June 29, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

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Chhaava Surpasses ₹600 Crore Mark, Continuing Its Historic Box Office Run

Despite its recent OTT debut on Netflix, the historical epic Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, has continued to thrive at the box office, making a remarkable impact. As of its 66th day of release, the film has crossed the ₹600 crore nett mark, becoming only the third Hindi film to achieve this milestone. It joins the ranks of Pushpa 2 and Stree 2, but stands out for reaching this impressive figure without the benefit of being a sequel. The film, which honors the life and bravery of Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has earned ₹600.10 crore to date. Unlike the aforementioned sequels, Chhaava achieved its success solely through its powerful content, stellar performances, and compelling narrative. Its box-office journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, especially considering it continues to draw audiences to theatres even after its Netflix release. Chhaava opened with a blockbuster reception, earning ₹225.28 crore in its first week. The momentum continued, with ₹186.18 crore in its second week. Here’s a look at its weekly box-office collections: Currently, the film ranks fifth in the non-English film category on Netflix, further showcasing its wide appeal. The ensemble cast, including Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, and Diana Penty, has received acclaim for their performances. Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Maddock Films, Chhaava is enhanced by A.R. Rahman’s stirring score, which perfectly complements its epic narrative. Critics and audiences alike have praised the film for its gripping storytelling, outstanding performances, and emotional depth. The continued success of Chhaava serves as a testament to the growing demand for historically accurate and culturally rich stories presented on a grand scale.

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Editor03 mins

Saif Ali Khan and Priyadarshan to Collaborate for the First Time in Upcoming Thriller

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan is all set for a thrilling new collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan. Known for directing popular franchises like Hera Pheri and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Priyadarshan will helm the Hindi remake of the Malayalam film Oppam. In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Saif confirmed the exciting news, revealing that he will be playing the role of a blind protagonist in the film. “Yes, I am doing a film with Priyadarshan next. I play a blind guy. Very exciting,” Saif shared. This collaboration marks the first time the two industry veterans will work together, despite their long careers in entertainment. The original film Oppam featured renowned actor Mohanlal in the lead role, and Saif will now take on that character in the Hindi remake. Additionally, Bobby Deol is rumored to play the lead antagonist in the film, adding to the anticipation around this thrilling new project. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see Saif Ali Khan’s portrayal of the visually challenged protagonist in this unique film.

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Editor02 mins

Kristen Stewart Marries Dylan Meyer in Intimate Ceremony in Los Angeles

Kristen Stewart, the star of Twilight, has tied the knot with her longtime partner, screenwriter Dylan Meyer, in an intimate wedding ceremony. The couple, who had been engaged for over three years, exchanged vows on Easter Sunday, April 20, in Los Angeles, surrounded by their close friends and family, including actor Ashley Benson. The ceremony followed their marriage license acquisition earlier that week. Kristen, 35, and Dylan, 37, took the big leap in a personal celebration at their Los Angeles home. Photos from the event were shared by TMZ, showcasing the couple in their unique wedding attire. Kristen donned a chic two-piece ensemble, while Dylan opted for a sheer white top paired with a gold skirt. The guest list included a few familiar faces, such as Ashley Benson and her husband Brandon Davis, but the couple’s team has yet to comment on the wedding reports. A Timeline of Their Relationship Kristen and Dylan first crossed paths “years ago” while working on a movie, but they didn’t reconnect until a friend’s birthday party six years later. Romance rumors began circulating in August 2019, and by October of that year, the couple made their relationship Instagram official. They got engaged in 2021, with Kristen playfully revealing during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show that Dylan was the one who proposed. Kristen joked that the proposal was a surprise, as they didn’t adhere to traditional gender roles, adding that it was “so cute” when Dylan made the first move. The couple’s nuptials mark a beautiful and personal milestone in their relationship, officially making them a married couple after years of love and commitment.

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Editor03 mins

Yash to Begin Shooting for Ramayana as Raavana After Temple Visit

The much-awaited film Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is one of the most anticipated projects in Indian cinema, thanks to its star-studded cast, which includes Yash, Ranbir Kapoor, Sunny Deol, and Sai Pallavi. Yash, who is co-producing the film alongside Namit Malhotra, is set to begin filming for his role as the mighty Raavana in Mumbai this week, after completing a major schedule for Toxic. Temple Visit Before ShootBefore diving into the world of Ramayana, Yash will honor his tradition of visiting the Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. This is a customary practice for the actor, as he starts every new project with a temple visit. For this first schedule, Yash will focus on shooting his solo scenes, with the makers having prepared a special setup to accommodate the Pan-India star. A Technological SpectacleRamayana is being crafted as a visual extravaganza, with grand sequences planned for the first schedule. Yash’s portions, which will be filmed starting at the end of April, are expected to impress with their scale and spectacle. The epic, split into two parts, is slated for release on Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027. Epic Face-Off Between Ram and RaavanaThe film will showcase a monumental clash between Yash’s Raavana and Ranbir Kapoor’s Ram, setting the stage for an intense face-off. Sunny Deol, who plays Lord Hanuman, is expected to join the shoot in June. The film is being produced by DNEG in collaboration with Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, with Yash actively involved in the creative process. Yash’s Big Box Office ReturnAfter the immense success of KGF and KGF 2, Yash is set for another box office showdown in 2026 with Toxic, which releases in March, followed by Ramayana in October. Both films are expected to have a global reach, with Toxic being shot in Kannada and English for international audiences.

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Editor03 mins

Ajith Kumar Makes India Proud at Spa Francorchamps With P2 Finish! 🇮🇳🏁

Actor and racer Ajith Kumar continues to roar both on screen and on track. His Ajith Kumar Racing Team secured an impressive second place at the legendary Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium — marking their third podium finish this year after earlier glory at the Dubai 24H. 🔥 Highlights: “A proud moment for Indian motorsport!” read the caption on the official Instagram page of Ajith Kumar Racing, praising the team’s “passion, precision, and perseverance.” 🎬 On the Work Front: Ajith was last seen in ‘Good Bad Ugly’, which hit theatres on April 10. While the film continues its run, the star has taken a temporary break from acting to fully immerse himself in the racing season. 🚗 “No new films until the racing season concludes,” Ajith previously confirmed. But there’s a buzz in Kollywood circles — he may reteam with director Adhik Ravichandran once again for his next venture. Fans are now keeping a close eye out for an official announcement. Ajith’s journey from superstar to speedster is a rare and remarkable crossover — and with every race, he’s not just winning medals, but winning hearts too.

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Editor03 mins

Rohit Sharma Becomes Second-Highest Run-Scorer in IPL History, Surpasses Shikhar Dhawan

In a high-octane clash at Wankhede Stadium, Rohit Sharma delivered a match-winning performance that etched his name deeper into IPL history. Scoring a brilliant 76 off 45 balls in Mumbai Indians’ emphatic win over Chennai Super Kings, Rohit not only claimed the Player of the Match award but also surpassed Shikhar Dhawan to become the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history. 🔝 Top 3 IPL Run-Scorers (as of now): 👏 Legacy and Impact 🧠 Quick Stat:

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Editor02 mins

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan Celebrate 18th Wedding Anniversary with Heartfelt Family Moment

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary on April 20 (Sunday), marking the special occasion with a touching family photo. The picture featured Aishwarya, Abhishek, and their daughter Aaradhya, all dressed in white, radiating warmth and togetherness. Aishwarya shared the photo on social media with a white heart emoji in the caption, and the picture quickly garnered love from fans and celebrities alike. Renowned musician Amaan Ali Bangash dropped red heart emojis in the comments, while a fan noted, “Love how Abhishek’s glasses match your lipstick.” Amidst intense public speculation about their relationship, Aishwarya and Abhishek have repeatedly made joint appearances, silencing rumors of any rift in their marriage. Earlier this month, the couple attended Aishwarya’s cousin Shloka Shetty’s brother’s wedding in Pune, where they were seen alongside their daughter Aaradhya. Several pictures and videos from the event went viral, including a video where Aishwarya and Abhishek were seen dancing joyfully to the song Kajra Re from Bunty Aur Babli. In addition to the wedding festivities, the couple was seen together at a star-studded wedding reception in December, as well as celebrating their daughter Aaradhya’s birthday. Abhishek and Aishwarya were also seen cheering for Aaradhya during her school’s annual day performance, showcasing their strong family bond. On the professional front, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan recently reprised her role as Nandini in Ponniyin Selvan: II, directed by Mani Ratnam. Meanwhile, Abhishek Bachchan was last seen in the Amazon Prime original Be Happy.

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Editor02 mins

Banking Stocks Lead Market Resurgence as Nifty Bank Hits Record High

HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank Rally on Strong Q4 Results, Policy Tailwinds Fuel Sector Optimism Nifty Bank Soars Past 55,000 Milestone In a remarkable turn of events for the Indian markets, the Nifty Bank index surged past the 55,000 mark for the first time ever on Monday, marking a powerful breakout amid easing global and domestic headwinds. This rally was spearheaded by stellar Q4 earnings from private sector heavyweights HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, injecting renewed optimism into a market still navigating post-tariff volatility. HDFC Bank climbed nearly 2% to touch a 52-week high of ₹1,950.70, while ICICI Bank followed closely with a 1% gain, reaching a lifetime high of ₹1,436.00. Brokerages responded swiftly, reaffirming bullish outlooks on financials as earnings exceeded expectations. Nomura Stays Bullish on Financials Japanese brokerage Nomura highlighted the sector’s appeal, citing low earnings risk, attractive valuations, and an increasingly accommodative monetary policy. With the RBI having already cut policy rates by 50 basis points in 2025—and another 100 bps anticipated by year-end—the environment is primed for credit expansion. Furthermore, RBI’s liquidity-boosting tools—including OMO purchases, VRR operations, and forex swap auctions—have helped swing banking system liquidity into surplus. In tandem, a reduction in risk weights for NBFCs and microfinance institutions has spurred credit supply, laying a strong foundation for sectoral growth. Liquidity and Lending Outlook Brightens According to Nomura, system liquidity conditions are expected to improve further, paving the way for stronger deposit and credit growth. While the market remains cautious of NIM compression and rising credit costs, concerns over asset quality are diminishing, and banks are showing greater willingness to lend. Technical Picture Signals Strength From a technical standpoint, the Bank Nifty breakout is solid. After a 6% gain last week, the index posted a long bullish candle on the weekly chart—typically a strong indicator of sustained momentum. Ajit Mishra of Religare Broking suggests the index may now target the 55,000–57,000 range, with any pullbacks towards the 51,900–53,400 zone likely to attract buying interest, given the strong base built over a nine-month consolidation. FIIs and Macro Tailwinds Bolstering the Sector Adding to the bullish sentiment, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have made a strong comeback, pumping ₹15,000 crore into Indian equities in just three days. According to Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, FIIs are rotating into domestic consumption themes—including financials, telecom, aviation, autos, and real estate—amid weak US growth projections that are likely to keep IT under pressure. Conclusion The Bank Nifty’s record-setting rally underscores growing investor confidence in the sector’s earnings resilience, macro tailwinds, and policy support. As liquidity improves and lending appetite returns, the stage appears set for continued strength in India’s banking stocks.

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Editor04 mins

Pope Francis Dies at 88 After Prolonged Illness, Vatican Confirms

First Latin American and Jesuit Pope Remembered for His Humble Leadership and Progressive Reforms Historic Passing of a Global Spiritual Leader The Vatican has announced the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88, marking the end of a transformative 12-year papacy. The pontiff, who became the first Latin American and first Jesuit leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died at 7:35 AM after a prolonged illness. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, speaking on Vatican TV, stated, “At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.” A Papacy Marked by Health Struggles and Determination The Pope had faced numerous health scares throughout his tenure, including a recent and severe case of double pneumonia and kidney complications. Admitted to the hospital on February 14 for bronchitis, his condition worsened before stabilizing in late March. On March 23, he made a symbolic appearance from the hospital balcony, offering a thumbs-up to supporters. Despite visible weakness, he resumed limited duties, including greeting crowds on Easter Sunday and meeting with US Vice President JD Vance on April 19. Final Resting Place Reflects Humility Pope Francis will become the first pope in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican. Honoring his personal wishes, he will be laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome. He also opted out of the traditional three-coffin burial custom, choosing instead a single coffin made of wood and zinc to reflect his pastoral humility. A Reformist and Compassionate Leader Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis was elected on March 13, 2013, at the age of 76. He assumed leadership during a time of crisis, with the Church under fire for clerical sex abuse scandals and bureaucratic infighting. Throughout his papacy, Francis focused on inclusivity, environmental advocacy, and social justice, while modernizing elements of the centuries-old institution. Among his landmark initiatives: Legacy of Complexity and Change Francis’s papacy was not without controversy. He received criticism from both conservative factions, who felt he abandoned traditions, and progressives, who wished for bolder reforms. Nevertheless, he was seen by many as a bridge-builder, seeking to align the Church with the realities of the modern world. Over 12 years, he: The World Mourns a Pope of the People With his passing, the global Catholic community loses a beloved and accessible spiritual leader, one who championed a Church that is more merciful, just, and close to the marginalized. His legacy will continue to shape conversations on faith, compassion, and reform for years to come.

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Editor05 mins

Mumbai-Goa Highway to Be Completed by June 2025, Travel Time to Reduce Significantly

The long-awaited Mumbai-Goa highway project, officially known as National Highway 66, is on track for completion by June 2025, according to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. Once finished, the upgraded highway will slash travel time between Mumbai and Goa to just six hours, a significant improvement from the current journey of 10 to 12 hours. Years of Delays Finally Resolved The project, which has been under construction for several years, was plagued by multiple delays due to challenges such as land acquisition issues, legal disputes, and a lack of coordination between departments. Minister Gadkari confirmed that these problems have now been successfully addressed, and construction is moving forward at a rapid pace. A Boost to the Konkan Region’s Economy and Tourism Gadkari emphasized the highway’s importance in transforming connectivity in the Konkan region, adding that it will serve as a major catalyst for tourism and economic growth along the coastal corridor. Easier and faster access is expected to benefit local businesses, hospitality sectors, and commuters alike. Satellite-Based Toll System to Replace Physical Booths In addition to faster travel, the government is introducing a new toll policy aimed at making highway travel more seamless. Traditional toll booths will be replaced with a satellite-based toll collection system. This system will track vehicle movements via GPS and automatically deduct toll charges from the owner’s bank account based on the exact distance travelled. The policy is expected to be rolled out within the next 15 days, further modernizing the highway experience.

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Editor02 mins
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