While it is common to see doctors turning actors, Dr. Ravikiran Gadalay is taking a different path. An MD and pathologist by profession, he has earned recognition in the medical field and is now entering the film industry as a director. He is making his feature-film debut with The Maze, a psychological thriller starring Sriram (Srikanth) in the lead role.

Earlier, Ravikiran made a short film titled The Wrong Swipe entirely on his phone, which helped him gain practical knowledge of storytelling, cinematography, performances, scene construction and editing. On the occasion of his birthday, Dr. Ravikiran Gadalay interacted with the media and spoke about his journey into filmmaking.

Dr. Ravikiran Gadalay said, “I have never worked as an assistant director, and before becoming a feature-film director, my experience in the industry was very limited. However, I have had a dream of making a film since childhood. I watched several films, analysed them and practised filmmaking using my mobile phone, which helped me understand the language of cinema. My knowledge of editing allowed me to visualise every scene beforehand, and that made the process of direction much easier for me. Filmmakers such as Akira Kurosawa, Selvaraghavan and Sandeep Reddy Vanga have been major inspirations for me. I am now making my directorial debut with The Maze, and I hope to receive everyone’s support.”

The Maze also features Priyanka, Hrithika Srinivas and Kamal Kamaraju in key roles. Presented by Dr. Naimisha Reddy Kasireddy, the film is being produced by Dr. Uday K. Reddy Palvayi, Dr. KSR (Kareddy Sridhar Reddy), Dr. Bharat Reddy Gopu and Dr. Anirudh Reddy Soma under the banners of Shrousha Kamala Arts and UR Creations. The film is currently progressing with its regular shoot. The makers describe it as a gripping psychological thriller that blurs the boundaries between reality and illusion, challenging the audience’s perception at every turn and delivering an experience as unpredictable as a giant-wheel ride.

Cast:
Sriram (Srikanth), Priyanka, Hrithika Srinivas, Kamal Kamaraju and others

Technical Team:

Art Director: Raju Addala
Editor: Satya Giduthuri
DOP: Shiva Krishna
Music: Shravan Bharadwaj
Presenter: Dr. Naimisha Reddy Kasireddy
Banners: UR Creations, Shrousha Kamala Arts
Co-Producers: Dr. Vikram Singirikonda, Banda Surender Reddy, N. Vijay S Reddy, Kareddy Raghavanshi Reddy
Producers: Dr. Uday K. Reddy Palvayi, Dr. KSR (Kareddy Sridhar Reddy), Dr. Bharat Reddy Gopu, Dr. Anirudh Reddy Soma
Story & Direction: Dr. Ravikiran Gadalay
PRO: Gandl Sreenivas (GS Media)

~ Starring Kangana Ranaut, Girija Oak and Smita Tambe, Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata is an inspiring story of sacrifice and heroism, making it a must-watch this Independence Day ~

This Independence Day, Hindi Zee 5 invites audiences to celebrate the spirit of courage, resilience and selfless service with the exclusive digital premiere of Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata on 14th August. Continuing its commitment to bringing bold, inspiring and culturally resonant stories to viewers across India, the homegrown OTT platform shines a light on the unsung heroes whose extraordinary acts of bravery reflect the values that define the nation. Written and directed by Manoj Tapadia and produced by PEN Studios, Manikarnika Films and Paramhans Creations in association with Eunoia Films LLP and Floating Rocks Entertainment Pvt Ltd, Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata stars Kangana Ranaut alongside Girija Oak and Smita Tambe among others.

Key Details:

Title: Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata

Language: Hindi

Genre: Thriller / Drama

Premiere: 14th August 2026

Writer – Director: Manoj Tapadia

Produced by: PEN Studios, Manikarnika Films and Paramhans Creations in association with Eunoia Films LLP and Floating Rocks Entertainment Pvt Ltd

Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Girija Oak, Smita Tambe and others

Streaming: Hindi Zee 5

What is Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata about?

Set against the backdrop of the devastating 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata revisits one of the darkest chapters in India’s history to spotlight a group of unsung heroes whose courage and selflessness saved countless lives. Set within Mumbai’s Cama and Albless Hospital, the film follows the extraordinary actions of nurses, ward boys, cleaners, security personnel, and other hospital staff who became the first line of defence for the patients in their care.

When the attackers breached the hospital premises, these ordinary individuals rose to extraordinary circumstances. With little means of protection but an unwavering sense of duty, they put their patients’ lives before their own. Through their remarkable acts of courage and selflessness, the film explores themes of sacrifice, compassion, and resilience, celebrating the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Why Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata deserves to be on your watchlist?

● Inspired by true events: A gripping retelling of one of India’s most defining moments through the eyes of healthcare workers who displayed exceptional courage

● A powerful tribute to everyday heroes: Celebrating the nurses, ward boys and other hospital staff whose bravery often remained outside the headlines

● Kangana Ranaut in a compelling new avatar: Leading a stellar cast alongside Girija Oak and Smita Tambe in an emotionally charged story

● A story of courage over fear: More than a thriller, the film is a poignant reminder of resilience, sacrifice and the enduring human spirit

● A perfect watch, this Independence Day

Official Statements:

Kaveri Das, Business Head – Hindi Zee 5 and Chief Channel Officer – &TV said, “At the heart of every powerful story is the courage to tell it differently. Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata embodies that spirit, making it a significant addition to Hindi Zee 5’s growing slate of bold and meaningful storytelling. While the events of 26/11 have been recounted through many perspectives, this film shines a light on the extraordinary courage of the doctors, nurses, ward staff, and healthcare workers of Cama Hospital who put humanity above self and duty above fear. Their quiet acts of bravery stand as a powerful testament to resilience, compassion, and selflessness. As we approach Independence Day, we are proud to bring this inspiring story to audiences on Hindi Zee 5, honoring the unsung heroes whose courage continues to remind us that true heroism is often found far away from the battlefield”.

Actor and Producer Kangana Ranaut said, “Some stories choose you because they deserve to be told. Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata is one such film. As both an actor and producer, it was incredibly important for me to bring to life the untold stories of the healthcare workers who stood fearlessly between terror and humanity during the 26/11 attacks. Their courage wasn’t driven by recognition, but by an unwavering sense of duty and compassion. Releasing this film around Independence Day makes its message even more meaningful, as it reminds us that the spirit of India is defined not only by those who defend the nation on the frontlines, but also by ordinary citizens who rise to extraordinary challenges in moments of crisis. I hope audiences watching the film on Hindi Zee 5 connect with their sacrifices and remember the countless real-life heroes who inspired this story”.

Writer – Director Manoj Tapadia said, “From the very beginning, our intention was to tell the story of 26/11 from a perspective that has never been explored. While the nation remembers the bravery of our security forces, there were equally extraordinary acts of courage unfolding inside Cama Hospital that night. Doctors, nurses and hospital staff continued to care for their patients despite the immense danger surrounding them. Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata is our tribute to their resilience, humanity and quiet heroism. I’m grateful that the film will now reach audiences across the country through Hindi Zee 5 this Independence Day”.

Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata premieres exclusively on Hindi Zee 5 on 14th August 2026

“Let’s See When MS Raju Garu Announces the Sequel to ‘Agadha’” – Hero Shravan Reddy

Directed by MS Raju and produced by Kashi Visalakshi Balusu under the Sri Adi Varaha Productions banner, with Ajay KR as the presenter, ‘Agadha’ features Kamakshi Bhaskarla, Shravan Reddy, Ulka Gupta, Jovika Vijayakumar, Bhanu Chander, Shiju, Vanitha Vijayakumar, Roshan Basheer, Shreya Rani Reddy, Viva Raghava, Robert Master, Arna Muller and Kanakava in key roles.
The film is gearing up for a grand theatrical release on August 14. Ahead of the release, hero Shravan Reddy interacted with the media on Saturday and shared several interesting details about the film.

? Why was there such a long gap after ‘Dirty Hari’?
-‘Dirty Hari’ was released during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it had a direct OTT release, we received an excellent response from the audience. I got several offers around that time as well. However, the pandemic and lockdowns caused delays. I spent almost a year working on ‘Mangalavaaram’. Finally, MS Raju Garu gave me the opportunity to be part of ‘Agadha’.

? Tell us about your character in ‘Agadha’.
-My character in ‘Agadha’ is completely different from the one I played in ‘Dirty Hari’. The character has been designed with multiple dimensions and several shades. I really enjoyed playing such a layered role.
I feel very lucky that a visionary filmmaker like MS Raju Garu has given me another opportunity. ‘Agadha’ was a very challenging and completely different experience for me.
‘Agadha’ will be a brilliant divine mystic thriller. The film has plenty of horror and thrilling moments. MS Raju Garu always tries to bring something fresh to his films and ensure that there is an interesting hook point.

? Looking at the trailer, it seems like you are playing a negative character. Is that true?
-There is no outright negative character in the film. The characters behave the way they do because of the situations they find themselves in. The story unfolds along the lines of good versus bad and God versus evil.
I didn’t really have time to do much homework or prepare for my role. I came onto the sets just four days after the story was narrated to me. I simply performed the way MS Raju Garu instructed me. You could say that most of my preparation happened right there on the sets.

?What are your expectations for ‘Agadha’ and your character?
-How can I have no expectations? (Laughs.) ‘Dirty Hari’ was successful on OTT. However, for a hero, box-office numbers are very important. I hope ‘Agadha’ gives me that much-awaited box-office stamp.

? How was your working experience with MS Raju Garu?
-The stories and the characters MS Raju Garu created for ‘Dirty Hari’ and ‘Agadha’ feel very fresh and unique to me.
When I saw MS Raju Garu on the sets of ‘Agadha’, he seemed like a completely different person. His passion and dedication towards cinema are incredible. I cannot match the level of passion and commitment he has for filmmaking.

? How is the VFX work in ‘Agadha’?
-‘Agadha’ was shot mostly in natural locations. We did create a few sets where necessary. Those sets were required to establish the mystic and horror atmosphere of the film.
The VFX work in our film is very neat and has been designed to create a strong impact.

? Will ‘Agadha’ have a sequel or prequel?
-Films like this definitely offer the flexibility to explore a sequel or prequel. Even if it is not specifically titled Part 2, the story can be expanded and developed further.
Let’s see when MS Raju Garu decides to announce the second part! (Laughs.)

? Tell us about your current and upcoming projects.
-I am currently working on a film directed by Chandra, who has previously worked with the Raj & DK team. We have already completed the first schedule in Kashmir.
A few other projects are currently in the discussion stage.

? What kind of roles would you like to play?
-I want my character to have importance and substance.
My role in ‘Agadha’ is very different from what I have done before. I always want to experiment with something new and take up different kinds of roles across different genres.

A high-level meeting was held today between Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary Sai Prasad, APSFTVTDC Chairman Bharat Bhushan, APFDC Managing Director Viswanathan, and senior officials from various government departments to discuss key initiatives aimed at strengthening and accelerating the growth of the film industry in Andhra Pradesh.

The meeting focused on creating a filmmaker-friendly ecosystem by simplifying and expediting the process of obtaining film shooting permissions across the state. Detailed discussions were held on introducing a fast-track approval system and a single-window clearance mechanism to ensure timely permissions and seamless coordination among all concerned government departments.

Speaking after the meeting, APSFTVTDC Chairman Bharat Bhushan said the Andhra Pradesh Government is committed to making the state a preferred destination for film production. He stated that extensive discussions were held with officials from various departments to formulate a streamlined process that would enable filmmakers to obtain shooting permissions quickly and without procedural delays.

Bharat Bhushan expressed confidence over the positive response received from all participating departments and said the proposed single-window system would significantly improve the ease of doing business for the film industry. Although Andhra Pradesh is already witnessing a growing number of film shoots, the government aims to further strengthen the ecosystem by implementing a fast-track approval mechanism that ensures transparency, efficiency, and convenience. He added that the new system will be introduced soon, with detailed guidelines to be announced in the coming days.

The meeting was attended by Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary Sai Prasad, APFDC Managing Director Viswanathan, Principal Secretary Kumar Vishwajeet, PCCF Chalapathi Rao, CCF N. N. Rao, Shashi Bhushan Kumar, Kanthilal Dande, Suresh Kumar, Sampath Kumar, Yuvaraj, Kannababu, Amrapali, Praveen Aditya, Shubham Bansal, Bharani, Padmavathi, Venkataramana, and several other senior officials from various government departments, who extended their support to the initiative and contributed to the successful discussions aimed at promoting the growth of the film industry in Andhra Pradesh.

”I work with the sole aim of doing justice to every rupee audiences spend on me”
or
“Social Media is Like Snakes and Ladders, it can do both make and break you”
Or
“More Than an Influencer, I Want to Be Remembered as an Actor”

‘Dhandha’ fame Dora Sai Teja
Actor Dora Sai Teja has created a major trend as the lead in the series ‘Dhandha’, produced by Chai Shots in the vertical storytelling space. Directed by Aditya Devulapally, the series is currently trending at no. 1 on the microdrama OTT platform. As the show continues its wildly successful run, lead actor Dora Sai Teja shared key insights about his journey and career. Here is what he had to say

Tell us about your cinematic journey?
I dubbed for the child artist playing the younger version of Prabhas sir in the movie ‘Adavi Ramudu’. I acted in projects like ‘Kotha Bangaru Lokam’ and the series ‘High School’. I also played a small role in ‘Ala Modalaindi’. My association with RGV sir began in 2016 when I acted in an unreleased film titled ‘Sridevi’. That was where I truly got introduced to cinema. After that, my serious journey on YouTube began in 2018. I gained strong recognition with the ‘Back Benchers’ series and kept doing shows. Last year, I launched my own content creation company, and recently, success hit again with ‘Dhandha’.

How does it feel to achieve so much at such a young age as an entrepreneur, actor, and content creator?
From the moment I wake up, I constantly think as a content creator, director, actor, and producer. This is my way of introducing myself in new ways, which is why I try my hand at everything. Content creation is my business, and cinema is my passion. Combining both is who Dora Sai Teja is.

Don’t you ever feel like partying or enjoying yourself?
I have to learn everything myself, and I prefer learning on my own terms. Whenever I fall, I learn a new lesson. I always think like someone five years older than my actual age. My entire day is packed with work, so I have no time for other things. Every single day, my mind is focused on creating something new.

How do you handle praise and criticism on social media?
Social media comes with everything. For every video, there will be new praise as well as abuses. I use content creation as a bridge. My goal is to take the fanbase I have here and bring them into movie theatres. However, our daily expenses must be sustained through content creation itself. More than being called an influencer or content creator, I personally prefer to be identified as an actor.

What is your advice to newcomers about social media life and the creator space?
The moment people see a few followers, likes, and shares, everyone watching thinks, “Man, this is the life!” But that is far from reality. Just like Snakes and Ladders, it is the very thing that pulls you up the ladder, and if anything goes wrong, it is the same thing that drops you straight down. It looks beautiful and fancy on the outside, but there are people who ruin lives for their own benefit by taking one statement out of context, using clickbait titles, and morphing thumbnails just for views and reach. Anyone wanting to step into this space must be prepared for both praise and criticism. Only then can you survive here.

There is a fantastic response to the character Aravind. Even your critics are praising you now, aren’t they?
In content creation, I can only play a specific type of role. But when it comes to a web series or a film, you get the opportunity to portray diverse characters. In ‘Dhandha’, people only see me as Aravind. I have been longing for such challenging roles for a long time, and this was possible entirely because of our director.

Director Aditya Devulapally spoke very highly of you. Are you truly a single-take artist?
I do not have the habit of looking at the monitor. Just looking at the cinematographer or director tells me everything I need to know. My goal is always to finish the scene in the very first take. That is why before shooting a scene, I study the scenes that come before and after it. Because of this preparation, I manage to deliver almost everything in a single take. Doing multiple takes increases production costs. I decided that as long as I am on set, I must remain fully in Aravind’s character, which helped me execute it in single takes.

What is your view on current marketing strategies?
No matter how good the content is, if you lack a proper marketing strategy to tell people about what you have created, it goes to waste. That is why promotions and marketing have become extremely crucial today. For ‘Dhandha’, I wanted to promote it differently. That is why we created a promotional video centered around “I lost 15 lakhs”, designed specifically to help people grasp the core content of our series. Audiences understood the concept, and they turned ‘Dhandha’ into a massive hit.

Tell us about your fans who stand by you on social media?
This was not built overnight. People saw themselves in the content I made and connected with it deeply. It takes years for something like this to happen. Social media contains negativity alongside positivity. People who want to talk will keep talking, but I know what the truth is. That is why I do not pay attention to any of it and keep moving forward.

What kind of responsibility rests on a social media influencer?
Recently, Sakshi Chaudhary won a gold medal in boxing at the Commonwealth Games, but how many people actually know about it? On the other hand, people remember every single post or tweet made by an influencer they follow. Influencers are often admired far more than celebrities or sports personalities, and audiences closely observe their looks and style. Therefore, whatever an influencer does, says, or wears directly impacts a vast number of people. Because of this reach, they must conduct themselves with extreme caution and responsibility

How is Dora Sai Teja during his free time?
I am just a normal person like anyone else, except that I created a path for myself. That might be due to my financial circumstances back then or the passion I have had since childhood. Going forward, everyone will see me in a new light. I will make everyone proud across theatres, OTT, and social media. No matter how many setbacks I face, I am focused on running relentlessly to achieve my goal.

What do you have to say about the ‘Dhandha’ team?
I generally direct everything I create but this is the first time I worked with a director and my director, Aditya anna, succeeded 100%. Translating what is written on paper onto the screen with exact precision is no ordinary task, and Aditya anna is receiving immense praise for it. He worked tirelessly on every single aspect of ‘Dhandha’. His vision is what made ‘Dhandha’ so unique. We completed this series in just seven days across 30 call sheets, working day and night without rest. That dedication is the highlight of ‘Dhandha’. We need more directors like him. The director, music director, cinematographer, and myself were all in complete sync, which is why ‘Dhandha’ turned out so extraordinary.

What is your future plan?
I want to bring stories to the theatre that every common person can relate to. I wish to play zero-to-hero characters, choose inspiring stories with strong messages, and pick characters and narratives that exist around us. My goal is to work with the target of doing complete justice to every rupee that audiences spend to watch me.

Starcast: Lokesh KangaRaj(Devadas),Wamiba Gabi(Chandra),Sanjana(Parvathi)

Music Director: Anirudh

Producer:Kalanithi Maran

Director: Arun Matheswaran

Release date: August 7th 2026

It’s a Tamil dubbed film into Telugu with the same title DC.

The story is set in 2011 in Chittor district surroundings Devadas(Lokesh KangaRaj) is a gangster and works for a gang headed by Sarkar.He and his team rob police discarded guns, a farmer approaches him for justice as police rob his money meant for his son education.

In the process to do justice to farmer he kills police officer and the rest of the story is about cat and mouse game with his gang and police,and his brief love with Sanjana(Parvathi) and her loss, the pain and agony he goes through, and later his love with Wamiba Gabi(Chandra) and how the duo(DC) life turns and Devadas’s life takes turns as he attempts to save Chandra (Wamiqa Gabbi) from her difficult circumstances.

The film is a reimagining of the classic ‘Devadas’ story set against a modern, raw, and rustic gangster backdrop.

Lokesh surprises in his debut role as a lead actor. His screen presence in intense action sequences and raw looks works well,Aniduh’s BGM elevates the action scenes to the next level.

The production values, cinematography, and overall visual tone are of very high quality.For fans of dark, intense, and action-packed gangster movies, ‘DC’ offers a solid theatrical experience.

Rating : 2.5/5

Animation film to hit theatres next week through Dr. Prathani Ramakrishna Goud’s RK Films

The animation film Sardar Sarvai Papanna, based on the life of the legendary historical warrior and Bahujan emperor Sardar Sarvai Papanna, has been directed and produced by Venkatesh Goud Lingampally. The film is presented by VG Movie Makers, with Deepak Nyati serving as the production supervisor. It is set for a grand theatrical release next week across the Telugu states through RK Films, headed by Dr. Prathani Ramakrishna Goud. The film’s poster was officially launched today in the presence of the film’s team.

Dr. Prathani Ramakrishna Goud said: “I am delighted to launch the poster of Sardar Sarvai Papanna today. Director-producer Venkatesh Goud has beautifully portrayed the life story of Sardar Sarvai Papanna, who emerged as a great Bahujan emperor nearly 360 years ago. We are preparing for a grand release across both Telugu states through RK Films next week. I have watched the film, and Venkatesh has done an outstanding job. He has depicted Papanna’s greatness without compromise, showcasing his struggles, his ability to unite people, and how he overcame numerous conspiracies. Sardar Sarvai Papanna was a leader who united people across all communities and fought against injustice. He also relieved people from the burden of unfair taxation. There is tremendous interest among people to watch this film. Statues of Papanna are being installed in many villages, and the government is also planning to install his statue on Tank Bund. Earlier, I Directed a live-action film on Sardar Papanna starring Superstar Krishna and Suman, Jaihind, Sreeja which was a major success and continues to be telecast on television channels. Venkatesh worked tirelessly for one and a half years to complete this film. It has received a UA certificate from the Censor Board, and we are planning a large-scale release next week. I wish the film great success.”

Director-Producer Venkatesh Goud Lingampally said: “We produced Sardar Sarvai Papanna under our banner, VG Movie Makers. Considering our resources, this is a big-budget project. Despite the challenges, we successfully completed the film, obtained censor certification, and are now bringing it to audiences. Initially, we planned to release the film on the 7th of this month, but as everyone knows, small films are facing difficulties in securing theatres. We are now planning to release it on either the 14th or the 21st. We want to coincide the release with the 376th birth anniversary celebrations of Sardar Sarvai Papanna. We hope audiences from all sections of society will support and appreciate our film.”

Production Supervisor Deepak Nyati said: “Sardar Sarvai Papanna is a historic figure whose greatness was recognized even by foreign historians. Unfortunately, the legacy of such a great warrior has often been overlooked. Writer-director Venkatesh overcame many challenges to create this AI-powered animation film. He thoroughly researched Papanna’s history and transformed it into a remarkable cinematic experience. We are happy that the film is being released through Dr. Prathani Ramakrishna Goud’s RK Films.”

Technical Crew

• VFX & Supervision: P. Srinivas
• Editors: Satish Peteti, Mani
• Cinematography & Visual Direction: Mirjapuri Simon
• Lead AI Visual Director: Suresh Mall
• Music Supervisor & Lyrics: Venkatesh Goud Lingampally
• Banner: VG Movie Makers
• Producer & Director: Venkatesh Goud Lingampally
• Release: RK Films (Dr. Prathani Ramakrishna Goud)
• PRO: Chandu Ramesh