Makutam, starring and directed by Vishal, is the 99th production of the Super Good Films banner. Produced by the late RB Choudary, the film features Anjali and Dushara Vijayan as the female leads. The teaser and the first single, The Rise of Linga, received an excellent response from audiences. The makers unveiled the second single, Nachchaake Vachera, on Sunday (June 28). Speaking at the song launch event, the cast and crew shared their excitement about the film.
Vishal said: “I am delighted to greet Telugu audiences with Makutam. This time, I am coming before them not just as an actor, but also as a director. Ever since I watched Shiva, I dreamt of becoming a director, and that dream has finally come true. Today, I deeply miss RB Choudary sir. He entrusted me with the responsibility of his 99th production. Due to unavoidable circumstances, I had to step into the director’s chair, and I hope I have lived up to the faith he placed in me. I am the 45th director to emerge from his prestigious banner. It is because of Subrahmanyam sir’s trust in me that Makutam has reached this stage.
For the past one year, I have set aside my personal life to focus entirely on this film. Sai Dhanshika stood by me throughout this journey with immense support. The song Linga became a big hit, and GV Prakash took a risk by making me sing it,” he joked. “Prabha has rendered Nachchaake Vachera beautifully. Every song she has sung has become a blockbuster.
This is my directorial debut, and I sincerely thank every artist who believed in me and stood by me during this journey. I have incorporated everything I learned from the directors I have worked with over the years. I have given my very best to this film. I don’t want to speak much about it now—the audience will speak after watching it.
My father, GK Reddy, is the reason I am standing here today. He insisted on releasing Pandem Kodi in Telugu, and since then, Telugu audiences have continued to shower me with love. Now, I am coming before you as a director as well. I would like to thank Arjun sir and RGV sir, who inspired me immensely. In the last 22 years, I have acted in 35 films. I am grateful to the audiences who have supported me throughout this journey. I will personally come to theatres to know what the audience thinks about Makutam. Everyone is wishing for Makutam to become a grand success, and I promise to deliver a memorable cinematic experience.”
Anjali said : “After Madha Gaja Raja, I have reunited with Vishal for Makutam. Back then he was only the hero, but now he is also the director. I play a powerful and significant role in the film, and Vishal has presented my character wonderfully. We have shared a wonderful bond for nearly 15 years, and he is a genuinely good human being.
I hope Makutam brings him tremendous success as both an actor and a director. He has worked incredibly hard for this film, and I truly wish he receives the reward he deserves. It is a pleasure to be part of Super Good Films’ prestigious 99th production. GV Prakash’s music is always outstanding, and Nachchaake Vachera is one of my favourite songs from the album. I am confident it will become a huge hit, just like the film.”
Jithan Ramesh said : “We have known Vishal for many years. He is like a member of our family and an elder brother to us. Whatever GV Prakash touches turns into gold, and I believe the music of Makutam will also become a massive success. Vishal is making his directorial debut with this film, and he has handled every responsibility himself with great dedication.
As the 99th production of Super Good Films, this movie is sure to become a huge success. Our father’s 100th production is very special to us, and we are determined to fulfil his dream. We won’t stop at 100—we will continue his legacy with 200 films and beyond.”
Actor Ajay said : “About 20 years ago, I worked with Vishal in Bhayya, and now we have reunited for Makutam. I was curious to see how he would perform as a director. I simply followed everything he asked me to do, and I strongly believe he is going to create something extraordinary with this film.”
Jhansi said: “I would like to thank Vishal for introducing me to Tamil cinema. I have always shared a wonderful association with Super Good Films. Vishal has excelled in every department as both an actor and a director. My role in Makutam is completely different from anything I have done before. It was a pleasure working with Anjali. This is a film that belongs to all of us, and I sincerely hope Makutam becomes a grand success.”
Singer Prabha said : “I would like to thank Vishal sir and GV Prakash sir for giving me the opportunity to sing such a beautiful song in Makutam. I have previously sung for private albums, but this is my first song for a feature film, and I am truly delighted to be a part of it.”
Meghamsh Srihari, son of the late Real Star Srihari, is playing the lead role in the upcoming film Student. Vijeta Pareek stars as the female lead. The film is being produced by Bellam Siddareddy under the banners of Jovika Cinemas and Cherish Media Works, while Balu Tatvamasi is directing the project. Bellam Sangeetha and Bellam Bayyareddy are serving as co-producers. The film is gearing up for its theatrical release, and the makers have now unveiled its official teaser.
The teaser introduces Bhanu, played by Meghamsh Srihari, as a carefree college student who enjoys campus life. His decision to enter politics by representing the Andhra Rashtra Samithi Party creates a sensation on campus. Although new to politics, Bhanu quickly learns about the challenges, strategies, and power struggles that define the political arena. One of the teaser’s standout moments features Meghansh delivering the powerful dialogue: “When someone next to you is fighting with a knife, if you interfere, you’ll lose your hand. We are in politics. There are no ethics here, only tricks.”
The teaser also hints at an engaging blend of politics, action, and romance. It raises curiosity about Bhanu’s love story with Tanmayi, whether he succeeds in achieving his political ambitions, and the conflict involving Bhujangam and Kethireddy. Meghansh impresses with an intense performance as a fearless student leader and young politician. The teaser further stands out for its impressive production values, striking visuals, stylish action sequences, creative filmmaking, and impactful background score.
Cricket has never been more popular or more profitable. Stadiums are packed, television rights are worth billions, and franchise leagues have transformed the sport into a year-round entertainment business. Yet, in the race to maximize revenue, the game’s administrators—the BCCI and the ICC—risk damaging the very product they are trying to sell.
Today, cricket is played almost every day somewhere in the world. International series overlap with franchise tournaments, leaving elite players with little time to recover physically or mentally. Instead of building anticipation, the relentless schedule is creating fatigue among players and boredom among spectators.
Player burnout is becoming increasingly visible. Frequent injuries, mental exhaustion, declining fitness, and inconsistent performances are all consequences of an overloaded calendar. Modern cricket demands peak athleticism, whether in Test matches, One-Day Internationals, or T20s. Without adequate rest, even the world’s best players struggle to maintain their highest standards.
The fans are also paying a price. Scarcity creates excitement. When matches are available every day, every series begins to feel less special. Iconic rivalries lose their uniqueness, and spectators become selective about what they watch. Cricket should be an event, not background entertainment.
The solution is not to reduce cricket dramatically but to organize it intelligently. The BCCI and ICC should jointly publish a fixed annual cricket calendar, similar to major global sporting competitions. The calendar should clearly define windows for international cricket, domestic tournaments, franchise leagues, and mandatory player rest periods.
Every player should receive scheduled recovery breaks between major tournaments. This would reduce injuries, improve performance, and extend careers. Better-rested players produce higher-quality cricket, which ultimately benefits broadcasters, sponsors, and fans alike.
A structured calendar would also prevent scheduling conflicts, preserve the importance of bilateral series, and allow supporters to plan around marquee events. Instead of an endless stream of matches, each tournament would generate greater excitement and higher viewership.
Cricket’s greatest strength has always been its quality, not its quantity. The game’s future depends on protecting its biggest assets—the players and the fans. Selling cricket every single day may generate short-term profits, but overexposure risks reducing its long-term value.
The BCCI and ICC have the opportunity to reshape the sport with a balanced global calendar that prioritizes player welfare, maintains the quality of competition, and restores the anticipation that makes cricket truly special.
Sometimes, less cricket can create more excitement.
Actor Raj Dasireddy, best known for Maruthi’s Bhadram Be Careful, recently visited the Hyderabad boutique of the globally acclaimed luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton. Sharing his excitement, Raj said it was a memorable experience to explore one of the world’s most prestigious fashion brands, renowned for its exquisite handbags, footwear, jewellery, and premium lifestyle accessories.
Established 172 years ago, Louis Vuitton has earned an enduring reputation as one of the most luxurious and influential fashion brands in the world. Its products are regarded as symbols of elegance, exclusivity, and prestige, making them a preferred choice among celebrities and fashion enthusiasts worldwide. On the professional front, Raj Dasireddy is all set to announce his next project soon. The upcoming film will be produced simultaneously in Telugu and Hindi.
The new-age entertainment property blends creator culture, competition, and social engagement to redefine reality content for Telugu audiences
June 23rd 2026: Aha, in collaboration with WPP Media, is set to redefine reality entertainment with the launch of Telugu’s first-ever influencer reality show, bringing together some of the biggest and most loved digital creators from across social media platforms. The show marks a unique collaboration between entertainment, creators, and brands, powered by WPP Media’s expertise in building impactful brand-led content experiences.
Marking a fresh chapter in reality programming, the show blends the excitement of competition with the creativity of digital storytelling. Spread across eight high-energy episodes, each episode will feature a unique theme and challenge designed to push influencers beyond their comfort zones while testing their creativity, personality, adaptability, and audience appeal.
Designed for today’s digital-first audience, the show introduces a fresh visual identity, innovative production style, and a contemporary content format that seamlessly bridges social media culture with mainstream entertainment. Conceptualized by WPP Media’s WPP Motion Entertainment in partnership with Aha, the show represents a new-age entertainment ecosystem that seamlessly brings together creators, audiences, and brands. By combining the power of influencer culture with premium content and strategic brand integrations, the property demonstrates WPP Media’s ability to create innovative, culture-led entertainment experiences that drive engagement and meaningful connections for brands. The influencer lineup features some of Telugu social media’s most popular creators, including Vishwabharat, Famous Ram, Sindhu Kasaram, Anirudh Narayanam, Ravi Kiran Bevara, Akhil Jackson, Diana, Ravi, Gowtham Kumar, Amrutha Bhupathiraju and Grandpa Kitchen, each bringing their unique content style and dedicated fan communities to the competition.
Adding star power and industry expertise to the show are acclaimed actor-producer Lakshmi Manchu and popular actor-comedian Harsha Chemudu, who will serve as judges. Television personality Rashmi Gautam will host the show, bringing her signature energy and connect with audiences throughout the season.
Reflecting on the format of the show Ashwin Padmanabhan, Chief Operating Officer, WPP Media South Asia “The creator economy is no longer just a media channel; it is a primary driver of cultural conversations. With ‘Top Telugu Influencer,’ WPP Media is proud to partner with AHA to pioneer a first-of-its-kind entertainment-led IP specifically for Telugu-speaking audiences. By combining creative storytelling with advanced technology, this platform goes beyond standard entertainment to recognise rising creators and establish a new benchmark for how brands can organically engage with regional communities. We are grateful to our brand partners for placing their trust in us and joining hands with us to bring this unique property to life, creating meaningful connections with audiences through the power of creators, content, and culture.”
Speaking about the show, Mr. Ramsiva Linga, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Arha Media & Broadcasting Private Limited, described it as more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of the creator economy and the immense influence digital creators have built among Teluguspeaking audiences. Unlike traditional reality formats, the competition extends beyond the screen. Contestants will participate in social-media-driven challenges and reel-based tasks, making audience engagement an integral part of the experience. The format reflects the way content is consumed, created, and shared today, making it one of the most relevant and contemporary reality concepts in regional entertainment.
As influencers continue to shape popular culture and consumer conversations, Aha’s latest offering aims to spotlight the talent, innovation, and authenticity that have helped these creators become household names. With WPP Media’s strategic expertise in content, brand partnerships, and audience engagement, the show brings together entertainment and marketing in a format designed for today’s digital-first consumers. With an exciting mix of entertainment, competition, creativity, and social media integration, the show is poised to become the ultimate destination for fans of digital content and reality entertainment alike.
The countdown begins as aha prepares to bring together the biggest Telugu influencers on one stage for a battle unlike any seen before, premiering on 3rd July 2026.
Actress Sridevi, who earned widespread appreciation from Telugu audiences with her performance in Court, has completed shooting for her next multilingual venture, Haiku. She stars alongside Aegan and ‘Minnal Murali’ fame Femina George in the upcoming film, produced by Dr. D. Arulanandhu and Mathewo Arulanandhu under the Vision Cinema House banner. Written and directed by Yuvaraj Chinnasamy, Haiku has officially wrapped principal photography and entered post-production after nearly 90 call sheets spread across four schedules.
Sharing his thoughts on completing the film, director Yuvaraj Chinnasamy said, “Completing Haiku is an emotional and deeply satisfying moment for our entire team. I sincerely thank our producers, Dr. D. Arulanandhu and Mathewo Arulanandhu, for believing in this story from the very beginning and for giving me complete creative freedom throughout the journey. Their trust allowed us to bring the film to life exactly as we had envisioned it. Working with Aegan, Sridevi, Femina George and every member of our cast and crew has been an enriching experience. We are shaping Haiku into a soothing, breezy and emotionally fulfilling theatrical experience, and we are excited to share it with audiences. Every director needs producers who stand firmly behind the vision, and I was fortunate to receive that unwavering support. I truly believe Vision Cinema House will become a platform that encourages many talented young filmmakers in the future.”
Producers Dr. D. Arulanandhu and Mathewo Arulanandhu said reaching this milestone has been immensely gratifying. They praised director Yuvaraj Chinnasamy for his clarity, sincerity and disciplined approach throughout production, adding that the film has taken shape exactly as they had hoped. They also expressed confidence that audiences will connect with the film’s emotional core when it reaches theatres after the completion of post-production.
Apart from Aegan and Sridevi, the ensemble cast includes Femina George, Adrichi Arun, Mime Gopi, ‘Sathyam Sundaram’ fame Indhumathi, ‘Lubber Pandhu’ fame Jenson, ‘Sirai’ fame Ismatha Banu, Doctor Shiva and several other notable performers. The technical team comprises Hari Haran Ram (Additional Screenplay), Priyesh Guruswamy (Cinematography), Sakthi Pranesh (Editing), Siddhu Kumar (Music) and Prem (Art Direction).
Even before the completion of production, Haiku achieved a significant milestone by securing its post-theatrical digital streaming rights with Netflix. At a time when digital acquisitions have become increasingly selective, the early OTT deal reflects the confidence in the film’s storytelling and universal emotional appeal. With principal photography now complete, the makers have shifted their focus to post-production, with more updates on the film expected in the coming months.
“If you don’t like Deewana, I’ll compensate you for your wasted time with interest when my next film releases: Sree Vishnu
On Saturday, the first 25 ticket buyers in every town across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will receive one additional ticket free. If you enjoy the film, bring someone else to the theatres or share your experience on social media,” appealed Sree Vishnu at the film’s thank-you meet
Young and talented actor Harshith Reddy stars in the romantic entertainer Deewana, produced by Vasudev Koppineni and Sridevi Karyampudi under the Arha Media and V Studios banners. The film also marks the debut of actress Smeha Manimegalai and director Sreekanth Sangishetty. Since its theatrical release, Deewana has been receiving an encouraging response from audiences across all sections and is running successfully. To celebrate the film’s success, the makers organized a grand thank-you meet in Hyderabad with hero Sree Vishnu attending as the chief guest.
Actress Sindhu said, “My parents became emotional after watching Deewana. My mother was moved to tears. Just like them, audiences are connecting deeply with the film. I’m happy to have been a part of this beautiful project.”
Actor Narsingh Wadekar said, “I thank Sree Vishnu for always encouraging good films regardless of their scale. Deewana may be a small film in terms of budget, but it has the potential to outperform many big films. We all became genuine friends while playing friends in the movie. Go watch the film. If you don’t like it, I won’t act in films again.”
Actor Tony said, “Sree Vishnu is a true superstar when it comes to supporting small films. I had the opportunity to work with him in Brochevarevarura, and I’m delighted that he attended our thank-you meet. I come from a single-parent family, and my mother raised us with immense sacrifice. I can’t wait to show her Deewana.”
Actor K.K. said, “With everyone’s support, Deewana has picked up excellent momentum. That’s why we’re celebrating this success happily. As our film conveys, no matter how successful you become in life, always keep your parents happy.”
Production Designer Jhansi Gojala said, “Director Sreekanth explained the story to me with remarkable clarity. His attention to detail made my work much easier. We designed every element to look as natural as possible, and it’s heartening to see the audience appreciating our efforts.”
Costume Designer Manasa said, “Harshith, director Srikanth, actor Tony, and I often went shopping together for the costumes. Director Srikanth ensured every costume matched his vision perfectly. His clarity is one of the main reasons every department has come together so beautifully.”
Director of Photography Vamsi Patchipulusu said, “I’ve worked on films like Kshanam and Major. Just as the story of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan inspired me in Major, the character of Munna in Deewana inspired me in a similar way. This isn’t about whether it’s a small or big film, it’s simply a good film. The response in theatres is as overwhelming as the response we’re seeing here today.”
Executive Producer Mahesh said, “Thanks to everyone’s support, Deewana is running successfully. Those who haven’t watched it yet should definitely experience it. No matter where you are in life today, this film will remind you of your school and college days, bringing back precious memories and emotions that will stay with you.”
Editor Hrushikesh Paspal said, “My parents are extremely proud after watching Deewana, and I thank director Srikanth for making that possible. I joined this project because of producer Vasu, and during the making of the film we all developed a bond like a family.”
Music Director Eshwar Chand said, “Ever since Deewana released, I’ve been visiting theatres every day to watch audience reactions. Seeing people enjoy the film has been incredibly satisfying. This film will be a career-defining project for our entire team. Director Sreekanth has proved his talent, and producers Vasu and Sridevi have a bright future ahead. I urge everyone to watch Deewana this weekend. It’s an experience you’ll cherish for years.”
Lyricist Alaraju said, “Deewana is a story that captures a mother’s longing for her son, a father’s struggle for his child, the unwavering bond between friends, and a young man’s fight for the girl he loves. I urge everyone to watch our film.”
Actor Raghu Karumanchi said, “Even before the hero was finalized, director Srikanth told me that I would be playing the role of Ram Singh. I have completed 25 years as an actor and have acted in nearly 300 films. Directors Surender Reddy and V.V. Vinayak gave me my identity as an actor, but Sreekanth has now revealed a completely new dimension of my performance. In real life, I’m very much like Munna, fun-loving and mischievous. Sometimes I feel as if this film was inspired by my own life. Deewana is a beautiful film that audiences will thoroughly enjoy in theatres.”
Director Sreekanth Sangishetty said, “Cinema is my life, and producers Vasu and Sridevi gave me a new life by believing in Deewana. Many people tried to bring this film down, but the media stood by me with unwavering support. I wrote this story on paper, and our cinematographer Vamsi brought it alive on screen. I love my Deewana more than the legendary love story of Salim and Anarkali. No matter how hard some people try to suppress this film, it continues to rise. People are telling me they’ve watched it five times in just five days. Please experience this film on the big screen with your family. I don’t want audiences watching it on a small television. It’s a small-budget film that delivers a grand cinematic experience because of the strength of the writing and our exceptional cast. Even films made on ₹100-crore budgets may not have visuals like ours. This is a film unlike anything seen in any language. I’ll be truly happy only if audiences watch it in theatres.”
Producer Sridevi Karyampudi said, “We sincerely thank Sree Vishnu for attending our thank-you meet as the chief guest. Naresh garu’s character has been receiving an overwhelming response from audiences. Journalist Prema appreciated our film after comparing its posters with Singeetham and Maa Inti Bangaram, saying that it’s heartening to see such meaningful films produced by women. I thank her for her encouragement. At our trailer launch, I said that Munna and Ammu would make audiences laugh, cry, and fall in love with them. Today, that’s exactly what theatre audiences are experiencing. In recent times, no other film has inspired as many reels as Deewana. Viewers are creating and sharing them on their own. When Vasu and I decided to become producers, Aravind garu supported and encouraged us from the very beginning, and his belief continues to give us confidence. I also thank producer Vidya akka for her support. We are proud to have made a truly memorable film.”
Producer Vasudev Koppineni said, “The story is the true hero of Deewana, and our talented technical team has brought this beautiful story to life on screen. We are grateful to Aravind garu and Vidya akka for their unwavering support. Deewana will not be arriving on OTT anytime soon because we want audiences to experience it in theatres. Like Pelli Choopulu and C/o Kancharapalem, this is one of those rare films that comes along once in a while. It offers a beautiful two-and-a-half-hour cinematic experience. We also wanted cinema to remain affordable, which is why ticket prices have been fixed at just ₹100 in single-screen theatres and ₹105 across all PVR screens.”
Hero Harshith Reddy said, “Deewana is like a miracle baby for us. We don’t have star power, everyone involved is a newcomer. Even after its first week, the film is maintaining around 70 percent occupancy in theatres, and that’s our biggest success. My debut film as a hero was produced by Samantha, and I wasn’t sure how to react when Deewana was scheduled to release alongside her film. The fact that our film is also running successfully alongside such a blockbuster is a victory in itself. Audiences are embracing every character in the film, and that’s another achievement for us. Although we had widely promoted a July 19 release, the film eventually released a day later. Despite that, audiences have supported us wholeheartedly. Those who have watched the film are recommending it to others. Everyone is talking about the interval block and the twist, but no one is revealing the surprise, and that itself shows how audiences are protecting our film. We are completely satisfied with the response. It pains me when some people say their families aren’t being encouraged to watch the film because Deewana is a rare cinematic experience. Please watch it in theatres, you’ll truly enjoy it.”
Actor V.K. Naresh said, “Every member of the team who spoke on this stage expressed their genuine emotions. We need more honest films like Deewana. It’s an honest love story, and that’s why it has become a success. Every member of this team has a bright future ahead. They have all worked passionately for this film. Director Sreekanth has the talent to make many more successful films. Producers Vasu and Sridevi were always focused on making the best possible film. I’m proud to have been a part of such a wonderful project. I request everyone to watch Deewana in theatres.”
Hero Sree Vishnu said, “Producer Vidya spoke very highly of Deewana and told me about the thank-you meet. Vasu invited me to attend as the chief guest. I watched the film, and I absolutely loved it. Jhansi garu, Naresh garu, and the entire cast were perfectly chosen. The cinematography and music are outstanding. About fifteen minutes before the interval, the film enters an entirely different zone. I’ve never seen an interval block like this in Telugu cinema. I was actually upset with the director for taking the story in that direction, but that’s only because I had become emotionally attached to the characters. Harshith is a very natural performer, and I really like his acting and voice. With the right project, he has the potential to earn a great name for himself.
“This isn’t just a love story; it’s a deeply emotional film about life. Writing with this kind of depth comes only with experience. I kept wondering how the second half would unfold, and every performance was excellent. By the time the film reaches its climax, it leaves you with a sense of complete satisfaction. Deewana is a beautiful film that deserves to be watched by everyone. I sincerely want audiences to support it. Director Sreekanth has found a wonderful team and the backing of Geetha Arts. People are appreciating the film, and I want him to enjoy every moment of this success.
“As my contribution towards supporting the film, this Saturday, the first 25 ticket buyers in every town across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will receive one additional ticket free. If you enjoy the film, bring someone else to the theatres or simply share your experience on social media. That itself will give Deewana a huge boost. I’m saying this with complete confidence because I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. But if you genuinely feel your time was wasted, let me know, I promise to repay you with interest when my next film releases. Although many may think it’s a youthful film, it’s actually a beautiful family entertainer. Watch it with your family, and you’ll enjoy it even more. I sincerely request everyone to support Deewana.”
