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Vishal Steps In to Co-Direct ‘Magudam’ After Creative Differences with Director Ravi Arasu

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Chennai: Actor Vishal has reportedly taken on directorial duties for his upcoming action film, ‘Magudam’, following creative differences with the film’s original director, Ravi Arasu. The move positions Vishal as a co-director on the high-profile project, marking a significant development in its production.

‘Magudam’, which also stars Dushara Vijayan, Anjali, and Yogi Babu, was initially helmed entirely by Ravi Arasu. However, sources indicate that a clash in creative vision led to Vishal stepping in to direct certain portions of the film himself. While an official announcement is awaited, a recent social media post by Ravi Arasu, showing him visiting a temple for the film’s success, hinted at the new collaboration, suggesting that Vishal is working as a co-director.

This is not the first time Vishal has taken the directorial reins. He was previously set to make his full directorial debut with ‘Thupparivalan 2’ after taking over the project from director Mysskin, although that film remains uncompleted.

Vishal has been actively promoting ‘Magudam’, recently sharing the first look on social media with a caption expressing his excitement. “Happy and elated and excited with full-on positivity to reveal the first look of my next film #Magudam,” he posted, also thanking the action and cinematography teams for their hard work on a “kickass action sequence.”

Produced by the legendary Super Good Films as their 99th venture, ‘Magudam’ features a technical crew that includes music composer GV Prakash, cinematographer Richard M. Nathan, and editor Srikanth NB. The title teaser, which features visuals of a harbour and shipping containers, has already generated considerable buzz among fans.

JioHotstar Down: Major Outage Hits Streaming Service Across India, Users Report Missing Search Bar and Errors

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New Delhi: Streaming giant JioHotstar is currently experiencing a widespread outage across India, leaving thousands of users unable to access movies, TV shows, and live sports. Subscribers have flooded social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to report a range of issues, from login failures to the complete disappearance of basic features like the search bar.

Users attempting to access the service are being met with error messages such as “Unable to connect to JioHotstar. There could be a problem with your network,” and “Something went wrong.” The outage appears to affect both the mobile application and the web version of the platform.

On the mobile app, users report that essential functionalities, including the search icon, account access, and the “Continue Watching” list, have vanished. Only the ‘Home’ and ‘Sports’ tabs are visible, but attempting to play any content results in a network error. One frustrated user posted on X, “#JioHotstar are you pushing updates that are not tested properly? Not even a search bar is present in the app. No accounts, no continue watching. Without the basic functionalities, what updates are you providing?”

Another user wrote, “What the heck happened to @JioHotstar. No search button or anything there; is everyone having this issue or is it just me?”

While the web version appears to load with the standard interface, including the search bar, clicking on any content leads to the “Something went wrong” error message, rendering the service unusable.

Despite the numerous complaints piling up on its social media handles, JioHotstar has not yet issued an official statement acknowledging the outage or providing a timeline for a resolution. The disruption has left subscribers frustrated, with many speculating about the cause, from untested updates to server overload.

How a Moustache Cost Pankaj Dheer the Role of Arjun, Only for Destiny to Make Him TV’s Most Iconic Karna

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New Delhi: Pankaj Dheer, who passed away on October 15 at the age of 68, is eternally remembered as Karna from B.R. Chopra’s ‘Mahabharat’. However, an interesting piece of television history reveals that he was not the original choice for the role; in fact, he was fired from the show for refusing to part with his moustache for the role of Arjun.

In a 2023 interview, Dheer recounted how he was initially the first choice to play the celebrated archer, Arjun. “When I gave my audition, the panel, including dialogue writer Rahi Masoom Raza… thought that I would suit the role of Arjuna well. We shook hands on that and I signed the contract,” he had shared.

The situation took a dramatic turn when producer B.R. Chopra intervened. Chopra explained to Dheer that the role of Arjun required him to also portray Brihannala, Arjun’s eunuch disguise during his year of exile. This would necessitate shaving off his moustache. Dheer refused, stating, “My face’s balance is such that if I shave off my moustache, I won’t look good.”

Chopra was astounded by the actor’s refusal. “He told me, ‘Are you an actor or what? You are leaving such a big role because of a moustache,'” Dheer recalled. The disagreement led to Chopra throwing him out of his office. “Chopra sahab told me, ‘Get out of this door and don’t come back.’ He threw me out of his office. My contract was torn,” Dheer said in the interview.

Admitting it was “big stupidity” on his part, Dheer spent the next six months doing dubbing work. However, destiny had other plans. Six months later, B.R. Chopra called him back and offered him the role of Karna. Dheer’s first question was, “Sir I don’t have to shave off my moustache right?” When Chopra said no, Dheer accepted what would become the most iconic role of his career, cementing his legacy as Indian television’s original “Surya Putra.”

Will UDF Government Order CBI Probe into Naveen Babu’s Death in 2026?

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Indications suggest that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) may be called in to probe the mysterious death of Naveen Babu, should the United Democratic Front (UDF) return to power in the 2026 state elections.

​The hint came directly from Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan today, on the first death anniversary of Naveen Babu. Satheesan’s remarks recalled the established practice of the previous Oommen Chandy government, which routinely referred cases to the CBI if demanded by the victims’ families. The Opposition Leader emphasized that the same principle would guide the UDF government if it is elected in 2026, clearly indicating a future CBI inquiry into the case.

​Addressing the media, Satheesan demanded justice for Naveen Babu’s family and strongly criticized the current government’s opposition to a CBI probe, asserting that the resistance stems from the fear of implicating more CPI(M) leaders.

​”The government has shown grave injustice to Naveen Babu’s family,” Satheesan stated. He pointed out that an FIR against the District Panchayat President was registered only after widespread public and opposition pressure. “The government is still attempting to shield the accused,” he alleged.

​Satheesan underscored that the government’s refusal to heed the family’s demand for a CBI investigation breaks from the precedent set during the Oommen Chandy administration, where such requests were never opposed.

​”If the investigation proceeds, not only those currently implicated but many others will be trapped. The real ownership of the petrol pump will be exposed. Those accused are mere ‘benamis.’ The government is opposing the CBI probe because it will reveal the shady dealings of prominent CPI(M) leaders,” the Opposition Leader claimed.

​Satheesan concluded by stressing that the family of Naveen Babu deserves justice, and accused the present administration of actively attempting to sabotage the case.

Pankaj Dheer, Known for Iconic Role as Karna in ‘Mahabharat,’ Dies at 68

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New Delhi: Veteran film and television actor Pankaj Dheer, who became a household name for his powerful portrayal of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s epic television series ‘Mahabharat,’ has passed away at the age of 68. The actor had been battling cancer for a long time.

Dheer’s demise on Wednesday, October 15, has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with many colleagues and fans taking to social media to express their grief and offer condolences. His close friend and ‘Mahabharat’ co-star, Feroz Khan, who played Arjun, confirmed the news and shared an emotional tribute, saying, “Goodbye my friend, we will miss you very much.” Actor Amit Behl also confirmed the news of his death.

According to reports, Dheer had previously fought and won a battle against cancer, but the disease reportedly relapsed a few months ago. Despite treatment, his health deteriorated, and he passed away in Mumbai.

While his role as the tragic hero Karna remains his most iconic, Pankaj Dheer had a prolific career in both television and films. His powerful screen presence and distinct voice made him a sought-after actor for strong character roles.

The sudden loss of the celebrated actor is being mourned by the entire film and television fraternity, who remember him as a talented artist and a wonderful human being. He is survived by his son, actor Nikitin Dheer, and daughter-in-law, actress Kratika Sengar.

Reschedule, Don’t Cancel: Indian Railways to Soon Allow Ticket Changes Without Cancellation Fees

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New Delhi: In a major passenger-friendly move, Indian Railways is set to introduce a new feature allowing travelers to reschedule their confirmed train tickets without incurring cancellation fees. According to reports, the upcoming system, expected to be implemented on the IRCTC portal, will offer passengers significant flexibility by letting them modify their travel date by paying only the applicable fare difference.

This initiative aims to eliminate the financial burden of the current rigid cancellation policy, which forces passengers to forfeit a substantial portion of their ticket cost for any change in plans.

End to Hefty Cancellation Charges

Currently, passengers have no option to reschedule tickets and must cancel them, facing hefty fees ranging from 25% to 50% of the fare, depending on the timing and class of travel. For instance, canceling a confirmed ticket within 24 hours of departure results in a 25% fare deduction, and if done within four hours of the journey, no refund is provided at all.

The new feature will allow users to log into the IRCTC website or app, select their booked ticket, and choose a new travel date or train, subject to seat availability, paying only the fare difference.

Aligning with Global Standards

This move brings Indian Railways closer to international standards of passenger convenience. Many global rail networks, such as Japan’s Rail Pass and systems in Europe and the UK, already offer flexible fares that permit changes or refunds within certain deadlines.

While an official launch date has not been announced, reports suggest the new system could be introduced early next year as part of the Railways’ broader modernization efforts.

Audit Shocker: Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Under Fire as Mayor Arya Rajendran’s Performance Deemed ‘Deplorable’

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The administration of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, led by Mayor Arya Rajendran, has been severely criticised as “deplorable” in the latest Local Fund Audit Report for the financial year 2023-24. The audit reveals a massive failure in project implementation and a staggering waste of development funds.

​The report highlights that the Corporation only managed to execute 801 projects out of the 1,872 schemes approved for the year. This means a total of 1,071 projects—intended for basic and comprehensive development, including financial growth and social justice for the local populace—were not implemented, representing a critical lapse in fulfilling the civic body’s core objectives.

​The financial mismanagement is equally alarming. Despite an allocation of ₹228.71 crore from the government, the Mayor and her team only spent ₹178.28 crore, resulting in ₹50.43 crore in development funds being allowed to lapse.

​The audit has detailed the low utilisation of various funds, pointing to a severe administrative bottleneck:

  • Development Fund (General) spending: Only 54.5%
  • Development Fund (SCP) spending: 57.51%
  • Development Fund (TSP) spending: A mere 1.45%
  • Road Maintenance Fund: 24.15%
  • Non-Road Maintenance Fund: 41.93%
  • Centrally Sponsored Fund: 36.3%
  • State Sponsored Fund: 31.27%
  • Own Fund: 14.97%

​The damning Local Fund Audit Report for 2023-24 meticulously lists these administrative failures. The report was formally handed over to the Mayor by the Senior Deputy Director of the Local Fund on March 28, 2025, demanding immediate attention and accountability for the significant setbacks in the capital city’s development and governance.

​Raila Odinga Dies in Kerala: Kenyan Political Titan Suffers Fatal Heart Attack on Morning Walk

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Koothattukulam, Kerala : Former Kenyan Prime Minister and one of Africa’s most influential and enduring political figures, Raila Amolo Odinga, has passed away in the South Indian state of Kerala. Odinga, 80, died following a sudden cardiac arrest while on a morning walk in Koothattukulam, a town in the Ernakulam district, on Tuesday, October 15, 2025.

​Sources confirm that the veteran politician was undertaking a health-related visit to the region, which is renowned for its traditional Ayurvedic and wellness centers. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to a nearby medical facility.

​The news has sent shockwaves across Kenya and the continent, where Odinga was revered as a father of modern Kenyan democracy. His decades-long career saw him serve as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and lead the opposition for many years. He was a perennial presidential candidate whose political battles shaped the nation’s history.

​Odinga’s death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics. Tributes are expected to pour in from world leaders, recognizing his commitment to multi-party democracy and his tireless efforts for political reforms in East Africa. Arrangements for the repatriation of his body are reportedly underway, with officials from the Kenyan High Commission in India coordinating with local authorities and his family.

Hyundai Motor India Appoints First-Ever Indian CEO; Tarun Garg to Take Helm in 2026

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New Delhi: In a landmark move, the board of Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) has approved the elevation of Chief Operating Officer (COO) Tarun Garg to the position of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. This appointment marks a significant milestone as Garg will be the first Indian to lead the South Korean auto major’s Indian subsidiary.

The decision, made as part of a succession plan, was confirmed in a regulatory filing by the company late Tuesday night. Garg will succeed the current MD & CEO, Unsoo Kim, who is set to return to a strategic role at Hyundai Motor Company headquarters in South Korea from December 31, 2025.

Currently serving as the Wholetime Director and COO, Garg will assume the role of MD & CEO Designate in the interim period leading up to his official takeover, which is subject to shareholder approval.

Before joining HMIL, Garg had a long and distinguished career at rival Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, where he started as a management trainee and rose through the ranks to become the Executive Director of Marketing, Logistics, Parts, and Accessories.

Another Record Shattered: Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes All-Time Top Scorer in World Cup Qualifiers

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Lisbon: Portugal’s legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo has once again etched his name into the history books, becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup qualifying history on Wednesday. The 40-year-old star achieved the milestone during the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Hungary in Lisbon.

Ronaldo netted his 40th and 41st qualifying goals, surpassing the previous record held by retired Guatemalan international Carlos Ruiz, who had scored 39 goals between 1998 and 2016.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner broke the record in the 22nd minute of the match, finishing off a cross from Nelson Semedo to score his 40th qualifying goal. The Al Nassr striker then extended his new record before halftime, scoring again after being set up by Nuno Mendes to give Portugal a 2-1 lead.

Top Three Goalscorers in World Cup Qualifiers History

  1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal – 41 goals
  2. Carlos Ruiz – Guatemala – 39 goals
  3. Lionel Messi – Argentina – 36 goals