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Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
OTT gave me my break, but it was the big screen that made people remember me: Sangeeth Shobhan
From his early days as a child artiste in Golconda High School to earning acclaim with projects like Pitta Kathalu and Oka Chinna Family Story, Sangeeth Shobhan has steadily built a career grounded in relatability and charm. The son of Varsham director, late Sobhan and younger brother of actor Santosh Shobhan, Sangeeth further cemented his appeal among younger audiences with the coming-of-age comedy drama Mad and its recent sequel Mad Square. In a candid chat, the actor talks about why direction isn't for him, the importance of connecting with his directors, and how the shift from OTT to theatres changed the way audiences see the past few years, Sangeeth has put together a diverse body of work — from playing the sincere Sunny in Oka Chinna Family Story to appearing in the Telugu adaptation of The Baker and the Beauty and the web film Prema Vimanam. But it was Mad, with its irreverent humour and college-campus energy, that marked his breakout. Sangeeth, who is now stepping into lead roles, says he's not chasing stardom. 'Right now, I'm focused on building credibility and choosing content that feels honest and relatable. I want the audience to see a bit of themselves in my characters. I want them to remember me as the 'guy next door' and once that connection is built, I'll be ready to explore more varied roles.'While acting has clearly become his path, there was a time when he considered going behind the camera. During college, Sangeeth got the chance to work as an assistant director on Mahesh Babu's Maharshi, an experience that gave him a new perspective on the filmmaking process. 'That experience made me realise just how tough direction really is and that filmmaking is not for me. I love acting, and it has made me appreciate how much directors and their teams do behind the scenes. They work tirelessly, are often underappreciated, and are paid very little. Acting might feel easier when you see the kind of effort and patience the direction team puts in, and that's something I truly admire.'An actor's job is to quickly adapt to a character and just as easily detach from it. You don't need to lock yourself away or live like the character for weeks. That's not acting, that's becoming someone else. That's why I've never believed in method respect for directors also shapes how he engages with stories. For Sangeeth, it's not just the script that matters; it's how it's told, and who's telling it. 'Some stories hit differently when you hear them. When Kalyan Shankar narrated Mad, I was laughing from the first scene. The way he delivered it, full of energy and clarity, helped me connect with the tone instantly. That's when I know I want to do a film: when the storyteller pulls me in. A strong connection with the director makes all the difference,' he now, I'm focused on choosing content that feels honest and relatable. I want the audience to see a bit of themselves in my characters and once that connection is built, I'll be ready to explore varied OTT gave Sangeeth his start, it was the theatrical releases that changed how audiences perceived him. 'As a performer, I don't find much difference between OTT and theatre, but the audience reception is significantly different. No matter how much OTT content we consume, audiences still go to theatres to see someone on the big screen, and that makes those characters larger than life. After Mad 2 released, I noticed people recognising us, saying, 'Oh my God, that's the guy from Mad!' They started seeing us as larger-than-life figures because they had experienced us on the big screen. That was a big realisation for me.'
Hans India
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
‘Sri SriSriRajavaru': A smoky tale with a message
After the success of 'Mad Square', NarneNithin's 'Sri SriSriRajavaru' is a drama helmed by Satish Vegesna, known for his National Award-winning ShatamanamBhavati. Inspired by the Malayalam hit Theevandi, the film takes on the theme of personal transformation against a rural backdrop. Let's see how it fares at box-office. Story: Set in the quaint village of Atreyapuram, the story revolves around Raja (NarneNithin), a chain smoker whose addiction puts a strain on his budding romance with Nitya (SampadaHulivana) and tarnishes the reputation of his respected father. As pressure mounts from both personal and public fronts, Raja must choose between his vice and his future. The film explores his journey of self-realization with emotional and comedic elements interwoven throughout. Performances: NarneNithin makes an impressive entry into Tollywood, confidently carrying his role with charm and composure. He shines in action sequences and holds his own in emotional scenes. SampadaHulivana complements him well with her graceful screen presence and delivers an earnest performance. Senior actors like Naresh and Rao Ramesh lend credibility to their roles, with the latter delivering his signature authority-driven character. Sudhakar, in a comedic cameo, adds a few laughs. Technicalities: Director Satish Vegesnaoffers a sincere attempt at blending social commentary with light-hearted cinematography captures rural Andhra Pradesh beautifully, giving the film a visually pleasing setting. Kailash Menon's music, though not standout, provides subtle emotional support. Editing by Madhu could have been tighter, especially in the second half, where the pace tends to lag. The production values are decent, reflecting the film's grounded, village aesthetic. Analysis: Sri SriSriRajavaru offers a story rooted in a meaningful theme — the struggle to overcome addiction — layered with familial and societal expectations. While the screenplay occasionally leans on predictable tropes and some dialogues feel overly didactic, the core message remains relatable and relevant. Satish Vegesna, despite not reaching the emotional highs of his previous works, succeeds in crafting a film that promotes introspection without resorting to vulgarity or sensationalism. The film concludes on a thought-provoking note, emphasizing transformation and redemption. Despite a few narrative hiccups, Sri SriSriRajavaru is a watchable family drama that introduces NarneNithin as a promising new face. Its message-driven plot, clean storytelling, and rustic charm may appeal to audiences looking for a film with heart and sincerity.
India Today
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Single review: Honest timepass comedy without logic but delivers wholesome laughs
'If the jokes land, everything else is forgotten,' is a quote that applies to all films trying their luck in the comedy genre, especially ones that bank on sketches rather than a solid storyline. The recent success of Telugu film 'Mad Square' is a perfect example - it's a film that turned out to be a commercial hit by offering familiar characters and the jokes running around them, and little starring Sree Vishnu, Vennela Kishore, Ivana and Ketika Sharma, is another film that attempts to woo the audience with its one-liner jokes, loaded into a plot revolving around a love triangle and packed with references to the biggest stars of the Telugu film industry. Directed by Caarthick Raju, 'Single' represents the lives of all the single boys out there desperate to find love. However, is this 'representation' an entertaining venture? Let's find out!The film opens with Vijay (Sree Vishnu) praying to God to spare him his single life and get him a girlfriend. Vijay is an insurance agent who lives with his childhood best friend Arvind (Vennela Kishore), also an insurance agent working for the same company. While travelling on the metro, Vijay bumps into Poorva (Ketika Sharma) and instantly falls for her. In an attempt to win her over, he builds a web of lies around One of these lies involves staging an eve-teasing incident with hired goons, only for him to intervene and save the day. While the plan works on Poorva, it ends up affecting Harini (Ivana), whom the fake goons mistake for Poorva. Now, while Vijay tries to impress Poorva, Harini is trying to do the same with Vijay, all tangled in a web of lies. Arvind, amidst all this, is stuck taking jabs from every direction. What will happen when the truth unfolds? Who will end up together? Who will be left heartbroken? The answers to these questions and more make up the plot of this film. Sree Vishnu, Vennela Kishore and the jokes are the best parts of this film. The two performers, with their comic timing and the jokes written by director Caarthick Raju, work well to make this a good comedy entertainer. While not all the jokes land as intended, the film is so loaded with them that it doesn't take long for the next one to hit, leaving you no time to dwell on the Vishnu is in his well-known comic element, with his funny quirks, expressions and mannerisms. He brings a certain 'mischievous area boy' energy through his character. However, it is Vennela Kishore who induces the loudest laughs with his quick-witted one-liners. He finally gets his due with a full-fledged role - although a sidekick, he still leaves an impact with his comic Sharma looks gorgeous in the film as she convincingly plays a not-so-innocent character. Ivana, who also looks beautiful, makes use of her emotional backstory and displays some acting potential too. Yet, despite having two good-looking women in his corner, it's Sree Vishnu's chemistry with Vennela Kishore that steals the show!'Single' is a very orthodox comedy film made with recent trends and sensibilities in mind. Everything - from the treatment, screenplay and structure to the music and technical departments - follows the same age-old approach to filmmaking. The story is paper-thin and scattered in all directions, with the director trying to hold it together and force it into a final culmination. With no disrespect to either party, the plot seems to be inspired by one of those deliberately cringe-inducing Instagram while that may be the case with the storyline, the end goal of a comedy film is to make the audience laugh. And that is exactly what the makers of 'Single' promised. Since they have delivered on that front, the film is certainly worth a watch. Despite its flaws, going back to the opening quote: 'If the jokes land, everything else is forgotten.'3 out of 5 stars for 'Single'.
Hans India
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Fresh stories and blockbusters light up OTT screens this week!
This week promises an exciting lineup for OTT audiences, with a mix of direct-to-digital premieres and theatrical hits making their streaming debut. Notable direct releases include Mad Square (Netflix) and Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins (Netflix), offering fresh stories straight to homes. Meanwhile, previously released theatrical films like Mazaka (Prime Video), and Veera Dheera Sooran – Part 2 (Prime Video) are now available for digital viewing. From action-packed thrillers to light-hearted rom-coms and intense dramas, the OTT platforms are buzzing with diverse content, ensuring something for every mood and taste this week. Mad Square - Netflix Released on April 25, 2025, 'Mad Square' is a Telugu-language comedy-drama that follows the chaotic adventures of three friends navigating through unexpected situations. Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins - Netflix Premiered on April 25, 2025, this high-octane thriller stars Saif Ali Khan as a master thief planning a daring diamond heist, facing off against a formidable adversary. Havoc - Netflix Released on April 25, 2025, 'Havoc' features Tom Hardy as a detective battling through a corrupt city's underworld to rescue a kidnapped politician's son after a drug deal goes awry. Bullet Train Explosion - Netflix Available since April 23, 2025, this Japanese action film is a sequel to the 1975 classic, depicting a tense scenario where a Tokyo-bound bullet train is rigged to explode if it slows down. Aku Jati Aku Asperger - Netflix Released on October 31, 2024, this Indonesian drama follows Jati, a teenager on the autism spectrum, as he navigates changes in his life and attempts to help his brother find love. 2nd Miracle In Cell No.7 - Netflix Premiered on December 25, 2024, this sequel continues the heartfelt story of inmates protecting a fellow prisoner's daughter, facing new challenges as authorities intervene. Pangolin: Kulu's Journey - Netflix Released on April 21, 2025, this documentary chronicles the journey of Kulu, a rescued pangolin, highlighting conservation efforts and the species' plight. You – Season 5 - Netflix The final season of 'You' premiered on April 24, 2025, concluding Joe Goldberg's dark journey as he confronts his past and the consequences of his actions. Weak Hero Class 2 – Season 2 - Netflix Released on April 25, 2025, the second season continues the story of Yeon Si-eun, a model student who stands up against school violence, showcasing intense action and character development. The Reluctant Preacher – Season 1 - Netflix Premiered in 2025, this Japanese drama follows Shizuka Urumi, a teenager who unexpectedly becomes a preacher, exploring themes of faith and adolescence. Race For The Crown – Season 1 - Netflix Released on April 22, 2025, this documentary series delves into the world of horse racing, focusing on the Triple Crown and the individuals striving for victory. Carlos Alcaraz: My Way – Season 1 - Netflix Premiered on April 23, 2025, this series offers an intimate look at tennis prodigy Carlos Alcaraz, capturing his rise in the sport and personal journey. A Tragedy Foretold: Flight 3054 – Season 1 - Netflix Released on April 23, 2025, this three-part series investigates Latin America's deadliest air disaster, uncovering untold stories and systemic failures. Battle Camp – Season 1 - Netflix Premiered on April 23, 2025, this reality series brings together Netflix reality stars in a competitive camp setting, testing their survival skills and teamwork. Mazaka - Prime Video This Telugu romantic comedy features Sundeep Kishan in a story about love and family dynamics, offering humor and heartwarming moments. Veera Dheera Sooran – Part 2 -Prime Video This sequel continues the intense narrative of crime and justice, expanding on the characters' arcs and delivering high-stakes action sequences. Crazxy - Prime Video An action-packed Hindi thriller that follows a protagonist entangled in a web of crime and deception, featuring adrenaline-fueled sequences and twists. Superboys of Malegaon - Prime Video This film offers a humorous and heartfelt look at amateur filmmakers in Malegaon, capturing their passion and the challenges they face in bringing stories to life. Virunnu -Prime Video A Malayalam action drama that intertwines themes of family, honor, and revenge, delivering intense performances and gripping storytelling. Sonic The Hedgehog 3 - Prime Video The third installment in the Sonic franchise continues the blue hedgehog's adventures, combining humor, action, and new character introductions. Flow - Prime Video An animated drama that presents a poignant narrative, blending artistic visuals with a compelling story that resonates across age groups. Ash - Prime Video A science fiction thriller that delves into futuristic themes and existential questions, offering suspense and thought-provoking scenarios. F Marry Kill - Prime Video A dark comedy thriller that navigates complex relationships and moral dilemmas, delivering unexpected twists and engaging performances. The Cleaner (Thai) – Prime Video A gripping Thai mystery thriller, 'The Cleaner' delves into the life of a professional crime scene cleaner who becomes entangled in a web of secrets and lies. As she meticulously erases traces of violence, she uncovers unsettling truths that challenge her own morality. The film offers a unique perspective on crime and redemption. Released on Prime Video on April 15, 2025. Common Ground – Prime Video 'Common Ground' is a compelling documentary that explores the regenerative farming movement in the United States. Directed by Joshua Tickell and Rebecca Harrell Tickell, the film highlights the efforts of farmers and activists striving to heal the soil and combat climate change through sustainable practices. Released on Prime Video in January 2025. Terrifier 2 – Prime Video In this chilling sequel, the demonic clown Art returns to unleash terror on unsuspecting victims. 'Terrifier 2' amplifies the gore and suspense, delivering a relentless horror experience that pushes boundaries. Fans of the genre will find this installment both horrifying and exhilarating. Available on Prime Video from April 20, 2025. Kiss The Ground – Prime Video Narrated by Woody Harrelson, this enlightening documentary sheds light on the potential of regenerative agriculture to balance the climate, replenish water supplies, and feed the world. 'Kiss The Ground' presents a hopeful message about the power of soil and sustainable farming. Released on Prime Video on April 22, 2025. Parthenope – Prime Video 'Parthenope' is a romantic drama that weaves a tale of love, loss, and self-discovery against the picturesque backdrop of Italy. The film follows the journey of a young woman navigating the complexities of relationships and personal growth. Available on Prime Video from April 18, 2025. Étoile – Season 1 – Prime Video Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, 'Étoile' is a comedy-drama series set in the world of professional ballet. The story revolves around two ballet companies in New York and Paris that swap their top dancers in a bid to rejuvenate their institutions. The series explores themes of ambition, artistry, and cultural exchange. Premiered on Prime Video on April 24, 2025. Heels In The Hay – Season 1 – Prime Video This Dutch reality show offers a humorous and heartfelt look at urban women adapting to rural farm life. Participants face challenges and adventures as they immerse themselves in agricultural tasks, leading to personal growth and unexpected friendships. Released on Prime Video on April 10, 2025. L2: Empuraan – Jio Hotstar A political action drama, 'L2: Empuraan' is the sequel to the Malayalam blockbuster 'Lucifer.' Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring Mohanlal, the film delves into the murky world of politics, power, and corruption. With intense performances and a gripping narrative, it's a must-watch for fans of the genre. Streaming on Jio Hotstar from April 24, 2025. Andor – Season 2 – Jio Hotstar The second season of 'Andor' continues to chronicle the transformation of Cassian Andor from a petty thief to a key figure in the Rebel Alliance. Set against the backdrop of the Star Wars universe, the series offers a deep dive into the complexities of rebellion and resistance. Premiered on Jio Hotstar on April 22, 2025. The Great – Season 3 – Jio Hotstar This satirical comedy-drama returns with its third season, following the tumultuous reign of Catherine the Great. Blending historical events with dark humor, the series explores themes of power, politics, and personal ambition. Available on Jio Hotstar from April 17, 2025. The Rehearsal – Season 2 – Jio Hotstar Nathan Fielder's innovative series 'The Rehearsal' returns with more elaborate simulations designed to help individuals prepare for life's unpredictable moments. Blurring the lines between reality and performance, the show offers a unique exploration of human behavior and decision-making. Streaming on Jio Hotstar from April 19, 2025. Vanderpump Villa – Season 2 – Jio Hotstar The reality series 'Vanderpump Villa' is back with its second season, offering an inside look at the luxurious lifestyle and business ventures of Lisa Vanderpump. From high-end events to personal dramas, the show provides an entertaining glimpse into the world of hospitality and glamour. Available on Jio Hotstar from April 21, 2025. Secrets of the Penguins – Season 1 – Jio Hotstar This documentary series takes viewers on an intimate journey into the lives of penguins, showcasing their behaviors, habitats, and the challenges they face in the wild. Through stunning visuals and expert insights, 'Secrets of the Penguins' offers an educational and heartwarming experience. Released on Jio Hotstar on April 23, 2025. Pope Francis: The People's Pope – Jio Hotstar A comprehensive documentary that delves into the life and papacy of Pope Francis, highlighting his efforts to bring reform and compassion to the Catholic Church. Through interviews and archival footage, the film paints a portrait of a leader striving to connect with people worldwide. Available on Jio Hotstar from April 20, 2025. Guardian – Aha Video 'Guardian' is a Telugu horror drama that follows a young woman who, after moving into a new apartment, experiences a series of supernatural events. As she uncovers the dark history of her new home, she must confront malevolent forces to protect herself and her loved ones. Streaming on Aha Video from April 16, 2025. 35 Chinna Vishiyamilla – Aha Tamil This Tamil emotional drama tells the story of a middle-aged man who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after facing personal and professional setbacks. Through introspection and new relationships, he learns valuable life lessons. Available on Aha Tamil from April 18, 2025. Niram Marum Ulagil – Sun Nxt A heartwarming Tamil family drama, 'Niram Marum Ulagil' explores the dynamics of a joint family navigating modern challenges. The film emphasizes the importance of unity, tradition, and understanding across generations. Released on Sun Nxt on April 19, 2025. Laughing Buddha – Sun Nxt This Kannada comedy-drama centers around a man known for his infectious laughter and positive outlook. As he spreads joy in his community, he also faces personal trials that test his resilience and philosophy. Streaming on Sun Nxt from April 21, 2025. Ayyama Mane – Season 1 – ZEE5 'Ayyama Mane' is a mystery thriller series that unravels the secrets of a seemingly ordinary household. As hidden truths come to light, the characters must confront their pasts and the consequences of their actions. Available on ZEE5 from April 22, 2025.
India Today
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Mad Square OTT release: When and where to watch Nithin, Ram, Sangeeth's comedy film
MAD Square releases on Netflix. India Today Entertainment Desk 'MAD Square' begins to stream on Netflix from April 25 It is the sequel to the popular Telugu film 'MAD' Features Sangeeth Shobhan, Narne Nithin and Priyanka Jawalkar The hit Telugu film 'MAD Square' began streaming on Netflix from April 25. Starring Sangeeth Shobhan, Narne Nithin, Ram Nithin, and Priyanka Jawalkar, the film is a sequel to the popular campus comedy 'MAD', and it originally hit theatres on March 29. Netflix announced the news on April 25 with the caption: "When friendship meets chaos, it would be Mad Square! Watch Mad Square, now on Netflix in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam (sic)." Check out the announcement post here: The first film, 'MAD', struck a chord with audiences thanks to its relatable characters and refreshing humour. 'MAD Square' builds on that foundation, bringing back the original cast and their signature comic timing. Directed by Kalyan Shankar, the film is produced by Sithara Entertainments, Fortune Four Cinemas, and Srikara Studios. The technical team includes cinematographer Shamdat Sainudeen, National Award-winning editor Navin Nooli, and music composer Bheems Ceciroleo, who returns with a high-energy soundtrack. India Today's review notes, "Technically, Mad Square is functional but not exceptional. Bheems Ceciroleo's music is decent, with a few catchy tracks, while Thaman's background score keeps the energy alive. The cinematography does the job, and while the editing is sharp in parts, the film feels slightly stretched due to predictable gags.' The hit Telugu film 'MAD Square' began streaming on Netflix from April 25. Starring Sangeeth Shobhan, Narne Nithin, Ram Nithin, and Priyanka Jawalkar, the film is a sequel to the popular campus comedy 'MAD', and it originally hit theatres on March 29. Netflix announced the news on April 25 with the caption: "When friendship meets chaos, it would be Mad Square! Watch Mad Square, now on Netflix in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam (sic)." Check out the announcement post here: The first film, 'MAD', struck a chord with audiences thanks to its relatable characters and refreshing humour. 'MAD Square' builds on that foundation, bringing back the original cast and their signature comic timing. Directed by Kalyan Shankar, the film is produced by Sithara Entertainments, Fortune Four Cinemas, and Srikara Studios. The technical team includes cinematographer Shamdat Sainudeen, National Award-winning editor Navin Nooli, and music composer Bheems Ceciroleo, who returns with a high-energy soundtrack. India Today's review notes, "Technically, Mad Square is functional but not exceptional. Bheems Ceciroleo's music is decent, with a few catchy tracks, while Thaman's background score keeps the energy alive. The cinematography does the job, and while the editing is sharp in parts, the film feels slightly stretched due to predictable gags.' Join our WhatsApp Channel
