Mahesh Babu-Rajamouli\'s Varanasi happens to be the most awaited film across the country. Since the film is an adventure thriller in the African jungle backdrop, excitement is increasing. People are wondering about Rajamouli\'s taking and how Mahesh Babu will be in the role of a globetrotter. Speculation is increasing over Vijayendra Prasad\'s story.\r\nIt is known that many films under forest backdrop scored hits. They include Rajamouli\'s RRR, Allu Arjun\'s Pushpa, Sandalwood film Kantara. All have forest backdrop but however the buzz over forest backdrop started with Varanasi.\r\nVaranasi has forest backdrop and now the upcoming films with forest backdrops are gaing attention. Naga Chaitanya-Karthik Dandu\'s Vrushakarma has the caves backdrop under forest and is a mystical thriller. Similarly NTR\'s next with Prashanth Varma also has forest backdrop. Inside talk is the scenes would be shot in the jungles of Karnataka.\r\nSai Tej\'s Sambarala Yetigattu will also have forest backdrop. Inside talk is Sharwanand-Sampath Nandi\'s film also has forest backdrop and Sharwanand will be delivering dialogues in Telangana accent.\r\n<div></div>

Movie News

All Stars drawing Varanasi inspiration

Stars getting inspiration from Varanasi

Bigg Boss 9 Telugu is gearing up for its grand finale, and the excitement is palpable as two contestants bid farewell this weekend. Suman Shetty and Bharani are evicted, narrowing the competition to five: Tanuja, Kalyan, Pavan, Sanjana, and Emanuel. Notably, commoners Kalyan and Pavan have made history by reaching the finale, boosting the chances of an underdog triumph.

Suman, once a top contender, and Bharani, a wild-card entrant, didn&rsquo;t resonate with viewers enough to advance. Their departure follows last week&rsquo;s unexpected elimination of Ritu Chowdhury, who was predicted to be in the top 5. Suman&rsquo;s steady 14-week run was marked by minimal gameplay, making this twist a shocker for fans.

Six contestants were up for elimination this week: Bharani, Tanuja, Pavan, Sanjana, Emanuel, and Suman. Tanuja leads the vote with 26%, while Suman trailed at 6%. Here&rsquo;s the voting split: Tanuja (26%), Bharani (20%), Pavan (19%), Sanjana (17%), Emanuel (14%), Suman (6%).

Online polls pointed to Suman&rsquo;s exit (46%), followed by Sanjana (25%). But Bigg Boss is known for twists, last week, a strong player was eliminated, and Suman survived earlier expectations. The show&rsquo;s management decides the outcome, not just votes, adding to the suspense. With the grand finale airing next Sunday, the remaining contestants are in for makeovers and vote appeals.&nbsp;

BB 9 Pre Finale Double Eviction  

Unexpected Eliminations Ahead Bigg Boss 9 Telugu Final

\r\nOfflate many Directors turn producers introducing new talent. Now, Director Venky Kudumula, celebrated for his unique storytelling and youthful filmmaking style, has embarked on a new venture as a producer with the launch of What Next Entertainments. This marks a significant milestone in his career, reflecting his passion for cinema and commitment to nurturing fresh talent.\r\nThe banner\'s first project, #NewGuyInTown, is set to be revealed tomorrow with its title and first look. The film stars Malayalam actress Anaswara Rajan and is helmed by debutant director Mahesh Uppala. S Thaman is on board as the music composer, while Raja Mahadhevan, a new face in cinematography, adds to the creative lineup.\r\n&ldquo;Cinema has always been my passion. I want to create a platform for creative voices and stories waiting to be told,&rdquo; says Venky, emphasizing support for emerging talent. With What Next Entertainments, Venky Kudumula aims to foster originality and innovation, encouraging fresh narratives in the industry.\r\nThis move highlights his evolution as a filmmaker invested in shaping new ideas and backing upcoming voices. More details about #NewGuyInTown will be unveiled soon, promising an exciting addition to Telugu cinema.\r\n

Another Director Turns Producer

Director Venky Kudumula Steps Into Production with What Next Entertainments

\r\nExhibitors support Telangana cinematography minister Komati Reddy on ticket rates hike. Telangana Cinematography Minister Komati Reddy Venkata Reddy made clear that he is against the ticket rates hikes for films and added that from now on producers and filmmakers should stop coming to the government to seek ticke rates hikes for their films.\r\nVijayender Reddy, president of the Telangana Controllers and Exhibitors Association, which represents around 300 exhibitors across the state, supported the minister and said &ldquo;With inflated ticket rates, audiences have stopped coming to theatres, and we are going through very tough times,&rdquo;. He requested&nbsp; the state government to fix ticket prices in the range of Rs 100 to Rs 200, or Rs 75 to Rs 175, for two classes, instead of permitting rates of Rs 400 to Rs 600 for big-budget films.\r\nHe revealed &ldquo;Prices are increased four to five times, and audiences naturally shy away from theatres. To protect single screens, we even organised a partial bandh a few months ago, as most theatres are running under losses. Some theatres have locked their gates, while many are cancelling shows due to poor attendance, sometimes with fewer than ten viewers.&rdquo;\r\nHe questioned &ldquo;How can we equate the income of a rickshaw puller in a village with that of an IT employee in a city and fix the same ticket price?&rdquo; and criticised the earlier government for allowing uniform ticket rates across gram panchayats, municipalities and municipal corporations.\r\nOn higher ticket rates increasing the collections in theatres, he said &ldquo;This is a misconception. We do not get any extra benefit from inflated collections. For instance, on normal ticket rates, if a film collects Rs 45,000 from four shows, we receive Rs 15,000 as rent. Even if a film collects Rs 3 lakh a day due to hiked prices, we still get only Rs 15,000. So where is the extra money for theatres?&rdquo;\r\nHe said &ldquo;We are left helpless. Theatres in places like Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Gadwal, Nalgonda, Miryalaguda and Warangal are facing different kinds of problems,&rdquo; and revealed \"distributors pressure theatre owners by negotiating aggressively and cutting rentals to screen big films.\"\r\n

Ticket Hike: Exhibitors hail TS Minister

Exhibitors support Telangana cinematography minister Komati Reddy on ticket rates hike

\r\nWill Trivikram propel second ones in Aadarsha Kutumbam?. Venkatesh and Trivikram Srinivas\' project is titled Aadarsha Kutumbam and this is exciting everyone. The film stars Srinidhi Shetty as the female lead. In the meantime, speculation is increasing whether Trivikram will propel his second ones atleast this time.\r\nIt is known that in his films he will not elevate second heroines and turn them into inconsequential ones. In Guntur Kaaram, Meenakshi Chaudhary acted as the second lead, as Mahesh Babu\'s Maradalu. She did it without any second thought as the director was Trivikram Srinivas. But all her fans got hurt as she didnot get important role. In NTR\'s Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava Eesha Rebba didnot get prominent role. Same is the case with Nivetha Pethuraj in Allu Arjun\'s Ala Vaikunthapuramlo.\r\nFans are saying at least this time, he should give some value to the second heroine. If the second heroine role is just confined to side kick, then it will be a negative impact to the project. Fans are advising Trivikram to address this issue. Trivikram and Venkatesh earlier worked for Malliswari and Nuvvu Naaku Nachhav. It has to be seen how Trivikram will show Venkatesh in the film.\r\n

Will Trivikram Change Track

Will Trivikram propel second ones in Aadarsha Kutumbam

\r\nTollywood impacted by increasing interests on loans payments. The stalling of Balakrishna\'s Akhanda2 over non payment of loans shocked all. At that time, reports came that even The Raja Saab would meet the same fate.\r\nHowever, TG.Vishwa Prasad, producer of Raja Saab assued that he had cleared all the loans and will settle in interest among soon. A star producer said &ldquo;Several producers today are borrowing and sometimes paying more interest than the original principal, losing their peace and sleep,&rdquo;\r\nHe says &nbsp;&ldquo;With every passing month, interest mounts and compounds the problem,&rdquo; as directors in the name of creative freedom incraesing the shooting days. The producer said &ldquo;Directors must realise that the entire financial risk rests on the producer,&rdquo; and said that each additional day costs around Rs 10 to Rs 50 lakhs.\r\nRaj Kandukuri shares that no body has cash to produce high budget films like Pushpa: The Rule, Game Changer, Kalki 2898 AD, They Call Him OG, Daaku Maharaj and Hari Hara Veera Mallu and said &ldquo;Nobody has that kind of cash,&rdquo; and shares &ldquo;Films with budgets exceeding Rs 100 crore are almost entirely financed by private financiers.&rdquo;\r\nHe says &ldquo;Until the financier confirms that all dues are cleared and issues a no-objection certificate (NOC), the film cannot be released without hurdles,&rdquo; revealing \"producers typically enter into tripartite agreements involving the financier and the film laboratory (now DI centres).\"\r\nProducer Lagadapati Sridhar shares &ldquo;Financing is crucial for any industry to survive, but unfortunately Telugu cinema is no longer in a healthy position,&rdquo; and adds&nbsp; &ldquo;When I recently tried to raise funds for a project, I realised there are barely two active financiers left. Most others have shut shop.&rdquo;\r\nHe shares &ldquo;Getting funds without collateral is nearly impossible. Only the top five or six stars can secure financing, and even they rely heavily on OTT advances and Hindi distribution rights,&rdquo; and reveals \"few remaining private financiers charge steep interest rates ranging from 18 to 24 percent per annum and prefer backing only films starring top-tier heroes.\"\r\n

Tollywood In Doldrums

Tollywood impacted by increasing interests on loans payments

\r\nNandamuri Balakrishna\'s Akhanda 2, directed by Boyapati Srinu, is storming theaters with its intense energy, earning positive reviews from the first show. The film features Balayya\'s powerful performance, showcasing his \'Aghor\' look and action sequences reminiscent of Vishwaroopam and Rudra Tandavam, leaving fans thrilled. Thaman\'s impactful background score amplifies the movie\'s intensity, creating goosebumps during key scenes.\r\nAccording to production house 14 Reels Plus, Akhanda 2 raked in over â‚¹59.5 crores worldwide on its first day, including premieres, marking the biggest opening in Balayya&rsquo;s career. Fans are ecstatic on social media, chanting \"The Divine Roar is loud and clear.\" With no major competition and strong word of mouth, trade analysts predict a weekend boost.\r\nThe buzz around Akhanda 2 is palpable, with housefull boards at theaters from the premiere. Boyapati Srinu&rsquo;s direction, blending devotion, power, and mass appeal, has satisfied the audience, building on the momentum from the first film. Fans celebrate Balakrishna&rsquo;s tailored scenes and dialogues, making theaters feel festive. The movie has received a massive response in Telugu states and overseas.\r\nIf the momentum continues, Akhanda 2 is set to break more records, crediting Balakrishna&rsquo;s performance, Thaman&rsquo;s music, and Boyapati&rsquo;s mass storytelling. Fans are already celebrating another blockbuster for Balayya.\r\n

Akhanda 2- Biggest Opening For NBK

Akhanda 2 Thaandavam First Day Box Office Collection

<h2 style=\"box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif, Ramabhadra; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 18px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;\">Mowgli (2025) Movie: What\'s Behind</h2>\r\nRoshan Kanakala, son of Suma and Rajeev, is trying to establish himself on the big screen with different flicks. He is coming to entertain movie lovers with his upcoming film titled Mowgli 2025. The film directed by Sandeep Raj is releasing on 13 December 2025. The Film\'s OTT rights have been bagged by ETV Win. Let us see how the film impressed move lovers.&nbsp;\r\n<h2 style=\"box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif, Ramabhadra; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 18px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;\">Mowgli (2025) Movie: Story Review</h2>\r\nMowgli 2025 story revolves around an orphan who aspires to become a police officer and the hurdles he faces and how he overcomes them to realise his personal love and life ambition.&nbsp;\r\nMowgli aka Kittu aka Murali Krishna (Roshan Kanakala) makes his living by making arrangements for shootings in his village Parvatipuram and at the same time aspires to become a police officer.&nbsp;\r\nWhat happens when he falls on love with a deaf and dumb beautiful girl Jasmine (Sakshi Mhadolkar), and where this leads to and what role SI Christopher Nolan (Bandi Saroj Kumar), his friend Bunty (Viva Harsha) form the rest of the narration.&nbsp;\r\n<h2 style=\"box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif, Ramabhadra; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 18px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;\">Mowgli (2025) Movie: Artists Review</h2>\r\nRoshan Kanakala performed well in the role of the orphan. He came up subtle performance with realistic expressions and emotions. He showed good variations according to the situation.&nbsp;\r\nSakshi Mhadolkar on her debut got a normal role. She got a deaf and dumb role and she is ok with her expressions. She didn\'t get much scope to show her acting talent.&nbsp;\r\nHarsha is good with his performance. Unlike his comedy characters, this time he got an emotional role and he did full justice to it. Bandi Saroj Kumar made his presence felt on his screen. He looked menacing on screen and impressed all with his body language and performance. Riya Suman, Avasarala Srinivas and Suhas appeared in cameos. So did Sandeep Raj in one scene. Others performed according to their roles.&nbsp;\r\n<h2 style=\"box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif, Ramabhadra; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 18px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;\">Mowgli (2025) Movie: Technicians Review</h2>\r\nMowgli 2025\'s story is penned by Sandeep Raj. He came with an emotional love story to connect chords with the movie lovers.&nbsp; He introduces the antagonist before introducing various other characters. The narration starts in an interesting manner before he delves into the love story and other scenes, which are predictable. These scenes are routine and slow the pace of the proceedings.&nbsp;\r\nIt is only during the pre-interval block that the narration picks up pace. The first half ends with a decent, interesting twist, setting the tone for the second half.&nbsp;\r\nThe second half is racy with the fight between the love birds and those opposed to them. Into the second half, the scenes are high and heavy on emotions. After the intense emotional scenes, the narration enters the pre-climax with action sequences before the film ends on a happy note. However, the climax disappoints all with everything left to Karma or destiny.\r\nThe cinematography of Rama Maruti M is decent. He showed the scenes according to the situation and added value to the output.&nbsp;\r\nThe songs tuned by Kaala Bhairava are melodious, and the background score took the viewers into the narration. But overall, they are just ok.\r\nThe editing of Peekay left a lot to be desired as there are many scenes that turned out to be repetitive and dragged the pace of the narration. Dialogues are ok. Production values are good.&nbsp;\r\n<h2 style=\"box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif, Ramabhadra; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 18px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;\">Mowgli (2025) Movie: Advantages</h2>\r\n<ul style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif, Ramabhadra; font-size: 17px; background-color: #ffffff;\">\r\n<li style=\"box-sizing: border-box;\">Roshan Kanakala</li>\r\n<li style=\"box-sizing: border-box;\">Bandi Saroj Kumar&nbsp;</li>\r\n<li style=\"box-sizing: border-box;\">Emotional Scenes</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 style=\"box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif, Ramabhadra; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 18px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;\">Mowgli (2025) Movie: Disadvantages</h2>\r\n<ul style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif, Ramabhadra; font-size: 17px; background-color: #ffffff;\">\r\n<li style=\"box-sizing: border-box;\">Predictable Elements&nbsp;</li>\r\n<li style=\"box-sizing: border-box;\">Slow Narration&nbsp;</li>\r\n<li style=\"box-sizing: border-box;\">Screenplay</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 style=\"box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif, Ramabhadra; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 18px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;\">Mowgli (2025) Movie: Rating Analysis</h2>\r\nAltogether, Mowgli 2025 turns out to be an emotional love story. Director Sandeep Raj came up with an intense emotional love story that also showed the value of friendship. He got output from the cast and crew, but the predictable elements in the story and unidimensional screenplay undid the good intentions. The story of Mowgli 2025 is similar to many other hit romantic films and also Sandeep Raj\'s earlier award winning film Color Photo.\r\nHe included same elements, same characters and did few changes to the love pair and the police officer. He failed to connect chords with the viewers with emotions and many scenes looked out of sync and bereft of logic with the thin and frail hero taking on the baddies double his size and beating the pulp out of them.\r\nEven the antagonist role after some point cross the line and the heroine role is not at all convincing. Screenplay failed to make and impact and the climax also fails to hit the bulls eye. Had he fine-tuned the script and the screenplay and included a few interesting Elements, things would have been different. Considering all these elements,&nbsp;Cinejosh goes with a 1.5 rating for Mowgli 2025.&nbsp;

Mowgli Review

Mowgli 2025 Review

\r\nThaman on The Raja Saab second single. Prabhas is coming to delight movie lovers across the world with his upcoming horror entertainer The Raja Saab. The film directed by Maruthi is progressing at a brisk pace and it is racing for a spectacular release on 9 January 2026 , one week ahead of the Sankranthi festival.\r\nThe makers have started their promotions and today music director Thaman came up with a crazy update on the film\'s second single. Thaman posted \"Just Heard the #TheRajaSaabSecondSingle Gonna Stay for Ages #SahanaSahana Oooooooo Promo Expected tomorrow or day after C-H-A-R-T-B-U-S-T-E-R L-O-A-D-I-N-G #TheRajaSaab \"\r\nFans are super delighted with the update. Prabhas is romancing hot beauties Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar and Niddhi Agarwal as the female leads.\r\nThe film stars Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Zarina Wahab, Sammuthirakhani,Vennela Kishore, Brahmanandam, VTV.Ganesh, Satya, Prabhas Sreenu, Yogi Babu, Saptagiri, Jisshu Sen Gupta and Varalakshmi Sarathkumar in important roles.\r\nPeople Media Factory and IVY Entertainment are bankrolling the film in a lavish manner.\r\n

Thaman creates hype on TRS

Thaman on The Raja Saab second single

\r\nMana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu celebrates Venkatesh B-Day with the first look. Victory Venkatesh is celebrating his birthday today and he is getting flooded with wishes from all quarters. It is known that he is playing a powerful cameo in Mega Star Chiranjeevi\'s Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu which is progressing at a brisk pace under the direction of Anil Ravipudi.\r\nOn the occasion the makers released the first look of Victory Venkatesh and wished him on his birthday. Apart from that they also released the special video to delight all the fans. Venkatesh on the first look is seen a stylish entry alighting from the helicopter. He is still wearing a blue jacket over the dark shirt and matched is with sun glasses. He is seen surrounded by his bodyguards. Venkatesh will be seen for 20 minutes and in the role of a powerful police officer.\r\nBheems Ceciroleo is the music director for the film which stars Nayanthara as the female lead. The makers will be announcing the film\'s release date on couple of hours from now today. The film is slated for sankranthi release next year.\r\n

MSG - Venkatesh turns Stylish

Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu celebrates Venkatesh B-Day with the first look

\r\nAfter 11 months of waiting, the screen is back! Mammootty\'s movie is coming to OTT, and it\'s going to be a thrilling ride. The much-anticipated mystery comedy thriller, Dominic and the Ladies\' Purse, directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, is finally hitting Zee5 on December 19, 2025.\r\nDominic and the Ladies\' Purse follows the story of Dominic, a retired police officer turned private detective, played by Mammootty. When he receives a lady\'s purse, the investigation leads him into a web of secrets and suspense surrounding a missing girl named Pooja. With the help of his assistant Vicky (Gokul Suresh), Dominic unravels the mystery, blending humor and emotion.\r\nDominic marks Gautham Menon\'s Malayalam directorial debut and features a talented cast, including Sushmitha Bhat, Viji Venkatesh, and Siddique. The film\'s OTT release ends a long wait for fans, as it received mixed reviews after its January 2025 theatrical release.\r\nGautham Menon called the project a \"dream come true,\" praising the team\'s energy and dedication. With its mix of suspense, humor, and twists, Dominic and the Ladies\' Purse is set to entertain Malayalam cinema lovers. Catch Dominic and the Ladies\' Purse on Zee5 from December 19, available in HD with a subscription.\r\n

Here Is Dominic OTT Arrival Date

Mammootty Gautham Menon Film Dominic Finally Arriving On OTT

North America premier sales for The Raja Saab sets records.&nbsp; Prabhas' upcoming film The Raja Saab is progressing at a brisk pace. The film directed by Maruthi is racing for a grand release on 9 Jan 2026 one week ahead of the Sankranti festival.

&nbsp;

It is known that the tickets for the premiers in North America already opened and according to the latest, the pre sales are setting a record. The pre sales already crossed $100K milestone in just a month and it may set more records in the coming days.

The Raja Saab features Prabhas romancing three hot beauties Malavika Mohanan, Nidhii Agerwal and Riddhi Kumar as the female leads. The music for the film is tuned by Thaman while Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Zarina Wahab, Sammuthirakhani, Vennela Kishore, Brahmanandam, VTV. Ganesh, Satya, &nbsp;Prabhas Sreenu, Yogi Babu, Saptagiri, Jisshu Sen Gupta and Varalakshmi Sarathkumar in important roles.

The film is produced by People Media Factory and IVY Entertainment in a prestigious manner.

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