Noting that the stories, plots, and themes of the two films do not have anything in common, the high court said the upcoming film is neither a "sequel" nor a "reboot" of the 2014 movie.

A single bench of Justice Sandeep Marne, in the order passed on Wednesday and a copy of which was made available on Friday, said it was "suffice to observe that comparison of synopsis of the two films does not indicate any similarity or commonality in the stories of the two films."

The court declined any urgent and interim injunction against the upcoming film, noting that no prima facie case is made out to show that the proposed film is a derivative work of the 2014 movie.

The central theme of the 2014 film is female self-discovery and empowerment through independence.

"The stories, plots, and themes of the two films do not have anything in common in them. The film "Queen Full Power" is admittedly not a linear continuation of the story of the film "Queen" and is therefore not a sequel. It is also not a prequel or a spin-off or a reboot of the film "Queen"," the HC said.

Phantom Studios had moved the HC in July against JioStar India Private Limited, claiming that when the film "Queen" was made, there was an agreement between them and JioStar that in future if any sequel or prequel was to be made, then both the parties would have 50 per cent rights on the same.

It had not consented to any sequels, adaptations or derivative works of the film, Phantom Studios added.

JioStar, however, claimed that the proposed movie, "Queen Full Power", in which it was working with Kangana Ranaut, was a fresh production that is an original and independent story.

Phantom Studios had sought an injunction against the release of the film and also damages of Rs 250 crore.

The court, in its order, noted that the proposed film "Queen Full Power" was a kidnapping and comic thriller while the 2014 movie "Queen" was more of a romantic genre.

"Apart from Kangana Ranaut, all the other key characters and cast of the proposed film 'Queen Full Power' are played mainly by Marathi film industry actors," it said.

In its order, the high court noted that "Queen Full Power" prima facie is essentially a kidnapping thriller drama and does not involve the element of travel or journey by the protagonist through which she discovers a sense of power or confidence.

The proposed film revolves around a middle-aged Marathi woman living an ordinary middle-class life, which is disrupted by a kidnapping.

"The synopsis, however, does not indicate any significant travel or journey undertaken by the protagonist beyond Mumbai through which she discovers a sense of independence, confidence or empowerment," the HC said.

It further refused to accept the contention of the plaintiff Phantom Studios that since the word "Queen" is used in the proposed film, confusion would be created in the minds of moviegoers.

The word "Queen" is used in the title of several movies and hence there is no question of the same acquiring any distinctiveness, Justice Marne said.

The bench further said the word 'queen' is a laudatory and descriptive word for high feminine virtue and still signifies its ordinary and primary meaning, which is not displaced even by some degree on account of the alleged success of Plaintiff's film "Queen".

The court further said that JioStar has never said that it was making a prequel or sequel of the 2014 movie.

In the interim application which the HC dismissed, Phantom sought an order temporarily barring the defendants from making, releasing or promoting any sequel or adaptation of the film (including the proposed Queen Full Power) without Phantom's written permission until the suit is finally decided.

The international trailer offers glimpses into the contrasting worlds of Lord Rama and Ravana, showcasing the action and scale of the cinematic universe being brought to life by director Nitesh Tiwari.

The makers also dropped solo posters of Ranbir Kapoor and Yash as Lord Rama and Ravana. While Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama is shown drawing his bow and aiming an arrow, with sunlight filtering through the forest behind him, the accompanying poster of Yash as Ravana shows him seated amid fallen warriors, holding a spear against the backdrop of an imposing palace.

The battle-worn look and the aftermath of a fierce battle convey the formidable presence of the king of Lanka.

The international trailer was unveiled at a major event hosted by Prime Focus Studios and Yash's Monster Mind Creations in Bengaluru, in the presence of the film's cast and team, including Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Rocking Star Yash, Ravie Dubey, composer AR Rahman and director Nitesh Tiwari, among others.

'Ramayana' features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Rocking Star Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with 8-time Oscar-winning DNEG and Yash's Monster Mind Creations, the film is envisioned as a two-part epic.

Part 1 will release worldwide on 5 November 2026, followed by Part 2 in Diwali 2027.

The film will release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam across India and will be presented in IMAX.

Sony Pictures is distributing the film globally, excluding India, while Dharma Productions will distribute it in the Hindi-speaking market

Goodwill Entertainments, the production house producing the film, took to its instagram page to make the announcement. Posting a video clip of Jayasurya dubbing, it wrote, "It's been a while since our last update - so here's a little one. Our main man Jayasurya has started dubbing for Operation Tral in Goodwill Studios. For a film like this, where so much rides on tension and timing in every conversation, getting the dubbing right isn't a small step - it's a crucial one. Stay tuned for more updates in this space. #OperationTral #Jayasurya #GoodwillEntertainment."

Starring Jayasurya in the lead, Operation Tral is an investigative thriller set against the backdrop of national intelligence operations. Inspired by a notable encounter between Indian armed forces and terrorists in Tral, Jammu & Kashmir, the film combines action, intelligence operations and a strong patriotic narrative.

Apart from Jayasurya, the film will feature an ensemble cast including actors Murali Sharma, Vinay Rai, Siddique, Sai Kumar, Nandalal Krishnamoorthy, Rithika Singh, Kavya Shetty, Anson Paul, and Sirajudheen. The film also features Bollywood actors Vikram Kochhar, Yash Pal Gera, Mir Sarwar, Chandan Bisht, Hansika Jangid, Vaani Dogra, Jai Thakore, Vijay Trivedi and Manhar Singh Trivia.

The film has been shot across multiple locations including Kerala, Coimbatore, New Delhi, Kulu, Manali, Mussoorie and Ladakh. Operation Tral is gearing up for a worldwide release in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi.

Produced by Joby George Thadathil under the banner of Goodwill Entertainments, the film has Sunimol Joby as co-producer. Ratheesh Vega has handled the writing and direction, while also composing the music and background score. Cinematography for the film is by Najose and editing is by Shafeeque V.B.

The project design was by Noble Jacob while the production design was by Sajeesh Thamarassery. Art direction for the film has been handled by Suneesh Sodharan while costume design was by Sameera Saneesh and Saritha Jayasurya.

The film, which has been awaiting a release for at least four years, is a full-fledged romantic comedy that has been produced by well known producer C V Kumar.

Director Janakiraman, who announced the release date of his film through a statement, which he shared on his social media timelines, said, "After years of hard work, dedication, and overcoming numerous hurdles, we have finally cleared all the obstacles and are ready to bring our film to the big screen."

He went on to say, "Due to limited theatre availability, we have scheduled the release of Titanic (Tamil) for 23rd October. We strongly believe that a good film will always find its place in the hearts of its audience, regardless of when it arrives."

Stating that his film Titanic was a beautiful journey filled with love, laughter, emotions, and fun, he said, "I promise that this film will take you back to your school days, remind you of your first love, and walk you through the journey of love from those innocent moments to married life. It is a story that I hope will make you smile, laugh, reminisce, and connect with your own life experiences."

"As a filmmaker, nothing means more to me than seeing our film connect with you and become a memorable part of your lives," Janakiraman said and added, "I sincerely request your love, support, and encouragement for our film, Titanic (Tamil). Your support means everything to our entire team. See you in theatres on 23rd October!"

Apart from Kalaiyarasan and Anandhi, the film will also feature several other gifted actors including actress Ashna Zaveri and actor Kaali Venkat.

The film, which has cinematoraphy by Ballu, has music by Nivas Prasanna and editing by Radhakrishnan Dhanapal and Ignatious Aswin.

Four Tamil films with fresh storylines, along with the much-anticipated Hindi epic Ramayana, are gearing up for a festive box-office battle. With fewer big-star vehicles in the Tamil lineup.

Mookuthi Amman 2

Nayanthara-starrer Mookuthi Amman 2 is among the films attracting attention this Diwali. Following the positive response to the first instalment, Sundar C has directed the sequel, with Hiphop Tamizha Aadhi composing the music. The film is reportedly placing emphasis on grand visuals and spiritual elements.

The teaser, released under the title Rise of Mahasakthi, has raised expectations. The film is also set to release in Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi, apart from Tamil, potentially widening its audience base.

Appa Kutty

Vijay Antony’s Appa Kutti is set to arrive with a mix of action, emotion and family sentiment. Directed by M. Maran, the film revolves around the relationship between a father and his daughter.

If the emotional sequences strike a chord with audiences and make the characters relatable, the film could receive a favourable response at the box office.

Moon Walk

Prabhudheva’s Moon Walk is expected to appeal to audiences with its focus on dance and music. One of the film’s major attractions is the reunion of Prabhudheva and A. R. Rahman after nearly 25 years.

The film has been directed by Manoj Nirmala Sridharan. The reunion of the actor-director and the celebrated composer is expected to generate interest among fans.

The Tamil films are scheduled to hit theatres on November 5 and 6, setting the stage for a competitive Diwali box-office race.

Ramayana

Adding to the competition is the ambitious Hindi epic Ramayana. Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi portrays Sita, and Yash takes on the role of Ravana. The film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari.

Planned as a two-part cinematic adaptation, the first instalment is scheduled for release on November 5.

With multiple films targeting audiences during the festive season, the question remains: which one will emerge victorious in the Diwali box-office race? The audience response and theatrical collections will ultimately determine the winner.

The film is expected to cross the Rs 200-crore mark worldwide over the opening weekend, while fans are already speculating whether it could achieve the Rs 1,000-crore milestone.

Jailer 2 cast and crew drive expectations

Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, Jailer 2 hit theatres on Thursday amid considerable anticipation following the success of the 2023 blockbuster Jailer. The sequel features several actors from the original, including Mohanlal, Shivarajkumar, Ramya Krishnan, Mirnaa Menon and Yogi Babu.

The ensemble cast also includes SJ Suryah, Hrithik Roshan, Mithun Chakraborty, Vijay Sethupathi and Namo Narayana. Anirudh Ravichander has composed the music, while Sun Pictures has produced the film.

Jailer 2 reviews highlight comedy, action and emotion

The film’s first half reportedly features comedy sequences involving Namo Narayana and Yogi Babu, which have been well received by audiences. The second half places greater emphasis on action and emotional sequences.

Anirudh’s background score has also drawn appreciation from viewers, with reports suggesting that the combination of comedy, action and sentiment has contributed to the film’s opening-day response.

However, the reported box-office figures and projections for the opening weekend remain subject to confirmation.

The costume designer took to Instagram as she recalled the creation and said the ensemble was conceived for the song. It featured a contemporary silhouette that continues to feel relevant even today.

In a video shared on Instagram, Neeta said: “So this one is for the DM that I received about Dil Ka Rishta, stating that that was every girl's dream outfit... I designed this outfit for a song. The intention was to create something sensual and glamorous.”

She added: “This outfit had to be rooted in Indian craft. The blouse was almost like a corset and the skirt was slim with trousers underneath. Yes, trousers with a slit. Then the 90s trend was leopard print and I was doing a lot of leopard print with zardozi work or turquoise tones. This was the first time it was translated onto screen by Aishwarya Rai.”

“Red and black leopard print with zardozi work on the skirt. What we might call a fusion lehenga or a contemporary silhouette today was already a part of thinking then. I was using and thinking these quotes for Indian dressing, changing the proportions and constructions to create a newness in silhouette,” said Neeta.

The designer said Aishwarya’s ‘Dil Ka Rishta’ look remains relevant, with its corsetry, draping and statement jewellery complementing the outfit.

“When I look at it today, what interests me is how relevant the language still feels. We were seeing corsetry again, we are seeing bustiers, we are seeing draping and even the jewelry at that point in time I convinced myself had to be an extension of the garment.”

“So the corset was held with a neck piece and instead of using a bask on the skirt, I had used a belt with a lot of trinkets and stonework on it which moved with Aishwarya and gave it the movement, the style and the statement that I was looking at.”

Designed for cinema, the ensemble was crafted to move seamlessly with the actress as she danced and performed, making it a memorable fashion statement.

“This became a turning point as a trick and even today the styling belongs to its cinematic moment and the design vocabulary that has to come back in fashion and is always cyclical and because this was created for cinema it couldn't only look beautiful in a still or vision, it had to move, it had to work while dancing, turning and performing and that is what made the look interesting for me and even today.”

Dil Ka Rishta released in 2003. The romance film was directed by Naresh Malhotra. The film also stars Raakhee, Arjun Rampal, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Isha Koppikar, Paresh Rawal, and Tiku Talsania. The film follows Jai, a multimillionaire, who is secretly in love with Tia, whose husband he kills unintentionally while driving.

The publicists of the film took to their social media account to put out a poster confirming the development.

They wrote, "Certified U/A! A wholesome world filled with love, friendship, romance, and beautiful moments awaits you! #Haiku Releasing worldwide on October 23rd! Starring: @ActorAegan@SrideviActor @FeminaGeorge @adhirchi_arun Written & Directed by #Yuvaraj_Chinnaswamy. A @Music_Siddhu Musical. Dop: @priyesh_3190. OTT Partner: @NetflixIndia. Tamilnadu Theatrical Release : @SakthiFilmFctry."

It may be recalled that the producer of the film, Dr D Arulanandhu, in an exclusive interview to IANS, had confirmed that the film had already recovered around 80 per cent of its investment even before its release. During an interaction, the producer of the film, Dr D Arulanandhu, was asked if the film had, even before its release, broken even.

Responding to the question, the producer disclosed that the film had been made on an investment of around Rs 11 crore and pointed out that almost 80 per cent of what they had invested had already been covered. Pointing out that all the rights of the film had got sold like hot pancakes, the producer had said, "I have got sixty per cent by way of OTT rights. We have recovered almost 80 per cent of the total money invested in the project even before its release."

In fact, the film had been in the news recently when OTT platform Netflix procured the film's post-theatrical digital streaming rights even before the completion of shooting. Giving out details about the romantic entertainer, producer Arulanandhu said that he was attracted to this story because of the way it was narrated.

Stating that the story would revolve around a young boy and the developments in his life from the time he was a 19-year-old till the time he turned 26, the producer said the film would connect to everyone who watched it. "Even a 45-year-old man would be able to connect with what happens in this film. Everyone who watches it will be able to relate to at least a couple of incidents that happen in it," he said.

The film, which has raised huge expectations among youngsters, is believed to revolve around a boy, who, due to certain extraordinary circumstances, gets admitted to a women's college. His experiences, being the lone boy in a college full of women, forms a significant part of the film. Haiku has been produced by Dr. D. Arulanandhu and Mathewo Arulanandhu under the banner of Vision Cinema House. The film stars Aegan, Sridevi and Femina George in the lead roles, with Hari Haran Ram contributing additional screenplay.

On the technical front, the film has cinematography by Priyesh Guruswamy and editing by Sakthi Pranesh. Siddhu Kumar has scored the music and Prem has headed the art direction department. The film is slated to hit screens on October 23 this year.

Khan, a US national, is likely to file a petition in the high court by Friday or Monday through his advocate Zulfikar Memon from MZM Legal.

As per the plea, no provision of the law or any rule prohibits an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholder from participating in a protest.

The petition termed the Mumbai police notice, asking the 43-year-old actor to leave the country by October 28, as "drastic".

Once filed, the plea is likely to be mentioned before a division bench of Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna for urgent hearing.

The administrative action follows Khan's detention on October 10 during a demonstration at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan against CEC Gyanesh Kumar over the SIR issue.

Khan, who has acted in several Bollywood films, is the nephew of superstar Aamir Khan.

Jailer 2 opens at a hill station, where Muthuvel Pandian (Rajinikanth) works at a supermarket and maintains a low profile to keep his family safe. Meanwhile, Dileep (Suraj Venjaramoodu), a friend of Varman (Vinayakan), whom Muthuvel killed in the first instalment, is on a mission to avenge his friend. Muthuvel, however, is determined to track down the ultimate mastermind behind the idol-smuggling racket, knowing that his family will never be safe until he finds and eliminates those at the top. His pursuit takes him up the mafia's ranks, eventually leading him to the powerful family running the operation. How this hunt unfolds forms the crux of the film.

The first half is packed with hilarious comedy sequences and enjoyable mass moments for the Superstar, with Anirudh Ravichander’s music elevating them to another level. Visually, the film keeps the audience engaged, shifting from a hill-station backdrop to a boat factory in Kerala, where darker tones complement the mood.

Film: Jailer 2 Director: Nelson Dilipkumar Cast: Rajinikanth, Ramya Krishnan, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Vinayakan, SJ Suryah, Mithun Chakraborty, Vidya Balan, Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar, Jackie Shroff, Hrithik Roshan Synopsis: Jailer 2 follows retired jailer Tiger Muthuvel Pandian (Rajinikanth) as a new threat from the criminal underworld shatters his peaceful life, forcing him to return to his ruthless ways to protect his family and legacy. Rating: 3.5/5 stars

The casting is impeccable, with every character making an impression, however short their role is. While Bagavathi Perumal, Bjorn Surrao and Yogi Babu comedic performances are entertaining, it is Namo Narayanan, playing Moorthy, who steals the show with his dialogue delivery, body language and costumes. The 'Who is Moorthy' sequence is one of the first half’s biggest laugh-out-loud moments, drawing hearty laughter from the audience. His references to Thor and his hammer, as well as Harry Potter and the mop stick, make for some of the film’s most memorable comic moments.

Suraj Venjaramoodu's performance is equally impressive, with his dialogue delivery striking a balance between intensity and well-timed comedy. A standout example of this is when he says, “Ivanukku yaanai edhunnu theriyala, raja edhunnnum theriyala, aana confident-ah thappa aadittu poraan.” Meanwhile, the interval block features one of the film’s best-choreographed action sequences, packed with gunplay and all the elevation a Superstar film demands, building anticipation for a bigger second half.

However, Jailer 2's momentum begins to dip in the second half with the introduction of Bodhi Kapak (SJ Suryah), his two brothers, Kantha Kapak (Vidya Balan) and his father, Chakri Kapak (Mithun Chakraborty), who uses a wheelchair. While the interactions between the Muthuvel Pandian and Kapak families are essential to bringing the story to its conclusion, the placement and pacing of these sequences dilute the hype built up in the first half and the interval block.

SJ Suryah delivers a good performance, but the scenes featuring Rajinikanth and Vidya Balan are among the more enjoyable moments in the film. One such moment comes when Muthuvel asks Kantha, “Number Kidaikuma?” Rajinikanth’s effortless delivery and Nelson’s writing turn a simple line into an entertaining moment that plays to the Superstar’s strengths.

Like the first instalment, Jailer 2 brings together stars from across industries, including Mohanlal, Jackie Shroff, Shivarajkumar and Hrithik Roshan. Shivarajkumar, who also featured in the first film, gets additional screen time this time around, along with a satisfying revenge moment towards the climax. Hrithik Roshan’s stylish entry as Roddick comes as a surprise and makes for an enjoyable addition. Ramya Krishnan, Mirnaa and Rithvik, who play members of Rajinikanth’s family, have limited screen time but their roles are tied to one of the film’s key plot points.

In the climax, Rajinikanth delivers a dialogue directly addressing the audience, stating that many have tried to take his place over the past 50 years, but no one has succeeded and no one can. The line may be open to interpretation, but it feels like a pointed statement aimed at a particular actor. Regardless of its intended target, Jailer 2 reinforces Rajinikanth’s enduring stature as the king of the masses and a true Superstar.

Beyond the action and star power, the film banks on dark humour, which remains a relatively unconventional concept in Tamil cinema. While several filmmakers have explored it, only a handful have managed to crack the formula. Thiagarajan Kumararaja has explored the style effectively, but his films have largely appealed only to a niche audience of film buffs. Nelson, however, has consistently broken this barrier, making audiences laugh amid gory violence and turning this niche into a mainstream crowd-puller.

On the whole, Jailer 2 is a complete mass entertainer and a feast for Superstar fans. Despite some pacing issues in the second half, Nelson’s trademark dark humour, the large ensemble cast and Rajinikanth’s effortless screen presence keep the film engaging. Vijay Sethupathi’s cameo in the film’s closing moments creates intrigue for the third instalment.

Having struck a chord with audiences, the film now sets the stage for a bigger question: how many box-office records will Rajinikanth’s latest outing go on to break?

The film, which is to be directed by Ravikumar best known for having directed superhit Tamil films like 'Indru Netru Naalai' and 'Ayalaan', will be the seventh film to feature Soori as the lead actor.

The yet-to-be-titled film, which is being tentatively referred to as 'Soori7', is being produced by well known production house Mythri Movie Makers, headed by Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar and will feature Rajisha Vijayan as the female lead.

Sources present on the occasion said that the film formally went on floors with actor Sivakarthikeyan clapping the board for the first shot of the film and ‘Mandaadi’ Producer RS Infotainment Elred Kumar switching on the camera.

The other prominent guests present on the occasion included director Mathi Maran, Lyca Productions’ Tamil Kumaran, director Keerthiswaran, Bejoy Arputharaj of Phantom Films, directors A.R.K. Saravanan, Nalan Kumarasamy, Mithran, Vetri Maaran and Ramkumar, and producer Arun Vishwa.

Producer Naveen Yerneni, who flew to Chennai to attend the pooja ceremony despite his pre-release commitments for 'Ranabaali', expressed his enthusiasm for expanding the banner’s presence in Tamil cinema.

“Following the success and response to Good Bad Ugly, Dude, Modha Rathri and Irumudi in Tamil, I am even more excited about producing more films in the language. It was truly delightful to witness the brotherhood between Sivakarthikeyan and Soori. Seeing their bond and camaraderie on this occasion was equally heartwarming. I am overwhelmed by the warmth and brotherhood that Tamil cinema continues to showcase. I would also like to thank producer Eldred Kumar and all the celebrities who took the time to be here and make this occasion truly special. We are delighted to produce this film that has a lot of promising content for the Tamil audiences to enjoy theatrically,” he said.

Director Ravikumar, for his part, said, “I sincerely thank producers Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar for this wonderful opportunity. Soori’s growth as a lead actor has been phenomenal, and that places an even greater responsibility on my shoulders to present him in a way that does justice to his talent, stature and the expectations of his fans."

He went on to add,"I would also like to thank Sivakarthikeyan sir, producer Eldred Kumar sir, and all the distinguished guests, including Mathi Maran, Tamil Kumaran, Keerthiswaran, Bejoy Arputharaj, A.R.K. Saravanan, Nalan Kumarasamy, Mithran, Vetri Maaran, Arun Vishwa and Karan Aravind Kumar for gracing this occasion. We are beginning this project with great enthusiasm and look forward to bringing audiences a wonderful cinematic experience.”

Sources say that details about others in the cast and crew along with the film's title and shooting schedules will be revealed soon.

Pike took to Instagram, where she shared a picture with Victoria, whom she met in Sri Lanka.

She went on to share her story in the caption section as she wrote: “When she was 18, she found an interesting object lying on the ground while she was out collecting firewood. She didn’t know what it was but her curiosity got the better of her. She wanted to open it, and find out what might be inside. Her first instinct was to bite it… nothing happened.”

The actress added: “She threw it on the ground and tried to kick it. Again, nothing happened. She lifted it into her lap and sat down to exert some pressure on what she thought was the lid. She pushed her upper hand firmly into the object to try and release it. And then she woke up in hospital: missing two hands, part of her face and having suffered internal injuries to the area near her heart.”

Pike called Victoria as a remarkable story of “resilience and hope.”

“But her story also shows why this work matters. Landmines and unexploded weapons can remain hidden for decades, putting children at risk as they go about their everyday lives.

The land must be cleared, so that no other child has to face what Victoria did.”

Pike is known for her portrayals of complex and morally ambiguous women in independent cinema and psychological thrillers. She has been feted with several honours, including a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award and a Laurence Olivier Award.

The action comes after the actor, nephew of superstar Aamir Khan, participated in an agitation on October 10 in Mumbai, where protesters demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the police official said.

During the demonstration, the police had also briefly taken the actor into custody.

"Imran Khan holds foreign citizenship and is not an Indian national. Under relevant provisions of the Foreigners/Immigration Act, foreign nationals are prohibited from participating in political protests or political activities on Indian soil," a police official said.

A formal notice directing the actor to leave the country by October 28 has been served on him, and he has received a copy, the police said. Further administrative procedures in the matter are underway, they added.

Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya had urged Mumbai police to act against Imran Khan for joining a protest here in support of the Cockroach Janta Party despite being a “foreign citizen,” and sought clarity on whether he can participate in such agitations.

Production house Mythri Movie Makers shared the update on social media, confirming that the film will release worldwide on October 16. The film was initially scheduled to hit screens on September 11.

Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, Ranabaali features Vijay Deverakonda as the titular character and Rashmika Mandanna as his wife, Jayamma.

Actor Arnold Vosloo, known for his role in The Mummy, plays the antagonist, Sir Theodore Hector.

Produced by Naveen Yerneni and Y Ravi Shankar, with T-Series presenting the film, Ranabaali is set against the backdrop of British-era India.

Sources have indicated that it is not a biopic or a straightforward retelling of textbook history, but a cinematic reconstruction drawing on multiple real accounts, oral histories and records.

Taking to its social media timelines, Drumsticks Productions, the firm producing the film, shared the link to the teaser and said,"ORDER! ORDER! Savithiri’s Madness Now in Session! #SathyavanSavithiri Teaser OUT NOW! Worldwide Release Nov 20, 2026."

The teaser makes it evident that Savithri (Keerthy Suresh), a young lawyer, aspires to become a great lawyer one day like her senior Markandeyan (Mysskin). However, nobody seems to believe in her abilities.

The teaser shows Savithri has one remarkable trait -- she is courageous. The young lawyer is seen boldly asking a judge in open court, "In case, you were offered a bribe of Rs 10 lakhs to pass a one-sided verdict, where would you prefer taking the bribe?"

Although the film will be a court room drama, the teaser shows that it will have quite a generous dose of humour as well. Balasaravanan plays Keerthy's senior in the film and their interactions, as witnessed in the teaser, appear humourous and highly enjoyable.

The teaser has a scene that shows Markandeyan taking exception to Savithri questioning him in the presence of the judge. This scene gives the impression that the story will revolve around a rookie lawyer locking horns with her mentor in a gripping courtroom drama.

The makers have already made it clear that the film will hit screens on November 20 this year.

It may be recalled that the film was originally scheduled to release on July 24. However, the makers chose to postpone the film's release to November 20.

The production house had released the first and second looks from the film in May this year. The first look poster had Keerthy Suresh turning around to look back, even as lawyers around her were seen looking ahead. The production house had then said, "Calm face. Unstoppable force. Now it’s her game... Presenting the First Look of #SathyavanSavithiri."

Sources close to the unit of the film have disclosed that the film revolves around two lawyers -- played by Keerthy Suresh and director Mysskin.

Sources say that Mysskin plays Keerthy's senior advocate in the film. "When her boss chooses to take the side of wrong-doers in a particular case, Keerthy attempts to make him see reason. However, it is at this point, she sees his true colours. The case changes the course of Keerthy's life. How she handles the issue is what the film is all about," says a source in the know.

The film, apart from Keerthy Suresh, will also feature Heartbeat Charukesh, Balasaravanan, Madhusudhanan, Shilpa Manjunath, R Sundararajan, Brigida, Mala Parvathi, A Venkatesh and others in pivotal roles.

Produced jointly by Zee Studios and Drumsticks Productions, the film has cinematography by Arul Vincent and music by Sam CS. Editing for the film is by Prasanna GK

Talking exclusively to IANS about turning a full-fledged judge for a prestigious reality singing show such as Tamil Idol, which incidentally marks the historic debut of the globally famous Indian Idol franchise in Tamil, the actress and singer said, "This is my first time as a judge actually. I'm coming with a very fresh, open mind. And I want to know what the show has to offer. But the reason I'm here is I'm always first and foremost a musician."

Andrea, who has proven her mettle both as an actress and as a singer, said, "I think music is the single greatest thing about life. So, it's kept me going. It keeps billions of people going through life, hard times, good times. You have a song for every mood. That's the sort of life we all lead."

Talking about the reality show, the actress said, "The music has to come from the talent. And being able to spot that talent and having a role to play in someone's life in that way is a very special thing."

The singer and actress admits that she is looking forward to judging as the show is about music and because she will be with buddies.

"Karthik and Benny are like my buddies. So, I'm looking forward to having a lot of fun. And music is always my happy place. It's nice to be an actress. It's a boss vibe to be a producer. But music is my happy place," she declares.

Apart from Andrea, singers Benny Dayal and Karthik are the other two judges of the reality show 'Tamil Idol'. More significantly, Oscar winner AR Rahman will serve as a super mentor on this show. The show, which is to be aired on Sony Vizha and SonyLiv, will be aired during weekends. This season of 'Tamil Idol' will feature 40 episodes, each of which will have a duration of one and a half hours.

“I’m really, really excited. I have been waiting for this day for the past one-and-a-half years,” she says, speaking about the sequel and her reunion with the team. While following up on a successful film inevitably brings expectations, Mirnaa says the joy of being part of the same team again outweighs the pressure.

The impact of Jailer on her career has been significant. “After Jailer, I can simply say one name, Jailer, instead of listing the Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil films I have worked in,” she says. The film has made her more recognisable to audiences and brought her opportunities, with directors, actors, writers and technicians approaching her for projects.

Returning to director Nelson Dilipkumar’s world also meant revisiting his distinctive approach to performance. Mirnaa recalls that, in the first film, he often asked her to keep her emotions understated, telling her to go “a little more flat”. She describes it as Nelson’s metre, in which the characters operate at a lower emotional pitch than one might ordinarily expect.

It took some getting used to, but the process became more familiar while working on the sequel. Mirnaa says Nelson’s confidence in her gave her room to perform, while his occasional corrections helped her understand exactly what he wanted from a scene.

Having watched portions of Jailer 2 during dubbing, she says the film’s scale surprised her. Scenes that had seemed different during the shoot appeared much bigger on screen. She is confident that the theatrical experience will exceed expectations and says she had anticipated an interval block that would be even bigger than the one in the first film.

But beyond the scale of the production, it is her experience of watching Rajinikanth at work that has stayed with her. For Mirnaa, the actor’s stature is not defined only by his screen presence or the affection he commands from fans. It is his discipline and the respect he extends to the filmmaking process that have made the deepest impression.

“He is always there. Nobody ever waits for him,” she says, recalling how Rajinikanth arrives early for shoots and stays until pack-up, irrespective of the schedule.

She was equally struck by how he approaches the director’s vision. Mirnaa remembers watching him demonstrate a movement for Nelson and then seek the director’s feedback before proceeding. “He could easily take over because of his experience, but he never does that,” she says. For her, the moment reflected a willingness to put the film before individual stature, a lesson she believes every actor can take away from working with him.

With the release of Jailer 2 approaching, Mirnaa says she feels more at peace than nervous. Having long hoped to share screen space with stars, she is savouring the experience. Watching Rajinikanth on screen, she adds, is special in itself, as his magic is best experienced in a theatre.

She hopes the sequel will become another memorable film in the actor’s career and find a lasting place with audiences. Meanwhile, Mirnaa has projects in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam in the pipeline, including a Tamil film with director Ameer.

With the tagline ‘Ithu Namma Vibe’, Sony Vizha aims to bring together international entertainment formats and locally relevant storytelling to Tamil audiences. Its initial line-up includes Celebrity MasterChef Tamil, Tamil Idol, Notebook 90’s and Madam Police. The channel has also roped in music composer AR Rahman and actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu for its flagship programming.

Rajaraman S, Chief Content Officer – South Regional, Sony Pictures Networks India, says the channel comes at a time when audience expectations and habits are changing rapidly. “Every 15 to 20 years, there is a generational shift in aspirations and needs. The generation that grew up with technology has different expectations from entertainment. Tamil Nadu has developed economically, and younger audiences are today exposed to global content while remaining deeply connected to their cultural roots. They understand the scale of global productions, the pace of storytelling and new ways of presenting stories, but television has not kept up sufficiently,” he opines.

Sony Vizha bets on fresh formats for Tamil audiences

According to Rajaraman, repetitive fiction programming and limited innovation in non-fiction have contributed to a sense of sameness on television. Sony Vizha hopes to address this by introducing new formats and exploring genres beyond conventional family dramas, including crime, thrillers and slice-of-life stories.

The channel’s programming will be guided by the belief that entertainment should reflect the way people live today. Rajaraman points to changing attitudes towards relationships, marriage, careers and social responsibility, arguing that television needs to acknowledge these shifts rather than continue to portray familiar situations. “People’s lives have changed, particularly after the pandemic. They look for content that offers comfort and brings them together. At the same time, television and digital entertainment have become increasingly divided in their approach to audiences. We want to offer content that families can watch together and discuss,” he says.

Local flavours meet global formats

Localisation will be central to the channel’s approach, says Rajaraman, citing Celebrity MasterChef Tamil, which will feature challenges involving regional ingredients and dishes associated with memories of home. “Food is deeply connected to our memories and identity. A dish that reminds someone of their mother’s cooking can connect with viewers across generations,” he says.

Music is another important part of the channel’s vision. With Tamil Idol featuring AR Rahman, Sony Vizha hopes to discover new talent and tap into growing interest in live music.

Beyond television, a wider digital presence

To adapt to an era where audiences increasingly turn to OTT platforms for on-demand viewing, Sony Vizha plans to extend its content strategy across SonyLIV, YouTube and social media, offering binge-watching, behind-the-scenes content, voting and audience participation. “Our larger ambition is to bring families together rather than have everyone retreat into separate screens,” he says.

"We want to be a voice for the contemporary Tamil family — one that respects its roots but is also confident, curious and evolving. We are entering the market with humility, but Sony is here for the long haul,” Rajaraman adds, as he signs off.

Taking to his X timeline to pen a post on Rajinikanth's upcoming film, 'Jailer 2', which hits screens on Thursday, Anirudh wrote," For generations, he has given us happiness, laughter, goosebumps and memories for a lifetime. At 76 and for the past 51 years, he still creates magic and rewrites history."

He then went on to say, "Tomorrow, once again for the 172nd time, the lights will dim, the screens will ignite and hopefully with all your wishes, the world will witness the love for a man who lives in the hearts of every Indian. One Sun. One Moon. And One :) #Jailer2 from tomo! Superstar @rajinikanth @Nelsondilpkumar @sunpictures."

The Censor Board has already cleared the film, which has triggered expectations among fans and film buffs, for release with a U/A certificate.

Sun Pictures, which is producing the film, had recently taken to its social media timelines to share the update. It had said, "#Jailer2 is censored U/A!"

It may be recalled that the makers of the film had only recently released a trailer of the film, much to the delight of fans.

The trailer released begins with actor Suraj Venjaramoodu's character questioning a person he has kept hostage. "In these two months, you must have learnt something about the person who did this, right?" The hostage replies, "Not just me, even you won't be able to find him."

The trailer then shows that not just Suraj Venjaramoodu's character but a whole lot of villains are wondering who is behind certain developments.

It is then that Rajinikanth as Tiger Muthuvel Pandian makes an appearance.

At one point, a weary Suraj Venjaramoodu is seen asking his accomplices, "Have you managed to find him or not?"

For a minute, one is led to believe that Tiger Muthuvel Pandian has gone into hiding but almost immediately, the trailer clears the confusion.

It shows that Tiger Muthuvel Pandian has chosen to go off radar by pretending to be a driver and he has chosen to lie low to find out if the chain of command among the villains goes any higher.

The trailer also gives away the fact that Tiger Muthuvel Pandian has used snipers to attack his enemies and one among them, played by S J Suryah, says that even they can retort in kind.

The trailer also has an interesting conversation between the characters played by Rajinikanth and Vidya Balan. She asks him if he wants tea or coffee and he politely refuses. She responds saying, "The choice is between tea or coffee. It is not between whether to drink or not."

A person warns Tiger Muthuvel Pandian about the dreaded "Kalpaks", who, he says, will not allow anyone to live. Muthuvel Pandian smiles and replies, "Oh dear, I didn't know. Shall we see?"

He then issues a warning to Kalpaks himself. Listing out ways and means used by thugs to strike terror in the hearts of victims, he tells Kalpaks," All this is the style employed in the time of your father. Now, getting all your enemies to one place and bombing that place is what is the present trend."

For the unaware, the film is slated to hit screens worldwide on October 15 this year.

The film has triggered huge expectations among fans and the general public ever since the project was first announced.

In April this year, the makers had announced that the unit had wrapped up the film's shooting. The makers had then shared pictures of a cake cutting ceremony that had taken place to mark the completion of filming.

The 72-minute film is among 13 titles shortlisted for the Envision Competition at the 39th edition of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), one of the world's leading events dedicated to documentary cinema.

The selection of the Indian production alongside documentaries from countries including Cuba, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland and Hong Kong reflects the festival's focus on distinctive cinematic approaches to contemporary realities.

According to the festival's programme, the Envision Competition features films in which cinematic form plays a central role in storytelling, with filmmakers experimenting with visual language and narrative structures to offer fresh perspectives on their subjects.

The selection of 'Rivers of Memory' comes as IDFA prepares to showcase more than 250 films and new-media projects from around the world at its 2026 edition.

Founded in 1988, IDFA has developed into a major international platform for documentary filmmakers, presenting works that explore social and political realities, personal histories, cultural identities, and questions of artistic expression.

The 69-year-old actor was presented with the award during a ceremony held at the birthplace of Kishore Kumar, the versatile performer of entertainment world on the occasion of his 39th death anniversary.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav joined the ceremony via video conference.

Congratulating Raghubir Yadav for the National Kishore Kumar Award, the CM said he has played many memorable roles with his "desi" style.

The state government intends to develop an airport in Khandwa in the coming days, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Raghubir Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh's rich cultural environment has played an important role in shaping his personality and art.

He said the field of art is like a vast ocean, and he still works with dedication and honesty, eager to learn something new.

Born on June 25, 1957, in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur, Yadav entered the acting world in 1985 with the film "Massey Sahib". He is known for his memorable roles in several films, including "Salaam Bombay", "Bandit Queen", "Lagaan" and "Peepli Live".

Recently, his role as 'Pradhan Ji' in the web series "Panchayat" has made him popular among the new generation.

The state government annually confers the National Kishore Kumar Award on individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of acting, screenwriting, songwriting, and direction in the field of cinema.

Established in 1997, this award carries a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh and a citation.

Over the years, this honour has been bestowed upon cine personalities, such as Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Naseeruddin Shah, Gulzar, Kaifi Azmi, BR Chopra, Amitabh Bachchan, Govind Nihalani, Javed Akhtar, Shyam Benegal, Yash Chopra, Dev Anand, Salim Khan, Sameer, Priyadarshan, Waheeda Rehman, Amitabh Bhattacharya, Dharmendra, and Rajkumar Hirani.

Born in Khandwa on August 4, 1929, Kishore Kumar died in Mumbai on October 13, 1987. Due to his lifelong attachment to his birthplace, his last rites were performed in Khandwa.

Sources close to the unit of the film said that the film, which is being produced by the production house Thyagaraja Talkies, is yet to be titled and is tentatively being referred to as Thyagaraja Talkies Production Number 1.

Popular actress Delna Davis is to play the female lead in this horror comedy, which is being directed by debut director Siva Prasanna. District collector Ranjit Singh IAS was the special guest at the inaugural function of the film. He formally launched the film by switching on the camera for the first shot.

Producer AM Prabhakaran sounded the clap for the first shot in the presence of well known industrialist S Saminatha Pandian. The launch event was attended by the entire cast and crew of the film. Sources in the know say that the shooting which began today in Tenkasi would continue to go on for the next 23 days.

The film boasts of an impressive technical team. Cinematography for the horror comedy is to be handled by Vijay Ulaganath. Editing for the film is to be by VJ Sabu Joseph. Art direction for the film is to be by Jayachandran while costumes in the film are to be designed by Abhinandhini M. Stunts in the film are to be choreographed by Ram Kumar. Elango Ekambaram is the executive producer of this film, which is being produced by AM Prabhakaran.

Apart from this film, Jai is working on a number of films including director Aishwarya Rajinikanth's eagerly awaited film 'Texla'. For the unaware, Jai will be seen playing the lead along with Malayalam actor Suraj Venjaramudu in 'Texla'.

Sources close to the unit have told IANS that Suraj Venjaramudu would be seen playing the dad of Jai in that film. George Maryan, who was hailed for his soul touching performance in the blockbuster film 'Dragon', will be seen playing a pivotal role in 'Texla'.

Titled ‘The Wings of Dharma’, the poster features a close-up of Jatayu, highlighting his intense gaze, while another visual shows the majestic bird with his wings spread wide. The reveal is part of the film's ongoing character poster campaign.

Sharing the poster on social media, the makers wrote, “When evil took flight, courage rose to meet it. He fought not for victory, but for what was right. Jatayu. The Wings of Dharma. Anupam Kher as Jatayu in Ramayana.”

In the epic, Jatayu is remembered for his attempt to rescue Sita from Ravana. Despite knowing the risks, he confronts Ravana, embodying courage, sacrifice and dharma. Until now, the makers have released the posters off Lord Ram, KaiiKai, and a few more others. For the uninitiated, Ramayana features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the two-part epic is produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Yash's Monster Mind Creations. The first part of Ramayana is scheduled to release worldwide on November 5, 2026, while the second part is slated for Diwali 2027.

The film will be released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. The makers of Ramayana had recently held a promotional event in Mumbai, which saw global YouTuber MrBeast join the actor, Sai Pallavi and producer Namit Malhotra. However, the event drew criticism after it reportedly began around four hours late, with many media representatives expressing their angst over the delay and lack of communication from the organisers.

But the team further managed it smoothly. Meanwhile, reports have also suggested that Ranbir gave up non-vegetarian food and alcohol while preparing to portray Lord Rama. The actor had earlier spoken about adopting a vegetarian lifestyle and giving up alcohol and smoking as part of a broader effort to improve his health, although the claim that these changes were specifically made for the film has been a subject of discussion.

Taking to his X timeline to respond to Sai Abhyankkar's post expressing excitement at being a part of #SK27, Sivakarthikeyan wrote, "Thambi! Super excited to have you on board! This FDFS is going to be (fire symbol) with your music!#SK27." Sai Abhyankkar, in his post to Sivakarthikeyan, had said, "Super excited and thrilled to be working with @Siva_Kartikeyan anna on #sk27. Have NEVER missed a single FDFS of your films, na ! And now, being a part of this… This is gonna be an absolute BLAST in theatres!"

For the unaware, popular Tamil actor Sivakarthikeyan's next film, which is being directed by Ramkumar Balakrishnan, went on floors with a traditional pooja ceremony in the city in September this year. The film, which is yet to be titled, is tentatively being referred to as #SK27 and is being produced by well known production house Sathya Jyothi Films.

Sharing a video clip of the inaugural function on its social media handles, the popular production house had said, "A powerful start to a promising story. #SK27 begins with a pooja. On floors today. Starring @sivakarthikeyan. A film by @ramkumar_dir. Produced by @sathyajyothifilms. @kayadu_lohar_official @omdop #TGThyagarajan #SendhilThyagarajan @arjun1on @saisiddharth @kalai_editor #ARajesh @praveenraja @stevenkumar_action @appoo_dir @teamaimpro @pro_barani @themugdigital."

The film will feature Kayadu Lohar, who has been making waves with her performances in the superhit films 'Dragon' and 'Immortal', as the female lead opposite Sivakarthikeyan. Apart from Sivakarthikeyan and Kayadu Lohar, the film is likely to feature popular comedians Sudhakar and VTV Ganesh among others. Sources say character artistes George Maryan and Babloo Prithviraj too are likely to be seen in pivotal roles in the film.

On the technical front, the film will have cinematography by one of the best in the business, Om Prakash, and editing by Kalaivanan, who was also the editor of Sivakarthikeyan's blockbuster film, 'Amaran'.

Music for the film is by Sai Abhyankkar. Costumes for the new film are being designed by Praveen Raja while stunts in the film are being choreographed by Steven Kumar. Director Ramkumar Balakrishnan, who is directing this film, is best known for having directed the superhit Tamil film 'Parking' which walked away with three National Awards including the award for Best Screenplay and The Best Regional Movie (Tamil) at the 71st National Film Awards.

Taking to his Instagram page to pen the post on the occasion of Sneha's birthday, Prasanna, who posted a series of pictures of Sneha, wrote, "Every picture I've clicked of you carries so much love and admiration for the incredible woman you are! I watch you work tirelessly, chase your dreams, be the most devoted mother, and still find time to be my best friend, biggest strength and favourite travel partner!"

He went on to add, "But what I love just as much is that ridiculously funny, mischievous little brat in you that only I get to see! The one who drives me crazy and makes me laugh like no one else! I don't tell you often enough how much I admire you, Kannamma. Your strength, your heart and the way you love make me fall for you in new ways every day. Happy birthday @realactress_sneha , my love! I'd choose you in every lifetime… tantrums, trouble and all."

It may be recalled that actor Prasanna, who is known for having delivered several commendable performances, had disclosed that he was looking to realise two of his long pending dreams-- that of becoming a commercial pilot and an AI expert, thanks to the inspiration he had received from actor Ajith Kumar.

In an exclusive interview to IANS earlier, Prasanna, who had acted with Ajith Kumar in 'Good, Bad, Ugly', had said, "This year is going to be very different for me. I have dug out two of the wishes that have been on my bucket list for a long time and am realising them."

"It was my dream to become a pilot when I was in school. Then, after pursuing acting as a serious career, somehow I put it on the backburner. Now, I have got another opportunity to realise that dream. So, I am working on that as well," the actor said.

"Probably, this time, next year, I would have finished my flight school lessons and would have got my commercial pilot licence also. I would like to thank Ajith sir because he might be an actor and he might be pursuing a serious career but he made me realise that you can make time to pursue your passion as well," he hoped.

Prasanna had further said, "When I was working on 'Good Bad Ugly' with Ajith sir, there was one thing that stood out about him for me. The kind of time, effort and passion that he has put into motor racing was very inspiring. I took that inspiration from him and realised that I needn't stick to just acting and that I could also simultaneously also pursue my other dreams."

Talking about his decision to also simultaneously pursue his dream of becoming an AI expert, Prasanna had said, "Since Covid, I wanted to study something that would equip me as more than just an actor. So, I had been studying up about AI at a periphery level and that created an interest in me to study AI at a deeper level."

The two shared pictures from the meeting on social media, along with messages praising the actor-turned-politician.

Rashmika, who acted alongside Vijay as the female lead in Varisu, posted moments from the interaction on Instagram, recalling her long-standing admiration for him and his transition from cinema to public service.

"After such a long time, I went to meet Vijay sir," she wrote, and added, "From fangirling over him for longer than I can remember to having the opportunity to work with him to today admiring him for the CM he is, his journey is nothing short of incredible!"

In a post on X, Deverakonda said, "Had the most beautiful time with the dearest Thalapathy @actorvijay sir."

"Even after a long day, he received us with so much love and shared such personal insights into life, work and the world. One meeting and sir is already a favourite. Until next time, my love and respect," he added.

'Ranabaali', which hits theatres on October 16, is the first on-screen collaboration between Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna since their wedding earlier this year.

The couple previously shared screen space in 'Geetha Govindam' and 'Dear Comrade'. The film also reunites Deverakonda with director Rahul Sankrityan, following their 2018 film 'Taxiwaala'.

Set in the 1870s, the period action drama has Deverakonda playing the title character, who takes on British colonisers on the battlefield to win justice for his famine-stricken town.

Written by Pramod Tammineni and produced by Mythri Movie Makers, the film is presented by T-Series.

Ajay-Atul have composed the music.

Jishnu Bhattacharjee and Nirav Shah share cinematography credits, with Karthika Srinivas R as editor. National Award winner Archana Rao is the costume designer, and Vithal Kosanam the art director. The action sequences have been choreographed by Yannick Ben and Andy Long Nguyen.

'Ranabaali' is Deverakonda’s third film with Mythri Movie Makers, after 'Dear Comrade' and 'Kushi'.

RJ Mitte's representative has confirmed the actor died by suicide, the Variety report added.

As per the latest update, the Brownsville Police Department received a call at 12.50 pm local time, following which the actor was found dead at his home. "The cause and manner of death are still pending, as there is currently an ongoing investigation," the BJP stated.

Mitte, who famously played Walter White Jr., the son of Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and Holly White (Anna Gunn), appeared in all five seasons of the show, which ran from 2008 to 2013.

Just like his 'Breaking Bad' character, Mitte had cerebral palsy. His onscreen performance played a key role in bringing awareness to the condition.

Throughout his acting career, Mitte also remained an ardent advocate for disability representation in Hollywood.

A statement from the actor's representative read, "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte. Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion," as quoted by Variety.

Meanwhile, the news has sparked grief among the industry members, with his co-stars offering heartfelt tributes.

Bryan Cranston, who played Mitte's onscreen father, Walter White, penned an emotional note on Instagram, remembering the late actor.

"I'm in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad has died. I met him when he was only 14 years old when he was cast as Walter White Jr., a part he played with such joy and enthusiasm. Born with Cerebral Palsy, he never ever - allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anything. He met the demanding shooting schedule head on with great determination. Always listening to the advice that his TV parents (Anna Gunn and myself) gave him - but being a teenager, sometimes mischievously ignoring the counsel in order to learn the hard way... He was one of the stars of a hit TV show - but still a kid... It is especially devastating to hear that he took his own life. Why? We were texting each other just a few weeks ago - figuring out when we could meet for lunch. I don't know if that lunch would have changed his future... But I do know that I loved him, and thoroughly enjoyed being with him throughout the years on the series, and after the spotlight on Breaking Bad dimmed... I'll miss you, son," a part of his post read.

Actor Dean Norris, who played DEA agent Hank Schrader on the series, remembered Mitte on social media. He wrote, "Oh my God! Was working just found out about RJ. I am heartbroken. Though RJ didn't play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set. He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed."

RJ Mitte's 'Switched at Birth' co-stars Marlee Matlin and Leah Thompson also paid their tributes on Instagram.

"He was joyous, professional, kind and very, very good. I am so heartbroken to hear of his passing. May his memory be a blessing. Rest in peace RJ your work inspired so many," Thompson wrote.

On his professional front, RJ Mitte had roles after 'Breaking Bad', including the likes of 'Switched at Birth', 'Robot Chicken', 'On Hiatus with Monty Geer', 'This Close', 'Now Apocalypse', and 'The Guardians of Justice'.

His film appearances are 'Dixieland', 'Who's Driving Doug', 'The Recall', 'Mower Boy', 'Time Share', and 'The Oak Room', among others.

Mitte was engaged to his longtime partner, Kennedy Suarez, Variety stated.

Somaiya also said police have assured him of issuing a summons to the actor to produce his citizenship credentials.

Speaking to reporters after meeting senior officials at Gamdevi police station, where he lodged a complaint, Somaiya accused public figures and activists of conspiring to trigger anarchy by protesting against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

"I have demanded that Imran Khan be summoned immediately. The police have assured me they will summon him and seek his (citizenship) documents," he said.

The actor has falsely claimed to be an Indian citizen from Mumbai, the BJP leader added.

Somaiya alleged that a coordinated effort was underway to create anarchy in the country and spread confusion through false claims.

He cited the participation of activists and public figures, including Javed Akhtar and Naseeruddin Shah, and raised questions about the funding for protests.

The former MP alleged that the developments were part of a "well-planned conspiracy".

"Why was Imran Khan there? Was he there to instigate that SIR is an anti-Muslim narrative? I am standing here in Malabar Hill assembly constituency, where the Muslim population is very low, but under SIR, 40 per cent of the total voters' names were deleted," he claimed.

Somaiya also alleged that protesters had misbehaved with police personnel and attempted to provoke them during demonstrations.

He questioned why activists who had raised concerns over police action on protesters had not filed complaints against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his alleged misbehaviour towards a woman police personnel.

The BJP leader said that he had no objection to anyone expressing an opinion on an issue, but maintained that the ongoing agitation over the SIR was aimed at creating disorder.

"Anyone can file a complaint if they believe their name has been wrongly deleted from the electoral rolls. But the current agitation is meant to create anarchy," he alleged.

Somaiya further questioned the expenditure incurred by protesters on vehicles, flights and hotel stays, asking where the money was coming from.

Blair, 54, was detained by police at around 11 p.m. Sunday after the Delta Air Lines jet parked at the gate at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said in a statement.

Blair and one of the flight attendants were taken to a hospital for evaluation, the Port Authority said.

A police officer taking her to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center said in charging documents that while she was securing Blair to a stretcher, Blair pulled a leg from the straps and kicked her repeatedly around the face, neck and chest, causing serious pain and substantial swelling. Later, a nurse moving Blair said the actor kicked her in the chest, causing substantial pain.

She was arraigned on two counts of second-degree assault late Monday at a court in Queens, where a judge set her bail at USD 20,000 cash or USD 60,000 bond and set the next hearing for January.

A Blair representative told The Associated Press that the actor had a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct.

Details of what happened aboard the aircraft weren't immediately disclosed by the airline, police or the FBI, which was investigating, but Delta said in a statement it “has zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior, as the safety of our customers and crew always comes first.”

The FBI also issued Blair a notice charging her with assault related to her actions aboard the aircraft, according to a federal law enforcement official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly about the matter.

Those charges will be handled through the petty violations court in federal court in Brooklyn. No date has been set for Blair's appearance.

It's not the first time Blair has had issues aboard a plane. In 2016, Blair apologized for making statements she later regretted during a flight from Cancun to Los Angeles. She said she had mixed alcohol with medication, causing her to black out.

Blair had major roles in films including 1999's “Cruel Intentions,” 2001's “Legally Blonde” and 2004's “Hellboy.”

In recent years, she has advocated for disability rights. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018. In 2023, she joined President Joe Biden at the White House to celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In a statement issued on Monday (October 12), the film’s publicist said there had been no change to the planned Hindi release.

Pen Marudhar Entertainment will distribute the film across North India, the statement added, urging media outlets to refrain from circulating unverified information about its release.

The sequel to the 2023 blockbuster Jailer sees Rajinikanth reprise his role as retired jailer Tiger Muthuvel Pandian, who faces another dangerous confrontation involving criminal networks and threats to his family.

The film also stars Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar, Jackie Shroff, Mithun Chakraborty, Vidya Balan, SJ Suryah and Suraj Venjaramoodu.

Anirudh Ravichander returns as music composer. Produced by Sun Pictures and directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, Jailer 2 is scheduled to hit theatres on October 15.

On Monday, Kanagaraj took to his official Instagram handle and uploaded a picture of himself engaged in an intense conversation with the 'Pushpa' actor.

Piquing the interest of the movie buffs, the director penned the caption, "Interesting updates coming soon (sic)." He also tagged AA in the post.

The post gains significance as recently there were speculations going around that 'AA23' might have been shelved, but Kanagaraj has effectively put the rumour mills to rest with his latest social media update.

Back in January this year, the first collaboration between Allu Arjun and Kanagaraj was officially announced on social media. The announcement video featured a lion firmly standing its ground while a group of foxes circled around it in an attempt to assert control.

The clip did not divulge any major details regarding the plot of the much-discussed drama; however, it surely managed to create a massive buzz regarding what Allu Arjun and Kanagaraj are going to come up with next.

Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, the tunes for 'AA23' will be composed by Anirudh Ravichander. It must be noted that Mythri Movie Makers had also backed Allu Arjun's blockbuster 'Pushpa'.

In the meantime, Allu Arjun is presently occupied with Atlee's 'Raaka'.

With Bollywood beauty Deepika Padukone as the leading lady, the project will mark the Tollywood actor's primary association with the 'Pathaan' actress. However, Deepika has already worked with Atlee in 'Jawan', featuring Shah Rukh Khan as the lead.

For the unaware, the official announcement for 'Raaka' was made on Allu Arjun's 44th birthday on April 8th this year, along with the first look poster for the protagonist.

Shooting for the film, which is being produced by Bonport Creative Solutions Private Limited, is currently progressing at a brisk pace. Sources close to the unit of the film have said that the film will also explore the depths of human relationships.

Speaking about the film, director V. Vetri Vel Selvakumar said, “‘Raven’ is a crime thriller. I am creating a story inspired by incidents that have taken place in the lives of people around us."

He went on to add, "In particular, this film is being made with the aim of presenting a story that is relevant to today’s society, drawing inspiration from incidents that have taken place over the past 30 years in Tamil Nadu and across the world. Rather than presenting these incidents merely as a collection of events, we have created a crime thriller that explores the deeper aspects of human relationships. This film is being made with the intention of presenting that truth in a compelling manner."

Stating that the film would focus on important aspects that affect the lives of people, the director disclosed that the story would follow the journey of characters whose lives were shaped by their experiences.

"Their trust and the relationships they share are an important aspect of the film," he said.

"We are using computer graphics to bring the story to life effectively. This will provide a different experience for audiences when they watch the film in theatres. Through ‘Raven’, we are attempting to present a crime thriller that reflects the realities of society and leaves a lasting impression on the audience,” Vetri Vel Selvakumar said.

Apart from Karunas and ‘8 Thottakkal’ fame Vetri, the film will also feature actors Vani Bhojan, Anumol, Renuka, Vishweshwaran, ‘Ratchasan’ Vinoth Sagar and Sampara in important roles.

The film, which is being presented by producer Chetturajan Rajagopal and R.V. Saran, has cinematography by V. Vetri Vel Selvakumar himself. The film’s music is being composed by Ajoy. The film also features a special song by singer Aishwarya.

The film has been shot in a number of locations including Chennai, Kovai, and Erode. The film is gearing up for release in theatres later this year.

The announcement, made on the first day of Navratri, carried the message "Yeh Ram Ke Yug Ka Aarambh Hai". The makers also said advance bookings for the film will open on Dussehra.

The poster features Kapoor as Lord Rama, Pallavi as Sita and Dubey as Lakshman in the foreground, while Yash appears as Ravana towering over them. Sunny Deol will play Hanuman in the film.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film is envisioned as a two-part cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana, one of India's most revered epics. The story follows Lord Rama's journey, his exile, the abduction of Sita by Ravana and the ensuing battle between the forces of good and evil.

The film is produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Yash's Monster Mind Creations. Malhotra is backing the project as an ambitious big-screen retelling of the epic, with elaborate sets, costumes and visual effects aimed at bringing its mythological world to life.

The music is composed by Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer and A R Rahman, while Terry Notary and Guy Norris are part of the action team.

The first part will release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, across premium formats, including IMAX. The second part is scheduled to release during Diwali 2027.

Sony Pictures will handle global distribution outside India, while Dharma Productions will distribute the film in the Hindi-speaking market.

Addressing the media, Khushbu highlighted the financial challenges faced by television producers amid rising production costs and stagnant remuneration from television channels. She pointed out that while workers’ wages are revised periodically, producers continue to face increasing expenses without a corresponding increase in payments from channels.

Khushbu said STEPS had sought financial assistance and dedicated premises from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, and received positive assurances. The association’s request for an online system to obtain filming permissions within three days had also received approval, she added.

Emphasising television’s role in nurturing talent, Khushbu cited Vijay Sethupathi and Sivakarthikeyan, who went on to establish themselves in cinema after gaining recognition through other platforms. She said television artistes should have the freedom to explore opportunities across industries.

Khushbu also raised concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence to create fabricated videos, particularly those targeting women, and urged people to use technology responsibly.

The AGM discussed measures to improve producers’ working conditions and strengthen the association’s representation. FEFSI president RK Selvamani, STEPS secretary Kutty Padmini and other industry representatives attended the meeting.

Taking to its X timeline to share a statement, production house Sathya Jyothi Films said, "Irandu Vaanam is a film that holds a very special place in our hearts. We have immense faith in the film and the unique cinematic experience it promises to bring to audiences."

The production house went on to add,"The overwhelming support and positivity from our theatrical distributors, business partners, fans, and audiences have been a tremendous source of encouragement throughout this journey. We are truly grateful for the love, trust, and confidence shown towards Irandu Vaanam."

It then went on to explain why it had made the decision to postpone the film's release.

"With the aim of bringing the film to the widest possible audience and ensuring the best theatrical experience, we have decided to explore a more favourable release date instead of the previously announced October 23rd.

We will announce the new theatrical release date of Irandu Vaanam very soon," Sathya Jyothi said.

"Some journeys are worth waiting for. And when the time is right, Irandu Vaanam will light up the skies," it added.

The film, the shooting of which was wrapped up on June 10 last year, has triggered huge expectations among fans and film buffs.

Taking to his X timeline to put out the update, Vishnu Vishal, on June 10 last year had said,"Last day of #IranduVaanam... 150th day of shoot...It's been a journey that you also will get to feel on the big screen soon.... @dir_ramkumar has cooked something unique and interesting again...Thank you @SathyaJyothi."

The film has raised huge expectations as director Ramkumar is joining hands with Vishnu Vishal for the third film after delivering two superhits in 'Mundasupatti' and 'Ratsasan'.

Well known production house, Sathya Jyothi films is producing this film. It may be recalled that the first look poster of the film, which was released a few months ago, was quite unique.

The first look poster had two parts to it, both connected by a sky. On one side of the sky, Vishnu Vishal was seen seated on a cloud. Likewise, Mamitha Baiju appeared to be seated on a cloud but in the opposite direction.

The title ‘Irandu Vaanam’ means ‘Two Skies’. While the film has music by Dhibu Ninan Thomas, cinematography for the film is by Dinesh K Babu. San Lokesh is in-charge of editing the film, which has art direction by Gopi Anand. Stunts for the film have been choreographed by Vicky while costumes are by Keerthivasan.

Dances for the film have been choreographed by Leelavathi and VFX has been handled by Harihara Suthen of Lorven Studios.

The film has been produced by Sendhil Thyagarajan and Arjun Thyagarajan and co-produced by G Saravanan and Sai Siddharth.

He celebrated his iconic voice, distinctive mannerisms, and unparalleled screen presence as the Bollywood legend turned 84 on Sunday. Taking to social media, Kamal highlighted how Bachchan has made even the simplest gestures memorable. He also praised his deep baritone, dramatic pauses, and expressive raised eyebrow.

“He made the baritone iconic, the pause dramatic, and the raised eyebrow a plot twist. Amit Ji can make even a simple ‘Deviyon aur Sajjano’ sound like a blockbuster opening. The man has always been in a league of his own. Happy Birthday, Angry Young Man! @SrBachchan,” Kamal wrote.

He also shared a throwback photograph featuring his witty exchange with Big B from one of their projects. The two actors can be seen enacting a scene in the picture.

Kamal and Amitabh have shared screen space in two notable films over the years. Their first collaboration was in the 1985 Hindi action drama “Geraftaar,” directed by Prayag Raaj. The two actors portrayed estranged brothers, Karan and Kishan Kumar Khanna, respectively. The film also featured Rajinikanth in an extended cameo, bringing three of Indian cinema’s biggest stars together.

The duo also reunited on screen in Nag Ashwin’s 2024 science-fiction epic “Kalki 2898 AD.” While Bachchan played the immortal warrior Ashwatthama, Haasan essayed the antagonist Supreme Yaskin. The two are set to share screen space again in the film’s upcoming sequel, “Kalki 2898 AD Part 2.”

Amitabh Bachchan marked his 84th birthday on October 11, prompting an outpouring of wishes from members of the film fraternity. Actors Sanjay Dutt and Suniel Shetty were among the celebrities who took to social media to convey their greetings to the legendary star and celebrate his enduring impact on Indian cinema.

According to the makers, the film registered a 72 per cent increase on Saturday, which reflects the continued audience interest in the latest instalment of the crime thriller franchise.

"With a stellar Day 9 collection of Rs 42.71 crore worldwide, 'Drishyam The Conclusion' has taken its total worldwide collection to a phenomenal Rs 452.14 crore, while its overseas earnings have already crossed the Rs 100 crore mark.

"With its box office momentum showing no signs of slowing down, the film is now on track to cross the Rs 500 crore mark worldwide in just 10 days," the makers said in a statement.

Directed by Abhishek Pathak, the third and final instalment of the franchise released in theatres on October 2 and received largely positive reviews, with critics highlighting its performances, suspense and twists.

The film, which sees Devgn return as Vijay Salgaonkar, who once again finds himself in a cat-and-mouse game with the law, had a blockbuster opening weekend crossed Rs 300 crore mark in just four days.

Besides Devgn, actors Tabu, Shriya Saran, Rajat Kapoor, Ishita Dutta and Mrunal Jadhav also return for the final instalment with Jaideep Ahlawat joining the franchise as Rajveer Singh Tomar, a crime branch officer pursuing the case.

The franchise, adapted from the Mohanlal-starrer Malayalam hit, began with the late filmmaker Nishikant Kamat-directed “Drishyam” in 2015.

The story centres on Vijay Salgaonkar, a cable operator who goes to extraordinary lengths to protect his family after his daughter becomes involved in a crime.

The story continued with the 2022 movie “Drishyam 2”, which emerged as one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of the year.

“Drishyam: The Conclusion” is a Panorama Studios production presented by Star Studio18, and has been written by Pathak, Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh.

Karthik, who established the special display three years ago, has continued the tradition of celebrating Rajinikanth’s film career through the annual Navaratri arrangement.

This year’s display features 230 representations of the superstar, tracing his journey from his debut film, ‘Apoorva Raagangal’, to his upcoming projects, including ‘Jailer 2’ and ‘Dharman’. The display pays tribute to the actor’s long career and the many characters he has played over the years.

Rajinikanth, who enjoys a massive fan following across the country, has remained one of the most popular stars in Indian cinema.

While speaking to ANI, Kartik said, "The highlight of this year’s exhibition is a portrait of our Thalaivar drawn on a leaf. For our family, Rajinikanth is our kula deivam (clan deity), and we create these special displays every year as an expression of our deep devotion to him. I have been his fan for nearly 40 to 50 years and have collected photographs from his films since the beginning of his career."

"We cut out the photographs, mount them on foam sheets and fabric, and arrange them in different styles to make each year’s display unique. Regular pujas are performed at the temple, and prasadam is distributed to devotees. We prepare different offerings every day, including sundal. Many devotees, particularly on Sundays, visit the Rajini Temple to worship our Thalaivar. He is not just a deity for our family; many others, too, consider him their kula deivam..." Meanwhile, on the work front, Rajinikanth will next be seen in ‘Jailer 2’, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar.

The trailer for the film was recently released, giving audiences a glimpse of his character, Muthuvel Pandian. The trailer shows Muthuvel Pandian in a quieter phase of his life, but things soon take a turn as events linked to his past bring him back into a world of violence. Earlier in September, the makers released the film’s second single, ‘One Sun, One Moon’. Composed and sung by Anirudh Ravichander, the track also features the voice of MS Krsna.

The lyrics have been written by Heisenberg and Super Subu. The song focuses on Rajinikanth’s character and his screen presence rather than revealing details about the film’s story. One of its lines, “Innaikkum Ennennaikkum, Oru Thalaivan Dhaan,” pays tribute to the superstar’s lasting popularity among fans. ‘Jailer 2’ is scheduled to release in theatres on October 15, 2026.

The detentions took place at August Kranti Maidan and other locations across Mumbai. Police said the action was taken to prevent unauthorised gatherings, citing that August Kranti Maidan was not a designated protest site under a Bombay High Court order.

Lekha shared a series of videos on Instagram documenting their detention. In one, she and Imran were seen inside a police carbeing taken to an undisclosed location. In another, the couple were seen walking along a road, with Lekha saying the police were not allowing them to take a vehicle home. She later confirmed they were safe, sharing a video of them in a car with a friend. She also posted a picture on Stories with Imran from the police car, captioned, “Romance ho to aisi” ("this is how romance should be") even as Imran posted a selfie from the police van, saying, “Apparently, I am going for a drive.”

Before his detention, Imran had told ANI that he was at the protest as a citizen, "as someone who lives in this city. I am here to see why freedom of movement is being restricted—why people's voices are being suppressed,” he said. Khan was also seen asking the police, "What have I done? Why am I being manhandled?"

Actor Zayn Marie, Imran’s cousin, who was also detained with them, shared a video from inside the police van with the caption, “Ranjhore Ka Rathod??? sooo close”, a playful reference to her Imran’s debut movie Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, where his character's family tradition states that a true "Rathore of Ranjhore" must go to jail.

In July too, Imran had participated in Mumbai protests held in solidarity with the CJP-led student demonstration in Delhi against alleged exam irregularities including the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.

Meanwhile, during Saturday's protest, activist Tushar Gandhi and CPI(M) workers were also among the approximately 600 detained. Several protesters complained of manhandling by the police. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray also visited the police station demanding Gandhi's release.

The police finally released Gandhi around nine hours after his detention.

The CJP had called for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi over allegations of voter-list manipulation during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and changes relating to Form 6, used for voter registration. But an unprecedented police clampdown and the detention of over 7,000 protesters, including CJP leader Abhijit Dipke, four former chief ministers and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, thwarted the planned mass mobilisation at Jantar Mantar.

Lekha Washington and Imran Khan’s film careers

Lekha, who began her career as a video jockey with SS Music, has appeared in Tamil films including Panchathanthiram, Jayam Kondaan, Kalyana Samayal Saadham, and Vedha, as well as the Hindi film Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, playing friend to Imran's character. She is also an accomplished contemporary artist, sculptor, theatre artiste, and product designer who founded her own boutique design studio.

Imran, a nephew of actor Aamir Khan, is known for films such as Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, I Hate Luv Storys and Delhi Belly. He largely stayed away from films after Katti Batti in 2015. However, he has now confirmed that Adhure Hum Adhure Tum, his comeback to central roles, is slated for release on December 18. The film is expected to release on OTT in December.

(PTI inputs)

“I’m generally not keen on sequels because I feel they take the first part, add a little extra flavour, and turn it into another film,” he said.
The actor said Sathya Movies had approached him several times with a proposal for Baashha 2, based on an idea by late producer RM Veerappan. Rajinikanth also declined director Karthik Subbaraj’s idea for Petta 2, which would have continued Vijay Sethupathi’s character.
What changed his mind was a potential storyline he noticed while rewatching Jailer after its OTT release. He pointed to the scene in which Varma warns Tiger that a larger network stands behind him, as well as the three containers carrying goods. “I felt there was a perfect story for a sequel,” he said.

Nelson Dilipkumar was initially hesitant, believing they had already explored the first film’s possibilities. However, after a month of thought, the director returned with a more developed idea. Jailer 2 reunites Rajinikanth with Nelson and composer Anirudh Ravichander. 

The cast includes newcomers such as SJ Suryah, Mithun Chakraborty, Vidya Balan, Suraj Venjaramoodu and Jatin Sarna, alongside returning actors Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu and Mirnaa. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on October 15.