Akhanda 2 Theatrical Business Hits ₹100 Crore—Balayya Gears Up for Biggest Test Yet

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Rs 100 Crore Business Riding on Balayya—Can Akhanda 2 Deliver?

Nandamuri Balakrishna, fondly known as Balayya, is gearing up for the biggest test of his box office dominance with his upcoming sequel, Akhanda 2. Following the massive success of the first part, this spiritual action entertainer is making headlines for its theatrical business potential, and the expectations are nothing short of massive.

Akhanda 2: A Box Office Juggernaut in the Making

The film is reportedly doing pre-release business close to ₹100 crore, particularly in the Telugu-speaking states. Trade analysts are calling this a total game-changer for Balakrishna, especially with the scale of production and the lavish visuals director Boyapati Sreenu is planning.

Wider Reach, Bigger Stakes

While Akhanda 1 was predominantly a Telugu-language success, Akhanda 2 aims to crack the pan-India market, especially the Hindi belt. The makers are investing heavily in Hindi dubbing, national promotions, and high-end action sequences to appeal to North Indian audiences as well.

The Pressure Is On Balakrishna

With ₹100 crore at stake in theatrical rights alone, Balakrishna must deliver a top-tier performance to ensure recovery. His mass appeal and cult following among action lovers will be key to the film’s success, especially as it looks to make an impact in new markets.

The real test lies ahead—not just in repeating the success of Akhanda, but in expanding it beyond the Telugu box office.

New OTT Releases This Week: Netflix, Zee5, Hotstar & Aha Drop Fresh Content

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New OTT Movies Drop—Prepare To Be Hooked!

Looking for fresh entertainment this weekend? From hard-hitting dramas to true-crime stories and family comedies, OTT platforms are loaded with new movie and series drops that are sure to keep you bingeing.

As big theatrical releases like Dhanush and Sekhar Kammula’s Kuberaa and Ananthika Sanilkumar’s 8 Vasantalu hit the screens, major streaming platforms have quietly rolled out their fresh slate of content.

Here’s What’s Streaming This Week (June 20):

Netflix

  • K-Pop: The Demon Hunters—A high-energy musical fantasy from Korea

  • Grenfell Uncovered—A harrowing documentary on the real-life tragedy

  • Olympo—Spanish thriller series set on a mysterious island

  • Semi Soitor—A feel-good European coming-of-age dramedy

Zee5

  • Detective Sherdil—A quirky whodunit set in small-town India

  • Ground Zero—A gripping war-based thriller

  • Prince Family—Family drama with a royal twist

Disney+ Hotstar

  • Kerala Crime Files Season 2—Continuation of the gritty investigative series

  • Found Season 2—A twist-heavy American mystery drama returns

Aha Video

  • Alappuzha Gymkhana—A blockbuster starring Premalu hero Naslen
    – Fast-paced drama with sports and political undertones


Verdict

With everything from international crime thrillers to regional blockbusters and real-life documentaries, this week’s OTT drops cater to every mood. Whether you’re into gritty realism, lighthearted comedy, or high-stakes drama, there’s something new to stream across Netflix, Zee5, Hotstar, and Aha.

Nani’s HIT 3 in Legal Trouble: Writer Files Copyright Case Over Story

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Nani’s HIT 3 Faces Copyright Controversy: Writer Alleges Plagiarism

As actor Nani shifts focus to his upcoming film The Paradise, his recent blockbuster HIT 3: The Third Case has found itself entangled in a legal battle. The film, directed by Sailesh Kolanu and produced by Prashanthi Tipirneni under Wall Poster Cinema, has been accused of copyright infringement by writer Vimal Soni.

Released on May 1, HIT 3 earned praise for its gritty narrative and intense performances, although it also faced criticism for its graphic violence. Now, however, the spotlight has moved from box office success to courtroom drama.

 The Complaint

Vimal Soni, who describes herself as a fan of Nani, has filed a case in the Madras High Court, alleging that the storyline of HIT 3 closely mirrors her earlier unpublished works titled Agent 11 and Agent V. She claims significant portions of the plot and character development have been lifted from her material.

To back her claim, Soni has submitted original drafts of her stories as evidence in court. The legal petition calls for acknowledgment, compensation, and potentially even restrictions on further distribution of the film until the matter is resolved.

 Not the First Accusation Against Sailesh Kolanu

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time director Sailesh Kolanu has been accused of story plagiarism. Similar claims were made during the release of his previous film Saindhav, starring Venkatesh, though none led to legal consequences.

Now, with HIT 3 during legal proceedings, the makers must defend their creative integrity even as the film continues to perform well in theaters.

Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 & Coolie Rope In Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna & More

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Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 & Coolie Aim for Pan-India Glory with Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna & More

When Rajinikanth signs a film, expectations naturally soar. But with his next big projects roping in some of the biggest names across Indian cinema, fans are preparing for nothing short of a cinematic spectacle.

Jailer 2 & Coolie—Multiverse of Stars

While details about Jailer 2 are still under wraps, it’s Lokesh Kanagaraj’s directorial, Coolie, that’s already making waves. The film is shaping up to be a pan-India mega-event, uniting powerhouses from across industries:

  • Aamir Khan (Bollywood)

  • Akkineni Nagarjuna (Tollywood)

  • Upendra (Sandalwood)

  • Soubin Shahir (Mollywood)

  • Shruti Haasan

  • Sathyaraj (of Baahubali fame, aka Kattappa)

What’s even more exciting is Aamir Khan’s powerful cameo. Despite appearing for just ten minutes, his role reportedly delivers a pivotal twist in the storyline.

 Shah Rukh Khan & Rajinikanth—A Dream Onscreen Combo?

Speculation is rife that Shah Rukh Khan may join the cast of Jailer 2 in a special role. While not officially confirmed, the buzz suggests SRK might return the favor to Rajinikanth for his cameo in Ra.One. Given Shah Rukh’s history of impactful guest roles (Luck By Chance, Brahmastra, Tiger 3), his addition could make Jailer 2 an even bigger box-office event.

 More Than Just Films—They’re Events

With such a galaxy of stars, both Coolie and Jailer 2 promise to be not just films but nationwide cinematic events. The potential collaboration between Rajinikanth and SRK, backed by Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, and other regional giants, could redefine the modern multi-starrer.

Sai Pallavi Calls Sekhar Kammula Her Inspiration, Praises Kuberaa Team

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Sai Pallavi Calls Sekhar Kammula Her Inspiration, Wishes Kuberaa Team Grand Success

Actress Sai Pallavi, known for her authenticity both on and off screen, recently shared heartfelt words about director Sekhar Kammula, calling him her inspiration and a guiding force in her career.

Speaking ahead of the release of Kuberaa, Pallavi expressed her admiration for Kammula, who gave her career-defining roles in the romantic dramas Fidaa and Love Story, both of which also featured Akkineni Naga Chaitanya.

“He shaped my journey,” says Sai Pallavi

“Sekhar Kammula is a director who tells meaningful stories. He shaped my journey and continues to inspire me,” said Sai Pallavi, reflecting on her collaborations with the filmmaker.

As Kuberaa hit theaters on June 20, Sai Pallavi extended her best wishes to the entire team and shared her excitement about the film’s core themes.

 Praise for Kuberaa’s Cast & Crew

Sai Pallavi praised Dhanush for his bold choice of roles, highlighting his dedication to meaningful cinema. She also lauded Nagarjuna’s powerful screen presence and noted that Rashmika Mandanna’s role would leave a lasting impression on audiences.

On the music front, Pallavi expressed full confidence in Devi Sri Prasad, stating that his composition would enhance the film’s emotional depth. She also acknowledged producer Suniel Narang’s passion and hard work and mentioned the pride that his father, Narayandas Narang, has for the project.

 About Kuberaa

Directed by Sekhar Kammula and produced by Suniel Narang and Puskur Rammohan Rao, Kuberaa is a socio-political drama that explores the clash between great wealth and deep poverty. With a strong cast and grounded storytelling, the film aims to spark meaningful conversations.

Kuberaa to Revive Telugu Box Office? Early Reviews and Collections Positive

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Can Kuberaa Revive Telugu Theatres? Early Talk Suggests a Turnaround

The Telugu film industry has been reeling under a dry spell, with the most recent releases struggling to attract audiences to theaters. Aside from a few exceptions like HIT 3 and Single, box office numbers have remained unimpressive—until now. Sekhar Kammula’s latest socio-political thriller, Kuberaa, seems poised to change that trend.

Released today, Kuberaa stars Dhanush and Nagarjuna in lead roles and has opened to strong early buzz both in domestic circuits and overseas. Popular portal Gulte.com rated the film 3.25/5, praising its emotional depth and Dhanush’s powerhouse performance. Early reports from the USA also highlight audience appreciation, with the film already crossing the $400K mark.

 Audience Response & Trade Expectations

Despite a few minor complaints about the film’s editing, audiences have responded positively, especially to the film’s intense emotional arc and grounded storytelling. Trade analysts suggest that if the momentum continues, Kuberaa could become a rare post-pandemic hit and revive theatrical footfalls in the Telugu industry.

 Box Office Targets

  • AP/Telangana theatrical value: ₹30 crore

  • Worldwide value, including expenses: ₹70 crore

  • Estimated breakeven gross: ₹140 crore

While these numbers are ambitious, the film’s positive word-of-mouth and strong opening suggest a promising trajectory. However, concerns remain over ticket price hikes in Andhra Pradesh, which might pose a barrier to repeat viewership.

 Cast & Crew

Produced by Suniel Narang and Puskur Ram Mohan Rao, Kuberaa features Rashmika Mandanna and Jim Sarbh in key roles. The film’s music is composed by Devi Sri Prasad, whose score has added to its emotional resonance.

Whether Kuberaa becomes a box office savior for Tollywood remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—audiences are finally returning to theaters with renewed hope.

Anushka Shetty and Vikram Prabhu Feature in Ghaati’s New Poster; First Song ‘Sailore’ Out June 21

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Anushka Shetty and Vikram Prabhu Shine in Ghaati’s New Poster Ahead of Song Launch

Popular star Anushka Shetty is set to impress audiences once again with her upcoming crime drama Ghaati, co-starring Kollywood actor Vikram Prabhu. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Krish, Ghaati is scheduled for release on July 11, 2025.

The makers recently revealed that the film’s first song, titled Sailore, will drop on Saturday, June 21. To build excitement, a special poster featuring Anushka and Vikram Prabhu against a stunning temple backdrop was unveiled on Thursday evening. Anushka looks radiant and commanding, perfectly complementing Vikram Prabhu in the atmospheric visual.

Ghaati is being produced by UV Creations and First Frame Entertainment, with Vidya Sagar Nagavelli handling production duties. Fans are eagerly awaiting the song release, which promises to set the tone for this highly anticipated film.

Stay tuned for more updates on Ghaati’s promotions and releases.

Kuberaa OTT & Satellite Rights: Amazon Prime Video and Star Maa Acquire Rights

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Kuberaa OTT & Satellite Rights Acquired by Amazon Prime Video and Star Maa

After its worldwide theatrical release, Sekhar Kammula’s much-anticipated socio-political thriller Kuberaa, starring Dhanush, Nagarjuna, and Rashmika Mandanna, has already created a positive buzz among audiences.

According to the latest updates, the satellite rights for Kuberaa have been secured by the leading Telugu entertainment channel Star Maa, while the OTT streaming rights have been acquired by the global streaming giant Amazon Prime Video. This partnership is expected to bring the film to a wider audience beyond theaters.

Industry insiders reveal that the combined deals for the satellite and OTT rights have fetched nearly ₹65 crore, recovering close to half of the film’s estimated budget of ₹120 crore.

Adding to the star cast is popular Bollywood actor Jim Sarbh, who plays a compelling antagonist in the film. Kuberaa is produced by senior producers Suniel Narang and Puskur Ram Mohan Rao under Amigos Creations, Sekhar Kammula’s own production house. The music score is composed by Devi Sri Prasad, further elevating the film’s appeal.

Stay tuned to 123telugu for the full Kuberaa review and more updates.

Suriya’s Next Film ‘Karuppu’ with RJ Balaji: Pre-Look Poster Released

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Suriya’s Next with RJ Balaji Titled ‘Karuppu’—Pre-Look Poster Released

Kollywood superstar Suriya is gearing up for his next big venture titled Karuppu, directed by actor-turned-filmmaker RJ Balaji. The announcement was made today on RJ Balaji’s birthday, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans and cinephiles alike.

Suriya, who was last seen in the romantic action drama Retro, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, is now collaborating with RJ Balaji for the first time. The film’s title, Karuppu, was revealed through a striking pre-look poster showcasing Suriya’s silhouette, which has sparked curiosity and anticipation across social media platforms.

The makers described the title as “a name that embodies the soul of our story, shaped by heart, spirit, and purpose,” reflecting the film’s intense and meaningful narrative.

Trisha has been roped in as the female lead, adding further star power to this promising project. The film is produced by SR Prakash Babu and SR Prabhu under the banner of Dream Warrior Pictures. Music for Karuppu will be composed by the sensational Sai Abhyankkar, whose recent works have garnered much acclaim.

With the pre-look already making waves, expectations for Karuppu are sky-high among fans eager to see Suriya and RJ Balaji’s fresh cinematic collaboration.

8 Vasantalu Movie Review: Poetic Yet Slow Telugu Drama with Ananthika Sanilkumar

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8 Vasantalu Telugu Movie Review: A Poetic Journey with Moments of Emotional Depth

Movie: 8 Vasantalu
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Cast: Ananthika Sanilkumar, Ravi Duggirala, Hanu Reddy, Kanna Pasunoori & Others
Director: Phanindra Narsetti
Producers: Naveen Yerneni & Y Ravi Shankar
Music: Hesham Abdul Wahab
Cinematography: Vishwanath Reddy
Editor: Shashank Mali


Story Overview

8 Vasantalu revolves around Suddhi Ayodhya (Ananthika Sanilkumar), a spirited 17-year-old girl from Ooty who is a dojo champion and aspiring writer. The film follows her emotional and philosophical journey spanning eight years, charting themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, particularly after meeting Karthik (Hanu Reddy).


What Works

  • Ananthika Sanilkumar shines with a mature and emotionally layered performance, especially remarkable given her young age.

  • The chemistry between Ananthika and Hanu Reddy feels natural and heartfelt, particularly in key emotional sequences.

  • Visually, the film is a treat—capturing the serene landscapes of Ooty, the spiritual aura of Varanasi, and the picturesque beauty of Kashmir with finesse.

  • Hesham Abdul Wahab’s musical score and songs complement the film’s tone, enhancing the poetic rhythm and emotional impact.


Where It Falters

  • The film’s narration is slow and overly poetic, causing a dip in engagement especially in the second half, where the story becomes abstract and distant.

  • Suddhi’s character arc loses consistency after a pivotal heartbreak, with key decisions feeling unconvincing.

  • Supporting roles, including Ravi Duggirala, lack sufficient depth or integration into the main plot.

  • Some promising subplots, like Suddhi’s male friend’s storyline, end abruptly without resolution.

  • At times, the film feels preachy and indulgent, with heavy symbolism that may alienate viewers seeking a more straightforward narrative.


Technical Highlights

  • Phanindra Narsetti’s direction shows artistic vision but could benefit from tighter editing.

  • Vishwanath Reddy’s cinematography stands out as a major strength.

  • Shashank Mali’s editing feels sluggish in parts, especially in the latter half.

  • The production values remain solid, lending a polished look to the film.


Final Verdict

8 Vasantalu is a film with noble intentions and moments of emotional resonance, but it struggles with pacing and an abstract narrative style. Ananthika Sanilkumar’s performance is its highlight, yet the overall story lacks the grip needed to fully engage viewers. This movie suits those who appreciate poetic cinema and don’t mind a slow, contemplative experience. Approach with patience and moderate expectations.