It is known that Balakrishna-Gopichand Malineni project underwent several changes before the makers proceeded ahead. In between rumours of the project getting shelved also did rounds.
In the meantime, inside happenings of NBK111 are analysed. A source shares Earlier, the duo had planned a warrior-based folklore drama, estimated to cost over Rs 180 crore. However, after Akhanda 2 failed to make a strong impact on the pan-India audience, they decided to rethink their approach. &ldquo;Gopichand sat down with his team of writers and came up with an action film that presents Balakrishna in a darker, intense role, perfectly suiting his mass image. The script was approved unanimously and will be made on a budget below Rs 130 crore,
The source continued &ldquo;An ideal Telugu film should primarily connect with the theatrical audience in Telugu states and recover a major portion of its investment from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Anything beyond that should be treated as a bonus. Changing times demand changing strategies,

Movie News

NBK111 Developments Analysed

Inside happenings of NBK111

Sharwanand finally came back to the success track with his recent release Nari Nari Naduma Murari. The film directed by Ram Abbaraju which released during Sankranti turned out to be a superhit and is creating a laughing riot on the big screen.
Now, Sharwanand speaking to scribes, shared that he hated himself and felt ashamed of himself seeing his look on the screen in the previous films. He said during Jaanu in 2019, he met with a major accident and during the time doctors told that he wouldn't be able to use his hand also.
He said by God's grace he recovered and continued starring in films but he put on lot of weight. He said his stout look was seen in films like Sreekaaram and Aadavaallu Meeku Johaarlu and he felt ashamed of himself. He said at that time, he felt why anyone would come to watch him on the screen spending money with such a look.
He added that he felt that he too was responsible for the failures of those films and so decided to get&nbsp; back to shape and started doring walking and yoga. He said dieting also helped him to regain his look and added in Biker too he will be sporting the new look.&nbsp;

When Sharwanand hated himself

Sharwanand shocker about his looks

The censor woes for Thalapathy Vijay's final film Jana Nayagan directed by H.Vinoth seems to be not ending in near future.
>According to the latest, the Madras High Court set aside the single judge order over Jana Nayagan. It is known that the Single judge earlier gave the censor clearance for Jana Nayagan giving a breather for the makers.
However, now with the Madras High Court striking down this order, it is back to square one for the makers. The High Court bench comprising of Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan passed these orders couple of minutes back.
Court felt that the single judge was not required to go into the merits of the case without granting a proper opportunity to the CBFC and in the absence of the prayer challenging the order of the Chairperson. The High Court will now reexamine the entire case and determine whether the certification and the objections raised were handled in accordance with due process.

Jana Nayagan faces another setback

Madras High Court sets aside single Judge order over Jana Nayagan

Telugu film fraternity got pure delight when the Indian government announced prestigious Padma awards and Murali Mohan and Rajendra Prasad got the prestigious Padmasri awards.
The winners got flooded with wishes from all quarters and entire Tollywood celebrated their achievement and great honor. In the midst of all this, Chiranjeevi as is his wont delighted Padma awardees.
He personally visited the houses of Murali Mohan and Rajendra Prasad and felicitated them for their great honor. Chiranjeevi spent quality time with them and shared fond memories with both of them during his interaction with them.
The photos of Chiranjeevi with Murali Mohan and Rajendra Prasad are going viral on social media. Chiranjeevi's gesture and humble nature is winning the hearts of all. Chiranjeevi has been always on the forefront when it comes to congratulating and celebrating the achievements of Telugu personalities be it in any field.

Mega Star honors Padma Awardees

Chiranjeevi delights Padma awardees

For long shocking rumours spread of NTR-Koratala Shiva's Devara 2, sequel to the film Devara. It spread like wildfire that the film's sequel was shelved following the poor reception of the first part and NTR and Koratala Shiva both decided to move on with their next projects.
>In the midst of all this, the producer of Sudhakar Mikkilineni of Yuvasudha Arts speaking to scribes came up with the exciting update. He revealed that the sequel will go to sets from May 2026 and it will release in 2027.
He made this surprising revelations while speaking at the event when he attended the event held at Bathukamma Kunta in Jangaon.Devara starred Janhvi Kapoor as the female lead while Saif Ali Khan played the powerful role of the antagonist.
Anirudh Ravichander tuned music for the film which featured Srikanth, Prakash Raj, Ajay, Murali Sharma in important roles

Exciting update on Devara2

Devara2 to get going from this time

The Telugu horror thriller 'Shambhala', starring Aadi Saikumar, has received an overwhelming response on OTT, mirroring its theatrical success. The film, which released in theaters late last year, has impressed audiences without major promotion, becoming a box office sensation. Currently streaming on Aha Video, 'Shambhala' is gripping digital viewers with fear and interest.
Record-Breaking Streaming and Critical Acclaim
'Shambhala' has achieved a rare milestone, completing 50 million streaming minutes in just five days on OTT. Aha Video's announcement of this feat has sparked buzz on social media, with the OTT post going viral. The film's digital rights were acquired by Aha Video for around Rs. 10 crores, marking the highest-selling film in Aadi Saikumar's career.
The film's narrative revolves around a scientist's efforts to confront an unknown force that descends upon a village, taking control and causing chaos. With a blend of mystery, horror, and thriller elements, 'Shambhala' keeps viewers engaged. Archana Iyer, Swasika Vijayan, and Madhu Nandan are part of the cast, while Sricharan Pakala's background score adds to the excitement.
'Shambhala' proves that audiences respond well to a mix of mystery and horror, with its scary scenes and gripping storyline being major plus points. The film's success is a testament to its strong content and the audience's appetite for thrilling narratives.

Shambhala Winning Audience In OTT 

Aadi Shambhala Witnesses Awe Inspiring Response In OTT

Reports emerged that Megastar Chiranjeevi would play a key role in Prabhas and Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit, exciting fans and Telugu cinema audiences. However, sources close to Chiranjeevi confirm these reports are false. The makers of Spirit approached Chiranjeevi, but he didn't respond positively to the offer.
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga had earlier clarified that Chiranjeevi isn't part of Spirit, stating he'd prefer a full length film with the Megastar rather than a cameo. Chiranjeevi's team has denied recent rumors, confirming he's not involved in the project. With this clarification, fans are eager to know more about Spirit's cast and plot.
Spirit, starring Prabhas and Triptii Dimri, is being produced by Vanga and T-Series. The film's production is underway, with key scenes shot and plans for foreign shoots. Fans are waiting for official updates on the film's release and cast.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga's direction and Prabhas's performance are expected to make Spirit a major hit. With Chiranjeevi not part of the project, expectations are high for the film's unique storyline and cast. Spirit is scheduled to hit the screens on March 5, 2027.

Megastar Not Doing Spirit

Chiranjeevi Not Part of Prabhas Spirit

Rashmika Mandanna, known as the 'national crush', has made headlines with her decision to be selective about item songs. She's impressed audiences with her performances in films like 'Goodbye' and 'Thamma', and now she's setting clear boundaries regarding special songs.&nbsp;
According to reports, Rashmika has decided to do item songs only for two directors, keeping her options limited. She didn't revealed about those directors as of now. This decision has sparked discussion in Tollywood, with some directors disappointed by her conditions.
Rashmika's busy schedule includes projects like 'Maisaa', Vijay Deverakonda's 14th film,RanaBaali and 'Cocktail 2' in Bollywood. Her strategy seems to focus on presenting herself as a versatile actress and dancer, approving item songs only when necessary. With her pan-India craze, Rashmika is making calculated moves to solidify her position in the industry.
Rashmika's recent performances have garnered praise, including her fiery dance in 'Tum Mere Na Huye' from 'Thamma'. Fans and critics alike appreciate her energy and expressions. With upcoming projects and a selective approach to item songs, Rashmika Mandanna continues to make waves in the entertainment world.

Rashmika Sets Boundaries

Rashmika Says No To Item Songs Except For Two Directors

The highly anticipated film Dragon, starring Jr NTR and directed by Prashanth Neel, has completed a major night shooting schedule at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad. The team filmed intense action sequences with night effects, and Prajwal Gowda shared updates on Instagram, exciting fans. The next schedule is set to start soon, with the team planning to shoot in Africa.
Dragon promises to be a mass action entertainer, with Prashanth Neel's trademark heavy action, dark tone, and powerful elevations. The film's script has been tweaked to meet Jr NTR's high standards, and Ravi Basrur is composing the music. Rukmini Vasanth plays the female lead, and Anil Kapoor is in a key role. Produced by Mythri Movie Makers and NTR Arts, the film is planned for a pan-India release on June 25, 2026.
The team has completed location recce in Africa and will start filming there soon. The film's action sequences are expected to be intense, making it one of Jr NTR's best action roles. Fans are eagerly waiting for more updates, and the film's success is expected to be a game-changer in Indian cinema.
With its grand scale and high-octane action, Dragon is set to impress audiences across languages. The film's background score by Ravi Basrur is expected to elevate the viewing experience.

NTR NEEL Dragon Shooting Update

NTR NEEL Done With Intense Night Action Shoot

Border 2, the spiritual sequel to the 1997 war classic, has hit theaters on January 23, 2026, and fans are eager to know when it will be available on OTT. The film, starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty, has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, with many praising its patriotic theme and strong performances.
The makers of Border 2 have sold the digital rights to Netflix, ensuring that viewers worldwide will have access to the war drama once it leaves cinemas. Although the official OTT release date hasn't been announced, industry trends suggest it could be available for digital viewing around March or April 2026, roughly 6-8 weeks after its theatrical release.
Border 2 is a war film directed by Anurag Singh, set against the backdrop of the 1971 India-Pakistan war, focusing on untold stories of bravery and sacrifice. The film features an ensemble cast, including Mona Singh, Sonam Bajwa, Anya Singh, and Medha Rana, adding emotional depth to the story. With its strong theatrical run, Border 2 is expected to make a significant impact on OTT platforms.
The original Border (1997) is currently streaming on JioHotstar, allowing fans to revisit the classic and build hype for the sequel. As Border 2 continues to break box office records, fans are eagerly awaiting its digital premiere, which promises to bring the film's powerful narrative to a wider audience.

Border 2 OTT Streaming Details

Border 2 OTT Release Window Platform

Anil Ravipudi is now toast of Tollywood after the sensation his film Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu starring Mega Star Chiranjeevi is creating at the box office.
>The film which already became the highest grosser in Chiranjeevi's grosser is racing towards Rs 400crs club. In the meantime, Anil Ravipudi reacted to him doing a film with AP Dy CM, Power Star Pawan Kalyan.
He said till now, he didnot meet Pawan Kalyan personally but added that he will be thrilled and excited to do a film with him. He said currently Pawan Kalyan is busy as the Dy CM of Andhra Pradesh.
He added at present Pawan Kalyan is not doing films regularly in Tollywood as he is pre occupied with other activities. He said he is happy if their combination turns into a reality. He opted to wait and watch and added till now he is not having any such thoughts.

Hit Machine teaming with Power Star

Anil Ravipudi on doing a film with Pawan Kalyan

Kishore Tirumala captured the imagination of all with films like Second Hand, Nenu Sailaja and Chitralahari. He recently came with Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi with Ravi Teja in the lead.

Now, speaking to scribes, Kishore Tirumala revealed how he craved for top heroine's rejection. He said among his films, his favourite film is Nenu Sailaja and Keerthy Suresh happened to be the fresh face. So the makers asked him to narrate the story to a top heroine.

He said however, he felt that Keerthy Suresh is apt for the role and she could show the innocence quite well. So he narrated the story to the top heroine in such a way that she rejects it outright.

He said after the top heroine, rejected the story, he said thank you to her and proceeded ahead with Keerthy Suresh. Kishore Tirumala however didnot reveal the name of the top heroine.&nbsp;