THE CLIFF NEWS

In a landmark achievement, Mirzapur S3 on Amazon Prime Video has emerged as the most-watched OTT original in India for 2024, surpassing a staggering 30.8 million viewers. It also recorded the highest marketing buzz of the year, with a peak of 60%, ranking third all-time, following Mirzapur S2 and The Family Man S2, according to a recent report by Ormax Media. Other Top Hindi OTT Originals Hindi OTT Films Netflix also dominated the Hindi direct-to-OTT films category, claiming 11 out of the top 15 spots. The most-watched films included: Regional Content International OTT Success Marketing Buzz vs. Audience Likeability While Mirzapur S3 and Squid Game S2 led the buzz metrics, audience likeability was dominated by Panchayat S3, which topped the likeability charts for Hindi series of 2024. Among Hindi direct-to-OTT films, Netflix’s Maharaj received the highest likeability score. Regional Breakouts This report highlights the ongoing trend of strong storytelling being more influential than heavy marketing, particularly with regional content and lesser-known titles gaining traction through word-of-mouth and quality narrative.

Ram Charan is gearing up to continue filming for his much-anticipated movie RC16, directed by Buchi Babu Sana. The movie, which is expected to be titled Peddi, is a sports drama set in a specific time period in Uttarandhra. The title Peddi reportedly aligns perfectly with the thematic essence of the film and resonates well with Ram Charan’s character, making it an impactful choice for the audience. While the makers are still considering other title options, Ram Charan is said to be pleased with Peddi, though an official confirmation is still awaited. Key Cast and Crew The movie marks Ram Charan’s collaboration with Janhvi Kapoor, who is making her debut in Telugu cinema with this film. Peddi also stars Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar in a significant role. The film’s music is being composed by AR Rahman, adding to the excitement surrounding the project. The Story and Setting Peddi is expected to delve into the sports genre, set against the backdrop of Uttarandhra, where Ram Charan’s character embarks on a journey that ties into the region’s culture and traditions. The film’s strong thematic connection is likely to create a lasting impression on audiences. Ram Charan’s Recent Work: Game Changer Ram Charan was recently seen in the political action drama Game Changer, which was released on January 10, 2025. Directed by Shankar, the film sees Ram Charan in dual roles as both a father and son. The story revolves around an honest IAS officer’s mission to eradicate corruption and ensure fair elections, leading to a fierce confrontation with a corrupt politician. The movie also features Kiara Advani, Anjali, Samuthirakani, and SJ Suryah in pivotal roles. Fans of Ram Charan are eagerly awaiting his return to the big screen in Peddi, which promises to be a high-impact sports drama with a compelling storyline.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh joined a special screening of the upcoming film Sky Force at the Air Force Auditorium in New Delhi on Tuesday. Accompanying him were the film’s lead actors, Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya, along with senior military leaders, including Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Navy Chief Dinesh K Tripathi, and other officers from the armed forces. A Celebration of Bravery The defence minister shared pictures from the event on X (formerly Twitter), commending the filmmakers for their effort in narrating a story of valor. He wrote:“Joined CDS and three service chiefs at the special screening of Sky Force. The film narrates the story of Indian Air Force’s bravery, courage, and sacrifice during the 1965 War. I laud the makers of the film for their efforts.” About the Film Directed by Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani, Sky Force portrays India’s retaliatory strike on Pakistan’s Sargodha airbase during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani air war. The film stars Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur, Sara Ali Khan, and debutant Veer Pahariya. It is set for release on January 24, 2025. Veer Pahariya on His Role Veer Pahariya, who makes his acting debut with Sky Force, plays the role of Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya, a hero of the 1965 war. Speaking to ANI, Veer shared his aspirations for the film:“It is a huge opportunity and a responsibility for me to play a real-life hero… this story needs to be told for future generations to get inspired by what our heroes have done for our freedom.” He expressed hope that Sky Force would inspire audiences much like the iconic film Lakshya did years ago. With its gripping storyline and star-studded cast, Sky Force promises to honor the courage and sacrifices of the Indian Air Force, while inspiring future generations.

In a tragic development, 17 people from three families in Baddal village, Rajouri district, have lost their lives since December, prompting the Jammu and Kashmir Police to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the cause of these deaths. Government ResponseJammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accompanied by Minister Javed Rana and MLA Javed Iqbal Choudhary, visited the bereaved families on Tuesday. He assured them that the government is actively addressing the situation, stating, “Our priority is to prevent such incidents in the future and to bring an immediate end to this spate of deaths.” A central investigative team has also been deployed to determine the underlying cause. Preliminary FindingsAn initial probe by the central team, reported by The Indian Express, detected pesticide residues in a nearby “baoli” (water reservoir). However, no direct link has yet been established between the contamination and the deaths, nor has the source of the contamination been identified. Chief Minister Abdullah emphasized transparency in the investigation and reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing necessary measures once the findings are conclusive. Community and Political OutreachDuring his visit, Abdullah urged restraint in political interference, saying, “I appeal to everyone to allow the concerned agencies to perform their duties. Identifying the reasons behind these tragic deaths is our utmost priority.” MLA Javed Iqbal Choudhary submitted a proposal for compensation to support the affected families, further emphasizing the need for immediate aid and justice. Next StepsWith the SIT and central team working in tandem, authorities hope to uncover the cause of this tragedy swiftly and prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the government reassures the public that updates on the investigation will be shared transparently.

In one of the most anticipated events of 2025, Jeet Adani, youngest son of industrialist Gautam Adani, is set to marry Diva Jaimin Shah, daughter of prominent diamond merchant Jaimin Shah, on February 7. Gautam Adani, speaking during his visit to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela, confirmed the wedding and emphasized the family’s traditional and simple approach. “Jeet’s wedding will be very simple and traditional, like the way we conduct ourselves as a common family,” Adani said. The groom-to-be recently sought blessings from Maa Ganga, underscoring the family’s deep-rooted values. A Union of Empires The marriage will unite two influential business families, blending the infrastructural dominance of the Adani Group with the diamond legacy of the Shah family, signaling a powerful partnership in India’s business landscape. The Couple’s Journey Jeet Adani and Diva Jaimin Shah, who formalized their relationship with a private engagement ceremony in Ahmedabad on March 12, 2023, have maintained a low profile despite their high-profile family backgrounds. Their engagement was an intimate affair, with only one photograph of the couple in traditional attire making its way to social media. Education and Excellence Jeet Adani, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, has been making significant strides in the Adani Group since 2019. As Vice President of Group Finance, he oversees strategic initiatives like Adani Airports and Adani Digital Labs, where he is spearheading the development of a super app to integrate the group’s consumer services. Global Glamour Adding a touch of international allure to the celebrations, reports suggest ongoing discussions with global pop sensation Taylor Swift for a performance at one of the pre-wedding events, potentially elevating the occasion to a global spectacle. This wedding, blending tradition with modernity, is set to be a defining social event, reflecting the values and vision of two of India’s most respected business families.

Amid the immigration crackdown initiated under former US President Donald Trump, concerns mount over the plight of over 20,000 undocumented Indians in the United States. As of November 2024, 17,940 Indians are under final removal orders, while 2,467 remain in detention under the supervision of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This makes Indians the fourth-largest group in ICE custody, and the largest among Asians, with a total of over 37,000 non-citizens detained across all nationalities. Final removal orders are issued by immigration judges and become administratively final upon affirmation by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Deportation concerns are heightened as ICE has named India among 15 “uncooperative” countries that allegedly hinder removal efforts by refusing consular interviews, delaying proceedings, or rejecting deportation flights. The deportation of Indians has surged in recent years, rising from 292 in 2021 to 1,529 in 2024, according to ICE’s 2024 Annual Report. Despite data inconsistencies, reports indicate that 1,100 undocumented Indians were repatriated via charter and commercial flights between October 2023 and September 2024. The looming threat of mass deportations has caused unease in India, given the significant Indian presence in the US, including over 300,000 students and a large number of H-1B visa holders. India’s inclusion in ICE’s list of uncooperative countries adds another layer of complexity to the situation, raising concerns about diplomatic and logistical challenges in repatriation.

Jayaram Reddy, a senior Maoist leader known as Chalapati, met his end after decades of evading security forces. A joint operation by central and state police forces resulted in the killing of 20 Maoists, including Chalapati, near the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border this week. Chalapati, who carried a bounty of ₹1 crore, masterminded the infamous February 2008 Nayagarh attack in Odisha, in which 13 security personnel were killed, and a police armoury was looted. Using guerrilla tactics, he ensured the Maoists’ escape by blocking roads with massive tree trunks, thwarting police reinforcements. The breakthrough in tracking him came from a selfie he took with his wife, Aruna alias Chaitanya Venkat Ravi, a deputy commander in the Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC). The image was found in an abandoned smartphone recovered in May 2016 after a Maoist encounter in Andhra Pradesh. Chalapati, originally from Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor, served on the central committee of the Maoists, the group’s top decision-making body. Although primarily active in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, he had recently moved operations closer to the Odisha border due to heightened security activity. Known for his expertise in military tactics and guerrilla warfare, Chalapati traveled with a security detail of 8–10 guards. However, his efforts to stay hidden ultimately failed. Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the operation as a significant step toward eradicating Naxalism, reiterating the government’s goal of achieving a Naxal-free India by March 2026. “With our security forces’ resolve and relentless efforts, Naxalism is breathing its last today,” Mr. Shah posted on X. This year alone, over 40 Maoists have been killed in various encounters in Chhattisgarh. The latest operation underscores the government’s intensified campaign against left-wing extremism.

Saif Ali Khan Discharged After Knife Attack, Police Probe Continues Actor Recovers After Surgery Actor Saif Ali Khan was discharged from Lilavati Hospital on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, after being hospitalized for five days following a knife attack at his Bandra residence in Mumbai on January 16. The incident left the actor with six injuries, including harm to his thoracic spine. Doctors performed surgery to remove a 2.5 mm knife fragment, and Khan is now reported to be recovering at home. Details of the Attack The attack occurred during an alleged robbery attempt when the accused, identified as Shariful Islam Shahzad, broke into Khan’s residence. A confrontation ensued, during which the actor sustained injuries. Key Findings of the Investigation Next Steps Mumbai Police continue their investigation to uncover further details about Shahzad’s activities and background. The attack has raised concerns about the security of high-profile individuals in the city and highlighted issues of illegal immigration and identity fraud.

No Suitable Site Identified After 45 Days Even after 45 days of efforts, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) has yet to identify a suitable site for relocating slums under the ‘Slum Free Bhopal’ scheme. Both the district administration and BMC are still conducting surveys to find viable locations for relocating slum dwellers. Rejected Proposal for Vallabh Nagar Relocation In November 2024, the Department of Urban Development and Housing (UAD) rejected a proposal to relocate the Vallabh Nagar slum to the Shaurya Smarak site under the ‘Jhuggi-Mukt Bhopal’ plan. Instead, UAD directed BMC to consider locations such as Ban Ganga for the relocation. Goals of the Scheme The ‘Slum Free Bhopal’ initiative aims to rehabilitate urban poor and slum dwellers by: Under the scheme, private developers will handle housing construction for slum dwellers, create commercial spaces to ensure project viability, and manage the expenses for housing provisions and rehabilitation during the transition phase. Challenges in Relocation and Re-densification Next Steps BMC and the district administration are under pressure to expedite the site identification process and finalize a practical relocation strategy. The successful execution of the ‘Slum Free Bhopal’ scheme depends on efficient planning, community engagement, and collaboration with private developers to ensure smooth transitions and sustainable urban development.

Vicky Kaushal’s Look as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Chhaava Sets the Internet Ablaze Vicky Kaushal is all set to enthrall audiences with his portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in the upcoming historical drama Chhaava. Ahead of the much-anticipated trailer launch on January 22, 2025, new posters of the film have been unveiled, showcasing Vicky in a fierce, warrior avatar. Katrina Kaif’s Fiery SupportVicky’s wife, actress Katrina Kaif, expressed her excitement for the film by reposting the posters on her Instagram Stories, accompanied by fire emojis. Her enthusiastic reaction highlights her role as Vicky’s biggest cheerleader and adds to the buzz surrounding the film. Poster DetailsThe posters depict Vicky Kaushal embodying the spirit of the elements—prithvi (earth), jal (water), agni (fire), and vayu (air)—while wielding various weapons on the battlefield. The caption on the post read:“Agni bhi woh, Paani bhi woh, Toofan bhi woh, Sher Shiva ka #CHHAAVA hai woh! (He is the fire, he is the water, he is the storm, Shiva’s lion, he is Chhaava!).”The film’s trailer is set to release on January 22, 2025, with its theatrical release scheduled for February 14, 2025. Fan Reactions and Industry Buzz Star Cast and Plot With powerful visuals, a compelling storyline, and stellar performances, Chhaava is shaping up to be a must-watch epic drama. Fans are eagerly counting down to Valentine’s Day for this cinematic treat!