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Zee Music Bags Toxic Music Rights: Yash’s Biggie Set for March 2026

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Zee Music Company has officially acquired the music rights of Toxic, starring Yash. The collaboration between Yash, KVN Productions, and Zee Music marks a significant milestone ahead of the film’s release on March 19, 2026.

Toxic is Yash’s first theatrical release after the record-smashing success of KGF: Chapter 2, and expectations are naturally sky-high for this Pan-India biggie.

Powerful Musical Line-Up for Toxic

The film brings together a strong and diverse musical team:

  • Ravi Basrur – One song and the complete background score
  • Vishal Mishra – Four songs
  • Tanishk Bagchi – One song, co-composed with Arslan Nizami and Faheem Abdullah

With such a stellar lineup, the album is expected to cater to multiple markets and musical tastes, aligning with the film’s Pan-India and international ambitions.

Grand Festive Release on March 19, 2026

Toxic is set to hit theatres on Thursday, March 19, 2026, strategically timed for the festive weekend of Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Eid. This holiday release window could give the film a massive opening at the box office.

Massive Star Cast & Global Vision

The film features a star-studded ensemble including:

  • Kiara Advani
  • Nayanthara
  • Huma Qureshi
  • Rukmini Vasanth
  • Tara Sutaria

Written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas and directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic has been shot simultaneously in English and Kannada. It will also be dubbed in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and several other languages, aiming at a truly global audience.

The film is produced by Venkat K Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations.

Allu Arjun-Atlee Film: ₹700 Cr Business Awaits April 8 Teaser

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Allu Arjun is currently working on one of the most ambitious projects of his career under the direction of Atlee. The film is said to be a large-scale sci-fi action entertainer set across multiple worlds.

In this epic visual spectacle, Allu Arjun will reportedly be seen in multiple roles. The film also features Deepika Padukone, Rashmika Mandanna, and Janhvi Kapoor as part of its star-studded cast.

Produced by Sun Pictures, the film is mounted on a massive budget of over ₹700 crore. It is not just targeting Indian languages but is also aiming at international audiences, positioning itself as a global-scale project.

Why Has Business Not Yet Begun?

Usually, films of this magnitude — like Varanasi, Spirit, or Kalki 2 — attract early business enquiries and distribution discussions even before promotional content is out.

However, surprisingly, industry buzz suggests that major business negotiations for this Allu ArjunAtlee film have not yet begun.

Both OTT platforms and distributors are reportedly waiting to see the visual content before committing to large deals. Since this is a new genre for Atlee, many want to understand how he is handling the scale, VFX, and multi-world concept.

Teaser Planned for Allu Arjun’s Birthday

The team is planning to release the first teaser on April 8, marking Allu Arjun’s birthday. This teaser is expected to showcase the film’s visual ambition and scale for the first time.

Sources indicate that the makers intentionally want to initiate business discussions only after revealing the visuals, so that buyers can clearly assess the magnitude of the project.

Record-Breaking Pre-Release Business Expected

Given the ₹700 crore budget, the producers are expected to aim for record-breaking pre-release business.

AspectDetails
DirectorAtlee
HeroAllu Arjun (multiple roles)
HeroinesDeepika Padukone, Rashmika Mandanna, Janhvi Kapoor
ProducerSun Pictures
Budget₹700 Cr+
Teaser DateApril 8, 2026

Now, all eyes are on April 8. If the teaser strikes big and impresses with stunning visuals, it could unlock massive business deals across territories.

Prabhas Next Movie After Fauji, Spirit & Kalki 2 — What’s Confirmed?

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Prabhas is currently one of the busiest stars in Indian cinema, simultaneously working on three major projects — Fauji, Kalki 2, and Spirit.

As per current plans, Fauji is aiming for a release this year, while Spirit has already locked March 2027 as its release window.

Shooting Schedule for Current Projects

Sources suggest that Prabhas is expected to complete the shoots of Fauji and Spirit within this year itself. Meanwhile, Kalki 2 is likely to continue production into 2027, with shooting expected to wrap up in the first half of that year.

The sequel is reportedly targeting a mid-2028 release.

No New Commitments Yet After 2027

Interestingly, after completing these commitments, Prabhas has not officially signed any new film yet. From the second half of 2027, he is expected to be available for fresh projects.

This has triggered industry speculation about who will direct Prabhas next.

Prabhas – Prasanth Varma Project in Discussion

There have been discussions between Prabhas and Prasanth Varma regarding a new project. Initially, the film was expected to go on floors next year.

However, there are still uncertainties about whether the project will materialize as planned.

Salaar 2 Remains a Strong Possibility

One thing appears certain — Prabhas‘ next commitment is likely to be under Hombale Films.

If Prashanth Neel completes Dragon by the first half of 2027, then Salaar: Part 2 could go on floors next year itself. However, if Dragon takes longer — especially since it is reportedly being planned as a two-part film — delays may push Salaar 2 further.

Is Sujeeth Back in the Race?

Amid these developments, there is fresh buzz that Sujeeth is interested in collaborating with Prabhas again. The duo had earlier worked together on Saaho.

Reports suggest that Sujeeth has already narrated a line to Prabhas and is now developing a full script. If the script impresses, the project could potentially start in the second half of next year.

Before that, Sujeeth is expected to complete his current commitment with Nani.

70th Filmfare Awards South Telugu Winners: Pushpa 2 Dominates

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The 70th Filmfare Awards South celebrated the best of Telugu cinema, and it turned out to be a historic night for Pushpa 2: The Rule, which swept major categories including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor.

Here is the complete list of Telugu winners from the prestigious awards ceremony.

Best Film & Direction

Pushpa 2: The Rule took home the top honor for Best Film, with director Sukumar winning Best Director for his work on the blockbuster sequel.

The Critics’ Choice for Best Film went to Lucky Baskhar, directed by Venky Atluri.

Acting Awards – Male Categories

AwardWinnerFilm
Best Actor (Male)Allu ArjunPushpa 2: The Rule
Best Actor (Critics)Teja SajjaHanu-Man
Best Supporting ActorAmitabh BachchanKalki 2898 AD

Allu Arjun continued his dominance with another Best Actor win for his iconic portrayal of Pushpa Raj.

Acting Awards – Female Categories

AwardWinnerFilm
Best Actress (Female)Nivetha Thomas35 Chinna Katha Kaadu
Best Actress (Critics)Kajal AggarwalSatyabhama
Best Supporting ActressAnjaliGangs of Godavari

Music & Lyrics Winners

Devi Sri Prasad won Best Music Album for Pushpa 2: The Rule, adding another trophy to the film’s collection.

CategoryWinnerSong/Film
Best LyricsRamajogayya Sastry“Chuttamalle” – Devara: Part 1
Best Playback Singer (Male)Sri Krishna“Kurchi Madathapetti” – Guntur Kaaram
Best Playback Singer (Female)Shilpa Rao“Chuttamalle” – Devara: Part 1

Debut & Technical Awards

Yadhu Vamsi won Best Debut Director for Committee Kurrollu, while Sandeep Saroj took home Best Debut Male for the same film. Nayan Sarika won Best Debut Female for Gam Gam Ganesha.

In technical categories, Nitin Zihani Choudhary along with Ramakrishna and Monika shared the Best Production Design award for Kalki 2898 AD and Pushpa 2: The Rule respectively.

Sekhar Master won Best Choreography for the viral song “Kurchi Madathapetti” from Guntur Kaaram.

Pushpa 2 Steals the Show

With wins across Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Music Album, Pushpa 2: The Rule emerged as the undisputed champion of the 70th Filmfare Awards South Telugu edition.

Taapsee Pannu Faces Backlash Over South Industry Remarks

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Taapsee Pannu has once again stirred controversy with her recent comments about her early experiences in the South film industry, sparking a major backlash on social media.

In a recent interaction, the actress made bold claims about her time working in South cinema:

“In the South film industry, they used to tell us to wear padded bras for glamour scenes and songs. If we wore padded bras, the difference was visible. Everyone would be watching, because of that, it used to feel uncomfortable and humiliating.”

Her remarks have quickly gone viral and triggered strong reactions across social media platforms.

Not the First Time Taapsee Has Criticized South Cinema

This is not the first time Taapsee Pannu has spoken critically about her experiences in South cinema. In the past as well, she has made similar remarks, which often led to debate among fans and industry followers.

However, this time the backlash appears significantly stronger, with many questioning her motives.

Netizens Question the Timing of Her Statements

Many social media users from the South have questioned the timing of her statements. They argue that Taapsee acted in multiple South films including Telugu and Tamil projects, and continued accepting projects during her active phase in the industry.

Some netizens are asking why she did not raise these concerns when she was regularly working in South cinema. Others question why she is not equally vocal about issues within Bollywood, where discussions about casting couch and other controversies have also been widely reported.

These comparisons have fueled further online debate, with the hashtag trending on X (formerly Twitter).

Industry Reality vs Individual Experience

At the same time, several voices argue that individual experiences can vary and that speaking up about uncomfortable situations should not be dismissed outright.

It is also worth noting that many actresses continue to work successfully in South cinema without raising similar concerns, which has led some to question whether the issue reflects broader industry practices or isolated experiences.

The debate highlights the ongoing conversation about workplace conditions and treatment of women in the Indian film industry.

RRR Returns to USA Theatres With a Surprise: Mahesh Babu’s Varanasi Glimpse

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RRR was the first Indian film in recent times to truly take Indian cinema to global audiences in a massive way. Directed by S. S. Rajamouli, the film connected with international viewers and created unprecedented recognition worldwide.

Now, RRR is set for a grand re-release in the USA from March 2, adding fresh excitement among overseas fans. But what makes this re-release even more special is Rajamouli’s strategic move.

Varanasi Glimpse Attached to RRR Screenings

Rajamouli has attached the glimpse of his next film Varanasi to the RRR re-release screenings in America.

Varanasi stars Mahesh Babu in the lead role, with Priyanka Chopra as the female lead and Prithviraj Sukumaran playing the antagonist. The film is positioned as the biggest global project ever attempted from Indian cinema.

The theme of Varanasi was unveiled in a grand event last November, and the visuals stunned everyone, creating massive anticipation. Now, screening the glimpse alongside RRR in US theatres is seen as a smart cross-promotion move.

How the Mutual Benefit Strategy Works

This move works both ways:

  • Audiences who want to watch the Varanasi glimpse on the big screen may revisit RRR
  • Fans returning to experience RRR again will also witness the exclusive glimpse of Varanasi

It’s a perfect cross-promotion strategy aimed at global audiences, leveraging the massive success of RRR to build anticipation for Varanasi.

Varanasi Shoot Progress & Release Plan

Varanasi has reportedly completed more than half of its shooting. The team is expected to wrap up production by the second half of this year, after which extensive post-production work will begin.

Given the global scale and visual ambition of the project, a significant amount of time will be spent on VFX and finishing quality. The film is currently announced for a worldwide release on April 7.

Kamal Haasan-Rajinikanth Reunion Glimpse Gets Mixed Response From Fans

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After many decades, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth are joining hands once again for a film directed by Nelson and produced by Red Giant Movies, with music composed by Anirudh. The movie was officially announced yesterday with a short glimpse.

Theories About Character Roles

Theories have already started circulating that Kamal Haasan might play the antagonist, while Rajinikanth would take on the role of the hero, based on what was shown in the glimpse.

Why the Announcement Fell Flat

However, the overall announcement did not receive the massive response many expected. A section of the audience felt that the glimpse lacked impact, as it was simply a walk of the two legendary stars without revealing any exciting details about the plot.

Another major talking point was the presence of several female artists shown in a glamorous manner in the glimpse. Some viewers even speculated that those visuals appeared AI-generated, and many felt those shots were unnecessary as they did not add much value to the announcement.

The Star Power Remains

That said, the combination of Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth itself is enough to spark discussions and build anticipation. The reunion of these two iconic superstars after decades is a historic moment for Tamil cinema.

At the same time, it is always the director’s responsibility to meet audience expectations through impactful promotional content. Fans are now hoping the upcoming teaser and trailer will deliver the punch this glimpse missed.

Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi OTT Release Date: Zee Simultaneous TV Premiere?

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Ravi Teja‘s Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi was released for Sankranthi and received mixed talk from audiences. However, it managed to get better word of mouth compared to the actor’s previous films.

Tough Sankranthi Competition

The Sankranthi season had some other crazy releases like Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, Anaganaga Oka Raju, and Nari Nari Naduma Murari, which received better word of mouth than this film. Meanwhile, The Raja Saab, despite getting disaster talk, still attracted some audiences as it starred Prabhas.

With such strong competition, Ravi Teja‘s film did not emerge as a preferred option for Sankranthi audiences. As a result, only a minimal section of viewers watched it in theatres, while many chose to wait for its OTT release.

OTT Release Delay Explained

All the other four Sankranthi releases have already arrived on OTT platforms and have been streaming for several days. However, Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi has not yet started streaming.

The Zee Group has bagged the digital and satellite rights for the film, but the team has not officially announced the streaming date so far.

When Will It Stream on ZEE5?

There were reports that the delay is due to dubbing work in other languages, as films usually stream in multiple languages on OTT platforms. A streaming update is expected to be out this week.

There is also a high chance that Zee Group might premiere the film on television and digital platforms simultaneously, as they have previously followed this strategy for a few films.

Hey Balwanth Box Office Day 2: Suhas Film Collects ₹4 Cr Worldwide

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Hey Balwanth starring Suhas released this Friday and opened to mixed responses from audiences. While some appreciated the comedy portions, overall talk has remained average. Despite the mixed reviews, the film has shown a decent upward trend at the box office on its second day.

Premiere and Day 1 Collections in India

The team held paid premieres on Thursday night in limited screens, collecting around ₹10 lakh gross.

On its official opening day (Friday), the All India tracked gross stood at ₹1.08 crore.

Area-wise breakdown for Day 1:

  • Andhra Pradesh: ₹49 lakh
  • Telangana: ₹46 lakh
  • Rest of India (ROI): ₹13 lakh

The opening was moderate for this small-budget Telugu comedy.

Day 2 Shows 20% Jump at Box Office

On Saturday (Day 2), Hey Balwanth registered noticeable growth at ticket counters.

The All India tracked gross for Day 2 is ₹1.31 crore.

RegionDay 1Day 2
Telangana₹46 lakh₹60 lakh
Andhra Pradesh₹49 lakh₹51 lakh
Rest of India₹13 lakh₹20 lakh
Total₹1.08 Cr₹1.31 Cr

This marks a jump of over 20% compared to the opening day — a positive sign for the Suhas starrer.

Two-Day Worldwide Gross Reaches ₹4 Crore

After two days, the total All India tracked gross stands at ₹2.5 crore.

Overseas collections are estimated to be around ₹1.4 crore, bringing the total worldwide gross for two days to approximately ₹4 crore.

Sunday Crucial for Momentum

Now, all eyes are on Sunday. Being a holiday, it needs to emerge as the biggest day for Hey Balwanth. A strong Sunday number will help the film stabilize and build momentum going into the weekdays.

The film’s performance in the coming days will determine whether it can achieve breakeven at the box office.

Dragon: NTR-Prashanth Neel Film Closes ₹55 Cr Overseas Deal Before First Look

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Dragon is easily one of the most anticipated projects in Indian cinema right now. Starring Man Of Masses NTR in the lead and directed by Prashanth Neel, this high-voltage commercial entertainer is already creating waves — even before the first look is out.

The combination itself is enough to generate massive buzz. With Prashanth Neel known for delivering grand cinematic experiences like the KGF franchise and NTR enjoying strong Pan-India recognition after RRR, expectations are sky-high. The film is also said to be planned as a multi-part franchise.

First Look and Teaser on NTR’s Birthday

Currently, Dragon is progressing on sets. The first look along with a teaser is scheduled to release on May 20, marking NTR’s birthday. The film is expected to hit theatres in the first half of 2027.

Sensational ₹55 Cr Overseas Pre-Release Business

What’s even more shocking is the pre-release business. Despite having no promotional content released so far, the film has reportedly closed a massive deal for North America and UK combined rights at around ₹55 crore advance. This is considered one of the biggest overseas deals ever for a Tollywood film — and even by Indian cinema standards.

Breakeven Targets for Dragon

TerritoryBreakeven Target
North America$11 million+
UK$1 million+

Only a handful of Indian films have managed such numbers in North America. Films like Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, RRR, Kalki 2898 AD, and Pushpa 2: The Rule have crossed the $10 million mark in that territory.

Pan-India Expectations

Not just overseas, Dragon is expected to command phenomenal business across all areas. With the powerful combination of NTR and Prashanth Neel, the film is poised to be a massive theatrical event when it releases in 2027.