Latest news with #Cinematography
New Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
‘Yogandhra' reflects cultural richness of India: Andhra Pradesh Health Minister
VIJAYAWADA: The State government's ambitious Yogandhra Festival, held to promote yoga as a way of life, concluded with a grand prize distribution ceremony at Tummalapalli Kshetraiah Kalakshetram on Wednesday. Organised as part of the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations, the event featured cultural programmes, patriotic tributes, and recognition of excellence in yoga. Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav said Yogandhra reflects India's cultural heritage and aims to embed yoga into everyday life. Applauding the winners as the torchbearers of yoga's future, he revealed that 526 participants competed across 42 events in 15 categories, with 193 emerging victorious. Among them, 38 participants hailed from tribal districts Alluri Sitarama Raju and Parvathipuram Manyam. The Minister credited PM Narendra Modi's global advocacy for the widespread adoption of yoga in 175 countries and praised AP for surpassing its participation target, recording over 2.3 crore Culture, and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh called Yogandhra a movement beyond International Yoga Day. He noted yoga's growing global reach, especially in Europe, and praised the Prime Minister as yoga's global ambassador. AYUSH Director Dr K Dinesh Kumar said over 4 lakh students participated in village-level competitions, with 526 advancing to the State level. The winners will perform in Visakhapatnam on June 21 in the Prime Minister's presence. Secondary Health Director A Siri lauded the transparency and scale of the competition. NTR District Collector Dr G Lakshmisha said Yogandhra is a movement shaped by the leadership of the PM and CM, and proudly noted the district's record-setting floating yoga performance. The event featured a moving tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in Operation Sindoor, followed by a two-minute silence and a stirring performance by Amaravati Yoga and Aerobics. Students demonstrated 'Pragya Yoga – Art of Living,' enriching the spiritual atmosphere of the ceremony.
Hans India
19-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Yogandhra brings rich cultural heritage closer to people: Minister
Vijayawada: Minister for Medical and Health and Family Welfare Y Satya Kumar Yadav said the State government was conducting Yogandhra Mahotsavam in an effort to bring India's rich cultural heritage closer to every citizen and to make yoga an integral part of their lifestyle. He said the spirit of the winners in Yoga competitions and the significance of yoga serve as a guiding light for future generations. He made this remarks on Wednesday while participating in the grand felicitation ceremony held at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada to honour the winners of the 11th International Yoga Day State-Level Competitions. The competitions were held from June 16 to 18 at Don Bosco School, Guntupalli (Ibrahimpatnam mandal), where 526 participants competed in 15 categories across 42 events. A total of 193 participants emerged victorious and they were honoured and presented the prizes. Competitions were held in Asana demonstrations, Surya Namaskar challenges, Artistic Yoga, Yoga song, painting, skit, quiz, essay writing, short film, and Yoga Photography. Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh, AYUSH Director K Dinesh Kumar, Secondary Health Director A Siri, District Collector Dr G Lakshmisha and Joint Collector S Ilakkiya, among others were present in the felicitation event. Minister Satya Kumar Yadav congratulated all winners at village, mandal, district and State-level competitions. He praised the fair conduct of the events and remarked on the growing global influence of yoga, now practiced in 175 countries, thanks to the efforts made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Satya Kumar said Andhra Pradesh under the guidance of the Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has gone a step further by conducting Yogandhra Mahotsavams in an unprecedented manner and made it a grand success. He highlighted that events were held at 103 tourism destinations across the State, showcasing the cultural richness of AP to to the world. He further said plans were underway to extensively promote medical tourism. He said yoga plays a significant role in realising the visions of Viksit Bharat and Swarnandhra, paving the way for India to become the world's number one economy. He congratulated the NTR district administration for achieving a world record in Thematic Floating Yoga at Berm Park on Krishna river recently. Minister for Tourism, Culture & Cinematography, Kandula Durgesh said Yogandra Mahotsavams was a sacred mission and not just a one-day event. 'The State government is actively integrating yoga into the lives of all sections of society,' he said. Emphasising the role of mental peace, the Minister said yoga ensures both physical and mental health. AYUSH Director K Dinesh Kumar stated that despite challenges, yoga competitions were conducted with great enthusiasm as per the Chief Minister's directives. Competitions were held across junior, young and senior divisions, with over 400,000 participants at the village level, 526 qualifying for the State level, and 193 emerging as winners. Dinesh Kumar said the winners will perform yoga Asanas alongside the Prime Minister at the upcoming International Yoga Day celebration in Visakhapatnam on June 21. He described the winners as torchbearers of yoga's future journey. Health department Director A Siri elaborated on the yoga competition model used across the State. NTR District Collector Dr G Lakshmisha described Yogandra as a powerful movement inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. He noted that yoga has reached every corner of the State and left its mark on everyone's heart. Hosting the State-level competitions in the district was a proud moment, he said. Participants included Vijayawada RDO Kavuri Chaitanya, DMHO Dr M Suhasini, Additional Commissioner of Vijayawada Municipal Corporation Dr D Chandrasekhar, AYUSH officials Dr V Rani, Dr Ramatlehi, Dr Ratna Priyadarshini, among others. Parents of the winners also attended the event.
CNET
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
'How to Train Your Dragon' Has Tempered My Disdain for Live-Action Remakes
I go into live-action remakes with an air of spite and the lowest expectations, and typically walk out feeling like those emotions are justified. Cue the unimaginative plot, vapid characters and uninspired cinematography, and that's the bulk of these money-making ploys. But DreamWorks' How to Train Your Dragon remake, in theaters now, admittedly left me awestruck. I went to see the live-action remake of this beloved 2010 film over the weekend, and was anxious about whether it would maintain the whimsy, humor and charm of the animated original. I'm still reeling from how lifeless Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch was, especially since the original is my all-time favorite animated movie. Just about every other Disney remake has similarly left me unimpressed. Would How to Train Your Dragon, another favorite animated film of mine, also be a remake I'd wish never happened? I'm pleased, and quite surprised, to report that this adaptation was spectacular. My biggest issue with live-action films is that they typically don't carry over the quirkiness and imagination of their animated counterparts, which aren't restricted by the bounds of reality. Worlds and characters can be as eccentric and inventive as the mind allows, and gags can be delightfully exaggerated. Live-action movies, on the other hand, tend to upend that whimsy by flattening themes and personas into a real-world setting. Characters become rigid, regurgitated jokes fall flat and lackluster CGI makes the story feel even less plausible. But the How to Train Your Dragon remake somehow makes a fictional world full of dragons feel even more tangible, thanks to stellar CGI, sweeping landscapes and a euphoric soundtrack (that is once again composed by the legendary John Powell). The actors maintain the mannerisms of their animated counterparts, from Hiccup's timid empathy to Astrid's resolute boldness and Stoick's formidable determination. This was all undoubtedly aided by the return of director Dean DeBlois, who artfully preserved the characters' quips and mannerisms and the sentimentality of the storyline from start to finish. Instead of feeling like a rushed retelling, the live-action How to Train Your Dragon takes its time with world-building and scene-setting, allowing viewers to feel immersed in the beautiful, mythical landscape and as closely connected to the multi-dimensional characters as the original film. The live-action remake preserved the characters' attributes from the animated film. Universal Pictures Perhaps most critically, this remake holds firmly to the original movie's plot, without making it feel like a hollow duplication devoid of soul and action. Rather, the dazzling sequences, from Hiccup's epic first ride aboard Toothless the dragon (goosebumps) to the high-stakes battles, bring this story to life in ways no other live-action remake has. This film not only lives up to the brilliance and wonder of the animated rendition but at times even rivals its thrill, thanks to the recharged score (the addition of bagpipes is a welcome one) and breathtaking cinematography. The remarkable detail on the dragons, from their colorful scales to Toothless's vivid green eyes, and the gripping flight sequences seamlessly bridge the gap between real-world and fantasy, making the whole endeavor delightfully believable and immersive. There's still reason to be wary of live-action remakes. No matter how good they are, they still come off as an undisguised tactic by studios to rake in dollars on titles they know you already love. And yet I still make the effort to see every single one, despite my trepidation that yet another childhood classic is likely to be massacred by a drab retelling no one asked for. But How to Train Your Dragon has tempered my live-action skepticism and left me spellbound. It demonstrated what no other remake has before: That you really can pump life into a real-world retelling and maintain the wonder of the original. I hope other studios are taking notes.
Hans India
14-06-2025
- Hans India
Tourism Min elated over GSI recognition to Belum Caves
Amaravati: Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh expressed delight over the inclusion of Belum Caves, a symbol of ancient culture and heritage, in the geological heritage list. With the announcement from the Geological Survey of India (GSI), the Minister expects that the Belum Caves, located in Kolimigundla mandal of Nandyal district, with a history dating back 450 years BCE and spread over approximately 23 acres, will gain further tourist prominence. The Minister said in a statement here on Friday that this recognition as a geological heritage site opens up opportunities for further development. The Minister stated that Belum Caves are internationally renowned as the second-longest and the longest underground caves in India. He added that the unimaginable natural beauty hidden underground within Belum Caves not only greatly attracts tourists but also provides a refreshing experience. The Minister explained that millions of tourists visit these caves. He assured that efforts would be made to further attract both domestic and international tourists. He further stated that Rayalaseema boasts numerous spiritual sites and beautiful tourist destinations, including Tirumala, Ahobilam, Mahanandi, Yaganti, Srisailam, Brahmamgari Matham, Gandikota, Siddavatam, Gandi, and Horsley Hills, and all of them will be developed. Minister Durgesh expressed confidence that the tourism sector will further flourish under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Pawan Kalyan calls for regulated ticket pricing and theatre reforms amid Andhra Pradesh shutdown row
Picture Credit: X Actor and deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has addressed the ongoing theatre shutdown issue in Andhra Pradesh, requesting the Telugu film industry to adopt a more organized approach for movie ticket price hike requests. As per a Hindi report, he shared that any such demands should be made through the proper channels, specifically via the Telugu Film Industry Council, rather than individual producers or representatives acting on their own. This guideline applies to all upcoming films, including Pawan Kalyan's own much-anticipated release, 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu'. During a recent briefing, Tourism and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh updated the Deputy CM on the theatre bandh situation and the government's response so far. Pawan Kalyan issued clear instructions on the need for strict and regulated management of cinema halls across the state to ensure better services for moviegoers. The 'Gabbar Singh' actor also shared that government departments responsible for overseeing theatres must carry out their duties with diligence and proper supervision. Regular inspections and monitoring should be conducted to maintain standards in ticket pricing and theatre operations. Pawan Kalyan also spoke about the importance of making cinema visits affordable and family-friendly. He pointed out that high prices for food and beverages inside theatres such as popcorn, soft drinks, and bottled water often exceed the cost of the tickets themselves, discouraging many families from frequenting cinemas. He urged theatre owners to keep these prices reasonable and stressed that providing clean drinking water and maintaining hygiene should be basic responsibilities. Local authorities, he said, must ensure these standards are upheld. He directed the Cinematography Minister to initiate an inquiry into these pricing and quality issues, coordinating closely with the tax department to address the problem. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
