Veteran Indian actor Dharmendra, who passed away at 89 last year, was named in the Academy Awards’ official In Memoriam list on Monday morning, acknowledging his contributions to the world of cinema. At the 98th Academy Awards held in Los Angeles, the In Memoriam segment recognised industry figures who died over the past year. While the Academy’s online In Memoriam list included Dharmendra’s name, his image and tribute were not featured in the segment broadcast on television, which focused largely on major Hollywood figures. Manoj Kumar, another Indian icon who died last year, was also omitted from the segment. 

The televised tribute featured segments remembering several Hollywood figures, including Robert Redford, Rob Reiner, Robert Duvall, Catherine O'Hara, and Diane Keaton.

Oscars 2026: Dharmendra Named in In Memoriam List, Omitted From Broadcast

Tamil poet and film lyricist Vairamuthu was recently awarded the Jnanpith honour, one of the country's most prestigious literary awards. Vairumuthu is said to be the third Tamil recipient of this honour in 20 years. 

While top Tamil actors, including Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, congratulated the lyricist-poet on social media, artists such as singer Chinmayi were quick to voice their disappointment. 

Vairamuthu has been accused of sexual harassment by many women, including Chinmayi, during the Me Too movement. 

"In 2018, multiple women of different age groups named one Poet - Lyricist as their molester. Today the Gnanpith is awarded to the man, after someone like Sri Jayakantan, whose daughter called Vairamuthu out for presenting a forged, fake letter by Sri Jayakanthan ‘praising’ Vairamuthu. A committee from Kerala announced him as for the ONV Kurup award which was later ‘returned’ as voices of justice from their society rose to speak against sullying Sri ONV Kurup’s name. The collective voices of the women who named him, were silenced. I paid a very heavy price - the rest of the women who left their dreams behind weren’t half as lucky as I," Chinmayi wrote on X.

She also went on to call out the congratulatory tweets of actors. 

Tamil musician and activist TM Krishna, too, criticised the selection. "Awarding Vairamuthu the Jnanpith award legitimises and empowers him while further marginalising all the women who have had the courage to stand up against him. We cannot and should not separate an artist from the art he makes. 

Chinmayi, who was one of the patrons of the MeToo movement from the south, named veteran Tamil poet and film lyricist Vairamuthu as her molester in 2018. It was also then that she publicly supported women who accused Tamil actor Radha Ravi, who was also the then-president of the South Indian Cine, Television Artistes and Dubbing Artistes Union (SICTADAU), which Chinmayi was a part of. This eventually led to Chinmayi’s ban from the dubbing union, which cited her alleged default in payment of the annual subscription fee of a meagre ₹250 as the reason for her expulsion. This further prevented dubbing gigs and, more importantly, singing opportunities in Tamil for the singer.

Vairamuthu Wins Jnanpith Award; Chinmayi And TM Krishna Voice Disappointment 

 is one of the most anticipated Telugu films this year. The film's trailer was launched recently, detailing Pawan's character in the film.

"Using the word violence without knowing its meaning seems to have become fashion," the Telugu star says in the trailer, going on to add that he will show people the true meaning of violence. The Telugu film, written and directed by Harish Shankar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers, will co-star Sreeleela and Raashii Khanna in pivotal roles. The film also features Tamil actor Parthiban in an important role. The film's trailer was launched by Telugu star Chiranjeevi on X. 

It was recently announced that the film will be released a week earlier than scheduled. Originally slated for March 26, the film has been moved up to March 19, setting up a direct theatrical clash with the big-budget sequel 

The sudden date shift comes after a reshuffle in the release calendar. The March 19 slot was previously occupied by 

, which has now been postponed to June, leaving a lucrative festival window open. Producers quickly moved to occupy the vacated date, particularly as the period coincides with regional holidays such as Ugadi and Gudi Padwa—traditionally strong weekends for theatrical footfall. The change was announced by the makers in a post on social media, where they said: “Our USTAAD arrives a week early to spark massive celebrations at the box office.”

The earlier release also means stepping into direct competition with 

, the second instalment of director Aditya Dhar’s high-profile spy action franchise. The film continues the narrative of the 2025 blockbuster 

, which emerged as one of the year’s biggest Hindi hits, and its sequel arrives with considerable momentum and a pan-India release across multiple languages.

'Ustaad Bhagat Singh' Trailer: Pawan Kalyan Plays A Fearless Cop

taking home best picture, capping a ceremony that also saw major acting wins for Michael B. Jordan and Jessie Buckley.

 had been among the year’s most celebrated films, earning multiple nominations across the major categories. The film prevailed over a strong best picture lineup that included 

Earlier in the ceremony, Anderson won his first Oscar for best adapted screenplay for 

. He quickly followed that with a win for best director. By the end of the ceremony, the film had collected six Oscars in total, including directing and adapted screenplay for Anderson and supporting actor for Sean Penn, who was not present at the ceremony.

Jordan won best actor for his performance in 

, the genre-blending period film written and directed by Ryan Coogler. Set in the Jim Crow-era American South, the film follows twin brothers returning to their hometown only to confront a supernatural evil, with Jordan playing both roles in a dual performance that became one of the year’s most widely praised turns.

The film itself had dominated this year’s nominations, earning a record 16 nods across categories and becoming one of the most talked-about releases of the awards season. 

The best actor category also featured a competitive slate of contenders including Timothée Chalamet for 

In the best actress race, Buckley won for her performance in 

Oscars 2026: ‘One Battle After Another’ Awarded Best Picture; Michael B Jordan Wins for ‘Sinners’, Jessie Buckley for ‘Hamnet’

 won the Oscar for best international feature film at the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday night, with actors Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Javier Bardem presenting the award.

Chopra Jonas made headlines when she walked the red carpet with her husband Nick Jonas in a custom white gown from Dior’s Spring 2026 couture collection. She paired the look with a Bvlgari necklace.

Before announcing the winner, Chopra Jonas spoke about the power of global storytelling. “Visceral and engrossing, they remind us that international is never truly far away,” she said of the nominees. “Because every story sends a ripple far beyond where it begins.”

Bardem, who joined her on stage, used his brief moment at the microphone to make a political appeal, saying simply: “No to war and free Palestine.”

, Joachim Trier’s Norwegian drama, which had been one of the strongest international contenders throughout the awards season. The film beat a competitive slate of nominees that included Brazil’s 

Accepting the award, the filmmakers delivered an emotional speech that carried its own political undertone. Paraphrasing writer James Baldwin, director Trier said: “All adults are responsible for all children,” before urging audiences to think carefully about leadership and responsibility. “Let’s not vote for politicians that don’t take this seriously,” the speech concluded.

The category this year was widely regarded as one of the strongest international lineups in recent memory. Also part of the awards conversation earlier in the season was Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Ishaan Khattar, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor. Produced by Karan Johar with Martin Scorsese serving as executive producer, the film had made the Oscars shortlist for best international feature before the final five nominees were announced.

Oscars 2026: Priyanka Chopra Jonas Presents With Javier Bardem; ‘Sentimental Value’ Wins Best International Feature

Filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir’s historic double Oscar bid ended without a win, but her presence in two documentary races at the same ceremony remained one of the more notable milestones of the 98th Academy Awards.

Gandbhir had been nominated in both documentary categories this year. Her feature-length film 

 competed for best documentary feature, while her short film 

, co-directed with Christalyn Hampton, was nominated for best documentary short.

Ultimately, the best documentary feature Oscar went to 

Despite the losses, Gandbhir’s double nomination was a rare achievement. Filmmakers competing in both documentary categories in the same year are uncommon.

 reconstructs the 2023 killing of Ajike “AJ” Owens, a Black mother of four in Ocala, Florida, who was fatally shot by her neighbour following a long-running dispute. Built largely from police body-camera footage and emergency calls, the film examines the escalation of the conflict while probing the broader context of race and Florida’s controversial “stand your ground” self-defence laws.

 follows a single day inside an abortion clinic in Atlanta. The 31-minute film centres on the clinic’s head of security as she protects patients and staff while navigating protests and mounting restrictions around reproductive healthcare in the United States following the rollback of federal abortion protections.

I think for a lot of us who work in this field, particularly in documentary or in making films that have an underlying message, the opportunity that the Oscars afford us is one to really elevate the issues. So for us, that’s huge." For the filmmaker the attention that the Oscars bring to her work matter more than winning or losing. "It’s incredible when attention is brought to the film, but also to the film’s focus on specific societal problems. It’s amazing to have that spotlight," she added.

Oscars 2026: Geeta Gandbhir Misses Out On Documentary Wins, But Makes History With Dual Nominations

Priyanka Chopra, who is among the presenters at the 98th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, will be marking her return to the Oscars stage nearly a decade after her first appearance in 2016.

The actor walked the red carpet with husband Nick Jonas, drawing attention in a custom white gown from Dior’s Spring 2026 couture collection. The strapless design featured a feathered trim and a structured silhouette that highlighted her shoulders and neckline. Chopra paired the look with a Bvlgari necklace, while her hair was styled in sleek, centre-parted soft waves, completing a classic and minimal look.

The outfit appeared to be part of a broader fashion collaboration with Dior, continuing Chopra’s recent run of white Dior ensembles during the pre-Oscars weekend. At a pre-Oscars dinner earlier, the actor wore a Grecian-inspired white Dior gown with an asymmetrical, sculptural design, featuring a floor-length train and beaded embellishments.

Nick Jonas accompanied Chopra on the red carpet in a classic black tuxedo, opting for a simple and timeless look that complemented the actor’s appearance.

Earlier this year at the Golden Globes 2026, Chopra Jonas and BLACKPINK’s Lisa

 took the stage together to present the Best Actor in a Television Drama award.

Chopra Jonas has recently been promoting her recently-released film 

She is also set to make a striking return to Indian cinema as Mandakini in 

The adventure epic also stars Mahesh Babu

 will be her first Indian film since the 2019 film 

 It is expected to release on April 7, 2027, after an eight-year gap for the 

, the film has been highly anticipated among fans, largely as a result of the sheer scale of the production. It is said to be the first Indian film, as well as the first non-English film, to be shot in a 1.43:1 IMAX format. 

Oscars 2026: Priyanka Chopra Jonas Walks Red Carpet in Custom Dior Gown with Nick Jonas


Hollywood’s most ritualised night of self-congratulation is under way once again. The 98th Academy Awards begin in Los Angeles with comedian Conan O’Brien hosting the ceremony for the second time.

This year’s race arrives with some dominant frontrunners. 

 leads the nominations with a record-breaking 16, including best picture, best director and best original screenplay. Close behind is 

 follow with 9 each. All five are competing for best picture, alongside 

The ceremony also introduces a new competitive category this year. For the first time since best animated feature was added in 2002, the Academy has expanded the awards with the introduction of best casting. The first round of nominees include 

Below is the full list of nominees for the 2026 Academy Awards. 

 will be updating this page live as winners are announced.

Armed Only With a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud

In India you can watch the Oscars LIVE on JioHotstar.

Oscars 2026: Here is the Full List of Winners

March 19 was expected to be one of the biggest release days of all time, with the sequel to 

releasing alongside Rocking Star Yash’s 

. The clash had even been termed Dhuroxic, borrowing from the trend started on social media with Barbenheimer. But just before 10 days, the team behind 

backed out of the release scuffle by posting a long note stating the film would now release in June.

The situation in the West Asia was also expected to dampen the release of all Malayalam films including that of the biggest release of March—

, the third part to a highly successful comedy film franchise starring Jayasuriya. But in this exclusive to

, the film’s producer Vijay Babu, who will also reprise his character Sarbhat Shameer for the third time in the film, said 

will release as per schedule on March 19. He said, “We will see in cinemas on March 19 as planned and we will not be making any changes to that. Even in the Gulf countries, the plan is to release just as we had decided. Expecting all the support from viewers. ”

In a note, the producers Friday Film House and Kavya Film Company noted, “Over the past few days, we have been closely monitoring global developments. We know many of you have reached out with concerns regarding a potential postponement of our release. After careful consideration of various factors - including the vital need for our industry to thrive during these challenging times - we are glad to confirm that 

 will release in theatres worldwide on March 19, 2026.” 

“The journey of bringing this film to life has not been without challenges," Vijay Babu added. "Through it all, the passion of our team and the constant support of our audience kept us moving forward. In times like these, we believe storytelling has the power to bring people together. The Aadu franchise has always celebrated friendship, joy, chaos, and the healing power of laughter,” . 

The film is being directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas, who made last year’s hit thriller

Exclusive | ‘Aadu 3’ Will Hit Screens On March 19, Confirms Vijay Babu

The Delhi High Court has directed the Central government and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to take steps to ensure films are accessible to persons with disabilities, including through same-language subtitles, audio descriptions and other assistive features.

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav issued directions to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the CBFC while hearing a petition filed by lawyer and disability rights activist Rahul Bajaj.

Bajaj, who has been visually impaired since birth, had moved the court highlighting the lack of accessibility features in the 

, starring Allu Arjun. In his plea, he said audio descriptions for the film were available in only a limited number of screens.

The court noted that Bajaj had made several suggestions to improve accessibility for disabled audiences and directed the concerned authorities to implement them expeditiously or explain why they could not be adopted. “Let all the aforesaid respondents/stakeholders implement the suggestions given by the petitioner with due expedition. If for any reason any of the suggestion is not implemented, let the specific reason be assigned by way of an affidavit of the Competent Authority,” the court said in its order.

Among the measures proposed in Bajaj’s written submissions were the introduction of a mechanism allowing viewers to know in advance whether a film includes accessibility features and instructions on how to access them. He also called for accessibility elements such as same-language subtitles, audio descriptions and closed captions to be made a condition for film certification.

In his petition, Bajaj said similar barriers had been faced by disabled audiences in recent releases such as 

. He also raised concerns about the lack of enabling features on the ticketing platform 

The plea cited provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which mandates that persons with disabilities should have access to electronic media through measures including audio description, captioning and sign language.

The matter is scheduled to be heard next on May 7.

Delhi High Court Instructs Government, CBFC to Ensure Accessibility Features in Films

The family of late Hindi film star Rishi Kapoor has taken legal steps to protect the use of his name, securing rights intended to prevent unauthorised commercial or public use.

According to a source familiar with the development, the family recently obtained legal clearance to copyright the actor’s name. The move ensures that any individual, brand or organisation wishing to use “Rishi Kapoor” in a professional or commercial context would need prior approval from the family.

“As per the copyright, anyone wanting to use the name Rishi Kapoor or mention it in any capacity would need prior permission from the family,” a source said. The decision was primarily aimed at ensuring that the late actor’s name and legacy are not misused.

Kapoor, among Hindi cinema’s most recognisable stars, died on April 30, 2020, at the age of 67 after a prolonged battle with leukemia. His career spanned nearly five decades and more than 150 films. He first rose to prominence as a romantic lead in the 1970s and 1980s with films such as 

, before transitioning into character roles later in life.

In the last decade of his career, Kapoor appeared in a series of notable supporting performances in films including 

, which introduced him to a new generation of viewers.

Legal protection of a celebrity’s name, likeness or intellectual property has become increasingly common in recent years. Estates and families often take such steps to maintain control over how a public figure’s identity is used in commercial spaces. 

Sources indicate that the Kapoor family’s move follows similar practices adopted globally, where the estates of late artists retain oversight over the use of names and associated intellectual property.

Kapoor’s family members, including actors Ranbir Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor, were contacted for a comment. So far there has been no comment from the immediate family.

Rishi Kapoor's Family Secures Rights Over Late Actor's Name to Prevent Misuse

The teaser of Imtiaz Ali’s new directorial 

 is here. The film, a period romantic drama scheduled to release on June 12, reunites Ali with Diljit Dosanjh after the biopic 

 features Dosanjh in the lead with Sharvari, Naseeruddin Shah, and Vedang Raina. Set in Punjab during the Partition years, the film explores themes of love, longing and migration. The minute-long teaser offers a glimpse into the film’s tone and characters. The sepia-toned images depict a budding romance tested by time and history. Trains— a central motif of Partition narratives—seem to play an important role in the film. 

brings back the musical trio of A.R. Rahman, Ali and lyricist Irshad Kamil. The film will also feature a song sung by Dosanjh in collaboration with the trio.

Speaking about his new film, Imtiaz Ali said, “Can love really be lost? Can home be taken away from someone’s heart? The biggest story of the century is migration. I feel privileged to get the chance to tell such a story on celluloid. This tale of fiction derives almost entirely from stories of people during the Partition. The past is always present. And decades later, when all incidents of woe have been spoken of, what remains is the early feeling of love that was too personal to share. The nostalgia of who we love and where we belong lives with us forever. This personal treasure sustains us and defines the quality of our lives.”

Producer Sameer Nair of Applause Entertainment called Ali one of the most distinctive storytellers of our times, adding that 

carries the same emotional sweep of the director’s earlier films. “As we expand our journey into theatrical storytelling, collaborating with visionary filmmakers like Imtiaz is central to our ambition of bringing powerful, enduring stories to the big screen.”

 is produced by Sameer Nair and Deepak Segal for Applause Entertainment, along with Mohit Choudhary and Shibasish Sarkar for Window Seat Films.

'Main Vaapas Aaunga' Teaser: Diljit Dosanjh, Imtiaz Ali Reunite For Partition-Era Film

, now has a theatrical release date. The makers announced on Thursday that the film will open in cinemas on August 28, 2026, along with the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

The announcement was made through the official Instagram handle of T-Series, which shared a post reading: “20 years later, The Khoslas are back,” alongside the message: “#KhoslaKaGhosla2 In Cinemas on 28th August 2026.”

Production on the sequel began in January this year, bringing an end to years of speculation around whether the cult favourite would receive a follow-up. While details of the plot remain under wraps, the film is expected to reunite several members of the original ensemble.

Earlier this year, actor Anupam Kher shared photographs from the sets featuring returning cast members Ranvir Shorey, Parvin Dabas and Kiran Juneja. Actor Ravi Kishan is among the new additions to the cast.

For Kher, the sequel also marks a personal milestone: the actor has said the film will be his 550th project. Reflecting on the enduring appeal of the original film in a social media post, he wrote that he often wonders “what it is that resonates with the magic of this film,” adding that there remains “crazy anticipation” among fans for the sequel.

was about a middle-class family in Delhi attempting to reclaim their plot of land from a corrupt and cunning property dealer. Directed by Dibakar Banerjee and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, the film became one of the most celebrated satirical comedies of its time.

Despite a modest theatrical run at the time of release, the film grew in popularity through word of mouth and television re-runs, eventually earning cult status for its sharply observed humour and relatable middle-class milieu.

With much of the original cast returning and a new ensemble joining the franchise, the sequel will attempt to revisit the world of the Khosla family for a new generation of audiences.

'Khosla Ka Ghosla 2' Sets Raksha Bandhan 2026 Date For Its Release

Netflix, on March 12, launched Eyeline Studios, a VFX hub, in Hyderabad. The launch was inaugurated by Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and was attended by members of the Telugu film industry, including actor-producer Rana Daggubati and producer Dil Raju.

Spanning 32,000 sq ft, the global studio will focus on advanced visual effects, virtual production and next-generation production technology. The Hyderabad hub reportedly becomes Eyeline’s fifth base after Los Angeles, Vancouver, Seoul and London.

, Chief Minister Reddy, in his address to the crowd, said, "The State government is keen on hosting the facilities of all Fortune 500 companies. This is part of the strategy to achieve the $1 trillion economy target by 2035, it has set. Telangana’s economy now is $200 million, and the ultimate goal is to become a $3 trillion economy by 2047."

Daggubati called this a big moment for the city. "I don't know if everyone knows the gravitas of this. For about 25 years, we've been building a visual effects industry and that led to this. The big cinema that Telugu makes is because of those artists and minds. And today, a global studio has opened in Hyderabad, and they're looking to hire about 1,200 people to work out of Hyderabad. I think this is a great time for anyone in the visual world who is looking for a career in visual effects and storytelling," he said, addressing the press. 

, we've really moved forward in terms of what to achieve on-screen. But when it comes to production, mostly Indian entertainment companies have either been large networks or independent producers that have been there for generations, in some ways, more family-driven. That made us wonder what the possibility is of creating a newer or slightly more democratic production company, to create an ecosystem like the West has, where there is a professional bunch of producers who can move in with newer talent, newer content and newer IPs," Daggubati told 

Netflix Launches Eyeline VFX Studio In Hyderabad

 has threatened legal action after an alleged audio clip involving the actor was circulated online, days after her wedding to actor Vijay Deverakonda. In a statement posted on social media, Mandanna alleged a long-running pattern of misinformation, harassment and targeted attacks by certain media outlets and individuals online. 

She demanded that the clip — an alleged private conversation between Mandanna’s mother and another person, referencing the actor’s past relationship — be taken down immediately from online platforms. For context, Mandanna was briefly engaged to actor Rakshit Shetty in 2017 before parting ways. 

In her statement, Mandanna wrote: “To my dearest people who have been with me through this incredible journey so far. And to others concerned with this matter - It has been 8 years since a sustained campaign of misinformation, harassment, and targeted attacks from a section of the media and individuals online had started against me. I have watched as my words have been taken out of context, as words I never uttered were spun into false narratives, and hate has been amplified for the sake of views, reach, and engagement.”

Mandanna added that she had largely chosen not to respond publicly to such developments in the past. “All this while, while it pained me and hurt me, I chose patience and silence. I accepted that being in the public eye sometimes comes with unfair criticism, but as long as I remain true to myself and happy, spreading joy around me, things will fall into place.”

However, the actor said the latest incident crossed a threshold. “However, what has happened in the last 24 hours crosses a line that can't be ignored.”

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Devarakonda, co-stars from 

, were married in a private ceremony in Udaipur on February 26. It was followed by a reception in Hyderabad. 

Rashmika Mandanna Threatens Legal Action Over Viral Audio Clip: 'Crossed A Line'

 wedding and opted, instead, for an authentic Telugu celebration when he recently married Nayanika Reddy. The actor got married in the presence of various Telugu film celebrities, including Ram Charan, Pawan Kalyan, and Chiranjeevi. 

, Sirish speaks about why he wasn’t drawn to a Pinterest wedding and the irreplaceable support of his brother, Allu Arjun, on his big day

“Arjun was literally playing the parental role,” he tells 

. “He was not just a sibling. He was there throughout all the events, hands-on. He took a break from his shoot and was one of the first people to come and the last to leave at every event. Even when we were tired at 1 am or 1.30 am, he would stay on because he took on the role of a host. He made every guest feel at home. He and Sneha [Allu Arjun’s wife] went above and beyond, as Sneha and my cousin Vidya (producer of 

) took up a lot of the logistics planning.”

Sirish expands on why he wanted to follow a traditional Telugu wedding. “This is the last wedding in my family for this generation, and I wanted to follow all the customs,” he says, speaking about how he drew inspiration from his parents. “A few years back, when I was shooting in Chennai, my mom and dad flew down to visit all the temples and 

 to mark their 50th wedding anniversary. When I asked them about their wedding, they remembered only the moments, not the aesthetics. I knew at that time that this was how I wanted my wedding to be.”

Sirish and Nayanika’s wedding was graced by celebrities from various industries, including Basil Joseph, Karthi, Atlee, and Lokesh Kanagaraj. 

“We knew that not everybody would be available on the same day, so we split the wedding across three weekends. We called different people from the Telugu film industry for different events. We had enough time to spend with each guest,” he says. And part of this star-studded assembly line was Tamil star Suriya.

“I don't know if you know this about me, but I have been a big fan of Suriya 

for decades,” he says. “I told him he had to be there because it was my special day. I invited him, and he said he was coming. But I immediately told him, '

, you can't say you're coming and later bunk because of shooting.'"

"I told him I'll talk to his producer, but he said, 'Hey, you don't worry about all that, I'll come to the wedding. How can I miss it?'"

"He was so prompt, made his own arrangements and spent a lot of time with the family. He flew all the way from another city in the midst of a shooting break just to attend the wedding. It really meant a lot to me.”

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Oscars 2026: Dharmendra Named in In Memoriam List, Omitted From Broadcast

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