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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.

Vishwambhara OTT Deal: UV Creations Missed ₹100 Cr Offer

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Chiranjeevi’s highly anticipated film Vishwambhara may have missed a major OTT opportunity. The fantasy epic, directed by Mallidi Vassishta, was reportedly offered close to ₹100 Cr for digital rights in 2023 — but the deal was never closed.

The Biggest Film of Chiranjeevi’s Career

Vishwambhara marks the biggest project in Chiranjeevi’s illustrious career. Directed by Mallidi Vassishta, who gained recognition with Bimbisara, the film is produced by UV Creations.

The project features Trisha Krishnan and Ashika Ranganath as the female leads. Music is composed by legendary composer M. M. Keeravani, adding to the film’s grand scale.

Why the Release Got Delayed

Although shooting was completed last year, Vishwambhara faced significant delays due to extensive VFX work. The team even reworked certain visual effects portions to achieve better output.

Because of these delays, the release has been pushed to this year. July is the expected window, though no official date has been announced yet.

The ₹100 Crore OTT Mistake

When Vishwambhara was announced in 2023, the OTT market was at its peak. Streaming platforms were reportedly ready to offer close to ₹100 Cr for digital rights. However, the producers did not finalize the deal at that time.

Over the past year, the OTT business has seen a noticeable slowdown. Many films are facing this impact, and Vishwambhara is no exception. Now, securing even two-thirds of the earlier offer has become difficult.

As of now, the film has not finalized its OTT deal, and negotiations remain ongoing.

Crucial New Glimpse Coming Soon

The team is reportedly planning to release a new video glimpse soon. This glimpse is expected to showcase upgraded visuals and the true scale of the film.

Earlier promotional content faced criticism, especially regarding VFX quality. Therefore, the upcoming glimpse becomes extremely crucial. The makers need to present stunning visuals this time to rebuild audience confidence and generate strong hype ahead of the release.

Vishwak Sen Calls Funky a Hit Despite Box Office Failure

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Vishwak Sen made a bold statement about his recent film Funky, calling it a “hit” despite its disappointing box office performance.

The actor’s surprising remarks came during the teaser launch event of his upcoming directorial venture CULT.

Funky’s Theatrical Run

Funky, directed by Anudeep KV and produced by Sitara Entertainments, was released during the Valentine’s weekend in February 2026.

The film, however, failed to connect with audiences. It neither received strong critical appreciation nor performed well at the box office, making it one of the notable underperformers of the season.

Vishwak Sen’s Response to Failure

When a journalist asked about Funky’s disappointing performance, Vishwak Sen responded confidently:

“For me, it was a hit, and we made a great film.”

His comment immediately caught attention and sparked discussion among fans and industry observers. While actors often defend their films out of emotional attachment, openly calling a commercially unsuccessful film a “hit” has raised eyebrows in trade circles.

Industry Perspective on Acknowledging Failures

In today’s competitive Telugu film industry, being realistic about box office performance plays a crucial role in career growth.

Young actors who acknowledge failures and learn from them are generally viewed more favorably by both audiences and producers. Statements that appear disconnected from market realities may invite unnecessary criticism and affect future project opportunities.

Meanwhile, Vishwak Sen is focusing on his next project CULT, where he takes on the director’s chair. The teaser has generated curiosity among fans eager to see him in a new creative role.

Allu Arjun Equals Mahesh Babu With 5th Filmfare Best Actor Win

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Allu Arjun has added another major milestone to his career by winning the Best Actor award for Pushpa 2: The Rule at the Filmfare Awards. This marks his fifth Best Actor win, making him only the second Tollywood actor to achieve this feat.

With this victory, Allu Arjun now equals Mahesh Babu’s record of five Filmfare Best Actor awards. In Tollywood, the all-time record is still held by Megastar Chiranjeevi, who leads the list with seven Best Actor Filmfare wins.

Chiranjeevi Leads With 7 Best Actor Filmfare Awards

Chiranjeevi’s award-winning performances span over three decades:

  • Subhalekha
  • Vijetha
  • Aapadbandhavudu
  • Muta Mestri
  • Sneham Kosam
  • Indra
  • Shankar Dada MBBS

Apart from these, Chiranjeevi also received a Special Award in 2006 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010, further cementing his legendary status in Telugu cinema.

Mahesh Babu’s 5 Best Actor Wins

Mahesh Babu’s Best Actor Filmfare awards came for:

  • Okkadu
  • Pokiri
  • Dookudu
  • Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu
  • Srimanthudu

Allu Arjun’s Complete Filmfare Journey

Allu Arjun’s five Best Actor wins include:

  • Parugu
  • Vedam
  • Race Gurram
  • Pushpa: The Rise
  • Pushpa 2: The Rule

In addition to these, the Stylish Star has also won Best Supporting Actor for Rudhramadevi and Critics Best Actor for Sarrainodu, showcasing his versatility as a performer.

An Elite League of Tollywood Legends

ActorBest Actor Filmfare Wins
Chiranjeevi7
Mahesh Babu5
Allu Arjun5

With five Best Actor Filmfare awards now under his belt, Allu Arjun has entered an elite league alongside Mahesh Babu. While Chiranjeevi continues to lead with seven wins, the gap is narrowing as Allu Arjun’s career reaches new heights with the phenomenal success of the Pushpa franchise.

Jai Hanuman Controversy: Prasanth Varma’s Payment Dispute with Prime Show Explained

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The much-awaited Jai Hanuman, sequel to the blockbuster Hanu-Man, is now caught in a financial dispute that could delay its official launch. Here’s everything you need to know about the controversy.

Hanu-Man’s Massive Success Set the Stage

Hanu-Man released during Sankranthi 2024 and emerged as a sensational success, collecting around ₹300 crore gross worldwide. For a medium-budget superhero film, it became the highest-grossing film in Tollywood history at the time.

With this massive success, Prasanth Varma rose as one of the top directors in the industry. More importantly, he officially launched the PVCU (Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe) beginning with Hanu-Man.

The film was produced by Prime Show Entertainment, who backed the project with strong belief and courage. That trust paid off in a big way.

From Sequel Announcement to Shocking Twist

At the success meet of Hanu-Man, the sequel titled Jai Hanuman was officially announced under the same director, positioned as his immediate next project. Producers reportedly invested a significant amount in the early stages of development.

However, things later took a shocking turn.

Due to creative and business differences, Prasanth Varma shifted Jai Hanuman to Mythri Movie Makers, with Kannada star Rishab Shetty replacing Teja Sajja in the lead role.

Pooja Ceremony Planned — But Trouble Brewing?

After a long period of silence, recent buzz suggested that Jai Hanuman would officially begin with a pooja ceremony on February 22 in Hampi.

But now, strong industry talk indicates that if the film proceeds officially, Prime Show Entertainment may conduct a press meet to speak openly about the issue.

The reason is both financial and legal.

The NOC and Payment Issue

Since Prime Show had already invested a significant amount in Jai Hanuman during its initial stages, insiders say that Prasanth Varma needs to:

  • Clear all pending payments to Prime Show Entertainment
  • Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the original producers

As of now, reports suggest that the payments have not been fully cleared and the NOC has not been granted.

Will the Launch Create Legal Trouble?

Industry insiders believe that proceeding with the launch without proper settlement could lead to serious complications. If Prime Show decides to address the issue publicly, it may create an unexpected controversy around the project.

For now, clarity is awaited. Whether Jai Hanuman officially begins as planned or whether the financial matters are resolved first remains to be seen.

Exclusive: Peddi vs Ustaad Bhagat Singh Andhra Business Comparison

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This summer, two major Telugu films are gearing up for release — Ustaad Bhagat Singh and Peddi. While Ustaad Bhagat Singh is a regional Telugu biggie, Peddi is mounted as a Pan-India project, naturally carrying wider expectations.

Directed by Harish Shankar, Ustaad Bhagat Singh is slated for release on March 26. On the other hand, Peddi, directed by Buchi Babu Sana, is targeting an April 30 release.

Andhra (6 Territories) Business Breakdown

Coming to the crucial Andhra (6 territories) business, here’s the exclusive trade update:

FilmMakers AskingDistributor Offers
Ustaad Bhagat Singh₹70–72 Cr₹60 Cr
Peddi₹75 Cr₹65 Cr

Not just in Andhra, but in other territories as well, Peddi’s business quotations are slightly higher than Ustaad Bhagat Singh. The main reason is the scale and Pan-India positioning of Peddi, which is considered a bigger project in terms of expectations and reach.

Why Peddi Commands Higher Numbers

Trade circles feel that Peddi is carrying stronger nationwide anticipation compared to Ustaad Bhagat Singh, which reflects in the business numbers being discussed.

However, both films have strong fan backing and summer advantage. The final deal closures are expected soon, and much will depend on promotional momentum in the coming weeks.

Mega Fans Eye Big Summer 2026

Recently, Chiranjeevi delivered a sensational blockbuster this Sankranthi season, raising the excitement levels among Mega fans. With that success setting the tone, fans are hoping that Ustaad Bhagat Singh and Peddi will also emerge as major successes for their respective stars.