September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Latest

Mitchell Starc Retires from T20Is to Focus on Tests and 2027 ODI World Cup

Australia pacer Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 internationals, saying he wants to prioritise the team’s heavy Test schedule from 2026 onwards and the 2027 ODI World Cup. Starc, 35, made his T20I debut in 2012 and played 65 matches, claiming 79 wickets — the second-most for Australia in the format. He was a key member of the side that won the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, and last featured at the 2024 edition in the Caribbean. “Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority,” Starc said. “Looking ahead to the Indian tour, the Ashes, and the 2027 ODI World Cup, this is the best way for me to stay fresh, fit, and at my best for those campaigns.” Selectors acknowledged the void Starc leaves in Australia’s T20 setup, especially his pace and new-ball swing. Chair of selectors George Bailey said: “We might not replace Starcy like-for-like, but we’ve seen promising signs from Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, and Xavier Bartlett.” Australia have won 14 of 17 T20Is since Starc’s last appearance. His retirement comes as the selectors named the squad for October’s T20I series against New Zealand, with Marcus Stoinis, Matt Short, and Mitchell Owen returning, while Ellis will miss the tour for the birth of his first child.

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Firing Outside YouTuber Elvish Yadav’s House in Gurugram, Himanshu Bhau Gang Claims Responsibility

A firing incident took place outside the residence of YouTuber and Bigg Boss OTT winner Elvish Yadav in Gurugram’s upscale Sector 56 locality on Sunday morning. According to police, the firing occurred between 5:30 am and 6:00 am, when Yadav was not present at home. No injuries were reported. The Gurugram police PRO said three men on a motorcycle carried out the firing, targeting the ground and first floor of the building. Soon after the incident, a post appeared on Instagram in which the notorious Himanshu Bhau gang claimed responsibility. The post accused Elvish Yadav of promoting gambling and warned others against such activities. “Today’s firing at Elvish Yadav’s house was carried out by Neeraj Faridpur and Bhau Ritoliya… Whoever promotes betting can get a call or a bullet anytime,” the post read. The authenticity of the post could not be independently verified. Police are currently scanning CCTV footage and have launched a probe. This incident comes a month after Haryanvi singer and rapper Rahul Yadav, popularly known as Fazilpuria, survived a firing attack on his car in Gurugram. His associate Rohit Shaukeen was killed in that attack, which was also claimed by gangster Sunil Sardhania of the Himanshu Bhau gang. Himanshu Bhau, believed to be an associate of jailed gangster Neeraj Bawana, faces over 30 criminal cases including murder, extortion, and attempted murder. A fugitive who allegedly escaped from a juvenile correctional facility at the age of 17, he is suspected to be operating his gang from the US. His group has been linked to several high-profile crimes, including a shooting at Burger King in Delhi’s Rajouri Garden last year. Interpol has issued a red notice against him. The gang is considered an ally of the Bambiha gang, a rival of the Bishnoi gang, and has an ongoing rivalry with jailed gangster Ankit Baba of Haryana’s Ritoliya. Following Sunday’s attack, Elvish Yadav’s father, Ramavtar Yadav, lodged an FIR stating that the attackers fired indiscriminately at their house. “This attack was on our family. If we had been outside at that time, we could have lost our lives,” the FIR reads, urging police to ensure the family’s safety.

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Shilpa Shetty, Raj Kundra Booked for Allegedly Cheating Businessman of Over ₹60 Crore

Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty and her businessman husband Raj Kundra have been booked by the Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) for allegedly cheating a city-based businessman of more than ₹60 crore under the pretext of a business investment. Details of the CaseThe FIR, filed at Juhu Police Station, is based on a complaint by Deepak Kothari (60), director of Lotus Capital Financial Services. Kothari alleged that between 2015 and 2023, he transferred ₹60.48 crore to the couple’s company, Best Deal TV Pvt. Ltd., for business expansion. However, the funds were allegedly diverted for personal use. According to police, Kothari was introduced to Raj Kundra through a mutual friend. At the time, Kundra and Shetty jointly held 87.6% shares in Best Deal TV, an online shopping and retail platform. The accused had allegedly promised him a monthly return along with repayment of the principal investment. Kothari further stated that Shetty resigned from the company in 2016, and he later discovered that insolvency proceedings had been initiated against the firm for allegedly cheating another investor. Following a preliminary inquiry, the EOW registered the case under IPC sections 403 (dishonest misappropriation of property), 406 (criminal breach of trust), and 34 (common intention) against Shetty, Kundra, and another individual.

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Rukmini Vasanth Joins Kantara Chapter 1 as Kanakavathi

Actor Rukmini Vasanth has officially joined the cast of Kantara Chapter 1, taking on the role of Kanakavathi. The announcement came through a striking poster in which Rukmini is seen wearing a green and red saree adorned with heavy jewellery, smiling gracefully inside a grand palace setting. Sharing the poster on social media, director and lead actor Rishab Shetty wrote, “Introducing @rukminitweets as ‘Kanakavathi’ from the world of #KantaraChapter1. In Cinemas #KantaraChapter1onOct2.” Last month, the makers, Hombale Films, revealed that the film had wrapped production. They marked the occasion with a special poster and an emotional note: “Wrap Up… The Journey Begins… #KantaraChapter1 has been a divine journey, deeply rooted in our culture, brought to life with unwavering dedication, relentless hard work, and incredible team spirit. Can’t wait to see you all in theatres on October 2nd, as this legendary tale unfolds on the big screen worldwide.” Rishab Shetty, who also directs the film, rose to fame with the first Kantara in 2022. The movie became a massive success, earning him the National Award for Best Actor. Made on a reported budget of ₹16 crore, the film grossed over ₹400 crore worldwide. Set in the fictional village of Dakshina Kannada, Kantara followed Rishab’s character, a Kambala champion, in a tense conflict with a principled Forest Range Officer. The story explored the life of a small community in the Kaadubettu woodlands of Karnataka’s southern coast. Kantara Chapter 1 will release in theatres on October 2. Rukmini Vasanth made her debut in 2019 with Birbal Trilogy, followed by Upstarts. She went on to star in Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side A, Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side B, Bhairathi Ranagal, and Bhagheera. Most recently, she appeared in Ace alongside Vijay Sethupathi. She will also be seen in director AR Murugadoss’s upcoming film Madharaasi, co-starring Sivakarthikeyan.

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Vijay Deverakonda’s ‘Kingdom’ Set for Sri Lanka Release Amid Protests in Tamil Nadu

Vijay Deverakonda’s latest action-drama ‘Kingdom’, directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri of ‘Jersey’ fame, is all set to make its Sri Lankan debut on August 8, expanding its international footprint. The film will be screened in its Tamil-dubbed version across approximately 20 theatres in the island nation. While the film has received mixed reviews from Telugu-speaking audiences and critics since its July 31 release, its upcoming launch in Sri Lanka has sparked both curiosity and controversy. Protests by Naam Thamizhar Katchi (NTK) In Tamil Nadu, pro-Tamil political outfit Naam Thamizhar Katchi (NTK) protested against the film in cities like Tiruchy and Madurai, alleging that ‘Kingdom’ portrayed Sri Lankan Tamils in a negative light. NTK even called for a ban on the film. In response to the growing unrest, distributors approached the Madras High Court for protection. The court, however, upheld the principle of freedom of expression, stating that dissent can be expressed but banning a film is not justified. Makers Deny Allegations, Issue Statement Responding to the controversy, Sithara Entertainments, the production house behind ‘Kingdom’, issued a formal statement: “There are no scenes in the film intended to hurt the sentiments of Sri Lankan Tamils. The story is completely fictional and clearly marked as such with a disclaimer. However, if any sentiments were unintentionally hurt, we express regret and request audiences to support the film.” Film Overview and Cast Set in Sri Lanka, ‘Kingdom’ tells the story of a cop-turned-spy who rises to become the protector of the fictional Divi tribe. The film features: The film’s music, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, has been praised for adding emotional depth and momentum to the narrative. Looking Ahead With its Sri Lankan release just a day away, industry watchers are closely monitoring how ‘Kingdom’ will be received by Tamil-speaking audiences outside India, particularly in a country where the film’s setting plays a central role. Whether the film can overcome political protests and cultural sensitivities to succeed internationally remains to be seen.

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Vijay Deverakonda, Prakash Raj, and Other Tollywood Stars Face ED Probe Over Gaming App Endorsements

Hyderabad, August 7, 2025 — Tollywood actor Vijay Deverakonda was questioned for over four-and-a-half hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation into the alleged promotion of illegal betting apps. However, the actor clarified that he was summoned regarding a legal gaming app, not a betting platform. “Gaming Apps Are Legal”: Vijay Deverakonda Clarifies Addressing the media after his session at the ED’s regional office, Deverakonda said, “I endorsed a gaming app that is legally recognised, licensed, and approved by the government. There is a difference between gaming and betting apps.” He explained that he shared account, company, and financial transaction details with the officials, who, according to him, appeared “satisfied” with his cooperation. When asked about the inaccessibility of the A23 app (which he endorsed), he pointed out that it is geo-restricted, meaning its usage is blocked in states like Telangana, where local laws prohibit such platforms. “Legal apps have geo-location locks. They function only in states where they are permitted,” he stated, adding that courts and governments ultimately decide the legality of such platforms. Prakash Raj Also Quizzed Veteran actor Prakash Raj was questioned by the ED on July 30 for nearly five hours. He informed officials that he did not accept any payment for the single advertisement he did in 2016 for a gaming app, stating that his conscience later guided him to avoid such endorsements. “I realised I should not have done it and have not been involved in any such endorsements since,” he told the agency. Rana Daggubati, Manchu Lakshmi Next in Line Actors Rana Daggubati and Manchu Lakshmi have also been summoned. Rana, initially directed to appear on July 23, has now been issued a fresh notice to appear on August 11. Manchu Lakshmi has been asked to appear on August 13. Background of the Case The ED’s probe stems from five FIRs filed across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, under the Public Gambling Act, 1867. The investigation is being pursued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and follows allegations that 29 actors, influencers, and YouTubers promoted illegal betting platforms. Among the accused are actors Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, Ananya Nagella, and several others. The initial FIRs were filed at police stations in Panjagutta, Miyapur, Cyberabad, Suryapet, and Visakhapatnam. While several celebrities, including Vijay Deverakonda and Rana Daggubati, maintain that they endorsed only legally permitted online skill-based games, the ED continues to scrutinize contracts, payments, and public endorsements to determine the legality and transparency of these associations. The investigation remains ongoing.

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Sanjay Leela Bhansali to Unveil First Visual from Love & War on Ranbir Kapoor’s Birthday

Mumbai, August 7, 2025 — Acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is set to thrill fans of Ranbir Kapoor with the release of the first visual asset from his upcoming romantic drama Love & War on September 28—coinciding with the actor’s 41st birthday. According to sources close to the production, the team is debating between unveiling Ranbir’s solo first-look poster or a teaser featuring co-stars Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. “This will be the very first glimpse audiences get of Love & War,” a production insider reveals. “Bhansali wants it to spark curiosity about this ambitious saga, which sees Ranbir in an unusually intense role with shades of grey.” Teaser Shoot Underway Preparations for the teaser shoot are already in motion. The source confirms that dates are being finalized to bring Ranbir, Alia, and Vicky together for the brief filming session, which is expected to take place in Mumbai over the coming days. Production Timeline and Release Principal photography for Love & War is currently in progress in Mumbai, with Bhansali aiming to wrap shooting by December 2025. Although the film’s official release date is March 26, 2026, industry chatter suggests that the premiere may be pushed back by a few months, giving the director more time for his signature lavish post-production. Produced under Bhansali’s own banner, the yet-untitled visual asset is poised to offer the first real taste of the epic romance set against a backdrop of passion and conflict, marking one of Bollywood’s most anticipated releases of next year.

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Rajinikanth’s Coolie Builds Hype Ahead of Release; Lokesh Kanagaraj Promises a Massy Intermission Moment

Chennai, August 7, 2025 — With just days to go before the release of Coolie, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch for the Rajinikanth-starrer directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film promises an adrenaline-pumping dive into the world of smugglers, with fans especially eager to witness what the director describes as a “solid Rajini-style intermission moment.” In a recent promotional interview , Lokesh shared that the intermission sequence is what he is most excited to watch unfold in theatres alongside audiences. “We spent two years building and planning that one moment,” he said, calling it a dream come true as a fan working with Rajinikanth for the first time. On the emotional value of the project, Lokesh noted, “Coolie will always be a memory to me—not just for the filmmaking, but for the bond we all formed off-screen. From Rajini sir to Nagarjuna sir, Soubin sir, Upendra sir… we all stayed together like a family.” Star-Studded Cast & Production Produced by Kalanithi Maran under the Sun Pictures banner, Coolie boasts a powerful ensemble including: The cast also features Rachita Ram, Reba Monica John, Junior MGR, Kanna Ravi, Monisha Blessy, and Kaali Venkat, with Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan making a special appearance. Coolie is poised to be a theatrical celebration, with Lokesh Kanagaraj’s signature action-packed storytelling and a long-awaited Rajinikanth mass moment that promises to set cinema halls on fire.

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Hombale Films Expands Its Vision with Prequel ‘Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1

The 2022 Kannada-language sleeper hit Kantara redefined the trajectory of Hombale Films, earning global acclaim and a staggering $50 million at the box office from a modest $1.96 million budget. Now, producer Vijay Kiragandur is going even bigger with Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1, a prequel that significantly amplifies the scale, ambition, and spiritual essence of the original. Speaking with Variety, Kiragandur revealed that the team constructed a dedicated studio facility for the project — a move driven by both creative demands and infrastructure limitations. “We needed a large space to house an intricate palace set, but none of the existing facilities in Karnataka met our vision,” he said. “What started as one floor became a full-fledged studio. It gave us control, efficiency, and allowed Rishab Shetty to bring his vision to life without compromise.” That vision remains rooted in the cultural and spiritual elements that made Kantara so impactful. “The spiritual resonance of the first film guided us as we developed Chapter 1,” Kiragandur said. “We knew we had to deepen that connection, with storytelling that honors the legacy our audience embraced.” Unlike many production houses that juggle several films simultaneously, Hombale has chosen to focus its full energy on this single project. “Though other pan-India films are in advanced stages, Kantara: Chapter 1 took precedence. We believe in giving our complete attention to what matters most,” Kiragandur added. Among the studio’s upcoming projects is Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryaanga Parvam, the sequel to the 2023 blockbuster Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire starring Prabhas. Hombale Films has also produced the K.G.F series, with Chapter 2 ranking among the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. For Kiragandur, Kantara is more than just a film — it’s a cultural statement. “Balancing authenticity with commercial appeal isn’t a burden — it’s our guide,” he said. “We’re not just telling stories; we’re preserving legacy. And Rishab Shetty, who writes, directs, and stars in this project, is the heartbeat of that effort.” The film will also continue exploring socio-cultural themes like the sanctity of nature and land rights, topics that struck a deep chord with audiences in the original. As Kiragandur concludes, “This is not just cinema — it’s a continuation of a movement that matters.”

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Son of Sardaar 2 Release Delayed to August 1, 2025

In a last-minute move, the release of Son of Sardaar 2, starring Ajay Devgn and Mrunal Thakur, has been postponed by one week. Originally set to hit theatres on July 25, 2025, the film will now premiere worldwide on August 1, 2025. The makers have not revealed any specific reason for the delay. The new release date was confirmed through a fresh poster, continuing the film’s colorful and humorous vibe. The announcement, which read “The laughter riot just got a new date,” quickly began trending across social media platforms. About the Film Directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, Son of Sardaar 2 is a spiritual sequel to the 2012 hit Son of Sardaar. Ajay Devgn returns as the lovable Jassi, while Mrunal Thakur joins the franchise as his love interest, Rabia. The story is largely set against the scenic locales of Scotland, giving the comedy a visual upgrade. A secondary plot involving a group of children, led by 12-year-old Aarav, adds a whimsical layer to the film. Their quest to find a mythical “golden mango” during a local mango festival is expected to bring innocence and wonder into the narrative, alongside the core comedy and romance. Cast & Crew Produced by Ajay Devgn, Jyoti Deshpande, N R Pachisia, and Pravin Talreja, the film has been shot across Edinburgh, London, and Chandigarh. Notably, this will also be the posthumous release of actor Mukul Dev, adding an emotional resonance to the project. Outlook With its unique mix of comedy, fantasy, and family drama, Son of Sardaar 2 is shaping up to be a major crowd-pleaser. Despite the delay, the buzz remains strong, and the film is now positioned as a key release for the first weekend of August 2025.

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