Taking to its X timeline, RS Infotainment, the production house producing the film, wrote, "#Mandaadi is U/A 16+ Certified! #Mandaadi in cinemas worldwide on September 10, 2026. @sooriofficial #Suhas #sathyaraj @Mahima_Nambiar

@RavindraVijay1 @MithunJS5 @bala_actor @Kritika_Bala."

The film is slated to hit screens worldwide on September 4 this year.

'Mandaadi' will mark the Tamil debut of Telugu actor Suhas, who plays a pivotal role alongside Soori. Apart from Soori, Mahima Nambiar and Suhas, the film will also feature actors Sathyaraj, Ravindra Vijay, Mithun, and Balasaravanan in important roles.

For the unaware, the title 'Mandaadi' is inspired by the rich maritime culture of Tamil Nadu's coastal belt and embodies the spirit of individuals who possess exceptional skill, determination, and leadership in navigating the challenges of the sea.

Shooting for the film had been wrapped in April this year. A video that the makers had released while announcing that shooting for the film had been wrapped up showed how the cast and the crew had suffered injuries while making the film that has been predominantly shot at sea.

The film has triggered huge interest among fans and film buffs as Soori has performed all the high risk stunts that were shot on sea for the film himself.

The film is expected to emerge as a significant milestone in Soori’s career as it stands as the biggest and most ambitious project he has undertaken to date. Sources point out that one of the film’s major strengths lies in Soori’s extraordinary physical commitment.

The actor has personally performed all the high-risk action sequences set in the sea, without the use of body doubles.

Sources in the know had told IANS that for the extensive sailboat racing portions, Soori underwent rigorous training and hands-on preparation over several months, mastering the physical and technical demands of the sport. This dedication, they said, had added authenticity and emotional weight to the film, significantly enhancing its realism and cinematic impact.

Shot extensively across the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, particularly in the Ramanathapuram belt, 'Mandaadi', the sources claim, has large-scale action blocks, emotionally charged sequences, and ambitious sailboat racing portions. The production team they point out has worked tirelessly across challenging terrains and weather conditions to ensure authenticity and visual richness.

'Mandaadi' is being positioned as a pan-Indian release, slated to hit screens in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi.

Tamil cinema has recently seen several films exploring the conflicts and realities of marriage rather than simply following the familiar route of two people falling in love and ending up together. Modha Rathiri fits into this trend while bringing its own rural flavour. 

Directed by debutant Raja Karuppusamy, Modha Rathiri doesn't feel like a first film. He presents the chaos and drama surrounding a rural wedding in a natural and consistently amusing manner, capturing its many shades through the women’s casual conversations and gossip, the men slipping away for a couple of drinks, and the fights that follow.  

The film opens with an extended sequence depicting the confusion inside the groom’s green room, introducing several characters without making any of them feel unnecessary. One of the standout moments comes when the reluctant bride and groom meet face-to-face for the first time, just before tying the knot. Bharath Sankar’s music, Surendran’s cinematography, their expressions and the slow-motion treatment make the sequence particularly memorable. Another hilarious moment arrives when the heroine addresses the hero as “bro”. Bucks, who appears throughout the film holding a photo frame, is funny, and his combination with Abdool is a highlight.

Interestingly, Raja Karuppusamy’s name appears in the title card only around the interval, when the hero and heroine meet unexpectedly. Their subsequent conversation is among the film’s funniest stretches, while Karuppusamy, who also appears as the second lead, delivers some hilarious portions with his friends, who follow him like his conscience. Beyond the humour, these scenes effectively highlight how young couples often enter relationships without fully understanding the responsibilities, financial pressures and commitments that come with marriage.

Film: Modha Rathiri, Director: Raja Karuppusamy, Cast: Rishikanth, Anishma Anilkumar, A Venkatesh, Bucks, Chetan, Abdool Lee, Rating: 4/5 stars

Modha Rathiri also touches upon several serious issues. The discussion around caste is handled with restraint, while a sequence involving women discussing education and the importance of financial independence after marriage is well enacted. The scene is intercut with milk boiling over and rising, symbolising the simmering issues within these women. The film makes a broader point about how women face suppression within families, regardless of age, and how women often have more at stake when it comes to love and marriage. 

The screenplay also manages to tie up seemingly insignificant details. An old Communist character, for instance, is initially shown protesting against a carbon company from a small hut, making his presence seem unnecessary at first. Later, the same hut becomes a place where the heroine finds shelter while the hero searches for her. Such seemingly minor details add value to the narrative.

However, the second half loses some of the momentum established in the first. With several issues being introduced and discussed, the pace slows down, particularly during the portions dealing with caste and other social concerns. The local dialect, which is maintained well in the early portions, also gradually loses consistency. A recurring supernatural element involving a mysterious force ringing a bell is intriguing but could have been made clearer.

The leads Rishikanth and Anishma Anilkumar deliver convincing performances in both comic and serious sequences. While some of Anishma’s expressions are reminiscent of her earlier films, she gets considerably more scope to perform here and makes the most of it. The strong supporting cast, including A Venkatesh, Bucks, Chetan and Abdool Lee, contributes significantly to the film’s humour. Those appearing for even a scene or two also fit naturally into the world of Modha Rathiri.

Despite the minor flaws, Modha Rathiri succeeds as an engaging wedding comedy and a family entertainer that blends laughter with observations on marriage, relationships, and society. Almost every character gets a moment to contribute, making the film a lively laughter riot and an impressive debut for Raja Karuppusamy.

Priya Bhavani Shankar plays Kaveri, a caring wife and doting mother, in a story that places family and emotions at its heart. The character introduction and promotional material have offered glimpses of the warmth and intimacy shared by Kaveri and Ravi Teja’s character, while the film's larger narrative explores a deeply emotional father-daughter relationship, faith and transformation.

Speaking about her experience of being part of 'Irumudi', Priya Bhavani Shankar said, “Kaveri has been a very special character for me. When I heard the story and understood the emotional world Shiva Nirvana had created, I felt very happy to be part of such an honest and powerful story. There is a lot of warmth and emotion in the relationships at the heart of ‘Irumudi Kattu’, and that made the journey of portraying Kaveri particularly meaningful for me."

Talking about the experience of working with Ravi Teja, the actress said, “Working with Ravi Teja has been a wonderful experience. There is such a natural warmth and ease in the way he approaches his work, and that made our scenes together very comfortable and enjoyable. Shiva has been extremely clear about the emotions he wanted to bring out in every character, and it was a beautiful experience to be guided by his vision."

Priya went on to say, "When we finally wrapped the film, I realised how much we had taken back from this journey beyond the film itself. We shot so many scenes, made a thousand memories, collected our own inside jokes and shared so many moments of laughter. It was one of those journeys where the people you work with become an important part of the memories you carry with you. It truly has been a lovely journey." The actress, who expressed her gratitude to the producers, Naveen Yerneni and Y.

Ravi Shankar, for giving her the opportunity to be part of this film, the actress in particular said how she loved the music that National Award winner GV Prakash had scored for the film. " I love the way GV Prakash Kumar’s music complements the emotional and devotional world of ‘Irumudi’. I sincerely hope audiences connect with the film, its characters and the emotions we have put into it,” she said. For the unaware, apart from Priya Bhavani Shankar and Ravi Teja, the film features Sai Kumar, Baby Nakshathra, Ajay Ghosh, Ramesh Indira and Swasika in important roles.

Shiva Nirvana has written and directed the film, with GV Prakash Kumar composing the music, Vishnu Sharma handling cinematography, Prawin Pudi serving as editor and Sahi Suresh overseeing production design. The film is all set for its worldwide theatrical release on August 21, 2026.

The makers have also included two new snippets in the English version.

The Kannada trailer, released on August 8, centred more on Yash and his dual roles as Raya and Ticket, along with the film’s action sequences. While the action portions remain in the new cut, the English trailer has been edited differently, with Yash’s character also using stronger language.

What does the English trailer of 'Toxic' show?

The English version begins with a slower introduction to the film’s period setting, a fictionalised Goa during the final years of Portuguese colonial rule. Unlike the Kannada trailer, which moved between action, romance and character introductions, the new cut follows a tighter narrative and gives more attention to the world in which the story unfolds.

About Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups

Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is a period gangster drama featuring Yash in dual roles. Mohandas and Yash have co-written the film.

The action-epic drama revolves around Portuguese rule crumbling in Goa, as Raya rises through betrayal and bloodshed to claim the city’s underworld, only to learn that power always comes at a price.

The film also stars Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth. The music is composed by a multi-artist team featuring Ravi Basrur, Vishal Mishra, Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah and Arslan Nizami.

The Moroccan-Belgian filmmaking duo, best known for "Bad Boys for Life" and "Bad Boys: Ride or Die", have assembled a star-studded global cast for the Saudi Arabian movie, led by Egyptian actors Ahmed Ezz and Karim Abdel Aziz as an Interpol officer and a criminal figure who team up against a transnational criminal network.

Salman and fellow Indian star Sanjay Dutt have pivotal roles in the movie besides renowned Italian actor Monica Bellucci and Hollywood's Giancarlo Esposito.

Adil said Salman brought effortless charisma to the sets, reminding him of Hollywood star Will Smith, the lead actor of "Bad Boys" film franchise.

"There's a lot of charisma. You get the same feeling when Will Smith is on set. It's like, 'Oh, that's what a superstar looks like'. From the moment you put the camera on him, something magical happens," El Arbi told PTI in an interview.

Salman, he said, was also extremely experienced and could immediately understand a scene before adding his own touch to it.

"He knows right away what the scene is. And he will do it perfectly. And then he will create, he will give you so much more. And that is like going to film school. You're really witnessing cinema happening before your eyes," he said.

"7 Dogs" is essentially about Interpol officer Khalid Al-Azzazi (Ahmed Ezz) who captures Ghali Abu Dawood (Karim Abdel Aziz), a senior figure linked to the criminal organization known as 7 Dogs.

"When the syndicate begins trafficking a synthetic drug called Pink Lady, Khalid is forced to work with Ghali to dismantle the network. Their mission brings them into conflict with regional and international figures connected to the organization," reads the official logline.

Salman, known for blockbusters such as "Bajrangi Bhaijaan", "Sultan" and "Tiger Zinda Hai", essays the role of Johar, an ex-Interpol officer who becomes an unlikely ally of the duo in their mission.

Bilall said the superstar's contribution went beyond the screenplay as he often came up with one-liners during the shoot.

"During editing, when I was looking at the takes, there was always something new that he put in that I didn't even realize when I was on set. He just makes a scene memorable. Even if it's just a short moment, he creates something that is pure cinema," he added.

Their experience with Sanjay, the star of blockbusters such as "Munna Bhai MBBS", "Agneepath" and "Khalnayak", was equally memorable.

The veteran star plays Ranjeet, the Indian member of the Seven Dogs alliance responsible for distributing "Pink Lady" in India.

Adil said they recently started watching the actor's latest film, the two-part spy saga "Dhurandhar", which became one of the Indian cinema's highest grossing movies of all time.

"We started to watch the 'Dhurandhar' series, because everybody's talking about what a huge success it is," he said.

"He's (Sanjay) so experienced. And the action movies are so complex in Bollywood, and so elaborate, even more than Hollywood," he said.

Adil said Sanjay's warmth and sense of humour made the collaboration enjoyable, while Bilall said he developed a close bond with the actor during his time in Mumbai.

"He's just like a brother. When I was in Mumbai with him, I just fell in love. He showed and took me to the authentic places, and I just fell in love.

"And I just want to keep on going back to India and just keep on making movies. And hopefully we can create a movie or series together. Sanjay is just unbelievably creative and is a real artist," Bilall added.

The duo's love for Indian cinema and its stars predates "7 Dogs".

The first Indian movie they ever watched was Shah Rukh Khan's "My Name Is Khan", a film that resonated with them because of its themes of identity, Islamophobia in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.

As Moroccans and Muslims living in Europe, the filmmakers said the film's story had a particular resonance for them.

"It was such an important movie, it was after 9-11. For us, being Moroccans, being Muslim in Europe, that story really resonated with us a lot," Adil said.

Bilall said he continued to discover Indian cinema and was struck by its breadth of creativity, which he feels remains underexposed internationally.

"It's such a cool discovery to see all these gems that I've not been seeing yet. And it just inspires me to see how much creativity there is in Indian cinema that hasn't really been seen in the world," he said.

The duo said they would like to collaborate with more Indian stars, especially Shah Rukh.

"It would be great to work with him. It would be awesome to make a movie with Will Smith and SRK," Bilall said.

The filmmakers hope audiences experience "7 Dogs" as a large-scale theatrical action adventure while also connecting with its characters and humour.

"I hope they love the characters, travel with them, and have all these adventures, and obviously be entertained, but also laugh because there's a lot of comedy also in the movie," Adil said.

Bilall said he hopes to make a follow-up if audiences like the film.

"The beauty of this movie is also that you have all the best players from around the world, from different cinemas, all in one movie, a global movie that I think has a lot to offer," he said.

"7 Dogs" releases in Indian theatres in Hindi and English on August 21.

Directed by Anil Ravipudi, the film has been titled 'January 12 Vidudala' and will hit theatres on January 12, 2027, during the Sankranthi festive period.

The title was announced through a fun video featuring the lead cast. The video also pays tribute to late filmmaker EVV Satyanarayana and includes a reference to his popular comedy 'Appula Appa Rao.'

In the video, the actors ask Ravipudi about the name of the film. When he says "January 12 Vidudala", they assume he is talking about the release date. Ravipudi then reveals that January 12 Vidudala is actually the title of the film.

The video also introduced the tagline "Bava Bammardi Soujanyamtho", which roughly means "with the courtesy of brothers-in-law". The tagline hints at the relationship between Venkatesh and Kalyan Ram's characters, who are reportedly playing brothers-in-law in the film.

The film marks the first time Venkatesh and Kalyan Ram will share the screen. Keerthy Suresh and Krithi Shetty are also part of the cast and will be seen opposite Venkatesh and Kalyan Ram, respectively.

For Venkatesh, the film marks his fifth association with Ravipudi. The two have earlier worked together on F2, F3 and Sankranthiki Vasthunnam. Venkatesh also made an extended appearance in Ravipudi's Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, which released in January 2026.

Kalyan Ram is also reuniting with Ravipudi after Pataas. Released in 2015, the film marked Ravipudi's directorial debut and Kalyan Ram's first film as a producer.

The film is produced by Sahu Garapati under Shine Screens and presented by Suresh Productions and Smt Archana, in association with Zee Studios. GV Prakash Kumar is composing the music.

'January 12 Vidudala' is scheduled to release in theatres on January 12, 2027.

Taking to her Instagram page to pen the post of gratitude, the actress wrote, "I am truly overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude to be a part of the prestigious film Jailer 2!" She went on to add, "My heartfelt thanks to Superstar Rajinikanth Sir, Nelson Dilipkumar Sir, Anirudh Ravichander Sir, Jani Master, and the entire Jailer 2 team for giving me this incredible opportunity. I thank God for turning this unforgettable dream into reality. Feeling truly honoured, grateful, and blessed! #Jailer2 #SuperstarRajinikanth #NelsonDilipkumar #Anirudh #sunpictures."

The actress put out the post, soon after the makers released the promo for 'Ala Bolelo', the first single from the film. Interestingly, actress Shamna Kasim features in the first single of the film. For the unaware, the film is slated to hit screens worldwide on October 15 this year.

Taking to its social media timelines, Sun Pictures, the production house producing the film, had recently announced, "Alappara Kelappurom! #Jailer2 storms into theatres worldwide on October 15 #Jailer2FromOct15." The makers had also released a release date announcement teaser in which actor Vinayakan was seen issuing a threat with a laugh. "You can't be at peace after killing me. There's a big world behind me, Jailer! This is a huge network. You won't know who is coming (for you), when and how. Your life will turn into hell."

The teaser then showed Rajini's arrival in style, even as viewers got to catch a glimpse of the other characters in the film. 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. It may be recalled that Rajinikanth had on April 4 this year said that the film was in its finishing stages.

Answering questions posed by mediapersons at the airport, Rajinikanth had said that 'Jailer 2' was in its finishing stage. "The film (Jailer 2) is in its finishing stage. The production house will announce its date of release," he said. Director Nelson Dilipkumar's 'Jailer 2' has triggered huge anticipation among fans and film buffs for several reasons.

One of the prime reasons is that 'Jailer 2' promises to have loads of action and entertainment just like the first part which went on to emerge a blockbuster, raking in a whopping 650 crores worldwide. Shooting of the second part of 'Jailer' began in Chennai first. Sun Pictures, the production house producing the action entertainer, had announced that shooting for the film had commenced on March 10 last year.

Interest in the film peaked when Sun Pictures released an exceptionally interesting teaser that was both funny and thrilling. Not long after this, actress Ramya Krishnan shared a story on her first day of shooting for the second part of the film which was going on at Attapaadi in Kerala. She said, “26 years of Padayappa and the first day shoot of Jailer 2.” Ramya Krishnan plays the character of Vijaya Pandian a.k.a Viji, the wife of Rajinikanth’s character Muthuvel Pandian, in the film. Sources say that actress Mirnaa, who plays Swetha Pandian, Rajinikanth’s daughter-in –law in the film, too will have a pivotal role in the sequel.

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal and Tamil actor Vijay Sethupathi too have shot for 'Jailer 2'. Anirudh, whose music played a vital role in making the first part emerge a blockbuster, has scored the music for the second part as well.

Taking to its social media timelines, production house Mythri Movie Makers shared, "Two lives. One story. Unlimited entertainment. #ModhaRathri certified U/A. 2 DAYS TO GO. Book your tickets now."

It may be recalled that the makers have already disclosed that Anishma plays a character called Muthuselvi while actor Rishikanth plays a character called Maruthanayagam in the film. For the unaware, the film is slated to hit screens worldwide on August 21 this year.

Sources close to the unit of the film had told IANS earlier that Modha Rathiri will revolve around an ordinary village wedding that turns into an extraordinary rollercoaster of hilarious misunderstandings, unexpected twists and heartwarming emotions. Set entirely over the course of a single night, the film will keep the laughs coming as one surprise would lead to another. Rishikanth is debuting as hero through this film while actress Anishma Anilkumar, who won appreciation for her outstanding performance in ‘Sirai’ and ‘Youth’, is playing the film's female lead.

Producer Naveen Yerneni of Mythri Movie Makers, speaking on an earlier occasion, had said, "The very first narration made us laugh, smile and imagine how audiences would react inside a theatre. That's when we knew this story deserved to be made. 'Modha Rathiri' has everything we enjoy as movie lovers: humour, emotions, relatable characters and endless entertainment. Raja Karuppasamy has brought that energy beautifully onto the screen our entire cast and crew have worked with incredible passion to complete the film on schedule.

We are excited to bring this entertainer to audiences worldwide on August 21, and we hope theatres are filled with laughter from beginning to end.” Director Raja Karuppasamy had said, "I couldn't have asked for a better beginning to my journey as a filmmaker. My heartfelt thanks to producers Naveen Yerneni sir and Y. Ravi Shankar sir for believing in me and trusting this story. Every actor, every technician and every member of our crew became part of this journey with complete dedication.

More than anything else, I hope audiences walk out of theatres smiling, laughing and talking about these characters long after the film ends.” Apart from Rishikanth and Anishma Anilkumar, the film also features actors Chetan, A Venkatesh, Bucks, Abdool Lee, Shelly Kishore, Sangeetha Balan, Banupriya, Sumithra Devi L, Varshini Karmegham, Karthikeyan, Velan, and Kowshik Kabilan among others. The technical crew comprises Surendran Paranjothi as cinematographer, Ashok Arjunan as editor, and Bharath Sankar composing the music. Poornima Ramaswamy has designed the costumes while Art direction has been taken care of by A Balumahendra.

Actor Vikkals Vikram, who plays the lead in the film, took to his Instagram page to share the first look poster released by the film's makers. He wrote, "He holds on. Love? That’s the real workout. Presenting the First Look of LIGHTWEIGHT, BABY!#vikkalsvikram #lightweightbaby #lightweightbabymovie."

It may be recalled that the makers of the film had, by July end, announced that the unit of the film had officially wrapped up shooting. The film has been shot in Chennai, Bengaluru and Mysuru over a 45-day period, spanning four schedules. Sources close to the unit say that 'Lightweight, Baby!' will be a genre-blending entertainer set in the world of competitive fitness. They add that this story, filled with humour, heart, and high-stakes competition, will revolve around romance, family expectations, and personal ambition.

The film marks Vikkals Vikram's first outing as a leading man, following his popularity as a stand-up comedian and his appearance on the reality show Bigg Boss. He has also penned the dialogues for this film. Starring opposite him is Arathy Krishna, a well-known name in the fitness and bodybuilding community, in her first major screen role.

The unconventional pairing had sparked curiosity among audiences following the film's title announcement earlier this year. Written and directed by KC Guru, the film is being produced by Hitha Studios, with Sagara Sandesh serving as co-producer. The technical team includes Pramod Kotiyan as cinematographer, Sarvanaa Subramaniam as music director and Harish Komme as editor. Speaking about the film, director KC Guru had, during an interaction earlier, said, "It's been an incredible journey over the last 45 days.

Every schedule and every city brought something unique to this film. What started as an idea about two people from completely different worlds has now become a story we're genuinely proud of. While the shoot may be complete, another exciting phase begins in the edit room. We can't wait to introduce these characters to audiences." Vikkals Vikram had said, "Playing a hero for the first time has been one of the most exciting experiences of my career. Getting the opportunity to write the dialogues alongside acting made the journey even more special. It's rare to shape a character both in front of the camera and on paper. I'm grateful to the entire team for this experience, and I genuinely believe audiences are in for a fun and heartfelt entertainer."

Arathy Krishna had said, "Fitness has always challenged me physically, but acting challenged me emotionally in completely new ways. Playing this character helped me discover a different side of myself, and I'm thankful to the entire team for making my first major film such a memorable experience. I'm excited for audiences to see the film." With filming now complete, the team has shifted its focus to post-production. The film is slated for a theatrical release later this year.

Backed by Amazon MGM Studios and Colour Yellow, the film is directed by Balaji Mohan and written by Himanshu Sharma and Divy Nidhi Sharma. It features music by GV Prakash Kumar.

Set in Meerut, "Nayyi Navelli" follows a picture-perfect bride (Yami) who transforms a chaotic household into what appears to be paradise, only for her brother-in-law to suspect that his seemingly ideal sister-in-law may actually be a daayan, or witch.

The film promises to combine fantasy, humour and family drama in a theatrical entertainer aimed at bringing audiences together during the festive season, the makers said in a press release.

Filmmaker Aanand L Rai, who has produced the film through his banner Colour Yellow, said its unusual combination of family dynamics, fantasy, humour and adventure was what drew him to the project.

"'Nayyi Navelli' is the kind of story that surprises you at every turn. When Himanshu and I first discussed the story, we were immediately drawn to the unique way it brings together families for a fantasy, humour and adventure-filled experience.

"Yami Gautam Dhar was an instinctive choice, bringing exactly the warmth and mischief the character demands," he said.

The film marks Amazon MGM Studios' collaboration with Colour Yellow on the feature.

Nikhil Madhok, director and head of SVOD Originals, Prime Video India and Amazon MGM Studios, said the team felt Dussehra was the ideal release window for the film.

"As we saw 'Nayyi Navelli' finally come together, there was an instant, collective realization that this is the Dussehra film. No other date would do it justice," he said.

Fernandes, who became a household name with shows such as “Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi” and “Kasautii Zindagii Kay”, is making her comeback to television after a gap of five years with the series “108 Base Hospital - Uri”.

The actor said the uncertainty surrounding work in the entertainment industry was one of the reasons she moved to Dubai and started her own business. She launched her own production house and event management company, Celeste Media Film Production, in 2023.

“I was confident to be away from the industry because I’ve my business over there (in Dubai). Now I can pick and choose what I want to do. I’m doing shows purely because of my love for acting.

"So, I know that there is stability. Sometimes we don't know how long we are going to sustain with the savings. Also, you don't get to work every day in a leading role for years and in between shows, you have breaks. Hence, when COVID-19 happened, it made me think about a lot of such things,” the actor told PTI in an interview.

Another reason for taking a break from television to avoid being typecast in similar roles, she added.

"I didn't want to stick to doing the same thing and that is why I took that break as a lot of other things that were coming were in the same bracket. When ‘108 Base Hospital – Uri’ came, I was like this is massive and it made sense for me to return to TV,” Fernandes said.

In “108 Base Hospital – Uri”, the actor plays Dr. Major Naina, a trauma surgeon in the Indian Army.

Set in an Indian Army base hospital in Uri, the 30-episode series narrates the unsung bravery of army doctors. It follows the doctors, nurses and medical personnel who selflessly fight a war against time, giving wounded soldiers another chance to return to the frontlines and to their families.

The military-drama also stars Gashmeer Mahajani, Nikkhil Khurana, Hiten Tejwani and Smita Bansal, among others.

“Getting to wear this uniform, being army personnel, and being a surgeon, and all of that was intriguing. It never made me think twice. I was sold in the first place,” Fernandes said, adding that she was excited about performing action sequences in the series.

“I would tell them (makers) to let me do more action and stop treating it like, ‘She is a girl doing action, so what and how will she do?’ I’m glad people will get to see a different side of me,” she added.

Fernandes, 33, who has worked in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films before making her mark on television, said her experience in the South Indian movie industry shaped her approach to acting.

She made her acting debut in 2013 with the Tamil movie, “Ainthu Ainthu Ainthu” and then appeared opposite the late superstar Puneeth Rajkumar in “Ninnindale”. Some of her other films are “Virattu”, “Galipatam”, and “Vizhithiru”

“Whatever I’ve learnt about acting is from the South industry. A lot of people would tell me that you don't perform TV format wise, like the usual TV acting and that’s because I came from a film background, and hence it was not over dramatic,” the actor said.

Fernandes expressed gratitude to her fans for standing by her even while she was away from movies and television.

“The popularity sometimes fizzles out but it didn’t happen in my case. We’ve social media and it is a link, earlier it was not that big but then it just boomed, and that is what kept everyone very relevant. So, if you're not on screen, you're still there, on the smaller screen and people still remember you.

"The popularity never diminished in my case. You are blessed if you have the love of so many people that you're receiving because not everyone gets it,” she said.

“108 Base Hospital – Uri” is created by Samar Khan of “The Test Case” and “Avrodh: The Siege Within” fame and helmed by Shachindra Vats. The 30-episode series airs Saturday and Sunday on COLORS and JioHotstar.

The six-episode series, which made its debut on the platform on August 7, has featured in the global Top 10 for two consecutive weeks, ranking among the top 10 in 40 countries and reaching the No. 1 spot in 10 countries, according to the streamer.

Netflix also unveiled "The Last Salute", a documentary chronicling the MiG-21's 62-year-long legacy with the Indian Air Force, including its deployment during the 1999 Kargil conflict.

“Operation Safed Sagar”, which depicts the tale of the then Golden Arrows squadron, has been praised for its portrayal of the Indian Air Force, aerial action sequences and performances by the lead actors including Jimmy Shergill, Siddharth, Abhay Verma, and Mihir Ahuja.

At the heart of the military-drama is the MiG-21, the fighter aircraft flown by the Golden Arrows Squadron, and the series marks the last time the iconic aircraft was filmed in action before its retirement from service.

“The Last Salute” is billed as a “love letter” to the MiGs, honouring the iconic aircraft as it bids adieu to the Indian Air Force and the nation.

Directed by the show's co-creator Kushal Srivastava and produced by Matchbox Shots, the documentary will premiere on Netflix on August 26.

It will feature Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, alongside pilots who flew the MiG-21 across decades of service, and brings together personal memories, untold stories, and never-before-seen moments that celebrate the aircraft’s enduring legacy.

Tanya Bami, Series Head at Netflix India, said the show has demonstrated how a distinctly Indian story could resonate with audiences globally.

“Ever since its launch, ‘Operation Safed Sagar’ has taken over the internet with rave reviews about the storytelling, characters, the authentic world of the Indian Air Force and the depth of research from critics and audiences alike.

"When a project is made with genuine passion, it resonates extraordinarily with audiences. We’ve seen this across several of our titles this year, but ‘Operation Safed Sagar’ stands out as the clearest example, its reception has been nothing short of a resounding success,” Bami said in a statement.

She further said the MiG-21 became an integral part of the stories shared by pilots during the making of the series, and it prompted the makers to explore its legacy through a separate documentary.

“‘The Last Salute’ is a tribute to its 62 years with the Indian Air Force, and to the generations of pilots for whom it became much more than an aircraft,” Bami said.

Producer Sanjay Routray, of Matchbox Shots, said they realised while working on “Operation Safed Sagar” that the MiG-21 was “not just an aircraft” but an emotion for generations of air warriors.

“‘The Last Salute’ takes that story further, exploring the extraordinary bond between the MiG-21 and the generations of fighter pilots who flew it. We hope audiences who connected with ‘Operation Safed Sagar’ will now experience this deeply personal tribute to an aircraft that helped shape Indian aviation history,” Routray said.

"Operation Safed Sagar", also starring Taaruk Raina, Arnav Bhasin, Dia Mirza, Prajakta Koli, Adil Hussain, and Amrita Bagchi among others, delves into the emotional journeys of the air force pilots and their families, focusing on sacrifice, resilience and the personal cost of conflict.

The film, which marks the production house’s maiden venture, is written and directed by Krish. Gouri Kishan plays the lead, while Kaali Venkat and Sriman are among those in key roles.

Many women, many journeys

The film revolves around the lives, experiences and journeys of women, exploring the different paths they take and the choices they make.

The first-look poster features Gouri Kishan at the centre, surrounded by women from different age groups and backgrounds, hinting at the diverse stories and perspectives explored in the film.

The film touches upon themes including travel, relationships, life choices and freedom, with a woman’s journey forming its central theme, as per a release.

Siddhu Kumar has composed the music, while Sundar Sukumaran is the cinematographer. Alan P John is handling the editing and Arunshankar is the art director.

Made by Xin Yumeng and Sun Lifang, the 86-minute animated film follows a young cow named Niu Lai, who grows up to become a warrior. The film was reportedly made on an estimated Rs 1 lakh budget.

‘Niu Lai’ box office: Film struggled in first 10 days

Released in China on August 5, ‘Niu Lai’ initially struggled to attract audiences, grossing just 7,705 yuan (Rs 1.09 lakh) in its first 10 days. According to Maoyan, the film earned about 10,000 yuan (Rs 1.42 lakh) during the period, with daily collections sometimes falling to as little as 200 yuan (Rs 2,840).

‘Niu Lai’ criticism: Film mocked on social media

The film was heavily criticised on social media for its visuals, animation and voice acting, with some calling it “worse than AI”.

On Douban, a Chinese movie-review platform, a viewer described it as “a symbol of the new internet troll culture" while another called it "unbelievably terrible and eye-opening", the Associated Press reported.

However, some viewers defended its production style. One Douban user even wondered whether its deliberately crude visuals were an attempt to convey a sense of “returning to one’s true self” in the age of AI, as reported by the Guardian.

‘Niu Lai’ box office surge: Film crosses 17 million yuan

The film’s fortunes soon changed. ‘Niu Lai’ surged to 8.2 million yuan (Rs 11.64 crore) on Monday (August 17), with nearly 300,000 admissions, according to Maoyan. Its total box-office collection has reached 17.1 million yuan (Rs 24.28 crore), the Associated Press reported.

(With inputs from AP)

Tamannaah, one of the leading actresses in Indian cinema,has worked across Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi film industries. Alongside her acting, she has also gained popularity for her dance performances. She is currently working on director Sundar C’s Tamil film Purushan, opposite Vishal, and has five Hindi projects in the pipeline.

Tamannaah wants to move beyond her glamorous image

Tamannaah, popularly known as the “Milky Beauty”, gained widespread attention with the song ‘Kaavaalaa’ from Rajinikanth’s Jailer. Her dance number ‘Aaj Ki Raat’ from the Hindi film Stree 2 also became a major hit, further boosting her popularity.

In a recent interview, Tamannaah spoke about her career and said she would like to play more challenging characters. However, she noted that filmmakers continue to approach her largely for item songs.

She said she wants directors to offer her roles that allow her to move beyond her glamorous image and establish herself more fully as an actor.

Tamannaah also spoke about the changing nature of cinema and said intimate scenes should not be viewed separately or judged negatively when they are required by the story.

Samantha shared a string of images from their holiday on Instagram. In the images, the couple was seen gorging at sumptuous meals, shopping for luxurious ensembles, sipping on coffees, and even enjoying a game of pickleball.

Samantha wrote: “Just us” along with the clock, evil eye, and baby emoji.

The actress’ best friend Kresha Bajaj, wrote “countdown begins” hinting at the arrival of her firstborn.

It was in July that news about the actress welcoming her first baby with Raj Nidimoru.

During a thank-you event for her recent film ‘Maa Inti Bangaaram’ in Hyderabad in July, Samantha officially confirmed her pregnancy and shared that she would be stepping away from work for a short period to begin her maternity break.

She was quoted as saying, “Sorry guys, one more small gap and then I will be back. I know I have to take maternity leave now. But I am very happy.”

Samantha and Raj got married in 2025, marking the second marriage for both. Samantha was earlier married to actor Naga Chaitanya from 2017 to 2021, while Raj Nidimoru was previously married to Shhyamali De.

Talking about Samantha, she made her acting debut in the Telugu romance film Ye Maaya Chesave in 2010. She was then seen in Neethaane En Ponvasantham and Eega, respectively.

Over the next few years, she played the leading lady in top-grossing androcentric films such as Dookudu, Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu, Attarintiki Daredi, Kaththi, Theri, 24, Mersal, and Rangasthalam.

Samantha gained further praise for her performances in Mahanati, Oh! Baby, Super Deluxe and Majili. She made her debut as a producer with the horror comedy Subham, leading to Maa Inti Bangaaram, her highest solo grosser.

After directing two films, Elan has stepped in front of the camera with Pyaar Prema Kalyanam, starring alongside Saanve Megghana. He says acting was always part of his plan, but financial constraints initially kept him away from the lead role.

“I initially wrote my first film for myself, but with the budget reaching Rs 2 crore, no producer was willing to back a newcomer. So, I chose to direct first and planned to act after three films. However, I decided to take the plunge after just two films”, says Elan.

To prepare for the role, Elan underwent acting training with Rejin Rose for a week. However, the trainer told him he was already on the right track and did not want to confuse him. “When a coach tells you that, it gives you a lot of confidence,” he says. He also rehearsed all the scenes with Saanve before the shoot.

The family conflicts in the film, meanwhile, were inspired by real-life observations. Elan separately interviewed his mother and his brother’s wife to understand how they would react to different situations. “Those reactions were recreated in the movie. Even small things, like buying rice, can become a big issue in a family.” When he later revealed their answers to each other, both were shocked, Elan recalls with a laugh.

Saanve says her character is completely different from her role in Kudumbasthan. “Though both movies deal about marriage and love, my earlier character was completely rural, whereas this is a modern one. I play an influencer who has a voice of her own. I’m happy that I got to perform two completely different characters,” she says.

She also reveals an amusing similarity with her character. “When I was young, I asked my mother why I should go to another family after marriage. Why can’t the guy come to our home?” she recalls with a giggle.

Elan says his acting debut also required some physical preparation. “I didn’t eat biryani for six months, even though it’s my favourite. I had to gain a few kilos, apart from the usual gym and skincare routine,” he says.

With the film directly releasing on Netflix, Elan admits he will miss the theatrical experience. “I’m definitely going to miss all the claps and whistles. But Netflix is the future and nobody can deny it,” he says.

Looking ahead, Elan says he wants to experiment with different genres, including an action comedy. His long time dream is to remake Adhe Kangal (2017) with international standards.

Meanwhile, he has no plans to push music composer Yuvan Shankar Raja into acting. “I’ve known him personally and he doesn’t have that thing in his mind. So I asked him not to act just because people are asking him to,” he says.

Directed by the Russo Brothers, the film is scheduled to hit theatres worldwide on December 18, 2026.

Advance bookings spark huge box-office expectations

According to a Daily Thanthi report, Avengers: Doomsday has already generated around $100 million through advance ticket sales. This is approximately Rs 950 crore when converted to Indian currency.

The early opening of ticket sales, nearly four months ahead of the film’s release, is being seen as a sign of the enormous anticipation surrounding the Marvel film.

Based on the strong response to advance bookings, early projections suggest that the film could earn around Rs 9,500 crore globally during its opening weekend. However, these figures are estimates and the actual box-office performance will be known only after the film’s release.

What is ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ about?

The film is expected to bring together several major Marvel characters as they face a new threat. While the makers have kept several plot details under wraps, Avengers: Doomsday is positioned as a major chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is expected to have a significant impact on the franchise's continuing storyline.

The film is directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo, who previously helmed Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

The film boasts a major ensemble cast, including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth and Pedro Pascal.

Prince Pictures, the production house producing the film, took to its social media timelines to share a video clip of the actor enjoying the process of dubbing for the film.

It wrote, "An actor who aces dubbing every single time! The explosive @iam_SJSuryahhaving fun….voicing his favourite dialogs. #OnceAspyAlwaysaSpy #Sardar2FromSep10."

A prologue released by the makers last year gave away the fact that actor S J Suryah plays the main antagonist in the film and that his character is called Black Dagger.

The film has triggered huge interest in fans and film buffs and a teaser released by the makers some time ago has only added to the excitement.

The teaser begins with an explosive action sequence in a flight that is in air. S J Suryah, then appears saying, "Silence, pin drop silence." He demands silence and then poses a puzzle, asking people to solve it, if they can.

"There are two spies. A father and a son. The father is a rugged person but a strong person. He is also very intelligent. The son is a cool guy. But he is tough. The show might be theirs but I am the show stealer. That is because I am their target," says S J Suryah even as viewers are treated to a series of action clips from the film.

He continues, "Technically, I am the good guy. They are the bad guys. The question is who is going to win this fight? Is it the good villain or the bad heroes? Do you know the answer?." The teaser ends with S J Suryah saying, "Come. Let's do Salsa!"

For the unaware, the film, which has triggered huge expectations, is to hit screens worldwide on September 10 this year.

The unit of the film had wrapped up its shooting in Bangkok in June last year.

Actress Malavika Mohanan, who shared a picture from the sets of the film in Bangkok on her Instagram stories, had in May last year, disclosed during a question and answer session with fans that she would be wrapping up 'Sardar 2' in June, 2025.

Interestingly, the unit completed a 100 days of shooting in April last year.

Director P S Mithran, in an exclusive interview to IANS earlier, had confirmed that dubbing work for the film was also being simultaneously carried out.

While announcing the sequel to Sardar, the makers had released a promo that showed Karthi’s character being sent as a spy to Cambodia. When asked whether the story indeed moved to Cambodia or whether it took place in China, Mithran had said, “Initially, the story goes to Cambodia and then shifts to China.”

On the technical front, 'Sardar 2' has cinematography by George Williams and music by Sam C S. Editing for the film is by Ruben and Art direction is by K Kadhir. Stunts for the film have been choreographed by Dhilip Subbarayan and the story for the sequel has been written by M R Pon Parthipan, Roju Bipin Ragu and Geevee.

"Chief Minister chaired a comprehensive review meeting today to assess preparations for the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026, scheduled from September 7 to 10," read a post from his official X handle.

The festival will feature film screenings, masterclasses for emerging filmmakers and cultural performances, he said.

Abdullah directed officials to ensure that Jammu and Kashmir's rich heritage, cuisine, handicrafts, art forms and iconic tourist destinations are prominently showcased during the festival.

He also called for meticulous planning and seamless inter-departmental coordination to establish IFFJK as an annual event on the global film calendar.

The first edition of the festival has received an overwhelming response from filmmakers with more than 1,100 entries for the event.

Created and directed by filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, the series is based on author Sanjeev Sanyal's book "Revolutionaries: The Other Story Of How India Won Its Freedom" and explores the lesser-known revolutionaries who played a role in India's freedom struggle, a press release said.

Set against the backdrop of India's freedom movement, "The Revolutionaries" follows four young revolutionaries -- Rash Behari Bose (Bam), Sachindra Nath Sanyal (Saraf), Pratibha Lahiri (Ranta) and Bagha Jatin (Pirzada).

Born in the aftermath of the 1857 revolt, the four characters are driven by their belief in justice, liberty and freedom as they embark on a dangerous path of armed resistance against the British Empire, according to the official logline.

Advani, known for shows such as "Freedom At Midnight", "Mumbai Diaries 26/11" and "Rocket Boys", said the project gave him an opportunity to bring lesser-known heroes of pre-independence India to audiences.

While inspired by real events and the accounts documented in Sanyal's book, Advani said the series has been approached as a character-driven action drama exploring rebellion, sacrifice, friendship and freedom.

"We have approached the series as a character-driven action drama that explores rebellion, sacrifice, friendship, and freedom through an emotional and cinematic lens. We have a successful long-standing relationship with Prime Video and it has been a wonderful experience to collaborate with the team again to bring this vision to life with the scale and creative ambition it deserves," the filmmaker said.

Prime Video India director and head of SVOD Originals Nikhil Madhok said the series brings together four "brave hearts" and their efforts to mobilise an armed resistance against the British Empire.

"'The Revolutionaries' is an adrenaline-fueled series, built around four brave hearts and their relentless efforts to mobilize a nationwide armed resistance against the British Empire," Madhok said.

Produced by Monisha Advani and Madhu Bhojwani under the banner of Emmay Entertainment, the series also features Jason Shah, Paoli Dam and Tota Roy Chowdhury in key roles.

"The Revolutionaries" will be available in Hindi, with dubs in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Bengali.

The new film, which is being produced under the banner of Varah Films as Production No. 1, features Nidhi Agarwal as the heroine and was recently launched in a grand fashion. Sources point out that the film will be a female-centric thriller.

The film, which is being produced by Suneeth Padolkar and which is being directed by 'Tantra' fame Srinivas Gopisetty, went on floors on a day the actress celebrated her birthday.

Taking to its social media timelines to announce the launch of the film, Varah Films wrote, "A new journey begins. A new world takes shape. With the Pooja Ceremony, #ProductionNo1 officially begins its journey. Today we celebrate the one at the heart of it. Happy Birthday, @AgerwalNidhhi."

Sources present at the film's launch event said that P. Ashok and P. Renuka switched on the camera for the inaugural shot. Heroine Nidhhi Agerwal, whose performances in her recent films -- Prabhas-starrer 'Raja Saab' and Pawan Kalyan-starrer 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu' -- caught the attention of critics, participated in the event along with the members of the film unit.

The makers also released a poster of the actress from the film on the occasion. Nidhi Agarwal's look in the poster is very interesting and gives the impression that she will be playing a character which she has not played before.The poster has Nidhhi Agerwal holding a lamp in one hand and shielding it with the other. In the background, the shape of a deity with several hands is visible.

Sources claim that the director has prepared a powerful story for this heroine-oriented film and added that the makers will soon reveal the title of the film.

Starring Chief Minister and leading Tamil cinema star Vijay, Jana Nayagan was released in theatres on July 23 after a long-drawn-out battle with certifying authorities, allegedly in connection with some portions of the film's content. It is said to be based on Anil Ravipudi's Bhagavanth Kesari, though the makers have neither confirmed nor denied this.

According to Sacnilk, the film collected Rs. 227.14 crore in India and Rs. 320.34 crore worldwide, registering a major commercial success.

Produced by Venkat K Narayana under the banner of KVN Productions, the film features Vijay alongside Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priyamani and Nizhalgal Ravi in prominent roles.

Anirudh Ravichander composed the music for the film, while Vivek penned the lyrics. Songs such as ‘Thalapathy Kacheri’ received a massive response from Vijay’s fans.

The film, which also stars Mamitha Baiju, has recorded a worldwide gross of Rs 120.88 crore, including Rs 45 crore from overseas markets.

Viswanath & Sons earns massive weekend collections

Released on August 14, the film opened to a gross of Rs 17.74 crore in India on its first day. Collections surged over the weekend, with the movie earning Rs 25.72 crore on Saturday (August 15) and Rs 23.75 crore on Sunday (August 16).

The three-day total stood at more than Rs 67 crore in India, indicating a strong response from audiences during the opening weekend.

After the weekend, collections dipped on Monday, the fourth day, with the film earning Rs 8.66 crore in India. This took its four-day domestic gross to Rs 75.88 crore.

Global milestone of Rs 120 crore

Suriya's Viswanath & Sons' overseas performance has further boosted its overall tally, contributing Rs 45 crore to its worldwide gross. With this, Viswanath & Sons crossed Rs 120 crore globally within four days.

Karnataka emerged as the film's biggest Indian market with Rs 30.50 crore, followed closely by Tamil Nadu with Rs 30 crore. Kerala contributed Rs 8.85 crore, while other Indian markets accounted for the remaining collections.

Movie's plot

Viswanath & Sons' revolves around sharpshooter Sanjay Viswanath, played by Suriya, and explores his relationship with his son born via surrogate Maddy (Mamitha Baiju). GV Prakash Kumar has composed the music and Nimish Ravi handled cinematography.

Raveena Tandon, Radikaa Sarathkumar, Rajiv Menon, Nassar and Bhavani Sre are among the supporting cast. If the film maintains its momentum during the weekdays, it could cross several more box-office milestones in the coming days.

Taking to its social media timelines, Lyca Productions, which is producing the film wrote,"Mark the date for the heist on October 2. #SIGMA is all set to light up the screens."

It may be recalled that the film was originally scheduled to hit screens on July 31 this year.

In fact, in July this year, actor Sundeep Kishan had announced that he had completed dubbing for his portions in the film.

Taking to his social media timelines, Sundeep Kishan had then said, "And Dubbing Wrapped for #Sigma .. July 31st release ..."

The film unit had wrapped up the film's shooting in December last year. Lyca Productions had taken to its social media timelines then to announce the wrapping up of shooting.

It had said, "#SIGMA shoot wrapped. Get ready for the Teaser on 23.12.25 at 5 PM."

The makers had also shared a video clip consisting of some Behind the scenes visuals and the team finally posing for a final wrap up picture.

The film is among the most eagerly awaited releases in Tamil as Jason Sanjay, who is making his debut as a director with 'Sigma', is the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and well known actor Vijay.

Sources say Catherine Tresa will be seen dancing alongside Sundeep Kishan for a vibrant track, composed by music director Thaman, in this film.

The foot-tapping number, which will be a highlight of the film, has been shot on an expansive and colourful set. Actor Sundeep Kishan's striking first-look poster that was unveiled recently captured him in a rugged, contemplative avatar. The poster set the tone for a high-octane adventure set against the backdrop of a treasure hunt brimming with mystery, wit, and adrenaline.

The story follows a maverick protagonist- a true Sigma, who charts his own path, breaking conventions and rising through grit and resilience. Blending edge-of-the-seat heist thrills with humor and heart, 'Sigma' will offer a refreshing new flavor to mainstream cinema, the sources point out.

The film boasts of a fine technical unit. It includes cinematographer Krishnan Vasant, editor Praveen K.L., and art director Benjamin M.

The multilingual project, filmed simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu, has traversed an exciting range of landscapes- from the bustling streets of Chennai and rugged terrains of Salem to the breathtaking Thalakona forests and exotic locales of Thailand.

Auditions will open from August 18, with aspiring singers able to register through the Sony LIV app. Speaking about the show, Rahman said, “The search for new voices is at the heart of music, voices that go on to reach millions.” He added that the journey would help uncover new talent, fresh perspectives and stories from different generations, while bringing together voices from across Tamil Nadu on one platform.

The auditions are not limited to those who can attend in person. Participants from anywhere can also audition through the Sony LIV app by selecting the Tamil Idol Audition section and completing the registration process with their personal details.

The talent hunt comes as Rahman continues to expand his work across languages and industries. He recently unveiled the soundtrack for Baab, an Arabic psychological fantasy thriller directed by Nayla Al Khaja, marking his first collaboration on an Arabic film.

The Baab soundtrack features 10 compositions and was released through Rahman’s music label KM Musiq, with worldwide distribution by Divo.

Produced by Kannan Ravi and Deepak Ravi under the banner of KRG Kannan Ravi Group, the film has Shanthnu playing the protagonist, with Seeman in a pivotal role. Sam CS has composed the music.

Set against the backdrop of Madurai, Oru Kaidhiyin Diary revolves around the relationship between a father and his son. According to sources close to the film, the story combines family emotions with action, while the lifestyle and milieu of Madurai form an important part of the narrative.

The motion poster has already drawn attention to the looks of Shanthnu and Seeman, with Mayin durai’s temple towers featuring prominently in the background. A handwritten-manuscript-like design and the title Oru KaidhiDiary.

The film marks the 10th production of KRG Kannan Ravi Group. The production house has previously backed projects including Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimayil and TN 2026.

For Suseenthiran, the film marks another exploration of the intersection of family drama, crime and action. Known for films such as Naan Mahaan Alla and Pandianadu, the filmmaker has often blended emotional narratives with commercial elements.

The makers are reportedly planning to complete the film in a single schedule.

The actress said she was excited about the new venture and added that food has a way of bringing people together.

“I’m excited to finally share this news with everyone. Celebrity MasterChef Tamil is unlike anything I’ve done before, and that’s exactly what made it impossible to say no,” Samantha said.

She said she was looking forward to watching popular Tamil celebrities enter the kitchen, experiment with food and compete with each other.

“What I am most excited about is watching some of our favourite Tamil celebrities step into the kitchen, take risks, make mistakes, surprise themselves and compete with a lot more passion than you’d expect!” she added.

Samantha also chose not to reveal the names of the participating celebrities. “I wish I could tell you who’s cooking, but where’s the fun in that?” she said.

Celebrity MasterChef Tamil is an adaptation of the globally popular ‘MasterChef’ format. The Tamil version will feature familiar faces from the Tamil film industry and bring local flavours to the show. The show is expected to premiere soon on Sony Vizha and Sony LIV. 

Speaking at the audio launch of director Mydeen's All Pass in Chennai, where he was the chief guest, Mansoor said he had danced with great energy alongside the other villains for a scene in the song ‘Naanga Naalu Peru’ from Karuppu but that portion was deleted.

Why did you cut my shots from the song, asks Mansoor Ali Khan

Mansoor said producer SR Prabhu had initially told him that the sequence was removed due to time constraints and would later be released on YouTube. However, he claimed that the scene was not released there either.

When he later asked the producer about it, Mansoor said he was told that the scene had been sold, calling the explanation an “irresponsible justification”.

“Why did you cut my shots from the song? My children kept asking. I danced inside a ring. They made us dance with great energy. Heroes get thousands of shots; I was made to act as a dummy in some scenes also. Saying the song was sold to an audio company is an irresponsible justification,” he fumed.

Mansoor said he wanted to know why his work had been removed without explanation. “I’m not a beggar to beg for scenes. But what I did, why is it cut? Why is it hidden? I have even asked directors to add in the contract that if scenes are not being used, they should inform us,” he said.

Mansoor recalled taking his children with him while the song was being shot. When they later went to watch the film, they asked why the song featuring him was missing. “I could not answer them,” he said.

Mansoor also referred to Suriya’s brief appearance in Vikram, saying that even a short appearance mattered to audiences. “Suriya came in Vikram for only five minutes, but it is for presence, right? There is an audience for everything,” he said, angrily demanding the makers to put out the scene featuring him, "if they had courage."

Mansoor said he has acted in more than 350 films and questioned what such treatment would mean for newcomers. “If this is the situation for someone like me, what will happen to newcomers?” he asked.

The use of the expression "VIMAL Elaichi" in the advertisement appeared to create an association with the Vimal Pan Masala brand and could mislead consumers while indirectly promoting the prohibited product, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said.

The issue was particularly serious because the advertisement used the same brand identity associated with Vimal Pan Masala, the FDA's Greater Mumbai division said in the notice issued on August 11, which described the three actors as brand endorsers and sought their response within 15 days.

Terming the notice a "final warning", it said the advertisement appeared prima facie to be a misleading advertisement relating to food and contrary to provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the regulations framed under it.

It also flagged possible violations concerning surrogate or indirect advertising under other laws and guidelines.

The FDA has directed the actors to immediately discontinue their participation in and endorsement of the Vimal Pan Masala/Elaichi advertisement and remove the promotional content from their official social media handles, websites and other digital platforms under their control.

It also directed them not to provide any further cooperation or assistance in the broadcasting, publication, dissemination or promotion of the advertisement in any form. The notice further asks the actors to furnish details of the due diligence undertaken by them or their agencies before participating in the campaign.

The action follows the FDA's examination of an advertisement for Vimal Elaichi, which it said was being disseminated through television channels, digital, social media platforms and other promotional media. According to the notice, the Vimal brand is prominently associated with pan masala in Maharashtra, where pan masala containing prohibited substances is banned.

The notice asked the actors to provide documentary evidence to show whether Vimal Elaichi is an independent product actually available for sale in the market or whether it constitutes a surrogate or brand-extension communication intended to promote Vimal pan masala or tobacco-related products.

They have also been asked to furnish copies and details of their endorsement agreements, campaign briefs, product information, payment or endorsement arrangements, as well as details of the advertising agency and brand owner involved in the campaign, said the order.

The FDA has sought details of all TV channels, digital and social media platforms and other media on which the advertisement was broadcast or published with the actors' participation, along with the period of such dissemination. The notice also seeks disclosure of any material connection between the endorsers and the advertiser or brand owner.

The actors have been given 15 days from the date of receipt of the notice to submit written explanations and supporting documents. They can also seek a personal hearing, either in person or through an authorised representative.

The FDA warned that if no explanation is received within the stipulated period, or if the explanation is found unsatisfactory, further action may be initiated without any further notice.

The notice comes against the backdrop of a prohibition order dated July 13, issued by the Maharashtra Food Safety Commissioner under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act. The order remains in force for one year and covers specified tobacco, nicotine and areca-nut-based prohibited food products.

The FDA said the Vimal brand was prominently associated with pan masala in the market and that enforcement action was being taken against the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of prohibited pan masala products in the state.

The department has also submitted copies of the notice to the Chief Executive Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Central Consumer Protection Authority for information and appropriate action.

It also refers to the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, including provisions requiring claims to be truthful, unambiguous and not misleading, and Regulation 15 concerning discontinuation and corrective advertisements.

Under Section 21 of the Consumer Protection Act, the Central Consumer Protection Authority can direct discontinuation or modification of a misleading advertisement, impose penalties on endorsers and, in specified circumstances, prohibit an endorser from endorsing products or services for a prescribed period.

The Maharashtra FDA, under Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, has been conducting widespread inspections of food outlets and products to check safety, hygiene, and related issues.

The actress attended the flag hoisting ceremony by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay at Fort St George. The couple is rumoured to be dating, and the actress turned the heads as she was seen sitting alongside Vijay's parents, SA Chandrasekhar and Shobha Chandrasekhar.

For the occasion, the actress donned a yellow saree paired with a green blouse, completing her look by tying her hair in a bun. She appeared to be in a cheerful mood.

A few videos circulating on the internet show the actor saluting the Jana Nayagan star as he passed by while performing his official duties at the ceremony.

The reports about the couple dating emerged in March this year. Prior to that, Vijay's wife of nearly three decades, Sangeetha Sornalingam, had filed for divorce, citing alleged infidelity and referring to an unnamed actress. Later, Vijay and Trisha wore matching outfits as they attended a wedding reception in Chennai.

The actress also attended the oath-taking ceremony of Vijay in May this year. Back then, the actress opted for a teal and gold saree paired with a cream blouse as she headed to Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai for Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony as the Chief Minister.

Her mother, Uma Krishnan, also accompanied her. This came after Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) failed to form the government multiple times earlier after the May 4 polling results.

Finally, Vijay formed the government in Tamil Nadu with the support of several smaller parties after Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly elections. The supporting allies include the Indian National Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian Union Muslim League, and Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam. Together, these parties helped TVK cross the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly.

Vijay’s party emerged as the single largest party after it secured 108 seats in the recently conducted Tamil Nadu assembly elections.

Directed by R Karthikeyan, the film stars Ashok Selvan and Preity Mukhundhan in the lead, with Sabu Mon, Abdul Samad, Kathir Balu and Maha Delhi Ganesh among the other cast members.

Composed by Govind Vasantha, ‘Aasai Varame’ features vocals by Chinmayi and Govind Vasantha, while the lyrics have been penned by Madhrashee. The song opens with the lines, “Nera nadhi theerum varai, neela alai oyum varai,” and explores the emotions of love through a soft melodic arrangement.

The track captures different shades of a young couple's relationship, including romance, intimacy, playful disagreements and affectionate moments. Govind Vasantha's composition, along with the vocals, gives the song a warm and youthful feel.

The story for Anbil Avan has been written by Vignesh Raja, who is known for directing Por Thozhil. Gowtham Rajendran is handling the cinematography, while R K Selva is in charge of editing. Manikandan Srinivasan has handled the art direction.

The film has been jointly produced by K Karuna Moorthy, Ashok Selvan and Abinaya Selvam under the banners of Ayngaran International and Happy High Pictures.

The makers are planning to release Anbil Avan in theatres in September. The positive response to ‘Aasai Varame’ has now added to the anticipation surrounding the film, which promises a romantic story with music and youthful elements at its core.

The timing of the update has added to the excitement, with the new display picture arriving at the beginning of the Independence month. Given the patriotic backdrop associated with Fauzi, fans have interpreted the change as more than just a social media update, viewing it as a symbolic transition from the Baahubali era to a new chapter in the actor's career.

The new image quickly caught the attention of fans, with social media platforms filling up with reactions to Prabhas' intense avatar. Many fans believe that the update could be an indication of the scale and ambition of Fauzi, while others have described it as the perfect way to begin the month of Independence.

Prabhas had retained his Baahubali display picture for years, making the sudden change particularly significant for his followers. The Baahubali franchise played a major role in establishing him as a pan-India star, and the image had subsequently become closely associated with his social media presence.

With the new look, discussions around Fauzi have gained fresh momentum across entertainment pages and fan communities. Fans are now eager to see more from the upcoming film and are speculating about Prabhas' character and the scale of the project.

The display picture change has therefore become a talking point among his followers, reigniting interest in Fauzi and adding to the anticipation surrounding Prabhas' next major release.

Mammootty was returning to Kerala after a film shoot in Karaikudi when his car was diverted because of highway work near Tirupattur. Unable to find the correct route despite using Google Maps, the actor and his companions reportedly spent more than an hour driving around the area.

Mammootty had left Karaikudi at around 2 am the day before yesterday, accompanied by film producer Anto Joseph and actor Ramesh Pisharody. They eventually stopped at a petrol station in Pattamangalam to ask for directions.

There, a man noticed the car. He told the group, “Follow me,” before riding away on his bike. Mammootty’s car followed him for around 10 km, after which the biker showed them the correct route towards Kerala.

The simple act of helping a stranded traveller became memorable when Ramesh Pisharody reportedly pointed out that nobody would believe the man if he later claimed to have guided Mammootty.

Mammootty then stepped out of the car, took the man’s mobile phone and posed for a photograph with him. When the actor asked his name, the man introduced himself as Pandian.

Anto Joseph later shared the encounter on his social media page along with a video.

The video shows Mammootty following Pandian’s bike and singing lines from a song from the Tamil film Thalapathi. After reaching the correct route, Mammootty is seen embracing Pandian and introducing him as his friend.

The gesture and the actor’s words have drawn attention on social media, with the encounter offering a glimpse of Mammootty’s interaction with a stranger who had simply stopped to help him find his way.

Mammootty was in Karaikudi for the shooting of a new film directed by Nithish Sahadevan, who earlier directed Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil, starring Jiiva.

According to a Maalaimalar report, the actress recently underwent the procedure after experiencing health issues. Following her discharge from hospital, Shakeela shared details of her condition and treatment in a video posted on her YouTube channel.

Shakeela urges people to limit mobile phone use

Shakeela was seen wearing a neck collar in the video, as advised by doctors after the surgery. The video also included footage from her hospital treatment.

She said she had developed the problem after spending long periods playing games on her mobile phone while lying tilted to one side on the bed. According to her, the condition affected important nerves in her neck and eventually required surgery costing around Rs 3 lakh.

Urging people to use mobile phones responsibly, she said, “The phone is a very useful device, but don't use it more than necessary.” She also advised parents not to give mobile phones to children unnecessarily.

Shakeela used humour and self-deprecating remarks while explaining her condition, but stressed that excessive phone use should not be taken lightly.

Directed by Venky Atluri and the film is jointly produced by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under the Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas banners. The film has opened to packed theatres, with fans turning up in large numbers for the early shows.

1.72 lakh tickets sold in 24 hours

Around 1,72,230 tickets (172.23K) for Viswanathan & Sons were booked online in the past 24 hours. With the average ticket price estimated at Rs 150, the online bookings have generated approximately Rs 2.5 crore.

Positive reviews from the morning shows and the upcoming weekend have further boosted interest in the film. Tickets for several subsequent shows are reportedly selling quickly, raising expectations that the film's box office collection could increase significantly over the coming days.

The film opens with Suriya, playing Sanjay Vishwanath, a man in his 40s, competing in the shooting event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Even after masked men destroy his gun, he manages to clinch the gold medal, which is later revealed to be yet another wish of his mother. A brief flashback introduces Rajiv Menon as his father and Radikaa Sarathkumar as his mother, with his father teaching the young Suriya about money, life and how to navigate difficult situations.

The actual story of Vishwanath & Sons begins when Suriya returns home, only to face the age-old pressure from his ageing mother, who wants her son to get married and provide an heir to the family. To fulfil her wish, Suriya travels to the US and later returns with a baby born via a surrogate, to everyone's shock. When the newborn is diagnosed with a health condition, Suriya sets out in search of the child’s mother and discovers it to be Maddy, played by Mamitha Baiju, who is 20 years younger than him.

What happens between Suriya and Mamitha and how he resolves other complications within his family form the rest of the story.

The director thoughtfully handles the age difference between Suriya and Mamitha’s characters. Their growing friendship, Suriya’s reluctance to acknowledge his feelings, and his refusal to give in to Mamitha’s pressure and that of everyone around them to marry her are among the better-written portions of the film. Though there are only a handful of scenes exploring this conflict, they leave a lasting impression.

The humour and the performances of the cast keep Vishwanath & Sons engaging. The depiction of Suriya’s extravagant lifestyle, from his massive mansion filled with servants and butlers to his limousines and private jets, adds a larger-than-life quality to the film.

Suriya carries the film with his elegance and screen presence, although the writing occasionally leaves the protagonist in the background as the narrative shifts towards the supporting characters. Mamitha Baiju brings warmth and charm to her character, delivering one of her best performances. Holding her own alongside Suriya with ease and confidence is no mean feat. Though her American accent sounds odd in a few places, her comic timing and dance sequences work well. Radikaa Sarathkumar, as always, delivers a strong performance, with her reactions reaching a high point when Mamitha expresses her interest in Suriya.

Vishwanath & Sons occasionally takes detours to deliver messages about saving farmers and features a lengthy monologue centred on the father-son relationship between Suriya’s former driver and his son, who feels embarrassed about his father’s profession. These scenes felt unnecessary and interrupted the otherwise smooth-flowing narrative.

GV Prakash Kumar’s background score complement's the mood of the film in several portions but the music overall doesn’t leave an impression.

The film touches upon themes of anger, forgiveness and family values, but its treatment of the extramarital relationship lacks depth. The writing does not delve enough into the emotional complications arising from it, while some of the other ideas it introduces also remain underexplored. Some of the message-driven portions, too, feel forced. But overall, Vishwanath and Sons remains enjoyable for its emotional moments and particularly good performances from Suriya, Radikaa Sarathkumar and Mamitha Baiju.

Taking to his social media timelines to share the update, Prithviraj said, "#KHALIFA Censored U/A 16+ In theatres worldwide from 20th August 2026!" The makers have already revealed that actress Mohini plays a character called Noorjahan while Kyraa Vasudevan plays Vyshanavi in the film, which will have Master Nafash playing Rushin.

Actor Shammi Thilakan plays a character called Raghavan in the film that will have Shine Varghese appearing as Sudhip. For the unaware, the unit of the film had wrapped up its shooting in June this year. The 'Khalifa' unit had gone to Dubai earlier this year to shoot some important sequences in the film. The film is among the most eagerly awaited action entertainers of the year.

Some days ago, the film had hit the headlines when Prithviraj had shared a younger looking picture of himself in the film on Instagram. He had written, "AAMIR - The story that was…! #KHALIFA." Prithviraj plays a character called Aamir Ali in the film. The actor had shared a glimpse video of Khalifa on his birthday last year. He had then said, "A revenge forged by a lineage that spans generations! Next Onam.. Aamir Ali will write his vengeance in gold! #KHALIFA - The Ruler."

The Khalifa Glimpse that he shared began with a voice on a news bulletin announcing that police and customs officials had unearthed a multi million dollar gold smuggling racket operating out of the middle east. The racket, audiences were informed, was being carried out through networks in London, Nepal and Kerala. An old man gets interrogated by a customs official called Panicker, who tells the person being questioned that his colleague Aamir is finished and that he can be hauled to jail wherever he sets foot in India. Panicker tries to intimidate the person being questioned, by citing the COFEPOSA act.

The glimpse video then showed the interrogated person replying, "Do you know how the COFEPOSA came into being?" Some scintillating action scenes of which Prithviraj was a part followed this part of the Glimpse video. The interrogated person then goes onto explain how the COFEPOSA act came into being. "Up north, there was Sukur Naren Bakhia and Haji Mastan.Down south, it was Mudaliar and Mambaraykkal Ahmed Ali. The four of them were a nightmare for Mrs Gandhi.That is what led her to pass the COFEPOSA Act in Parliament in 1974. And even then, using the COFEPOSA, she couldn't keep Ahmed Ali behind bars for even half an hour. Aamir is the grandson of that very same Ahmed Ali."

He then, in a challenging tone, asks the official to nab Aamir, saying that it is then that he'll witness the real fireworks like the one in the Uroos festival at the Mambaram mosque. The video gave the impression that the film would be a gripping thriller with some edge-of-seat chase and stunt sequences in it.

Taking to his X timeline to pen a heartfelt post of determination, ahead of the film's release, Vishal wrote, "Yes I Will not give up. Never Ever. I am Vishal “God's child”. The more the challenges, the more I will rise because I stand to look at the mirror without hesitation and shame because I do my job with grit and determination and will power."

Pointing out that he would always go that extra mile to fulfill his job as an actor in a bid to satisfy all his audiences worldwide whom he considers equal to God as it was they who had made him what he was today in the film industry and in the society, he wrote, " I bring myself today in front of you all. My 35 years dream has come true," he wrote, referring to the fact that he had officially turned director with his film Magudam/Makutam. "Done my job. Waiting to show you all what we all worked on for the last 14 months. Worldwide release. Bring it on. Let the shows begin. God bless," he wrote.

For the unaware, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has cleared 'Magudam' for release with an 'U/A' certificate. The film, the shooting of which was wrapped up in June this year, was originally expected to hit screens in July. However, the makers chose to postpone the release to August 14 this year.

In June this year, Vishal had taken to his X timeline to announce the completion of the film's shoot. He had said, "And it’s a wrap !! Simultaneously post production under way ! Magudam/Makutam worldwide in theatres in July, God Bless. #Magudam #Makutam #SGF99 #DirectorVishal." The actor also posted a brief video clip on his timeline in which he appeared in a few of the getups he would be seen in the film. The actor said, " From today, this character is over. Shooting has been wrapped up. Moving on! Post production in full swing."

The makers of the film had completed filming a massive climax sequence in November last year. Taking to his X timeline, the actor, who had shared a video clip that gave glimpse of the humongous amount of work that had gone into shooting the climax, wrote, "Climax Sequence: DONE. 17 days. Non-stop. High-voltage action. #Magudam / #Makutam enters its next phase."

Vishal Film Factory, the production house of the actor, had released a video clip that gave a glimpse of the unit shooting the intense action sequence. The production house had also gone on to say, "Vishal’s’ Directoral Debut movie Magudam/Makutam climax goes massive. Intense action at its peak with 100 stuntmen and 800 crew members." For the unaware, well known director Ravi Arasu was directing this film in its initial stages.

However, a difference of opinion between director Ravi Arasu and actor Vishal resulted in Ravi Arasu opting out of the film half way through and Vishal taking over as director of the film. Vishal while confirming that he had taken over as the director of 'Magudam' had said the decision to direct this film was not made out of compulsion but out of responsibility.

Taking to his Instagram page to share a statement, Venky Atluri wrote, "Gratitude. Indebted. For all the love and support we’ve received… truly grateful. This is for all of Suriya sir’s Anbaana fans and every movie lover out there. We’ve poured our hearts into #VishwanathAndSons and I sincerely hope you love what we’ve created."

He went on to add, "As I’ve been saying, the film has more than 90% entertainment… filled with laughter, emotions, warmth and moments you can enjoy with your families and loved ones. Can’t wait for you all to experience it." In his statement, the director, who has directed the film featuring Suriya and Mamitha Baiju in the lead, wrote, "As #VishwanathAndSons reaches the audience in a few more hours, my heart is filled with gratitude.

This has been an incredibly special journey, and I feel blessed to have had such wonderful people stand by me and this story." Thanking Suriya and Mamitha Baiju, the lead actors of the film, the director wrote, "Suriya sir... Thank you for trusting me with Sanjay Vishwanath and bringing him to life with so much warmth, charm and soul. Working with you is an experience I'll cherish forever. Mamitha... You brought such freshness, energy and emotion to the film and made your character truly special.

"He also went on to thank other artistes in the film like Radhikaa Sarathkumar, Raveena Tandon, Nassar, Sudha, Sarvadaman, Raghubabu, Sunil Reddy, Hyper Aadhi and Charvik." The director, in his statement, while thanking his techinicians, pointed out that GV Prakash's music had become the soul of so many moments and that it had elevated the emotions beautifully.

He also went on to say to his cinematographer Nimish that he had captured every emotion and the world of #VAS with such beauty. "Your frames speak for themselves," he said as he thanked the cameraman. The director also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his producers Vamsi and Sai Soujanya for believing in him and his story right from day one and for standing by him with unwavering trust and support throughout the journey.

After thanking every member of the unit, the director concluded the note saying,"And to the entire cast and crew... this journey wouldn't have been possible without each and every one of you. Truly grateful for everything you've brought to this film. #VishwanathAndSons is yours from TOMORROW. Go experience it with your families and loved ones."