Tag: Bengaluru

Sports

Hombale Films in Talks to Buy RCB

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Indian Premier League could be on the verge of a seismic shift as reports indicate that acclaimed Kannada powerhouse Hombale Films is exploring the possibility of acquiring Royal Challengers Bengaluru from current owner Diageo India. The development has created a surge of excitement, particularly in Karnataka, where both RCB and Hombale command immense loyalty and cultural influence. Early conversations between the two parties have reportedly taken place, although neither side has issued an official confirmation.

Hombale Films, known for redefining Indian cinema with massive hits like K.G.F., Kantara, and Salaar, is believed to be looking at long-term diversification, and a team with RCB’s stature offers a significant entry point into elite sports ownership. The connection between the two brands is not new; Hombale has been associated with RCB since April 2023 as their official digital partner, crafting cinematic promos, campaigns, and high-impact visual storytelling that strengthened the team’s cultural footprint. With RCB securing their maiden IPL trophy in 2025, their brand valuation has soared to an estimated USD 2 billion, placing them among the most valuable cricket franchises globally and attracting interest from several major players, including Nikhil Kamath, Adani Group, JSW Group, Adar Poonawalla, and Devyani International.

Despite multiple suitors, the potential Hombale–RCB partnership stands out due to its deep-rooted regional synergy. For Karnataka, this would symbolize the union of two icons: a beloved cricket team and a studio that brought Kannada cinema to national and international recognition. Such a collaboration could reshape fan engagement, build stronger cultural identity, and create a narrative that transcends sport. With Kannada cinema at its peak and RCB fresh off a historic title win, the timing feels particularly significant.

As the franchise prepares for IPL 2026, RCB has retained a solid core under new full-time captain Rajat Patidar. The retained roster includes stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, ensuring continuity and strength heading into the mega auction. A potential change of ownership, combined with a strong sporting foundation, could propel RCB into an exciting new era defined by cultural pride, cinematic storytelling, and cricketing ambition. The coming months may determine whether this unprecedented partnership becomes a reality, but the buzz it has already generated reveals how powerful such a union could be.

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Papa John’s to Re-Enter India with 650 Outlets, First Store in Bengaluru This Year

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Bengaluru: Global pizza giant Papa John’s is gearing up for a major comeback in India. After exiting the Indian market several years ago, the brand is set to open its first new store in Bengaluru this year, marking the beginning of an ambitious expansion plan.

Papa John’s aims to establish 650 outlets across India, signaling its renewed focus on one of the world’s fastest-growing quick-service restaurant (QSR) markets. With India’s thriving food delivery ecosystem and a young, pizza-loving demographic, the brand sees strong potential for long-term growth.

Industry analysts suggest Papa John’s entry will further intensify competition in India’s pizza market, currently dominated by Domino’s and Pizza Hut, along with homegrown brands. The company is expected to introduce localized menus tailored to Indian tastes, while maintaining its signature international offerings.

Papa John’s comeback reflects the rising confidence of global F&B brands in India’s expanding consumer base. As the first store in Bengaluru sets the tone, pizza enthusiasts across the country can expect many more outlets to follow in the coming years.

National

Uber, Ola & Rapido Resume Bike Taxi Services in Bengaluru

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Commuters in Bengaluru have reason to cheer as bike taxi services are back on the roads. Ride-hailing majors Uber, Ola, and Rapido have resumed operations, reinstating a convenient, fast, and cost-effective travel option for city dwellers.

Bike taxis have long been popular among commuters for their affordability and efficiency, especially in Bengaluru’s traffic-heavy landscape. They provide last-mile connectivity, helping people quickly get to metro stations, bus stops, and workplaces.

The service had been suspended following regulatory hurdles and policy uncertainties. However, with renewed clarity and compliance measures in place, the companies are once again set to serve lakhs of riders across the city.

Industry experts believe that the revival of bike taxis will reduce travel costs, decongest roads, and enhance mobility in India’s tech capital.

For many daily commuters, this development means more accessible, quicker, and reliable travel options across Bengaluru’s busy routes.

As urban mobility continues to evolve, the comeback of bike taxis marks a positive step toward sustainable and affordable city transport solutions.

Sports

Bengaluru to Get 80,000-Seats Cricket Stadium in Surya City, Bommasandra

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In a landmark decision for Karnataka’s sports infrastructure, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has given the green light for the construction of a massive 80,000-seat cricket stadium in Surya City, Bommasandra.

The announcement follows the recent stampede-like situation at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where overcrowding raised safety concerns. This new facility aims to accommodate the growing demand for cricket in the city and provide a world-class venue for both domestic and international matches.

Once completed, the Surya City stadium will become the second-largest cricket stadium in India, after the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, and one of the largest in the world. It is expected to feature state-of-the-art amenities, modern player facilities, advanced pitch technology, and crowd management systems to ensure safety and comfort.

Officials believe the project will also boost the local economy, create employment opportunities, and position Bengaluru as a premier sports destination. Cricket fans across the country are already anticipating the grand experience this venue promises to deliver.

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Bengaluru Auto Fares Hiked from August 1: Commuters to Pay More

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In a move set to impact thousands of daily commuters, the Karnataka government has announced a revision in auto rickshaw fares across Bengaluru, effective August 1, 2025.

Under the new structure:

  • The minimum fare has been raised to ₹36 for the first 2 kilometres
  • Beyond that, commuters will pay ₹18 per kilometre

The fare revision, the first in over two years, comes in response to rising fuel prices, maintenance costs, and driver demands for better compensation. Transport authorities stated that the hike was implemented after discussions with auto unions and considering inflation trends.

While the move aims to provide relief to auto drivers, many daily commuters have expressed concerns over the rising cost of living in the city. Authorities are expected to monitor fare compliance closely and ensure meters are calibrated accordingly.

For residents, the hike signals the need to budget more for daily travel, while for the city’s auto drivers, it could offer some economic stability.

Stay tuned to Allycaral.com for further updates on urban transport, infrastructure, and mobility developments.