Balakrishna and Gopichand Malineni’s next film has made much noise even before its official shoot. It is widely known that their previous collaboration, Veera Simha Reddy, performed well at the box office but fell short of becoming a blockbuster or super hit.
A section of the audience felt that the film would have worked better if it had focused entirely on Balakrishna’s older look. The dual-role concept was not liked by audiences, as they felt that the younger character was unnecessary and failed to create the desired impact.
NBK111: Balakrishna to Skip Double Roles in Upcoming Film
It now appears that director Gopichand Malineni has taken this feedback seriously for his next film with Balakrishna. According to reports, the new project will feature Balakrishna in a single, strong, and well-defined role, avoiding the dual-role format altogether.
The film is said to be set against a Mumbai backdrop, with Balakrishna reportedly playing a powerful character linked to the city’s underworld. This is certainly a welcome change and will add a fresh setting. The director is said to be presenting Balakrishna in an intense and commanding avatar, which many believe suits the actor far better than multiple roles.
With a single-role narrative and a Mumbai-based backdrop, expectations are high that this Balakrishna–Gopichand Malineni combination will deliver more impactful, solid content this time.
Yesterday, SVC (Sri Venkateshwara Creations), owned by Dil Raju, officially announced that they will be releasing Toxic, starring Yash, in the Telugu states. Immediately after the announcement, a number started circulating on social media claiming that the Telugu states’ rights to Toxic were sold for a huge price of ₹120 crore. However, this information is completely false, and there is no truth to it.
The buzz from our sources is that the price itself has not been finalised yet. Since Dil Raju is a top distributor in the Telugu states and Toxic is releasing in competition with Dhurandhar 2, the producers are associating with Dil Raju to ensure a strong and wide release for the film.
Dil Raju will release Toxic in the Telugu states, but the price has yet to be fixed.
The film will most likely be handled on an advance-plus-commission basis, where the producer will bear the entire risk, similar to an own release. Dil Raju will only pay an advance amount, and even that advance is yet to be finalised.
The reason behind Dil Raju’s association goes beyond just Yash’s Toxic. KVN Productions is planning multiple films in the coming years, with Toxic being one of them. Their Jana Nayagan is also ready for release. In addition, a big film starring Bobby and Chiranjeevi, produced by KVN Productions, is in the pipeline, with a few more projects currently under discussion. This long-term collaboration is the main reason behind Dil Raju’s interest in associating with KVN Productions.
Nowadays, Telugu producers are facing huge risks and tough times due to advance commitments. When the theatrical and OTT markets were in top form, they signed massive combinations with star directors and star heroes and planned big-budget films. At that time, they did their calculations and believed that such huge budgets would work in their favor.
But OTT platforms are no longer offering big amounts, and the current offers are coming at only 50–60% of the expected value. On the theatrical side, distributors are also not paying full amounts. Together, these two factors are creating huge financial pressure on Telugu producers, and they are fearing risks.
At present, three ongoing pan-India big-budget films are already facing this situation. On top of this, directors are adding more burden by delaying projects and failing to complete shoots as per the planned schedules. One major issue that is giving sleepless nights to producers is that even after completing a schedule with a huge budget, the director may say, “I am not satisfied,” and opt for an entire reshoot.
In such cases, the producer is already in deficit compared to the planned budget, and reshoots only increase the burden further. Even though the lead stars and directors are confident that the films will perform well across all languages and recover the entire budget, producers need practical numbers. For these three films, producers may be forced to go for deficit releases, and performance in other languages will play a crucial role in recovering their investments.
Suddenly, news shocks everyone that a few people reported that Toxic Telugu states rights bought by Dil Raju for 120 Cr. This news has certainly shocked everyone, as it is natural to feel how such a high price is offered by the noted producer and distributor, with Dhurandhar 2 being in competition.
But there is no truth in the ₹120 crore business figure for the Telugu states rights of Yash’s Toxic. The distributor has been confirmed as Dil Raju, but the price has not been finalized yet. The deal is expected to be on an advance basis, not an outright purchase.
While KGF 2 itself collected around ₹85 crore share in the Telugu states, it is surprising that some sections of people and the media are believing that Dil Raju offered ₹120 crore. He is someone who knows the market inside out. Even half of that amount is practically impossible. Such record numbers, created only to hype things, will end up backfiring on the team.
Movie Name:Euphoria Rating: 2.25/5 Cast: Bhumika Chawla, Sara Arjun. Vignesh Gavireddy, Likhita Yalamanchali, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Nassar and others Director: Gunasekhar Produced By: Neelima Guna and Yuktha Guna Release Date: 6th February 2026
Directed by Gunasekhar, the Telugu film “Euphoria” was released today, February 6, 2026. The film stars Bhumika Chawla, Dhurandhar fame Sara Arjun, and others in crucial roles. Let’s find out if Gunasekhar has made a comeback with this film in the following review.
Story:
Vindhya Vemulapalli (Bhumika Chawla), the principal of one of the city’s top colleges, shocks everyone by approaching the High Court and filing a case against herself. What drives her to take such an unusual step? How is her decision connected to Chaitra (Sara Arjun)? These questions form the crux of the story.
Performances:
Bhumika Chawla plays the central role and gets a few strong emotional moments. While she performs sincerely, her character sometimes feels forced and not fully organic. Gautham Vasudev Menon appears in a key role and delivers a fitting performance.
Debutant Vignesh Gavireddy does a commendable job, convincingly portraying a distracted and arrogant youngster. Sara Arjun plays a crucial character, and despite limited screen time, she leaves a solid impact.
Analysis:
Director Gunasekhar chooses a socially relevant subject and addresses sensitive issues like the POCSO Act and crimes committed by minors. The film deserves credit for attempting to explore the root causes behind youngsters being drawn toward drugs and sexual crimes, while also highlighting parental responsibility.
The first half works well for the most part, beginning on an intriguing note. Although a few scenes feel stretched, the emotional weight is maintained until the interval.
But Euphoria loses its grip in the second half. The intended emotions fail to connect, and while the idea of stressing parents’ responsibility is valid, the narration becomes repetitive and ineffective.
The subplots involving the drug racket and a psycho killer are poorly handled and fail to engage. Though the climax confrontation between Chaitra and Vikas is impactful, it arrives too late to bring the film back on track.
Positives:
Core Point
First Half
A Few Meaningful Dialogues
Negatives:
Largely Uninteresting Second Half
Unnecessary Characters/Scenes
Absurd Kind of Scenes
Euphoria Review and Verdict:
Gunasekhar’s Euphoria is a well-intentioned social drama with a thought-provoking and much-needed message. Unfortunately, it loses its way after a promising first half due to contrived and weak narrative choices.
Megastar Chiranjeevi’s blockbuster Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, which created a storm at the box office, is now all set to make its digital debut, and the film will begin streaming on the popular OTT platform ZEE5 from February 11.
Starring Chiranjeevi and Nayanthara, the film is a complete family entertainer that won the hearts of audiences in theatres. From February 11, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu will be available for streaming on ZEE5 in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, Marathi, and Bengali.
The film’s story follows a National Security Officer (played by Chiranjeevi) and his attempt to rejoin his estranged family, filled with fun moments. Megastar’s unmatched screen presence and entertaining performance, combined with Ravipudi’s trademark comedy and Nayanthara’s glamour appeal, played a major role in making the film a big success.
Emerging as the clear Sankranthi winner, the film went on to become a sensational blockbuster at the box office. It also stands as the highest-grossing film in the careers of Chiranjeevi and director Anil Ravipudi, marking one of the biggest regional blockbusters in recent times.
Movie Name:Sri Chidambaram Garu Rating: 2.5/5 Cast: Vamsi Tummala, Sandhya Vasishtha, Gopinath, Shivakumar Matta, Kalpalatha Garlapati, Arun Kumar, Tulasi, Naidu Moram, Shankar Rao and others Director: Vinay Ratnam Produced By: Chinta Vinitha Reddy, Chinta Gopalakrishna Reddy Release Date: 6th February 2026
Sri Chidambaram Garu is a small film made with strong Telugu sensibilities and good content, and it created a good buzz with its promotions. Directed by Vinay Ratnam, the film has been released in theaters today. Let us check how the film fares in the following review.
Story:
Salmon (Vamsi Tummala) is born with a squint, and this physical flaw makes him a target of ridicule from a very young age. The constant insults from people around him slowly build a deep sense of inferiority. Villagers mockingly call him Chidambaram (Reference to Kallu Chidambaram).
To escape the humiliation and avoid unwanted attention, Salmon begins wearing dark glasses to hide his condition. Meanwhile, Leela (Sandhya Vasishta), a girl from the same village, develops feelings for him. However, a misunderstanding creates distance between them. How much pain does Chidambaram endure because of this? Does he finally overcome his weakness and reclaim his self-respect? The rest of the film unfolds these answers.
Performances:
Vamsi Tummala delivers a mature and confident performance, never once appearing like a newcomer. He fully owns the character and brings depth to Chidambaram’s emotional journey. Sandhya Vasishta looks graceful in the female lead and delivers a convincing performance. Pushpa fame Kalpalatha shines as the hero’s mother, once again proving her acting prowess, while senior actress Tulasi lends solid support and does justice to her role.
Analysis:
Director Vinay Ratnam, Sri Chidambaram Garu is an honest attempt to address a sensitive social issue. The film’s intentions are sincere, and it is technically sound. The first half moves with a pleasant, breezy tone, blending light entertainment with a well-handled love track.
The natural dialogues stand out and add authentic touch to the narrative. The first half works effectively without major flaws. But the second half feels stretched, as the story revolves around a relatively small misunderstanding.
A tighter and more engaging screenplay could have elevated this portion.The fake pastor episode is relevant to the story but fails to leave a strong impact. The film regains momentum toward the climax, powered by impactful dialogues and emotional weight.
Positives:
Authentic Taking
Performances
First Half
Negatives:
Second Half
Mishandling of the Main Conflict
Sri Chidambaram Garu Review and Verdict:
Sri Chidambaram Garu is a simple, emotion-driven drama supported by natural performances and genuine moments that touch the heart. While the film starts strong, the routine narration and weak conflict in the second half hold it back, resulting in an average output though the effort is sincere.
Movie Name:With Love Rating: 3/5 Cast: Abishan Jeevinth, Anaswara Rajan, Kavya Anil, Sacchin Nachiappan, Saravanan, Harish Nagalakshmi Kumar, Sachana Namidass, and Others Director: Madhan Produced By: Soundarya Rajinikanth Release Date: 6th February 2026
“With Love” is the latest Tamil romantic drama, also released in Telugu theaters today, February 6, 2026. Directed by Madhan and produced by Soundarya Rajinikanth, the film stars Abishan Jeevinth (Director of Tourist Family) and Anaswara Rajan. Let’s delve into the review below to see how the film has fared.
Story:
Satya and Monisha, while on a date, set out on an unusual journey: to track down their school-time crushes and finally express the feelings they once left unsaid. Where this journey leads and how it changes them forms the heart of the story.
Performances:
Anaswara Rajan delivers a lively and graceful performance, making her character truly memorable. Abishan Jeevinth puts in a convincing performance. Kavya Anil, Sacchin Nachiappan, Saravanan, and the supporting cast fit well into the narrative and do justice to their roles.
Analysis:
Debutant director Madhan takes the audience on a warm nostalgia trip, built around a couple longing to relive their school days and find closure with their past crushes. The overlapping backstories of the lead pair are handled smartly, creating several cute and fun moments that work strongly in the film’s favor.
The innocence and charm of school-time romance are beautifully captured in the first half. The second half leans more towards emotions and becomes predictable at a few points, especially with familiar beats like an emotional song before the climax and the routine misunderstandings between the lead pair. Despite this, the narrative remains engaging and concludes on a sweet, satisfying note.
Positives:
Anaswara Rajan and Abishan Jeevinth
Backstory in the First Half
Heartwarming Scenes in the Second Half
Negatives:
Predictable Moments in the Second Half
A Few Crucial Scenes Mishandled
With Love Review and Verdict:
With Love is a pleasant feel-good film. Though the story is regular, it succeeds with relatable moments, genuine emotions, and light-hearted fun. Minor flaws in the latter half aside, the film offers an enjoyable experience
Everyone knows about the issues that Vijay’s Jana Nayagan has faced with the censor board and the court. Now, it is being reported that Jana Nayagan’s new release date has been confirmed.
The buzz is that the film’s team has edited a fresh cut of the film, which they are ready to submit to the CBFC. The makers are also said to be planning to withdraw the case. With these developments, some positive news regarding the new release date of Jana Nayagan is expected in the next 2–3 days.
The producers have informed distributors they are aiming to release the film on 20th February. If everything goes well next week, all official announcements are scheduled soon.
Let us wait and watch whether the team of KVN Productions can things right this time.
Prabhas and Maruthi’s The Raja Saab is currently streaming on Jio Hotstar. The film became a big failure at the box office. There are many similarities between The Raja Saab and Game Changer, and both are Sankranthi releases.
Movie results are never entirely in anyone’s control, and every team puts in immense effort to achieve success. But poor planning, lack of strict supervision, weak regulations, and irregular content reviews can sometimes push producers into massive losses running into crores.
Same results for Game Changer and The Raja Saab
Last year’s Sankranthi release Game Changer and this year’s Sankranthi release The Raja Saab faced similar issues. Had both films been completed within sensible budgets, the producers might have stayed in a safer position even if the final results remained the same. In both cases, a large amount of footage was shot and later discarded, leading to crores of rupees being wasted with no practical use. The productions also dragged on for an unusually long time on sets.
Regular content reviews and close monitoring of runtime, budget limits, and overall calculations could have helped the producers stay at least financially comfortable. Due to major miscalculations, Game Changer turned into Dil Raju’s biggest loss venture, while The Raja Saab became the biggest setback for People Media Factory.
Both films had strong concepts and big stars, and despite heavy investments, the directors failed to deliver the expected output. That said, producers also share responsibility. Active involvement at every stage of production and strict accountability are essential to ensure that directors deliver the promised content within the agreed budget.
