Why Raaka Makers Are Keen to Safeguard Allu Arjun’s Signature Moves

Raaka is already crackling with excitement, and the makers are reportedly cooking up a smart plan to protect the film’s signature dance steps and gestures from unauthorized commercial use.

This decision is said to be inspired by the massive viral wave created by Allu Arjun’s mannerisms in Pushpa. From the instantly recognizable Srivalli step to Bunny’s trademark hand gesture, these moves escaped the screen and took over reels, ads, and pop culture across the country. The Raaka team seems determined to keep that magic tightly held this time.

Industry chatter suggests the makers want exclusive control over Raaka’s character styling, body language, and promotional identity. The goal is to prevent misuse in advertisements, AI-generated content, and unofficial promotional campaigns that could dilute the film’s brand or blur its ownership.

Adding weight to this approach, Allu Arjun recently moved the Delhi High Court seeking protection of his personality rights. This includes safeguarding his image, voice, and identity from unauthorized exploitation, signaling a stronger stand on creative and personal ownership in the digital age.

With Atlee at the helm, Raaka is shaping into one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema. The hype is loud, the expectations are sky-high, and now even the moves are being guarded like crown jewels.

Actor Ali Apologises to Hindu Community Over Controversial Ad

Popular actor Ali has issued a public apology after a Ghar soap advertisement featuring him triggered controversy and drew criticism from sections of the Hindu community.

The advertisement reportedly showed Ali performing a pooja for the soap product, a portrayal that many viewers felt was inappropriate and hurtful to religious sentiments. As criticism intensified on social media, the actor responded by releasing a video message addressing the issue.

In his statement, Ali expressed regret and said that it was never his intention to offend or hurt anyone’s beliefs. He appealed to the public for understanding and sensitivity, emphasising his respect for all religions and traditions. The actor also requested the concerned company to immediately withdraw the advertisement from circulation.

The issue quickly gained traction online and became a widely discussed topic, with social media users expressing mixed reactions, ranging from criticism to support for the actor’s apology.

Peddi Release Under the Spotlight as Tollywood Faces a Tough Phase

Tollywood is currently navigating one of its most challenging periods, with exhibitors, distributors, and producers voicing serious concerns about the fragile state of theatrical business.

Ongoing disputes over percentage-sharing models, escalating operational expenses, and the steady disappearance of single-screen theatres have intensified tension across the industry. Adding to the strain is a visible drop in footfalls, with many exhibitors pointing fingers at rapid OTT releases and inconsistent theatrical content for the waning audience interest.

In fact, several theatre owners have warned that shutdowns could become inevitable if the situation fails to improve in the near future. Against this uncertain backdrop, the release of Peddi on June 4 has emerged as a key talking point in trade circles.

Industry watchers are debating whether the current crisis and the unstable theatrical environment could impact the film’s release strategy or box-office prospects. However, a section of the trade believes otherwise, arguing that Peddi, headlined by Ram Charan, carries enough star power to sail through unscathed, especially with limited competition and a thin release slate in theatres.

All eyes are now on how the film performs, as it could serve as a crucial indicator of audience sentiment during this testing phase for Tollywood.

Kiran Abbavaram’s Thimmarajupalli TV Lands on Aha, With a Subscription Twist

The rural drama Thimmarajupalli TV, produced by Kiran Abbavaram, recently hit theatres to a mixed response. Directed by V. Muniraj, the film made headlines for introducing nearly 50 fresh faces to the big screen.

The movie has now made its digital debut on Aha, but there’s a small catch. At present, Thimmarajupalli TV is available exclusively for Aha Gold subscribers. Regular subscribers will have to wait until tomorrow to start streaming the film. All eyes are now on how the film fares in its second innings on OTT.

The ensemble cast includes Sai Tej, Vedha Jalandharr, Pradeep Kotte, Swathi Karimireddy, Amma Ramesh, Satyanarayana, and Lathish in key roles. Music for the film has been composed by Vamsikanth Rekhana.

Suriya Steps In to Resolve Karuppu’s Financial Roadblock

Amid uncertainty over the release of Karuppu, titled Veera Bhadrudu in Telugu, a crucial development has brought fresh hope. Actor Suriya has reportedly taken personal charge to sort out the film’s last-minute financial hurdles.

The movie’s release was said to be stalled due to unresolved disputes between the producers and financiers, creating confusion among distributors and exhibitors at the eleventh hour. The sudden delay sparked concern across industry circles and among fans.

According to the latest buzz, Suriya has stepped in to hold direct discussions with the concerned financiers and assured them that all pending issues would be resolved smoothly and without conflict. His intervention appears to have calmed the situation.

With talks moving in a positive direction, there is growing optimism that Karuppu could finally make it to the big screens from afternoon shows today, setting the stage for a much-awaited release and renewed excitement among audiences.

iBomma Resurfaces: Fresh Headache for Tollywood

The Telugu film industry has already been grappling with low theatrical footfalls, with several releases failing to draw crowds in recent months. Adding to the worry, the long-standing menace of piracy appears to have made an alarming comeback. The situation worsened after Ravi, the man linked to operating the iBomma piracy platform, was recently released on bail by Hyderabad Police after spending over two months in custody, during which crucial information was reportedly gathered.

For a while, it seemed the notorious website had been shut down for good, with no signs of revival. However, recent developments suggest otherwise. Reports indicate that the platform is once again active and has allegedly resumed uploading newly released films. The timing of this comeback, coinciding closely with Ravi’s release, has sparked intense discussion on social media.

Many are now speculating whether his bail has anything to do with the site’s return. If the platform has indeed been restarted in violation of bail conditions, it could land those involved in serious legal trouble again. For Tollywood, the re-emergence of such a piracy hub is a worrying signal, threatening already fragile box office prospects. All eyes are now on the authorities to see what action will be taken next.

Water Tanker Crunch Forces Mahesh–Rajamouli Project to Shift Base to Varanasi

Summer woes are no longer sparing film sets. With Hyderabad grappling with an acute water shortage, even big-ticket productions are feeling the heat. In upscale areas like Manikonda, Narsingi, and Gandpet, residents are already relying on multiple water tankers daily. Amid this crisis, reports say the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Board declined a request for 150 water tankers sought for a major film shoot featuring Mahesh Babu and director S. S. Rajamouli.

The film, tentatively titled Varanasi, was initially planned to shoot elaborate underwater sequences on a massive temple-city set built in Hyderabad. Those scenes required the set to be submerged, but with water supply approvals not coming through, the makers are now reportedly planning to relocate the shoot to Uttar Pradesh. Locations such as Varanasi and Prayagraj are being considered, where water availability is not as severe.

With key actors including Priyanka Chopra already in Hyderabad for the schedule, the team is keen to avoid costly delays. Sources suggest the makers prefer an immediate shift rather than waiting indefinitely for water clearance. Fresh sets are expected to be constructed in Varanasi and Prayagraj to facilitate the shoot.

Meanwhile, the release date is locked for April 7, 2027, and Rajamouli is said to be determined to wrap schedules on time, no matter the logistical hurdles. Whether the film will arrive as a single release or be split into two parts remains unclear, but industry buzz around a two-part globe-trotting spectacle continues to grow.

Pooja Hegde Back With Allu Arjun for Lokesh Kanagaraj Film?

Icon Star Allu Arjun is currently occupied with the shoot of Raaka, directed by Atlee, and has also locked a high-profile collaboration with Kollywood ace Lokesh Kanagaraj, tentatively titled #AA23.

Buzz now suggests that Pooja Hegde is being considered as the female lead. The pairing has previously delivered hits with Duvvada Jagannadham and the blockbuster Ala Vaikunthapurramulo, making the speculation all the more exciting.

Pre-production is currently underway, with the film expected to go on floors once Allu Arjun wraps Raaka. Mythri Movie Makers will produce the project, while Anirudh Ravichander has been brought on board to score the music.

Peddi: Grand Musical Night Locked for May 23 in Bhopal, AR Rahman to Headline Live Show

As reported earlier today, Peddi is set to host a spectacular musical celebration in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on May 23. The makers have now dropped an official promo confirming the event, with the biggest attraction being a live performance by A. R. Rahman.

Adding to the excitement, the highlight of the evening will be a special song picturised on Ram Charan and Shruti Haasan, with Janhvi Kapoor also featuring in the energetic dance number. Meanwhile, the film’s trailer is slated to be unveiled in Mumbai on May 18.

The team is also said to be lining up promotional events and press meets across multiple major cities in the coming days. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi is produced by Venkata Satish Kilaru under the Vriddhi Cinemas banner.

Avatar Fire and Ash OTT Release: James Cameron’s Visual Epic Sets Streaming Date

The third chapter in Avatar: Fire and Ash, directed by James Cameron, may have received mixed critical feedback, but it still carved out an impressive box office run, earning close to $1.5 billion worldwide. Now, the spectacular sci-fi saga is ready for its digital premiere.

As per the latest update, Avatar: Fire and Ash will start streaming on Disney+ from June 24. Indian audiences can watch the film on Jio Hotstar. After an initial rental window, the movie will now be available to Disney+ subscribers at no extra cost.

Set in the aftermath of Avatar: The Way of Water, the story follows Jake Sully and Neytiri as they grapple with the devastating loss of their son, Neteyam. At the same time, Colonel Miles Quaritch aligns himself with the Mangkwan clan, also known as the Ash People, intensifying his pursuit of Jake and his family amid new conflicts on Pandora.

The Paradise Reshoot Buzz: Makers Issue Firm Clarification

Rumours have been doing the rounds since yesterday, claiming that The Paradise had entered reshoot mode after Nani was allegedly unhappy with a few portions. The chatter raised concerns among fans, but the film’s makers have firmly dismissed the claims as completely baseless.

The team clarified that around 100 shooting days have already been completed, and the remaining schedule is progressing exactly as planned. They stressed that there hasn’t been a single reshoot so far, nor is there any plan for one in the future. According to the makers, every stage of the film is being executed with the same scale, precision, and conviction envisioned from the start.

Urging media platforms to verify facts before amplifying such reports, the team reiterated that The Paradise, directed by Srikanth Odela, is on track for its theatrical release on August 21. The film stars Kayadu Lohar as the female lead, with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander.

Instagram Unfollow Sparks Split Rumours Around Mouni Roy and Suraj Nambiar!

Speculation is rife after actress Mouni Roy and her husband Suraj Nambiar reportedly unfollowed each other on Instagram. Adding fuel to the buzz, pictures of Suraj are said to have disappeared from Mouni’s social media profile, prompting chatter about possible trouble in their marriage.

Mouni and Suraj dated for nearly three years before tying the knot in January 2022 in a lavish ceremony in Goa. The two first met on New Year’s Eve in 2019 in Dubai, and their relationship had largely stayed away from controversy until now. Their recent social media activity has caught public attention, leading to widespread speculation about a potential separation.

So far, neither Mouni Roy nor Suraj Nambiar has responded to the rumors. Suraj is a Dubai-based businessman and investment banker from a Jain family in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, Mouni is focused on her professional commitments and is preparing for the release of her upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai.

Drishyam 3 Poised for a Thunderous Opening; Kerala Pre-Sales on Fire!

Advance bookings for Drishyam 3, starring Mohanlal and crafted by Jeethu Joseph, have taken off in spectacular fashion. The film has already raked in around ₹2.5 crore from Kerala alone, setting the stage for a massive opening.

Widely regarded as Mollywood’s most powerful franchise, Drishyam returns with renewed force after Part 2 missed a full-blown box office run due to the pandemic. This time, the third chapter appears ready to deliver the fireworks fans had been waiting for.

The momentum isn’t limited to Kerala. In the United States, premiere shows have crossed the $25K mark, signaling strong overseas interest. Adding to the buzz, Drishyam 3 is releasing simultaneously in all South Indian languages, skipping the remake route altogether and amplifying its pan-South appeal.

Buzz Grows Around Ram Charan’s Peddi Runtime!

Speculation is heating up about the runtime of Peddi, starring Ram Charan and directed by Buchi Babu Sana. Slated for a theatrical release on June 4, the much-awaited trailer is expected to drop on May 18.

Over the past few days, social media has been abuzz with reports suggesting that the sports action drama may cross the three-hour mark. The latest talk points to a runtime of approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes. Given the trend of longer runtimes for big-scale entertainers, the speculation hasn’t surprised many.

That said, official confirmation on the duration will only come after the censor process is completed. Produced by Venkata Satish Kilaru under the Vriddhi Cinemas banner, the film features Janhvi Kapoor as the female lead, alongside Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, Divyyendu Sharma, and Boman Irani in key roles. Music is composed by A. R. Rahman.

With anticipation steadily climbing, all eyes are now on the trailer and the final word from the censor board.

Dual-Role Talk Heats Up Around Balakrishna!

Nandamuri Balakrishna shows no signs of slowing down, with multiple projects lined up back to back. He is currently working with Gopichand Malineni, while a fresh collaboration with Koratala Siva was announced recently, keeping fans on high alert.

Adding to the excitement, reports suggest that Vivek Athreya recently narrated a story to Balakrishna that left the actor impressed. The buzz around this pairing is understandable, given Vivek’s acclaimed filmography that includes Brochevarevarura, Ante Sundaraniki, and Saripodhaa Saanivaram.

Though there were murmurs that the project might be pushed back due to Balayya’s packed schedule, insiders now clarify that the collaboration is very much on track. Vivek Athreya is reportedly shaping a strong commercial script, with talks of Balakrishna appearing in a dual role or sharing screen space with another major star.

An official announcement is expected later this year, and if the buzz is anything to go by, this project could turn into one of Balayya’s most talked-about ventures.

Trisha’s Next Big Turn: Cinema, Power, or Both?

Trisha appears to be standing at a fascinating crossroads. While she remains fully occupied with her film commitments, she recently drew fresh attention by attending Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, instantly setting rumor mills spinning.

Whispers in political circles suggest that Trisha could soon step into public life, with talk even hinting at a possible cabinet position under Vijay’s leadership. Adding fuel to the chatter are ongoing speculations about a potential marriage between the two, keeping both fans and observers guessing.

This has sparked a bigger question about her future path. Taking on a cabinet role would demand complete dedication, potentially making it difficult to continue her acting career. On the other hand, there’s curiosity over whether she might attempt the rare balancing act of managing both cinema and politics.

For now, nothing is confirmed, but the suspense is thick. Whether Trisha chooses the silver screen, the political stage, or a blend of both, her next move is being watched closely.

Dhurandhar 2 OTT: JioHotstar’s Silence Sparks Fan Frenzy Ahead of Netflix Premiere

The box office juggernaut Dhurandhar: The Revenge, popularly known as Dhurandhar 2, is back in the spotlight, this time for its much-awaited digital rollout. While overseas audiences are gearing up for its Netflix debut, Indian viewers are still stuck refreshing timelines for an update from JioHotstar.

What’s fueling the unrest is JioHotstar’s continued silence on the film’s India OTT premiere. With no official confirmation yet, fans are growing restless, especially as reports suggest Netflix will begin streaming the film internationally from May 15, 2026. The radio silence has only amplified speculation about whether the Indian release will align with the global drop.

Packed with a heavyweight cast featuring Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi, the film is directed by Aditya Dhar and produced by Jio Studios. The spy action spectacle has already rewritten records, storming past ₹1,840 crore at the global box office.

Now, fans are eagerly counting down to the digital release, especially the much-hyped “Raw and Undekha” extended version. Until JioHotstar breaks its silence, the buzz isn’t dying down anytime soon.

Ram Charan’s Peddi Clocks 7,500+ Premiere Ticket Sales in North America

The global wave around Peddi is gathering serious momentum. Ram Charan’s much-anticipated film has taken a flying start in North America, racing past the $200K mark in pre-sales just days after bookings opened. With over 7,500 premiere tickets already sold, the film has emerged as one of the fastest Indian releases to hit this milestone.

Adding extra shine to the feat, Peddi reportedly crossed $100K in pre-sales within just five hours, setting a fresh benchmark for Indian cinema in the region. Trade circles suggest the film is now cruising toward a massive opening weekend overseas.

The excitement is set to spike further with the grand trailer launch scheduled in Bhopal on May 16. Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman is expected to perform live at the event, turning the launch into a full-blown spectacle.

Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi is a rural sports action drama that showcases Ram Charan in a rugged, physically transformed avatar, a look that has already set social media buzzing. The film is slated for its worldwide premiere on June 3, followed by a grand theatrical release on June 4, 2026.

Ram Charan’s Peddi Clocks 7,500+ Premiere Ticket Sales in North America

Varanasi: Priyanka Chopra Joins Latest Shooting Schedule

Varanasi, the ambitious globe-trotting action adventure headlined by Mahesh Babu and directed by S. S. Rajamouli, is back in focus with a fresh update from Priyanka Chopra. The film, which also features Prithviraj Sukumaran in a key role, is scheduled to hit screens on April 7, 2027.

Priyanka took to Instagram to share a snapshot captioned “Varanasi, here we go!”, confirming her arrival for the latest shoot. This development follows reports that the earlier Hyderabad schedule was paused due to water shortage concerns.

Produced by K. L. Narayana and S. S. Karthikeya, the big-budget spectacle also stars R. Madhavan and Prakash Raj in pivotal roles, with music composed by M. M. Keeravaani.

Buzz: Peddi Trailer Set for May 16 Launch in Bhopal, AR Rahman to Perform Live

The trailer of Peddi, starring Ram Charan, is all set to be unveiled on May 16 at a grand event in Bhopal, as per an exclusive report by Variety India. The launch is shaping up to be a star-studded affair, with Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, director Buchi Babu Sana, producer Venkata Satish Kilaru, and Sukumar expected to attend.

Adding musical magic to the celebrations, Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman is likely to deliver a live performance at the event. The makers are planning the trailer launch on a massive scale, with elaborate arrangements already underway in Bhopal.

Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi marks his first collaboration with Ram Charan and has been generating strong buzz from the start. The film also features Shiva Rajkumar and Divyendu Sharma in pivotal roles, further raising expectations around this much-anticipated project.