The Kannada film Bagheera, directed by D.R. Suri, has taken the OTT world by storm, continuing its dominance by securing the #1 spot on Disney+ Hotstar. The action-packed thriller, featuring mind-blowing visual effects (VFX) and a gripping storyline, is captivating audiences not only in theatres but also across streaming platforms. Produced by Hombale Films, which has been on a successful OTT streak, Bagheera is the latest feather in its cap, following the success of Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, which trended for over 300 days.

The film’s success is a testament to its high-octane, electrifying background music (BGM) and stellar performances, immersing viewers in a world brimming with action and emotion. Sri Murali, in the titular role, has won hearts with his powerful performance, showcasing his impressive versatility as an actor. His character’s emotional depth, coupled with thrilling plot twists, has helped Bagheera stand out in a sea of action films.

Rukmini Vasanth, known for her compelling screen presence, complements Sri Murali’s character, adding layers to the story. Prakash Raj, a veteran actor in Indian cinema, adds gravitas to the narrative, while Rangayana Raghu’s presence brings humor and charm to the film, balancing the intensity of the plot.

Since its release on Disney+ Hotstar, Bagheera has enjoyed an overwhelming response from audiences, maintaining its blockbuster momentum. The film continues to trend at #1 on the streaming platform, reflecting its massive popularity. It has garnered praise for its captivating direction, extraordinary technical aspects, and powerful performances, making it one of the top films in its category.

In terms of box office performance, Bagheera has grossed an impressive Rs 19.95 crores within the first 14 days of its release, further solidifying its place in Kannada cinema’s success stories.

Hombale Films, which has enjoyed massive success with Bagheera, continues to build its legacy with an exciting slate of upcoming films. The production house is set to release titles like Kantara: Chapter 1, Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryaanga Parvam, and more, keeping the momentum going in both theatres and OTT platforms.

As Bagheera continues to break records, it’s clear that this cinematic spectacle is not just a hit; it’s a phenomenon that has left audiences eagerly anticipating more from Hombale Films.

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have expressed their heartfelt tributes to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, offering their condolences to the people of India. President Biden referred to Singh as “a true statesman, dedicated public servant, and a humble person,” emphasising that the remarkable level of cooperation between the United States and India was a result of Singh’s strategic vision and political courage.

In a statement released by the White House, the Bidens stated, “Jill and I stand with the people of India in mourning the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. During this challenging time, we reaffirm our commitment to the vision to which Prime Minister Singh devoted his life. We convey our deepest sympathies to former First Lady Gursharan Kaur, their three children, and all the people of India.”

Former Prime Minister Singh, who made history as India’s first Sikh prime minister, passed away in New Delhi on December 26 at the age of 92.

Biden remarked, “The unprecedented cooperation we see today between the United States and India would not have been achievable without the Prime Minister’s strategic foresight and political bravery.”

He added that Singh played a crucial role in key initiatives, such as the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement and the establishment of the Quad among Indo-Pacific partners, paving the way for significant advancements that will benefit both nations and the broader world for generations.

Recalling his experiences with Singh, Biden noted that he met the former Prime Minister when he served as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 2008 and again during his visit to the United States as Vice President in 2009.

He also mentioned being graciously hosted by Singh in New Delhi in 2013. “As we discussed then, the relationship between the US and India is one of the most consequential in the world. Together, as partners and friends, we have the potential to build a future rich in dignity and opportunities for all our citizens,” Biden said.

He concluded by reiterating, “During this time of sorrow, we reaffirm our commitment to the vision Prime Minister Singh championed throughout his life. Jill and I send our heartfelt condolences to former First Lady Gursharan Kaur, their three children, and to the entire nation of India.”

Former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad has harshly criticized Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma following his recent performance and leadership during the ongoing 4th Test match against Australia. Prasad’s comments came during Day 2 of the match, where Rohit, once again, failed to score big, managing only three runs before being dismissed by Australian captain Pat Cummins for the fifth time in his Test career.

Rohit’s early exit from India’s first innings added to the mounting criticism surrounding his form. As India faces Australia in this pivotal Test series, the team has been dealing with issues stemming from recent performances, including a dismal series loss to New Zealand. Prasad, who served as BCCI’s chief selector from 2016 to 2020, did not hold back in his assessment of both Rohit’s batting and his leadership.

“The series against New Zealand was absolutely pathetic. It was unprecedented in Indian cricket history that we lost three consecutive games,” Prasad said, reflecting on India’s recent setbacks. He continued to criticize Rohit, noting his lack of runs during that series, stating, “Rohit had absolutely no runs, and when he came into this series against Australia, he was coming off a series of failures.”

Prasad also pointed out the impact of Rohit’s lack of match practice leading up to the series, suggesting that his poor form negatively affected his leadership and overall performance. “If he comes in with some form, it directly impacts the team. But he has arrived after a series of failures, and this is reflected in the way he has led the side,” Prasad said.

Further commenting on Rohit’s captaincy, Prasad highlighted his lack of proactivity, referencing a key moment in the match where bowlers Siraj and Bumrah were bowled in tandem for 11 consecutive overs while Australian batter Sam Konstas was aggressively scoring. “He has been struggling both with his form and his captaincy,” Prasad added.

Meanwhile, on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia’s Steve Smith scored a crucial century, contributing significantly to his team’s total. Smith formed a vital 112-run partnership with Pat Cummins, who made 49 runs off 63 balls. Australia ended the first session at 454/7. Smith eventually fell for 140, and the hosts were bowled out for 474 runs in their first innings.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4 wickets for 99 runs. Ravindra Jadeja, Akash Deep, and Washington Sundar also contributed with the ball, taking three, two, and one wickets, respectively.

In India’s first innings, they appeared to be in a strong position at 150/2, thanks to an impressive partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal (82 runs from 118 balls) and Virat Kohli (36 runs from 86 balls). However, quick wickets from Scott Boland, who took 2 wickets for 24 runs, saw India reduced to 164/5 by the end of Day 2.

As the Test match progresses, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma’s performance and his ability to bounce back from the ongoing criticisms both as a player and captain.