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AP-Telangana Exhibitors Threaten Theatre Shutdown May 29

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AP-Telangana Exhibitors Threaten Theatre Shutdown May 29

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana exhibitors have escalated their demand for a percentage-based revenue sharing system, warning that theatres across both Telugu states may shut down from May 29 if their concerns are not addressed.

Theatre owners and exhibitors are pushing to replace the long-standing rental model currently followed for big releases with a universal percentage-sharing system. The issue has become a major flashpoint in Tollywood exhibition circles, with a crucial meeting between exhibitors, distributors, and industry stakeholders scheduled this week to arrive at a possible solution.

Andhra Pradesh Exhibitors Demand Revenue Model Overhaul

Exhibitors and theatre owners in Andhra Pradesh are strongly pushing for a percentage-sharing model instead of the existing rental system. They argue that the current model heavily favors producers and distributors, while single-screen theatres continue to struggle with rising operational costs and declining theatrical run periods.

The Andhra Pradesh and Telangana exhibitors believe that a universal percentage-sharing system would create a fair balance between producers, distributors, and theatre owners, especially during the release of big-budget films.

Telangana Exhibitors Release Open Letter to Star Heroes

Meanwhile, the Telangana Exhibitors Association has officially released an open letter appealing to Telugu star heroes and film producers to support the transition to a percentage-sharing system.

In the letter, the association highlighted the severe financial challenges faced by single-screen theatres and stated that the current “rent-or-percentage” system is no longer sustainable. The association explained that producers already follow percentage sharing for nearly 40 weeks every year, but major films continue to use the rental model during peak seasons.

Earlier in April, 23 Telangana theatres shifted to a percentage-based screening model, implementing a week-wise revenue split to ensure single-screen survival.

Exhibitors are now requesting that the same percentage-sharing system be implemented uniformly throughout the year across both Telugu states.

Theatrical Run Times Shrinking Drastically

The open letter also pointed out how theatrical run-times for films have drastically reduced in recent years, making fixed rental agreements unsustainable for single screens.

The Andhra Pradesh and Telangana exhibitors cited examples like F2, which reportedly enjoyed an eight-week run in theatres, while recent releases such as Dhurandhar completed their theatrical business within just two or three weeks.

According to exhibitors, audiences now watch films across multiple screens in shorter periods, making it increasingly difficult for single-screen theatres to survive under fixed rental agreements.

Single Screens Demand Equal Treatment with Multiplexes

Another major point raised by exhibitors is the alleged disparity between multiplexes and single-screen theatres.

The association claims multiplexes already benefit from percentage-sharing systems, while many single screens in Telugu states are excluded despite delivering strong collections for major releases. They also noted that theatres in other states reportedly received percentage-sharing benefits for films like Pushpa.

Exhibitors believe the proposed system would create a win-win situation for producers and theatre owners by sharing both risks and rewards more fairly.

However, not everyone in the industry supports the sudden shift. Producer Y. Ravi Shankar of Mythri Movie Makers recently opposed the abrupt implementation of the percentage system in Telangana, calling for proper discussions between all stakeholders.

Industry Meeting Crucial to Avert Shutdown

With tensions rising and shutdown warnings already issued, all eyes are now on the upcoming industry meeting scheduled this week. If an agreement is not reached soon, theatre closures across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana could significantly impact upcoming Telugu movie releases.

The coming days are expected to be crucial for the future of the theatrical business in the Telugu states, especially for single-screen cinemas as the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana exhibitors continue to fight for survival in the changing entertainment landscape.

Rajinikanth Avoids Question About CM Vijay, Reaction Goes Viral

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Rajinikanth Avoids Question About CM Vijay, Reaction Goes Viral

Superstar Rajinikanth has once again grabbed attention by not reacting to a question about Vijay, who recently made history by becoming the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

When media personnel recently asked Rajinikanth about Vijay becoming the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in May 2026, the veteran actor chose not to respond verbally. Instead, he simply smiled and walked away, leaving fans and political observers speculating about the meaning behind his silence.

Silent Reaction Goes Viral on Social Media

The moment quickly went viral on social media, with several fans interpreting the reaction in different ways. Some believe Rajinikanth intentionally avoided commenting due to personal or political reasons. Others pointed out that the superstar has often preferred to stay away from direct political statements and controversial discussions.

Past Tensions Between Rajinikanth and TVK

Interestingly, before the elections, Rajinikanth had reportedly expressed disappointment over certain remarks made by members of Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) regarding his past political journey. However, TVK representatives later clarified that their comments had been misunderstood and taken out of context.

Despite that episode, Rajinikanth publicly congratulated Vijay on social media after TVK’s historic performance in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

For years, comparisons between Rajinikanth and Vijay have remained a constant topic among fans, especially after Vijay reached a massive level of stardom over the last decade with several blockbuster hits. Even though there is a significant age gap between the two stars, discussions surrounding their influence, fan following, and mass appeal have continued both in cinema and now in politics.

Vijay’s Historic Rise as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

Vijay officially took oath as the 9th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10, 2026. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, where Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy.

In the April 2026 Assembly elections, TVK emerged as the single-largest party by winning 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly. To cross the majority mark of 118, Vijay secured support from the Indian National Congress, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, and Indian Union Muslim League, taking the alliance strength to 120 MLAs.

While Vijay’s political rise continues to dominate headlines, Rajinikanth’s silent reaction has now become another major talking point among fans and political circles alike.

RJ Balaji Faces Backlash Over Veera Bhadrudu Comments

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RJ Balaji Faces Backlash Over Veera Bhadrudu Comments

RJ Balaji, the actor-director and former film critic, has landed in controversy following his comments at the Telugu trailer launch event of Veera Bhadrudu held in Hyderabad on May 11, 2026. His dismissal of social media criticism has sparked intense backlash online, with many pointing out the irony given his own past as an outspoken movie reviewer.

What RJ Balaji Said at the Event

During the Hyderabad event, RJ Balaji stated that the film was “not made for people on social media,” explaining that the team’s primary intention was to bring back the vintage mass version of Suriya that audiences loved in films like Ayan and Singam. According to him, Veera Bhadrudu was designed purely as a theatrical entertainer meant to be enjoyed on the big screen with fans and general audiences.

The Irony: RJ Balaji’s Past as a Film Critic

However, his statement quickly triggered backlash on social media, with netizens pointing out the glaring irony. Before entering the film industry as an actor and filmmaker, RJ Balaji himself was widely known for his blunt movie reviews and strong opinions on cinema.

As a popular radio jockey on BIG FM, Balaji gained attention through his famous segment “Take it Easy,” where he openly reviewed and criticized films. He was also active on YouTube and radio platforms, often delivering brutally honest takes on movies and filmmaking trends. In November 2013, he officially stopped doing reviews, stating that he could no longer deal with the “aftermath” of every episode and felt the industry lacked the maturity to handle honest criticism.

Social media users are now revisiting his past statements and questioning why he is dismissing online criticism today after previously building a major part of his popularity through public film commentary.

Animal Criticism Resurfaces in the Debate

The controversy intensified further as fans also brought up RJ Balaji’s criticism of Animal. Balaji had openly condemned the Ranbir Kapoor starrer for its portrayal of women and even revealed that he intentionally avoided watching the film in theatres after hearing about its content.

This has now led many netizens to ask: if RJ Balaji himself openly judged and criticized several films in the past, why should audiences suddenly treat Veera Bhadrudu as “mere entertainment” without being judgmental? Fans online are debating whether the actor-director is now facing the same culture of criticism that he once actively participated in before joining the industry.

Despite the controversy, the trailer of Veera Bhadrudu has managed to generate strong buzz among audiences, especially with the return of Suriya in a powerful mass-action avatar.

Vaazha 2 Box Office: ₹130 Cr Kerala Record, ₹237 Cr WW

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Vaazha 2 Box Office: ₹130 Cr Kerala Record, ₹237 Cr WW

The blockbuster Vaazha 2 has concluded its theatrical run by creating history in Kerala, collecting ₹130 Cr gross to become the state’s all-time highest-grossing film. The sequel has shattered records and surprised the industry with its phenomenal performance.

Kerala Box Office Dominance

In Kerala alone, Vaazha II: Biopic of a Billion Bros collected an unprecedented ₹130 Cr gross, surpassing all previous records in the state. The film’s word-of-mouth and family appeal helped it sustain across multiple weeks, establishing a new benchmark for Malayalam cinema in its home territory.

Mollywood All-Time Rankings

With a worldwide gross of ₹237 Cr, the film has emerged as the 4th biggest grosser in Mollywood history. The sequel’s journey from ₹175 Cr in its second week to its final tally has been remarkable.

Here’s where it stands among the top Malayalam films:

FilmWorldwide Gross
Lokah₹302 Cr
Empuraan₹265 Cr
Manjummel Boys₹241 Cr
Vaazha 2₹237 Cr
Thudarum₹234 Cr

The film narrowly missed overtaking Manjummel Boys for the third spot, finishing just ₹4 Cr behind.

OTT Arrival on JioHotstar

After achieving blockbuster status at the box office, Vaazha 2 arrived on JioHotstar on 8th May 2026 in major languages. The OTT audience has already started praising the film, extending its success beyond theatres.

About the Film

Directed by debutant Savin S.A. and written by Vipin Das, Vaazha II: Biopic of a Billion Bros (2026) is a coming-of-age comedy-drama and the sequel to the 2024 hit Vaazha: Biopic of a Billion Boys. The film stars Hashir H., Alan Bin Siraj, Ajin Joy, and Vinayak V. in lead roles, with Vijay Babu, Aju Varghese, Bijukuttan, and Alphonse Puthren in supporting roles.

Jana Nayagan Hurdles Clear as Release Plans Resume

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Jana Nayagan Hurdles Clear as Release Plans Resume

Jana Nayagan, Vijay’s highly anticipated political action drama, is finally clearing the multiple hurdles that threatened its theatrical release. After facing censorship disputes, a damaging leak, and cascading business setbacks, the project is back on track following Vijay’s recent election victory as Chief Minister.

Business Parties Return to Negotiations

The business parties who initially acquired Jana Nayagan’s theatrical and non-theatrical rights for substantial deals but later backed out due to repeated postponements and the leak fallout are now reportedly back in talks with the producer. Distributors are renegotiating to acquire both theatrical and non-theatrical rights again, with several parties expressing renewed interest in the project.

Censor Clearance Expected This Week

With business prospects improving, the producer is expecting the pending censor issues to be resolved this week. If clearance comes through, Jana Nayagan is likely to release at the end of this month during the Bakrid weekend, bringing an end to months of uncertainty.

Fans are celebrating the positive developments as Jana Nayagan finally heads towards theatres after overcoming significant obstacles.

Peddi North America Bookings Slow After $100K Start

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Peddi North America Bookings Slow After $100K Start

Ram Charan‘s highly anticipated sports drama Peddi opened its North America premiere advance bookings a few days ago with extraordinary response, hitting the $100K mark in record time. However, Peddi North America bookings have slowed down significantly after the initial surge, falling short of expectations for the Buchi Babu Sana directorial.

Momentum Not Matching Recent Biggies

While the strong start created high hopes, the current trend shows Peddi is not seeing the massive jumps that recent Telugu biggies like OG, Devara, Kalki, Pushpa 2, and RRR achieved during their North America advance booking campaigns.

To achieve a blockbuster opening comparable to these films, Peddi needs significantly stronger momentum in the coming weeks. The current pace suggests audiences in the key overseas territory are waiting for more promotional content before purchasing advance tickets.

Trailer Could Be the Game-Changer

The film’s trailer is set to release on 18th May, and trade analysts believe it will be the decisive factor for Peddi North America bookings. With strong buzz anticipated around the A. R. Rahman-composed soundtrack and the film’s sports drama premise, the trailer could drive the massive jumps needed to get Peddi back into the race for a record-breaking opening.

The three-week window between the trailer launch and the 3rd June premiere date will be critical for the film’s advance booking performance. North America has become a crucial market for big-budget Telugu films, often contributing significantly to opening weekend collections.

Release Plans

Peddi, set in 1980s rural Andhra Pradesh, features Ram Charan alongside Janhvi Kapoor and Shiva Rajkumar. The film is releasing worldwide on 4th June 2026, with North America premieres on 3rd June.

Mohanlal’s Drishyam 3 Direct Telugu Trailer Out

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Mohanlal’s Drishyam 3 Direct Telugu Trailer Out

The Drishyam 3 direct Telugu release has been officially confirmed, as the makers decided to dub the Malayalam original instead of remaking it. The Telugu trailer dropped recently, building anticipation among fans who followed Venkatesh’s successful remakes of the first two installments.

Why Direct Release Instead of Remake?

The Drishyam franchise, helmed by director Jeethu Joseph, created a sensation in Malayalam cinema with Mohanlal in the lead. The gripping crime thriller was remade in multiple languages, with Venkatesh starring in the Telugu versions of parts 1 and 2, both of which received strong audience appreciation.

For Drishyam 3, however, the makers took a different approach. Instead of remaking the film with Venkatesh, they decided to release the Malayalam original directly in Telugu through dubbing. This decision ends speculation and ensures fans get the authentic continuation of Mohanlal’s iconic Georgekutty character.

Interestingly, the Telugu version retains the original character name “Georgekutty” rather than localizing it, maintaining the franchise’s authenticity.

What the Trailer Reveals

The Telugu trailer focuses on Georgekutty’s continuing inner turmoil as he lives under the shadow of his past actions. The footage hints that unexpected events once again disturb his family’s peace, forcing him to go to extreme lengths for their protection.

The emotional tension and suspense-filled moments suggest another gripping thriller from director Jeethu Joseph, who has helmed all installments of this franchise.

Release Details and Runtime

Drishyam 3 releases theatrically on May 21 in Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada. The film has completed censor formalities and received a U/A certificate from the censor board.

The runtime is locked at 2 hours and 39 minutes, promising an intense and engaging cinematic experience for audiences.

Satya and Yogi Babu set for a full-on entertainer

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Satya and Yogi Babu set for a full-on entertainer

Comedy stars Satya and Yogi Babu are all set to join forces for a full-on entertainer directed by Pawan Basamsetti of Rangabali fame. The film is being jointly produced by Pawan Basamsetti and Nagarjuna Reddy under the banners of Nayavayu Chitralu and Dream Movie Makers.

Grand Launch at Ramoji Film City

The project was launched grandly today at Ramoji Film City, with the regular shoot commencing simultaneously. The announcement has already created excitement among fans, as two of South India’s most popular comedians, Satya and Yogi Babu, are coming together for what promises to be a laugh-filled entertainer.

Cross-Industry Comedy Collaboration

Known for their impeccable comic timing and unique screen presence, Satya and Yogi Babu are expected to deliver a complete fun ride on the big screen. Satya has established himself as one of Telugu cinema’s most bankable comedians, while Yogi Babu brings his massive popularity from Tamil cinema. This cross-industry collaboration is particularly exciting for audiences across both industries.

Director and Technical Team

Director Pawan Basamsetti, who previously helmed Rangabali, is steering this comedy project. The technical crew also looks promising, with Bablu Aju handling cinematography, Pawan CH composing the music, and Kamesh serving as the art director.

Although the makers have not officially confirmed it as a bilingual project, the film is expected to release in both Telugu and Tamil languages, leveraging the combined star power of Satya and Yogi Babu across South Indian markets.

Satya’s Recent Work

Meanwhile, Satya was recently seen in the lead role in Jetlee, directed by Ritesh Rana. However, the film failed to make an impact at the box office.

Drishyam 3 Censor Report: UA 16+ Certificate, Plot Summary

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Drishyam 3 Censor Report: UA 16+ Certificate, Plot Summary

The highly anticipated Malayalam thriller Drishyam 3 has officially completed its censor formalities, and the Drishyam 3 plot summary has been revealed, sending excitement levels soaring among fans of the iconic franchise. The film has been awarded a UA 16+ certificate by the Thiruvananthapuram regional censor board, clearing the path for its May 21 release.

Drishyam 3 Censor Details

The censor board issued the certificate on May 11, 2026. Here are the key details:

Certificate TypeUA 16+
Runtime159.5 minutes (2 hours 39 minutes)
Censor DateMay 11, 2026
Censor BoardThiruvananthapuram Regional Board

Drishyam 3 Plot Summary Revealed

The newly unveiled Drishyam 3 plot summary hints at an emotionally intense and psychologically layered continuation of Georgekutty’s gripping journey. The official synopsis reads:

“Thirteen years have passed since Varun Prabhakar entered Georgekutty’s life and turned it upside down. To the world, everything seems calm and settled. Georgekutty is not just protecting his family from the world, he is protecting them from the truth, and from the burden of what binds them together.”

The story clearly indicates that the third installment will deeply explore Georgekutty’s inner fears, guilt, and emotional struggles while continuing the suspense-driven narrative that made the franchise iconic.

This revelation comes months after the film’s release was postponed from April 2 to May 21 due to regional tensions.

Cast and Crew

Mohanlal returns as Georgekutty in the lead role, joined by Meena, Siddique, Asha Sharath, Murali Gopy, Ansiba Hassan, and Esther Anil.

Jeethu Joseph serves as the writer and director, handling the story, screenplay, and dialogues. The technical crew includes cinematographer Satheesh Kurup, music composer Anil Johnson, editor Vinayakh, lyricist Vinayak Sasikumar, and action choreography by Mafia Sasi.

The film is produced by Antony Perumbavoor under the banner of Aashirvad Cinemas.

With the censor process now completed and the plot summary creating massive buzz, anticipation for Drishyam 3 has reached fever pitch. Fans are counting down to May 21 to witness Georgekutty’s next chapter on the big screen.

Drishyam 3 Emotional Depth Revealed by Jeethu Joseph

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Drishyam 3 Emotional Depth Revealed by Jeethu Joseph

Director Jeethu Joseph reveals the emotional and psychological intensity of Drishyam 3, confirming that the film will explore Georgekutty’s inner fears, guilt, and mental struggle following the shocking events of the previous films.

The Concept That Impressed Mohanlal

Speaking about the story, Jeethu Joseph said the idea for the third installment began with a powerful climax concept that instantly impressed Mohanlal. After discussing the idea, the director developed the complete screenplay by exploring how Georgekutty and his family naturally evolved over the years after the traumatic incident.

According to Jeethu, this emotional journey sets Drishyam 3 apart from the thriller-focused earlier films.

Georgekutty’s Hidden Fears

According to Jeethu, Georgekutty may appear calm and confident on the outside, but he never truly believes the case is over. While he constantly assures his family that they are safe and living peacefully, he himself continues to live in fear.

The character remains highly alert whenever strangers appear or unusual incidents happen around him, always suspecting danger could return at any moment. Jeethu explained that Georgekutty deliberately hides this anxiety from his family because he does not want them to suffer under the same fear that haunts him every day.

This emotional conflict will reportedly form the backbone of the third film.

The Family’s Burden of Guilt

The director also revealed that the movie will explore the guilt carried by the entire family for breaking the law and unintentionally causing immense pain to another family. Even after all these years, the fear of the police and the consequences of their actions continue to affect them psychologically.

This layered character study represents a departure from conventional sequels, focusing on the psychological aftermath rather than plot twists alone.

The Superpower Element

Interestingly, Jeethu hinted that at certain moments the family will have to rely on a “superpower,” which is why Georgekutty’s church scene was included in the teaser. This adds another intriguing layer to the story, blending faith with fear.

What to Expect from Drishyam 3

With stronger psychological elements and emotional drama, Drishyam 3 is expected to take the franchise in a more intense and emotionally layered direction. Jeethu Joseph also confirmed that the film will begin with a refreshing recap of both Drishyam and Drishyam 2, helping audiences reconnect with the journey before the new chapter unfolds.

The highly anticipated sequel promises to deliver a deeper, more character-driven experience that examines the lasting impact of past actions.

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