Tollywood for long has been batting for industry status for more than three decades but invain. In the midst of all this, Vijayender Reddy, president of the Telangana Controllers and Exhibitors Association speaking to scribes, shared his thoughts.\r\nHe said &ldquo;The request was first made during the tenure of NTR as Chief Minister in 1983 and was later followed up with the late Union Minister Sushma Swaraj. Unfortunately, it has not yielded any result,&rdquo;\r\nHe added \"Currently, theatres are paying around Rs 9 per unit on a commercial basis. If we are granted industry status, the tariff would come down to nearly Rs 4 per unit. Recognition would also enable us to avail bank loans, subsidies, and other benefits extended to industries,&rdquo;\r\nHe said &ldquo;We are hoping for a GST reduction in this budget and are keeping our fingers crossed,&rdquo; He shared &ldquo;Hundreds of theatres in districts across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are suffering huge losses. For tickets below Rs 100, we collect only 5 per cent GST from viewers, but we are forced to pay 18 per cent GST to distributors,&rdquo;\r\nCiting an example he said &ldquo;If a film collects Rs 1 lakh, we collect only Rs 5,000 as GST from the audience. But when we pay distributors Rs 1,18,000, we end up losing around Rs 13,000 per week. This is extremely unfortunate.&rdquo;\r\nHe pointed out . &ldquo;We are requesting both the Central and state governments to introduce a uniform GST rate for all tickets instead of different slabs,&rdquo;\r\nA prominent distributor said &ldquo;Audience turnout has become highly erratic. One day we see housefull shows, and on many other days there are not even six viewers per show, forcing us to cancel screenings,&rdquo;

Movie News

Will Tollywood get Industry Status

Tollywood bats for Industry Status

In a development that surprised everyone, Victory Venkatesh hosted RSS Chief Mohan Bhagawat at his residence in Manikonda, Hyderabad\r\nRSS is entering into its centenary year and so as a part of the outreach, RSS Chief has been meeting various celebrities across the country. This time, on his visit to Hyderabad, Venkatesh hosted him at his residence.\r\nCelebrities like Nagarjuna, Nani, Teja Sajja, Varun Tej, Rana Daggubati and Ram Pothineni and producers Ravishankar Y and Sahu Garapati also graced the meeting.\r\nThe minutes of the meeting were not shared but Suresh Babu , brother of Venkatesh said &ldquo;It was a casual meeting with no specific agenda. I can&rsquo;t share more details,&rdquo;\r\nVenkatesh generally stays away from politics and is apolitical throughout his career. Even when his late father D.Ramanaidu served as TDP MP, he stayed away from politics. Though his elder daughter campaigned for her father in law, who won from Khammam as a MP on Congress ticket, Venkatesh stayed away.&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;

Tollywood Celebs host RSS Chief

 Venkatesh hosts RSS Chief-Celebrities meet

Anurag Kashyap has come forward to defend the teaser of Yash\'s upcoming film Toxic, which sparked controversy due to its graphic sexual content. Speaking at the Bengaluru International Film Festival, Kashyap described the backlash as a reflection of \"cultural hypocrisy,\" highlighting the double standards in society where male actors often go shirtless without scrutiny, but women celebrating their sexuality are met with resistance.&nbsp;\r\nKashyap praised Toxic as \"an extremely courageous attempt,\" emphasizing that the outrage against the teaser exposes societal hypocrisy. The film\'s teaser features Yash\'s character in a macho, violent avatar, alongside a graphic sex scene with actress Beatriz Taufenbach, which many criticized as unnecessary. Taufenbach reportedly deleted her social media accounts following the backlash.\r\nToxic, directed by Geetu Mohandas, is a Kannada-English film written by Yash and Mohandas. The ensemble cast includes Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, and Rukmini Vasanth.\r\nToxic is scheduled for release on March 19, 2026, Toxic clashes with Dhurandhar: The Revenge. The controversy surrounding the teaser has sparked debates on societal norms and the portrayal of women in cinema.&nbsp;

AK Supports Toxic Over Its Teaser Conteoversy

Anurag Kashyap Defends Toxic Teaser Amidst Controversy

Ram Charan and Upasana became proud parents when Upasana gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl and now with already blessed with Klin Kaara, they shared their excitement.\r\nRam Charan said \"Being blessed with three children fills me with gratitude. I\'m thankful to all our fans, loved ones and well-wishers, who have stood by us and supported us through every moment.\"\r\nUpasana added &ldquo;My father always believed that clarity of intention and faith go hand in hand. Today, I feel incredibly blessed to be a mother of three, exactly as we envisioned. Our hope is to raise children who are strong yet compassionate, aware that privilege carries responsibility - and that true legacy lies in giving back.&rdquo;\r\nRam Charan on the professional front is busy with his film Peddi which is progressing at a brisk pace under the direction of Buchhi Babu Sana. The film stars Janhvi Kapoor as the female lead with Rahman being the music director. Apart from it, Ram Charan is also starring in the direction of Sukumar.&nbsp;

RC-Upasana on raising three children

Ram Charan-Upasana share their children future plans

Eversince the lovebirds Vijay Devarakonda and Rashmika Mandanna got engaged speculation increased over their marriage.\r\nEven though they are tightlipped, speculation about their marriage date and venue is going viral for long. In the meantime, a latest video claiming that Vijay Devarakonda and Rashmika Mandanna will get married on 2 Febin Udaipur, Rajasthan is going viral.\r\nVideo currently circulating on social media features two girls strolling around the palace premises, offering a glimpse of the decorations being set up at the venue. In the clip, they claim the arrangements are part of the preparations for Rashmika and Vijay&rsquo;s grand wedding.\r\nThe leaked visuals offer a closer look at the scale of the preparations, showing stages, floral arrangements and ongoing work at the venue, further fuelling excitement among fans. The video features rows of chandeliers placed on the floor, ready to be installed, before panning to an elaborate stage that is being set up, which they claim is for the much-talked-about wedding.\r\nThe video claimed&nbsp; &ldquo;Guys, we are giving you an update. We are at the City Palace in Udaipur. And they are decorating the palace. And we came to know that someone is getting married here. And guess who? Who could it be? Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda. They are getting married. Let me show you the decorations. I am giving you exclusive news. On 2nd February, they are getting married.&rdquo;

Will VD-Rashmika turn marriage video rumours true

Video claiming Vijay Devarakonda-Rashmika with marriage date goes viral

Mahesh Babu-Rajamouli\'s Varanasi has been casting a magic spell on movie lovers across the world.\r\nThe film is progressing at a brisk pace and is racing for a grand release on 7 April 2027. In the meantime, it is coming out that the film becomes the first India nfilm to be shot at Antarctica.\r\nBattling extreme cold and untouched white landscapes, Rajamouli plans key sequences in the harshest terrain on Earth. The daring decision doesn&rsquo;t just raise the bar, it shatters it. The film also joins an elite global list, becoming only the fifth movie worldwide to capture Antarctica on camera.\r\nIt will be only the fifth ever film to be shot in Antarctica. The Antarctica shoot details will be revealed by the makers in the coming days. Keeravani is the music director for the film which stars Priyanka Chopra as the female lead and Prithviraj Sukumaran in a key role.&nbsp;

Varanasi to create history at Antarctica

Varanasi the first Indian film to be shot at Antarctica

Samantha Ruth Prabhu, the Tollywood star, has reportedly decided to change her name to Samantha Nidimoru after marrying filmmaker Raj Nidimoru on December 1, 2025. The intimate wedding ceremony took place at the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore, surrounded by close family and friends.&nbsp;

This isn't Samantha's first name change; she previously took her ex-husband Naga Chaitanya's surname, Akkineni, but reverted to her original name after their divorce. Samantha's decision to adopt her husband's surname has sparked excitement among fans, who view it as a symbol of her new beginning.&nbsp;

Samantha upcoming film, Maa Inti Bangaram, directed by Nandini Reddy and co-produced by Raj, will feature her updated name in the title credits. The film's teaser and posters have already received a strong response, and fans are eagerly awaiting its release.&nbsp;

Maa Inti Bangaram is an action entertainer that marks Samantha's return to Telugu cinema as the lead actress. The film also stars Gulshan Devaiah and Diganth, with veteran actors Gautami and Manjusha in pivotal roles. Raj Nidimoru, Samantha's husband, is involved in the project as a co-producer and creator adding a personal touch to the film.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Samantha To Change Her Name

Samantha Ruth Prabhu To Turn Into Samantha Nidumoru From MIB

Abhishek Sharma about favourite Tollywood stars. Abhishek Sharma, Team India sensation is blasting the living day lights out of the bowlers and sending shivers down their spines.

In the midst of all this, Abhishek Sharma speaking to scribes, revealed his favourite Tollywood stars. Speaking about Hyderabad he said "I've never made biryani, but I love to eat it," He continued "There's rice in it, fried onions, and cinnamon, spices that Hyderabad is famous for."

About his favourite stars, he took the names of Allu Arjun, Rana and Mahesh Babu. He said he watched Allu Arun's Pushpa and liked the film a lot. He added that Allu Arjun's screenpresence and dance is too good. It is known that Abhishek also imitated Allu Arjun's Pushpa mannerisms on field. He said he likes Naatu Naatu song in RRR and Ram Charan and NTR's dance moves were wonderful.

He said he would love to see the shooting of Telugu film in RFC, Hyderabad. He said he likes Mahesh Babu and when in Hyderabad he findout with his teammates from Telugu states about Mahesh Babu's new films and his craze.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Abhishek about favourite Stars

Abhishek Sharma about favourite Tollywood stars

Sobhita reacts on her work getting influenced due to marriage with Naga Chaitanya. Sobhita Dhulipala married Naga Chaitanya and they are enjoying their marital bliss.\r\nIn the midst of all this, Sobhita shared her views on her work getting influenced due to her marriage. She said&nbsp; &ldquo;It\'s only been a year since I\'ve been married and my whole career, all of my work has come from my independent journey. So I don\'t yet know the impact in the sense. Yes, I am married and a part of a family that\'s in the film business and it\'s an institutional legacy family, but my work has been very separate.&rdquo;\r\nShe continued&nbsp; \"I see them as family not as the industry. When I meet them at home, they\'re still like only my family. Maybe in the future I will understand better, but for now, my career and family are very separate.\"\r\nTalking about her journey, she shared &ldquo;My journey started out with lots of auditions and me being part of projects that are slightly on the counterculture side of things. When you are part of that kind of group, I don\'t know if you seek support, at least I can speak for myself. I seek belief in my own self because the choices I\'ve made have been counterculture. The kind of person that I am, I think I\'ll always look to my own self for decision-making or support all the way forward. So my now being associated with a family that\'s in films, I doubt if that has any influence on me.\"\r\nSpeaking about her work approach, she said&nbsp; \"I have more clarity about what kind of work I want to do. There is no attempt to try and belong in spaces that I don\'t connect with. I am deeply interested in characters that have agency. They are women who play or take decisions that have consequence, whether the woman is likable or unlikable, I\'m interested in women who matter to the story, that they\'re not ornaments, and this can be across whichever genre. I am looking for this sort of gravitas, and that clarity I have much better now.\"&nbsp;

Sobhita on marriage with Chaitu

Sobhita reacts on her work getting influenced due to marriage with Naga Chaitanya

Anil Ravipudi to cast her opposite Venkatesh?. Anil Ravipudi is currently on the high with his film Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu with Mega Star Chiranjeevi creating a sensation during Sankranti. With the film grossing over Rs 380crs, expectations are increasing over his next project.\r\nAnil Ravipudi is also delighting fans with his statements over his next. He said the title for his next itself will be unique and create a sensation. It is not clear as to with whom he will do the film. But rumours have it that he will direct Venkatesh. With Venkatesh he scored hits like F2 and F3 and Sankrantiki Vasthunnam.\r\nHe is planning a full length entertainer and is planning to slate the film for release next Sankranti. The script work is underway and Anil Ravipudi is designing Venkatesh\'s character as per his mannerisms and body language in a unique and different manner. Now inside talk is, Anil Ravipudi is planning to rope in Pooja Hegde as the female lead.\r\nBut Pooja Hegde of late is reeling under string of flops and this is scaring viewers. But some say, with Anil Ravipudi at the helm, no bad sentiment will work.&nbsp;&nbsp;\r\n<div></div>

Hit Machine high risk with this hottie

Anil Ravipudi to cast her opposite Venkatesh

Rishab Shetty shocking Tollywood makers. Rishab Shetty attained national stardom with Kantara and from then on he became the most sought after actor.He is now starring in the role of Lord Hanuman in HanuMan sequel Jai Hanuman under the direction of Prashant Varma. This project is bankrolled on Mythri Movie Makers banner.Apart from it, he is also starring in the direction of Ashwin Gangaraju in a period entertainer. The film is bankrolled by Sitara Entertainments banner.Both the films are currently under pre production. Inside talk is though the producers requested him to work on profit sharing manner as is his wont, he is having nothing of it but instead is demanding a whopping Rs 80crs.Rishab who decided to concentrate on these two projects only, is not giving dates to any other projects. Now all eyes are on how, the producers react to Rishab Shetty\'s astronomical demands.

Kantara star showing stars

Rishab Shetty shocking Tollywood makers

Ravi Teja dual role in Irumudi. Mass Raja Ravi Teja who is known for his different and interesting entertainers recently entertained movie lovers with Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi. He is now starring in Irumudi under the direction of Shiva Niravana. The film is progressing at a brisk pace and now exciting news is coming.\r\nSources reveal that Ravi Teja will be seen in dual role in the film. His dual roles surprise all and Shiva Nirvana will be showing Ravi Teja in two completely different and distinct avatars.\r\nThe makers are shooting important scenes on Sai Kumar and others in Hyderabad. The film stars Priya Bhavani Shankar as the female lead. Baby Nakshatra will be playing the role of Ravi Teja\'s daughter. The film\'s music is tuned by GV.Prakash Kumar.\r\nIrumudi revolves around father -daughter boonding and how a father goes allout to save his daughter from the clear and present danger.&nbsp;\r\n<div></div>