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Venu Udugula Announces Annadammula Panchayathi Film

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Following the success of Raju Weds Rambai, producer Venu Udugula is set to bring another emotionally driven story to the big screen. Titled Annadammula Panchayathi, the film revolves around a powerful conflict between brothers and the impact it leaves on an entire village.

The Story and Its Message

Disputes between brothers are not new to Indian storytelling. But when a family falls apart, does only that family lose? Or does the entire village pay the price? This thought-provoking question forms the heart of Annadammula Panchayathi.

The film carries a poignant tagline: “We may never know who won that day, but the village certainly lost.” With its rooted rural backdrop and emotional depth, the project promises to deliver a meaningful and engaging narrative that explores how personal conflicts can have far-reaching consequences on an entire community.

The Team Behind the Film

The film is directed by Madhukar Reddy, while Venu Udugula and Sandhya Bhanu are producing it under their banner. The announcement has already sparked curiosity among audiences, raising expectations for another compelling rural drama from the production house.

Venu Udugula’s Journey as Producer

Venu Udugula, known for directing critically acclaimed films like Needi Naadi Oke Katha and Virata Parvam, recently made his debut as a producer with the Telugu rural romantic drama Raju Weds Rambai (2025). Directed by Saailu Kampati and starring Akhil and Tejaswi Rao, the film was released in November 2025 and received positive response for its honest storytelling and rooted narrative.

With Annadammula Panchayathi, the producer aims to continue exploring meaningful stories that resonate with audiences. The focus on rural conflicts and community dynamics aligns with Udugula’s commitment to authentic, content-driven cinema.

Official: Ashwath Marimuthu to Direct Thalaivar 173

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Ashwath Marimuthu is now officially confirmed to helm Thalaivar 173, Rajinikanth’s next film under Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International. The confirmation comes after reports suggested that director Cibi Chakaravarthi had exited the project, marking yet another change in the film’s directorial lineup.

Multiple Director Changes for Thalaivar 173

Thalaivar 173 has experienced several behind-the-scenes changes since its announcement. Initially, Sundar C was attached to direct the film but stepped down during the early stages of pre-production. Cibi Chakaravarthi was then brought on board to helm the project, but industry reports in April indicated that he was no longer associated with Thalaivar 173.

Birthday Wish Confirms Ashwath’s Entry

While speculation about Ashwath Marimuthu taking over the director’s chair had been circulating in industry circles, official confirmation remained elusive until today. Raaj Kamal Films International’s official social media account posted a birthday greeting for director Ashwath, effectively confirming his association with the project.

The birthday post serves as the production house’s way of acknowledging Ashwath Marimuthu as the director of Thalaivar 173. A formal announcement detailing the collaboration between Rajinikanth and Ashwath Marimuthu is expected to follow soon.

What’s Next for the Project

Despite the directorial changes, Thalaivar 173 remains one of the most anticipated projects in Tamil cinema. The film brings together two legendary figures — Rajinikanth in the lead role and Kamal Haasan as producer through his banner Raaj Kamal Films International.

Details about the complete cast, technical crew, and production schedule are yet to be officially announced. With Ashwath Marimuthu now confirmed to direct Thalaivar 173, the project moves forward with renewed momentum, and fans eagerly await further updates on this prestigious collaboration.

Buchi Babu Preparing Two Scripts for Mahesh Babu

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Director Buchi Babu is keen to work with Superstar Mahesh Babu after his upcoming film Peddi. According to industry sources, the filmmaker has two complete scripts ready, both specifically written with the superstar in mind, and both are said to be large-scale projects.

Banking on Peddi’s Success

With Uppena and now Peddi, Buchi Babu has created strong expectations around himself as a director. The emotional drama Uppena marked a successful debut, establishing him as a promising filmmaker in Telugu cinema. If Peddi turns out to be a major success, he is expected to become one of the most sought-after directors in the industry.

Buchi Babu is placing huge hopes on Peddi and is highly confident about its success. After the film’s release, he reportedly plans to meet Mahesh Babu and narrate the two story ideas. Sources suggest both projects are designed as pan-India ventures with significant production values.

Perfect Timing for Collaboration

Mahesh Babu is currently busy with his film directed by S. S. Rajamouli. The Rajamouli-Mahesh collaboration has generated massive anticipation across the country. Beyond that project, Mahesh has not officially committed to any other film.

If Peddi becomes a big hit and Buchi Babu manages to impress Mahesh with his scripts, the timelines could align perfectly for an immediate collaboration. Since Mahesh Babu is expected to begin work on his next project only after completing and releasing the Rajamouli film, Buchi Babu would have enough time to focus on pre-production.

The combination of Buchi Babu with Mahesh Babu could bring together strong storytelling with star power. It will be interesting to see how things unfold after the release of Peddi.

Peddi Producers Already in Profits: ₹350 Cr Budget Recovered

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The Peddi producers are celebrating a major win even before the film’s release. The upcoming Ram Charan starrer has already recovered its entire ₹350 crore budget through pre-release deals, putting producer Venkata Satish Kilaru and Vriddhi Cinemas in a comfortable profit zone.

Budget vs Business: Rare Pre-Release Success

During the promotions, the team of Peddi officially revealed that the movie has been made on a budget of ₹350 crore. But here’s the catch: the theatrical and non-theatrical business deals have already fetched more than that amount.

Deal TypeStatus
Production Budget₹350 Crore
Theatrical + Non-TheatricalExceeded Budget
Producer StatusIn Profits

This is quite rare in today’s market. Movies are witnessing a significant decline in both theatrical and non-theatrical business, making it difficult for producers to recover their budgets through pre-release deals alone. Most big-budget films or top heroes’ movies require solid opening collections plus sustained box office performance to enter the profit zone.

Peddi Producers Ahead of the Curve

The Peddi producers have managed what many filmmakers struggle with today — table profits before release. While recent films have found it challenging to close strong non-theatrical deals, Peddi has bucked the trend. This puts Venkata Satish Kilaru in a very comfortable position, with any theatrical revenue becoming pure profit.

Similar pre-release recoveries have been rare this year. The strong business indicates high confidence from distributors and digital platforms in Ram Charan’s star power and the film’s commercial potential.

With the Peddi producers already in the safe zone, the theatrical performance will determine just how big a blockbuster this turns out to be for all stakeholders involved.

Varanasi IMAX Format: 1.90:1 vs 1.43:1 Explained

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Ever since the news of 2 IMAX screens coming to Hyderabad spread, movie lovers are excited to the core. Fans want to experience Mahesh Babu and S.S. Rajamouli’s Varanasi on the big IMAX screen, but there’s an important detail about the Varanasi IMAX format that audiences should know.

What Makes Varanasi’s IMAX Format Special?

Director S.S. Rajamouli’s Varanasi was shot specifically for the IMAX format, making it the first Indian film and the first non-English film in history to feature sequences in the true 1.43:1 IMAX aspect ratio. The film was shot natively using IMAX-certified digital cameras to capture the “vertical scale” of its epic worlds. It is not a post-conversion upscale.

Understanding IMAX Aspect Ratios

The 1.43:1 IMAX format is taller and closer to the original IMAX experience, showing up to 40% more image than standard theaters. This format fills the entire IMAX screen from top to bottom, creating an immersive viewing experience.

The 1.90:1 digital IMAX format is wider and displays up to 26% more picture than standard theaters, but not as much vertical space as the true 1.43:1 format.

AMB Classic Victory’s IMAX Screen Details

The IMAX screen coming to AMB Classic Victory will present films in a 1.90:1 aspect ratio, not the full 1.43:1 format. AMB is bringing IMAX with a flat ratio, not true IMAX.

So, fans can enjoy Varanasi on IMAX in Hyderabad, but it will be screened in the 1.90:1 aspect ratio, not the true 1.43:1 aspect ratio that Varanasi was shot in. While this is still a significant upgrade over standard screens, it won’t showcase the full vertical scope that Rajamouli captured with IMAX cameras.

Karuppu Continues Strong Box Office Run at ₹295 Cr

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Suriya’s fantasy action blockbuster Karuppu continues its remarkable box office journey even after entering its third week. The film, which has emerged as the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2026 and a career-best for Suriya, shows no signs of slowing down.

Box Office Performance

The film performed strongly yesterday as well, maintaining solid occupancies across territories. Here’s the current box office standing after 18 days:

MetricCollection
All India Tracked Gross₹195 Cr
Estimated Actuals₹217 Cr
Worldwide Gross₹295 Cr

Trade analysts expect Karuppu to add another ₹20 Cr to its total from here, cementing its status as a true mega blockbuster.

Karuppu’s Blockbuster Journey

Directed by RJ Balaji and starring Suriya alongside Trisha Krishnan, Karuppu released worldwide on May 15, 2026. The fantasy action film follows the guardian deity Vettai Karuppu who disguises himself as a lawyer to fight corruption in a court system.

The film struck a chord with audiences thanks to its unique blend of mythology and social commentary. It crossed the ₹100 Cr mark within days of release and has since outperformed Suriya’s previous highest-grosser Singam II (2013).

Produced by Dream Warrior Pictures, Karuppu received mixed to positive reviews from critics but found massive acceptance among the mass audience, driving its exceptional box office performance.

Telugu Version Delivers Strong Results

The film’s Telugu dubbed version, Veerabhadrudu, has also performed impressively at the box office. The Telugu market responded enthusiastically to the film’s content, helping it deliver a superb result and contributing significantly to the overall collections.

With strong holds in both Tamil and Telugu markets, Karuppu continues to prove its staying power at the box office.

Drishyam 3 Box Office Sees Major Drop After 2nd Weekend

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Mohanlal’s Drishyam 3 witnessed a significant drop in box office collections after its stellar second weekend run. The Jeethu Joseph directorial, which had been performing exceptionally well, saw its momentum slow down considerably from its 2nd Monday onwards.

Drishyam 3 Day 12 Collections

The film collected lower numbers on Day 12 (2nd Monday), marking a noticeable decline from its weekend performance. Despite the drop, Drishyam 3 remains one of the biggest hits for Malayalam cinema this year and has already achieved blockbuster status.

Drishyam 3 Total Collections Breakdown

The tracked gross collections after 12 days stand as follows:

TerritoryCollection
All India Tracked Gross₹106 Cr
All India Actuals (Est.)₹115 Cr
Kerala Gross₹78 Cr
Worldwide Gross₹222 Cr

Can Drishyam 3 Hit ₹250 Cr Worldwide?

The film was initially expected to cross the ₹100 Cr mark in its home territory of Kerala. However, with the current drop in collections, reaching ₹100 Cr in Kerala and ₹250 Cr worldwide now looks challenging. The weekday performance will be crucial in determining whether Drishyam 3 can achieve these milestones.

Despite the slowdown, Mohanlal’s thriller has already cemented its place as a bonafide blockbuster and stands as one of the most successful Malayalam films at the box office. The Jeethu Joseph directorial continues the legacy of the critically acclaimed Drishyam franchise, which has been a consistent performer across multiple languages and remakes.

Blast Box Office Collection: ₹28 Cr Worldwide in 5 Days

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Action King Arjun’s latest action thriller Blast is delivering an impressive run at the box office, holding strong through the crucial weekday test. The film’s steady performance indicates solid audience acceptance across markets.

Strong Monday Performance

The Blast box office collections show remarkable weekday strength, with Day 5 (first Monday) earnings more than double the opening day numbers. This kind of upward trend is rare for action thrillers and signals strong word-of-mouth.

Blast Box Office Collection Breakdown

The film has grossed ₹28 Cr worldwide in its first five days, with the all-India tracked gross standing at ₹19.4 Cr. These numbers position Blast among the better-performing action films in recent months.

Box Office Projections

Looking at the current trend and weekday hold pattern, Blast is expected to comfortably cross the ₹50 Cr mark in its full theatrical run. If the momentum continues through the second weekend, the final numbers could climb even higher.

The film has been released as Blast Zone in Telugu markets, where it has garnered a decent response as well. Arjun Sarja’s star power in South Indian circuits, combined with the action-packed content, is drawing family audiences to theaters.

With multiplexes reporting steady occupancy and single screens maintaining good footfalls, Blast is proving that well-executed action thrillers still have strong theatrical appeal. Check the Blast box office breakdown for detailed collection updates.

Priyanka Mohan Becomes Korea Tourism Ambassador

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Priyanka Mohan Appointed Honorary Korea Tourism Ambassador

Popular actress Priyanka Mohan has been officially appointed as an Honorary Ambassador for Korea Tourism, a prestigious recognition that highlights her popularity and influence among Indian audiences.

Sharing the news on social media, Priyanka Mohan expressed her gratitude and happiness over the honor. She thanked the Korean government and the Korea Tourism Organization for recognizing her as someone who can help bring Korean culture closer to people in India.

Made in Korea Connection Strengthens Cultural Bond

The appointment comes on the heels of her Netflix film Made in Korea, which became a global superhit with over 13.5 million views. The feel-good drama, set against a Korean backdrop, resonated strongly with audiences and showcased Priyanka Mohan’s connection to Korean culture.

In her heartfelt message, the actress revealed that Korea’s rich culture, traditions, and warm hospitality have always inspired her. She described the appointment as a special milestone and said she is proud to be part of a journey that strengthens cultural connections between Korea and India.

What This Means for India-Korea Cultural Ties

Priyanka Mohan also extended her thanks to the President of the Korea Tourism Organization for the trust and warm welcome she received. Looking ahead, she expressed excitement about the opportunities that come with this new role and her eagerness to promote Korea as a travel destination among Indian audiences.

The announcement has been warmly received by fans, who see this as another proud achievement in Priyanka Mohan’s career. With her growing popularity across South India and beyond, the actress is expected to play a significant role in enhancing Korea’s cultural and tourism outreach in India.

This prestigious appointment not only reflects Priyanka Mohan’s rising stature but also marks an important step in strengthening cultural ties between the two nations.

2 IMAX Screens Coming to Hyderabad: RTC X Roads & Hakimpet

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Hyderabad is set to become a major IMAX destination with two IMAX screens coming to the city by 2028. The news of AMB Classic Victory Multiplex coming to RTC X Roads with an IMAX screen has excited movie lovers, and the prospect of a second screen has added to the anticipation.

Three IMAX Screens Planned by Asian Cinemas

Reportedly, IMAX has entered into an agreement with Asian Cinemas to launch three IMAX with Laser screens across India. The first will be at the AMB Classic Victory multiplex at RTC X Roads in Hyderabad, targeted to open before the end of 2026. The remaining two Asian-branded IMAX screens are planned for 2028, with one confirmed for Hyderabad and another location yet to be announced.

IMAX with Laser technology offers enhanced brightness, contrast, and color reproduction compared to traditional projection systems, along with the immersive large-screen experience IMAX is known for.

Screen LocationBrandTarget Opening
RTC X Roads, HyderabadAMB Classic VictoryEnd of 2026
Hakimpet, HyderabadAsian Cinemas2028
To Be Announced, IndiaAsian Cinemas2028

AMB Classic Victory: Hyderabad’s First IMAX

The AMB Classic Victory multiplex at RTC X Roads represents a collaboration between Asian Cinemas and superstar Mahesh Babu, who partnered to bring IMAX to Hyderabad. This venue will house the city’s first IMAX with Laser screen, marking a significant milestone for cinema exhibition in the Telugu states.

Hakimpet to Get Second Hyderabad IMAX in 2028

The second Hyderabad IMAX screen is planned for Hakimpet, where Asian Group is building a brand new multiplex. This location will become the city’s second IMAX venue when it opens in 2028, further expanding premium cinema options in Hyderabad.

The announcement has sparked excitement among movie enthusiasts who love premium format screenings. Audiences are actively discussing the technical specifications and aspect ratio capabilities of the upcoming IMAX screens on social media, debating which films they’d like to experience first in these venues.