Movie News

Lately, most films, ranging from high-budget to low-budget, have had paid premieres a day before the official release in India. Filmmakers believe that positive talk from these early shows can change the box-office fate of a film. Surprisingly, Thimmarajupalli TV, produced by Kiran Abbavaram and featuring mostly newcomers, didn’t opt for paid premieres.

In a recent media interaction, Kiran Abbavaram explained why he couldn’t screen paid premieres. “Censor cuts were suggested, and it took time for us to implement them. Thankfully, the censor officers supported us in the process. Had the certificate been issued yesterday, we would have screened premieres. The movie will now open with morning shows tomorrow,” revealed the actor.

Can this small film set against a rural backdrop spring a pleasant surprise at the box office? Let’s wait and see. Thimmarajupalli TV features Sai Tej and Veda Jalandharr in the lead roles and is directed by debutant V. Muniraju.

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Jana Nayagan

Jana Nayagan

The police officials are now conducting a probe into the piracy of Thalapathy Vijay’s film Jana Nayagan. A few arrests have been made, and fans are worried about the theatrical performance, as people are watching it through unofficial platforms.

The biggie has now received slight relief from the Madras High Court. An ad-interim injunction has been issued, restraining cable operators and internet service providers from broadcasting or facilitating access to pirated copies of the film until June 2, 2026.

Only after the Censor certificate and the completion of the Tamil Nadu state elections will the movie hit the big screens. Based on the Telugu hit Bhagavanth Kesari, the movie stars Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju, and Bobby Deol in key roles. H. Vinoth is the director.

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Ustaad-Bhagat-Singh

Ustaad-Bhagat-Singh

Pawan Kalyan’s latest movie, Ustaad Bhagat Singh, debuted on Netflix today in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. Directed by Harish Shankar, this action drama features Sreeleela as the female lead.

A specific scene that became a major talking point, which the director previously addressed when questioned, has been fixed for the OTT release. The original theatrical entry scene for Pawan Kalyan in a flashback episode contained two different shots. This felt illogical to many viewers and led to significant criticism regarding the film’s continuity.

During an interview, Harish Shankar claimed both shots were intentionally included because he and the cinematographer each preferred a different take. However, he was widely trolled for this explanation, as many viewed it as a poor cover-up for a technical mistake.

Despite his earlier defense, the version now streaming on Netflix has been edited to feature only one entry shot. Meanwhile, the film’s digital performance is highly anticipated following its poor theatrical run.

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Pochamma

Movie Name : Pochamma
Streaming Date : April 16, 2026
Streaming Platform : Aha
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5
Starring : Ramesh Indira, Arjun, Priya Shatamarshan, Snehal Kamat, Shruti Naidu & Others.
Director : Ramesh Indra
Producers : Shruti Naidu
Music Director : LV Muthu Ganesh
Cinematographer  : Shreesha kuduvalli
Editor : Rajendra Urs

Related Links : Trailer

Aha brings a brand new Telugu web series titled Pochamma. Headlined and directed by Ramesh Indira, with Achyuth Kumar, Arjun Ambati, and Snehal Kamat in key roles, the five episode series is now available for streaming. Check out how it fares.

Story:

In a remote village, Fredrick (Ramesh Indira) buys a lavish estate where a Pochamma idol stands rooted in the land’s past. Ignoring Raghupathi’s (Achyuth Kumar) chilling warnings, he removes it. That decision triggers a chain of eerie events. What begins as unease soon spirals into horror with the mysterious death of his young daughter Jessi (Snehal Kamat). Now, one question lingers is this the wrath of the goddess or a far more sinister truth hiding in plain sight.

Plus Points:

The biggest strength of the series is its pacing. Director Ramesh Indira keeps things tight and interesting right from the opening minute. There is no unnecessary buildup or dragged narration. Unlike many web series, it does not waste time setting things up slowly and then rushing towards the end. The narrative stays consistently engaging without noticeable lag.

The integration of the Pochamma goddess into the storyline works well. The way the events are woven around the belief system keeps the intrigue alive. This connection helps maintain curiosity and keeps the viewer invested.

Performances are decent. Snehal Kamat delivers a convincing act, while Arjun Ambati stands out in a negative role. Achyuth Kumar brings a calm and composed presence that adds weight to the narrative. The background score is a major highlight and elevates several moments effectively.

Minus Points:

Despite having just five episodes and a crisp runtime, the series ends up being only a decent watch because of its predictable storyline. The core plot feels familiar and resembles an Oscar winning film in its outline, even though it is not a direct copy. The devotional angle adds a local flavour, but the underlying twist is not very hard to guess.

Casting choices also affect the impact. Achyuth Kumar performs well, but his presence makes certain developments easier to predict. A fresher casting choice could have added more surprise.

Another drawback is the dominance of non Telugu actors in a Telugu series. While it may be a creative choice, stronger local casting could have improved authenticity. The dubbing, especially for Ramesh Indira, feels weak and does not match the intensity of his character.

The series also misses out on elevating key moments. Some high stakes scenes could have been designed better to enhance engagement. The climax, in particular, feels simple and lacks punch.

Technical Aspects:

Ramesh Indira handles the narrative efficiently and keeps it straightforward without unnecessary distractions. However, the predictability may reduce the impact for some viewers. The music by LV Muthu Ganesh is a strong asset and adds depth to the storytelling. Cinematography by Shreesha Kuduvalli is adequate, while editing keeps the flow smooth. Production values are decent.

Verdict:

On the whole, Pochamma is a decent mystery series that manages to keep you invested with its fast pacing and effective background score. While the performances and technical aspects support the narrative, the predictable storyline and weak dubbing hold it back. If you are looking for a quick and interesting watch at home, this series is worth a try.

123telugu.com Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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Jana Nayagan

Jana Nayagan

Jana Nayagan piracy case has seen a major development. Following six arrests by the Tamil Nadu police, three more people have now been arrested. The main accused was a freelance assistant who had been appointed for editing work.

It is said that he unauthorisedly granted access to the reels of Jana Nayagan at the editing studio and stole the data. Later, it was rendered into a movie and shared widely as pirated copies.

This is definitely a big development in the piracy row, and it should give some relief to the makers and fans. Meanwhile, there is still no clarity about the release date of the movie, with the censor certificate yet to be issued.

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Nikhil Siddhartha’s next theatrical release is Swayambhu, a massive period action drama directed by Bharat Krishnamachari. It is produced by Bhuvan and Sreekar of Pixel Studios, with Tagore Madhu presenting. The makers commenced the musical promotions today by launching the first single, Ra Ra Dheevara.

With Ravi Basrur at the helm, the track arrives as a powerful, high-energy anthem that leans heavily on thunderous percussion and intense orchestral arrangements. Santhosh Venky elevates it further with his forceful vocals, while Ramajogayya Sastry pens lines that channel raw intensity, celebrating bravery, resilience, and a fierce warrior spirit.

The song presents Nikhil Siddhartha in a never-before-seen avatar, marked by aggression and grit. His transformation stands out, as he appears battle-ready and agile, especially in the well-executed dual-sword sequences that reflect months of training. Adding to the surprise, he also pulls off energetic dance moves, seamlessly combining ferocity with rhythm. Nabha Natesh makes her presence felt as well, enhancing the visual appeal.

On the visual front, Swayambhu impresses with its scale and detailing. Cinematographer K. K. Senthil Kumar captures expansive sets, dust-filled battlegrounds, and synchronized warrior formations with striking finesse. V. J. Binni’s choreography mixes elements of war and dance, turning Ra Ra Dheevara into a dynamic and visually engaging number.

The teaser and the explosive first single have heightened expectations for what’s to come. Swamabhu will have a PAN Indian release this Summer, and the exact date will be revealed soon.

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Pawan Kalyan’s Ustaad Bhagat Singh is finally out on OTT, streaming on Netflix starting April 16. But instead of just celebrating the digital release, fans are busy doing something else—calling out director Harish Shankar.

To announce the movie’s arrival, Netflix dropped a brand-new trailer cut. The edit immediately caught fire on social media, with fans praising its energy and punch. At the same time, this new promotional video triggered a massive wave of frustration. Fans are pointing fingers at Harish Shankar, wondering why the original theatrical trailer couldn’t match this level of intensity.

Social media is currently flooded with comments from viewers who feel the theatrical release suffered because of a weak promotional cut. Many argue that if the Netflix version had been used as the main trailer, Ustaad Bhagat Singh could have easily pulled in an extra ₹10 to ₹15 crore on opening day. They don’t hold back in saying the official team failed to deliver the right hype when it mattered most.

People are now openly advising Harish Shankar to spend less time on social media debates and put more focus on his core content. Fans expect better output from a director known for his mass hits, and they hope his future projects will bring fresh, solid ideas that match current trends.

Meanwhile, the Netflix edit has successfully reignited interest in the film. Ustaad Bhagat Singh is streaming now in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. For anyone who missed the original run, it’s clear this new trailer is doing exactly what it was meant to do—pulling the audience right back in for the action.

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Akhil Akkineni’s next project, Lenin, is back in the headlines as its second single, “Yetta Yetta,” was launched this evening. Composed by Thaman and sung by Sri Krishna, the complete video song has now been released.

The song features Akhil and his lady love, Bhagyashri Borse, in a high-energy mass vibe. Their dynamic dance moves to the peppy number made the track instantly likable. The naturality of the setup and their chemistry made the song watchable, providing a much-needed push for the movie.

Directed by Murali Kishor Abburu and produced by Nagarjuna Akkineni under Manam Enterprises LLP, along with Naga Vamsi of Sithara Entertainments, the film is confirmed to release on June 26, 2026.

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Papam Pratap

Thiruveer’s new film Papam Prathap has generated decent buzz through its promotions. Ahead of the release tomorrow, the film has landed in trouble, with statutory clearances still pending.
There is said to be a key scene in the film featuring an animal, and hence the Censor Board has asked for clearance from the Animal Welfare Board of India to issue the certificate. The development worried movie buffs, but here’s the latest update. All the hurdles have now been cleared, and the film will open with paid premieres as planned earlier.

Directed by S. P. Durga Naresh, this comedy-drama stars Payal Radhakrishna as the female lead. The movie is set against the Godavari backdrop in 1998 and tells the story of a youngster navigating his life after marriage.

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Vamsi Paidipally stunned one and all by announcing a project with Bollywood Megastar Salman Khan. The filmmaker has had a rare achievement of working with many top stars across industries.

The shoot of Salman Khan and Vamsi Paidipally’s film will commence with a vintage song shoot on April 18 in Mumbai. A house set is constructed for the same, and the schedule will happen from April 18 to May 4.

South Indian star heroine Nayanthara has come on board as the female lead, adding more star power to the project. Tollywood ace producer Dil Raju will bankroll this action drama under the banner of Sri Venkateswara Creations. More details about the project are expected to be revealed soon.

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