• Wanted to Die at That Moment: Actress Hema*
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  I was deeply depressed mentally due to the drugs case
  ​Meet the Press organized by the Film Critics Association featuring prominent actress Hema.

​Hema is a household name in the Telugu film industry. Renowned as a character artist and comedian, she has entertained audiences with diverse roles and earned a unique identity through her natural acting. Simultaneously, she frequently makes headlines for her straightforward and outspoken nature.

​On Monday, at the Telugu Film Chamber in Hyderabad, the Film Critics Association organized a “Meet the Press” event featuring Hema, who has spent decades establishing herself in Tollywood. During the event, she spoke emotionally about the recent drug case filed against her, the hardships her family endured, and the role of the media.

​Speaking at the event, Hema shared that the allegations against her in the drug case left her mentally devastated.
​”At that time, I felt like dying. I was that depressed,” she expressed with deep sorrow.
​However, she clarified that she had done nothing wrong and emphasized that she eventually emerged innocent.
​She accused certain media outlets of “slinging mud” by making baseless allegations. She stated that these reports affected not only her personal life but also caused immense pain to her family members.

​Family Impact: My family suffered a lot. It was a very tough time for us, she noted.

​View on Media: While critical of some, she clarified that she doesn’t blame the entire media fraternity and believes that honest media organizations will stand by her. She expressed hope that the media would do her justice in the future.

​Perspectives from the Film Critics Association

​Battula Prasad Rao (President, Film Critics Association):

Actress Hema is in a state of distress regarding the media’s portrayal. We invited her to this ‘Meet the Press’ to provide a platform for her to share what is on her mind. As she mentioned, not just her, even we as journalists have faced discrimination at times.

​Prabhu (Honorary President, Film Critics Association):

The media has always maintained a friendly relationship with the film industry. However, recently, false news has been spreading due to social media. Hema has proven her innocence in court. Her grievance is that while many outlets maligned her when the allegations surfaced, no one responded positively once she was cleared by the court.

​Suresh Kondeti (General Secretary, Film Critics Association):
Hema garu has played numerous roles and held various positions in the Movie Artists Association (MAA). She has always supported women in the industry whenever they faced issues. I have often been surprised by her courage. It is heartbreaking that such a brave woman had to suffer so much due to false news. We are happy she has emerged innocent, and she is here today to share both her joy and her pain.”
​The event was attended by several members of the Film Critics Association and various media representatives, where Hema provided clarifications on the controversies and shared her personal ordeal.

SEQUEL CONTINUES RECORD RUN INTO SECOND WEEKEND GROSSING A STAGGERING ₹1365 CRORES GLOBALLY

Jio Studios & B62 Studios’ Aditya Dhar directorial #DhurandharTheRevenge continues its historic box-office domination, emerging as the undisputed Hindi film of all time, grossing a stunning ₹1365 Crores globally and ₹867 Crores nett (India), and already surpassing the lifetime collections of Dhurandhar (Part 1) in just 11 days, a testament to its extraordinary global appeal and dominance across markets.

Since Day 1 of release, including paid previews, the spy-action entertainer has unleashed a tsunami at the box office, setting unprecedented benchmarks worldwide — from the highest paid previews ever, to the biggest opening weekend, the highest first week collections, and the fastest sprint to the ₹1000 Crore mark globally. Within just a week, it also emerged as the biggest Indian film of all time, redefining the scale of global success for Indian cinema.

After a record-shattering opening week, the film has continued its phenomenal momentum into the second weekend, recording remarkable collections across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, signalling a powerful and sustained theatrical run ahead.

DAY-WISE BREAK-UP (INDIA)

WEEK 1 TOTAL (8 DAYS) – ₹690 Cr (nett)

SECOND WEEKEND
Day 9 – Friday – ₹42.00 Cr
Day 10 – Saturday – ₹64.00 Cr
Day 11 – Sunday – ₹71.00 Cr

Second Weekend Total – ₹177.00 Cr

INDIA NBOC – ₹ 867.00 Cr
INDIA GBOC – ₹ 1023.00 Cr

OVERSEAS
Week 1 + Second Weekend – ₹342 Cr

GROSS BOX OFFICE WORLDWIDE – ₹1365.00 CRORES

Dhurandhar The Revenge — Record Run

• Biggest Hindi opener of all time
• Highest paid previews ever
• Biggest opening weekend worldwide
• Highest first week collections
• Fastest film to ₹1000 Crores globally
• Biggest Indian film ever in overseas markets (within Week 1)
• Highest Grossing Indian film in North America
• Surpassed Dhurandhar Part 1 lifetime in just 10 days

With exceptional audience traction, repeat value, and packed cinemas across territories, #DhurandharTheRevenge is setting the stage for yet another historic long run at the box office.

The Telugu Film Journalist Association has been continuing the tradition of releasing a diary for journalists and renewing the insurance plan every year on the occasion of the Telugu New Year.

On this occasion, the 2026–2027 diary and insurance renewal were formally launched by Megastar Chiranjeevi.

This year, the insurance coverage for each film journalist’s family (2+2) has been increased from ₹5 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs.

Additionally, a special accident policy has been introduced to provide financial support to journalists during emergencies. In case of an accident requiring bed rest for 2 to 12 months, a weekly assistance of ₹10,000 will be provided under this policy.

To ensure proper identification for Telugu film journalists, ID cards are being issued by the association. These ID cards were also distributed to the Executive Committee members by Chiranjeevi.

On this occasion, Megastar Chiranjeevi appreciated the initiatives taken by TFJA and contributed a cheque of ₹5 lakhs, suggesting that it be used for the welfare of the association members.

The event was attended by TFJA President Y.J. Rambabu, General Secretary Prasadam Raghu, Treasurer Naidu Surendra, Politburo Convener Varanasi Lakshminarayana, along with Executive Committee and Politburo members.

A new film titled ‘Bhari’, starring Mega Prince Varun Tej and produced by Niharika Konidela under the Pink Elephant Pictures banner, is being directed by Yadu Vamsi. The film officially launched with a grand pooja ceremony on Saturday. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan attended the event as the chief guest.

For the muhurat shot, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan gave the clap, while Mythri Movie Makers producer Naveen Yerneni switched on the camera. Director Merlapaka Gandhi and producer Rajeev Reddy handed over the script. After the pooja ceremony, the team shared details about the film.

HD Stills – https://www.transfernow.net/dl/20260328v2I7Wz63/lYqsmouI

Varun Tej said: After my film Mukunda, my uncle Pawan Kalyan garu has once again attended the launch of my film ‘Bari’. It’s a Happiness to have the film begin under his blessings. It feels very special to work as a hero in a film produced by Niharika. We never actually planned to do a film together, but Vamsi’s script brought us together. I really liked the story he narrated. I agreed to the film because of my confidence in the team. Pre-production is already complete, and I’ve started volleyball practice as well. We are planning to release ‘Bhari’ next to Sankranti.”

Niharika Konidela said: My father has made films with our family members, including his brothers.” Today I understand how special that feeling is. Launching this film with my brother Varun Tej is very special to me. I’m also happy that my uncle Pawan Kalyan garu attended the launch. We are planning to release the film next to Sankranti. This is a village drama with a sports backdrop, and Vamsi has come up with another wonderful story. I’m happy to collaborate again with the ‘Committee Kurrollu’ team. My aim is that whenever audiences see the Pink Elephant Pictures name on a poster, they feel confident that the film will be good. This movie will definitely impress everyone.

Director Yadu Vamsi said: After ‘Committee Kurrollu’, I worked on a story for a year, but it didn’t materialize. During that time, I got an idea with a volleyball backdrop. As soon as I thought of volleyball, Varun garu came to mind. After developing the idea, I approached Niharika again and narrated the story, requesting Varun garu for the role. After completing the full script in three months, we narrated it to Varun garu, and he loved it. Pre-production is complete, and we aim to wrap up shooting quickly and release the film next to Sankranti. Last night, Varun garu surprised me by saying a guest would attend, and when I heard it was Pawan Kalyan garu, I was shocked. It’s a great encouragement for a young team like ours to have him here, along with the support of Varun and Niharika.

Music Director Anudeep Dev said: The music in ‘Bhari’ will have ten times more impact than ‘Committee Kurrollu’. Vamsi garu also has great taste in music. There is significant scope for music in this film, and it’s going to be amazing.

Production Designer Chinna said: I think I’m the only senior member in this team; everyone else is young.” Niharika is a wonderful producer. I’m happy to work with Varun. Vamsi’s story and confidence are excellent. ‘Bhari’ will be a big hit next to Sankranti.

Cast: Varun Tej

Technical Crew: Story, Screenplay, Direction: Yadhu Vamsee l Producer: Niharika Konidela l Executive Producer: Ramesh Manyam l Cinematography: Dhanush Bhaskar l Music: Anudeep Dev l Production Designer: Chinna l Editor: Anwar Ali l Costumes: Aishwarya Rajeev l Art Director: Vishnu Vardhan Pulla Writers: Venkata Subhash Cheerala, Uttam Lekkala, Vicky Ma, Ranjith Mareddy l Co-Director: Ravi Shankar D l Production Controller: Bekkam Ravinder l Stills: Varahala Murthy l PRO: SK. Naidu – Phani Kandukuri)

The Emerging production house Radha Krishna Entertainments, known for distributing many blockbuster films successfully in overseas and Telugu states is now bringing a fun-filled comedy entertainer “Don Bosko.” The film is bankrolled by producer Venkat Upputuri. The film stars Rushya Datta in the lead role.

The film has recently completed its entire shoot. Gorgeous Mirnaa Menon, known for Jailer and Naa Saami Ranga, is playing the female lead in the film. Today, the makers dropped a key update along with the first look of the film. In the poster, Rushya looks stylish, holding what appears to be a katana in one hand and lifting his collar with the other, striking a bold pose.

The first look raises intrigue, and the caption, “Not all reunions are about memories; some are about redemption,” adds to the curiosity. The text and the first look together create a sense of excitement. Murali Sharma is playing a key role as Principal Vishwanath, and Mirnaa Menon is playing as Lecturer Sumathi. The film also stars Mounika, Rajkumar Kasireddy, Vishnu Oi, and others in key roles, promising an entertaining ride.

This entertainer is written and directed by Shankar Gowri. Edurolu Raju is handling the cinematography while Sricharan Pakala is scoring the music.

Cast: Rushya, Mirnaa Menon, Mounika, Murali Sharma, Vishnu Oi, Rajkumar Kasireddy and others

Technical Team:
Producer: Venkat Upputuri
Banner: Radha Krishna Entertainments
Director: P Shankar Gowri
Music: Sricharan Pakala
DOP: Edurolu Raju
Editor: Vamsi Atluri

Icon Star Allu Arjun marked a meaningful cultural interaction by gifting a traditional Sita Ram Kalyanam painting to Mr. Tomatsu Kosano, CEO of Geek Pictures, Japan. The gesture reflected the actor’s deep love and respect for Indian culture and its timeless traditions.

During the interaction, Allu Arjun shared insights into the historical and spiritual significance of the Ramayana, one of India’s most revered epics, explaining its enduring values and cultural importance. The exchange highlighted how art and storytelling continue to serve as powerful bridges between cultures.

The presentation of the painting symbolized a moment of cultural dialogue between India and Japan, celebrating a shared appreciation for heritage, spirituality, and artistic expression. The interaction further emphasized the growing global connection between Indian cinema and international creative communities.

Known for proudly representing Indian culture on global platforms, Allu Arjun’s gesture reaffirmed the role of art and cinema in fostering cross-cultural understanding and mutual respect beyond geographical boundaries.