Kannappa Roars at the Box Office: Vishnu Manchu’s Mythological Epic Wows Audiences

With divine visuals, star cameos, and emotional storytelling, Kannappa earns praise and packs theaters across India

Highlights

  • Vishnu Manchu’s Kannappa earns over ₹16.5 crore in just two days, expected to cross ₹20 crore by the first weekend.

  • The film features powerful cameos by Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, and Mohanlal.

  • Emotional climax and devotional storytelling strike a chord with audiences.

  • Critics praise its VFX, mythological depth, and Vishnu’s best performance to date.

The film is earning both critical acclaim and strong commercial success. As of Day 2, it has collected ₹16.5 crore nett in India, with global gross estimates crossing ₹23 crore. Trade experts project that it will comfortably surpass ₹20 crore by the end of its first weekend, making it Vishnu Manchu’s biggest-ever box office opening.

One of the film’s major talking points has been the surprise appearances by superstars Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, and Mohanlal, all playing divine roles that amplify the film’s grandeur. These cameos, along with impressive VFX and emotionally rich storytelling, have received widespread applause.

Despite some early skepticism and a controversial review by filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, which left Vishnu Manchu in tears, audience response has been overwhelmingly positive. The final 30 minutes—filled with emotional intensity and spiritual devotion—have especially resonated with viewers.

Vishnu Manchu revealed in interviews that this was a passion project nearly 7 years in the making, and he poured everything into the character. The success of Kannappa now marks a major comeback for the actor, after facing multiple box office failures in the past.

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Shefali Jariwala Passes Away at 42: ‘Kaanta Laga’ Star Dies of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Mumbai

Model, actress, and Bigg Boss 13 fame Shefali Jariwala dies unexpectedly; post-mortem underway at Cooper Hospital. Tributes pour in from Bollywood and TV fraternity.

Highlights:

  • Shefali Jariwala passed away on June 27, 2025, due to cardiac arrest at age 42.

  • She was found unresponsive at her Mumbai home and rushed to Bellevue Hospital.

  • Known for her breakout appearance in the 2000s hit music video “Kaanta Laga.”

  • Post-mortem being conducted at Cooper Hospital; police rule out foul play so far.

  • Celebrities like Mika Singh and Divyanka Tripathi pay emotional tributes.

  • She was a vocal advocate for epilepsy awareness, having battled the condition herself

  • Mumbai, June 28, 2025 — Actress and model Shefali Jariwala, widely recognized as the “Kaanta Laga Girl,” has died of a sudden cardiac arrest at her residence in Andheri, Mumbai. She was 42.

    According to initial reports, Shefali was found unconscious on Friday evening by her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, and was immediately taken to Bellevue Multispecialty Hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. Her body has since been transferred to Cooper Hospital for a detailed post-mortem.

    While police have launched a preliminary investigation, no signs of foul play have emerged so far. Sources suggest that her death may be related to her ongoing struggle with epilepsy, a condition she had openly spoken about in past interviews.

    Shefali became a household name with her viral performance in the 2002 remix “Kaanta Laga”, later transitioning into acting in films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and reality shows such as Nach Baliye and Bigg Boss 13. In recent years, she gained praise for her openness around mental health and neurological disorders, using her platform to destigmatize epilepsy.

    The sudden news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Singer Mika Singh tweeted, “Deeply shocked and saddened. Lost a dear friend too soon.” Actress Divyanka Tripathi and many others also took to social media to offer their condolences.

    Her last Instagram post, shared just three days ago, read: “वक्त आ गया है जिंदगी को जीने का” (It’s time to live life)—a message now viewed by many fans as hauntingly poetic.

    Shefali is survived by her husband and a large extended family. A public statement regarding funeral arrangements is expected soon.

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DECODE Goes Live: Sudhir Joins DD News at ₹15 Cr

Sudhir Chaudhary signs a ₹15 crore annual deal with DD News for his new prime-time show “DECODE”, set to air five days a week.

? Sudhir Chaudhary Signs ₹15 Cr Annual Deal with DD News

He has signed a mega contract with Prasar Bharati worth ₹15 crore per year, with an annual 10% increment.

? New Show ‘DECODE’ to Air 5 Days a Week

“DECODE” will be broadcast Monday to Friday, producing a total of 260 episodes annually.

? Prasar Bharati Skips Tender for Direct Nomination

The appointment was made via direct nomination to give DD News a competitive edge in prime-time news.

? First Episode Garners Over 576,000 Views

The debut episode, focusing on Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, aired at 9 PM and received strong viewership and positive engagement.

Veteran journalist Sudhir Chaudhary has officially joined DD News with a landmark contract worth ₹15 crore annually, plus GST. The deal includes a clause for a 10% yearly increment, making it one of the most high-profile media appointments in recent times. His new show, “DECODE”, will be telecast five days a week, totaling around 260 episodes annually.

According to reports, Prasar Bharati bypassed the tendering process and selected Sudhir Chaudhary through direct nomination. The decision aimed to give DD News a competitive edge in the prime-time news segment. The channel recently rebranded with the promise of “accuracy over speed” and “truth over sensationalism.”

The first episode of “DECODE | पाकिस्तान के परमाणु हथियारों पर बड़ा खुलासा! | Sudhir Chaudhary” aired at 9 PM and has already garnered over 576,000 views on YouTube. Viewer engagement and subscriber count have surged. However, media analysts note that to sustain TRP growth, improvements in content quality and presentation may be necessary.

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Avlokan 2025: MRIIRS Student Film Festival Gives Voice to Emerging Filmmakers

Faridabad: The Department of Media and Communication Studies at Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) recently organized the 11th edition of Avlokan, its annual student film festival. This year’s theme was “Unheard, Untold, and Unnamed”, encouraging students to explore voices from the margins and lesser-known narratives.

The festival attracted around 100 entries from across India. Students submitted their work in three categories: short films, documentaries, and reels. Many films focused on themes like social justice, personal journeys, and cultural heritage.

Notably, the short film “Lady Bird” by Shivi Gakher from Bennett University won Best Short Film. Her story highlighted the importance of girls’ education and equal opportunities. Similarly, in the documentary category, Ananya Katti from DY Patil International University won Best Documentary for “Adhantarit,” a film shedding light on Pune’s neglected heritage buildings.

In the short film category, Shivi Gakher from Bennett University won the Best Film Award for “Lady Bird”. Her film emphasized the importance of girls’ education and equal opportunities.
In the documentary section, Ananya Katti from DY Patil International University earned the top prize for “Adhantarit”. She explored the neglected condition of Pune’s historic buildings. In the reels category, Devanshi Ahuja and Lavanya Logani from Manav Rachna International School stood out with their unique storytelling.

Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA, inaugurated the event. He said films have the power to reflect society’s conscience and bring about positive change. Actress and activist Gul Panag, in a conversation with journalist Denzil O’Connell, spoke about the emotional depth of cinema. She said, “Films can challenge our fears, reflect our hopes, and inspire action.”

Dr. Amit Bhalla, Vice President of Manav Rachna, said, “Avlokan gives students a platform to explore and express their creativity.”

Dr. Sanjay Srivastava, Vice Chancellor of MRIIRS, added, “Creative expression is vital today. We see this event as an important part of academic learning.”

Ms. Jasmita Oberoi, Chief Creative Officer at Manav Rachna and Head of Radio Manav Rachna 107.8 FM, curated the event.

Dr. Shilpi Jha, Dean of the School of Media and Humanities, said, “We want to build a platform that inspires new ideas and stories. Our goal is to shape the next generation of filmmakers and audiences.”

The jury included Dr. Anugyan Nag (AJK MCRC), actor and writer Amitabh Srivastava, filmmaker Ruchika Negi, and Sameer Ashraf from Sony India.

At the closing session, actor Abhinav Chaturvedi, known for Hum Log, encouraged students to stay confident and follow their passion. He said such festivals help young talent grow and find direction.

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Housefull 5 Gears Up for June 6 Release: Teaser and First Song ‘Laal Pari’ Out Now

The fifth installment of the Housefull franchise promises a blend of comedy and mystery, set aboard a luxurious cruise.

Highlights:

  • Housefull 5 is set to release in theaters on June 6, 2025.

  • The official teaser and the first song, ‘Laal Pari’, have been released, generating significant buzz.

  • The film features an ensemble cast, including Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sanjay Dutt, and Jackie Shroff.

The much-anticipated Housefull 5 is all set to hit theaters on June 6, 2025. Directed by Tarun Mansukhani and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, this installment introduces a unique twist to the franchise’s comedic legacy by incorporating elements of a murder mystery set on a cruise ship .

The film boasts a star-studded ensemble cast, including Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sanjay Dutt, and Jackie Shroff. The storyline revolves around a whodunit scenario, with the characters entangled in a comedic yet suspenseful narrative .

Adding to the excitement, the first song from the movie, ‘Laal Pari’, has been released. Composed by Yo Yo Honey Singh, the track is a high-energy party anthem set against the backdrop of the cruise, featuring vibrant visuals and catchy beats .

The official teaser, released on April 30, offers a glimpse into the film’s blend of chaos, comedy, and mystery, further heightening anticipation among fans .

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Bollywood Mourns With Anil Kapoor as He Bids Final Goodbye to His Mother

Actor Anil Kapoor, visibly grief-stricken, was seen carrying the mortal remains of his beloved mother, Nirmal Kapoor, to their Juhu residence. Several Bollywood personalities, including Rani Mukerji, offered condolences.

Highlights:

  • Nirmal Kapoor, mother of Anil Kapoor, passed away at the age of 89.

  • Anil Kapoor was spotted emotionally carrying her remains to their Juhu home.

  • Rani Mukerji and other celebrities visited to pay their respects.

  • Bollywood veteran Anil Kapoor was left heartbroken as he brought home the mortal remains of his beloved mother, Nirmal Kapoor, who passed away on Monday. The actor was seen in a deeply emotional state as he carried her body to their family residence in Juhu, Mumbai. Nirmal Kapoor, the matriarch of the Kapoor family, was 89 and had been unwell for some time.

Soon after the news broke, close friends and industry colleagues began arriving to offer their condolences. Actress Rani Mukerji was among the first to visit, seen consoling Anil Kapoor in his hour of grief. The emotional moment reflected the deep bond and respect shared within the film fraternity. A wave of sorrow swept over social media as fans, friends, and fellow actors expressed their support.

Anil Kapoor, who has always credited his mother for being a pillar of strength, is reportedly devastated by the loss. Nirmal Kapoor is survived by her children Anil, Boney, and Sanjay Kapoor. A prayer meet is expected to be held later this week as the family comes together in mourning.

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Kesari 2 Day 10 Earnings: Akshay Kumar’s Film Wins Hearts and Collections

Akshay Kumar’s ‘Kesari 2’ continues its solid run at the box office on Day 10, showcasing the emotional story behind the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Highlights:
  • Kesari 2 shows steady growth on its second weekend.

  • Akshay Kumar praised for his powerful performance.

  • The emotional storytelling has struck a chord with audiences.

Akshay Kumar’s ‘Kesari 2’ continues its solid run at the box office on Day 10, showcasing the emotional story behind the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Akshay Kumar‘s much-awaited film Kesari 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh’ continues to perform steadily at the box office. After a strong opening week, the film maintained its momentum through the second weekend. The Day 10 collections reflect the audience’s emotional connect with the story and the admiration for Akshay Kumar’s intense performance.

The film, directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, dives deep into the heart-wrenching events of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, shedding light on an untold chapter of India’s freedom struggle. With powerful dialogues, gripping cinematography, and soulful background music, Kesari 2 has resonated especially with the youth and history enthusiasts.

Critics and audiences alike have praised Akshay’s portrayal of a courageous leader who faces unimaginable horrors. The emotional scenes and Akshay’s compelling act have helped Kesari 2 sustain decent occupancy rates even on weekdays. Analysts predict the film will continue its strong run in the coming days, solidifying its place as another success for Akshay Kumar.

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Pushpa 2 Leaked Online: Allu Arjun’s Blockbuster Faces Piracy Setback

Allu Arjun’s Pushpa: The Rule, the sequel to the blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise, falls victim to piracy just hours after its release but continues to shatter records with unparalleled pre-sales.

Pushpa: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, faced a piracy setback as HD copies leaked online hours after its theatrical release. Despite this, the film has shattered records, selling over 3 million tickets in advance bookings and is poised for a massive ₹250–₹300 crore global opening. Released in multiple languages, the ₹400 crore Sukumar directorial is shaping up to be the biggest cinematic event of the year.
  • Pushpa 2 leaked on multiple torrent platforms, including Tamilrockers and Filmyzilla.
  • Film breaks Indian pre-sales records with over 3 million tickets sold.
  • Expected global Day 1 earnings between ₹250–₹300 crore despite piracy setback.

Allu Arjun’s much-anticipated sequel, Pushpa: The Rule, hit theatres on December 5 and has already taken the box office by storm with record-breaking advance bookings. However, the film suffered a major blow after HD copies surfaced online just hours after its first screening. Torrent platforms like Ibomma, Tamilrockers, and Filmyzilla have reportedly leaked the movie, making it accessible for illegal downloads.

Despite the piracy issue, the Sukumar-directed film remains unfazed in its global box-office dominance. With over 32 lakh tickets sold in India and 3 million tickets booked on platforms like BookMyShow, Pushpa 2 is on track to earn between ₹250 crore and ₹300 crore globally on its opening day. Featuring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, the film’s action-packed narrative and star-studded cast continue to draw massive audiences.

Made on an extravagant ₹400 crore budget, Pushpa: The Rule is released in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Industry experts believe the leak, while unfortunate, is unlikely to dent its box-office potential, as the film’s unparalleled buzz ensures it remains a cinematic event of the year.

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Pushpa 2 Advance Booking: Allu Arjun’s Film Crosses ₹100 Crore Milestone

Allu Arjun’s Pushpa: The Rule surpasses ₹100 crore in advance bookings, setting the stage for a record-breaking global box-office debut on December 5.

  • Advance bookings for Pushpa 2 cross ₹100 crore globally ahead of release.
  • Trade experts predict Day 1 earnings of ₹250–₹275 crore worldwide.
  • Telugu states set to contribute over ₹100 crore on opening day.
Allu Arjun’s film smashes ₹100 crore in pre-sales

Allu Arjun’s Pushpa: The Rule has already created a sensation at the box office, collecting over ₹100 crore in advance bookings even before its December 5 release. Directed by Sukumar, the sequel to the blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise is one of the most anticipated films of 2024 and is poised to redefine box-office records globally.

According to trade analyst Ramesh Bala, Pushpa 2 is expected to gross between ₹250 and ₹275 crore worldwide on its opening day. In the Telugu-speaking states alone, the film is predicted to rake in over ₹100 crore, driven by premium ticket pricing and special premiere shows. The hype surrounding Allu Arjun’s performance and Sukumar’s direction has contributed to the massive pre-release buzz.

The film’s producers celebrated the milestone with a social media post captioned, “#Pushpa2TheRule crosses the 100 CRORES mark with advance bookings. THE BIGGEST INDIAN FILM is on a record-breaking spree.” With sky-high expectations, Pushpa 2 is set to cement Allu Arjun’s position as one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars.

1.9 Million fans are likely to showing their interest  Booking  on BOOKMYSHOW

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Maithili Thakur’s Trolling After Release of ‘Kisi Roz’ from ‘Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha’

Ajay Devgn and Tabu starrer ‘Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha’ releases its third track ‘Kisi Roz’, leading to mixed reactions for singer Maithili Thakur.

Neeraj Pandey’s upcoming romantic-thriller film Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha has been making headlines lately, particularly with the release of its latest song, ‘Kisi Roz’. This track, featuring the vocal talents of acclaimed Indian classical singer Maithili Thakur, comes after the successful reception of earlier releases ‘Tuu’ and ‘Ae Dil Zara.’ However, the release of ‘Kisi Roz’ has sparked controversy, resulting in significant trolling directed at Thakur.

The trolling stems from an earlier statement made by Maithili Thakur in 2020 following the tragic demise of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. After this event, Thakur declared on her brother Rishabh Thakur’s YouTube channel that she would no longer sing for Bollywood films, choosing instead to focus on traditional folk music in various languages. However, her recent involvement with the Bollywood film Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha has led to backlash from some fans who feel she has gone back on her word.

Comments flooded Thakur’s Instagram post promoting ‘Kisi Roz’, with users criticizing her for not adhering to her previous vow. One user commented, “Bahan aap to Bollywood k liye nahi gaane wali thi,” while another added, “Aap ne kaha tha ab Bollywood mein nahi gaoagi, phir interview mein vo sab kehne ki kya zaroorat thi?” Some users even questioned her commitment to her earlier stance, asking, “Aisa waada kyun karna jise nibha na pao?”

On the flip side, many supporters defended Thakur and praised her for her vocal performance. Comments like “My respect has increased for Maithili didi… there is a classic in Bollywood too” showcased the appreciation for her talent despite the trolling. Others remarked, “Troll karne se pehle ye dekh lo iss tarah ke lyrics har koi nahi gaa sakta,” highlighting her unique singing ability.

In addition to the online reactions, there have been developments regarding the film’s release date. Originally scheduled for July 5, 2024, the release of Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha has been postponed due to the competition posed by the successful film Kalki 2898 AD. Media reports suggest that the film will now likely premiere in the second week of July, with attention also focused on August 2.

About the Film
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha follows a couple whose love story spans 23 years, from 2003 to 2023. The narrative explores the emotional depth and evolving dynamics of their relationship, marked by tragedy as Krishna, portrayed by Ajay Devgn, becomes embroiled in a series of murders leading to his life imprisonment. This separation ultimately affects Vasudha, who remarries during Krishna’s absence. After 22 years in jail, Krishna seeks to reunite with Vasudha, culminating in a poignant final meeting. This film marks the tenth collaboration between Ajay Devgn and Tabu, featuring notable actors like Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, and Saiee Manjrekar in pivotal roles.

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