Deepika Padukone to Not Star in Kalki 2898 AD Sequel!

Deepika Padukone Exits Prabhas' Kalki 2898 AD Sequel, Vyjayanthi Movies Confirms!

Hyderabad: In a move that's shaking up the film industry, Deepika Padukone will not be returning for the highly anticipated sequel to Prabhas' blockbuster hit, Kalki 2898 AD. The news was officially confirmed by the production house, Vyjayanthi Movies, which released a public statement about the actress's departure.

The Official Announcement

The production company took to social media to break the news, stating, "After careful consideration, we have decided to part ways." The statement further noted that they were unable to find a "partnership" and that a film of this scale requires "commitment and much more." The strong wording has led to widespread speculation among fans and industry insiders about the reasons behind the split.

Why Did the Star Actress Leave?

While the official statement points to a lack of "partnership," sources suggest a more personal reason for Padukone's exit. Reports claim the actress, who recently became a mother, is prioritizing her family life. Rumors have been circulating that she's been seeking an eight-hour workday to balance her personal and professional life. This demand, which reportedly caused issues with another of her projects, may have also been a point of contention with the Kalki makers.

What's Next for the Kalki Franchise?

Padukone’s character, SUM-80, the mother of the divine Kalki avatar, is a central figure in the film's storyline. Her departure leaves a major void that the production team will need to fill before they can begin shooting the sequel. The hunt for a new leading lady is now on, and fans are already buzzing with suggestions.

This unexpected casting change has put the spotlight back on the Kalki franchise, raising both questions and excitement about its future. All eyes are on Vyjayanthi Movies to see who they cast next in this pivotal role.

Suriya’s scientist avatar for R. Ravikumar’s futuristic drama!

South superstar Suriya is one of the most talented actors, and his association with Indru Netru Naalai and Ayalaan director R. Ravikumar is an anticipated project. As per latest updates, the movie is anticipated to roll in January 2023, and the director has already started to bring his team together for this Suriya starrer, which will be mounted on a large scale.

“This untitled project is a futuristic-drama and will see Suriya play a scientist. A major portion of the film will be shot in Chennai, where a large set will be built closer to the shooting date. It’s a futuristic drama, and Ravikumar is leaving no stone unturned to bring the best team onboard. The scripting at the moment is also in the final stage. Meanwhile, casting for the leading lady will begin soon,” reveals a source.

He will also be making a cameo in R. Madhavan’s Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, which is scheduled to release on July 1.

Veteran filmmaker T Rama Rao’s demise at 83 due to age-related illness!

Well-known veteran director and producer T Rama Rao, who is credited with some outstanding work in Tami, Telugu and Hindi cinema, passed away in Chennai during the wee hours today at the age of 83. His death was due to age-related illness. The last rites will be held at Kannammapet crematorium at 4 pm today. T Rama Rao is survived by wife Tatineni Jayashree and children Chamundeswari, Naga Suuseela and Ajay.

Rama Rao has associated with numerous top performers during his career including NTR, ANR, Shoban Babu, Krishna, Balakrishna, Sridevi, Jayapradha, Jayasudha, among others. His work includes top-notch films like Navarathri, Jeevana Tarangalu, Bramachari, Aalumagalu, Yamagola, Presidenti Gari Abbayi, Illalu, Pandani Jeevitham, Pachani Kaapuram, etc.

Beside Tamil Film Industry, he made a strong mark when entered the Hindi film industry in 1979 and worked with top actors like Amitabh Bachan, Jeetendra, Dharmendra, Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor, Govinda, Mithun Chakraborty. He has the distinction of introducing Superstar Rajinikanth in Hindi with movie Andhaa Kanoon. He made super hit movies in Hindi like Judai, Jeevan Dhara, Ek Hi Book, Andhaa Kanoon, Inqulaab, Insaf Ki Pukar, Watan Ke Rakhwale, Dosti Dushmani, Nache Mayuri, John Jani Janardhan, Raavan Raj, Muqabla, Hathkadi, Jung, etc.

Kajal Aggarwal's sweet birthday wish for 'sister' Nisha!

The south diva Kajal Aggarwal and her sister Nisha are pure siblings’ goals and yet again they have proved it with their recent pics. On her sister Nisha’s birthday, Kajal took to social media and shared loveable photos with a lovely note to wish her.

Posting a series of unseen photos from her wedding, Kajal Aggarwal penned a birthday note to Nisha, which read, "Happiest birthday to the most gracious, gorgeous, kindest person I know - I’m so proud to call my younger sister may you’re heart be full of love, gratitude, joy, growth and advancement in every aspect of your being ! You always find strength, humour, health and comfort if you stumble and may you have the best experiences that life has to offer! Love you my bayvee."

In the meantime, Kajal is filming for the much-awaited movie Acharya alongside Chiranjeevi, Ram Charan, and Pooja Hegde.

Rashmika Mandanna’s no makeup selfie with infectious smile!

The south diva Rashmika Mandanna is one of the most active stars on social media. From time to time, she keeps her followers updated about tits-bits of her life.

Recently, the Dear Comrade actress shared a selfie on her Instagram space where she can be seen flaunting her infectious smile and flawless skin. She shared some of the prettiest pics of her new pet Aura on the social media site and penned a thoughtful note for her. In her message, she clarified that during the pandemic, the little one has kept her ‘sane’. She told that she wanted to give everyone an update on her current situation and further added, “They say you can fall in love with someone in 3 seconds... But she melted my heart in 0.3 milliseconds I think...”

Thalapathy Vijay’s reunion with Lokesh Kanagaraj again after Master!

Thalapathy Vijay’s next film tentatively titled Thalapathy 65 will be helmed by Doctor director Nelson Dilipkumar. Recently, South superstar Thalapathy Vijay took the Box Office by storm after his movie Master hit the big screens. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Master was one of the movies that got a theatrical release soon after the lockdown restrictions were relaxed.

Now, a media report has come up stating that Thalapathy Vijay will be reuniting with Lokesh Kanagaraj yet again for a film after Thalapathy 65. As per a daily, the movie will be bankrolled by Lalit Kumar’s Seven Screen Studios. But, an official pronouncement regarding this development has not been made yet.

Vijay Deverakonda is in awe of his Liger’s costar Ananya Panday!

As we all know that Vijay Deverakonda will be romancing Ananya Panday for the first time in Puri Jagganadh’s pan India project Liger and their fresh jodi is grabbing a lot of attention. He will be seen essaying an interesting character in the movie and it has got the audience quite thrilled about Liger.

Now, Vijay Deverakonda can’t stop gushing about his experience of working with Ananya Panday who is making her debut in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam cinema. During his latest media interaction with a daily, the Dear Comrade star was all admirations for Ananya and called her a hard-working actress who is fun to work with. “Ananya is lovely! She works hard and does a really good job. She's a fun co-star,” Vijay was quoted saying.

Produced by Karan Johar, Liger will be releasing on September 9 this year and happens to be an action packed adventure film.

South star Vishnu Vishal to welcome Aishwarya Rajesh for Mohandas!

After wrapping his upcoming film 'FIR' directed by Manu Anand, south star Vishnu Vishal is now all set to begin the shooting of his next movie titled Mohandas. The movie was pronounced in 2020 and it is produced under Vishnu Vishal’s home banner Vishnu Vishal Studioz. Hyped to be a dark thriller, that will be directed by Kalavu fame Murali Karthick.

Recently, Vishnu Vishal has pronounced on his Twitter space that the movie will have Aishwarya Rajesh as the leading lady. The movie will have music by KS Sundaramurthy and cinematography by Vignesh Rajagopalan. Welcoming Aishwarya Rajesh to the movie, Vishnu Vishal also disclosed that he has been a fan of Aishwarya Rajesh. He posted, "I've always been a fan of your work... You've always been a good friend… Now, let's work together for #Mohandas." (sic)

Pooja Hegde’s note on 11 million hits on Instagram!

As we all know that the 2020 has been a great year for Pooja Hegde despite a lot going on amid COVID-19 outbreaks. She began the year on a good note with the success of Allu Arjun starrer Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo. Recently, Pooja Hegde has achieved another huge feat as she hits 11 million followers on Instagram.

Sharing a photo of herself enjoying a workout at home, Pooja Hegde penned a heartfelt note for fans and thanked them for all the love and support. She shared, "11 MILLION!  Since this year has been about my legs (if you know you know ) I decided it was apt to use them for my post.... As usual, I will continue to spread positivity, love and entertain you’ll with my fun and silly posts. Your love and unconditional support makes me dance, walk from strength to strength and love with my heart. Loads of love from Buttabomma herself."

Rashmika Mandanna’s plant saplings in her garden for a Green Challenge!

Posting a photo of herself from her garden with muddy hands, Rashmika took up the challenge and nominated three other actresses.

It seems stars in the South entertainment industry are having a blast as they are nominating each other in the ‘Green Challenge’ to plant saplings. Recently, Rashmika Mandanna got tagged by Samantha Akkineni to take up the challenge. Posting a photograph of herself from her garden with muddy hands, Rashmika took up the challenge and nominated three other stars namely Rashi Khanna, Kalyani Priyadarshan and Ashika Ranganath to take up the challenge.

Sharing the a lovely snap, Rashmika wrote on Instagram, “Thank you @samantharuthprabhuoffl for nominating me I've accepted the #harahaitohbharahai #greenindiachallenge Btw the struggle was real to get a picture without an awkward face I further nominate @raashikhannaoffl @kalyanipriyadarshan @ashika_rangnath and all of you guys, my fans to take up the challenge, plant 3 saplings, and continue the chain by tagging your friends and family”.

Rana Daggubati’s cute encounter with the nephew-uncle duo Naga and Venkatesh!

South biggies Venkatesh Daggubati and Naga Chaitanya are presently in the news as the uncle-nephew duo has geared up for the release of their forthcoming movie, Venky Mama. Venkatesh will be seen along with his nephew Chaitanya for the first time on the big screen. Lately, Rana Daggubati took to Instagram and shared a perfect moment with Naga Chaitanya and Victory Venkatesh.

Rana Daggubati interviewed his cousin Chaitanya and uncle Venkatesh, and it’s the best picture you will see today. Rana Daggubati took to Instagram and posted, "Family, and films add up to fun! This conversation on #VenkyMama is going to be all of insightful and endearing. #venkymamafromdec13th."

Kiccha Sudeep to croon for Krishna Talkies!

South star Kiccha Sudeep will be lending his voice for a forthcoming movie titled Krishna Talkies. This movie is directed by director Ajay Rao. As per report that Pailwaan star Kiccha Sudeep is a very good singer. Kiccha Sudeep has previously crooned for movies like Vaalee, Chandu, Shaanthi Nivaasa, Veera Madakari, Kempe Gowda, Bachchan.

As per media reports on Kannada star Kiccha Sudeep, he loved the initial tune of the song and instantly gave his nod to lend his voice for the song. He will sing the song which is composed by music director Sridhar Sambhram.

Malayalam star Tovino Thomas to do films till drop dead!

Well-known actor Tovino Thomas is one of the most bankable superstars in the Malayalam film industry. Tovino has proved to be a wonderful actor with over 30 movies to his credit. While he has geared up for the release of his forthcoming movie, Kalki, Tovino is also shooting for director Swapnesh K Nair's upcoming movie Edakkad Batallion 06. He also has a superhero film Minnal Murali and a crossover movie titled 563 St. Charles Street in the kitty.

During a media chat, Tovino was questioned about doing too several movies a year. To this, he answered, "Each film is different. There are movies that finish in two months, some in four months, and if my character is small, my portions would be over in 10 days. If good characters come my way, I don’t feel like missing them. So, you can do as many movies as you want depending on the length of the schedule. I will do films till I drop dead (laughs)."

Tovino was last seen in the film, Luca.

Nithiin and Keerthy Suresh to romance in director Venky Atluri’s Rang De!

Director Venky Atluri and actor Nithiin have come together for a film titled, Rang De. The movie will see actress Keerthy Suresh essaying the female lead. Recently, actor Nithiin actor took to Twitter and disclosed about the film's title and more. He wrote, "#Nithiin29 is titled as RANG DE! Working with the Young n talented dir Venky atluri, costarring @KeerthyOfficial n produced by @vamsi84 @SitharaEnts AND cinematography by my ALL TIME FAV D.o.P @pcsreeram  sir."

The movie's tagline read, "Gimme Some Love". Going by the film's title, Rang De will be a refreshing and breezy love story. 

Kamal Haasan to host Bigg Boss Tamil 3 with 15 contestants!

South superstar Kamal Haasan returns as a host yet again for the reality show, Bigg Boss Tamil 3. The much-awaited reality show began on a high note on June 23 with an outstanding premiere.

Kamal Haasan took a tour of grand and royal Bigg Boss Tamil 3 house. The reality show has observed some astonishing entries and audience are already looking forward to a roller-costers three months journey. The grand launch event last night witnessed some exceptional performances by the participants. With a couple of Sri Lankans, two new readers, singers and actors, Bigg Boss Tamil season 3 is expected to be entertaining and high on drama.

Like every season, 15 contestants will stay inside the reality house for 100 days under watchful eyes of cameras.

The list of Bigg Boss Tamil 3’s 15 contestants as follows:

Anchor Reshma Pasupuleti (Ex-Air Hostess and TV Anchor

Malaysian Singer Mugen (Malaysian actor and singer)

Sandy (Choreographer)

Tharshan Thyagaraja (An aspiring actor)

Mohan Vaidya (A commoner, who is a singer, violinist and actor)

Sherin Shringar (A model turned actor)

Director Cheran (Writer and director Cheran)

Vanitha (actor Vijaykumar’s daughter)

Paruthiveeran Saravanan (Actor)

Abhirami Venkatachalam (a popular face on Tamil TV)

Kavin (Tamil actor)

Madhumitha (TV Actress)

Sakshi Agarwal (Actress)

Losliya (A newsreader from Sri Lanka)

Fathima Babu (Former News Reader and Actor)

Rashmika Mandanna’s chirpy avatar at airport!

South beauty Rashmika Mandanna, who is one of the most famous actresses presently down South, was spotted at Hyderabad airport recently. Rashmika made a casual appearance in track pants paired with black top and cap.

Rashmika will soon be seen opposite Vijay Deverakonda in their forthcoming movie, Dear Comrade.

Priya Prakash Varrier’s desire to work with Ranveer Singh in Simmba

Malayalam Film Industry sensation Priya Prakash Varrier, who is gearing up for the release of her forthcoming movie "SrideviBungalow", tells she wanted to become a part of Rohit Shetty's "Simmba" along with Ranveer Singh.

Priya intermingled with the media at the trailer launch of ‘Sridevi Bungalow' here on Sunday.

Famous as the 'wink girl', Priya became an instant sensation with her expressions in the teaser song "Manikya Malaraya Poovi" from her Malayalam film "Oru Aadar Love".

As per media reports, her name was associated with Ranveer Singh starrer "Simmba" too. But Sara Ali Khan was finally cast as the lead actress in the movie, which is breaking box office records.

When questioned which Hindi film she wanted to do in current times, she revealed, "I wanted to become a part of ‘Simmba'. There were lots of rumours that I was part of ‘Simmba' but I wish that was true because I am a great fan of Ranveer Singh.

In addition Priya Prakash Warrier, ‘Sridevi Bungalow' also stars Priyanshu Chatterjee. It is directed by Prasanth Mambully.

Jr NTR’s name pop up again for Bigg Boss Telugu 3’s host!

TV reality show Bigg Boss Telugu is all set for its third season and the excitement among the audiences is quite high. The first season of the show was quite a huge hit with Jr NTR as the host. But, Jr NTR could not continue with the second season due to his work commitments. The makers finally went to Nani who hosted the second season. Now, the makers of the reality show are back with the third season, and seemingly, Jr NTR will return as the host yet again.

As per a media source, “They did not approach any other actor for the show as they are confident that Jr NTR is coming back.” The quote further reads, “Jr NTR is working with director S.S. Rajamouli and it will take at least two years for the film, and in between, the actor is thinking that it is better to host this show which gives him a connect with people. So he may think about it.”

Jr NTR is presently hectic with the shooting of RRR which also stars Ram Charan. Directed by SS Rajamouli, the movie is one of the biggest projects of 2019.

I will enter politics if god willing, says Rajinikanth!

Megastar Rajinikanth met his admirers in a public forum recently after a long gap of eight years. The event was organised at Raghavendra Mandapam in Chennai recently. The actor spoke at length during the meet and spoke about a lot of things. From politics to his career, Rajini spoke about few strange things.

“God decides what we have to do in life. Right now, he wants me to be an actor and I’m fulfilling my responsibility. If God willing, I will enter politics tomorrow. If I enter, I will be very truthful and will not entertain people who are in this to make money. I won’t work with such people,” told megastar Rajinikanth.

The 66-year-old megastar told that he considered his brief stint in politics years ago as a “political accident”. Talking about it Rajinikanth told, “I did a mistake by supporting a political alliance 21 years ago. It was a political accident. Since then, politicians have misused my name on several occasions. But I have to clarify, I’m not joining any party.”

Rajinikanth had a distinctive message for his fans. “Take care of your family and children. Don’t waste your life by smoking and drinking. Drinking and smoking not only affects your health but also your decision-making ability. I have been affected enough so please take my advice seriously,” added the megastar.

Rajinikanth will now join the shooting of his forthcoming movie with Pa Ranjith which is yet to be titled. The movie will be bankrolled by his son-in-law actor Dhanush.

Sunny Leone prefers the South Film Industry over Bollywood?

Actress Sunny Leone, who was lately shooting in Bangalore for a special number in South film Luv U Alia, revealed that she likes working in the South film industry and that she had a great experience working in South films.

Explaining on the same, Leone told that she enjoys working in the South industry as there is always a positive atmosphere on the sets and also as no one tries to act fresh with her over there, which makes us wonder if Leone has faced such issues in Bollywood.

Sunny, who made her Bollywood debut with Jism 2, will be next seen in Tina And Lolo and One Night Stand.