Latest news with #PrasannaKumar
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
SFI urges govt. to drop plans to privatise medical colleges
Student Federation of India's (SFI) State committee leaders have slammed the State government for its reported plans to privatise 17 newly-established government medical colleges. In a statement on Friday (May 30), the federation's State president P. Rammohan and secretary K. Prasanna Kumar said reports appearing in a section of media suggested that these medical institutions were being leased out to private entities for up to 66 years at throwaway prices. They said the government decision would deprive students from marginalised communities of medical education and affordable healthcare services to the public would become a thing of the past. They pointed out that the Minister for Human Resource Development (HRD) and IT Nara Lokesh, during his 'Yuvagalam' padayatra, had promised to repeal G.O.s 107 and 108 introduced by the previous government to sell medical seats, and had assured that all seats would be filled under government quota. They demanded that the Minister keep his promise and persuade the government to drop its privatisation proposal. They warned of State-wide protests should the government overlook their demand. They also found fault with the practice of engaging private individuals and agencies to conduct exams in the SC, ST and BC residential schools across the State. They said the residential set-ups lacked basic amenities subjecting the inmates to serious hardship. Many of these residential hostels did not have wardens, cooks, helpers, watchmen and even basic health care support. Calling for immediate reforms, they said it was important to focus on revamping the teaching practices in residential schools, recruitment of adequate non-teaching staff, construction of permanent buildings for all residential schools and a ban on the practice of outsourcing the process of conducting exams to private agencies.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tollywood's Revenue Revolt
The Telugu film industry is locked in a high-stakes battle over box office revenue sharing. Theatre owners are pushing to replace the outdated rental-based model with a revenue-sharing system. Faced with rising costs and shrinking audiences, they say the current setup is no longer viable. Exhibitors have threatened to shut down theatres starting June 1 if their demands aren't met, insisting that revenue be fairly split among producers, distributors, and exhibitors based on actual ticket sales. Background Two decades ago, AP and Telangana had nearly 1,900 single-screen theatres. Today, about 1,500 remain, many struggling financially after closures and conversions to multiplexes or commercial spaces. Under the fixed rental model, theatre owners pay a set fee regardless of a film's success, bearing full operational costs even with poor ticket sales. For many years now exhibitors have been asking to shift to a revenue-sharing system based on actual collections. Things came to a boil last week when they threatned to shutdown theatres starting from June 1. Distributors and exhibitors met on Wednesday to hash out the issue and are set to meet producers today to push for a resolution. The future of summer releases hangs in the balance as the stakeholders scramble to find a solution. Rental vs Revenue Sharing: Theatre owners demand change 'Corrections are needed from all sides, including stars sharing the risk' 'The theatre experience is vital for a film's success. With rising ticket prices and varying revenue splits — typically starting at 50/50 — there's an urgent need to shift to a fairer model. For example, a film earning ₹1.25 lakh per show can gross ₹35 lakh a week. After splits and taxes, producers get around ₹17 lakh, and exhibitors and distributors share ₹14 lakh each. Corrections are needed on both exhibitors and distributors sides, and stars should also embrace revenue-sharing. Celebrate success, yes — but share the risk when a film fails to ease the pressure on the industry.' — Prasanna Kumar, Producer and Secretary, Telugu Film Producers Council 'We still have rents and operational costs to cover' 'Big-budget theatrical releases have reduced due to pan-Indian films and OTT platforms, with major star films now arriving only once in two years. Even when such films release, most profits go to producers and distributors. We're seeking a shift from the current rental-based model to a percentage-based revenue-sharing system, as exhibitors still have to bear rents and operational costs. A theatre shutdown is not confirmed yet; a final decision will follow an upcoming meeting. ' — B Sathyanarayana Goud, Treasurer, Telangana Telugu Film exhibitors and controllers association Exhibitors are saying that running single-screen theatres under the current rental system is no longer viable. They're incurring losses and a growing number of exhibitors are advocating for a shift from the traditional rental model to a percentage-based model. We expect a resolution before June 1, where a final decision could be made. — Bobby, GM, Geetha Film Distributors – Divya Shree Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Sriram's ‘Nishabda Prema' creates buzz ahead of release
Hero Sriram, known for his impressive performances in Telugu cinema and web series, is all set to return to the big screen with his upcoming romantic action entertainer Nishabda Prema. Directed by Raj Dev and produced by Karthikeyan S under Celebrity Productions, the film stars Priyanka Thimmesh in the lead role. A grand trailer and song launch event was held in Hyderabad, graced by prominent industry figures including Producer Council Secretary Prasanna Kumar and Directors Association President Veerashankar. Prasanna Kumar launched the trailer, while Veerashankar unveiled the song. Speaking at the event, Veerashankar shared his excitement: 'This film was a massive success in Tamil, collecting over ₹50 crore. I'm confident it will resonate with the Telugu audience too.' Prasanna Kumar added, 'Sriram garu is a true Telugu hero. Nishabda Prema is a title with depth and the film carries all the right ingredients.' Producer Chintapalli Rama Rao highlighted the film's unique love-thriller angle and praised director Raj Dev's fresh approach. Actor Viaan, making his Telugu debut, and heroine Priyanka Thimmesh also expressed their gratitude for being part of the project. Sriram, the lead actor, thanked the guests and emphasized the film's emotional and thrilling core. 'Good content knows no language. Nishabda Prema is one such film, and we're hopeful it will win hearts here too,' he said. Nishabda Prema is set for theatrical release on May 23.
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Dalit woman harassment: One more policeman suspended in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, One more policeman has been placed under suspension in connection with the recent allegation of custodial harassment of a Dalit woman at a police station here, Home department sources said on Wednesday. The departmental action was taken against Prasanna Kumar, an Assistant Sub-Inspector who was serving as the GD charge at the Peroorkkada Police Station, based on a preliminary enquiry report submitted by the Assistant Commissioner, Cantonment Division, they said. A sub-inspector from the station had already been suspended in this regard. Thirty-nine-year-old R Bindhu, a local domestic worker, made serious allegations against Kumar, including misbehaviour, ill-treatment, and the use of objectionable words, after he took her into custody in connection with a theft case that was later proven to be false. Based on the enquiry, it is found that the policeman has failed to comply with the procedural guidelines and ensure proper entries on the GD when the petitioner was detained in the police station, the suspension order issued by the city police commissioner said. "The enquiry report revealed that the conduct of the officer was unprofessional and beyond the scope of his duty," the order, dated May 19, further said. Kumar was suspended with immediate effect, and an oral enquiry has been initiated against him, it added. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday described the alleged custodial harassment of the Dalit woman at the police station as "unacceptable". The complainant woman has accused the police of harassment and the CMO of not taking action on her complaint, after the theft case registered against her proven to be baseless. The woman's claims of being detained overnight at the police station without food or sleep and being asked to drink toilet water by police personnel have sparked widespread outrage. Bindhu alleged that she endured severe mental torture and harassment in custody at the Peroorkkada police station last month. This followed a complaint by her employer, accusing her of stealing a gold chain.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Time of India
Karnataka high court for stricter laws to put brakes on wheelie menace, legal experts stress need for harsher laws
Bengaluru: The high court has called for stringent laws to deter and punish bikers performing life-threatening stunts on roads, while hearing a petition of a rider from Koppal district's Gangavati taluk. Echoing the concerns, legal experts have welcomed the court's observation. Declining bail to the 29-year-old rider, the HC's Dharwad bench noted: "It's the duty of the state and its law-enforcement agencies to legislate legal provisions and take stringent measures to suppress the perilous activity. The legislature has to take into consideration that existing statutory provisions are hardly sufficient to curb the menace. To fill this vacuum, suitable and stringent provisions are to be incorporated by amending the Indian Penal Code and Motor Vehicles Act to complement each other."Justice V Srishananda noted that increasing fatal accidents caused by wheelie incidents have shaken the citizens' confidence. The prosecution agencies are facing difficulties in charging offenders with severe penalties that would effectively prevent such incidents, the court Aruna Shyam, senior advocate and former additional advocate general, said although Sections 184 and 189 of Motor Vehicles Act and Section 281 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita contain provisions to address wheeling, rash, and negligent driving — which are cognizable and bailable offences — these laws must be enforced more rigorously to deter such dangerous behaviour. The legislature must also take into account that the existing legal framework is largely inadequate to effectively curb the growing menace of reckless and negligent driving.P Prasanna Kumar, special public prosecutor for NIA and CBI, said the HC has pointed to gaps in motor-vehicle laws and cited examples from several US states which specifically ban stunt-riding and incrementally impose higher penalties and impound licence and the vehicle said: "In the US, specifically in states such as Florida, performing a wheelie is clearly defined and penalised. The law states: 'A person shall ride upon a motorcycle or moped only while sitting astride the seat, with both wheels on the ground at all times, facing forward, and with one leg on each side of the motorcycle or moped'."The law, according to Prasanna Kumar, slaps a penalty of $1,000 for the first offence, not less than $2,500 and suspension of driving licence for a second offence, and $3,500 and seizure of vehicle for a third offence. "It's time amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act and the BNS were brought in here," he advocate MS Shyamsundar said the HC's observation should serve as an eye-opener to the lawmakers to make harsher laws to deal with those "who disturb tranquil civic society" since basic civic laws are "apparently a neglected area"."It is the knowledge and fear of law and penalty that keeps mischief makers in check," he said, citing the example of Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway where stricter penalties are imposed for violating speed Mohan, an advocate, said the relevant law requires it to be amended as the wheeling is usually performed by minors and their parents must be booked with higher penalty and 532 CASES IN 2024According to Bengaluru traffic police, 283 cases were booked against persons performing wheelie stunts in 2022. The number fell to 219 in 2023 but suddenly rose to 532 in 2024. At least, 23 minors were booked in 2022. The number soared to 74 in 2023 and hit 121 in 22 parents/guardians/vehicle owners were booked in 2022, 71 in 2023 and 79 in happens if caught performing wheelies?* Police file FIR for rash driving, riding on a public way. If rider is a minor, parents or guardians or vehicle owner will also be booked* If it's a souped-up bike, Indian Motor Vehicle Act is invoked* If offender pleads guilty, he/she can pay penalty and the case is closedPAY FINE, DUCK CONVICTIONAs all cases are closed with offenders paying penalties, no conviction has been seen in wheelie cases in the recent past, said a traffic police officer. "However, in Bengaluru, we have booked some parents or guardians under the Juvenile Justice Act for neglecting their wards. Some cases have been chargesheeted," he IMPOUNDED UP TO A MONTHThe two-wheeler seized from offenders will be parked at the police station for a week. "We release them after offenders pay a fine. Normally, it takes about 10 days for the offender to reclaim his bike. Further, if there are modifications made to the vehicle, the regional transport office will have to inspect it and file a report. At such times, it may take a month to get the bike back," police said.
