Veteran Telugu Actor-Producer G. V. Narayana Rao Dies at 73

Veteran Telugu actor and producer G. V. Narayana Rao passed away in Hyderabad on August 26, 2026, at the age of 73. He reportedly died following health complications. His demise marks the loss of a respected artiste whose association with Telugu cinema and television extended across nearly five decades.

Narayana Rao made his acting debut with K. Balachander’s Anthuleni Katha in 1976. His performance in the film earned him the Nandi Award for Best Supporting Actor, marking an impressive beginning to his career.

Over the years, he appeared in several notable Telugu films and became a familiar face to audiences. His filmography includes titles such as Oka Oori Katha, Chattaniki Kallu Levu, Gang Leader and Hitler. He also had the opportunity to share the screen with leading stars including Chiranjeevi and Rajinikanth.

Apart from acting, Narayana Rao also made his mark as a producer. One of his notable associations was with the Chiranjeevi-starrer Yamudiki Mogudu, which was released in 1988 and went on to become a popular commercial success.

A Familiar Face on Television

Narayana Rao maintained a strong connection with television as well. He appeared in several popular serials, including Pasupu Kumkuma and Sundarakanda. Even during the later stages of his career, he continued to take up character roles and remain connected with the entertainment industry.

His career reflected the changing landscape of Telugu entertainment, from the classic era of cinema to the growing influence of television. Through different generations, he continued to contribute as both an actor and a producer.

Tributes Pour In

Following the news of his demise, several actors, filmmakers and other members of the Telugu film industry expressed their condolences. Many remembered Narayana Rao for his contribution to Telugu cinema and television and mourned the loss of a veteran artiste.

With his passing, Telugu cinema has lost an experienced personality whose career encompassed acting, production and television. His work across multiple decades will remain part of the industry’s history.

Newton’s 3rd Law OTT Release Date: Sumanth’s Thriller to Stream on Netflix in 5 Languages

Sumanth-starrer Newton’s 3rd Law is gearing up for its digital premiere after failing to make a strong impact at the box office. The thriller, which arrived in theatres on July 31, 2026, had an interesting premise and a promising cast but could not meet the expectations of moviegoers.

The latest update is that Netflix, the film’s official streaming partner, will premiere Newton’s 3rd Law on August 28, 2026. The movie will be available to stream in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam, giving it an opportunity to reach a much wider audience through the digital platform.

Interestingly, the Netflix premiere will take place a day after the film’s reported debut on ETV Win. The multilingual availability on Netflix could help the thriller find viewers beyond the Telugu-speaking audience and give the film a second chance after its theatrical run.

Newton’s 3rd Law generated curiosity before its release because of its intriguing storyline and the presence of experienced performers. However, the execution reportedly failed to translate the potential of the concept into a satisfying theatrical experience.

The OTT platform could provide the film with a more favourable environment, particularly for viewers who prefer investigative and suspense-driven thrillers. The availability in multiple languages may also help the movie attract audiences who did not get an opportunity to watch it in theatres.

The film features Jagapathi Babu, Srinivas Avasarala, Neha Pathan, Trinadh Varma, Shelly N Kumar, Ravi Varma and others in important roles. The project has been written and directed by Rajesh Karna.

Produced by Mark My Words Entertainments, Celestial Art Studio and VFX Shashwat, Newton’s 3rd Law is now preparing for its digital journey.

With its five-language release on Netflix, Sumanth’s thriller gets a fresh opportunity to connect with audiences. Whether the movie manages to receive a better response on OTT than it did in theatres remains to be seen.

Mahakali Glimpse: Sriya Reddy’s Fierce Avatar Becomes the Talk of the Town

Mahakali, the upcoming superhero film from the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), has created significant curiosity with its first glimpse. Headlined by debutant Bhoomi Shetty, the film marks the first female-led superhero outing from the cinematic universe.

Directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru and created by Prasanth Varma, the movie unveiled its first glimpse, Shukracharya’s War Cry, yesterday. The promotional video has attracted attention for its grand visual presentation, ambitious scale and intriguing casting.

While Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal of Shukracharya has been one of the major highlights of the promotional campaign, the glimpse offered a surprise towards the end. Sriya Reddy makes a striking appearance as Goddess Mahakaali in a fierce and powerful avatar.

Sriya Reddy is seen briefly soothing a baby before turning towards the camera with an intense expression. Though her screen time in the glimpse is limited, her appearance has quickly become one of the most discussed aspects of the video.

Her distinctive look, commanding screen presence and intensity have generated considerable excitement among movie lovers. The brief glimpse has also raised questions about the nature of her character and the role she will play in the larger narrative.

The makers appear to be keeping several key details under wraps, using the promotional material to gradually introduce the film’s mythological world and its characters. With the glimpse receiving attention, expectations surrounding Mahakali have now increased considerably.

The film features an ensemble cast and is being mounted on a large scale as part of the PVCU. The combination of mythology, superheroes and grand visual effects is expected to give the movie a distinct identity within the franchise.

Mahakali is scheduled to release worldwide on January 8, 2027, in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam. With Bhoomi Shetty making her debut as a superhero and Sriya Reddy’s fierce Mahakaali avatar already becoming a major talking point, the film has plenty of curiosity surrounding it.

Kriti Sanon Hits Back at Raksha Bandhan Ad Criticism: “When Will We Stop Judging Women by Their Clothes?”

Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon has responded to the criticism surrounding her recent Raksha Bandhan jewellery advertisement. The campaign, which features Kriti celebrating the festival and tying a rakhi to her dog, sparked a debate on social media, with several users questioning the actress’s outfit and the way the festival was portrayed.

The controversy gained further attention after actress Kangana Ranaut criticised Kriti’s appearance in the advertisement and questioned whether the outfit was appropriate for a traditional festival like Raksha Bandhan.

Kriti has now addressed the backlash through a detailed Instagram post. Responding to the criticism, she argued that festivals should primarily be about the emotions, relationships and traditions associated with them rather than the clothes a woman chooses to wear.

The actress also explained the reason behind the rakhi tradition in her family. According to Kriti, she and her sister tie rakhi to each other because they believe they can protect and support one another just as siblings traditionally do. She added that their dogs are equally important members of the family, which is why the same affection extends to them.

Kriti also questioned the repeated scrutiny faced by women over their clothing choices. She pointed out that ethnic fashion has evolved over the years, but women are still frequently judged on the basis of their appearance when participating in cultural celebrations.

The actress emphasized that wearing modern or contemporary clothing does not necessarily make a person less connected to their culture or traditions. According to her, cultural values are rooted in a person’s emotions and beliefs rather than their outfit.

Concluding her response, Kriti shared a strong message: “Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!”

Her statement has triggered another round of discussion online, with social media users expressing contrasting opinions. While some have supported Kriti’s perspective and defended her freedom to choose what she wears, others continue to question the creative choices made in the advertisement.

The controversy has therefore shifted beyond the advertisement itself, turning into a broader conversation about fashion, cultural traditions and the way women are judged for their appearance. It remains to be seen whether the debate will settle down or continue to gain momentum following Kriti’s response.

Kriti Sanon Hits Back at Raksha Bandhan Ad Criticism: “When Will We Stop Judging Women by Their Clothes?”

Mahesh Babu Is Not Teaming Up With Anil Ravipudi After Varanasi

Superstar Mahesh Babu is currently focused on his most ambitious project yet, Varanasi, directed by SS Rajamouli. The globe-trotting adventure is being mounted on a massive scale and is scheduled to arrive in theatres in April 2027.

Meanwhile, reports recently surfaced claiming that Mahesh Babu was planning to collaborate with director Anil Ravipudi after completing Varanasi. According to the reports, Mahesh was said to be considering a relatively quick project before taking up another major film.

The speculation quickly caught the attention of fans and triggered considerable discussion on social media. While some welcomed the possibility of another Mahesh Babu-Anil Ravipudi collaboration, others felt that the actor should continue focusing on large-scale event films following Varanasi.

However, Anil Ravipudi has now officially dismissed the reports. Taking to X, the filmmaker clarified that there is no truth to the ongoing speculation about their next collaboration.

Anil Ravipudi expressed his affection and respect for Mahesh Babu and urged fans and media outlets not to believe or circulate the unverified reports. With this clarification, the rumours surrounding their supposed post-Varanasi project have been put to rest.

Mahesh Babu and Anil Ravipudi previously worked together on Sarileru Neekevvaru, which became a major commercial success. Naturally, the possibility of their reunion continues to generate curiosity among movie lovers.

For now, Mahesh Babu’s immediate focus remains firmly on Varanasi. The film is expected to be one of the biggest Indian releases, and further details about his projects after the Rajamouli directorial are likely to emerge only at a later stage.

Irumudi: Ravi Teja’s Blockbuster Crosses Rs. 100 Crore Worldwide

Ravi Teja’s latest outing Irumudi is continuing its impressive run at the box office and has achieved another major milestone. The emotional family drama reportedly reached its break-even point within just two days of release and has already emerged as a profitable venture for its stakeholders.

The latest update is that Irumudi has crossed the Rs. 100 crore gross mark worldwide, marking another significant achievement in Ravi Teja’s career. The film has delivered strong numbers in its opening days, with audiences responding particularly well to its emotional content and rooted storytelling.

This marks Ravi Teja’s third film to enter the Rs. 100 crore gross club, following Dhamaka and Waltair Veerayya, in which he shared the screen with Megastar Chiranjeevi. The milestone further strengthens Irumudi’s position as one of the biggest successes in the actor’s career.

The film’s strong hold after the opening day has also become a major talking point. Reports suggest that the latest day’s collections remained close to the previous day’s numbers, indicating that the film is maintaining its momentum instead of witnessing the usual drop.

The sustained theatrical performance has been attributed to the film’s positive word of mouth, particularly among family audiences. Ravi Teja’s emotional performance and the father-daughter relationship at the heart of the story have emerged as major highlights.

However, the film now faces competition from Yash’s Toxic, which has arrived in theatres amid massive expectations. The response to the pan-India action drama could have an impact on Irumudi’s occupancy and collections in the coming days.

If Irumudi continues to maintain its current momentum and retains audience interest despite the competition, the film could post an impressive lifetime run. The next few days will be crucial in determining just how far Ravi Teja’s latest blockbuster can go at the worldwide box office.

Irumudi: Ravi Teja’s Blockbuster Crosses Rs. 100 Crore Worldwide

Kayadu Lohar Shares a Dreamy Moment With Rajinikanth on a Flight

Actress Kayadu Lohar had an unforgettable experience today after unexpectedly finding herself seated next to Superstar Rajinikanth during a flight. The actress shared a picture of the special moment on social media, expressing her excitement and disbelief.

Kayadu revealed that she has been a huge admirer of Rajinikanth and could hardly believe that she ended up sitting right beside the legendary actor. Recalling the moment, she said that the song “Sundari” immediately started playing in her mind when she saw him, making the entire experience feel surreal.

The actress described the encounter as a dream-like moment and said that her day was made by the unexpected meeting. She also expressed her hope of getting an opportunity to share the screen with Rajinikanth someday.

The picture quickly caught the attention of fans, who were delighted to see Kayadu Lohar’s reaction to meeting the Superstar. Her candid post has also given movie lovers a glimpse into just how special the moment was for her.

Kayadu is currently gearing up for the release of Nani’s The Paradise, one of the most anticipated upcoming Telugu films. Directed by Srikanth Odela, the film features Nani in a powerful role and is scheduled to release on September 24, 2026.

For Kayadu, however, this unexpected flight encounter with Rajinikanth is certainly a memory to treasure.

Kayadu Lohar Shares a Dreamy Moment With Rajinikanth on a Flight

Romanchakam Trailer: Sandeep Reddy Vanga Presents a Refreshing Youthful Rom-Com

Sensational filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for delivering pan-India blockbusters such as Arjun Reddy, Kabir Singh, and Animal, is now presenting a completely different kind of entertainer with Romanchakam. The youthful romantic comedy is being produced by Pranay Reddy Vanga under the Bhadrakali Pictures banner.

Sumanth Prabhas and Ananthika Sanilkumar headline the film, while debutant Venugopal Reddy has directed the project. The makers have now unveiled the theatrical trailer, offering a glimpse into a fun-filled romantic comedy packed with love, humour and entertaining situations.

The story revolves around a young man who runs a startup based on a dating app service. During his research for the venture, he unexpectedly falls in love with the female lead, a girl from Chennai. What begins as a professional exploration gradually turns into a complicated romantic journey.

The trailer focuses heavily on the chemistry between the lead pair and their contrasting personalities. Their differences, combined with a series of unexpected circumstances, create several amusing situations. The hero and his friends also find themselves caught up in trouble, setting the stage for plenty of comic moments.

Rather than relying on heavy drama, the trailer promises a vibrant and youthful experience with plenty of energy and humour. The film appears to have a breezy atmosphere, with the makers aiming to deliver an entertaining theatrical experience for young audiences.

Romanchakam also stands out as a refreshing change from the intense and violence-driven projects previously associated with the Bhadrakali Pictures banner. The trailer suggests that the team is attempting to explore a lighter and more relatable space through a romantic comedy.

With Sandeep Reddy Vanga presenting the film and Pranay Reddy Vanga backing it, Romanchakam has already attracted attention. The combination of a young cast, a contemporary love story and a fun-filled narrative could work in the film’s favour.

Romanchakam is scheduled to hit the big screens on September 3. Fans of youthful romantic entertainers now have to wait a little longer to see whether the film lives up to the cheerful promise made by its trailer.

King 100: Massive Birthday Update on Nagarjuna’s Landmark Film

King Nagarjuna is currently busy with his landmark 100th film, which is tentatively being referred to as King 100. Directed by Tamil filmmaker Ra. Karthik, the prestigious project has already generated considerable curiosity among fans.

The latest buzz is that the makers are planning to unveil the first glimpse on August 29, marking Nagarjuna’s birthday. The special announcement is also expected to reveal the film’s official title and provide clarity on its theatrical release plans.

King 100 is reportedly being shaped as a commercial entertainer with an emotional father-daughter relationship at its core. The story is also said to feature an interesting rags-to-riches journey, blending family emotions with commercial elements.

One of the major highlights is expected to be Nagarjuna’s character. Reports suggest that the actor will be seen across different stages of life, portraying age variations ranging from 25 to 60 years.

The big-ticket project also features Tabu, Sushmita Bhatt, and Vijayendra in important roles. Backed by Annapurna Studios, King 100 is shaping up to be a special project in Nagarjuna’s long and successful career.

With his birthday just around the corner, fans are now eagerly waiting to see the first glimpse and find out the official title of Nagarjuna’s milestone film.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga Says Varanasi Is Bigger Than Spirit

Sensational filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga recently grabbed attention with his candid and humorous comments about two of the most awaited upcoming films, Spirit and Varanasi. The director attended the trailer launch event of Sumanth Prabhas’ Romanchakam as the film’s presenter and interacted with the media.

During the interaction, Sandeep was asked whether the release gap between Spirit and Varanasi would be sufficient, considering that both are ambitious, big-budget projects with huge expectations.

Responding to the question, Sandeep said that there would be enough time between the two releases. He pointed out that the gap is around 37 days and then made an interesting statement, saying that Varanasi is actually a bigger film than Spirit.

When the journalist continued to raise the same concern about the release dates, Sandeep responded in his trademark humorous style. He jokingly suggested that the repeated questions made it sound as though the journalist wanted Spirit to move aside and make way for Varanasi.

Sandeep’s light-hearted interaction brought plenty of laughter at the event and offered fans a glimpse of his fun side. His comments about the scale of Varanasi have also sparked discussion among movie lovers, given the enormous expectations surrounding the project.

Spirit stars Prabhas in the lead and is directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The film is scheduled to release in March 2027 and is being mounted as a high-profile action drama.

On the other hand, Varanasi marks the collaboration of SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu and is one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema. The film is scheduled to arrive in April 2027.

With both films arriving within a relatively short span, the 2027 summer season is shaping up to be an exciting one for moviegoers. Sandeep’s playful remarks have only added another layer of curiosity to the much-awaited releases.