\r\nAdivi Sesh, who grew up in San Francisco before entering the Telugu film industry, has spoken candidly about his struggles and the concept of nepotism in India. In a recent conversation, he described India as a \'nepo country&rsquo;; highlighting the challenges he faced as an outsider trying to break into the industry.\r\n&nbsp;\r\nAdivi recalled his experiences auditioning for roles in Mumbai, where his identity and background were constantly questioned. \"So, after reading the lines in the audition, they asked, \'Where are you from?\' When I said San Francisco, they said, \'Yes, there\'s an American accent in your Hindi.\' The next week, I went for an audition to the same place, I told them I\'m from Hyderabad. So they said, \'Oh ya, that\'s why there\'s a South Indian twang to your Hindi\' (laughs). So, I was too Indian for America, too American for India, too North Indian for South India, and too South Indian for North India,\" he shared.\r\nDespite these challenges, Adivi has earned respect and support from influential figures in the industry, including Mahesh Babu and Nani. \"My luck is I earned respect of a lot of these film families from the first day itself. A lot of them have supported me. Like Mahesh Babu produced Major. Dacoit is being produced by Annapurna Studios (owned by Nagarjuna and family). My friend and favourite actor Nani produced Hit: The Second Case. So, it\'s a matter of respect more than anything,\" he added.\r\nAdivi\'s upcoming projects include Dacoit, a revenge action thriller starring Mrunal Thakur and Anurag Kashyap, and G2, a Telugu drama with Emraan Hashmi and Wamiqa Gabbi, scheduled to release on May 1, 2026 as of now.\r\n

Movie News

Adivi Sesh Calls India a Nepo Country

Adivi Sesh Reveals Struggles in Telugu Film Industry

Salman Khan keen to defy age in Battle of Galwan. Salman Khan\'s Battle of Galwan directed by Apoorva Lakhia is generating interest among movie lovers as it is based on the real life incidents and is based on the 2020 Indo-China clash and it highlights the valour of Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu.\r\nThe film is based on accounts from the book India\'s Most Fearless 3 by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh. According to the sources though Salman Khan crossed 60, he wanted to look 40years old in the film.\r\nA source shared &ldquo;A lot of Salman&rsquo;s scenes are being photo-shopped to make him look younger. He may be 60 but wants to look 40 on screen. And nothing wrong with that. Salman&rsquo;s fans want to see him as young and handsome as he was 20 years ago.&rdquo;\r\nThis needs lot of photoshopping and is resulting in the delay of the project.\r\n<div></div>

Salman insistence delaying BOG

Salman Khan keen to defy age in Battle of Galwan

\r\nVenky Atluri to direct this Star after Suriya. Venky Atluri captured the imagination of all with Dulqer Salmaan\'s Lucky Bhaskar. The film impressed everyone and now he is busy directing Kollywood\'s versatile actor Suriya. This happens to be Suriya\'s first straight Telugu film and is being shot simultaneously in Tamil also.\r\nReports are coming that the film would be titled Vishwanatham and Sons and it features Mamitha Baiju as the female lead. In the meantime, speculation is increasing over Venky Atluri\'s next project.\r\nInside talk is he will be teaming with Natural Star Nani. Nani is currently busy with The Paradise directed by Srikanth Odela and the delay of Paradise is delaying his other projects. He has his next locked with Sujeeth of OG and Saaho fame.If Nani gives green signal to Venky Atluri, the question is will Nani take both Sujeeth and Venky Atluri projects to sets simultaneously or separately.\r\n

Is this Venky Atluri next project

Venky Atluri to direct this Star after Suriya

Ram Charan and Upasana Konidela have revealed the names of their twins, Shivram and Anveera Devi, in a special announcement. The couple welcomed their twins, a baby boy and a girl, on January 31, and hosted an intimate naamkaran ceremony at their Hyderabad home. The names Shivram and Anveera Devi hold deep spiritual and family significance, reflecting the couple\'s values and aspirations for their children.\r\nShivram, the name of their son, combines Lord Shiva and Lord Rama, symbolizing strength, restraint, and devotion. It also honors Ram Charan\'s father, Chiranjeevi, whose birth name is Shiva Shankar Vara Prasad. Anveera Devi, the name of their daughter, represents boundless courage and divine feminine strength, with \'Veera\' signifying bravery and \'An\' expanding it to something limitless. The couple chose these names after extensive discussions with their parents, emphasizing the importance of elders\' wisdom and blessings.\r\nUpasana shared that motherhood feels calmer and more conscious this time around. \"The first time, everything is new, beautiful, but overwhelming. This time, I feel much more relaxed and grounded,\" she said. Ram Charan expressed gratitude for their fans and loved ones, saying, \"Being blessed with three children fills me with gratitude\".\r\nThe couple\'s decision to name their twins Shivram and Anveera Devi reflects their commitment to their cultural heritage and values. As they embark on this new chapter, they\'re filled with joy, love, and a sense of responsibility.\r\n<div></div>

Meaning Of RC Twins Names

Ram Charan and Upasana Konidela Name Their Twins Shivram and Anveera

Kalyan Ram next with Pushpa writer. Kalyan Ram is known for his different genre entertaiers and powerful performances. However, for all his efforts, box office success is far and inbetween.\r\nAfter impressing all with Bimbisara, he once again plunged into flops. Currently he is starring in an untitled entertainer loaded with action elements and is busy shooting for the same.\r\nAccording to the latest it is coming out that Kalyan Ram gave green signal to a new project. Inside talk is he will be starring under the direction of Srikanth Vissa. Srikanth Vissa worked as a writer for the hit films like Pushpa, Venky Mama and Khiladi earlier.\r\nKalyan Ram loved the story pitched in by Srikanth Vissa and locked the project. Official announcement is expected soon and the project will go to the sets in the second half of 2026. The film is set to hit the screens by the end of 2026.\r\n<div></div>

Kalyan Ram finalises his next

Kalyan Ram next with Pushpa writer

Mrunal Thakur has finally put an end to the wedding rumors with Dhanush, saying it\'s all just an April Fools\' joke. In a recent interview, the Sita Ramam actress firmly denied the reports, stating she doesn\'t know who started the rumors. \"I think February 14 is going to turn into April 1, April Fools\' Day because I don\'t know who started this,\" she said.\r\nThe rumors began after Mrunal and Dhanush were spotted hugging at the premiere of Son of Sardaar 2, sparking dating speculation. However, Mrunal clarified she\'s not getting married and feels uneasy about the whole situation. \"It\'s a scary space right now because some people are spreading rumors that \'Mrunal officially confirmed her marriage\',\" she added.&nbsp;\r\nMrunal is currently focusing on her career, with her upcoming film Do Deewane Seher Mein releasing on February 20, 2026, alongside Siddhant Chaturvedi. She\'s also working on the Telugu-Hindi bilingual film Dacoit, co-starring Adivi Sesh. A source close to Mrunal revealed she\'s busy with back-to-back releases and doesn\'t plan to get married anytime soon.&nbsp;\r\nDhanush, who\'s been rumored to be in a relationship with Mrunal, has also denied any wedding plans, stating he\'s focused on co-parenting his children with ex-wife Aishwarya Rajinikanth.&nbsp;

Mrunal Dismisses Wedding Rumors

Mrunal Thakur Opened About Lineup Rumours With Dhanush

Rajinikanth has made history by bagging the all time highest remuneration in Tamil Cinema for his upcoming film with Kamal Haasan. Reports suggest he\'s received a whopping â‚¹225 crore, surpassing Vijay\'s â‚¹210 crore for Jana Nayagan. This film marks a reunion of the two veterans after nearly 47 years, generating huge hype among fans.\r\nThe promo shoot for this highly anticipated film began on February 7th near Chennai, with Director Nelson overseeing the project. Although details are scarce, insiders claim it\'s a comedy thriller centered around friendship.\r\nMeanwhile, Rajinikanth\'s next film, Jailer 2, is directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and features Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar, Vidya Balan, and Mithun Chakraborty. While the release date is yet to be confirmed, rumors suggest it might hit theaters on August 21.&nbsp;\r\nKamal Haasan\'s production company, Raaj Kamal Films International, is co producing the project\r\nOf Rajinikanth - Kamal. Rajinikanth\'s collaboration with Kamal Haasan is expected to be a game changer in Tamil Cinema. With the promo shoot underway, fans eagerly await further updates on this highly anticipated film.

Rajinikanth Sky High Remuneration

Rajinikanth Recieved Highest Pay Ever In Tamil Cinema

There's buzz in the industry that Prime Video might bag the OTT rights for Allu Arjun and Atlee's upcoming film, AA22. This isn't official yet, but insiders say it's likely due to Prime Video's strong collaboration with Sun Pictures, which is producing the film.&nbsp;

Netflix, usually the top choice for pan-Indian films, might not be aggressively pursuing this deal as they've already invested in several big projects like Dragon, Spirit, Varanasi, and Fauzi for 2027. AA22's OTT rights are expected to fetch a huge amount, and Prime Video's existing tie up with Sun Pictures gives them an edge.&nbsp;

AA22 is a sci fi action film starring Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone, with Sai Abhyankkar scoring the music. Production is underway, with filming taking place in Mumbai and Abu Dhabi. The film's budget is reportedly â‚¹600-800 crore, making it one of India's most expensive films.&nbsp;

Atlee, known for his blockbuster Jawan, is directing AA22, his first Telugu film. Allu Arjun is playing multiple roles, and the film promises to be a visual spectacle with top-tier VFX studios like Lola VFX on board.

Allu Arjun - Atlee Film OTT Deal

Prime Video Is The Frontrunner For Allu Arjun Atlee Film OTT Streaming Rights

Sree Vishnu is set to achieve a rare milestone in Telugu cinema with the release of two films, Mrityunjay and Vishnu Vinyasam, on the same day, February 27, 2026. This phenomenon last occurred in 2015 with Nani\'s Yevade Subramanyam and Jenda Pai Kapiraju. The decision to release both films on the same day is driven by business considerations, as postponing one film would require renegotiating several deals, leading to financial losses.\r\nVishnu Vinyasam, directed by debutant Yadunaath Maruthi Rao, explores a man\'s obsession with astrology and superstition. Nayan Sarika stars alongside Sree Vishnu, produced by Sumanth Naidu G. In contrast, Mrityunjay is an investigative thriller directed by Hussain Sha Kiran, featuring Sree Vishnu and Reba Monica John as a police officer.\r\nThis isn\'t the first time a Telugu actor has released two films on the same day. Balakrishna achieved this feat in 1993 with Nippuravva and Bangaaru Bullodu. Other notable instances include NTR\'s Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu and Sampurna Raamaayanam on Jan 14, 1959, and Shoban Babu\'s Lakshmee Nivaasam and Panthaalu Pattinpulu on July 19, 1968, Even Chiranjeevi faced such situation couple of times, his Kaali and Tatayya Premaleelalu was released on September 19, 1980 and Patnam Vachina Pativrathalu and Tongue Rangadu on Octabor 1, 1982.\r\nWith both films sticking to their release date, Sree Vishnu is poised to make history. The outcome of this bold move remains to be seen, but it\'s undoubtedly an exciting development for Telugu cinema enthusiasts.

Sree Vishnu Double Whammy

Sree Vishnu Rare Feat in Telugu Cinema

Yash\'s much anticipated film Toxic is facing backlash due to alleged hurtful religious sentiments. The National Christian Federation (NCF) has filed a complaint with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), objecting to scenes that combine violence and intimacy with Christian imagery. The teaser features a sex scene in a car near a cemetery, followed by a gunfight, and includes Christian symbols like a statue of Archangel Michael.\r\nThe NCF claims these scenes are disrespectful and offensive, demanding their removal and a public apology from the filmmakers. This controversy follows earlier criticism from the Women\'s Commission over intimate visuals in the teaser. The film\'s release is scheduled for March 19, but it\'s unclear how the controversy will impact its success.\r\nDespite the backlash, Toxic has received support from industry voices, including filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who defended the teaser as a \"courageous attempt\" and criticized cultural hypocrisy around female sexuality. However, the controversy continues, with the NCF warning of legal action if demands aren\'t met. The film\'s teaser has garnered nearly 100 million YouTube views, sparking debate about Indian cinema\'s boundaries.\r\nToxic stars Yash, Rukmini Vasanth, Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, and Tara Sutaria, and is directed by Geetu Mohandas. The film\'s release will likely be a major talking point, given the current controversy and its clash with Ranveer Singh\'s Dhurandhar 2 at the box office.&nbsp;

Controversy Surrounds Yash Toxic

Toxic Surrounded With Religious Controversy

Shivaji's latest film, Sampradayini Suppini Suddapoosani, has cancelled its OTT release on ETV Win, scheduled for February 12, 2026. The crime comedy, directed by Sudheer Sriram, will now hit theaters on March 6, 2026. This decision follows a private screening for industry peers, who recommended a theatrical release.

The film marks the reunion of Shivaji and Laya, starring in a story that promises to entertain. The makers have decided to give it a theatrical outing, considering it deserves a bigger screen experience.

Sampradayini Suppini Suddapoosani is a crime comedy that revolves around a village sarpanch. Shivaji and Laya lead the cast, with Ali, Dhanraj, Prince, Jabardast Immanuel, Raj Tirandasu, and Karan in supporting roles. Ranjin Raj's music and Ritwik Reddy's cinematography add to the film's appeal.

The film's shift from OTT to theaters has generated buzz, and fans are eagerly awaiting its release on March 6, 2026. With its unique blend of crime and comedy, Sampradayini Suppini Suddapoosani is set to entertain audiences.

SSS Shifted To Theatrical Release

Sampradayini Suppini Suddapoosani Gets A Theatrical Debut Before OTT

Funky and Seetha Payanam releasing today. On the eve of Valentines Day, 14 February, Tollywood will be witnessing the release of different genre entertainers.\r\nFilms like Funky, Seetha Payanam, Nilave, Amaravathiki Ahwanam, Seetha Payanam and Couple Friendly are releasing in this week. Among them Vishwak Sen\'s Funky is generating immense interest among movie lovers.\r\nThe film starring Vishwak Sen is helmed by KV.Anudeep of Jathi Ratnalu fame and it stars Kayadu Lohar as the female lead. Funky is releasing on 13 Feb 2026.Seetha Payanam marks action king Arjun\'s daughter Aishwarya into Tollywood. Arjun is making his return to the direction after a long time. The film is releasing on 14 Feb.\r\nCouple Friendly is starring Santosh Sobhan in the lead role and is releasing on 14 Feb 2026. The film is directed by Ashwin Chandrasekhar. Others like&nbsp; Amaravathiki Aahwanam, Sweety Naughty Crazy, and Nilave are releasing on 13 February.\r\nStay tuned for the reviews of the above films in couple of hours from now from the team of Cinejosh.