\r\nCBFC forces name change for Saraswathi. Varalakshmi Sarathkumar, daughter of Sarathkumar who made an impact as an actor is making her debut as the director with the film titled Saraswathi. The film is releasing on 6 March 2026 and ahead of its release, the makers got a huge shock from the censor board.\r\n&nbsp;\r\nThe members of the censor board after watching the film, asked the makers to change the name of the film. As such the film is now named as S.Saraswathi. The film\'s runtime has been locked at 2 hours 1 minute and it is quite crispy.\r\nThe film is produced by Varalakshmi along with her sister Pooja Sarathkumar on the banner Dosa Diaries. Thaman is the music director for the film which stars Prakash Raj, Priyamani, and Naveen Chandra in important roles.\r\nCensor Board earlier directed name changes for the films like Hey Bhagawan (later changed to Hey Balwanth), Chai Wala (later changed to Nawab&rsquo;s Cafe), and Vanara (later changed to Vana Veera). Many feel these last minute changes are impacting the makers in a negative manner.\r\n

Movie News

Censor Board shocks Saraswathi

CBFC forces name change for Saraswathi

In a significant move to safeguard the theatrical business, senior producer Suresh Babu and a specially formed committee held a crucial meeting at the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce. The discussion centered around changing the digital streaming window for new Telugu movies, aiming to give theatrical runs more time to maximize collections.\r\nThe producers\' committee proposed a new policy, suggesting a mandatory 6 to 8-week gap between a film\'s theatrical release and its OTT premiere. This move aims to address the growing concern of early digital releases, which have been discouraging audiences from visiting theaters. Many films currently arrive on OTT platforms within 4 weeks, hurting box office collections and threatening single-screen theaters in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.\r\nThe early streaming window has become a pressing issue for Suresh Babu and fellow producers. When audiences know a film will stream soon, they often skip the theatrical experience, impacting box office collections. Implementing an 8-week OTT window could help replicate the success of recent blockbusters like Kalki 2898 AD and Pushpa 2: The Rule, which adhered to longer theatrical windows.\r\nHowever, this proposal poses challenges for small and medium-budget films, which often rely on early OTT deals for financial viability. If implemented, OTT platforms may reduce acquisition prices, affecting smaller projects. The industry now watches closely to see if discussions translate into action, with major producers backing Suresh Babu\'s initiative. The Telugu film industry hopes that this uniform OTT window policy will ensure the theatrical experience remains the primary source of revenue, bringing audiences back to cinemas and boosting box office collections.\r\n<div></div>

Suresh Babu OTT Proposal Is Back

Suresh Babu Proposes 8 Week OTT Delay

KVN Productions is facing a tough time with two of its biggest films, Jana Nayagan and Toxic, getting postponed. This has left nearly â‚¹1,000 Crore stuck in unreleased projects, putting immense pressure on the production house. It is also known that Mega 158 starring Megastar Chiranjeevi in Bobby is also announced to be produced by KVN.&nbsp;\r\nJana Nayagan, starring Thalapathy Vijay, was initially set for release on January 9, 2026, but faced a major standoff with the Censor Board (CBFC). Despite making suggested cuts, the film was referred to a Revising Committee, forcing a move to June 2026. With an estimated budget of â‚¹400 Crore, the delay has resulted in massive interest costs and blocked capital.\r\nToxic, Yash\'s mega-budget epic, was preparing for a March 19, 2026 release but has been pushed back to June 4, 2026, due to Middle East tensions and disruptions in the Gulf market. The film\'s budget is â‚¹500 Crore+, adding to KVN Productions\' financial burden.\r\nKVN Productions had already closed massive theatrical and OTT deals, but now must revise contracts, manage distribution windows, and handle mounting interest on investments. This has sparked concerns about the company\'s financial stability. The delay has also impacted the Tamil film industry, with theatre owners facing an estimated â‚¹100 crore loss.

KVN Productions Faces Cash Crunch

KVN Productions Crisis Jana Nayagan and Toxic Postponements Block 1000 Crores

Here is Mrithyunjay censor and runtime details out. Sree Vishnu who recently entertained with his film Vishnu Vinyasam last week, is coming to thrill all with the film Mrithyunjay which is releasing on 6 Feb 2026.\r\nAccording to the latest, the film\'s runtime and censor details are out. The makers locked a crisp runtime of 1hour 58 minutes and this is extremely racy considering that the film is a thriller.\r\nThe film\'s teaser and trailer got good response from all quarters increasing expectations on the film. NTR earlier launched the film\'s trailer and wished the makers all the best.\r\nThe film got U/A certificate from the makers. The film stars Reba Monica John as the powerful police officer. The music for the film is scored by Kaala Bhairava and is produced by Sandeep Gunnam and Vinay Chilakapati under Light box Media and Picture Perfect Entertainment, presented by Ramya Gunnam.

Crisp Runtime For Mrithyunjay 

Here is Mrithyunjay censor and runtime details out

Ram Charan's Peddi is creating waves in the Telugu film industry with its unprecedented pre-release business. The Nizam territory is witnessing a fierce bidding war between top distributors, with the makers quoting a staggering â‚¹65 Crore for Nizam distribution rights, the highest ever for this territory.



Dil Raju's SVC and Mythri Movie Distributors are locked in intense negotiations to bag these rights. Buchi Babu's directorial is generating massive interest from trade circles, with distributors willing to pay premium prices. The film's success is expected to break records, with several territories already closing at record prices: Overseas (â‚¹40 Cr), East Godavari (â‚¹12.6 Cr), and Nellore (â‚¹6.3 Cr).

The intense bidding war is driven by Ram Charan's massive fan base and the film's promising storyline. With such massive demand, Peddi is on track to achieve a total theatrical business of over â‚¹200 Crore in the Telugu version alone, making it one of the biggest pre-release deals in Tollywood history.

The competition between Dil Raju and Mythri Movie Distributors is not new, with both having clashed previously over distribution rights. Dil Raju, known for his stronghold in the Nizam territory, is facing stiff competition from Mythri Movie Distributors, who have been expanding their presence in the region. The final Nizam deal is expected to close soon, with both distributors pushing hard to secure Ram Charan's biggest film yet.

&nbsp;

Bidding War For Peddi Nizam Rights

65 Cr Quoted For Peddi Nizam Rights 

&nbsp;\r\nDisha Patani is set for a bigger role in Kalki 2898 AD Part 2, with more screen time and dialogue-driven portions alongside key actors. She appeared briefly in the first film alongside Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone.\r\nIn an interview, Disha revealed her character\'s evolution, saying she\'s excited to join the shoot soon. The sequel\'s production started last month, targeting a 2028 summer release. Principal photography is expected to wrap up by mid-next year.\r\nKalki 2 is highly anticipated, with Prabhas returning as the lead. The first film was a massive blockbuster, crossing â‚¹1000 Cr worldwide. Expectations are high for this sci-fi epic, given the expanded role of Disha Patani.\r\nThe film\'s success seems promising with its star-studded cast like Amita h, Kamal, Sai Pallavi and experienced director Nag Ashwin at the helm. Fans are eagerly awaiting updates on the sequel\'s storyline and release.\r\n&nbsp;

Bigger Role For Disha In Kalki 2

Disha Patani Has More Screen Time in Kalki 2

Keerthy Suresh is set to star opposite Venkatesh in Anil Ravipudi\'s upcoming film, scheduled for a Sankranthi 2027 release. This marks the fifth collaboration between Venkatesh and Anil Ravipudi, who have previously delivered hits like F2 and Sankranthiki Vasthunam.\r\nThe film promises to be a major box office draw, featuring an ensemble cast, including Kalyan Ram as the second lead. Venkatesh is currently busy with Trivikram\'s Aadarsha Kutumbam House No 47, while Keerthy Suresh was last seen in Baby John alongside Varun Dhawan.\r\nThe Venkatesh-Anil Ravipudi duo is known for their winning formula, and this film is expected to follow suit. With Keerthy Suresh on board, the film is shaping up to be an exciting project.\r\nNo official announcement has been made yet, but fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation. The film\'s success is highly anticipated, given the star studded cast and proven director actor combination.

National Award Actress With Venky

Keerthy Suresh Joins Venkatesh in Anil Ravipudi Film

Vijay\'s highly anticipated film, Jana Nayagan, is making a comeback with a potential release in May 2026. The film was initially scheduled for January 9th but faced delays due to censor board issues and court proceedings.\r\nThe delay has been attributed to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) referring the film to a revising committee, citing concerns over scenes that hurt religious sentiments and the portrayal of armed forces. Vijay has addressed the delay, thanking fans for their support and emphasizing his commitment to the project.\r\nThe sudden postponement of Toxic, another film from KVN Productions, has created a window of opportunity for Jana Nayagan. With Toxic moving to a June 4th release, Jana Nayagan is now targeting a May 2026 release to avoid internal clashes.\r\nThe team is optimistic about receiving the censor certificate from the revising committee this month, paving the way for a new release schedule. Jana Nayagan, directed by H Vinoth, boasts a star-studded cast, including Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, and Mamitha Baiju. With Vijay\'s political aspirations on the horizon, Jana Nayagan\'s success is crucial.

Jana Nayagan Eyes May 2026 Release

Vijay Jana Nayagan Potential Release In May 2026

Prabhas-Sandeep Vanga\'s Spirit is the most talked about project across the country. Expectations are high as Prabhas has tremendous following among masses and Sandeep Vanga is renowned for his hardhitting films.\r\nNow reports are coming that Sandeep announced a break for Spirit. Inside talk is the film already completed one schedule and Spirit will go to floors once again only in the month of May.\r\nThe new schedule which will start in May will be lengthy schedule and Sandeep is planning to shoot it without any compromise. Prabhas is playing the role of a powerful police officer in the film which stars Triptii Dimri as the female lead.\r\nThe film also features Vivek Oberoi, Kanchana, and others are playing important roles. The film\'s music is tuned by Harshavardhan Rameshwar and the film will be releasing on 5 March 2027. The film is bankrolled in a lavish manner on&nbsp; T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures.&nbsp;

Spirit goes on a break

Sandeep Vanga surprise on Spirit

Nani\'s The Paradise directed by Srikanth Odela is the cynosure of all eyes. Expectations are high on the project as Nani ad Srikanth Odela earlier came up with a mass entertainer Dasara.\r\nThe film\'s single Aya Sher is driving all crazy. Sudhan got the crazy chance to choreograph movements for the song. Speaking to scribes, he shared the secrets of Nani. He said he worked under Prem Rakshit for Dasara and Srikanth Odela encouraged him and gave him the opportunity.\r\nHe said for the Aya Sher song they held lot of discussions and spoke about the rustic and rugged backdrop and also about the hook step. He said Nani practised the hook step for three hours every day and everyone practised for three days and Nani practised even with injury to his shoulder.\r\nHe said Nani didnot complain and worked hard for the hook step and added that he dreamt of choreographing for Nani once he becomes a choreographer and his dream came true on his debut. He said Nani\'s hardwork made him fall in love for him.&nbsp;

Paradise-Nani didnot care injury

Choreographer Sudhan shares Nani secrets in The Paradise

Pawan Kalyan\'s upcoming film Ustaad Bhagat Singh is making headlines with a potential music change. Devi Sri Prasad (DSP), the current music director, might be handing over background score responsibilities to Thaman, a music sensation known for his work on Vakeel Saab and Bhimla Nayak.&nbsp;\r\nThis change comes as a surprise, especially since DSP recently participated in the Aura of Ustaad song launch event, expressing his excitement. The makers might be looking to leverage Thaman\'s expertise in creating impactful background scores, given his previous collaborations with Pawan Kalyan. Also another reason is DSP is now concentrating on his acting debut Yallamma&nbsp;\r\nUstaad Bhagat Singh, directed by Harish Shankar, is scheduled for release on March 26, 2026. With no official announcement, fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation on the music changes. Also, with postponement of Toxic , makers are planning to advance the release date to March 19, 2026 on the eve of Ugadi.&nbsp;\r\nThese two reasons might result in bringing Thaman on board for re recording. film\'s success is highly anticipated, given the combination of Pawan Kalyan and Harish Shankar, who previously delivered hits like Gabbar Singh. Sreeleela and Raashii Khanna are the female leads, adding to the excitement.&nbsp;

Is Thaman Onboard For UBS

Thaman Replaces DSP for Background Score For Ustaad Bhagat Singh

Band Melam starring Harsh Roshan and Sridevi Apalla of Court fame is generating immense interest among movie lovers.\r\nThe makers planned to release the film on 13 March 2026. Over the last few days rumours started floating that the makers are planning to backoff and lock a new release date and most probably the new release date could be 3 April 2026.\r\nIn the midst of all this, the makers of Band Melam made it clear that the film will be releasing 13 March and there will not be any postponement. The film\'s promotions generated curiosity levels among movie lovers.\r\nVijay Bulganin is the music director for the film bankrolled under the Kona Film Corporation banner, with Kavya and Shrvaya producing. The film comes , with the tagline &ldquo;Every Beat Has an Emotion.&rdquo; The film is directed by Satish Javvaji and Sai Kumar is playing the role of heroine\'s father.&nbsp;