‘Lock Upp’: Kangana Ranaut takes a dig at Zeeshan Khan over his fight with Azma Fallah

In the recent episode of ‘Lock Upp’, Zeeshan Khan was eliminated after he lost his cool and got into an ugly fight with Azma Fallah.

In the judgment day episode, Kangana Ranaut takes a dig at Zeeshan and she supports Azma.

She says: “I cannot take Monday’s episode out of my head, it has affected me so much. Azma I apologize to you for the physical assault you had to go through. Genuinely apologize to you and to all, the essence of humanity is shown in reality shows.Zeeshan has disappointed me so much also he has anger issues.”

She adds: “Anjali Arora you also targeted Azma, you cried even when you got the slightest scratch. But in this case, you destroyed Azma’s makeup, don’t you think that might be important for her? I gave you 3 warnings, you ignored my warnings. You are also assaulting everyone possible.”

Kangana supported Azma by saying, Azma has said double-meaning things, it is subjected to interpretation. Now that is Zeeshan’s problem that he interpreted something else.

Only Payal Rohtagi and Shivam Sharma helped Azma, your reactions are very good, we aren’t Chief Justice of India, but good that you’ve supported Azma.

Also, Kangana said that Anjali you are in revenge mode and always venting your frustration and desperation on Azma, Hence I give you the punishment of confinement.

‘Lock Upp’ streams on ALTBalaji and MX Player.

Naga Shaurya-starrer ‘Krishna Vrinda Vihari’ to now release on May 20

Director Anish R Krishna’s upcoming Telugu rom-com ‘Krishna Vrinda Vihari’, featuring Naga Shaurya in the lead, will now release on May 20, its makers announced on Saturday.

Produced by Ira Creations, the film was originally supposed to release on April 22. However, that was not to happen and rumors began to do the rounds that the film had dropped out of the summer race.

The team has now clarified that their film has not moved out of the summer race as was being speculated and that it would be hitting screens worldwide on May 20.

Sources close to the unit say that the film is currently in its post-production stage.

Music for the film has been scored by Mahati Swara Sagar and the cinematography is by Sai Sriram.

Shirley Setia plays the female lead in the film in which Naga Shaurya plays a Brahmin. Yesteryear actress Radhika Sarathkumar too will be seen in an important role in the movie produced by Usha Mulpuri.

Truly an honour to be a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahostav, says Ram Charan

Actor Ram Charan, whose popularity seems to be touching new heights post the release of director S.S. Rajamouli’s blockbuster ‘RRR’, on Saturday won hearts by paying rich tributes to armed service personnel who had lost their lives in the service of the nation.

The actor, who was the Chief Guest for the Wreath Laying Ceremony, which was a part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahostav organized by the Government of India at the Veerula Sanku Samarak at Parade Grounds in Hyderabad, impressed the gathering that included over 800 students, with his inspiring speech.

“I want students to remember that the air we breathe, the path we walk, the country we live in so proudly and peacefully is sole because of the officers and veterans sitting here. I am fascinated by Army officers. It gives me immense pride to see a man or woman in any uniform. In the 14 films, I have done so far, I have directly or indirectly played some roles for which I have worn the police uniform- ‘Dhruva’, ‘Zanjeer’ and more recently ‘RRR’. I am standing here today only because you all fought for us,” the actor said.

Ram Charan also thanked the officials for inviting him to the event and also the students for participating in such a noble program.

“I hope to continue to do some kind of service to this country and support the Indian Army and the Navy,” he concluded with an intense Jai Hind.

The actor did not stop by just participating in the event. He also went on to put out a post on Instagram about his participation in the event.

He said, “Truly an honor to be a part of the Azad Ka Amrit Mahostav to pay tribute to the real heroes who sacrificed their lives for our freedom! #75yearsofIndependence #IndianArmy”

The event is being held to commemorate 75 years of Indian independence and pay tribute to the fallen war heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Title song of Mahesh Babu-starrer ‘Sarkaru Vaari Paata’ released

The team of director Parasuram Petla’s much-awaited action entertainer ‘Sarkaru Vaari Paata’, featuring Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu in the lead, on Saturday, released the title song of the film, much to the delight of the actor’s fans.

The fast-paced track, the third to be released by the makers, is impressive and promises to garner as much attention as the earlier two tracks from the film — ‘Kalaavathi’ and ‘Penny’ did.

The song is all about Mahesh Babu’s character in the movie. Penned by lyricist Anant Sriram, the number has been crooned by Harika Narayan.

Music director Thaman, who has scored the music for the film, took to Twitter to present the song to fans.

He tweeted, “The first-ever song composed for our mighty ‘Sarkaru Vaari Paata’ Music
This track is fire! My love to our very own Superstar Shri Mahesh gaaru and dear
Parasuram Petla! Get your earphones now. Get yourself synthefied!”

Sources close to the unit say that post-production work is happening at a brisk pace. Keerthy Suresh plays the heroine in this film that is jointly produced by Naveen Yerneni, Y. Ravi Shankar, Ram Achanta, and Gopichand Achanta under the banners of Mythri Movie Makers, GMB Entertainment, and 14 Reels Plus.

The film has cinematography by R Madhi and editing by Marthand K Venkatesh.

IAS officer tweets gutkha-stained pic of Howrah Bridge, seeks answers from SRK, Devgn, Big B

The controversy surrounding the new tobacco advertisement featuring Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Akshay Kumar is not dying down.

After Akshay Kumar’s public apology and Ajay Devgn’s defense of his “personal choice” of starring in a tobacco brand’s elaichi product ad, an IAS officer from West Bengal has come down heavily on actors like SRK, Ajay, and Amitabh Bachchan.

IAS officer Awanish Sharan took to Twitter and shared a picture of one of the pillars of the iconic Howrah Bridge. He wrote in his tweet, “Kolkata Port Trust has said saliva laced with gutkha is corroding the iconic 70-year-old bridge. The Howrah Bridge is under attack from gutkha-chewers.”

The sale of gutkha or paan masala (both tobacco products) is completely banned in West Bengal as per a notification by West Bengal’s health department.

The notification dated October 26, 2021, issued under the signature of Tapan K Rudra, commissioner of food safety, West Bengal, read, “As per regulation 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations 2011 made by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, in the exercise of powers conferred by clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 92 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (Central Act 34 of 2006) read with section 26 thereof, prohibits the sale of articles of food in which tobacco and/or nicotine are used as ingredients, as they may be injurious to health.”

The IAS officer also tagged actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Amitabh Bachchan.

Nakuul Mehta faced challenges during shoot of ‘Never Kiss Your Best Friend’

TV actor Nakuul Mehta recently opened up on the grueling shoot schedule of his upcoming season of ‘Never Kiss Your Best Friend’.

Talking about the challenges during the course of filming, the actor said, “There were multiple difficulties that we faced during Never Kiss Your Best Friend S2 shoot in London. It was biting cold in England. Most of the visas of our crew were rejected because the UK High Commission had become extremely strict.”

Incidentally, he met with new people who came to his help with regards to his hair and makeup, “My personal team wasn’t there but I was lucky to find someone wonderful to come and do my makeup and hair there when I didn’t have my A team from here (India). My director didn’t have his assistant director. So, all of us doubled up to play different parts on the show and not just actors.”

“The most challenging part was when Omicron broke out in England much before it did in India and most of us on set contracted it and we had to push our shoot because of that. I had to return to India and my other show’s shoot in India also suffered. So that was a hard phase. Though I joke about the fact that it is a fun slice of life romantic comedy, the drudgery and the drama we went through to make this is another show”, he concluded.

The second season of ‘Never Kiss Your Best Friend’ will start streaming on ZEE5 from April 29.

Chiranjeevi’s ‘Acharya’ gets U/A certificate

Megastar Chiranjeevi’s much-anticipated movie ‘Acharya’ is set for a worldwide theatrical release on April 29 as it has completed its censor formalities, the makers announced.

‘Acharya’ has received a U/A certificate, as it gears up for a release.

To announce the news, the creators have released an eye-catching poster featuring Chiranjeevi. “Witness the ‘Ultimate ‘Action in cinemas from APRIL 29”, the makers wrote on their social media profiles, earlier on Friday.

Chiranjeevi, Ram Charan, Kajal Aggarwal, and Pooja Hedge star in the film, which is directed by Siva Koratala.

The biggie’s pre-release event, produced by Konidela Production Company in collaboration with Matinee Entertainment, is set to take place on Saturday in Hyderabad.

Yash gets emotional about the overwhelming success of ‘KGF: Chapter 2’

Kannada star Yash, who is overjoyed with the overwhelming response to ‘KGF: Chapter 2’, posted a video on social media in which he expresses his gratitude for the biggest win in his theatrical career.

Yash recounts an anecdote in the video, saying, “There was a small village that had been facing a drought situation for quite some time so, the villagers decided to have a prayer meet and people turned out in large numbers but there was one boy.”

“He was the only one who appeared with an umbrella. Some called it overconfidence, but it was – faith”, Yash said.

The ‘Googly’ actor continued, “I am like that little boy who believed he would witness this day, and I am in a position where thank you is sufficient, but I would like to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart.”

Yash’s emotional speech concluded as he said, “I’d like to express our appreciation on behalf of the entire KGF team. I hope you’re enjoying the film and will continue to do so. Finally, I’d like to say that your heart is my tent!”

‘KGF: Chapter 2’ was released nationwide on April 14, 2022, destroying a few records and creating some new ones. Helmed by Prashanth Neel, ‘KGF 2’ stars Yash as Rocky Bhaai, an underdog who rises as a super-powerful don.

Keerthy Suresh, Selvaraghavan-starrer ‘Saani Kaayidham’ set for OTT release

Filmmaker Arun Matheswaran’s revenge action-drama ‘Saani Kaayidham’, which features Keerthy Suresh and Selvaraghavan in lead roles, is heading to OTT for its release with its teaser dropping online on Friday.

The film will be released in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam on May 6.

The film tells the story of a generational curse coming true when injustice is inflicted upon Keerthy Suresh’s character of Ponni and her family. As seen in the teaser promo, she seeks vengeance along with Sangaiah (played by Selvaraghavan), with whom she shares a bitter past.

Sharing his excitement about the release date announcement, director Arun Matheswaran said in a statement, “I enjoy telling conventional stories in unconventional formats, bringing raw and edgy elements. Here’s a gritty action drama is woven around the theme of revenge; a story about a woman who is on a mission to seek vengeance.”

The Tamil film will be released on Prime Video on May 6, it will also be available as ‘Chinni’ in Telugu and as ‘Saani Kaayidham’ in Malayalam.

“Every story has an audience and I am thrilled that through the reach of Amazon Prime Video I can take ‘Saani Kaayidham’ to a global audience”, he added.

Siddharth Ravipati, who serves as the creative producer of the film, shared, “‘Saani Kaayidham’ is gripping and heart-wrenching in equal measure, and Arun Matheswaran has done a fantastic job in capturing the essence of the strength of a woman who is seeking justice.”

He further mentioned, “Both Keerthy Suresh and Selvaraghavan have given exceedingly brilliant and power-packed performances that will enhance the story’s appeal. I am eagerly looking forward to the film premiering on Prime Video on 6 May across languages.”

‘Saani Kaayidham’ has been produced under the banner of Screen Scene Media Entertainment.

Akshay Kumar issues apology for doing tobacco advert

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, who was recently seen in an advertisement for a tobacco brand along with Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan, has issued an apology for featuring in the commercial after it received flak from the netizens.

The actor took to his social media to tender an apology through a long note. He wrote, “I am sorry. I would like to apologize to you, all my fans, and well-wishers. Your reaction over the past few days has deeply affected me.”

Although the advertisement was for an ‘elaichi’ (cardamom) product, given the laws surrounding surrogacy marketing in India, it triggered a slew of memes and reels as people on the Internet dug up an old video of the ‘Bachchhan Paandey’ star where he can be seen promising that he would never work in a tobacco product advertisement.

In fact, Goa BJP’s medical cell convenor Shekhar Salkar also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strip Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, and Shah Rukh Khan of their Padma Awards for featuring in such ads. However, it is to be noted that the Government of India earned Rs 4,962 crore in taxes for the financial year 2020-2021 from tobacco companies.

Continuing his note further, Akshay wrote that he still stands by what he said in that particular video that surfaced on the Internet, “While I have not and will not endorse tobacco, I respect the outpouring of your feelings in light of my association with Vimal Elaichi. With all humility, I step back. I have decided to contribute the entire endorsement fee towards a worthy cause.”

“The brand might continue airing the ads till the legal duration of the contract that is binding upon me, but I promise to be extremely mindful in making my future choices. In return I shall forever continue to ask for your love and wishes(sic)”, he concluded.