In a significant relief for actor Allu Arjun, a court has relaxed the bail conditions in the ‘Pushpa 2’ stampede case, freeing him from the requirement to report to the investigating officer every Sunday. The court has also allowed him to travel to specific countries, provided he informs the Station House Officer (SHO) of the Chikkadpally police station as needed.

Allu Arjun is required to notify the SHO of his travel plans for each trip and to give details of his accommodation in the destination country until the charge sheet is filed. The court clarified that the remaining bail conditions will remain the same, as stated in its order dated January 10.

This decision came in response to a petition filed by the actor requesting a modification of the bail terms. Initially, when he was granted regular bail on January 3, the court mandated that he appear before the investigating officer every Sunday between 10 AM and 1 PM for two months or until the charge sheet was filed, whichever came first. He was also prohibited from leaving the country without prior approval from the court. Additionally, the court instructed him to cooperate with the investigation and not to interfere or influence witnesses.

Allu Arjun was arrested on December 13 related to the stampede case, but he was released the following day after the Telangana High Court granted him a four-week interim bail, which concluded on January 10. He is recognized as Accused No. 11 in the case and subsequently filed a petition for regular bail.

The incident that led to these developments occurred on December 4, when a stampede at the Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad resulted in the tragic death of a 35-year-old woman and injuries to her eight-year-old son, as fans crowded to see Allu Arjun during the premiere of ‘Pushpa 2’. Following this incident, the city police filed a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), based on a complaint from the victim’s family.

The popular reality show “MTV Roadies” returns with its landmark 20th season on January 11. Titled “MTV Roadies Double Cross,” this season will be broadcast on MTV and will stream on JioCinema every Saturday and Sunday following its premiere, as announced in a press release.

Rannvijay Singha, the winner of the show’s inaugural season in 2003, will reprise his role as host for this edition, which is being promoted as the “boldest and most unpredictable season” yet. “MTV Roadies has always felt like home to me, and being part of this milestone season is truly special. With the Double Cross theme, fans are in for the most intense and unpredictable journey in the show’s history,” Singha expressed.

Alongside him are gang leaders Prince Narula, Neha Dhupia, Elvish Yadav, and Rhea Chakraborty. Dhupia remarked, “The overwhelming love from fans brought me back to fulfill their wish. MTV Roadies has always been about strength and power, and as a woman, I aim to lead with courage and inspire my gang to break boundaries and shine. This journey has empowered me to speak my mind and stand firm in my beliefs—a lesson I’ll carry forward for my gang as we aim for excellence.”

Elvish Yadav is the newest addition to the team. Excited about joining, the YouTuber stated, “I’m here to bring the energy and shake things up! MTV Roadies Double Cross is truly the right place for the bold, and I’m ready to lead my gang with full force. Prepare for fierce competition and genuine sportsmanship!”

Reflecting on the upcoming season, Prince Narula said, “After a decade with MTV Roadies, it still gives me goosebumps. Double Cross will challenge everyone, and I’m prepared to guide my gang through every twist and turn.”

Rhea Chakraborty, the winner of the previous season, added, “Winning last season was thrilling, but this time, I’m ready to defend my crown with double the determination. The Double Cross theme resonates perfectly with the fierce competition that MTV Roadies embodies, and I can’t wait to experience it.”

The much-anticipated black comedy mystery thriller Sookshmadarshini is set to make its digital debut this weekend on Disney+ Hotstar. Directed by MC Jithin and starring Basil Joseph and Nazriya Nazim Fahadh in lead roles, the film was a massive success during its theatrical release in November 2024. Now, audiences can enjoy this gripping narrative from the comfort of their homes starting January 11, 2025.

Streaming in five languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, Sookshmadarshini is expected to capture a wider audience base with its intriguing storyline and powerful performances. The movie will premiere on Disney+ Hotstar at midnight on January 11, making it an exciting weekend watch for fans of suspense thrillers.

A tale of mystery and suspense

Sookshmadarshini revolves around Priyadarshini (Nazriya Nazim Fahadh), a happy-go-lucky homemaker, who grows suspicious of her new neighbor, Manuel (Basil Joseph), and his mother Grace. Set in a closely-knit housing colony, the film uses its ensemble of quirky characters to build suspense as Priya’s investigation unravels dark secrets about Manuel’s life. The mystery thickens when Grace goes missing, leaving Priya to piece together a puzzle that shocks the entire neighborhood.

The film effectively balances its dark themes with moments of humor and relatable neighborhood dynamics, making it a unique addition to the thriller genre. Director MC Jithin, inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s style of storytelling, masterfully crafts a suspense-filled narrative in a world reminiscent of Sathyan Anthikad’s films, where nosy neighbors and WhatsApp groups drive the story forward.

Powerful performances and strong writing

Nazriya Nazim shines as the determined and resourceful Priyadarshini, while Basil Joseph delivers a haunting performance as the enigmatic Manuel. Deepak Parambol, who plays Priya’s supportive husband Antony, and the ensemble cast featuring Sidharth Bharathan, Akhila Bhargavan, Pooja Mohanraj, Merin Philip, and Manohari Joy add depth to the film.

The screenplay by Athul Ramachandran and Libin TB is a standout element, weaving suspense and intrigue with sharp character arcs and clever twists. Christo Xavier’s haunting original score and songs further enhance the film’s atmosphere, while Sharan Velayudhan’s cinematography captures the claustrophobic yet vibrant world of the housing colony. Editor Chaman Chakko’s tight cuts ensure a gripping pace throughout the film.

A must-watch thriller

Sookshmadarshini is not just a mystery thriller but a masterclass in storytelling that keeps viewers engaged till the very end. The final reveals are crafted to deliver maximum impact, leaving the audience stunned and satisfied. The film’s blend of neighborhood gossip, dark humor, and suspenseful twists has earned it critical acclaim and widespread popularity.For those who missed its theatrical run, Sookshmadarshini is a must-watch on Disney+ Hotstar. Its smart writing, stellar cast, and edge-of-your-seat thrills make it a perfect choice for fans of the genre.