Deepika Padukone Not Dropped from Kalki 2, Confirms Source

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Kalki 2 Update: Deepika Padukone Is Still In – Rumors Officially Debunked

Rumours have been swirling in Bollywood that Deepika Padukone might be dropped from Kalki 2, following her controversial exit from Prabhas and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit. Reportedly, the decision in Spirit stemmed from disagreements regarding reduced work hours and high remuneration demands.

However, insiders close to the Kalki 2898 AD team have put these rumors to rest. Deepika is still very much a part of Kalki 2, and there’s no truth to the reports suggesting her removal. Fans who were concerned about her absence could breathe easily — Deepika would reprise her key role as Sum-80.

Interestingly, nearly 40% of Kalki 2 was already shot during the making of the first part. The sequel is expected to resume filming by the end of the year. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the mytho-sci-fi epic features a stellar ensemble including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Prabhas, with Ashwini Dutt producing the film.

Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Pawan Kalyan’s Special Wish Surprises Fans

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Pawan Kalyan’s Unexpected Wish for HHVM Director Surprises Fans

The release of Hari Hara Veera Mallu has officially been postponed from its planned June 12 date, as the team aims to fine-tune the film to perfection. Though fans were initially disheartened by the delay, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, allowing more time for a robust promotional campaign for the much-anticipated PAN India film.

Recently, a grand beach festival was held in Machilipatnam, attended by director Jyothi Krishna, leading lady Nidhhi Agerwal, and several team members. During the event, Jyothi Krishna made a heartfelt revelation that took everyone by surprise.

He shared that Pawan Kalyan had already watched Hari Hara Veera Mallu three times and was thoroughly impressed with how the film turned out. In a proud moment, Jyothi Krishna revealed, “People have been jealous of me for getting the opportunity to work with Powerstar Pawan Kalyan Garu. He’s someone who sees talent and uplifts it. After watching the film, Pawan sir expressed his desire to collaborate with me again. He praised me continuously for nearly an hour — it’s a memory I’ll always hold dear.”

With the film generating buzz and Pawan Kalyan’s heartfelt endorsement, Hari Hara Veera Mallu is shaping up to be a cinematic spectacle fans can’t wait to experience.

YRF Takes Control: WAR 2 to Release Without External Telugu Distributors

YRF Says No to Telugu Buyers, Plans Own Release for WAR 2

Yash Raj Films (YRF) is taking full charge of the global release of its upcoming mega-project WAR 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR. The high-octane action thriller is slated for a grand worldwide release on August 14, just ahead of the Independence Day weekend.

WAR 2 marks Jr NTR’s highly anticipated Hindi cinema debut and serves as the sixth installment in YRF’s blockbuster Spy Universe, following hits like Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan, and Tiger 3. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Aditya Chopra, the film promises an electrifying showdown between two cinematic powerhouses—Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR—sharing screen space for the first time.

Despite immense interest from major Telugu production houses eager to acquire the theatrical rights for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, YRF has chosen to retain complete control over the film’s distribution. This move aligns with the studio’s broader release strategy, which includes self-distribution not only in the Telugu states but also in North India, the rest of South India, and key international markets.

The film’s shoot is nearly wrapped, with only one major sequence remaining—a high-energy dance face-off between Hrithik and Jr NTR. Though briefly delayed due to Hrithik’s knee injury during rehearsals, the final schedule is now expected to conclude soon.

With WAR 2, YRF is betting big on delivering another Pan-India spectacle, combining mass appeal with star power and strategic control over its release.

Andhar Maya on ZEE5: 5 Reasons This Marathi Horror Series Is a Must-Watch

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Andhar Maya on OTT, ZEE5: 5 Reasons Why This Marathi Horror Series Deserves Your Attention

Horror is having a moment in India. With audiences increasingly drawn to supernatural stories, eerie folklore, and spine-chilling suspense, it’s clear that this once-niche genre is now a mainstream favourite. Tapping into this growing appetite, OTT ZEE5 presents its first-ever Marathi horror original, Andhar Maya — a psychological thriller that blends atmospheric visuals, local lore, and haunting performances.

Now streaming on OTT, ZEE5 (from May 30), Andhar Maya promises a uniquely immersive experience. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your watchlist:

Now streaming on OTT, ZEE5 (from May 30), Andhar Maya promises a uniquely immersive experience. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your watchlist:


 1. A Chilling Tale Rooted in Konkan Culture

Set in the hauntingly beautiful Konkan region, Andhar Maya incorporates local myths, ancient traditions, and the eerie silence of ancestral homes. This authentic cultural grounding sets it apart from your average horror flick, delivering a uniquely regional narrative with a universal appeal.


 2. Where Reality and Illusion Collide

This isn’t your typical ghost story. Andar Maya blurs the line between what’s real and imagined, pulling viewers into a suspenseful psychological maze. Every episode leaves you questioning characters’ motives, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, the series twists again.


3. Powerful, Nuanced Performances

The cast delivers emotionally raw and layered portrayals that linger long after the credits roll. From silent grief to explosive rage, each actor fully embodies their role, lending authenticity and gravitas to the suspenseful storytelling.


 4. Cinematic Visuals with Symbolic Depth

Shot through a moody, artistic lens, the series makes full use of its rural setting. Every frame is carefully constructed, echoing the characters’ inner chaos while building palpable tension. It’s a visual treat that deepens the emotional pull of the story.


 5. A Soundscape That Creeps Under Your Skin

The audio design in Andhar Maya is a character of its own. Every whisper, silence, and distant echo intensifies the suspense. The background score subtly escalates the fear, making the series not just seen but deeply felt.


Final Word

Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers or regional folklore, Andhar Maya offers a fresh, gripping take on horror. It’s haunting, emotional, and uniquely Marathi — and it’s now streaming exclusively on OTT, ZEE5.

Why Trisha Faces Backlash for Her Role in Thug Life

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Trisha Faces Backlash Over Role in Thug Life: Here’s Why

The much-anticipated gangster action drama Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Kamal Haasan, hit theaters recently. Despite the excitement around this powerhouse collaboration, the film has struggled at the box office and faced mostly weak reviews.

Adding to the film’s challenges, it has now sparked controversy involving its female lead, Trisha Krishnan. Social media users have been openly criticizing her performance and the limited screen presence she has in the film, feedback that has disappointed many, considering her stature as a senior actress.

Trisha plays a romantic interest opposite Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan, but many viewers feel her role is too minor and lacks any significant depth or impact. Fans expected her to have a stronger, more substantial part, especially in a film backed by such a high-profile team.

Critics and audiences alike have expressed frustration over the underwritten character, questioning why Trisha accepted such a minimal role. Despite the film’s star-studded cast and initial hype, her performance has failed to leave a lasting impression.

This situation highlights a growing demand from viewers for every character, even supporting ones, to be meaningful and well-crafted. In today’s cinema landscape, audiences expect all actors, especially established stars, to have roles that contribute significantly to the story.

Kannappa Locks 3hr 10min Runtime | Vishnu Manchu’s Epic Pan-India Mythological Drama

Kannappa Locks Epic Runtime Ahead of Release

Vishnu Manchu’s much-anticipated mythological epic, Kannappa, is fast emerging as one of the most awaited Pan-India films of recent times. The latest buzz is that the film has officially locked a massive runtime of 3 hours and 10 minutes, signaling a detailed and immersive cinematic experience.

This extended runtime places Kannappa alongside recent Pan-India blockbusters like RRR (3 hrs 2 mins), Animal (3 hrs 21 mins), and Pushpa (3 hrs). Films like Leo, Devara, and Salaar also followed a similar trend, proving that audiences are willing to embrace lengthy narratives when the storytelling is gripping and emotionally resonant.

Set against a mythological backdrop, Kannappa promises to be a visual and emotional spectacle. The team is reportedly confident that the lengthy runtime is justified by the richness of the narrative. If executed well, the film could find its place among India’s modern epic blockbusters.

Kannappa features a stellar ensemble cast, including Mohan Babu, Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal, Prabhas, Sarathkumar, Kajal Aggarwal, and Preity Mukhundhan. The sheer scale of talent involved has already generated massive excitement among fans across the country.

Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, the film also marks Vishnu Manchu’s turn as both lead actor and scriptwriter. Produced by Mohan Babu under the 24 Frames Factory banner, Kannappa features music by Stephen Devassy and cinematography by Sheldon Chau.

With a powerful cast, mythological roots, and cinematic grandeur, Kannappa is set to deliver an unforgettable theatrical experience—one that just might be worth every minute of its 190-minute runtime.

Housefull 5 Movie Review: Star-Studded Cruise Comedy

Movie: Housefull 5
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Director: Tarun Mansukhani
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Fardeen Khan, Nana Patekar, Jackie Shroff & others
Producers: Sajid Nadiadwala, Warda Nadiadwala, Firuzi Khan
Music: Julius Packiam, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Tanishk Bagchi
Cinematography: V. Manikandan
Editor: Rameshwar S. Bhagat


Review: Housefull 5—All Stars, All Laughs, But Not All There

Plot Summary:


Set entirely on a lavish cruise ship, Housefull 5 follows a chaotic inheritance saga. Billionaire Ranjit (played by Ranjeet) declares in his will that his wealth goes to Jolly, his second wife’s son. But Dev (Fardeen Khan), the son of the first wife, has other plans. Soon, three men (Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, and Riteish Deshmukh) show up claiming to be Jolly, leading to hilarious confusion. A string of murders on the ship adds a twist—who is the real Jolly, and who’s behind the chaos?

Plus Points:

  • Ensemble Cast Madness: Seeing Bollywood heavyweights together, from Akshay Kumar to Nana Patekar, brings a visual treat for fans.

  • Confusion Comedy: The signature Housefull-style misunderstandings and identity mix-ups deliver consistent laughs.

  • Climax Surprise: A cleverly planted final reveal keeps the audience guessing till the end.

  • Cameos & Glamour: Unexpected appearances and extravagant visuals add mass appeal.


Minus Points:

  • Flat Screenplay: Despite the chaos, the story sticks to an overly familiar formula with predictable turns.

  • Slow First Half: The setup takes too long, and the pacing hampers the overall momentum.

  • Underused Talent: Many top-tier actors are reduced to filler roles with minimal impact.

  • Forced Humor & Songs: Some comedy sequences and musical numbers feel more obligatory than organic.


Technical Aspects:

  • Direction: Tarun Mansukhani manages the scale but not the soul. The film could use sharper emotional beats.

  • Music: The background score works better than the songs themselves, which lack lasting appeal.

  • Editing & Production: Grand visuals and sets stand out, but sluggish editing in several scenes holds the film back.

Verdict:

Housefull 5 delivers laughs but lacks the freshness that made earlier entries fun. It’s a star-powered ride best enjoyed with low expectations and a love for over-the-top comedy. Fans of the franchise will find moments to enjoy, while others might see it as a forgettable cruise comedy.

Sri Sri Sri Raajavaru Movie Review (2025) | Narne Nithin’s Dull Yet Predictable Drama

Movie Name: Sri Sri Sri Raajavaru

Release Date: June 06, 2025
Starring: Narne Nithiin, Sampada, Vijaykrishna Naresh, Rao Ramesh, Sudharshan, Racha Ravi, Subhalekha Sudhakar
Director: Vegesna Satish
Producers: Chinthapalli Ramarao
Music Director: Kailas Menon
Cinematographer: Damu Narravula

Jr. NTR’s brother-in-law, Narne Nithiin, known for his performances in the MAD franchise and Aay films, marks a new milestone with his latest release, Sri Sri Sri Raajavaru, hitting theaters today. Directed by Satish Vegesna of Sathamanam Bhavati fame, this movie is reportedly an adaptation of the Malayalam film Theevandi (2018), starring Tovino Thomas. Let’s dive into how the film fares.

Story:

Set against the backdrop of Atreyapuram, Andhra Pradesh, the story follows Raja (Narne Nithiin), a habitual smoker whose life takes a complicated turn when he falls in love with Nitya (Sampada Hulivana). What starts as a straightforward romance soon becomes strained due to Raja’s addiction, which not only threatens their relationship but also jeopardizes his father’s public reputation. The film explores whether Raja can overcome his habit or lose everything he holds dear.

Plus Points:

Narne Nithiin delivers a decent performance, handling action sequences confidently and delivering his dialogues with assurance. Sampada Hulivana brings charm to the screen and shows promise in select moments. Supporting actors Vijaykrishna Naresh and Rao Ramesh fulfill their roles as expected, while comedian Nellore Sudhakar provides occasional comic relief, albeit sparingly.

Minus Points:

The film’s major flaw lies in its predictability and uninspiring storytelling. The trailer already reveals the core plot, and the movie fails to bring anything fresh to the table. Instead, it leans heavily on clichés and preachy dialogues, sacrificing genuine emotional depth and entertainment.

Director Satish Vegesna, known for his heartwarming narratives, misses the mark here. The screenplay is bogged down by lengthy, unnecessary scenes that drag the pace. The humor feels outdated, and the emotional moments lack impact.

Characters frequently resort to moralizing, delivering punchy lines and analogies that feel forced rather than natural. One such awkward moment features a character stating, “Quitting smoking is like giving up power. It’s impossible.” These heavy-handed dialogues overshadow even the better lines.

Rao Ramesh’s portrayal of the strict, disapproving father feels repetitive, offering nothing new to his character arc. Additionally, several supporting characters contribute little to the overall story or its progression.

Technical Aspects:

Satish Vegesna’s direction lacks the emotional resonance and warmth he’s known for. Damu Narravula’s cinematography is adequate but unremarkable. Kailas Menon’s music offers minor relief but doesn’t make a lasting impression. Editing by Madhu could have been tighter, as many scenes feel unnecessarily prolonged. Production values meet basic standards without standing out.

Verdict:

Overall, Sri Sri Sri Raajavaru is an outdated and dull film that struggles to engage its audience. Narne Nithiin performs competently but isn’t given enough scope to shine. With recycled character tropes, sluggish narration, and minimal captivating moments, this one is easily skippable. Moviegoers would do better exploring other options currently playing at the box office.

Faria Abdullah Stuns in Bold New Photoshoot with Boots & Industrial Vibes

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Faria Abdullah Owns the Frame in Chic Boots Look

Hyderabad’s rising star Faria Abdullah, known for her breakout in Jathi Ratnalu and most recently seen in Mathu Vadalara 2, turns heads with her latest photoshoot.

Set against a raw, industrial backdrop of stacked wooden planks, the shoot captures Faria in a sleek, dark mini-dress featuring full sleeves and subtle embellishments at the collar and cuffs. The outfit strikes a balance between elegance and edge.

Adding to the bold vibe are her thigh-high black boots, injecting a fierce tone into the ensemble. Accents of gold rings, cuffs, and delicate earrings add just the right touch of glamour without overpowering the look.

Faria’s presence in the shoot is commanding yet effortlessly cool. From leaning into the rugged wooden textures to framing her face with fluid hand gestures, her confident posing and spatial play stand out.

With this look, Faria not only proves her fashion-forward sensibilities but also her ease in front of the lens. She’s next set to appear in the Tamil film Valli Mayil, and clearly, she’s more than ready for the spotlight.

#Single Movie Review: Sree Vishnu Shines in a Breezy, Pop-Culture-Packed Buddy Comedy

#Single Movie Review: A Lighthearted, Pop-Culture-Infused Buddy Comedy

Story:
Vijay (Sree Vishnu), a spirited and optimistic bank employee, is on a mission to end his bachelorhood. His romantic journey begins with Purva (Ketika Sharma), leading to a series of endearing and humorous attempts to win her heart. Just as things seem to be heading in the right direction, Harini (Ivana), a vibrant young woman, steps into his life, turning this pursuit into a hilarious love triangle. So, who does Vijay ultimately choose?

Review:
Directed by Caarthick Raju, #Single relies heavily on friendship, comedy, and a generous helping of pop culture references to keep the mood light and entertaining. The true highlight of the film is the effortless camaraderie between Sree Vishnu and Vennela Kishore. Their playful banter and comic timing inject energy into every scene they share, making their bromance the soul of the film.

From spoofing popular movie scenes to slipping in cheeky one-liners that mirror current trends, the film thrives on its relevance and self-aware humor. The film doesn’t aim for emotional depth, but rather, embraces its cheerful, easy-going nature.

Ketika Sharma and Ivana bring charm to their respective roles, even if their characters aren’t deeply developed. Rajendra Prasad appears briefly but manages to leave an impression with his signature screen presence. The supporting cast—VTV Ganesh, Prabhas Sreenu, and Kalpa Latha—add layers to the film’s fun, ensemble-driven energy.

Caarthick Raju’s direction maintains a feel-good vibe throughout, never attempting to delve into overly serious territory. While the screenplay dips into clichés at times, especially in the second half, the film’s breezy pace and short runtime of 129 minutes help it stay enjoyable without dragging.

Vishal Chandrashekhar’s music complements the film’s playful mood, while R. Velraj’s cinematography enhances the vibrant tone and settings.

Final Verdict:
#Single may not break new ground, but it serves as a delightful, no-pressure watch. With infectious humor, lively performances, and a steady stream of pop culture nods, this romantic comedy is perfect for anyone looking to unwind with a simple, cheerful film.