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Chiranjeevi’s Appeal to Andhra Pradesh Govt on Nandi Awards

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The Gaddar Awards were presented to Telugu cinema in Telangana on March 19, 2026, on the auspicious occasion of Ugadi (Sri Parabhava Nama Samvatsaram). Megastar Chiranjeevi was one of the award recipients, who made a noteworthy appeal to the Andhra Pradesh Government about the Nandi Awards on the stage.

Chiranjeevi Receives NTR National Film Award

The awards were handed over by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka. Megastar Chiranjeevi was conferred with the prestigious NTR National Award, named after the legendary actor and former Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, who is regarded as a pillar of Telugu cinema.

Chiranjeevi received this honor from Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, marking a proud moment in his illustrious career.

Appeal to Chandrababu Naidu on Film Industry Support

During the event, Chiranjeevi made a direct appeal to the Andhra Pradesh government from the Gaddar Film Awards stage. He urged Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to take inspiration from the Gaddar Awards and similarly encourage the film industry.

Chiranjeevi remarked that Andhra Pradesh has been slightly behind neighboring states when it comes to supporting and honoring cinema professionals. He also mentioned that Chandrababu Naidu has always been closely connected to the film fraternity.

This isn’t the first time Chiranjeevi has engaged with the Andhra Pradesh government on cinema-related issues. Previously, he had discussions with CM Jagan about G.O 35 and met with officials over ticket pricing.

Will AP Government Revive Nandi Awards?

It now remains to be seen whether the Andhra Pradesh government will respond positively to Chiranjeevi’s comments and take steps toward reviving the Nandi Awards. The Nandi Awards have been a prestigious recognition for Telugu cinema professionals, and their revival could significantly boost the morale of the film industry in Andhra Pradesh.

Dhurandhar 2 Telugu Version Censored, Shows Still Cancelled

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Dhurandhar 2 was initially planned for a simultaneous multi-language release, with premieres scheduled from the evening of March 18. However, the makers failed to complete the censor process for dubbed versions on time, leading to the cancellation of premieres and Day 1 shows across all non-Hindi languages.

As a result, only the Hindi version screened on the opening day, while Telugu and other dubbed versions were held back.

Censor Formalities Completed, But Shows Still Cancelled

The Telugu and other language versions have now completed censor formalities, and content has been delivered to theatres. Despite this, shows are still facing cancellations today.

The reason is that the producers have decided to officially release all dubbed versions from tomorrow, aligning with the Ramzan festive advantage.

Telugu Release Pushed to Tomorrow

With this move, Telugu and other dubbed versions will start screening from tomorrow, instead of Day 1. This isn’t the first time the Telugu release faced uncertainty, as makers had earlier maintained complete silence about the Telugu version’s release plans.

However, the decision has left many fans disappointed, as continuous cancellations of shows over the last two days have affected the overall excitement, especially among Telugu audiences who were eagerly waiting for the film’s release.

Dhurandhar 2 Opens With ₹200 Cr Worldwide, First for Bollywood

Dhurandhar 2 has created history at the box office, delivering a record-breaking opening day that sets new benchmarks for Bollywood cinema.

Record-Breaking India Collections

The film has become the first Bollywood film to collect over ₹100 Cr nett on opening day in India, achieving a milestone that no Hindi film had reached before.

Previously, the biggest opening for a Bollywood film was held by Jawan, which collected around ₹130 Cr worldwide gross on Day 1. Dhurandhar 2 box office collection has now surpassed that record with its India collections alone, highlighting the massive scale of its opening.

₹200 Cr Worldwide Milestone

On the global front, Dhurandhar 2 has crossed the ₹200 Cr gross mark worldwide on its opening day, becoming the first-ever Bollywood film to achieve this feat.

This historic opening places the film in an elite category. Pushpa 2 had set massive benchmarks earlier with its pan-Indian appeal, and now Dhurandhar 2 joins Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, RRR, and Pushpa 2: The Rule as the fourth Indian film to register a ₹200 Cr+ opening day.

The first installment of the franchise had already entered the 850 Cr club earlier this year, setting high expectations for the sequel. The film has now delivered on those expectations with a historic Day 1 performance.

With such a massive opening, Dhurandhar 2 has set the bar higher for Bollywood box office collections and established itself as a pan-Indian phenomenon.

Ustaad Bhagat Singh Day 1 Box Office Collections Report

Ustaad Bhagat Singh has opened at the box office with lower-than-expected numbers on Day 1, impacted heavily by weak pre-release buzz, poor advance bookings, and mixed initial word of mouth.

Underwhelming Start Despite Holiday Advantage

Pawan Kalyan films usually register strong premieres and benefit show numbers. However, this time, due to the low pre-release buzz, Ustaad Bhagat Singh saw a very underwhelming start in early shows.

The initial response further added to the concerns. The film received poor word of mouth from overseas markets, while the domestic response remained mixed. As a result, overseas markets witnessed a disastrous opening day.

In India, the film showed relatively better momentum in regular shows, supported by the Ugadi holiday advantage. However, collections were significantly impacted by the competition from Dhurandhar 2, especially in A-centers where the latter is performing strongly.

Nizam Region Records Low Opening

In the Nizam region, the film recorded one of the lowest openings for a tier-1 star hero in recent times. Several factors contributed to this — no benefit shows permissions, no ticket price hikes, and division of screens due to Dhurandhar 2‘s strong demand and positive talk.

Day 1 Collections and Recovery Status

Overall, as per early estimates, the film has collected around ₹52 Cr gross worldwide on Day 1. This is lower than Hari Hara Veera Mallu (₹70 Cr range) and less than half of OG, which opened with ₹140 Cr+.

The film needs around ₹200 Cr worldwide gross to achieve breakeven, and with this opening, it has recovered only around 25% on Day 1.

Day 2 Outlook and Ramzan Holiday Factor

The concern now is that Day 2 bookings are also trending on the lower side. The film needs a strong pickup from evening shows, although the Ramzan holiday advantage tomorrow could help bring better footfalls.

With the project facing release challenges earlier and Pawan Kalyan‘s recent focus on political commitments, the film’s underwhelming debut raises questions about recovery prospects in the coming days.

Pudhupettai 2 Script Complete: Selvaraghavan Confirms

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Tamil cinema fans have major news to celebrate as director Selvaraghavan, the elder brother of actor Dhanush, confirmed that he has finished writing Pudhupettai 2. The filmmaker announced on X (Twitter) that the scripting work is complete, bringing the long-awaited sequel closer to reality.

Years of Anticipation Finally Over

Earlier, Selvaraghavan had stated that the script for Pudhupettai 2 was “almost ready,” but the project didn’t materialize as planned. Fans waited years to see Dhanush return as the iconic Kokki Kumar character. Now, with the official confirmation that scripting is done, the formal launch announcement is expected soon.

Dhanush has been busy with multiple projects, including upcoming Telugu films and potential collaborations with other top directors, making the Pudhupettai 2 update even more exciting for his fan base.

About the Original Pudhupettai

Released in 2006, Pudhupettai is a cult Tamil gangster film directed by Selvaraghavan. It stars Dhanush as Kokki Kumar, a slum dweller who rises to become a powerful gangster in Chennai. The film is celebrated for its gritty, stylized portrayal of crime, showcasing Kumar’s evolution from a vulnerable boy to a ruthless politician. Sneha and Sonia Agarwal played key supporting roles.

The original film’s raw storytelling and Selvaraghavan’s signature directorial style made it a cult classic among Tamil cinema lovers, despite mixed initial reviews. Nearly two decades later, the sequel promises to bring back the same intensity and powerful narrative that defined the first film.

NTR, Allu Arjun, and Mahesh Babu Praise Dhurandhar: The Revenge

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Dhurandhar: The Revenge mania is not limited to Bollywood alone. Audiences across languages are celebrating the film, and Telugu superstars Allu Arjun, NTR, and Mahesh Babu have joined the chorus of praise for the Ranveer Singh-starrer spy action thriller directed by Aditya Dhar.

Allu Arjun’s Excitement After Watching Dhurandhar

Allu Arjun shared his excitement after watching the film’s premieres, calling it a film that blends patriotism with style. He praised the movie for its clap-worthy moments and technical brilliance, highlighting Ranveer Singh’s fiery performance and R. Madhavan’s strong presence.

He commended Aditya Dhar for delivering a powerful cinematic vision, describing the film as “an Indian story with international swag.” His post radiated pride, emphasizing how Dhurandhar: The Revenge makes every patriot proud.

NTR Salutes the Team for Delivering a Storm

Following Allu Arjun, NTR also expressed admiration for Dhurandhar: The Revenge, saluting the team for delivering a storm to Indian audiences. He described Ranveer Singh’s performance as a “masterclass” and applauded Aditya Dhar’s fearless vision in elevating each frame.

NTR praised R. Madhavan’s effortless dominance on screen while appreciating Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Rampal for their layered portrayals. He singled out Shashwat Sachdev’s music for intensifying the film’s adrenaline and concluded with confidence that the film will leave a lasting impact.

Mahesh Babu Calls It a High-Impact Spectacle

Mahesh Babu also praised the film, calling Dhurandhar: The Revenge “a high-impact spectacle, executed with striking precision.” He noted that it presents one of the finest and most powerful versions of Ranveer Singh on screen.

The superstar remarked that the way Aditya Dhar has envisioned and delivered this standing ovation-worthy experience is truly remarkable. He gave a special mention to R. Madhavan for his impressive performance and to Shashwat Sachdev for his electrifying music.

Mahesh Babu concluded by saying, “This is a film meant to be experienced and celebrated. Congratulations to the entire team!”

Telugu Stars Unite in Praise

The unanimous praise from NTR, Allu Arjun, and Mahesh Babu highlights the pan-Indian appeal of Dhurandhar: The Revenge. The film has successfully transcended language barriers, resonating with audiences and industry stalwarts alike.

With its blend of patriotism, high-octane action, and stellar performances, Dhurandhar: The Revenge is proving to be a landmark film in Indian cinema, earning accolades from some of Tollywood’s biggest names.

Dhurandhar Revenge Telugu Version Censored, Releases Tomorrow

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The wait for Telugu audiences is finally over as Dhurandhar: The Revenge Telugu version has completed its censor certification and is all set to release in theatres tomorrow. The Dhurandhar Revenge Telugu version carries a runtime of 3 hours and 50 minutes.

Censor Changes and Certification

The Telugu version underwent standard censor modifications including disclaimer additions, Telugu anti-smoking and anti-drug warning overlays, subtitle timing corrections, and select word replacements. The certification process was completed today after brief delays.

Show Cancellations and Rescheduling

Theatre shows were cancelled today because the censor process ran longer than expected. However, screenings are confirmed to begin tomorrow across Telugu markets.

High Expectations from Telugu Fans

The first Dhurandhar film became a massive success, but Telugu audiences couldn't watch it in theatres, which created strong demand for the sequel’s theatrical release. The hype around Dhurandhar: The Revenge has been building steadily, making yesterday’s premiere cancellations and today’s show delays particularly disappointing for eager fans.

With the sequel aiming to match or surpass the original's box office performance, tomorrow’s release marks a significant moment for the franchise in Telugu-speaking regions. Fans can now experience the much-awaited spy thriller on the big screen starting tomorrow.

Dhurandhar Revenge Records Historic $2M North America Premieres

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Dhurandhar: The Revenge has created history in North America with a massive $2.002M premiere gross from 725 locations, setting a new benchmark for Bollywood films and achieving the first-ever $2M premieres milestone in the region.

Record-Breaking Opening Numbers

The film’s regional breakdown showcases its dominance across North America:

  • USA – $1.55M
  • Canada – $450K

With these numbers, Dhurandhar: The Revenge has registered the biggest Hindi premieres of all time, surpassing Animal, which previously held the record with around $1.2M. Trade experts say that it is just the beginning of the film’s domination at the box office.

Historic Milestone for Bollywood

This achievement marks a significant moment for Bollywood in overseas markets. The film has become the first Hindi film to cross $2M in North America premieres, showcasing the massive demand for quality Hindi content in the region.

The numbers could have been even bigger, but show cancellations impacted the overall total, leading to an estimated $300K–$400K revenue loss. Despite that, the film has still managed to set a new all-time record, demonstrating its incredible pull among audiences.

What This Means for Hindi Cinema

The success of Dhurandhar: The Revenge in North America signals growing acceptance and excitement for Bollywood content in international markets. With strong word-of-mouth and packed shows across major cities, the film is poised to continue its impressive run at the North America box office.

AR Rahman Begins Work on Mani Ratnam – Vijay Sethupathi Film

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The Mani Ratnam and AR Rahman combination is back. After the theatrical disappointment of Thug Life starring Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam has moved on to his next project with Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi.

AR Rahman Completes Two Songs

AR Rahman has already begun composition work for the film. Two songs have been completed, and with the legendary Mani Ratnam – Rahman combination reuniting, expectations on the album are naturally very high. The duo has delivered iconic soundtracks over the years, and fans are hoping this project will be another musical milestone.

Strong Pre-Release Business

The film is already generating solid trade interest even before the shoot begins. The audio rights have been sold for ₹15 Cr, which is a strong deal at this early stage. This shows the market confidence in the Mani Ratnam Rahman combination.

On the overseas side, a top international distributor has already acquired the theatrical rights, reflecting strong confidence in the project’s commercial potential.

Vijay Sethupathi Replaces Dhanush

Vijay Sethupathi stepped into the project after Dhanush exited due to a pay dispute. The actor brings a strong track record in both Tamil and Telugu cinema, and his pairing with Sai Pallavi under Mani Ratnam‘s direction has created significant buzz in trade circles.

Production Timeline

The film is scheduled to go on floors from April. With this combination of talent — Mani Ratnam, Vijay Sethupathi, Sai Pallavi, and AR Rahman — the project is already turning into one of the most awaited films in South cinema.

Kiran Abbavaram’s OTT Debut Guvvalacheruvu Ghat Announced

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Kiran Abbavaram, who scored a big hit with K-Ramp, is all set to make his digital debut with Guvvalacheruvu Ghat, a new OTT web series arriving on Prime Video soon. The OTT streamer has officially announced the project with a striking glimpse.

Directed by Bharath Kamma (of Dear Comrade fame), this series is set against the Rayachoty backdrop. The title refers to a prominent, winding road connecting Kadapa to Rayachoty in the Annamayya and Kadapa districts.

Guvvalacheruvu Ghat Plot

In a feudal South Indian town ruled by bloodlines and ancestral bargains, a hidden heir quietly manipulates friendship, love, loyalty, and legacy to reclaim his stolen identity, only to realize that once chaos is unleashed, no one controls where it ends.

What to Expect

The glimpse shows intense performances with rural politics, and there is also a tinge of bloody violence. The actor, who previously impressed audiences with SR Kalyanamandapam, steps into a new avatar for Guvvalacheruvu Ghat.

OTT Debut Trend

With several Telugu actors making their digital debut on streaming platforms, Kiran Abbavaram joins the growing list of stars exploring web series. Prime Video continues to expand its Telugu content library with diverse stories.

Viewers are excited to watch Kiran Abbavaram in this intense, rural political drama. The series marks a significant shift in his career trajectory as he explores the digital entertainment space.