Mumbai, Jan 11: Prabhas’ forthcoming romantic comedy “The Raja Saab” is one of the most anticipated dramas of 2025. The movie was initially slated to reach the big screen on 10th April 2025, however, the release has now been pushed.

While Prabhas fans will have to wait for the drama a bit longer, the makers have something exciting in store for them. If the reports are to be believed, the makers are planning a special surprise during Sankranti this year.

A source close to the project revealed, “The release of the highly anticipated film “The Raja Saab” has been postponed and will no longer release on April 10th, 2025 as originally scheduled. Full-fledged promotions will kick off once the new release date is finalized. In the meantime, a special wishes poster might be released for Sankranthi.”

Helmed by acclaimed filmmaker Maruthi, T. G. Vishwa Prasad has produced the project under the banner of People Media Factory. “The Raja Saab” will feature music scored by ace composer Thaman S.

While cinematography has been handled by Karthik Palani, Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao is responsible for the film’s editing.

With Prabhas in the lead, the drama will also star Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar, and Sanjay Dutt in significant roles. “The Raja Saab” will mark the Telugu debut of Tamil actress Malavika Mohanan.

The film will get a massive theatrical release in five languages including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam on 16th May 2025.

In the meantime, seems like Prabhas is all set to tie the knot soon. Recently, trade analyst Manobala Vijayabalan took to his X (previously known as Twitter) handle and shared a cryptic post that read, “Prabhas”, along with a wedding and a white bride’s emoji. While the post did not mention anything clearly, netizens have been wondering if Prabhas will get married soon. The fans are also curious to know if the actor has finally found someone to settle down with.

Veteran actor Tiku Talsania suffered a brain stroke on Friday (January 10), his family informed on Saturday. Hours after reports claiming he suffered a heart attack surfaced, his wife Deepti Talsania issued a clarification. The 70-year-old actor is admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai and is undergoing treatment.

Deepti said, “He suffered a brain stroke, not a heart attack. He had gone to attend a film screening and started feeling unwell around 8 pm. He was immediately admitted to the hospital.”

Talsania’s condition is said to be critical at the moment.

Talsania has been a part of over 200 films in his career. His daughter, Shikha Talsania, is also an actress.

In October 2024, he had said that he is ‘slightly jobless’ and is looking for work actively. In one of his interviews, he also stated that he is waiting for people to call him and offer good work.

The actor had told Indian Express that times have changed now and the right kind of roles are not coming his way. “Unless and until you become a part of the story, or you get to play a character of a person whose story is knitted with the story, you don’t get work. I am slightly jobless right now. I want to work, but the right kind of roles are not coming my way,” he reportedly said.

“If I am required to go for an audition, I go. Things have changed over a period of time, but one needs to be patient. Since Covid-19, working principle has been disrupted. Now people are becoming more sharper and progressive. It’s become beautiful and I like the way we have to approach work now. I am waiting for people to call me. Also, I am sending out feelers that I am an actor looking for work,” he said.

Some of his popular movies include Andaz Apna Apna, Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, Devdas, Coolie No. 1, Dhamaal, Partner, Phir Hera Pheri, Hungama, Raju Chacha, Hero No. 1 and others. He was last seen in Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, starring RajKummar Rao and Triptii Dimri.

He has also worked in various television shows and has gained a reputation for his comic timing and ability to portray a wide range of characters.

Director: Kedaar Gaekwad , Producer: Pallavi Gurjar, Cast: Vineet Kumar Singh, Anuja Sathe, Manoj Joshi, Raj Arjun, Shataf Figar, Lalit Parimoo and Kishore Kadam, Duration: 2h26m, Rating: 4 stars.

‘Match Fixing – The Nation at Stake’ is based on a book ‘The Game Behind Saffron Terror’ written by an ex-army officer, Col. Kanwar Khatana. This gripping yet controversial political thriller unfolds the intricate web of Indo-Pak politics. The film dramatizes a series of devastating terror attacks that shook India between 2004 and 2008, culminating in the catastrophic 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

The opening scenes of the film, pack a punch, drawing viewers into a complex web of conspiracies and parallel plots. As the story unfolds, closed-door meetings between Indian and Pakistani politicians and leaders reveal a shocking agenda – to malign the reputation of Hindus by concocting the term “Saffron Terror” for the sake of vote-bank politics.

The film’s first half masterfully sets the tone, weaving together multiple subplots in India and Pakistan, while introducing the protagonist who is an undercover army officer from intelligence. He has become a thorn in the flesh of those who are hell bent on spreading the false narrative of Saffron Terror. The ominous Samjhauta Express and Malegoan blasts serve as bookends to this half.

As the narrative unfolds, the second half becomes increasingly engrossing, with the antagonists meticulously planning their final, devastating attack. The culmination is expertly handled as the protagonist hands are tied. All of this leads to a thought-provoking and impactful conclusion that lingers long after the credits roll, leaving audiences to ponder and deliberate.

The producer Pallavi Gurjar has not only chosen an extremely powerful subject but also facilitated high production values to the film, bringing the necessary gravitas to this important subject.

The film’s creative brilliance is largely attributed to Director and DOP Kedaar Gaekwad, whose storytelling seamlessly brings together political intrigue, complex characters, and real-life events. His cinematography is a visual treat, making the film an unforgettable viewing experience.

Vineet Kumar Singh’s portrayal of Col. Avinash Patwardhan – the protagonist is pitch perfect. After Mukkabaaz and Gangs of Wasseypur, Vineet gives one of the finest performances of his career. Vineet shines with his remarkable portrayal, effortlessly transitioning between roles as an undercover agent, army officer, and devoted family man, showcasing his impressive range and versatility as an actor.

Vineet is ably supported by an ensemble cast of distinguished actors. Anuja Sathe, as his wife, plays the perfect counterbalance with her solid yet restrained performance.

Veteran actors Manoj Joshi and Kishore Kadam deliver standout performances, bringing to life complex and unconventional characters with convincing authenticity and depth.

Shataf Figar’s towering personality, Elena Tutteja’s uncanny resemblance, Ramanjit Kaur’s intensity and Lalit Parimoo’s effortlessness are noteworthy.

The surprise package of the film is Raj Arjun. His outstanding portrayal of a Pakistani Colonel is nuanced and multifaceted. He masterfully provides justification and motivation to his character’s actions, avoiding stereotypes with remarkable subtlety.

The film’s location and production design teams have meticulously recreated the era with remarkable accuracy. The makers have ensured authenticity, accurately replicating army protocols with attention to detail in every frame.

Anuj S. Mehta’s exceptional screenplay weaves a riveting narrative, expertly intertwining multiple plot threads, characters, and layers. Sameer Garud’s razor-sharp dialogue and incisive character interactions. The writing team pack a lasting punch, lingering in the viewer’s mind long after the credits roll.

Ashish Mhatre’s crafts a thrilling narrative with his sharp editing, skillfully balancing tension and comprehension of such a complex subject. Thankfully the film never digresses into unnecessary subplots and largely remains focused to the central plot.

Rimi Dhar has composed two songs for the film. While the first is an electrifying anthem sung by Daler Mehendi, the second is a melodious composition which takes the story forward in flashback. Hrishi Girdhar’s background score is a standout, enhancing each scene.

‘Match Fixing – The Nation’ at Stake is a must watch for those who love intense political thrillers which are entangled in terrorism and conspiracy theories.