Naga Chaitanya is gearing up for one of the biggest films of his career as he teams up with director Karthik Varma Dandu of Virupaksha fame for an intense thriller. The project has already created a strong buzz in industry circles, not only because of the unique collaboration but also due to the powerful names backing it.
Whopping budget
Director Sukumar, the creative force behind Pushpa, is co-producing the film along with veteran producer BVSN Prasad, ensuring that the project gets a massive scale and a strong creative vision. What is surprising many is the film’s whopping budget of ₹120 crore, a figure significantly higher than Naga Chaitanya’s usual market range. However, insiders reveal that the story demands huge production values, elaborate set pieces, and a stylized visual approach. With Sukumar’s involvement, the makers are leaving no stone unturned and are going all out to create a high-quality thriller that appeals beyond regional boundaries.
The film features Meenakshi Chaudhary as the female lead, pairing her with Naga Chaitanya for the first time. Adding further intrigue, Sparsh Shrivastav, who earned nationwide acclaim with Laapataa Ladies, has been roped in as the main antagonist. His casting has already drawn considerable attention, with many excited to see how he transforms into a full-fledged villain in a big-ticket Telugu thriller.
Edge-of-the-seat narrative
Currently, the shoot is progressing in specially erected sets in Hyderabad. Sources say the team is working on high-octane sequences, atmospheric visuals, and dramatic moments that will define the film’s edge-of-the-seat narrative. With the combination of a popular hero, a rising director, strong producers, and a fresh cast, expectations are skyrocketing to say the least. The star’s fans have earmarked it as a blockbuster already and are waiting for the release with baited breath. Naga Chaitanya appears muscular, determined, and deeply consumed by his mission.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu is getting real about being in the spotlight as a top actress. Speaking during a session for NDTV World Summit 2025, the actress addressed how being authentic has allowed her personal struggles to become public. She spoke about how her myositis diagnosis was public knowledge, one which she chose to share because she wanted to be real. On the other hand, her sudden and unexpected split with her husband, Naga Chaitanya, after 4 years of marriage, became national news, which the actress says was because of being ‘real’.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu dished about how she has learnt from her past mistakes and is striving to come out on top with lessons learnt. “I don’t think authenticity is the final destination – it is a work in progress. I don’t have everything sorted, I don’t have my life sorted, but I’m able to speak about it. I am not perfect; I might make mistakes, I might stumble, but I’m trying to be better.”
Samantha Ruth Prabhu on Naga Chaitanya break-up being made into a spectacle
Revealing how being in the public eye and trying to be as true to herself as she can brought a lot of scrutiny and backlash her. Her divorce from Naga Chaitanya incited opinions from everyone who saw it happen. “I can speak it and keep it as real as possible. My life – anyone who has followed my journey – is aware of the personal struggles. The separation, the illness – they have all been very public. It has come with a lot of trolling and judgment; a lot of judgment for being open and vulnerable.” Previously, she has opened up about the emotional turmoil it caused her.
The actress also spoke about her own humble beginnings, which saw her family struggle to put food on the table, but once she achieved success, it raised a war inside her to find purpose and stick to it.
Meanwhile, Naga Chaitanya has since gotten married to Sobhita Dhulipala.
Naga Chaitanya and wife Sobhita Dhulipala recently snapped as they arrived back in Hyderabad. The couple had visited the Tirupati temple together to seek blessings.
Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala return home after Tirupati visit
As the couple arrived in Hyderabad, Naga Chaitanya was sporting a black shirt with an open collar, paired with brown trousers and sleek sneakers. On the other hand, his wife, Sobhita, opted for a more traditional look, donning a bright red silk saree and sindoor, as they made their way to the car.
Watch the video:
Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala recently made the headlines after being spotted at Tirupati. The couple were papped at the venue, offering prayers while holding hands.
While Dhulipala was wearing the same outfit as her airport look at the temple, Chay appeared in a traditional ensemble earlier.
The Thandel actor was dressed in a white silk dhoti and shirt, complemented by an angavastra. Videos that surfaced on social media showed the couple waiting in a queue before entering the premises for a special pooja.
Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala’s marriage
Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala began their married life in 2024. The actors, who had been dating for some time, decided to make it official with an intimate ceremony at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad.
Naga Chaitanya’s work front
On the professional front, Naga Chaitanya was last seen in a lead role in the film Thandel. The Telugu-language romantic action thriller told the story of Raju, a brave fisherman who accidentally crossed into Pakistani waters.
The movie focused on the man’s deep passion for fishing and his love for Sathya, aka Bujji.
Thandel featured Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi in the lead roles with Aadukalam Naren, Divya Pillai, Karunakaran, Kalpa Latha, Babloo Prithiveeraj, and many more in key parts.
The film was inspired by a real-life incident that happened to a fisherman from Srikakulam. It is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
Moving ahead, the actor will next appear in the lead role for the tentatively titled NC24. Directed by Virupaksha helmer Karthik Varma Dandu, the film will feature Chay as a treasure hunter.
Sobhita Dhulipala is happily engaged to Naga Chaitanya. For the past two years, there have been reports of the duo being together. But they never spoke about their personal lives in public. The Made in Heaven actress has always been quiet about her romantic relationships. However, now that she is engaged, Sobhita openly speaks about being in love and about getting married. Also Read – Nagarjuna to take strong legal action against Konda Surekha over remarks on his family and Samantha Ruth Prabhu
Recently, in an interview, Sobhita Dhulipala was asked if she has any dealbreakers in a relationship. Well, Naga Chaitanya’s fiancée said that she has no such conditions in love. While talking to India Today, the Ponniyin Selvan star said that she doesn’t believe in definitions or terms that ask people to describe themselves in three works. It’s the one thing she doesn’t like. The actress can open up directly about the things she deeply admires and is immediately touched by. Also Read – Minister Konda Surekha retracts remarks on Samantha Ruth Prabhu-Naga Chaitanya divorce, ‘The way you have…’
“But if I were to say I don’t like someone who does this or if I have to be in a situation where a loved one or family does something like that, I would like to be in a position to still love them,” revealed the Made in Heaven actress. The actress reveals that for her, trust is of utmost importance when it comes to her partner. Sobhita believes her feelings for someone don’t depend on their actions and she doesn’t think love is conditional that way. “I would not like to look at things like that,” she stated. Also Read – Naga Chaitanya slams Konda Surekha over remarks on ex Samantha Ruth Prabhu, ‘Taking advantage…’
Meanwhile, Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya got engaged on August 8, 2024. The couple shared a joint post to share their engagement news. In the caption, they wrote, “What could my mother be to yours? What kin is my father to yours anyway? And how did you and I meet ever? But in love our hearts are as red earth and pouring rain: mingled beyond parting. –From Kurunthogai, translated by A K Ramanujan.”
Watch a video on Naga Chaitanya
Naga Chaitanya was previously married to actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu after dating for a long time. The couple got divorced in 2021.
A popular actress in South cinema who is known for acting and dancing skills, became one of the most sensational talents in cinema. The actress is also known to have a strong personality even landing her in a controversy over her words.
Yes, we are talking about one of the most graceful actresses ever, Sai Pallavi. Let’s take a quick look into the celebrity’s filmography and personal life.
Sai Pallavi: From medical student to leading actress
Sai Pallavi started off her career in cinema at an early age, acting in uncredited role as junior artist in Tamil films like Kasthuri Maan and Jayam Ravi’s Dhaam Dhoom. Along with acting in a few advertisements, the actress had also made her appearance as a child in dance reality shows, despite not having formal training.
Moving ahead with her career in medicine, the actress ventured to Tbilisi, Georgia. In 2014, while pursuing her studies, director Alphonse Puthren contacted her for a film who was apparently calling her a second time in a span of six years.
However, Pallavi initially thought the director was a stalker and was considering lodging a complaint until all the misunderstandings were cleared by the director. After their introduction and the movie being offered, Sai Pallavi ventured into her debut role as Malar in Nivin Pauly starrer Premam, becoming a sensational hit.
Check out Nivin Pauly starrer Premam celebrating its 5th anniversary:
Interestingly, the actress had performed in the movie while pursuing her studies and also choreographed one of the dance scenes in the movie. Later on, the actress went on to feature in the lead role for her second film in Malayalam after taking a break from her studies. This led her to star opposite Dulquer Salmaan in the 2016 movie Kali.
By the year 2017, the actress ventured into Telugu cinemas, expanding her cinematic career to other languages. Her first film in Tollywood was the romantic comedy called Fidaa, starring Varun Tej Konidela and directed by Sekhar Kammula.
The character Bhanumati played by Pallavi was a strong-minded and feisty village girl which showcased a whole new layer in her performances. Soon after, she was also seen playing the lead role in the film MCA: Middle Class Abbayi with Nani which was also a hit.
Moving ahead, the actress went on to make her debut in Tamil films with movies like Diya and later on Dhanush starrer Maari 2. The film despite being met with mixed reviews featured the song Rowdy Baby composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja which shattered viewing records on YouTube, commending both the actors’ energetic dance performances.
Check out the song Rowdy Baby from Maari 2:
The actress later on featured in the lead role for the film Padi Padi Leche Manasu which eventually turned out to be a commercial failure. According to reports, owing to the film’s bad performance, the actress had refused to accept her full remuneration for the movie.
Moving ahead in her career, the actress acted in her third Malayalam film called Athiran with Fahadh Faasil and made her appearance opposite Suriya for the film, NGK. Over the last few years, the actress has collaborated with director Sekhar Kammula for the film Love Story featuring Naga Chaitanya in the lead role. Additionally reuniting with Nani for her next movie, Shyam Singha Roy.
Later on, she also acted in films like Virata Parvam opposite Rana Daggubati and even took up the lead role for Richie director Gautham Ramachandran’s film Gargi, after Jyothika refused.
Further ahead, the actress is all set to play the lead roles in films like Amaran starring Sivakarthikeyan and co-produced by Kamal Haasan. Besides the upcoming Tamil film, she will also be playing the lead in Naga Chaitanya’s Thandel and also star in Bollywood movies like Ranbir Kapoor-Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana and Junaid Khan’s untitled film.
Sai Pallavi’s personal life
Sai Pallavi Senthamarai Kannan was born in a Badaga family to Senthamarai Kannan and Radha, from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The actress also has a younger sister called Pooja Kannan who has also been part of films.
Despite having her hometown in Kotagiri, the actress was raised in Coimbatore, after which she went to Tbilisi to pursue her medicinal studies. Even though she has completed her studies and certification, the actress has not yet registered as a medical practitioner in India.
Sai Pallavi is also adept at speaking languages like Badaga, Tamil, English, Hindi, and Gregorian. Owing to her career, the actress later on also learned Malayalam, Telugu, and Kannada languages.
Moreover, the actress is often known to have strong opinions and remarks about her standings, which even led her to reject a Rs 2 crore deal for endorsing a fairness cream. Furthermore, the actress had also once hit the headlines for her controversial comments about the film, The Kashmir Files.
The actress’ questions after comparing the film’s instance to cow vigilantism led to widespread criticism online which led to her issuing a clarification on her statements being misinterpreted. She also added that she would neither trivialize a tragedy nor be comfortable with mob lynchings.
Naga Chaitanya is gearing up for his 23rd film, tentatively titled NC23. The film has Chandoo Mondeti at its helm, marking the third collaboration between the two after Premam in 2016 and Savyasachi in 2018. The much-anticipated film is produced by Bunny Vas, under the banner of the prestigious Geetha Arts.
In the most recent update, it is being speculated that Sai Pallavi, of Gargi fame, has joined the cast for the film. The speculations arose after a promo video was put out by the Production House. The video showed the producers, director, and the Custody actor discussing the film with a woman, who remained unrevealed, with the caption: “The widely adored and loved lady joins the voyage of NC23”. Netizens were quick to react, suggesting that the actress whose face was not revealed in the video montage was actually Sai Pallavi.
Check out the video below
What we know about NC23 so far
The third collaboration between Chay and Chandoo Mondeti, NC23, has already begun preparations according to reports. The duo visited the K Matchilesam village of Srikakulam for the same purpose. They met the fishermen of the region, getting to know more about their land, culture, and lifestyle. According to reports, Naga Chaitanya’s character is a young man belonging to a fishermen’s community from a small town in Andhra Pradesh.
Earlier, the Venky Mama actor had also talked about the film, saying that he was excited for the film as soon as he heard the script. He said the story is based on true events, and preparation for the film helped them understand the lifestyle and body language of the fishermen, as well as the texture of the village.
What’s next for Naga Chaitanya
Apart from NC23, the Love Story actor is also set to make his web series debut with Dootha. The series would be helmed by Vikram Kumar and features an ensemble cast including Parvathy Thiruvothu, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Prachi Desai, and more. It is also said that the series would be of the supernatural horror genre.
What’s next for Sai Pallavi
The Premam actress was last seen in the legal drama film Gargi, helmed by Gautham Ramachandran. The actress is also set to feature in Sivakarthikeyan’s next film, helmed by Rajkumar Periasamy, which is tentatively titled SK21. According to reports, the film is a biographic drama.
Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala are rumoured to be one of the closeted couples of Tollywood. The two have kept mum on the spate of gossip that has surrounded them since a long time now. A picture of the two from a restaurant in London went viral and how. It seems the couple have grown closer since a year or so. It was said that Naga Chaitanya visited her when she was shooting in Hyderabad. They also rang in her birthday together. Two days back, Sobhita Dhulipala posted her book recommendation on social media. She is reading Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. Also Read – Did Naga Chaitanya walk out of a theatre playing Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Vijay Deverakonda Kushi trailer?
This is making fans assume if the two are indeed growing closer day by day as a couple. After the pic of the two from London went viral, many had trolled her as a home-breaker. As we know, Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu ended their marriage much to the shock and dismay of ChaySam fans. In a recent interview to Filmibeat she said that she does not believe in issuing clarifications when she knows she has not done anything wrong. She was quoted as saying, “For people who speak without knowledge, I don’t think I need to answer them. I don’t feel the urge to clarify things when I’m not doing any wrong and it is not my business.” Also Read – Made In Heaven 2 Exclusive: Arjun Mathur on what it took to play a gay character; says, ‘It needed me…’
Fans had begun speculations from the time Sobhita Dhulipala revealed that she is a fan of Formula One, and her fave team is McLaren. Even Naga Chaitanya is an auto racing enthusiast. They have been spotted vacationing together. Naga Chaitanya was in the news of late when someone started a rumour that he walked out of a cinema hall that played the trailer of Kushi. He said it was absolutely untrue, and complete rubbish. Kushi stars Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Vijay Deverakonda.
Naga Chaitanya, who is currently promoting his upcoming film Custody, opened up about his failed marriage with Samantha Ruth Prabhu. He called it ‘an unfortunate but said has immense respect for the phase’. The actor also indirectly addressed the dating rumours with Sobhita Dhulipala post-separation from Samantha.
In an interview with Prema The Journalist, a YouTube Channel, Naga Chaitanya opened up about his failed marriage with Samantha and reacted to media reports regarding them. He said, “Whatever happened in my personal life with my marriage, that’s very unfortunate. But I have immense respect for that phase of my life. It is due to the media reportage and how they’ve portrayed everything by speculating and spreading rumours, the whole respect is lost, and diminished in the public eye. This is what hurt me a lot. It was almost a year since the court has given us divorce on mutual consent.”
The actor also added that speculations on his love life and linking up him with a third party has ‘hurt’ him. He revealed, “Just for headlines, they’re linking my name to some third person and speculating more. This has really hurt me a lot. For no reason or fault at all of the third party, they’re being dragged into this whole issue. Whatever happened has happened, they should let go. I just hope that they will stop and move on with my clarification now.”
About Samantha and Naga Chaitanya’s marriage
Samantha and Naga Chaitanya fell in love on the sets of their film Ye Maya Chesave and had a fairytale destination wedding in 2017. After four years of marriage, the couple announced separation with a joint statement on social media. The Thank You actor revealed that last year they got officially divorced as well.
Upcoming films
Meanwhile, Naga Custody is all set to release in Tamil and Telugu on May 12 in the theatres. Krithi Shetty is the female lead of the film. Arvind Swami is playing the role of antagonist. It stars Priyamani, Sarathkumar, Sampath Raj, Premgi Amaren, Vennela Kishore, and Premi Vishwanath in the supporting roles.
Sobhita Dhulipala is one big rage on the internet, and all thanks to her Instagram, she keeps her fans and followers hooked with her social media posts. And apart from being the vivacious woman she is, Sobhita has been picking up some exceptional work, and recently she was a part of Ponniyin Selvan 2 along with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, which made the 300 crore mark at the box office. Sobhita has been in the headlines for one more strong reason, and that is her relationship rumours with Naga Chaitanya. Sobhita and Naga’s pictures from holidaying together and going for lunch in London have gone viral, and there are lots of opinionated people on the internet who have named her a homebreaker, as Chay recently got separated from Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and they are alleging that she is the reason behind their separation. Also Read – Anil Kapoor and Sobhita Dhulipala attend event, actor teases The Night Manager part 2 [Watch Video]
And now finally, Sobhita spoke about the ongoing dating rumours with Naga Chaitanya, as per reports in Filmbibeat, while promoting her film Ponniyin Selvan 2. She was reportedly asked about the same, to which she chose to give a dignified answer and said, “For people who speak without knowledge, I don’t think I need to answer them. I don’t feel the urge to clarify things when I’m not doing anything wrong and it is not my business.” Also Read – Samantha Ruth Prabhu struggles to pose as flashlight from cameras troubles her eyes; fans lash out at paparazzi for being insensitive
Before Sobhita, Naga Chaitanya too expressed his disappointment about dragging a third person into their matters, saying that he and Samantha have been officially divorced for a year now and started living separately two years ago. Chay and Samantha’s separation left their fans disheartened. “It is only when the media speculates that things get awkward between us. In the public eye, that mutual respect is taken away. That’s what I feel bad about. And do you know what is worse? They bring in a third party, someone who is not connected to my past, to create headlines out of that. It is very disrespectful to the third party with whom they are unnecessarily involving my past.”. But they have moved in, and like how Naga Chaitanya in his latest interview insisted everyone move on from their personal lives as they are happily married individually. Also Read – Naga Chaitanya’s alleged gf Sobhita Dhulipala oblivious to drama around Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s reported reaction; serves gorgeous looks from sister’s wedding
Naga Chaitanya is currently promoting his upcoming film Custody and his recent statements have caught attention on the internet. The actor said he finds it irritating to stay friends with exes and also revealed he lost count of how many people he kissed. His candid confession has yet again managed to catch the headlines.
Naga Chaitanya appeared with Youtuber Irfan for a Truth and Dare game, where he doesn’t like the approach of being friends with exes. Irfan spoke about how his two and a half years ex wanted to be good friends after the split and asked the actor what’s rejection in a relationship. Naga shared, “We can be good friends. It is that part that irritates me the most. I didn’t ask for friendship.”
Naga Chaitanya was asked about how many people he had kissed. Reacting to it, he replied he has lost count of it. However, the actor quickly added that he has kissed so many people in movies that he did not count. The actor even expressed his fear of landing in trouble after his confession.
Recently, the actor was asked about his ‘biggest regret.’ Chay responded that he has no specific regrets in life. He added, “There are no regrets in my life, bro. Everything is just a lesson.” This statement has gone viral on social media.
Naga Chaitanya’s personal life
For unversed, Naga Chaitanya got separated from his wife Samantha last year. However, it is reported that he found love again and is currently dating Sobhita Dhulipala. However, he has not officially confirmed his relationship but their pics and reports have added much needed fuel.
Upcoming films
Naga Chaitanya will be seen next in the upcoming cop drama titled Custody. The film will also mark the debut of Naga Chaitanya in Tamil as it’s his first bilingual film. Arvind Swami plays the antagonist in the drama that also stars Priyamani in a crucial role. Sarathkumar, Sampath Raj, Premgi Amaren, Vennela Kishore, and Premi Vishwanath form the supporting cast of the film. Kirthi Shetty is the female lead. Custody is gearing up for a theatrical release worldwide on May 12, 2023.
One of the fans took to her Twitter and praised Nayanthara for her remarkable journey if 10 years, Samantha who is the biggest shopper of Nayanthara dropped a comment in the post that reads, ‘ Women rising’. One troll turned all negative with Samantha’s comment and replied on it that reads, ‘ Only to talk again’ as he took an indirect dig at the downfall of the actress due to her medical condition. Also Read – South News Weekly Rewind: Prabhas REACTS to dating rumours with Kriti Sanon, Rashmika Mandanna faces netizens’ fury and more
Samantha was recently diagnosed with Myosotis and this has physically broken as she has been undergoing treatment for more than months now. The actress has admitted that this delay has left her heartbroken but she will bounce back soon.
On the occasion of New Year 2023, several new updates from the upcoming South films have been announced. Biggies like Naga Chaitanya’s Custody, Jr NTR’s NTR30, and much more updates have been unveiled today. Movie buffs are super excited and are trending social media with the movies.
Naga Chaitanya is currently busy with his police action drama, Custody. Marking the special occasion of New Year, the makers unveiled a glimpse video and it looks power packed. The actor is seen in the role of police with top-notch action sequences in the video.
Custody will be the first Telugu-Tamil bilingual drama of the Thank You star. The project will further mark the filmmaker’s Telugu debut. Krithi Shetty is the female lead of the film. Chay and Krithi previously worked together in the 2021 film Bangarraju. Financed by Srinivasaa Chitturi under the banner of Srinivasaa Silver Screen, Pavan Kumar is presenting this ambitious project. Custody is set to release in theaters on May 12, 2023.
After the massive success of RRR, Jr NTR will be back on screen with Koratala Siva’s NTR30. Today, the makers shared a poster without revealing the actor’s face with swords in his hand and conveyed New Year wishes to fans. The makers also announced the regular shoot will begin next month. The release date is out as well. Yes, NTR30 will hit the theatres on April 5, 2024.
“NTR has been very cautious with what he wants to do following the global fame that RRR has got him. He has been working closely with Kortala Siva on the script of NTR 30 and is finally satisfied with the output of the final draft. The film Mahurat is expected to take place in Hyderabad by Mid-January,” revealed a source close to the development.
