Shankar’s debut Telugu film, Game Changer, featuring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani in the lead roles, is set to premiere in theaters on January 10. In light of stricter regulations following the tragic stampede at Sandhya Theatre during a benefit show for Pushpa 2, the Telangana government has denied permission for a 1 am screening. However, ticket price increases and additional shows have been authorized.

In contrast, the Andhra Pradesh government has approved benefit shows for Game Changer, with the first show commencing at 1 am. A member of Ram Charan’s team shared the Telangana government’s order on X (formerly Twitter). The government has eased certain restrictions in exchange for the screening of advertisements aimed at raising awareness about cybercrime, narcotics, and drugs, but denied permission for the early morning shows.

For the opening day, six shows have been authorized, along with an additional five shows allowed over the subsequent nine days, ending January 19. A 4 am show is approved for the opening, and ticket prices will be increased by ₹150 for multiplexes and ₹100 for single screens, including GST. For the following days, ticket prices will rise by ₹100 in multiplexes and ₹50 in single screens. Bookings in the state began after this government order was issued.

Following the December 4 stampede incident that resulted in a woman’s death and her son sustaining critical injuries, Minister for Roads and Buildings and Cinematography Komatireddy Venkata Reddy declared in the Assembly on December 21, 2024, that benefit shows would only be permitted for films addressing social issues or patriotism. The Minister emphasized that film stars should adhere to regulations and refrain from roadshows when police deny permission, stating that the government is focused on supporting the film industry through various incentives.

In addition to Ram Charan and Kiara Advani, Game Changer features Anjali, Samuthirakani, SJ Suryah, and Srikanth in significant roles. The film has a production budget exceeding ₹400 crore, with ₹75 crore allocated for song sequences composed by Thaman S. The story, penned by Karthik Subbaraj, will be released in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi. Production commenced in 2021 and concluded in 2024.

Ram Charan’s previous film, RRR, directed by SS Rajamouli, was a major success, while Shankar’s last film, Indian 2, starring Kamal Haasan, Siddharth, and Rakul Preet Singh, did not achieve notable success. Expectations for Game Changer are significantly high.

The much-anticipated animated film Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama has had its release date pushed back to January 24, 2025. Initially scheduled for October 18, 2024, the revised date was announced by Farhan Akhtar on Instagram.

Directed by Koichi Sasaki and Ram Mohan, the film draws inspiration from Valmiki’s epic tale Ramayana. Acclaimed music composer Vanraj Bhatia has created the score for this Japanese-Indian collaborative project. Notably, the creative adaptation is being overseen by renowned screenwriter V Vijayendra Prasad, celebrated for his work on cinematic blockbusters like Baahubali, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and RRR. His involvement aims to ensure the timeless tale resonates with contemporary audiences while staying true to the core narrative of the Ramayana.

This animated adaptation, a joint effort between India and Japan, first premiered in 1992, co-created by animation pioneers Ram Mohan and Yugo Sako. The film masterfully combines traditional hand-drawn animation techniques with styles influenced by both cultures, retaining its visual allure and mythological depth.

The upcoming release will cater to a diverse audience by being dubbed in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, Tamil, and Telugu. Distributed by Excel Entertainment, the project is being spearheaded by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. This re-release of Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama aims to introduce the iconic story to a new generation while honoring its historical and cultural legacy.

Hero MotoCorp is gearing up to expand its premium motorcycle lineup with the much-anticipated Hero Xtreme 250R. Spotted during a TVC shoot in Delhi-NCR, the upcoming bike has created a buzz with its aggressive design and performance-oriented features. Slated to be the company’s first big launch of 2025, the Xtreme 250R aims to compete with rivals such as the KTM 250 Duke, bringing a new contender to the growing 250cc streetfighter segment.

Bold and aggressive design

The Hero Xtreme 250R boasts a striking streetfighter aesthetic, starting with its uniquely designed LED headlamp that enhances its aggressive front profile. A beefy fuel tank, adorned with sharp character lines and tank extensions, adds to the bike’s muscular appearance. The seamless integration of the side panels and tail section into a single unit further amplifies its sharp and cohesive design. The bike will also feature eye-catching graphics and will be available in three color options, offering a stylish edge.

Advanced frame and suspension setup

Built on a steel trellis frame, the Xtreme 250R ensures both rigidity and agility. The frame is supported by a 43mm USD (Upside Down) fork at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear, providing a balanced and comfortable riding experience. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends, paired with switchable ABS for enhanced safety. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, ensuring superior handling and grip.

Packed with features

The Xtreme 250R comes equipped with a fully digital instrument cluster, delivering crucial information to the rider in a clear and user-friendly format. This feature-laden cluster is expected to include multiple connectivity options, making it a technologically advanced offering in its segment.

Performance and powertrain

At the core of the Hero Xtreme 250R is a 250cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine. Tuned to deliver 30 bhp at 9,250 rpm and 25 Nm of peak torque at 7,250 rpm, this powerhouse promises spirited performance. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox, ensuring smooth and precise gear shifts. Notably, this engine platform will also power the upcoming Hero XMR 250, a fully faired sibling of the Xtreme 250R, marking a rare addition to Hero’s lineup.

Competing in a competitive segment

Once launched, the Hero Xtreme 250R will enter a fiercely competitive market dominated by models like the KTM 250 Duke. However, with its aggressive design, advanced features, and promising performance, the Xtreme 250R is poised to carve its own niche among Indian motorcycling enthusiasts.

As Hero MotoCorp ventures further into the premium motorcycle segment, the Xtreme 250R stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and performance. Stay tuned for the official launch, as this machine is set to make waves in the Indian two-wheeler market.