July 27, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Uncategorized

Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone Reunite for Siddharth Anand’s King; Shoot to Begin May 18

Shah Rukh Khan, fresh off a hat-trick of blockbusters in 2023 (Pathaan, Jawan, Dunki), is set to headline his next action spectacle King, directed by Siddharth Anand. After initial scheduling conflicts, Deepika Padukone has officially signed on to play a full-length role opposite him—marking yet another high-profile reunion of one of Bollywood’s most beloved on-screen pairs. A source reveals that the film’s delays actually played in Deepika’s favor. “Shah Rukh was always keen to have Deepika on board,” the insider explains. “Her dates clashed initially as she took time off after the birth of her child and focused on getting back in shape. Once King’s schedule shifted, everything aligned perfectly.” Other actresses such as Kareena Kapoor Khan and Katrina Kaif were briefly considered before the team settled on Deepika. Principal photography for King is slated to begin on May 18 in Mumbai. The movie boasts an ensemble cast that includes Abhishek Bachchan, Suhana Khan, Arshad Warsi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and newcomer Abhay Verma. The action sequences—promising international-level thrills—will be choreographed by renowned foreign stunt coordinators and filmed across locations in India and Europe. On the music front, composer duo Sachin-Jigar will craft the film’s songs, while Anirudh Ravichander has been brought in to score the background soundtrack. Director Siddharth Anand, known for previous Deepika collaborations (Bachna Ae Haseeno, Pathaan, Fighter), is aiming for a grand theatrical release in the final quarter of 2026, with the exact date to be locked in once filming wraps. With its all-star lineup, high-octane action, and the proven SRK–Deepika chemistry, King is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Bollywood releases of the coming year.

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Editor03 mins

Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par Trailer Launch Delayed Amid National Mourning; Darsheel Safary to Do the Honours

Fans of Aamir Khan will have to wait a little longer for the trailer of his highly anticipated comeback film Sitaare Zameen Par, as the actor has chosen to postpone the launch event in light of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam that took the lives of several Indian soldiers. Initially planned as a high-profile release this week, the trailer will now be unveiled at a later date out of respect for the fallen. According to Hindustan Times, a source close to the project shared, “Aamir Khan and his team felt that it wouldn’t be appropriate to go ahead with a celebratory event during such a sombre time.” The new trailer launch date will be announced soon. Adding to the emotional resonance of the event, Zoom reports that Darsheel Safary—who played the unforgettable Ishaan in Aamir’s 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par—is set to unveil the trailer. The insider remarked, “It will be exciting to see Darsheel unveiling the trailer and being a part of the sequel to the 2007-released film.” About the Film Directed by Aamir Khan himself, Sitaare Zameen Par is being positioned as a spiritual successor to Taare Zameen Par and draws inspiration from the Spanish sports dramedy Champions (2018). The story reportedly blends humor with heart, centering around a man whose encounter with a group of children—each with unique perspectives—forces him to question and evolve his worldview. The film also features Genelia D’Souza in a pivotal role and is expected to blend emotional depth with a light-hearted, uplifting tone. Marking Aamir’s return to cinema after Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), Sitaare Zameen Par is slated for a December 2025 release and is already one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year.

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Editor03 mins

Raj & DK Set for Theatrical Comeback After Seven Years Amid OTT Commitments

Acclaimed filmmakers Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK — popularly known as Raj & DK — are gearing up for a highly anticipated return to the big screen after a seven-year hiatus. Best known in recent years for their critically acclaimed streaming series such as The Family Man, Farzi, Guns & Gulaabs (2023), and Citadel: Honey Bunny (2024), the duo is now balancing their robust OTT portfolio with plans for theatrical ventures, as reported by Mid-Day. According to sources, Raj & DK are currently immersed in the development of three major series: Farzi Season 2, the crime thriller Rakt Bramhand, and the post-production of The Family Man Season 3. Farzi 2, starring Shahid Kapoor and Vijay Sethupathi, is expected to go on floors in late 2025, with production scheduled to wrap by mid-2026. Once that is complete, the directors plan to kick off their theatrical comeback. The filmmakers have reportedly shortlisted two potential scripts for their theatrical return. While they will direct one of the films themselves, the other will be helmed by a collaborator — a method they’ve successfully employed in the past by nurturing fresh talent like Suparn Varma (The Family Man 2) and Amar Kaushik (Stree). They also previously launched Praveen Kandregula with the Telugu indie Cinema Bandi (2021). The last theatrical project Raj & DK directed was the horror comedy Stree (2018), which was a massive critical and commercial success. Prior to that, their filmography included cult hits like Go Goa Gone (2013) and Happy Ending (2014), as well as the underwhelming A Gentleman (2017). While they prepare for this cinematic return, Raj & DK remain deeply committed to the digital space that helped redefine their careers. As pioneers of long-form Hindi storytelling on streaming platforms, they continue to be among the most trusted names in India’s OTT landscape, consistently delivering high-quality, engaging content.

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Editor03 mins

Liquor Home Delivery Racket Busted in Bhopal: 142 Bottles Seized from Secret Kitchen Basement

The Excise Department on Tuesday uncovered an illegal liquor home delivery operation in Bhopal, seizing 142 bottles of English liquor hidden in a secret basement beneath a kitchen. The raid followed a 10-day surveillance effort. The accused, Suresh Patil, a resident of Gopal Nagar Khajurikala, was apprehended after excise officials received a tip-off about unauthorized liquor distribution across parts of the city. According to Assistant Excise Commissioner Virendra Singh Dhakad, the operation revealed that Suresh had constructed a concealed basement where he stored 116 litres of liquor. The liquor was allegedly purchased at discounted prices from license holders offloading inventory due to contract changes effective from April 1. Suresh reportedly resold the liquor at inflated prices through a home delivery network involving several associates. The department is now working to trace the wider supply chain and identify others involved in the illicit trade. Notably, Suresh is a repeat offender with multiple previous cases registered against him. Authorities are investigating the duration of the racket and the original sources of the seized liquor.

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Editor02 mins

Bhopal: Multiple Students Allegedly Exploited in Expanding Criminal Case; Three Arrested

In a distressing case emerging from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, several college students have reportedly been targeted by a group of individuals involved in a serious criminal conspiracy involving deceit, coercion, and exploitation. The police have arrested three suspects so far and are investigating the wider network involved. According to police reports, one of the main accused, identified as Sahil, operated a dance class and allegedly lured young women with promises of a luxurious lifestyle and professional opportunities. He reportedly took them to social venues and introduced them to others involved in the group. During these interactions, the women were allegedly manipulated into consuming harmful substances and were later taken to isolated locations where they were subjected to abuse. The acts were reportedly recorded without the victims’ consent and used to threaten and exploit them further. One survivor has filed a complaint against another accused, Farhan, alleging that he continued to harass her even after she tried to distance herself by relocating to another city. The woman had initially been misled and harmed by another associate of Farhan, and after disclosing the situation to friends, she approached the police and filed a formal complaint in Bhopal. Police are currently investigating the involvement of other individuals potentially linked to the group. The three people arrested so far in the case are Sahil, Farhan, and Saad. Authorities have stated that more arrests may follow as the investigation progresses. The case has drawn widespread attention and concern, with many comparing it to older high-profile cases due to its serious nature. Officials have assured the public that they are taking all necessary steps to support the survivors and bring the culprits to justice.

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Editor03 mins

Film Review: Havoc – Brutality and Style Over Substance in Gareth Evans’ Latest

After a years-long wait, Gareth Evans, the Welsh filmmaker behind the acclaimed Raid films, returns with Havoc, a brutal noir thriller starring Tom Hardy. But those expecting the tightly choreographed martial arts mastery of The Raid or The Raid 2 may be surprised—or disappointed. Evans has traded in Pencak Silat for bullet-riddled mayhem, opting for John Woo-style gunfights and a grim, moody atmosphere over close-combat spectacle. Set in an unnamed city drenched in shadows and cynicism, Havoc follows Hardy’s Patrick Walker, a morally bankrupt homicide detective with a battered past and a fractured present. Introduced while Christmas shopping for a daughter he barely sees, Patrick is soon embroiled in a bloody mission to protect the son of a corrupt politician. Along the way, we learn—through clunky exposition—that he’s crooked, unpopular, and barely hanging on to his badge. None of it matters much, though, as the plot is mostly an excuse to launch into increasingly savage action sequences. If Havoc excels at anything, it’s in its dedication to violence. Every gunshot reverberates, every injury lands with thudding realism, and every execution is rendered with ghastly detail. When Forest Whitaker’s chauffeur meets a shotgun at close range, the film doesn’t flinch from showing brain matter splattering across the frame. Evans still films violence with an almost fetishistic glee, though here it’s bullets over blades, brains over bruises. The climax, set at a snow-covered lakeside cabin, is pure pulp cinema: Hardy’s lone wolf fending off an onslaught of gangsters in a final, blood-soaked stand. It’s stylish and committed—enough to set Havoc apart from Netflix’s typical action fare—but the payoff can’t entirely redeem the narrative muddle that precedes it. Evans’ craftsmanship is evident; the film feels lovingly made by people who respect the genre. But despite flashes of brilliance, Havoc is more admirable than enjoyable. It’s less a gripping crime drama than a moody, muscular mood piece—an homage to noir and heroic bloodshed that never quite carves out its own identity. Verdict: Havoc is a gritty, gorgeously shot action noir that delivers gore and grit in spades, but its storytelling is as foggy as its grimy urban setting. Watch it for Hardy, stay for the shootouts—but don’t expect emotional clarity or narrative finesse.

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Editor04 mins

Ashok Khemka Retires: IAS Officer Who Stood Tall Against Corruption Bids Adieu After 34 Years of Service

Ashok Khemka, one of India’s most principled and resilient Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, is set to retire from public service on April 30, marking the end of a remarkable 34-year career defined by integrity, courage, and relentless dedication. A 1991-batch officer of the Haryana cadre, Khemka retires as the Additional Chief Secretary of the Transport Department, a position he assumed in December 2024. Over his long and often turbulent career, he was transferred 57 times—an extraordinary testament to the political and bureaucratic resistance he encountered due to his uncompromising ethical stance. Khemka became a national figure in 2012 when he cancelled the mutation of a controversial land deal in Gurugram involving Robert Vadra, the son-in-law of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. This act of administrative courage brought both acclaim and controversy, casting him into the national spotlight as a symbol of bureaucratic integrity. Born on April 13, 1965, in Kolkata, Khemka is as distinguished academically as he is in service. An alumnus of IIT Kharagpur (B.Tech in Computer Science, 1988), he also holds a PhD in Computer Science from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), an MBA in Finance and Business Administration, and an LLB from Panjab University—accomplishments that underscore his intellectual rigor and lifelong commitment to learning. Despite his credentials and honesty, Khemka was frequently sidelined into what were perceived as “low-profile” postings, notably being transferred four times to the Archives Department—three of them during BJP rule and once under the Congress regime in 2013. In 2023, he openly expressed frustration over his marginalisation, especially after being overlooked for promotions given to his batchmates. Still, he remained undeterred. “Straight trees are always cut first. No regrets. With renewed resolve, I shall persist,” he tweeted, exemplifying his stoic resilience. Later that year, he volunteered to lead the Vigilance Department, offering his services to spearhead an anti-corruption drive. “No one, however elevated, shall be exempt from scrutiny,” he wrote in a letter to the Chief Minister, calling for equity in bureaucratic responsibilities and stronger mechanisms to root out corruption. His return to the Transport Department under Minister Anil Vij in 2024 marked nearly a decade since his previous stint was cut short after just four months. Khemka’s legacy transcends bureaucratic ranks—he is a rare figure whose career embodied the ideals of public service. As he steps away from the corridors of power, his unwavering stand against corruption, despite personal and professional costs, will continue to serve as a guiding light for future civil servants.

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Editor04 mins

Indian-Origin Tech CEO Allegedly Kills Wife and Son, Dies by Suicide in Washington

In a deeply disturbing incident reported from Newcastle, Washington, Indian-origin entrepreneur Harshavardhana S. Kikkeri, 57, allegedly shot dead his wife and 14-year-old son before dying by suicide at their home on April 24. The family tragedy has sent shockwaves through both the local community in Washington and the tech circles in India. The victims have been identified as Harshavardhana Kikkeri, the founder and CEO of the robotics company HoloWorld, his wife Shwetha Panyam, 44, who co-founded the company, and their teenage son. Their younger son survived the incident. News footage from the scene showed a child being escorted away and comforted by law enforcement officials. The King County Sheriff’s Office has yet to confirm the identities of the children. Authorities have not revealed a possible motive for the violent act and have stated that the investigation is still ongoing. “It is not immediately clear what provoked the extreme act,” police told media, according to an NDTV report. Kikkeri was originally from KR Pet Taluk in Karnataka’s Mandya district and had a notable career in the tech sector, including a stint at Microsoft. In 2017, he and his wife returned to India and established HoloWorld in Mysuru’s Vijayanagar Third Stage. The company, which focused on robotics, ceased operations in 2022 following financial strain during the Covid-19 pandemic. Kikkeri later returned to the U.S. The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief among those who knew the family, both in India and abroad. Friends and former colleagues are grappling with the shocking news, while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the tragic events.

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Editor03 mins

Tragedy at Simhachalam Temple: Wall Collapse Claims Eight Lives, Injures Several Devotees

In a tragic incident at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam, Andhra Pradesh, eight devotees lost their lives and several others were injured when a rain-drenched wall collapsed in the early hours of Wednesday. The wall, located near the ₹300-ticket queue line close to the shopping complex on the ghat road from Simhagiri Bus Stand, gave way due to soil loosening caused by heavy overnight rains and strong winds. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said he was in constant touch with the District Collector and Superintendent of Police. “Deeply saddened by the death of seven devotees at Simhachalam… my condolences to the families. I’m closely monitoring the situation and have ordered continuous review and support for the victims,” Naidu posted on social media platform ‘X’. He announced an ex gratia of ₹25 lakh for the families of each deceased and ₹3 lakh for the injured. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also offered his condolences to the bereaved families. Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V. Anitha, who was present at the temple at the time of the incident, said the collapse was likely triggered by heavy rainfall weakening the soil. She assured that there was no delay in rescue efforts and that the injured were immediately rushed to the hospital. Temple authorities and Endowments Minister K. Ramanarayana Reddy described the incident as a likely structural failure induced by weather conditions. Reddy called the incident unfortunate and emphasized the need for stronger safety protocols across temples to prevent such tragedies in the future. Rescue operations are still underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) actively involved. Seven bodies—comprising three women and four men—were recovered during the operation, while one person remains unaccounted for. Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed shock and urged officials to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured and prompt compensation for the affected families. This incident follows another temple-related tragedy earlier this year, when six devotees were killed in a stampede at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala Hills, Tirupati, highlighting ongoing concerns about crowd and structural safety at major religious sites.

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Editor04 mins

Actor Rohit Dies After Falling Into Waterfall During Picnic; No Foul Play Suspected

Rohit, a young actor who was recently working on the sets of the upcoming web series Family Man 3, tragically died after reportedly falling into a waterfall during a picnic with colleagues. The incident occurred around 2 PM near the Rani area, and was later confirmed by officials at the Rani Police Outpost. According to a police official who spoke to GPlus, the report of the incident reached them at 4 PM. Officers arrived at the location by 4:30 PM, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) recovered Rohit’s body at approximately 6:30 PM. Preliminary investigations indicate that the fall was accidental, with no signs of foul play noted so far. The body has been sent for post-mortem, and further investigation is currently underway. Rohit had been sharing glimpses of his budding career on Instagram over the past year. In November, he posted pictures with veteran actors Jaideep Ahlawat and Dalip Tahil from the Family Man sets, calling the experience “lucky” and “great.” In early 2025, he also shared moments with his colleagues, expressing his passion for learning and working in the industry. The sudden and tragic loss has left his fans and co-workers in shock, with many mourning the promising talent gone too soon.

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