Sukumar’s highly anticipated film Pushpa 2: The Rule, featuring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, remains a force at the box office, even nine days post-release. The action-packed sequel has struck a chord with audiences, achieving remarkable earnings on its second Friday.

According to reports, Pushpa 2: The Rule garnered 32.63 crore on its second Friday in India, bringing its domestic collection to Rs 758.93 crore net within nine days. During its first week, the movie earned a staggering Rs 725.8 crore, with Rs 10.65 crore coming from its premiere and Rs 164.25 crore collected on the opening day.

Despite a slight drop to Rs 93.8 crore on its first Friday, the film rebounded over the weekend, raking in Rs 119.25 crore on Saturday and Rs 141.05 crore on Sunday. Throughout the week, the collection remained steady, adding Rs 64.45 crore on Monday, Rs 51.55 crore on Tuesday, Rs 43.35 crore on Wednesday, and Rs 37.45 crore on Thursday.

Incident at Hyderabad theatre premiere

The excitement surrounding Pushpa 2: The Rule took a tragic turn during its premiere at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad, where Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and the team joined fans to celebrate the release. Overwhelming crowds led to a stampede-like situation, resulting in the death of one fan and critical injuries to another.

Following the incident, police arrested Allu Arjun, alleging negligence for failing to inform authorities about the gathering. However, a leaked document suggested the theatre management had alerted the police beforehand, requesting adequate security measures.

The Telangana High Court granted interim bail to Arjun for four weeks after the Nampally Court had initially ordered a 14-day judicial remand. The incident has sparked outrage across the industry, with several celebrities, including Varun Dhawan, Nani, Rashmika Mandanna, and Vivek Oberoi, voicing their support for the actor.

Steady success despite challenges

While the controversy has added a somber note to the film’s journey, Pushpa 2: The Rule continues to perform exceptionally well, solidifying its place as one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Fans are expected to continue flocking to theatres, keeping the film’s momentum alive in the coming weeks.

Lal Krishna Advani, a towering figure in Indian politics and one of the founding members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been admitted to Apollo Hospital in Delhi after his health deteriorated late last night. The 97-year-old veteran leader has been grappling with persistent health issues, marking this as his fourth hospital visit since July.

According to sources, Mr. Advani has been undergoing treatment intermittently at both Apollo Hospital and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi over the past few months. His hospitalization comes as he continues to face age-related ailments that require specialized medical attention.

BJP spokesperson K Krishna Sagar Rao expressed concern and extended wishes for Mr. Advani’s recovery. “I pray for a good, healthy recovery for our tallest leader, Shri LK Advani, as he is admitted into Apollo Hospital, Delhi,” Mr. Rao wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, then part of undivided India, LK Advani’s political journey began during the tumultuous era of pre-Independence India. He joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1942 and later became instrumental in shaping the BJP into a national political force.

Known for his political acumen and ideological commitment, Mr. Advani served as the longest-tenured National President of the BJP. He played a central role in the BJP’s rise, particularly through his leadership during the Ayodhya movement in the 1990s, which redefined the party’s trajectory.

During the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government, Mr. Advani held significant positions, including Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, from 1999 to 2004. His leadership was marked by decisive policymaking and efforts to bolster India’s internal security.

In March this year, Mr. Advani was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, by President Droupadi Murmu. The award recognized his immense contributions to Indian politics and his role in shaping the modern political landscape of the country.

As news of his hospitalization spread, prayers and well-wishes poured in from party leaders, colleagues, and admirers. Many credit Mr. Advani for laying the foundation of the BJP’s political philosophy and for his unwavering dedication to the nation.

While Mr. Advani remains under medical observation, his resilience continues to inspire generations of leaders. Updates on his health are being closely monitored, with hopes for his speedy recovery.

LK Advani’s journey in Indian politics spans over seven decades, reflecting a life dedicated to public service, ideological conviction, and national progress. His influence on the BJP and the broader political spectrum of India remains unparalleled, making him one of the most revered figures in contemporary Indian history.

Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju etched his name in history by becoming the youngest-ever Chess World Champion 2024, defeating defending champion Ding Liren in the final round. The 18-year-old’s victory marks a monumental achievement, making him the second Indian to claim the title after Viswanathan Anand.

Gukesh’s remarkable performance throughout the tournament, including a standout display at the Candidates event, has drawn widespread praise, including from world number one Magnus Carlsen. The Norwegian legend lauded Gukesh’s strategic prowess and predicted a bright future for the young champion, suggesting he could soon become the world’s second-ranked player and possibly challenge for the top spot.

Carlsen, who chose not to defend his title in 2023 after a decade of dominance, commended Gukesh’s team for their innovative strategies. “It’s an incredible achievement. Gukesh’s performance in the FIDE circuit, the Chennai tournament, and the Candidates event was extraordinary,” Carlsen said during a recap stream.

The former world champion, however, ruled out the possibility of a title match with Gukesh. “I’m not part of this circus anymore,” Carlsen said, maintaining his decision to step away from world championship clashes.

Despite this, Gukesh expressed his admiration for Carlsen, stating his desire to compete against the Norwegian at some point. “Winning the Chess World Championship 2024 doesn’t make me the best player—Magnus Carlsen is still the benchmark. It would be an amazing challenge to face him,” Gukesh said during a press conference.

Gukesh’s victory has been celebrated as a milestone for Indian chess, highlighting the nation’s growing prominence in the global chess arena. Carlsen called it a “massive moment for India,” emphasizing the collective efforts that have fueled such successes.

“This is just the beginning,” Carlsen remarked. “There are many more success stories to come. Gukesh’s win is a testament to the hard work being done in India’s chess ecosystem. It’s heartwarming to see what it means to him and the country.”

With his victory, Gukesh Dommaraju has not only claimed the prestigious title but also set the stage for an exciting new chapter in international chess. As he aims for even greater heights, the chess world watches with bated breath to see how far this young talent will go.