President Selina Meyer is in the midst of a virtually unprecedented Electoral College tie, with her future as commander in chief coming down to just a few hundred votes. While Amy and Dan work on a long shot to victory, Selina finds herself spinning her wheels in D.C., as her staff strives to make her seem presidential (even though she actually is president), at the same time fending off the ambitions of Tom James, her charismatic running mate, who in a twist of obscure constitutional procedure could end up becoming president.
The Emmy®-winning comedy series VEEP kicks off its ten-episode fifth season SUNDAY, APRIL 24 (10:30-11:00 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. The show stars Emmy® and Screen Actors Guild Award winner Julia Louis-Dreyfus as President Selina Meyer, for whom even the most banal action can set off a ripple effect that has unexpected and far-reaching consequences.
The ensemble cast of the show also includes Emmy® winner Tony Hale as Gary, her devoted bodyman; Emmy® nominee Anna Chlumsky as Amy, her on-again, off-again right hand; Matt Walsh as Mike, her weathered spokesperson; Reid Scott as Dan, an ambitious aide; Timothy Simons as hanger-on Jonah; Sufe Bradshaw as Sue, President Meyer’s wry executive assistant; Kevin Dunn as Ben, her chief of staff; Emmy® nominee Gary Cole as strategist Kent; and Sam Richardson as campaign worker Richard.
Recurring guest stars on the new season include John Slattery as billionaire banker Charlie Baird; Sarah Sutherland as Catherine, Selina’s daughter; and Hugh Laurie as Tom James, Selina’s running mate.
Upcoming episodes:
Episode #39 (season 5, episode 1): “Morning After”
Debut: SUNDAY, APRIL 24 (10:30-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates: April 24 (12:30 a.m., 3:30 a.m.), 26 (4:25 a.m.), 27 (9:30 p.m.), 28 (10:05 p.m., 4:30 a.m.) and 29 (3:25 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: April 25 (8:00 p.m.), 29 (5:30 p.m.) and 30 (4:40 a.m.), and May 15 (9:00 a.m.)
On the night after the election, Selina discovers a possible road to victory. Meanwhile, Amy must figure out if she is back or not; Catherine kicks off a behind-the-scenes documentary project; Mike announces that he and Wendy (Kathy Najimy) are adopting a baby from China; and Dan considers a new career.
Written by David Mandel; directed by Chris Addison.
Episode #40 (season 5, episode 2): “Nev-ah-da”
Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 1 (10:30-11:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: May 1 (12:30 a.m., 3:00 a.m.), 3 (5:00 a.m.), 4 (8:30 p.m.), 5 (11:00 p.m., 5:30 a.m.) and 6 (3:10 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: May 2 (8:00 p.m.), 6 (5:00 p.m.), 7 (1:45 p.m., 1:45 a.m.) and 15 (9:30 a.m.)
Amy, Dan, Jonah and Richard try to win the presidency for Selina. Back in D.C., Selina brings in respected Washington fixture Bob Bradley (Martin Mull), aka “The Eagle,” and, after nudging out Tom James on the newly created banking task force, meets billionaire banker Charlie Baird. Meanwhile, Mike tries to get healthy before his baby arrives; Kent investigates Sue’s age; and Amy and Dan share a charged moment.
Written by Lew Morton; directed by Chris Addison.
Episode #41 (season 5, episode 3): “The Eagle”
Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 8 (10:30-11:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: May 8 (12:30 a.m., 3:30 a.m.), 10 (5:20 a.m.), 11 (8:30 p.m.), 12 (10:00 p.m., 5:30 a.m.) and 13 (4:25 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: May 9 (8:00 p.m.), 13 (5:15 p.m.), 14 (5:45 p.m., 5:20 a.m.) and 15 (10:00 a.m.)
Mike must deal with the consequences of Selina’s tweet. Feeling usurped by Bob, Amy begins to be troubled by his behavior. At a museum gala, Gary finds himself the belle of the ball.
Written by Steve Koren; directed by Chris Addison.
Episode #42 (season 5, episode 4): “Mother”
Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 15 (10:30-11:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: May 15 (12:30 a.m., 3:30 a.m.), 17 (5:25 a.m.), 18 (8:30 p.m.), 19 (10:30 p.m., 5:15 a.m.) and 20 (1:40 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: May 16 (8:00 p.m.), 20 (5:30 p.m.) and 21 (10:50 a.m., 1:50 a.m.)
Selina rushes to the hospital while attempting to win the presidency. Amy and Dan discover the O’Brien camp has staged a fake protest, and task Jonah and Richard with organizing their own pro-POTUS demonstration. Mike and Wendy meet with a potential surrogate.
Written by Alex Gregory & Peter Huyck; directed by Dale Stern.
In Sept. 2015, VEEP won the Emmy® for Outstanding Comedy Series, while Julia Louis-Dreyfus received the Emmy® for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series, her fourth consecutive win in the category. She previously received Emmys® for “Seinfeld” and “The New Adventures of Old Christine.” In addition, Tony Hale received the Emmy® for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, his second win in the category; the show also received Emmys® for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche) and Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series.
“VEEP: The Complete Fourth Season” will be available April 19 on Blu-ray with Digital HD and DVD. All ten episodes are also available now on Digital HD.
VEEP was created by Armando Iannucci; executive produced by David Mandel, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Frank Rich, Chris Godsick, Lew Morton.
In the ever-evolving world of Indian cinema, few stars have managed to carve a niche as effortlessly as Allu Arjun. Known for his electrifying screen presence, unparalleled dance moves, and ability to adapt to any role, Arjun has become a phenomenon, transcending regional cinema to gain pan-Indian appeal. Whether it’s intense action dramas, heartwarming family entertainers, or stylish romantic films, he has done it all.
Take Pushpa: The Rise (2021), for instance. With a rugged new look and a raw, earthy performance, Allu Arjun transformed into Pushpa Raj, a smuggler who refuses to bow down to power. His signature swagger, powerful dialogue delivery (“Thaggede Le” became a cultural mantra), and intense action sequences made the film a box-office juggernaut. The film’s massive success on Amazon Prime Video only extended its reach beyond Indian borders, turning Arjun into a global icon.
But the star’s magic isn’t just limited to mass action spectacles. In Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020), Arjun showcased his flair for comedy and family drama, delivering one of the most charming performances of his career. His character, Bantu, a middle-class man who discovers his true lineage, resonated with audiences, and his impeccable dance moves in songs like Butta Bomma took the internet by storm. The film’s presence on Netflix made it one of the most-watched Indian films on the platform.
However, Arjun’s journey to superstardom wasn’t built on commercial cinema alone. Films like Arya (2004) showcased his ability to bring depth and sincerity to romantic dramas. Playing the role of a selfless lover who believes in destiny, he delivered a performance that remains iconic to this day. His natural charm and emotional depth made Arya a cult classic, solidifying his reputation as Tollywood’s next big thing.
Even when he steps into full-fledged action mode, he never loses his distinct style and charisma. Sarrainodu (2016) was a high-octane actioner where he played an ex-military man fighting corruption. With power-packed fight sequences, catchy dialogues, and foot-tapping songs like Blockbuster, the film became a true crowd-puller.
But one of Arjun’s most underrated performances came in Vedam (2010), a film that explored multiple narratives and showcased him in a never-before-seen role. Playing Cable Raju, a slum dweller pretending to be rich, he brought a rare vulnerability to the character, proving his ability to balance mass appeal with meaningful cinema.
From ruling the box office to winning six Filmfare Awards South, Allu Arjun’s journey is a testament to his unmatched versatility. Whether he’s setting the dance floor on fire, delivering powerful monologues, or simply owning the screen with his presence, he continues to redefine what it means to be a pan-Indian superstar.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the magic of Allu Arjun, now is the perfect time to dive into his cinematic universe. His films are available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and ZEE5, ensuring that no matter where you are, you can witness the rise of the Stylish Star firsthand.
Genre: Action Thriller
Runtime: 2 hours 45 minutes
Director: Prithviraj Sukumaran
Writer: Murali Gopy
Starring: Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Indrajith Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas
Studio: Aashirvad Cinemas, Lyca Productions
The Good: What Empuraan Gets Right
Mohanlal’s Magnetic Screen Presence: As Stephen/Khurēshi Ab’raam, Mohanlal owns every scene. His silence speaks louder than words, and his layered performance adds emotional gravity to the action.
Prithviraj’s Direction Shines: Seamlessly balancing intense set pieces with political intrigue, Prithviraj proves again he’s one of the most visionary directors in Indian cinema today.
Murali Gopy’s Sharp Screenplay: The film is packed with political subtext, philosophical dialogue, and thrilling twists that reward patient viewers.
Stunning Cinematography and Score: The visuals, spanning locations from India to the Middle East, are breathtaking. Deepak Dev’s music elevates every sequence, especially the high-stakes confrontations.
Strong Supporting Cast: With Indrajith Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, and Tovino Thomas in key roles, the ensemble delivers solid performances that complement Mohanlal.
The Bad: Where Empuraan Falters
Pacing in the First Half: The film takes its time building the narrative, which may test the patience of action-seeking audiences early on.
Complexity Might Alienate Casual Viewers: With deep political allegories and global criminal dynamics, it’s not exactly light fare — viewers unfamiliar with Lucifer might feel lost.
A Bit Too Long: At 2 hours and 45 minutes, some scenes — particularly flashbacks — could’ve been trimmed without losing impact.
Empuraan Is a Gripping and Ambitious Sequel That Raises the Stakes After the massive success of Lucifer (2019), fans have waited with bated breath for the sequel — and Empuraan does not disappoint. Directed with confidence by Prithviraj Sukumaran, this 2025 Malayalam action thriller expands the universe of Lucifer, diving deeper into the underworld empire of Stephen Nedumpally (Mohanlal) and the origins of the mysterious Khureshi-Ab’raam.
Empuraan is a masterfully executed Malayalam action thriller that expands its cinematic universe with flair. Mohanlal delivers another iconic performance, and Prithviraj continues to evolve as a bold director who knows how to handle scale and subtlety alike. While the film’s pacing and complexity may not appeal to everyone, for fans of intelligent, stylish Indian cinema, Empuraan is a must-watch.
Final Rating: 8.5/10
Recommended for:
Fans of Lucifer, Indian political thrillers, Mohanlal admirers, Malayalam cinema lovers, and viewers who appreciate layered storytelling and high-stakes action.
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr., affectionately known as Jr NTR, has consistently enthralled audiences with his dynamic performances and versatile acting prowess. Following the successful release of “Devara: Part 1” on September 27, 2024, fans are eagerly anticipating his forthcoming projects. Here’s an overview of what’s next for this action superstar.
1. Devara: Part 2
After the resounding success of “Devara: Part 1,” which grossed over ₹466 crore globally, the sequel is highly anticipated. Director Koratala Siva has hinted that “Devara: Part 2” will be even more intense, stating that if Part 1 showcased 10% of Jr NTR’s capabilities, Part 2 will unveil the remaining 90%. Filming is slated to commence in the first half of 2026, with a targeted release by the end of that year.
2. War 2
Expanding his horizons, Jr NTR is set to make his Hindi film debut with “War 2,” directed by Ayan Mukerji. This sequel to the 2019 blockbuster “War” will see him sharing screen space with Hrithik Roshan and Kiara Advani. The film is part of the YRF Spy Universe and is scheduled for release on August 14, 2025, coinciding with the Indian Independence Day weekend.
3. NTR 31 (Tentative Title: Dragon)
In collaboration with acclaimed director Prashanth Neel, Jr NTR will star in a period drama tentatively titled “Dragon.” The film is set to delve into themes of immigration and is expected to be one of the most expensive projects for both the actor and the director. The movie is slated for a grand release on January 9, 2026.
Why Jr NTR is the Action Hero Everyone Wants to See
Jr NTR’s appeal as an action hero stems from his ability to seamlessly blend intense physicality with deep emotional resonance. His performances are characterized by a compelling screen presence, dynamic energy, and a remarkable ability to connect with audiences across diverse roles. This unique combination of skills has solidified his status as a leading figure in Indian cinema, making him the action hero everyone wants to see.
With a lineup of diverse and high-profile projects, Jr NTR continues to push cinematic boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide. His dedication to his craft and ability to reinvent himself with each role ensure that fans have much to look forward to in the coming years.
Allu Arjun: The Stylish Star Who Redefined Telugu Cinema
Empuraan (2025) Movie Review – A Thrilling, High-Octane Malayalam Sequel That Delivers Big
Upcoming NTR Junior projects
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