Kannappa Makers Issue Legal Warning Ahead of Release: “Premeditated Trolls Will Face Action”

With Kannappa set to hit theatres globally on June 27, 2025, the makers of the highly awaited Telugu mythological fantasy film have released a public caution notice warning against defamatory attacks and intentional trolling. The film, based on the legendary devotee of Lord Shiva, stars Vishnu Manchu in the titular role and features a host of big names in cameo appearances. Taking to the official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the team behind Kannappa posted a stern statement titled “Public Caution Notice” along with a warning: “Misuse, distortion, or defamatory acts against the film or its stakeholders will be legally challenged.” A Message for Critics and Trolls The notice emphasized that Kannappa has been made responsibly and holds all lawful clearances for its global release. The filmmakers urged critics to watch the film first, understand its intent, and offer constructive feedback, rather than engaging in biased or vindictive commentary. “We respectfully request all critiques to watch the film first, appreciate its substance, understand the intent and then comment on it with responsibility, rather than succumbing to premeditated biases or vendetta-fuelled commentary,” the statement read. Legal Rights Reserved The team further clarified that while they respect freedom of speech, defamatory or malicious commentary falls outside the protections of Article 19 (1)(a) of the Indian Constitution. Any intentional reputational harm to the film or its key individuals will be met with appropriate legal action. They also cited a ruling by the Hon’ble Delhi High Court, which has granted protection to the personality and publicity rights of Dr. Mohan Babu and Vishnu Manchu, key figures in the film. The notice warns that unauthorized usage, misrepresentation, or defamation of their image may lead to serious legal consequences. “Any dilution or tarnishment of their persona, image or distinct attributes… may invite consequences under the present direction from the Hon’ble Court as well as under applicable laws,” the statement added. Star-Studded Mythological Epic Directed with grandeur and featuring elaborate visuals, Kannappa boasts a powerful cast including Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, and Madhoo, with special appearances by Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva, Mohanlal as Kirata, Prabhas as Rudra, and Kajal Aggarwal as Goddess Parvati. With its ambitious storytelling rooted in Hindu mythology and devotional themes, the film aims to engage a pan-Indian audience and set a new benchmark in mythological cinema. As anticipation builds, the makers have made it clear: creative freedom will be defended, but malicious intent will be challenged.

Diljit Dosanjh Gets Emotional on BBC Interview: “I’m Not Going to the Met Gala, Punjab Is”

In a deeply emotional and candid interview with the BBC, singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh opened up about his profound connection with Punjab and the global representation of Punjabi culture. The interview comes at a tense moment for the star, who is facing backlash in India over his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, which features Pakistani actor Hania Aamir. The film is scheduled to release overseas on June 27. Diljit, visibly moved during the conversation, addressed criticism that he only focuses on Punjab and avoids speaking about India. “I don’t want it to seem like I’m doing anything for Punjab. I’m just doing my job. Whatever is happening is not in my control. I am Punjabi, what can I say?” he said, adding, “I’m working for myself. I’m a very selfish guy.” He also offered a philosophical reflection on life and criticism. “When someone hates me, I like to think that there is probably something still inside me that deserves to be hated. When I become a better person, I will not be hated anymore,” he said. Speaking with pride, he called Punjab a land of resilience and talent. “Perhaps Punjab is blessed, but perhaps it is also cursed,” he said. Clarifying that representing his roots was not a political stance, Diljit emphasized that it was a matter of personal identity. He shared how his international appearances—at Coachella, on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and the Met Gala 2025—were all part of his dream to bring Punjabi culture to the global stage. The Met Gala, in particular, held deep significance for him. Recalling how he envisioned the look in his vanity van, he said, “I cried when I first had the vision… I wanted to honour my Punjabi culture.” He wore a cape with the map of Punjab and Gurmukhi script, calling it “not about Diljit, but about Punjab going to the Met Gala.” Diljit also criticized Cartier, accusing the French luxury brand of stealing the Maharaja of Patiala’s iconic necklace. He said he asked Cartier to let him wear the historic necklace for the Met Gala, but the brand declined, claiming it was at an exhibition. “So we had a replica made,” he said. “I wanted to look like a raja. That necklace was ours, and they took it.” Addressing the controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3, Dosanjh explained that the decision to release the film internationally was taken by the producers, not him. He clarified that the film was shot well before the Pahalgam terror attack and urged critics to understand the context before passing judgment. Despite the backlash, Diljit remained steadfast in his mission: “The Punjabi language is ancient. It is due some respect. There is a whole story there.” His message was clear—he may be a global star, but his soul remains firmly rooted in Punjab.

CIA Confirms Severe Long-Term Damage to Iran’s Nuclear Facilities Following U.S. Airstrikes; Trump and Allies Stand Firm on Devastation

CIA Director John Ratcliffe on Wednesday confirmed that recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure inflicted severe and long-lasting damage, contradicting earlier reports that downplayed the impact. In an official statement, Ratcliffe revealed that newly obtained, credible intelligence indicates several of Iran’s key nuclear facilities were completely destroyed and would require years to rebuild. “The CIA has verified through historically reliable sources that Iran’s Nuclear Program has suffered extensive destruction due to targeted strikes. Key facilities have been rendered inoperable and cannot be restored in the short term,” Ratcliffe stated. He added that the agency is continuing to collect intelligence and will keep both U.S. leadership and the public informed, citing the national significance of the matter. President Donald Trump, speaking at the NATO summit in the Netherlands, echoed the CIA’s assessment and dismissed prior U.S. intelligence briefings that suggested limited damage. “This was a devastating attack, and it knocked them for a loop,” he told reporters, asserting that the nuclear sites were “completely and fully obliterated.” Trump also announced that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth would hold a press conference Thursday to present “irrefutable proof” of the strikes’ effectiveness, in a move aimed at quelling criticism and backing American bomber crews frustrated with “Fake News” coverage. While attending the NATO summit, Trump noted that U.S. allies, including Israel, backed his account. An Israeli government statement supported the claim, noting that Iran’s nuclear capabilities had been set back by many years. Iran’s foreign ministry also acknowledged “significant damage” to its nuclear program, although it stopped short of confirming total destruction. Secretary of State Marco Rubio added in an interview that the airstrikes had pushed Iran “much further away from a nuclear weapon” than before. However, concerns persist over the fate of approximately 400 kilograms of enriched uranium that could potentially be weaponized. While some international reports suggest Iran may have moved the stockpile ahead of the strike, U.S. officials maintain there’s no solid evidence of this. “I believe they didn’t have a chance to get anything out,” said Trump. “It’s very hard to move that kind of material, and very dangerous.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt further claimed that if the uranium wasn’t destroyed, “it is buried under miles and miles of rubble due to the success of the strikes.” Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told French media that the agency had lost monitoring access to Iran’s nuclear material since the onset of hostilities, complicating independent verification efforts. The Pentagon confirmed that the U.S. used 14 GBU-57 “bunker-buster” bombs, each weighing over 13,600 kg, to strike three major nuclear sites in Iran. One of the targets was the heavily fortified Fordow enrichment facility, buried deep inside a mountain. A joint statement by the White House and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declared the facility “inoperable.” The Israel Atomic Energy Commission echoed this, stating that the operation had significantly delayed Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told Al Jazeera, “Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that’s for sure.”

Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life Faces ₹25 Lakh Fine for Early Netflix Release After Box Office Failure

Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam’s highly anticipated collaboration Thug Life has encountered yet another setback — this time off the big screen. Following its underwhelming theatrical run since its June 5 release, the film is now facing penalties from national multiplex chains for breaking the 8-week OTT release protocol. ₹25 Lakh Fine for Breaching Theatrical Window Norms According to a report, Thug Life will be fined ₹25 lakh for premiering on Netflix just four weeks after its theatrical debut. This move goes against the industry-standard 8-week theatrical window that multiplexes in North India enforce strictly. A source told the publication: “There’s a norm in North India to strictly follow an 8-week window. As Thug Life has breached this guideline, the National Multiplex Chains have imposed a fine on the producers. The producers and distributors will forgo their theatrical share from the Hindi version, which amounts to ₹25 lakh.” Netflix Deal Renegotiated After Box Office Disappointment The film’s digital rights were initially valued at ₹130 crore, but due to its lackluster box office performance, Netflix reportedly renegotiated the deal down to ₹110 crore. The streamer also insisted on a reduced OTT window in exchange for the revised price. This is not the first time Kamal Haasan’s team has drawn criticism for bypassing theatrical norms. A similar incident occurred with the early OTT release of Indian 2, sparking tensions between production houses and theatre chains. Poor Box Office Performance and Controversies Despite the massive hype and powerhouse team of Haasan and Mani Ratnam, Thug Life failed to attract audiences and was pulled from most Indian theatres within three weeks. The film also attracted political controversy after Haasan’s remarks on Tamil-Kannada relations stirred debate in the media. Star-Studded Cast, But Short-Lived Theatrical Presence Thug Life features a prominent ensemble cast including Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ali Fazal, and more. It is co-written and co-produced by Kamal Haasan under Raaj Kamal Films International, in collaboration with Mani Ratnam’s Madras Talkies. Despite pushback from multiplex chains, the film’s OTT release on Netflix is expected in the coming days, cutting short its theatrical journey — a move likely to reignite debate over the balance between box office and streaming strategies in Indian cinema.

Box Office Clash with a Twist of Camaraderie: Maa vs Kannappa Hits Theatres June 27

This Friday, June 27, promises a cinematic showdown with a heartwarming twist as two mythological powerhouses—Ajay Devgn’s Maa and Vishnu Manchu’s Kannappa—gear up for release. But instead of rivalry, what stands out is the mutual admiration and good-natured banter between Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn. In a playful Instagram story, Akshay Kumar, who plays Lord Shiva in Kannappa, extended warm wishes to Ajay and Kajol for Maa, while cheekily requesting the same in return. “Yaar, Ajay, hum dono ki picture aa rahi hai iss Friday. Tu apne fans ki good wishes Kannappa ko bhej de, aur main mere Mahadev ki blessings Maa ko.Kya bolta hai? Good luck to Kajol and you, bhai. May the power be with you.” The message set the tone for a friendly clash—one rooted in mutual respect and celebration of Indian mythology on screen. About Maa Produced by Ajay Devgn, Jyoti Deshpande, and Kumar Mangat Pathak, and directed by Vishal Furia, Maa is a mythological horror drama that explores a mother’s desperate struggle against supernatural forces to save her daughter. Tied to a haunted village and invoking the fierce spirit of Goddess Kali, the film blends horror with spiritual mythos. About Kannappa Kannappa is a mythological fantasy thriller rooted in the legend of Lord Shiva’s devout follower. Starring Vishnu Manchu in the titular role, the film promises grandeur and divine drama with epic cameos by some of Indian cinema’s biggest stars: Friendship over Fierceness The Maa vs Kannappa clash is unique—not just for its mythological backdrop, but for how its stars are treating the box office battle like a festival of shared creativity rather than competition. Akshay Kumar’s shoutout symbolizes a growing trend in Bollywood and regional cinema: collaboration and goodwill over rivalry. With strong narratives, powerful performances, and rich visual storytelling, Maa and Kannappa both aim to captivate audiences across India this weekend. Let the divine drama begin!

Ram Kapoor Dropped from Mistry Promotions After Alleged Inappropriate Remarks

Veteran TV actor Ram Kapoor has been removed from all promotional activities for his upcoming JioHotstar series Mistry, following allegations of sexually inappropriate and unprofessional comments during a recent press event. The incident reportedly occurred during a media interaction in Mumbai on June 19, where Kapoor, known for his roles in Bade Achhe Lagte Hain and other popular TV shows, allegedly made sexually suggestive jokes and remarks that made multiple members of the press and the platform’s team uncomfortable. His co-star Mona Singh was also present during the interaction. Alleged Remarks Spark Internal Action Eyewitnesses claimed that Kapoor, while referring to his hectic promotional schedule, said he felt “gang-raped” — a comment made while a female journalist was setting up her microphone. The journalist reportedly confirmed the remark. Later in the day, Kapoor allegedly made inappropriate comments about the attire of a female colleague, saying her clothes were “distracting.” Additional remarks reportedly included jokes about sex positions and a disturbing statement directed at a male colleague, saying his mother “should have faked a headache” to prevent his birth. By June 20, the matter had reached JioHotstar’s senior leadership and HR department. After internal discussions and corroboration from multiple eyewitnesses, the platform took swift action, deciding to exclude Ram Kapoor from all future promotions of the show. “The platform wants to distance itself from any behaviour that normalises workplace misconduct,” a JioHotstar insider told Mid-Day. Mona Singh to Lead Promotions Alone Going forward, Mona Singh will be the sole representative of the show during its promotional run. Kapoor will not appear in any press interactions, interviews, or public events related to Mistry. About Mistry Mistry is the Indian adaptation of the acclaimed American series Monk, which centers on a brilliant but neurotic detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Ram Kapoor plays Armaan Mistry, the titular sleuth, in what was expected to be a major comeback project. The series is scheduled to premiere on JioHotstar this Friday. This development adds a serious layer of controversy to the show’s launch and raises important questions about accountability and professionalism in celebrity media conduct.

Esha Gupta Breaks Silence on Hardik Pandya Dating Rumours: “It Wasn’t Meant to Be”

After years of speculation, actress Esha Gupta has finally opened up about her rumored relationship with Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya. In a candid interview with Siddharth Kannan, the Raaz 3 actress clarified that while the two were in touch briefly, it never blossomed into a full-fledged romance. “Yeah, for some time we were talking. I don’t think we were dating, but yeah, we were talking for a couple of months,” Esha revealed, adding that they met only once or twice. She described their bond as being at the “maybe it will happen, maybe it won’t” stage. However, things fizzled out naturally before reaching any serious point. “There was no drama or bitterness. It just wasn’t meant to be,” she said, citing timing and lack of compatibility as the reasons. On Hardik’s Koffee With Karan Controversy Esha also addressed whether Pandya’s infamous 2019 appearance on Koffee With Karan — which stirred backlash for its sexist remarks — affected her. “That part didn’t affect me, because we had already stopped talking by then,” she clarified. Interestingly, she had previously criticized the tone of the episode but now reflects on it differently: “They were already going through enough. What good would it do if I jumped in with more criticism?” She emphasized personal growth and emotional maturity, choosing not to fuel controversy. On Why It Didn’t Work Out Esha hinted at a possible clash of lifestyles, stating: “I look for grounded, meaningful relationships away from the public spotlight,”something that may not align with Pandya’s high-profile public life as an Indian cricketer and media figure. What’s Next for Esha? With this rare glimpse into her personal life, Esha has offered clarity and poise, choosing transparency over gossip. As she continues her professional journey, her focus remains firmly on meaningful roles and a private life away from the headlines.

Neeraj Chopra Wins Ostrava Golden Spike 2025 Javelin Title, His Second Victory in a Week

Ostrava, Czech Republic – India’s Neeraj Chopra continued his golden run this season by clinching the javelin throw title at the prestigious Ostrava Golden Spike 2025, just three days after winning the Paris Diamond League. Competing at the Ostravar Aréna, Chopra registered a best throw of 85.29m, finishing ahead of South Africa’s Douw Smit and Grenada’s Anderson Peters. 🥇 Final Standings – Top Throws of the Night: Though Neeraj couldn’t match his 90.23m national record throw from the Doha Diamond League, his consistency and early-season dominance were on full display. This victory marks his second title in less than a week and his third podium finish in the 2025 season. ✅ Neeraj’s 2025 Season So Far: This was Neeraj’s fifth competitive outing of the season and his third major competition after a challenging 2024, in which he struggled with injury and missed defending his Olympic title to Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem. Coaching Transition & Comeback In a major career move, Neeraj parted ways with his long-time coach Dr Klaus Bartonietz and began training under Jan Železný, the javelin world record holder and the director of the Ostrava Golden Spike event. The results are clearly showing, as Neeraj has returned stronger, more technically refined, and focused on surpassing his own limits. Looking Ahead With back-to-back titles, Neeraj Chopra now looks ahead to more events in the World Athletics Continental Tour and the build-up to the 2025 World Championships and the 2026 Olympics. His form, confidence, and newfound training regime suggest a promising season ahead for the javelin star. 🇮🇳 India’s golden arm is back — and stronger than ever.

‘Panchayat’ Season 4 Receives Mixed Reactions; Finale Rated Lowest in Series History

The much-awaited Season 4 of Panchayat, which premiered on June 24 on Amazon Prime Video, has drawn mixed to negative reactions from viewers and critics alike. While fans welcomed the return of Jitendra Kumar as Sachiv Ji and enjoyed the familiar village setting of Phulera, many felt that the show lost its signature simplicity, humor, and emotional warmth, especially with the increased focus on local election politics. 📉 Finale Disappointment: IMDb Ratings Compared According to IMDb, the finale episode of Season 4, titled “Dabdaba,” currently holds a rating of 8.4 – the lowest finale rating among all four seasons: Many longtime fans of the series have taken to X (formerly Twitter) and social media platforms to share their disappointment. “Finished watching… Disappointed to the core. Slow, even boring in some parts… Lacked the USP comedy… unexpected downfall,” wrote one user. “Too much bad politics. On top of it, the ending is not good. Why did they ruin a good series?” said another. “Panchayat season 4 felt like attending a wedding you didn’t want to go to, but were forced to sit through,” another disappointed fan quipped. 🧾 About Season 4: A Shift in Tone The fourth season focuses heavily on the panchayat elections in Phulera and the political drama it stirs among villagers. While the core cast — including Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, and Pankaj Jha — returned, viewers felt that the magic of relatable rural life was overtaken by forced political intrigue and predictable storytelling. A review by Hindustan Times criticized the season for trading freshness for formula: “Panchayat Season 4 sees formula creeping in and an overload of political murkiness over the simplicity of human emotions… The season feels more manufactured, robbing the narrative of the freshness it retained for three seasons.” 🚨 Leaked Hours After Release Adding to the woes, all eight episodes of Season 4 were leaked on piracy websites just hours after its release — a serious blow to the team and Prime Video. 📌 The Verdict While Panchayat Season 4 retains its beloved cast and setting, the departure from its original tone has left many fans underwhelmed. The finale especially has drawn strong criticism, with some hoping that this narrative dip is just a setup for a more redemptive and grounded Season 5.

Apple’s iCloud Mail Faces Widespread Outage in U.S.; Multiple iCloud Services Affected Temporarily

Cupertino/New York. Apple’s iCloud Mail service experienced a widespread outage across the United States on June 25, leaving users unable to access their email accounts for several hours. Reports on DownDetector, a real-time outage tracking platform, peaked at 3:20 p.m. EDT (12:50 AM IST), highlighting the scale of the disruption. The issue wasn’t limited to Mail alone. According to Apple’s System Status page, several iCloud-based services were also temporarily down from around 12:06 AM IST to 4:30 AM IST. Affected services included: The Find My service, which allows users to track devices or share locations, was hit from 12:10 AM to 3:00 AM IST, leaving some users unable to locate their devices or contacts. Apple acknowledged the issue with a brief statement for each service, stating that “some users were affected” and may have “experienced an issue” with access or functionality. However, the tech giant did not disclose the exact cause of the disruption. Downdetector Insights Outage reports on Downdetector.com surged starting around 1:15 AM IST, eventually peaking with 908 problem reports. The majority of users (about 50%) cited issues accessing iCloud Mail, while 26% reported server connection problems, and 24% complained of trouble syncing or accessing files. Full Restoration Achieved By 4:30 AM IST, Apple confirmed that all affected services had been fully restored. While the disruption was relatively short-lived, it significantly impacted users who rely on Apple’s cloud infrastructure for essential functions like email, photo backups, and device location tracking. This is not the first instance of an iCloud disruption in 2025, raising concerns among users about the reliability of Apple’s cloud-based services, particularly during critical hours.

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