Rajinikanth’s Coolie to Clash with Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s War 2 This Independence Day

The box office is gearing up for a high-voltage showdown this Independence Day as two massive films—Rajinikanth’s Coolie and Hrithik Roshan-Jr NTR starrer War 2—are set to release around the same time. Rajinikanth’s Coolie Locks August 14 Release On Friday, Sun Pictures officially announced the release date of Coolie, confirming that the Tamil action drama will hit theatres worldwide on August 14, 2025. The announcement came with a striking new poster featuring Rajinikanth in a fiery avatar, accompanied by the caption:“Sound-ah yethu! Deva Varraaru. #Coolie worldwide from August 14th.” The film, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, wrapped up shooting last month. Lokesh, known for his stylish and intense storytelling, shared behind-the-scenes glimpses on social media, building excitement around the project. All About Coolie Coolie boasts a powerhouse ensemble cast, including Nagarjuna, Pooja Hegde, Soubin Shahir, and Shruti Haasan. Notably, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is set to make a special appearance in the film, adding to its pan-Indian appeal. Music is by Anirudh Ravichander, who previously composed the chart-topping soundtrack for Jailer (2023), another Rajinikanth blockbuster. Veteran actor Sathyaraj also plays a key role. This marks Lokesh Kanagaraj’s seventh directorial venture, following the success of Kaithi, Vikram, and Leo, which form the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU). However, it’s still unclear whether Coolie will be part of the same universe. Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s War 2 Set for Independence Day Weekend While Yash Raj Films has yet to officially announce the date, War 2—directed by Ayan Mukerji and starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani—is widely expected to release around August 15, setting up a mega box office clash. A sequel to the 2019 hit War, the upcoming installment continues the story of Major Kabir Dhaliwal (played by Hrithik) and is the sixth film in the YRF Spy Universe after Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan, and Tiger 3. The Spy Universe Expands Yash Raj Films is heavily investing in its interconnected spy franchise with upcoming titles like Pathaan 2, Tiger vs Pathaan, and Alpha already in development. Box Office Battle Royale With Coolie and War 2 eyeing the same release window, Independence Day 2025 promises a thunderous clash between two cinematic giants. While Coolie brings together South Indian legends with a splash of Bollywood star power, War 2 rides on the massive success of the YRF Spy Universe. Fans and trade analysts alike are eagerly awaiting official confirmation from YRF and the first teasers of both films to see how this blockbuster battle unfolds.

Mahesh Babu’s Playful Airport Moment with Daughter Sitara Delights Fans

Superstar Mahesh Babu recently treated fans to a light-hearted and heartwarming moment at the Hyderabad airport. The actor, who is currently busy with the shoot of his ambitious project SSMB29, was seen traveling with his daughter, Sitara Ghattamaneni. What made the sighting extra special was Mahesh’s cheeky gesture for the cameras—he playfully showed off his passport, making Sitara burst into laughter. This came as a witty response to the viral memes from earlier, when fans joked that Mahesh Babu’s passport was “locked” after a photo of director SS Rajamouli holding multiple passports surfaced online. Mahesh’s little stunt proved otherwise, sending fans into a frenzy of joy. Dressed in a crisp white ensemble, Mahesh looked effortlessly stylish and sported his signature charm. He flashed a bright smile and even gave a thumbs-up to the paparazzi, creating an adorable dad-daughter moment that fans couldn’t stop talking about. What Makes SSMB29 So Special? SSMB29 marks a landmark collaboration between Mahesh Babu and the visionary director SS Rajamouli, known for epic hits like Baahubali and RRR. The film is already being touted as Mahesh’s biggest project to date, promising a global-scale adventure drama. Adding to the buzz, the film stars international icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas and South superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran in pivotal roles. With a massive budget and a thrilling storyline, SSMB29 is shaping up to be a pan-India spectacle, with expectations soaring sky-high. Fans are thrilled to see Mahesh Babu in high spirits as excitement builds for this cinematic epic.

Tajinder Bagga Targets Rahul Gandhi Over Telangana Deforestation Row

BJP leader Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga has stirred controversy after putting up hoardings across Delhi that target Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the felling of trees in Kancha Gachibowli, a 400-acre green area in Hyderabad, Telangana. The hoardings, visible at multiple locations across the national capital, bear the message: “Rahul Gandhi ji, please stop cutting down our jungles in Telangana.” This political move follows a recent Supreme Court stay on the deforestation drive, ordered on April 3. A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih took suo motu cognisance of the tree-cutting operation after reviewing an interim report from the Telangana High Court, which painted an “alarming picture” of deforestation in the area adjoining the University of Hyderabad. Congress Government Faces Heat The Congress-led Telangana government has come under heavy criticism for launching a development project on the green land, with opposition leaders accusing it of deploying hundreds of bulldozers to clear trees and wildlife. BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao questioned the need to convert a natural habitat into a ₹30,000 crore real estate project, highlighting the city’s ongoing battle with rapid urbanisation. Student-Led Protests and Legal Intervention The issue sparked a wave of student activism. On April 3, University of Hyderabad students began an indefinite relay hunger strike, demanding the withdrawal of bulldozers and a halt to tree felling. Over 50 students participated in the hunger strike, with around 200 others joining the protest on campus. The protest gained support from the Workers’ Union and non-teaching staff. Following the Supreme Court’s intervention, the students ended their hunger strike. “We have called off the protest and hunger strike as the Supreme Court has ordered a stay on the activities,” said Anamika, a student leader, as quoted by The New Indian Express. The students have since announced a victory rally to celebrate what they called a major win for environmental justice.

BSF Shoots Pakistani Intruder at International Border in Jammu and Kashmir

The Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead a Pakistani intruder who attempted to cross the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, officials reported on Saturday. The incident occurred during the intervening night of April 4 and 5, when BSF troops observed suspicious movement near the IB. According to an official BSF statement, the intruder continued to advance despite repeated warnings, prompting the personnel to open fire and neutralise the threat. The identity and motive of the individual remain under investigation. The BSF has lodged a strong protest with their Pakistani counterparts following the breach. The local police were alerted, and the body was removed from the site for postmortem examination and to complete other legal formalities. Authorities are continuing the probe, and further details are awaited.

Over 73,000 Waqf Properties Under Dispute Amid Changes in Governance Structure

With Parliament passing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill with comfortable majorities in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, significant changes are expected in the governance and regulation of Waqf properties across India. Data from the Ministry of Minority Affairs reveals that out of the 8.8 lakh Waqf assets spread across 30 states and Union Territories, over 73,000 are currently under dispute and could be directly affected by the new legal provisions. A Waqf is a piece of personal property voluntarily dedicated by a Muslim for a specific religious, charitable, or sometimes private purpose. Though the beneficiaries may vary, the ownership is considered to be vested with God. The Waqf Assets Management System of India (WAMSI) database, maintained by the central government, records details of all Waqf properties, including their type, management, and status. According to WAMSI, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of Waqf assets at 2.4 lakh, managed across both Sunni and Shia boards. It is followed by West Bengal (80,480), Punjab (75,511), Tamil Nadu (66,092), and Karnataka (65,242). Bihar is the only other state besides UP that has separate Waqf boards for Sunni and Shia communities; other states operate with unified boards. Of the total 8.8 lakh Waqf properties, around 6.2 lakh fall under five major categories: graveyards, agricultural land, mosques, shops, and houses. Notably, graveyards alone constitute 17.3%, while agricultural land and mosques account for 16% and 14%, respectively. Amid opposition criticism, the NDA government had referred the Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee, which accepted 14 amendments proposed by NDA MPs while rejecting all 44 suggestions from the Opposition. The final Bill redefines how Waqf properties are to be administered, including changing the composition of state Waqf boards and enhancing the state government’s role in dispute resolution. Disputed Waqf properties are classified under three main categories: encroached, under litigation, and alienated. Litigation can be external (civil suits involving individuals) or internal (disputes within the Waqf Board). Alienated properties are those involved in illegal transfers and are subject to civil suits, while encroached properties refer to those allegedly built on government land. These disputes, under the new Bill, may be resolved by a tribunal comprising a District Judge and a state government officer of Joint Secretary rank. One of the most high-profile Waqf disputes in India’s history was over the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, demolished in 1992. The case was heard across various judicial levels before the Supreme Court delivered its verdict in 2019, allowing for the construction of the Ram Temple at the site. Among the states, Punjab, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh report the highest number of disputed Waqf properties. Punjab has the highest proportion of encroached properties, with 56.5% of its 75,511 assets under encroachment. In comparison, UP, despite having the most Waqf properties, has just 3,044 under dispute, while West Bengal reports 3,742 disputed properties, placing it second in volume.

Panchayat Celebrates 5th Anniversary with Season 4 Announcement; Set to Premiere on July 2

Prime Video’s hit comedy-drama Panchayat marked its 5th anniversary on April 3 with a special surprise for fans—the official confirmation of Panchayat Season 4! The much-awaited fourth season is set to premiere on July 2, 2025. A Hilarious Promo Video to Announce the Big News To commemorate the occasion, Prime Video released a fun-filled promo featuring the show’s lead, Jitendra Kumar, alongside co-stars Durgesh Kumar and Ashok Pathak. The clip also features television actress Gia Manek, best known as Gopi Bahu from Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, along with social media influencers Bhupendra Jogi, Darshan Magdum, and Vijay Magdum. The promo kicks off with Darshan Magdum humorously singing, “Panchayat hatao, naukri bacaho” (Remove Panchayat, save jobs), in his signature karaoke style. Gia Manek adds to the fun by recreating her viral soap-washing laptop scene from Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, playfully mocking Panchayat for dominating meme culture. As the clip progresses, Jitendra Kumar makes an entrance, while Durgesh Kumar video calls “Gopi Bahu” and drops his iconic line, “Dekh raha hai Binod?” (Are you seeing this, Binod?), with Ashok Pathak’s Binod sitting right beside him. The video hilariously shifts between Jitendra Kumar’s different characters, including a brief transition to Jeetu Bhai from Kota Factory. It wraps up with him revealing the much-awaited details of Panchayat Season 4. Panchayat 4 – What to Expect? Directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Akshat Vijaywargiya, and produced by The Viral Fever, Panchayat first premiered in 2020. The series follows the journey of Abhishek Tripathi, an engineering graduate who reluctantly takes up the job of a Panchayat secretary in the fictional village of Phulera, Uttar Pradesh. After three successful seasons, Panchayat 4 promises more fun, drama, and meme-worthy moments when it releases on July 2, 2025. Fans are eagerly awaiting another exciting chapter in this much-loved series!

Fawad Khan’s Bollywood Comeback with Abir Gulaal Sparks Excitement and Controversy

Pakistani actor Fawad Khan is set to make his highly anticipated return to Bollywood with Abir Gulaal, alongside Vaani Kapoor. While many fans are celebrating his comeback, the film’s release has also stirred controversy, particularly in Maharashtra. Several political figures and industry insiders have voiced their opposition, with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam firmly rejecting the film’s release due to Khan’s Pakistani nationality. Ashoke Pandit from IIFTD and BN Tiwari from FWICE have also spoken against it. Fans Celebrate Fawad Khan’s Return Despite the political opposition, social media tells a different story. Many Bollywood enthusiasts are ecstatic about Fawad’s return, expressing their excitement online. Comments on platforms like Reddit highlight fans’ eagerness for a “sweet romance” after ages, with one user calling it “a chef’s kiss” moment. Others praised Fawad’s charm, with one writing, “He is always better suited for the ML in full-time romance flicks rather than being second lead.” Divided Opinions on Social Media However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm. Some netizens questioned the need for Pakistani actors in Bollywood, arguing that India has plenty of talented artists. Comments such as “Why are Pakistanis allowed to act in Bollywood? No self-respect,” reflect the strong opposition from certain sections of the audience. The Ban on Pakistani Artists and Its Impact The controversy stems from the 2016 ban on Pakistani actors in Bollywood following the Uri attack. Although the Bombay High Court lifted the ban in 2023, allowing Pakistani artists to work in India again, political resistance remains strong. With Abir Gulaal slated for release on May 9, it remains uncertain whether the backlash will impact its theatrical run or if the film will overcome the hurdles and reach audiences as planned.

Mawra Hocane to Make Bollywood Comeback with Music Video Tu Chaand Hai

Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane, who won hearts with her touching performance in Sanam Teri Kasam, is set to make a return to Bollywood. The film, which recently gained renewed attention after its re-release, has shattered box office records, reaffirming its popularity among audiences. Now, Mawra is all set to embark on a new journey in the Indian entertainment industry with her musical debut. She will be featuring in a special music video titled Tu Chaand Hai, in collaboration with singer-composer Akhil Sachdeva. Known for his soulful track Tera Ban Jaunga from Kabir Singh, Sachdeva is set to mesmerize listeners once again with this new melody. Excited about the project, Mawra took to Instagram to share the big news with her fans. Posting the official poster of Tu Chaand Hai, she wrote, “A special one from us to you! So excited to share this beautiful melody with you all, sung by the most talented Akhil Sachdeva.” Expressing her enthusiasm, she further added, “I can’t wait for you to hear it.” The highly anticipated music video is set to release on April 4, exclusively on Novice Records’ official platform. Fans are eagerly looking forward to witnessing Mawra’s return to the Indian entertainment scene with this heartfelt musical venture.

SS Rajamouli’s SSMB29: A Grand Standalone Spectacle

Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran Unite for Rajamouli’s Biggest Film SS Rajamouli’s upcoming film, tentatively titled SSMB29, is shaping up to be one of the biggest and most ambitious projects of his career. Starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, this high-budget adventure drama is set to break away from Rajamouli’s previous two-part storytelling style, delivering a standalone cinematic experience. Rajamouli’s Vision: A Single, Power-Packed Narrative Unlike Baahubali, which was split into two parts, SSMB29 will be a singular, gripping film, similar to RRR. A source close to the production revealed,“He believes that many filmmakers have been using this two-part structure for commercial storytelling. To avoid audiences waiting for sequels, he has designed the screenplay as a single, continuous experience.” A 3-Hour-30-Minute Epic Following RRR‘s trend, SSMB29 is expected to have an extended runtime of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, ensuring a grand spectacle packed with action, adventure, and drama. Behind-the-Scenes Glimpse Coming Soon To build excitement, the makers are planning to release an exclusive behind-the-scenes making-of video soon, offering fans a sneak peek into the scale and vision of this magnum opus. With Rajamouli at the helm and a stellar cast, SSMB29 is set to redefine Indian cinema with its massive scale and storytelling brilliance.

Akshay Kumar Announces Kesari: Chapter 3, Based on Hari Singh Nalwa

Kesari Franchise Expands with New Historical Epic Akshay Kumar has officially confirmed Kesari: Chapter 3 and revealed that the film will be based on the legendary Sikh warrior Hari Singh Nalwa. The announcement was made during the trailer launch event of Kesari: Chapter 2, further expanding the historical-action franchise. Who Was Hari Singh Nalwa? Hari Singh Nalwa was a formidable Sikh commander and a key leader in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army. He served as the Governor of Kashmir, Hazara, and Peshawar, gaining immense respect for his military prowess. Nalwa played a critical role in halting Afghan invasions into Punjab through the Khyber Pass, a historically significant route used by foreign invaders to enter India. His conquests spanned Kasur, Sialkot, Attock, Multan, Kashmir, Peshawar, and Jamrud, effectively pushing the Sikh Empire’s frontier beyond the Indus River. His leadership marked the western boundary of the empire at Jamrud before his passing. Additionally, Nalwa introduced economic reforms by establishing mints in Kashmir and Peshawar for better revenue collection. Akshay Kumar’s Long-Awaited Dream Role Back in 2022, during an interview with Fever FM, Akshay Kumar had expressed his desire to portray Hari Singh Nalwa on screen, calling him a great warrior. With Kesari: Chapter 3, it looks like his vision is finally coming to life. More About Kesari: Chapter 2 Before Kesari: Chapter 3, audiences will witness Kesari: Chapter 2, which revolves around the legal battle fought by advocate C. Sankaran Nair to seek justice for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The recently released trailer transports viewers back to one of the darkest chapters of Indian history. The makers teased the film’s gripping narrative with the tagline:“One man, his courage, his words – that shook the entire empire. Uncover the most shocking lie ever told. Uncover the darkest chapter of our history. Uncover the truth behind the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy.” With Kesari: Chapter 3 set to bring Hari Singh Nalwa’s heroic story to the big screen, Akshay Kumar continues to champion historical narratives through cinema.

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