kalyan’s active participation, could dramatically increase audience anticipation and ensure a strong opening across all territories.
Pawan Kalyan has previously stepped in at the last minute to support promotions, as seen with Hari Hara Veera Mallu, which resulted in a noticeable boost. While current political commitments in Andhra Pradesh may limit his availability, allocating even a day or two for promotion could significantly enhance the film’s hype.
For Harish Shankar and Mythri Movie Makers, Pawan Kalyan’s support is seen as crucial to maximize theatrical prospects. His presence is expected to elevate the excitement and ensure a phenomenal start for the film.
Ustaad Bhagat Singh is slated for release on March 27, 2026, and is positioned to be one of the biggest Tollywood films of the season.
Thalapathy Vijay: Wealth, Career, and Personal Life Updates
Tamil cinema superstar Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, has long been celebrated for his larger-than-life screen presence and devoted fan following. His recent entry into politics and gradual step back from full-time acting have only heightened public interest in his personal and professional life.
Vijay’s upcoming film, Jana Nayagan, originally scheduled for release in January 2026, has been delayed due to issues with its censor certificate. Around the same time, reports surfaced that his wife, Sangeetha Sornalingam, filed for divorce at the Chengalpattu family court, citing allegations of infidelity. Neither Vijay nor his wife has commented publicly, but the news has sparked widespread speculation online. The couple has been married for over 26 years and has two children.
Despite mixed critical reviews, Vijay’s recent films—Leo and The Greatest of All Time—performed strongly at the box office, reaffirming his commercial appeal. His 69th film, Jana Nayagan, created massive pre-release buzz, as it is expected to mark his final cinematic appearance before fully focusing on his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
Vijay’s net worth is estimated between ₹600 crore and ₹700 crore, with the bulk of his wealth coming from domestic and overseas film earnings, brand endorsements, and real estate investments. Reports suggest that his remuneration for Jana Nayagan could reach ₹250 crore, making it one of the highest paychecks in Indian cinema.
Among his prized assets is a sea-facing bungalow in Neelankarai, Chennai, valued at ₹70–80 crore, along with an impressive collection of luxury cars worth around ₹8 crore. His garage reportedly includes a Rolls-Royce Ghost, BMW X5 and X6, Audi A8 L, Range Rover Evoque, Volvo XC90, several Mercedes-Benz models, and a Ford Mustang.
While exact figures for his net worth are hard to pin down, Vijay has undeniably amassed immense wealth and goodwill over decades of a successful career. Even amid scrutiny of his personal and professional life, his fan base remains fiercely loyal, supporting the superstar as he embarks on the next phase of his journey.
“Anaga Anaga America” Single Out from VISA – Vintara Saradaga
The first single, “Anaga Anaga America”, from VISA – Vintara Saradaga has finally been released, further heightening excitement for the film. Following a teaser that sparked curiosity, the full song is now available and has been receiving an overwhelmingly positive response across music platforms.
The track stands out thanks to its talented creative team. Lyricist Sanare delivers lines that are both youthful and heartfelt, while singer Sanjith Hegde infuses the song with emotional depth through his soothing and expressive vocals.
On screen, Ashok Galla and Sri Gouri Priya share effortless chemistry, emerging as a refreshing and charming pair. Ashok Galla impresses with his warm, boy-next-door appeal, while Sri Gouri Priya lights up the screen with her natural grace and expressive performance.
Composer Vijai Bulganin once again showcases his melodic finesse, crafting a tune that instantly finds a place on listeners’ playlists. The song strikes a perfect balance between freshness and emotion, making it highly repeat-worthy.
Directed by debutant Udbhav Raghu, the film is produced by Naga Vamsi S and Sai Soujanya under the banners of Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas.
With its engaging music and youthful energy, VISA – Vintara Saradaga promises to be a fun and entertaining watch.
Kakinada Fireworks Factory Blast: 18 Dead, Several Injured
A massive explosion tore through a fireworks manufacturing unit in Samarlakota mandal, Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh, on Saturday afternoon, leaving at least 18 people dead. The blast occurred around 2 pm at the Suryasri Fireworks Centre, located near the Godavari Canal in the Vetlapalem area.
Locals described the explosion as so powerful that it could be heard up to five kilometres away. Thick smoke engulfed the area as a major fire erupted following the blast. The impact was severe, with reports of cracks appearing in the roof of a nearby private school. Residents in surrounding villages panicked as repeated blasts were heard.
The fire department rushed to the site with at least two fire engines and is actively battling the blaze. Eight people sustained serious injuries and were admitted to nearby hospitals.
Explosions were still continuing at the factory, complicating rescue efforts. The fireworks unit, comprising six sheds, is reportedly run by family members of Adapa Nani and is located along Pedapudi Road in agricultural fields.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the explosion, and a detailed investigation is underway.
Eid al-Fitr 2026 UAE: Holiday Dates and Extended Break Plans
As Ramadan 2026 draws to a close, residents across the United Arab Emirates are gearing up for the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holidays. The government has announced the official public holiday dates, giving both public and private sector employees a welcome break. Many are now planning to extend this festive period by combining public holidays with annual leave and weekends.
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar, marking the end of a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Celebrations typically include special prayers, family gatherings, acts of charity, and travel. In 2026, the exact date of Eid will depend on the sighting of the crescent moon at the end of Ramadan. Whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, authorities have ensured that residents will enjoy several consecutive days off.
According to official announcements, government employees in the UAE will have holidays from Thursday, March 19, to Sunday, March 22, 2026. Private sector workers will observe holidays from Thursday, March 19, to Saturday, March 21, with a possible extension to Sunday, March 22, if Ramadan completes 30 days. Work is expected to resume on Monday, March 23, giving most residents a long weekend even without extra leave.
For those looking to maximize their time off, it is possible to extend the break into a nine-day vacation. By applying for annual leave between March 16 and March 18 and combining it with the weekend of March 14–15, residents can enjoy continuous time off from March 14 to March 22, 2026. This approach allows individuals to make the most of the holiday while using only a few leave days.
The extended break presents an ideal opportunity for travel, relaxation, and family time. Some residents are planning international trips, while others are exploring local destinations such as beach resorts, desert retreats, and cultural attractions. Travel agencies and tour operators have already begun promoting holiday packages tailored for Eid.
While the official holiday schedule is set, the exact day of Eid will still be confirmed based on the traditional moon sighting. However, the advance announcement enables residents to plan trips and book accommodations early, as demand typically rises sharply during this period.
Beyond travel and leisure, Eid remains a time for spiritual reflection, charity, and community bonding. The extended holiday allows families to celebrate traditions, attend prayers, and reconnect with loved ones. With the potential to turn the official break into a longer vacation, Eid al-Fitr 2026 promises to be one of the most anticipated holiday periods of the year in the UAE.
OpenAI Secures US Military Deal; Anthropic Faces Supply Chain Risk
Artificial intelligence firm OpenAI announced it has reached an agreement with the US Department of War to deploy its AI models on classified networks, while rival Anthropic warned it could be designated a “supply chain risk” after refusing certain military uses of its technology.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirmed the deal in a post on X on 28 February, stating that the agreement includes safeguards aligned with the company’s safety principles, including prohibitions on domestic mass surveillance and ensuring human responsibility for the use of force, including autonomous weapons. Altman said the department “agrees with these principles, reflects them in law and policy, and we put them into our agreement.”
OpenAI will implement technical controls to ensure the models operate safely, including deploying field engineers and restricting operations to cloud networks only. Altman called for similar conditions across the AI industry, urging the Department of War to adopt these terms for all companies to reduce legal disputes and promote reasonable agreements. The announcement highlights the growing role of AI in military operations, intelligence analysis, and logistics.
Separately, Anthropic said it may face punitive action after negotiations with the department stalled over two proposed uses of its Claude model. The company stated that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth directed the Department of War to consider designating Anthropic a supply chain risk.
The dispute arose because Anthropic refused to permit mass domestic surveillance of Americans and the use of fully autonomous weapons, citing civil liberties concerns and the unreliability of current AI models for autonomous military applications. The company warned that such a designation would be unprecedented, historically reserved for US adversaries, and pledged to challenge any action legally.
Anthropic also clarified that its services for most customers would remain unaffected, with any restrictions applying solely to Department of War contracts.
Trump Orders Federal Agencies to Stop Using Anthropic AI
US President Donald Trump announced late Friday that he is directing all federal agencies to cease using Anthropic’s AI tools. The decision comes after the AI startup reportedly refused the Pentagon’s request to allow unconditional military use of its Claude models.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump stated that the US would not allow a “radical left, woke company to dictate how our military fights and wins wars.” He emphasised that decisions regarding the military rest with him and the leaders he has appointed. Trump added that Anthropic’s actions are putting American lives at risk and that a six-month phase-out period would be provided for agencies using its products. He warned that the company must cooperate during the transition or face civil and criminal consequences.
Earlier, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth criticised Anthropic and CEO Dario Amodei, calling their behaviour a “master class in arrogance and betrayal” and accusing them of attempting to strong-arm the US military under the guise of effective altruism. Hegseth declared that Anthropic’s terms of service would never outweigh the safety and readiness of American troops.
He further directed the Department of War to designate Anthropic as a Supply-Chain Risk to National Security, prohibiting any contractors or partners from conducting commercial activity with the company. Anthropic will continue providing services for no more than six months to allow for a seamless transition, ensuring the military is not held hostage by ideological whims of Big Tech.
UK eVisa & ETA Now Mandatory for All Travellers
The UK has officially transitioned to a fully digital travel system, making eVisas mandatory for Indian travellers and introducing Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visitors from visa-exempt countries. This move replaces paper-based visa stickers and is part of a phased rollout by the Home Office over recent years.
Travellers still need to visit visa application centres for biometric registration, but passports no longer have to be submitted during processing. Mike Tapp, UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, urged, “Anyone travelling to the UK should ensure they are travel-ready and hold the correct permission to make their journey smoother.”
Under the new framework, all visitors must obtain digital permission before travelling, and airlines are authorised to deny boarding to passengers without a valid eVisa, ETA, or other approved documentation. The eVisa system, launched last year, allowed a transition period where physical documents were accepted, which has now ended. According to the Home Office, “An eVisa cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with and allows holders to instantly and securely prove their immigration rights. Switching to digital will not impact current rights or immigration status.”
As part of digitisation, holders of biometric residence permits (BRP), passport visa vignette stickers, ink stamps confirming indefinite leave to enter or remain, and biometric residence cards (BRC) have been migrated to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online system. Over 10 million eVisas have been issued so far. All eVisa holders, including those under the EU Settlement Scheme, are advised to ensure their UKVI account reflects updated passport details to avoid travel disruptions.
Visitors from 85 nationalities, including the United States, Canada, and France, who previously did not require visas, must now obtain an ETA before travelling. The ETA costs £16 (approximately ₹1,970), allows multiple entries, and is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Minister Tapp stated, “The ETA scheme is vital to strengthen UK border security while providing a more efficient service for visitors and the public.” The Home Office noted that the ETA fee aligns with similar systems such as the US ESTA ($40) and the upcoming EU ETIAS (€20).
British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, are exempt from the ETA requirement but must carry a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement. The Home Office added that carriers may accept some expired British passports at their discretion. ETA is also mandatory for passengers transiting through the UK if they pass through passport control, ensuring border security across all entry points.
