Devara 2 fans are eagerly awaiting clarity on the sequel’s status as NTR’s birthday approaches on May 20. While the superstar is currently working on Dragon with Prashanth Neel, and the first glimpse releases tomorrow at 11:52 PM, the most anticipated update remains Devara 2, especially amid recent shelving rumors.
Devara 2 Status Unclear Amid Koratala Siva’s New Project
Koratala Siva recently announced a film with Balakrishna, which fueled speculation about Devara 2 being shelved. However, another section of reports suggests the sequel is very much on track. Since NTR is busy with Dragon, which is expected to take considerable time, Koratala Siva is reportedly planning to complete the Balakrishna project first before returning to Devara 2.
Now, NTR’sbirthday could play a crucial role in clearing the confusion. If there is any update regarding Devara 2, fans will get confirmation that the project is very much on. If there is no update, the rumors surrounding the film are only likely to grow stronger. Devara 2 fans are hoping for official clarity to end the speculation.
A crucial meeting between Telugu producers and exhibitors held today at the Film Chamber ended without a mutual agreement, as the ongoing dispute over the percentage vs rental system continues to remain unresolved. Several more discussions are expected before a final resolution is reached.
What Telugu Producers and Exhibitors Are Demanding
The discussions reportedly failed to end in a mutual agreement, with both sides holding firm on their respective positions.
Exhibitors are pushing for a percentage system for all films including Peddi. While they are open to a lower percentage, they remain firm on ending the rental model entirely and demand a written commitment from producers before releases.
Producers, on the other hand, are proposing a rental model with an additional 7.5% revenue share as a compromise.
Exhibitors Push for Complete Transition
According to industry sources, exhibitors are insisting that even for Peddi (major films), the revenue-sharing percentage system must be implemented instead of the regular rental model. While they are open to accepting a slightly lower percentage, exhibitors remain firm on moving away from the rental system entirely.
The shift to percentage-based screening in Telangana earlier this year has intensified discussions around sustainable revenue models for single-screen theatres. Exhibitors have demanded that Telugu producers provide a written commitment before film releases, specifying the percentage terms that will be followed.
Producers Offer Hybrid Model
On the other hand, producers are reportedly willing to offer a rental model along with an additional 7.5% revenue share as a compromise. However, this proposal has not been accepted by exhibitors, who are pushing for a complete transition to the percentage system.
The division among producer groups over the screening model has further complicated negotiations between Telugu producers and exhibitors.
Final Decision Tomorrow
Telugu producers have stated that they will announce their final decision tomorrow. Industry circles believe that the long-standing issue between producers and exhibitors could finally conclude by tomorrow, bringing an end to weeks of uncertainty in the Telugu film exhibition sector.
Mohanlal and Jeethu Joseph’s Drishyam 3 is all set for a big start at the box office, with Kerala online advance sales surpassing the ₹5 Cr mark. The highly anticipated third installment of the franchise releases on May 21, 2026.
Strong Kerala Advance Sales Point to Big Opening
The film has already crossed ₹5 Cr in Kerala online pre-sales, signaling massive audience anticipation. Currently, only two films have achieved double-digit openings in the Kerala market — Mohanlal’sEmpuraan with ₹14 Cr and Leo with ₹12 Cr.
Based on the current advance booking trends, Drishyam 3 is positioned to achieve another double-digit opening, joining this exclusive list of Kerala box office blockbusters.
Film
Kerala Day 1 Opening
Empuraan
₹14 Cr
Leo
₹12 Cr
Overseas Market Crosses $1 Million Pre-Sales
The franchise’s global appeal is evident with overseas pre-sales surpassing the $1 Million mark. This strong international performance positions Drishyam 3 for the second-biggest opening in Mollywood after Empuraan, which released last year with record numbers.
Telugu Version Faces Limited Buzz
While Drishyam 3 is also releasing in Telugu, the dubbed version is currently not carrying significant hype. This is primarily due to limited promotional activities in Telugu-speaking regions, with the marketing focus remaining on the core Malayalam market.
Potential for Record Kerala Gross
With the franchise’s proven track record and strong opening indicators, Drishyam 3 is sure to take a big start at the box office on its first day. If the film receives positive reviews and strong word-of-mouth, it could potentially achieve the highest gross in Kerala, surpassing previous benchmarks.
The combination of advance sales momentum, overseas demand, and the franchise’s goodwill positions Drishyam 3 for a blockbuster run in Mollywood.
Karuppu has delivered a massive opening weekend at the box office, with the Karuppu opening weekend collection standing at ₹120 Cr gross worldwide across its first three days. Suriya’s latest action drama has set strong box office benchmarks right from release, with exceptional holds across all major territories.
Territory-Wise Opening Weekend Breakdown
The Karuppu opening weekend numbers reveal exceptional performance across domestic and international markets. Tamil Nadu led the charge with ₹47 Cr gross, while overseas territories contributed a massive ₹43 Cr — nearly matching the home market and highlighting the film’s pan-Indian and international appeal.
The Telugu states added ₹11.5 Cr, Karnataka contributed ₹10 Cr, and Kerala brought in ₹7 Cr, showcasing strong traction across all South Indian circuits. The rest of India contributed ₹1.5 Cr to the opening weekend tally.
Territory
Opening Weekend Gross
Tamil Nadu
₹47 Cr
Overseas
₹43 Cr
Telugu States
₹11.5 Cr
Karnataka
₹10 Cr
Kerala
₹7 Cr
Rest of India
₹1.5 Cr
Total Worldwide
₹120 Cr
Passes Monday Test With Distinction
Following the strong Karuppu opening weekend, Karuppu continued its impressive run on Monday, passing the crucial Monday Test with distinction. The film recorded double-digit collections in Tamil Nadu — a clear indicator of strong word-of-mouth and sustained audience interest beyond the opening weekend.
The hold isn’t limited to Tamil Nadu alone. Karuppu is performing fantastically well in the Telugu states, Karnataka, and Kerala as well, indicating universal appeal across South Indian audiences. Such strong weekday holds typically signal long-term theatrical potential.
Now Suriya’s Highest Grosser
With Monday’s collections, Karuppu has officially become Suriya’s highest-grossing film ever, overtaking Singam 2, which had set the previous benchmark at ₹125 Cr. This milestone comes as a significant career achievement for the actor, reaffirming his box office pull in Tamil cinema.
Targeting the ₹250 Cr Club
Given the current momentum, Karuppu is all set to achieve ₹150 Cr gross in its first week itself. Trade analysts predict the film will comfortably cross the ₹200 Cr milestone and is now firmly targeting the prestigious ₹250 Cr+ club in its full theatrical run.
For Suriya, this represents a major commercial success, with Karuppu delivering both strong holds and record-breaking milestones.
At the grand Mumbai trailer launch event, Ram CharancalledPeddi one of the most special projects of his career, comparing it to cult blockbusters like Magadheera, Rangasthalam, and RRR. The actor praised director Buchi Babu Sana for his dedication and revealed that the physically demanding pehelwan role required an eight-month transformation.
Team Peddi Shares Their Experience
Janhvi Kapoor shared that the team worked on the film for two years and described working with Ram Charan and music legend A. R. Rahman as a memorable experience. Rahman called Peddi his first direct Telugu film and praised Buchi Babu’s passion and Ram Charan’s hard work.
Producer Venkata Satish Kilaru said the team gave their all for the film, while cinematographer R. Rathnavelu highlighted Ram Charan’s transformation and the film’s grand visuals, giving the Peddi trailer a special cinematic touch. The cast and crew expressed confidence that this special collaboration will deliver a cult cinematic experience.
Worldwide Release on June 4
The rural sports action drama, featuring Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, and Divyenndu Sharma, is set for a worldwide release on June 4.
The much-awaited Peddi trailer is out, and it delivers a complete Ram Charan show with his stunning physical transformation, commanding screen presence, and powerful performance across romance, action, emotion, and entertainment. The trailer promises a theatrical feast that showcases why this is one of the most anticipated films of the year.
#Peddi Trailer showcases a complete #RamCharan show with his stunning physical transformation, commanding screen presence, swag, romance, entertainment, emotion, high-octane action, and his powerful game sequences
Ram Charan showcases a remarkable physical transformation in the Peddi trailer, embodying a crossover athlete with conviction and intensity. His commanding screen presence dominates every frame, whether it’s high-octane action sequences, powerful game moments, or emotional scenes.
The actor’s swag and versatility shine through as he seamlessly transitions between romance, entertainment, and intense drama. The crossover athlete character looks unique and exciting, making this one of his most distinctive roles to date.
Buchi Babu’s Unique Vision
Director Buchi Babu proves that Peddi is not just another regular commercial film. The trailer reveals a unique commercial entertainer with a meaningful journey and a noble cause at its core, setting it apart from conventional cinema.
He has created a raw and rustic world filled with powerful characters and intense emotions, all set against an engaging sports backdrop. The trailer delivers all the commercial elements audiences expect while maintaining a distinctive narrative that elevates the storytelling.
A Complete Theatrical Experience
The Peddi trailer showcases perfectly blended music, visuals, and overall presentation that create an immersive cinematic experience. The raw and rustic world building, combined with the sports drama backdrop, promises a true theatrical feast.
With its unique approach to commercial entertainment and Ram Charan’s powerhouse performance, the Peddi trailer has set high expectations and delivers a memorable show reel that highlights every aspect of his talent.
Actress Sreeleela has finally addressed the ongoing rumours linking her with young Indian cricketer Tilak Varma. In an official statement, the actress’ team strongly denied all speculation and clarified that the reports circulating on social media are completely false and baseless.
Over the past few days, several rumours claimed that Sreeleela and Tilak Varma were reportedly in a relationship. The gossip quickly spread across social media platforms, leading to widespread discussion among fans. However, Sreeleela's team has now put an end to the speculation with a clear clarification.
No Truth to the Claims
In the statement, the team mentioned that there is “absolutely no truth” to the rumours. They added that the two have never even interacted with each other. They also requested media platforms and social media users not to spread unverified information without factual basis.
The statement further urged everyone to act responsibly while discussing personal matters related to celebrities. The team emphasized that fabricated stories should not be circulated carelessly, especially when there is no truth behind them. Similar clarifications have been issued by other celebrities in recent months to address baseless social media speculation.
About Tilak Varma
For those unfamiliar, Tilak Varma, whose full name is Namboori Thakur Tilak Varma, is one of India’s promising young cricketers. Born in Hyderabad, he plays domestic cricket for Hyderabad and represents the Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Known for his left-handed batting and calm performances under pressure, Tilak has quickly built a strong fan base across the country.
The first glimpse of NTR and Prashanth Neel’s much-awaited collaboration will be released tomorrow night and screened in select theatres across India—a rare move for a first look launch.
NTR Prashanth Neel Glimpse Drops May 20 at 11:52 PM
The NTR Prashanth Neel glimpse arrives at exactly 11:52 PM IST on May 20th, marking the actor’s birthday. The makers are planning theatrical screenings in select locations, creating a festival atmosphere for fans. While the screenings will be limited to a few cities, the glimpse will also be available digitally at the same time.
This unique theatrical release for a glimpse is expected to draw massive crowds, especially among die-hard fans of both the actor and the director.
What to Expect from the Dragon First Look
The film is currently rumored to be titled Dragon, though official confirmation is still awaited. Reports suggest the glimpse will showcase the project’s grand technical scale while presenting NTR in a powerful, intense avatar that matches Prashanth Neel’s signature style—massive action sequences, stunning visuals, and larger-than-life hero elevation.
Sivakarthikeyan’s next big project, Seyon, has officially kicked off its shoot today. Directed by Sivakumar Murugesan and backed by Kamal Haasan alongside R Mahendran under Raaj Kamal Films International and Turmeric Media, the film marks another major collaboration for the rising star.
Grand Rural Entertainer Announced
The makers announced the Seyon shoot commencement with an intense new poster featuring Sivakarthikeyan in a fiery, rugged look. Billed as a grand rural commercial entertainer, the film promises a mix of rooted emotions, mass appeal, action, and wholesome entertainment.
Bhagyashree Borse plays the female lead opposite Sivakarthikeyan in this highly anticipated project.
Technical Team
Seyon reunites Sivakarthikeyan with Raaj Kamal Films International after the blockbuster success of Amaran. Music is composed by Santhosh Narayanan, while Vivek Vijayakumar handles cinematography and San Lokesh takes care of editing.
The film is expected to be a major release for Sivakarthikeyan, combining his commercial appeal with Sivakumar Murugesan’s rooted storytelling style.
Superstar Rajinikanth’s recent press meet has sparked discussions about his political stance and past decisions. The Rajinikanth statements made yesterday addressed Vijay’s historic victory as Tamil Nadu's new Chief Minister, his friendship with M. K. Stalin, and his own unfulfilled political journey.
Rajinikanth Clarifies Election Criticism
During the interaction, Rajinikanth clarified that he chose to address the media because continuous criticism regarding the elections could eventually be accepted as truth if left unanswered. He explained that his meeting with M. K. Stalin after the election results was purely based on friendship beyond politics. He also said he felt sad about Stalin’s defeat in Kulathur.
Praise for Vijay’s Political Achievement
Rajinikanth praised Vijay, stating that at 52, Vijay has already achieved more politically than legends like M. G. Ramachandran and N. T. Rama Rao. He added that Vijay defeating both the BJP at the Centre and two major state parties was surprising and admirable, while also conveying his best wishes to him.
Controversial Claim About 2001 Elections
While most of his comments were understandable, Rajinikanth claimed that if he had launched his political party in 2001, he would have definitely won the elections.
Such statements from Rajinikanth naturally invite criticism. Political success cannot be assumed without actually entering the field and facing the public mandate. Over the years, the veteran star announced his political entry multiple times, creating huge expectations among fans and the public, but eventually stepped back each time without contesting even a single election. In that context, claiming certain victory now feels more hypothetical than meaningful.
