Latest news with #IndiaTodayDigital


India Today
2 days ago
- Health
- India Today
In tiger territory, LPG and toilet emerge as big lifesavers
"I feel much safer now. Because of an LPG connection and a toilet at home, we aren't encountering tigers or other wild animals these days in the jungle," says Pavithra S of Asthuru village in Karnataka's Chamarajanagar from Soolekobe village says an LPG connection has reduced her trips to the forest for firewood and, thereby, risks of encounters with wild animals. "Earlier, I made 10 trips a month to the forest for firewood. Now it's just one or two trips," the 30-year-old villager and Sooleke are villages inside the Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary. Both Pavithra and Govindamma have benefited from the LPG connection provided by Holematthi Nature Foundation, a Karnataka-based Maharashtra's Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural) have helped bring down incidents of man-animal conflict and casualties, say experts. Experts believe the same is unfolding in Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand's Corbett Tiger Reserve and other wildlife forest officials, conservationists and wildlife experts tell India Today Digital how an LPG connection and a toilet at home have helped bring down deaths in attacks by wild animals, even as the overall toll of tiger attacks has increased in India, corresponding with the rising tiger population in the country. Under the Ujjwala scheme, the government provides free connection and subsidised LPG they narrate is how two centrally sponsored schemes – the LPG-providing Ujjwala Yojana and the toilet-building Swachh Bharat Mission – are scripting a success story in faraway forest there is a lack of government data, say experts, there is anecdotal evidence in government, acknowledging the impact, has ordered the construction of toilets on priority in villages within eco-sensitive zones in was after a request from wildlife biologist and conservationist Sanjay Gubbi, whose Holematthi Nature Foundation has over the years witnessed how LPG connections and toilets have helped save focus on toilets and LPG to dissuade villagers from venturing into secluded areas of forests is nothing new for foresters, and there have been state-specific projects as well. However, the Ujjwala and Swachh Bharat schemes seem to be turning out to be pan-India is indeed a silver has seen a spurt in deaths due to tiger attacks, especially since has been an alarming spike in May with 24 people dying in tiger attacks, against 16 lives lost in the same period in IN TIGERS AND TIGER-HUMAN CONFLICTS IN INDIAIndia has 3,682 tigers in the wild, which is 70% of the world's wild tiger population, according to the tiger estimation of 2022. The country has added 1,456 tigers since in itself is a turnaround poaching and habitat loss left tigers on the brink of extinction in India, which led Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to launch Project Tiger in 1973. India had just 1,800 tigers Tiger became a roaring on that, India, in 2010, set a target of doubling its tiger population by 2022, which it achieved by 2018 – with 4 years to the tiger population has increased, jungles have forest cover in India reduced by 92,989 sq km between 2011 and 2021, of which 46,707.11 sq km was lost inside Reserve Forest Areas, according to the Forest Survey of India. Between 2014 and 2024, tiger attacks in India resulted in 621 human deaths, with Maharashtra accounting for the majority of these fatalities. (Image: Getty) With the carrying capacity of forests exceeded, and human activities extending deep inside jungles, the incidents of human-tiger conflicts have seen a big rise. What has made matters worse is the condition of corridors, which connect wildlife habitats and have turned reserves into tiger high tiger density in these fragmented spaces could also be leading to fights among the animals over territory and prey base, forcing out some big cats into fringe areas that see more human to central government data, more than 600 people were killed in tiger attacks in the country between 2014 and 2024, an average of 60 deaths annually. Deaths increased after 2022, correlating with a growing tiger TOILETS ARE SAVING LIVES FROM TIGERS IN TADOBA, CORBETT AND PILIBHITShalik Jogwe, a conservationist and tour operator, from Maharashtra's Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, says that tiger attacks on people, especially women, have gone down since 2015 after the Swachh Bharat toilet scheme was implemented."Women in forest villages used to choose secluded spots to relieve themselves, which saw early morning attacks by tigers," says attacks can be prevented if tigers stay inside jungles and people can be kept away from tiger territory. That is what mitigation efforts are directed Tadoba-based conservationist counts four main reasons behind human-wildlife conflict in forest areas — farming, cattle grazing, minor forest produce (MFP) collection and open defecation."In Tadoba, entire villages would go to relieve themselves in the open earlier. Now, all houses have toilets," says non-timber forest produce collection for sale is a seasonal affair, venturing inside the jungle for firewood and open defecation was a year-round problem, he and ecotourism expert Imran Khan says that both toilets and LPG connections are likely to have helped reduce man-wildlife conflicts in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh by reducing the movement of locals into tiger habitats."Ninety-five percent of the conflicts take place within tiger habitats, which extend all the way into the periphery of the villages. Movement of villagers into high-tiger-density habitats either in Corbett Tiger Reserve or Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is the major cause of man-animal conflict," says Khan. A resident of a village inside MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka's Chamarajanagar district with her free LPG hotplate and cylinder. A resident of one such village said the LPG connection had reduced the number of trips she had to make deep inside the forest for firewood. (Credit: Holematthi Nature Foundation) advertisementDECADES-OLD KNOWLEDGE IMPLEMENTED NOWThat toilets and alternatives to firewood can help reduce human-wildlife conflict isn't a recent Bhartari, a veteran wildlife expert and former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of Uttarakhand, says, "Toilets have been a priority for interventions since Uttarakhand's statehood."He says the allocation of four percent of the budget in the community tourism plan for Agora village in Uttarkashi district in 2005 emerged as the most beneficial investment a decade later."Toilets play a crucial role in addressing human-wildlife conflicts in specific locations. However, they are just one component of a broader strategy," says strategies, the expert says, include regularly clearing bushes along pathways, eliminating invasive species in village areas, ensuring adequate outdoor lighting, and proper disposal of food a state with high tiger numbers and tiger-attack deaths, has worked for a decade to reduce forest dependency in villages within and around protected areas. Jitendra Ramgaonkar, the Chief Conservator of Forests (wildlife) of Chandrapur, where the Tadoba Tiger Reserve is located, cites Maharashtra's Shyamaprasad Mukherji Jan Van Yojana, which offers Rs 25 lakh grants to forest villages to reduce reliance on forests for livelihood, firewood, or defecation."There has been a big reduction in incidents and deaths where people going to collect firewood or to defecate were attacked by tigers and leopards since the scheme was started in 2015. This is despite a three-time increase in tiger numbers," Ramgaonkar tells India Today HAVE BROUGHT BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES AMONG TRIBALSDoddathayamma, a 40-year-old from Jayammanadoddi village in Chamarajnagar district, says earlier she would frequently hear of fatal attacks by animals, especially by elephants. Such news, she says, has become rare since villagers got LPG connections and Sanjay Gubbi of NGO Holematthi, which works with villagers like Doddathayamma, says there is a lack of nationwide data on these issues."However, at the sites where we work, we have scientifically documented an 85% decrease in per capita firewood usage after alternative energy sources were provided," Gubbi tells India Today forester Jitendra Ramgaonkar says toilets and the safety attached to them have brought about a behavioural change in people."Tribal people who earlier used to go to forests to defecate despite having toilets at home are now using the toilets after seeing that it is safer and protects them from being attacked by tigers and leopards," he might be crucial in preventing attacks by leopards in Uttarakhand's hill districts like Pauri Garhwal and Singh Bargali, Deputy Director, The Corbett Foundation, says leopards are often drawn to human settlements in search of small livestock and occasionally attack children."Providing proper toilet facilities can play a crucial role in reducing human-leopard conflicts in Uttarakhand," he says. Govindamma (L) of Soolekobe village, who received an LPG connection, and Pavithra S of Asthuru village, who got both an LPG connection and a toilet, say their lives are safer now, after the Karnataka-based NGO helped them. (Images: Holematthi Nature Foundation) WHY VILLAGERS STILL VENTURE DEEP INTO FORESTSIf villagers like Govindamma receive LPG cylinders, why do they still need to go into forests and risk encounters with wild animals?Both Jogwe and Khan, the conservationists from Tadoba and Corbett, say that though LPG connections have helped, the villagers aren't getting the number of refills as there is the question of livelihood through the sale of non-timber forest products like honey and tendu leaves. At times, villagers also collect firewood to sell in the expert Bhartari shares an incident from a meeting in Sankar village of Almora district to explain that there is no magic bullet for the issue of human-animal village meeting was held to extend support to Kamla Devi, who had survived a tiger attack in the neighbouring Jameriya village. Both the villages are in the buffer zone of Corbett Tiger women from the Rachnatmak Mahila Manch stated, "Hum jangle jana chhod denge; hum jangle se ghas lana chhod denge; par ye jo hamari dahleej par guldar aur baagh aa rahe hain, unka hum kya karein?"The villagers said they were willing to stop venturing into the forest, but what do they do about the leopards and tigers that are reaching their doorsteps?"There is no one or simple answer to their question. A greater understanding of the conflict through research, detailed planning, and site-specific actions is necessary to effectively address such situations," says conflict is a species-specific issue in sanctuaries that are all unique in their own way, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Small steps like providing toilets and LPG cylinders help in a big way, but they will need to be supplemented with site-specific action."Tigers have adapted to living with human beings and now, it is high time that humans too learn to live with tigers," says Corbett-based Watch


India Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
From hostility to hope: Afghanistan women's cricket sees a new dawn
In 2021, dread and despair returned for women in Ashraf Ghani-led government, backed by the United States, collapsed after the Taliban seized control of Kabul. With their return came rules and restrictions that became a nightmare for Afghan women: They were barred from studying, playing sports, or participating in activities that could offer them freedom or influence. Among the casualties under the Taliban regime was 2010, just a year after the Afghan men's team gained ODI status, the women's team was formed - defying long-standing beliefs that the world of sports was no place for women in the country. By 2020, 25 Afghan women cricketers had been awarded professional contracts, sparking hope that they too could rise to global acclaim - just like Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and other male stars. But those dreams were shattered in 2021 with the Taliban's return to power. 19 of those contracted players were forced to flee their homeland and seek refuge in Australia. Among them was Firooza Amiri, who has since found a new beginning - living safely in Australia and continuing to pursue her passion by playing club cricket.'Yes, it's been heartbreaking. Ever since the Taliban took over, I knew things were going to change - especially for women, and even more so for women athletes. I could sense that the situation would become much worse for us,' Amiri told India Today Digital in an exclusive away from everything I had worked so hard for over so many years was incredibly painful. But at the same time, I felt anger - and determination. I knew I couldn't give up, even in the face of that reality. So I made the decision to keep going, even if it meant starting over in a new country. And I did.'A BIGGER MISSION Firooza Amiri hails from Herat, a city in western Afghanistan. Courtesy: Getty Images Amiri hails from Herat, a city in western Afghanistan renowned for its rich literary heritage and historic landmarks, including the iconic Herat Citadel. Beyond its cultural significance, Herat also plays a key role in the country's football scene and even hosted the 2024-25 season of the Afghanistan Champions League at the Herat Football Federation for Amiri, it was cricket - not football - that captured her heart, thanks to the influence of her sister. Once she picked up a bat, her curiosity quickly turned into a burning passion. Driven by the dream of wearing the national jersey and representing Afghanistan, she never looked back. Today, that dream has evolved - Amiri is determined to be a trailblazer and help revolutionise women's cricket in her grew up in Herat, in the western part of Afghanistan. It's a city rich in culture, art, and architecture. Cricket isn't very popular there, especially for women, but my journey with the sport began thanks to my older sister, who's also a player. At first, I picked up the bat out of curiosity, but from the moment I held it, cricket became my passion,' Amiri said.'Even though Afghanistan doesn't currently have a women's national cricket team, playing was never just about the game for me. It became a deeper mission - I've always wanted to be one of the first girls to represent Afghanistan in cricket. I truly believe that I can be one of the girls who helps change the narrative for women in sports in our country.'advertisementMANIFESTING GREATNESS IN ADVERSARY Firooza Amiri and 19 other Afghanistan cricketers took exile in Australia. Courtesy: AFP 'The philosophy of the Taliban goes against everything I believe in. While the rest of the world is moving forward - empowering women to lead and succeed - they want to control and suppress women in Afghanistan. I strongly believe that every society needs women in leadership roles,' Amiri said.'Afghan women are incredibly strong, and I have no doubt they can lead - not just in sports, but in every field - if they're given the opportunity. And we've already seen that: when Afghan women are given a chance, they rise.'While many countries around the world are championing women's empowerment and fostering female leadership, Afghanistan has moved in the opposite direction - finding new ways to suppress and control its women. What began as acts of open defiance gradually faded, as many women were forced into silence, practicing in private and out of sight from the Taliban.'In the beginning, when the Taliban took over, there was some resistance. People tried to hold on to hope. I'm not in touch with many now, but I do know that some girls are still playing - still practicing quietly, in private. They're holding on to their passion in under the Taliban regime, doing that is incredibly risky. It's dangerous. And yet, despite that, some of them continue - because it means that much to them,' Amiri GUARDIAN ANGEL The Afghan women's cricketers fled their home country in 2021. Courtesy: AFP For Amiri and other Afghan women cricketers, former Australian cricketer Mel Jones was a guardian angel. She played a crucial role in helping 120 individuals - including Amiri, her teammates Nahida Sapan and Benafsha Hashimi, and their families - by arranging humanitarian visas that enabled their journey came at a heavy emotional cost. To avoid detection, the players had to burn their beloved cricket jerseys - symbols of their passion and pride. They travelled in small, discreet groups, as the journey from Afghanistan to Australia was fraught with danger at every step.'If I could describe Mel, I'd say she's an incredible person - truly an inspiring advocate for women's rights in sport. She was one of the few amazing women who stepped up and supported us when we needed it most. Mel used her platform, her voice, and her connections to bring attention to what was happening in Afghanistan,' Amiri dedicated so much of her time and effort to helping us - from assisting us in escaping Afghanistan to helping us settle in Australia. Our journey - mine and the other girls' - was filled with fear and uncertainty. But knowing that someone like Mel, along with other incredible women in Australia, was standing beside us gave us the strength and hope to begin again in a completely new country.'THE HOME AWAY FROM HOME The Afghan women returned to playing back in January. Courtesy: AFP The year 2025 has been a landmark one for Afghan women cricketers. In January, they played their first competitive match - a T20 game between the Afghanistan Women's XI and Cricket Without Borders XI - at the Junction Oval in Melbourne. The historic fixture took place just before the Day-Night Women's Ashes Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, adding to its and Melbourne have become home for Amiri and many of her teammates. Reflecting on the moment, Amiri described the experience as a feeling of home. She emphasised how important the match was - not just as a game, but as a statement. For these women, once silenced in a war-stricken nation, the match was proof that they were not merely refugees- they were athletes, determined to show the world who they truly are.'The match we played on the 30th of January was more than just a game - it was more than just cricket. It was our first official match in Australia, and for many of us, it was the first time in years that we could play freely. The crowd was incredibly supportive - it truly felt like home,' Amiri said.'Since arriving in Australia, I've felt that this country has given me everything to help make it my second home. But when we stepped onto the field that day, it wasn't just a feeling - it was home. For many of us, the cricket ground has always been a place where we feel we belong. We often say, the ground is home - and on that day, it truly was.''That match reminded us of who we are. After three years, we were cricketers again. We were not just refugees, not just victims - we were athletes, representing Afghanistan from afar. And that meant everything. It made us incredibly proud, knowing that we were also representing millions of Afghan women just by stepping onto that pitch,' Amiri MESSAGE TO THE WORLD Australia don't play bilateral cricket with Afghanistan. Courtesy: AFP Cricket Australia has been a vocal supporter of the growth of Afghan women's cricket. In protest against the Taliban's continued suppression of women in Afghanistan, Australia has refrained from engaging in any bilateral cricket series with the Afghan men's team. However, the two sides continue to face each other in ICC-sanctioned events.'Cricket Australia has played a huge leadership role in our lives - from the moment we left Afghanistan and began rebuilding in Australia, they've been there for us. They gave us every opportunity we needed to keep playing and to start a new life here,' Amiri said.'We will never forget that Cricket Australia was the first board to speak out for us. They were also the first to take a stand by cancelling a match against Afghanistan, sending a powerful message to the world about what it means to stand for equality and support women in sport,' Amiri said.'Their support has meant everything to us - not just as players, but as women whose voices needed to be heard.'NEED FOR MORE HELPING HANDS Women in Afghanistan are barred from playing cricket. Courtesy: AFP Amiri is not in contact with any current or former Afghan male cricketers, primarily due to safety concerns for both the players and their families.'No, unfortunately, I'm not in direct contact with any of the players. From what I've heard, many of them can't speak publicly - mostly for their own safety and the safety of their families.'But I believe that many of them are aware of what's happening to Afghan women, and I believe they understand how strong and determined we are in the face of everything,' Amiri she believes that the Afghan men's team - given their global recognition - has the power to make a meaningful statement in support of the growth of Afghan women's cricket.'Yes, absolutely. I believe they have the platform and the audience - even a single strong statement from them can make a global impact. I've come to realise the power of that influence, and I've decided to use it - not just for us, but for the future of Afghan sport, and for all those who still don't have a voice,' Amiri GIANT LEAP The ICC has come forward to help Afghanistan women's cricket. Courtesy: AFP After remaining in the shadows for quite some time, Afghan women cricketers have finally found a lifeline through the International Cricket Council (ICC), which has partnered with Cricket Australia (CA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide essential funding and support for their development. The initiative is only restricted to the bunch of cricketers who are in exile at the moment.'We have only just heard about the ICC funding and are waiting for more details, so we can't fully comment on it yet. However, we are very grateful that the ICC has acknowledged our journey and formed a task force. We hope that this task force includes voices from our community,' Amiri said.'Our goal remains to keep improving and to play for Afghanistan at the highest level possible. With continued support from the ICC, Pitch Our Future, and the Australian cricket community, we believe this is achievable,' Amiri PERRY FANDOM AND EMOTIONAL GOODBYE Firooza Amiri is a big fan of Virat Kohli and Ellyse Perry. Courtesy: Getty Images Amiri is a huge fan of Virat Kohli, the world record holder for the most centuries in ODIs. Today, ODI cricket is the only international format in which Kohli continues to play. He retired from T20 Internationals after last year's Men's T20 World Cup, and earlier in May, he brought an end to his Test career - finishing as India's fourth-highest run-scorer in the format.'It was very emotional to see him announce his retirement from this format. It truly feels like the end of an era. But above all, I'm so grateful to have been part of a generation that had the chance to watch him play and learn so much from him,' Amiri female cricketers, Amiri looks up to the legendary Ellyse Perry, who is not only known for her remarkable achievements in cricket but also for her rare feat of representing Australia in both cricket and football. Perry played for the Australian football team in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup and made her cricket debut at just 16. Since then, she hasn't looked back and continues to be a dominant force in women's sport.'There are many strong women who have changed the history of cricket in every country. Every cricketing nation has women who have made a lasting impact. But for me, Ellyse Perry has always been a huge inspiration.'I really admire her discipline and her calmness under pressure. She's not just an incredible player, but also a wonderful person - a great role model both on and off the field,' Amiri THE FIRE BURNING Afghanistan don't have a recognised women's team despite being ICC's full member. Courtesy: AFP Despite Afghanistan being a full member of the ICC, it remains a sobering reality that the country still lacks a recognised women's cricket team. However, with Cricket Australia stepping up and the ICC now extending its support, there is finally a glimmer of hope for the future of women's cricket in restrictions under the Taliban regime continue to stifle opportunities for female athletes, change is still possible. More voices like Firooza Amiri's are needed - people who are unafraid to speak out, challenge the status quo, and pave the way for a new will take brave individuals, determined to spark a revolution, to inspire young Afghan girls to pick up a bat - just like Amiri, Sapan, and so many others once did.


India Today
5 days ago
- Business
- India Today
25% fall likely in Indian students going to US, expert sees Europe, Japan rising
In a move that has triggered global concern, the Trump administration declared on Tuesday, May 27, that no new student visa interviews will be scheduled at US embassies worldwide. The decision aligns with efforts to restrict the number of international student intakes in the US. Additionally, another major announcement was made, aimed at tightening social media checks on foreign on the development, career counsellor Jitin Chawla told India Today Digital that by the end of this year, it is likely there will be a 25% dip in the number of students going to the restrictions could significantly impact the plans of thousands of aspirants, especially those targeting the Fall 2025 intake,' he said. This directive was outlined in a diplomatic cable sent by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the same dual policy shift has sparked anxiety among students, parents, and education consultants alike, with many calling for greater clarity from the US administration."With effect from today, ahead of a potential ramp-up in required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should refrain from booking any additional student and exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further notice," the cable stated. Currently booked appointments, however, will go ahead as planned."The recent steps taken by the US have left students and parents in a dilemma and uncertainty, with many students contacting us with queries related to visa rules," Jitin Chawla noted, discussing the increasing anxiety among Indian students and EYE EUROPE, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA AFTER US POLICY CHANGESadvertisementEven though the US is the top destination for students in India, many are now exploring alternative options in Europe, Australia and Japan."The United States remains a top destination for higher studies, but the current delay in visas is forcing families to look at other alternatives," said Chawla."Three types of students are currently there -- the ones who have applied and wait, the ones waiting in transit for dates, and the ones who have not applied yet -- the third type is most affected," he also said that while the US had received most of the visa applications previously, the scenario could result in a decline of 20 to 25 percent of students going to the to the woes are political statements made by US President. "Trump has been giving tough statements. Students are scared that skipping classes may jeopardise their visa," Chawla dwindling, many are now looking at other nations. "The Netherlands and Finland are in vogue now, and Japan is too," Chawla to recent statistics, there are more than 200,000 Indian students currently pursuing higher education in the United States. With increasing visa uncertainty, though, this number may fall into flux as students start to take other global education centres more InMust Watch


Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Dacoit first review out: Adivi Sesh's film called ‘modern-day Sholay'; actor hopes it matches its success
Adivi Sesh, Mrunal Thakur, and Anurag Kashyap's Dacoit is one of the most highly anticipated films of the year. The makers unveiled an intriguing teaser of the film on May 26, offering a glimpse into the fierce looks of the trio. Now, in an interview with Times Now, Adivi has expressed his hope that the film replicates the success of Sholay. (Also Read: Wamiqa Gabbi 'beyond excited' for return to Telugu cinema after 10 years with Adivi Sesh-Emraan Hashmi's G2) The actor revealed that he had been flooded with messages after the Dacoit teaser dropped. Reacting to someone calling it a modern-day Sholay—the iconic Dharmendra-Amitabh Bachchan film—he stated, 'It was going in that direction only, so let's hope it replicates the success of Sholay.' Speaking about what Dacoit would offer audiences, Adivi Sesh said, 'I think it's an extremely emotionally charged and angry story. Dacoit has laughter, there's anger, there are tears—there's every emotion that should be there in movies. The film is told from the perspective of a neo-Western.' The teaser shows Mrunal's Juliet character frightened and walking as fast as she can, while Adivi promises her that although she has been betrayed by everyone, he's not here to do the same—rather, to destroy her. The teaser also offers a glimpse of Anurag's intense look. Sharing the teaser, Adivi wrote, 'You better RUN @mrunalthakur #DACOIT Sab Kuch Jalaa Daalega (I'll burn down everything). Watch the film 👇🏼in theatres Worldwide December 25th 💥It's gonna be a DACOIT CHRISTMAS.' A post shared by Sesh Adivi (@adivisesh) Directed by debutant Shaneil Deo, the film stars Anurag as an inspector and is said to be the story of two former lovers who are forced to work together to commit a series of robberies that change their lives. Before Mrunal, the film was initially announced with Shruti Haasan in the lead role. However, she walked out due to the alleged over-involvement of her co-actor. A source told India Today Digital, 'Shruti Haasan shot the teaser of the film last year, and after that, the shoot dates kept getting pushed. The other actor was too involved in the script—just as he is for every film. Shruti, despite being interested in showcasing a new side of her acting, wasn't comfortable with the co-star's over-involvement. It made the workplace uncomfortable for her. Thus, she walked out of the project.'


India Today
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Dacoit glimpse out: Adivi Sesh-Mrunal Thakur's film for Christmas release
After his impactful cameo as KD in Nani's 'HIT 3', actor Adivi Sesh is back with the glimpse of his upcoming film, 'Dacoit'. The makers of the much-awaited bilingual action drama released a gripping glimpse video on Monday, confirming the film's theatrical release on December 25, Sesh shared the fire glimpse video on X, wrote, 'Thagaletteydaaniki Osthunna! It's gonna be a #DACOIT December. #DacoitFire is out now! (sic)' The teaser hints at a high-octane narrative filled with intense action and emotional the post: Directed by debutant Shaneil Deo, the movie also stars actor and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. The makers unveiled Anurag's first-look poster on February 28, revealing his role as Inspector film also stars Mrunal Thakur in one of the lead roles. The film was initially announced with Shruti Haasan, but the actor later exited the project. A source told India Today Digital that her departure was not due to scheduling conflicts but reportedly due to the co-star's 'over-involvement' in the script, which made her uncomfortable on story reportedly revolves around two estranged lovers who come together to commit a series of heists that ultimately reshape their lives. Jointly written by Adivi Sesh and Shaneil Deo, 'Dacoit' is being shot simultaneously in Telugu and The film is produced by Supriya Yarlagadda, co-produced by Suniel Narang, and presented by Annapurna Studios. The shoot is currently underway in Hyderabad, with the next schedule planned in Adivi Sesh is also working on 'G2', the sequel to his 2018 hit 'Goodachari'. Directed by Vinay Kumar Sirigineedi, the film features Emraan Hashmi and Wamiqa Gabbi and is touted as one of the actor's most ambitious projects to date.