Published in 2008, Unaccustomed Earth became Lahiri's first book to top The New York Times Best Seller list. Her work was previously adapted into Mira Nair’s The Namesake (2006).

Freida Pinto rose to international fame with Slumdog Millionaire (2008). Siddharth was seen in this year's Operation Safed Sagar and Lust Stories 3.

Short stories into a series

Writer and showrunner Madhuri Shekar, known for her work on 3 Body Problem (2024) and The Nevers (2021), has reimagined Lahiri's 8 short stories into one full-fledged series, bringing in characters from all the stories.

Unaccustomed Earth is the story of an interconnected Indian American Bengali community in Cambridge, Massachusetts. At the center is Parul Chaudhury (Freida Pinto), a devoted wife and mother whose return to Cambridge after five years in Mumbai brings her face-to-face with Amit Mukherjee (Siddharth), the love she never quite left behind.

“This image came to me of all of these characters from the different stories sitting around the Thanksgiving table together,” says Shekar. “In the book, the one thing the stories have in common is that they’re all set in Cambridge, Massachusetts. So if all of these people technically live in the same spot, what if they all know each other? And then, suddenly, these connections started forming between them. This beautiful community just blossomed.”

The cast and crew

The series stars an ensemble of Indraneil Sengupta, Parveen Kaur, Adi Roy, Iyla Sundarsingh McKaig, Justin Bartha and Palomi Ghosh along with Pinto and Siddharth.

The executive producers include Madhuri Shekar, Jhumpa Lahiri, John Wells, Nisha Ganatra (Freakier Friday (2025), Late Night (2019)), Erica Saleh, Erin Jontow, and Celia Costas. Ritesh Batra of The Lunchbox (2013) fame also executive produces and directs the first two of the eight episodes.

Unaccustomed Earth reunites Netflix, Wells, and Warner Bros. Television, following the critically acclaimed drama Maid (2021) and the hit series UNTAMED (2025).

The guidelines have been revised for the first time in nearly 35 years, retaining most existing provisions while introducing a specific warning for drug-related scenes. The previous guidelines were issued in December 1991.

In addition, the government has also reconstituted the CBFC with an 18-member board for a three-year term, including actors Suniel Shetty, Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi and Prosenjit Chatterjee, filmmaker Priyadarshan, musician Ricky Kej and others. The board will function under Shashi Shekhar Vempati who replaced Prasoon Joshi, following his appointment as the chairman of Prasar Bharati.

From curbing excess violence to protecting India’s sovereignty, the revised guidelines lay down the following provisions for film certification:

1. Responsible Entertainment

The film should remain responsible and sensitive to the values and standards of society while providing clean and healthy entertainment. The film should, as far as possible, have aesthetic value and be of good cinematic standard.

2. Creative Freedom And Social Change

Film certification is responsive to social change, and the Board should take account of such changes. The guidelines also state that artistic expression and creative freedom should not be unduly curbed.

3. No Glorification Of Violence

Anti-social activities such as violence should not be glorified or justified. Modus operandi of criminals or content likely to incite offences should not be depicted. Children should not be shown as victims, perpetrators or witnesses to violence. Abuse or ridicule of disabled persons and needless cruelty to animals should also be avoided.

4. Curbing Violent Imagery

Scenes that glorify, dehumanise and desensitise people towards violence should not be shown. Pointless or avoidable scenes of violence, cruelty and horror, or violence primarily intended to provide entertainment, should also not be shown.

5. Drug And Substance Warning

Scenes that have the effect of justifying or glorifying drinking, drug addiction or tobacco consumption should be avoided. While showing scenes with narcotic drugs, a statutory warning should follow. The warning: “Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantee Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs.”

6. Vulgarity And Obscenity

Scenes that offend people with their vulgarity, obscenity or depravity; words that could have dual meanings; scenes degrading women should be avoided.

7. Sexual Violence Curbs

Scenes depicting sexual violence against women, like an attempt to rape, rape or any form of molestation, and also sexual perversions should be avoided and, if germane to the theme, kept to a minimum without showing details.

8. Respect For Communities

Visuals or words contemptuous of racial, religious, or other groups should not be presented.

9. No Anti-National Content

Visuals or words which promote communal, obscurantist, anti-scientific and anti-national agendas should not be presented. The guidelines also state that friendly relations with foreign States should not be strained.

10. Protecting National Integrity

The Board should ensure that scenes do not call into question the sovereignty and integrity of India or endanger the security of the State and public order.

National symbols and emblems should only be shown in accordance with the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.

11. Respect For Courts

Visuals that tend to disregard or undermine the dignity of the Court shall be considered 'Contempt of Court'. The guidelines also cover visuals or words involving defamation of an individual or a body of individuals.

12. Context Of The Era

The film should be judged in light of the time period it belongs to while ensuring that it does not deprave the morality of the audience.

13. Age-Based Certification

Films may be certified with age-based UA markers: UA 7+, UA 13+ or UA 16+, depending on suitability for children below seven, 13 or 16 years with parental guidance.

Films found unsuitable under the criteria but considered suitable for adults may be certified for adult audiences only. For unrestricted public exhibition, the film should be suitable for family viewing, including children.

Titled 'Ondra Renda – 25 Years of GVM,' the concert will take audiences through music, stories and memories from Menon's 25-year journey in cinema.

Unlike a conventional concert, Menon himself will take the stage to narrate the stories and creative inspirations behind songs from his films, including Minnale and Vaaranam Aayiram.

The Kuala Lumpur show will feature singers Karthik, Shruti Haasan, Krishh, Blaaze, Saindhavi, Paal Dabba, Sathya Prakash and Haripriya. The musicians' ensemble includes Keba Jeremiah, Lalit Talluri, Manoj Kumar, Keith Peters and Bhuvanesh Narayanan.

The concert will be held at The Arch Galeries on Jalan Tun Razak. The venue's concert hall can accommodate up to 5,550 people, and organisers expect more than 5,000 cinema enthusiasts and families to attend the event.

Menon has previously spoken about how music plays a central role in his filmmaking, saying he often has songs in mind even before developing his films.

Ahead of his ‘Yennodu Vaa Veedu Varaikum’ concert earlier this year, he told DT Next: “I was completely inspired by songs, which is why I forayed into movies. The songs I grew up with contributed to why I entered this industry. Even when I write, I listen to songs. Which is why, my narratives have also leaned predominantly towards being musical as well as lyrical,” he added.

The concert is organised by My Events International in collaboration with Radaan. It has been conceptualised and created by Oru Oorile Oru Film House and Preethi Srivijayan, with BeatRoute serving as the creative promotions partner.

Written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, the film is set in rural Maharashtra and plays out over a night of a traditional ritual centred around a newly-wed couple. The film was chosen for Oscars 2027 from a list of 33 films, said P Seshadri, chairperson of the selection committee.

Last year, India picked Neeraj Ghaywan's pandemic drama "Homebound" for its official submission to the Oscars. However, it could not make it to the final nominations.

"Ghondal" is the fourth Marathi film to be selected for the Oscars. The earlier titles were "Court (2015), "Harishchandrachi Factory" (2009), "Shwaas" (2005).

No Indian film has managed to win in the Best International Feature film segment, which was earlier known as the Best Foreign Film category.

Only three Indian films have received nominations in the category -- Mehmood Khan’s “Mother India”, Mira Nair’s “Salaam Bombay” and Ashutosh Gowarikar’s “Lagaan”. Deepa Mehta’s “Water”, starring John Abraham and Lisa Ray, also received a nomination but it was submitted from Canada.

The 99th Oscars will take place on Sunday, March 14, 2027.

The government is working to provide better facilities for artistes, new opportunities for technicians and modern platforms for the younger generation, Shelar was quoted as saying in an official release.

He was speaking at an event organised by the Maharashtra Film, Theatre and Cultural Development Corporation under the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan'.

Film City managing director Swati Mhaske Patil, deputy manager Prashant Sajanikar, National Gallery of Modern Art director Nidhi Chowdhury and a large number of artistes, technicians and singers were present.

Studio No. 1 at Chitranagari was inaugurated by Shelar. He said the improved infrastructure would provide better facilities for shooting and film production, and the government was working to develop Chitranagari as a modern production centre.

Two new ambulances were also provided through 'Doctors For You' for artistes, technicians and employees. With the existing ambulance, Chitranagari now has three ambulances.

A free bus service to Chitranagari has also been started, the release said.

An advanced fire-fighting system has been made operational at Chitranagari, the release said. It will cater to 15 studios, the administrative building, helipad, Khandala Ghat and the area around the managing director's residence.

Chitranagari is the first Maharashtra government property to receive the final fire-safety No Objection Certificate, the release said.

A special photography exhibition, 'Lens and Legacy: Bollywood's Visual Journey', organised jointly by the National Gallery of Modern Art and Chitranagari, was inaugurated by Shelar on this occasion. PTI MR KRK

Talking to IANS on the sidelines of the film's launch event, which was held at the Music Academy, Allu Aravind said, "Fans can expect the film to hit screens anytime post August 2027."

Titled 'MS - A Legacy on Screen', the film, which has triggered huge expectations and excitement among fans of the iconic singer, is to be directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri. Rashmika Mandanna is to play the lead role in the film, which is to have music by one of the country's top music directors, Anirudh.

Director Gowtam Tinnanuri, who is to direct the eagerly awaited 'MS - A Legacy on Screen', the biopic of legendary Carnatic singer and Bharat Ratna Awardee M S Subbulakshmi, has already made it clear that they would want to capture the human side of the iconic singer's life in the film.

Speaking at the film's launch event, director Gowtam Tinnanuri disclosed that his entire team had been researching on the great singer for the last one year.

He said, "For the last one year, our entire team was constantly living with one name, M.S. Subbulakshmi Amma. When we started our work, we first thought we were working on a picture in which we had to show India's greatest musician ever produced. But after getting into the story, we slowly realised that it was not simply about a great musician. It's about an extraordinary life."

He went on to add, "When you see M.S. Amma's life, the Bharat Ratna, the great stages, the great concert halls -- all these are just parts of her life. But behind all these, there is a human being, there is a daughter, there is an artiste, there is a woman who dreamed, who saw success, who saw failure, who did a lot of sacrifice. We want to capture that human side of M.S. Amma's life in this film."

The director said, "I am so glad there are lot of youngsters who have come here. We live in a very fast-paced world. Fame comes overnight and probably success is measured by the number of likes, shares and subscribers that one gets. On the other hand, when you see M.S. Amma, her greatness was built over a lifetime through sheer discipline and patience. And I think that's a very good and very powerful message what we can take to the next generation."

Gowtam Tinnanuri also sought to reassure the fans of the great singer that the team looking to make the biopic understood the great responsibility they had.

"From the entire team, I would like to say one thing. We truly understand the magnitude of this story. And whatever the frame we create or whatever the script we write, everything comes from the deep respect and love for M.S. Amma. We are grateful. I am talking on behalf of the entire team. We are grateful and we really thank God for giving us this opportunity to spend this part of our lives with the story of M.S. Amma," he reassured.

For the unaware, the film is to be produced by Allu Aravind's Geetha Arts in association with Rockline Entertainment and Bunny Vas Works.

A Vijaya Subramanian, authorised signatory of White Nights Entertainments, filed a petition before the court stating that a deed of partnership was executed with director Ajay Gnanamuthu on January 2, 2023, for the production, marketing, and distribution of feature films.

The petitioner stated that the partnership covered the Demonte Colony franchise, including future sequels such as Demonte Colony 3 and Demonte Colony 4. He added that following the commercial success of Demonte Colony 2, both parties mutually settled their accounts and agreed to produce Demonte Colony 3 under the deed.

However, he alleged that Ajay Gnanamuthu joined hands with Passion Studios without his knowledge and conducted a pooja ceremony for the film on July 7, 2025. When confronted, the director reportedly assured him that Passion Studios was involved only for technical and logistical facilitation, and that Subramanian would continue as joint producer with his credits included in title cards and profits shared as per the agreement.

The petitioner further alleged that the director and Passion Studios later applied for CBFC certification without informing him, concealing his name and production house. The film was granted CBFC certification on July 14, 2026. He alleged that the director subsequently refused to include his name or production house in promotional materials and title cards.

Subramanian sought an interim injunction restraining Ajay Gnanamuthu from releasing, exhibiting, or commercially exploiting Demonte Colony 3 in theatres, on OTT platforms, or through any other media pending disposal of arbitral proceedings.

Granting an interim stay on the release of Demonte Colony 3, Justice K Kumaresh Babu also directed director Ajay Gnanamuthu to file his response within four weeks and adjourned the hearing.

The makers announced the update with an intriguing new poster featuring an elaborate stone-like artwork depicting human figures, water, waves and a serpent. The announcement describes Vettuvam as “a world beyond all we’ve known” and “a world unlike any other”, while teasing the video as an introduction to the film’s world.

Directed by Pa Ranjith, Vettuvam stars Arya, V R Dinesh and Sobhita Dhulipala in prominent roles. Dinesh, who reunites with Ranjith after Attakathi, is reportedly playing a martial arts practitioner, while Arya is said to be portraying a gangster. The film also features Kalaiyarasan, Mime Gopi and others.

The project, which was first announced at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022, marks Ranjith’s return to direction after Thangalaan. GV Prakash Kumar is composing the music.

Ranjith is producing the film under Neelam Productions along with S Sai Devanand and S Sai Venkateswaran of Learn and Teach Production.

Daayra is an intense crime thriller that unfolds through two parallel tracks — one tracing the events leading to the encounter and the other following the investigation into it. Meghna Gulzar handles the unconventional narrative structure well, weaving in references to several such crimes that frequently make headlines.

The film also draws from the 2012 Delhi gang-rape case, which led to significant legal and social outcomes. In one striking exchange, Ajooni responds to a colleague who says the system has changed since the Delhi incident. “The system has changed, but not the people,” she says. The dialogue captures the film’s central question: what happens when people lose faith in the judicial process and take the law into their own hands?

What makes Daayra gripping, despite the audience already knowing the incident and its outcome, is Meghna's focus on the people and emotions surrounding it. The director explores the trauma, personal struggles and reactions of those caught in the aftermath, keeping the narrative engaging beyond the central incident. The film also uses moments of sarcastic humour, offering some much-needed relief from its otherwise heavy subject. Importantly, the humour emerges naturally from the characters and their situations, without diluting the film's intensity.

Film: Daayra Director: Meghna Gulzar Cast: Kareena Kapoor and Prithviraj Sukumaran Synopsis: Inspired by true events, Daayra follows DCP Raman Kumar and DCP Ajooni Kohli as a controversial case places them on opposing sides of the same system. Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Kareena and Prithivraj do justice to their respective roles. The characters navigate a range of conflicting emotions and intense chase sequences, with the entire cast delivering convincing performances throughout.

Coming to Amit Trivedi’s music, unlike the loud background scores often associated with crime thrillers, his restrained approach enhances the emotional weight of the story.

What the film fails to explore adequately, however, are the personal lives of its lead characters. Raman Kumar’s family gets very little screen time, leaving the audience with limited insight into his life beyond his profession. Ajooni Kohli, meanwhile, has her own battle as she seeks justice for her father, a judge. This subplot offers some understanding of her commitment to the judicial process, but it is not developed enough to establish her motivations. The jail scene introducing her character also feels out of place.

But, overall, Daayra is an engaging and gritty crime thriller that effectively presents two contrasting approaches to justice through the two cops: Raman Kumar, who believes in delivering justice by eliminating criminals, and Ajooni Kohli, who chooses to pursue it through the judicial system and due process. Despite being led by two major stars, the film keeps Prithviraj and Kareena apart for most of its runtime, with the two sharing the screen only in the climax. Even then, Meghna Gulzar refrains from providing a definitive answer. They walk away in different directions, leaving the audience to decide which approach they agree with. And that brings the film back to its central thought — there is nothing purely black or white when it comes to justice.

Swapna Cinemas, the production house producing the film, took to its social media timelines to make the announcement.

It wrote, "The journey to the stars begins. #AakasamLoOkaTara / #AOTMovie - 20th November 2026 in theatres. Come along… there’s a beautiful world waiting for you. #AOTonNOV20th @dulQuer @pavansadineni @GeethaArts @SwapnaC."

It may be recalled that the makers had marked the birthday of actor Dulquer Salmaan earlier this year by releasing a new poster of the actor from the film and announcing that he played a character called Krishna in the film.

It may be recalled that the makers the film had some months ago introduced Satvika Veeravalli as the lead of the film.

The film, which is being produced by Sandeep Gunnam and Ramya Gunnam under the Light Box Media banner, is being presented by well known production houses Geetha Arts and Swapna Cinema.

Geetha Arts, which is one of the firms presenting the film, had taken to its Instagram page to share the introduction video of the actress. It wrote, "She carries a dream bigger than the sky…. Introducing Satvika Veeravalli - The dreamer who gives wings to #AakasamLoOkaTara #AOTMovie."

The introduction video begins with a child, pointing to the sky and asking "How do I go to space?" Viewers are then given a glimpse of the heroine.The introduction video shows Satvika Veeravalli as a youngster from the rural parts who is dissuaded from pursuing her dream of going to space.

We hear a man's voice saying, "Coming from a village that has no roads, you harbour plans of going to space? First, you show us if you can cross the borders of the village. Then, we'll see."

It is evident that the film will revolve around the character that Satvika Veeravalli plays and that she is actually the protagonist. The film is about a girl from a remote rural region realising her dream of becoming an astronaut and going to space.

The film boasts of a fantastic technical team. It has two-time National Award winner G V Prakash Kumar scoring music for it. Cinematography for the film is by one of the best in business, Sujith Sarang. The film has editing by National Award winning editor K L Praveen.

What awards did the film Tourist Family win?

The film won six awards in the Critics' Choice categories - Best Film, Best Debut Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Male Playback Singer and Best Comedian.

Abishan Jeevinth won Best Debut Director, while Sasikumar and Simran received the Best Actor and Best Actress awards respectively. Yogi Babu won Best Comedian, while Vijay Yesudas won Best Male Playback Singer for the song Iragey.

About the film Tourist Family

Directed by debutant Abishan Jeevinth, Tourist Family stars Sasikumar and Simran and revolves around Sri Lankan Tamil refugees seeking shelter in Tamil Nadu. The film blends comedy, family sentiment and humanity.

Sean Roldan composed the music, Aravind Viswanathan handled cinematography and Bharath Vikraman was the editor. The film stars Sasikumar, Simran, Yogi Babu, Mithun Jai Shankar, Kamalesh, MS Bhaskar and Ramesh Thilak, among others.

Tourist Family was jointly produced by Nazareth Pasilian, Mahesh Raj Pasilian and Yuvaraj Ganesan under Million Dollar Studios and MRP Entertainment.

What award did Dhruv Vikram win?

Dhruv Vikram won the SIIMA Best Actor award for his performance in Bison Kaalamadan, marking the third film of his career to receive the honour.

About the film Bison Kaalamadan

Directed by Mari Selvaraj, the film sees Dhruv portray a kabaddi player from rural Tamil Nadu who overcomes preconceived notions, violence and family obstacles in pursuit of his dream of becoming a renowned kabaddi player. His performance involved changes in appearance, body language and acting style to suit the character.

Anupama Parameswaran, director Ameer, director Lal, Pasupathy and Rajisha Vijayan play key roles in the film.

Bison Kaalamadan was produced by Sameer Nair, Deepak Segal and Aditi Anand of Applause Entertainment, along with Pa Ranjith of Neelam Studios. It was produced by Ranjith and others.

Following the SIIMA recognition, Dhruv Vikram is currently working on his next project, the action film Jacky - No Retakes Allowed, directed by Karan Arvind Kumar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers.

How much did Mandaadi collect in six days?

Mandaadi reportedly earned a net collection of Rs 4.40 crore in India on its sixth day, September 15. Its total net collection in India has reached Rs 58.78 crore.

The film has reportedly collected Rs 10.65 crore overseas, taking its worldwide collection to Rs 69.43 crore.

Directed by Mathimaran Pugazhendhi, Mandaadi follows fishing captain Muthukaali (Soori), who uses his maritime knowledge to lead a six-member team in a traditional boat race along Tamil Nadu’s coast during a festival. The film is produced by Elred Kumar under RS Infotainment

In DT Next's review of Mandaadi, we wrote, "The film works best when it stays close to the sea, its people and its sport. The first half moves at a good pace and keeps the audience curious about what comes next. The boat-training sequences and races are among the strongest portions, with SR Kathir’s cinematography capturing the scale of the sea and the races beautifully."

The film stars Soori, Mahima Nambiar and Suhas, among others. Music is composed by GV Prakash Kumar.

How much did Sardar 2 collect in six days?

Karthi’s Sardar 2, directed by PS Mithran, reportedly collected Rs 54 lakh net in India on its sixth day.

The film has reportedly recorded a total worldwide collection of Rs 20.47 crore.

Sardar 2 follows RAW agent Vijay (Karthi), who uncovers a deadly bioweapon threat and races against time to stop it from being detonated. His mission takes an unexpected turn when he discovers that his father, Sardar (Karthi), presumed dead, is still alive.

DT Next, in its review of Sardar 2, wrote: "The film is more effective when it explores the emotional trauma of a RAW agent following a mission gone wrong... however, several plot points introduced in the first half are rushed through or lack a satisfying payoff."

The film stars Karthi, Malavika Mohanan, SJ Suryah, Yogi Babu and Nizhalgal Ravi, and is produced by Prince Pictures and IVY Entertainment. Music is composed by Sam CS.

Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, the pan-India film stars Rashmika Mandanna as MS Subbulakshmi, with Anirudh Ravichander composing the music. The film is jointly produced by Allu Aravind, Rockline Venkatesh and Bunny Vas.

The evening began with Thyagaraja’s Pancharatna Kritis before moving into a celebration that brought together personalities from cinema and the Carnatic music fraternity.

Kamal Haasan as the chief guest along with actor Sivakumar, YG Mahendran, producer Kalaipuli S Thanu, actress Suhasini, Actor Samudhirakani , Writer Madhan Karky ,Sudha Raghunathan and Nithyashree were among those present.

Rashmika Mandanna

For Rashmika, taking on the role appeared to be less about the scale of the film and more about the woman whose life she is stepping into. Speaking at the launch, she said her overriding emotion was gratitude, addressing Subbulakshmi as “Amma” and wishing her on her birthday.

She spoke of the power of the singer’s voice, saying that listening to it made her feel as though she was “in the presence of God”.

She also asked to be considered “a small part” of Amma’s life and promised to give the role her best, seeking the blessings of Subbulakshmi, Sadashivam and her family.

Kamal Haasan at the event

Speaking at the launch, Kamal Haasan reflected on MS Subbulakshmi’s enduring influence through music, describing her as a unifying force, particularly across South India, through her renditions in Sanskrit, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil and several other languages.

Recalling his own connection with music and the great artistes of the era, he said, “I have been very near these three great iconic women - MS Amma, DK Pattammal and ML Vasanthakumari. All three of them have touched my head.”

He also spoke of his admiration for Mahatma Gandhi and recalled wanting to use MS Amma’s voice in his film Hey Ram.

Describing MS as “India’s pan-Indian lady superstar”, he pointed to the breadth of her talent, noting that she was not merely an actress but also played the veena and danced, while her renditions of Meera’s songs continue to resonate.

He then recalled the significance of Rangapura Vihara, saying that although it may not have been familiar to many in Tamil Nadu, hearing it gave him a sense of euphoria and made him recognise the connection he felt with MS Subbulakshmi.

Addressing Rashmika Mandanna, who essays MS Subbulakshmi, Kamal acknowledged the weight of stepping into the role of such an iconic artiste.

Referring to Michael Jackson as an example of an artiste whose portrayal would naturally make an actor nervous, he told Rashmika that she must be nervous too, but has a good team to support her.

Kamal also spoke at length about Anirudh and the challenge before the composer.

He said that having created a musical space that audiences have come to expect from him, Anirudh would now have to balance those expectations with the dignity of a film centred on Subbulakshmi.

“Anirudh has a big challenge to satisfy all of you, while protecting the dignity of this film,” he said.

Reflecting on the significance of the venue, Kamal said the emotional connection people have with art is what keeps it alive, calling The Music Academy the “right place to inaugurate” the film.

He concluded by returning to the universality of MS Subbulakshmi’s music: “Music transcends everything. It will transcend everything, everybody and reach the last man in India.

And MS Subbulakshmi has proven that,” adding that the film would make India proud and expressing his happiness at being part of its inauguration.

Produced by Allu Aravind, Rockline Venkatesh and Bunny Vasu

Producers Allu Aravind, Rockline Venkatesh and Bunny Vasu spoke about the journey of bringing MS Subbulakshmi’s life to the screen and the responsibility that comes with telling her story.

Aravind spoke about how MS Amma’s life, particularly her difficult years as a young musician, left a lasting impression on him.

He also highlighted the extensive research undertaken by the team, with director Gowtam travelling to different places and meeting people while developing the film.

Speaking about the music, Aravind said Anirudh Ravichander would serve as a bridge between MS Amma’s music and the younger generation, while clarifying that the film would not attempt to recreate her music but would instead be a biopic intertwined with his musical approach.

The producers also spoke about the inspiration they drew from MS Subbulakshmi’s life.

Rockline Venkatesh said her greatness was built through discipline and patience, describing these as qualities that could offer a message to the next generation.

He added that the team understood the magnitude of her story and that the film was being created with deep respect and love for MS Amma.

Bunny Vasu, meanwhile, acknowledged Allu Arjun’s association with the project while thanking those who supported the film’s journey.

Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri

Director Gowtam Tinnanuri has been closely involved in researching M S Subbulakshmi’s life for the biopic.

According to the producers, he travelled to several places and met people as part of the research before developing the film.

The team also credited his decision to take up the project despite having another film in the works.

Madhan Karky writes for the film

Writer Madhan Karky spoke about the challenge of translating a life as rich as Subbulakshmi’s into a feature film.

He said that while a successful life can sometimes appear to follow a straightforward path, the story becomes more compelling when the obstacles behind that journey are brought to the fore.

Karky said he had known of M S Subbulakshmi since childhood, but it was only after reading Tinnanuri’s script that he realised the depth of the life she had lived.

Actor Samuthirakani

Samuthirakani who is also part of the film, said he is particularly looking forward to the portions depicting M S Subbulakshmi’s life up to the age of 18.

“The amount of trouble she faced during that period was immense. It is a very tough part, and I am looking forward to seeing how it has been presented,” he said, adding that he was happy to be part of the film.

The event also saw a rendition of Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma by the Indian Choir Ensemble , with Rashmika, Kamal Haasan and the film’s team joining the stage for the ceremonial clap.

The evening concluded with the musical group performing Maitrim Bhajatha alongside around 30-40 children, bringing the celebration of Subbulakshmi’s music to a close.

The poster features Ajith seated on a red leather chair, dressed in a white suit and holding a pair of dice, The announcement comes ahead of Adhik Ravichandran’s birthday, sharing the poster on social media, Adhik wrote, “My Sir’s Advance Birthday Gift to me. Yes we are rolling the dice from November 2.”

The poster carries the title Dare Devil and credits Adhik as the writer and director, with the tagline “No Retakes Allowed.”

The film marks Ajith and Adhik’s second collaboration after Good Bad Ugly.

It is being produced by Shalini Ajithkumar, under the Bravehearts Production banner, marking her debut as a producer.

Anirudh Ravichander is composing the music, marking his return to an Ajith-starrer after Vidaamuyarchi.

Dare Devil will also mark Ajith’s return to cinema after a year-long break during which he focused on his racing commitments.

The announcement was made by Passion Studios on social media, describing the Nithilan Saminathan directorial as a “historic milestone” for Tamil cinema. The poster shared by the makers carries the line, “The first Tamil film to be made in Hollywood by a big studio.”

Released in 2024, Maharaja marked Vijay Sethupathi’s 50th film as a lead actor. The crime thriller also featured Anurag Kashyap, Mamta Mohandas, Natty, Abhirami and Sachana Namidass.

The story follows a barber who approaches the police over a missing dustbin named Lakshmi, with the seemingly simple complaint eventually opening up a much darker story.

There has been speculation that Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey could headline the remake. However, it has not been confirmed.

Directed by Nithilan Saminathan, Maharaja was produced by Passion Studios, The Route and Think Studios. The film received a wide international release and later reached a larger audience through streaming.

Further details about the Hollywood adaptation, including its cast and studio, are expected to be announced in the upcoming days.

Vijay Sethupathi shared the video on X, writing, “Experience the power-packed #WorldOfBaththa now. Written & Directed by #BalajiTharaneetharan A @SaiAbhyankkar musical. #BaththaFromOct1.” (sic)

Set in the 1980s, the video introduces Baththa as a feared ruffian. Those close to him are seen waiting for his return, while his daughter says she is scared and wants her father to come back. His brother, however, remains confident that Baththa will return.

A child describes him as someone everyone fears, but who is afraid of nothing. The video also hints at a major crime, with the police questioning people about who they suspect. Baththa is shown as a man who often gets into fights and appears to have a difficult relationship with his wife, played by Lijomol Jose. In one scene, he spits out the food she serves him. When she asks where he had been and says they had been searching for him, he replies, “You shouldn’t search for me. I will be found by myself.”

Baththa is directed by Balaji Tharaneetharan, known for Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom, and presented by director Atlee. The film has music by Sai Abhyankkar and cinematography by Selvakumar SK. R. Kalaivanan is the editor, while T Muthuraj is the production designer. Baththa is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on October 1.

The romantic family drama weaves together three stories, exploring different stages of relationships, with Guru Somasundaram, Vijay Vishwa and Archana also in pivotal roles.

For director Saraj Seelan, Paris Cafe began with a visual. His interest in sketching and illustration helped him develop the screenplay and visualise his characters. “When I wrote the script, I had a clear visualisation of how each character would look and how they would appear realistically on screen,” he says. Making his directorial debut, Saraj wanted the film to carry a meaningful message. “Cinema is not just an art form but also a powerful medium to communicate with a large audience. I wanted to convey something meaningful through my film. I had several stories in mind, but I chose Paris Cafe as my debut because it carried a strong, relevant and important message,” he explains.

Anumol, who plays Tara, says she connected with the character because of their similarities, particularly Tara’s willingness to speak up about what she believes is right or wrong. “I am someone who is vocal about what I believe is right or wrong and won’t hesitate to express my opinion. Tara also does that,” she says. “She stands up for her husband and supports her family, but she also points out their mistakes. The character has several layers, and that was what attracted me to Tara,” she adds. Her relationship with her husband, played by Guru Somasundaram, explores mature love, which Anumol found particularly interesting to portray.

Nayana Sai, who began her career as a model, describes the transition as an exciting journey. “As a model, you have to maintain a composed expression and cannot emote as much. Acting has so many layers, emotions and characters, and I have always been fascinated by cinema since I was a child,” she says.

In Paris Cafe, Nayana is paired opposite Sai Vicky, with their relationship exploring the nuances of young love. “We don’t often talk about mature love, but both young and mature love are beautiful in their own ways, and that's what makes the story more interesting,” she says.

Sai Vicky, who plays one of the leads in Paris Cafe, said the film offered him a new experience. “This is my first film in a lead role. I explored a different side of my acting,” he shares. Careful not to reveal too much about the story, he urged audiences to experience the film on the big screen, a response that had everyone in the room laughing. Looking ahead, Vicky says he hopes to take on characters that drive the narrative forward. “I want to play strong characters that drive the story forward,” he adds.

The director also spoke about the casting process, explaining that each actor was selected based on the requirements of their respective characters. Guru Somasundaram was chosen for his versatility, while Anumol came on board after Saraj came across her work and felt she was well suited to play Tara. Nayana Sai and Sai Vicky were selected for the freshness they brought to their characters.

Anumol also spoke about the film’s costumes, which allowed her to portray a contemporary woman. “This was a rare opportunity for me to wear comfortable, modern clothes. In many of my films, I have been given traditional costumes, so this was a very comfortable and different experience,” she tells us with a smile. She also dubbed her portions in Tamil, describing the process as challenging but rewarding.

With romance, family relationships, emotional conflicts and a social message at its core, the team believes Paris Cafe will leave audiences with plenty to reflect on. Nayana said the film balances a light-hearted love story with deeper emotions, while Saraj believes its relatability will help audiences connect with the characters and their experiences.

Amritha Ram, design head of KH House of Khadar, received the award in New York.

Sutura, which means 'thread' in Latin, was presented at the New York Fashion Week in 2024. The collection combines Khadi and Indian textile traditions with contemporary design, the fashion house said, adding that Sutura reflects its founding philosophy of positioning Khadi as a contemporary material in global fashion.

KH House of Khadar debuted in Chicago in 2021 with an official tagline Kamal created: 'Fashion is civil, yet disobedient.' He launched the Indian website and online store on Republic Day the following year. The clothes can be bought on KHHK's website: https://kh-hk.com/

Earlier this year, Kamal had extended his gratitude to the American band Linkin Park after the band was seen wearing his brand during their Lollapalooza India performance in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, on the work front, the actor and Rajya Sabha MP will be next seen in KH 237 directed by stunt choreographer duo AnbAriv. He is also expected to reunite with Rajinikanth for KH xRK, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and produced by Red Giant Movies. Additionally, he is also set to collaborate with Chithha-fame director SU Arun Kumar on an upcoming project. '

With a filmography of more than 250 films in five decades, the 78-year-old is also a renowned name in the theatre world. He will be given the award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, at the National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the veteran actor and said, "For several decades, his effortless performances, remarkable versatility and brilliance have left a very strong mark on Indian cinema, particularly Kannada cinema. In whichever role he has played, he brought rare depth and authenticity."

"This is indeed a richly deserved honour for a truly distinguished artist," he said in a post on X.

"On the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee, the Government of India is pleased to announce that the Actor will be conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 for his contribution to Indian cinema and an illustrious cinematic journey that has inspired generations," the Press Information Bureau said in a release.

The film opens in the 1970s, introducing a librarian who gets his hands on The Dark Heaven, a book written by a French researcher specialising in supernatural forces. As he reads the book, he discovers details of events that are yet to happen. His attempts to warn people about the impending incidents ultimately lead to him becoming a victim himself, just as predicted in the book.

From here, the narrative moves between different timelines, taking us from the 1970s to the present and then back nearly two decades. Each time, the mysterious book finds its way into the hands of another person, triggering another series of unfortunate events.

Set in the same village, the story then introduces a strange pattern of deaths occurring every seven years. The villagers believe these incidents are connected to the curse of Vanamangai. Balaaji uses graphic animation to narrate the story of Vanamangai and Dasarathan — a sequence neatly executed without holding up the narrative, and one that establishes the mythology behind it all.

As the story progresses, the villagers begin to believe that the descendants of Dasarathan are still being affected by the curse. Meanwhile, a spell of murders points to an investigation towards a psychopathic killer who has crossed over from Kerala. How he is identified, and how the threads of the book, the curse and the murders connect, forms the rest of the film.

The biggest strength of The Dark Heaven is the way Balaaji maintains an intriguing atmosphere throughout. The film manages to sustain its suspense until the climax, even without having any big stars. Several familiar actors, including Nizhalgal Ravi and Vela Ramamoorthy, appear in brief roles and fit naturally into the world of the film.

Siddhu, playing the police officer investigating the murders, carries a challenging role with ease. Riythvika gets an important character that is somewhat different from her earlier roles, while Bigg Boss-fame Tharshika, who is Siddhu’s pair, also gets a significant part to play.

Film: The Dark Heaven Director: S Balaaji Cast: Sidhu Sid, Tharsika Navaratnaraja, Riythvika, Nizhalgal Ravi, Vela Ramamoorthy, Rating: 3.5/5 stars

The cinematography is another notable aspect. The village locations, rituals and surrounding atmosphere are captured effectively, with the film making good use of both day and night sequences. The music and sound design aid the thriller portions by creating and enhancing the tension well.

However, the film does lose some of its grip during a few action sequences. These portions feel weaker compared to the otherwise carefully constructed thriller and, at places, appear unnecessary. There are also a few unanswered questions and unexplained plot points. But as the film has hints of a potential sequel, these loose ends could get connected in the next part.

On the whole, The Dark Heaven works as a suspense thriller that both manages to give scares and keep the audience invested in its mystery.

The Dark Heaven

Director: S Balaaji

Cast: Sidhu Sid, Tharsika Navaratnaraja, Riythvika, Nizhalgal Ravi, Vela Ramamoorthy,

Synopsis: In the hill village of Mekkarai, where it is customary for men to die every seven years during the month of June, a newly appointed police inspector arrives to investigate a series of mysterious murders.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Suriya-Jyotika celebrate 20 years of marriage

Suriya and Jyotika tied the knot on September 11, 2006, in Chennai. The couple, who last shared the screen in Sillunu Oru Kadhal, have two children, daughter Diya, born in 2007, and son Dev, born in 2010.

The couple recently relocated their family from Chennai to Mumbai. Suriya has said the move was partly to allow Jyotika to spend more time with her ageing parents and also to provide their children with more options for the International Baccalaureate curriculum.

Titled The Sequel, the vow-renewal video celebrates their two decades together, including their love, disagreements, compromises and understanding. Their children, Diya and Dev, were also present at the intimate ceremony.

In her note accompanying the video, Jyotika said the celebration was not about a perfect marriage but about their imperfections, sacrifices, mutual understanding and the way they have loved each other selflessly.

Jyotika shares heartfelt wedding vows

In her renewed vows, Jyotika promised to remain happy, celebrate life, stay grateful, remain healthy and be a better mother. She also spoke about maintaining the friendship she shares with Suriya.

Addressing Suriya, she said she would continue to be an imperfect wife who fights with him, makes peace and grows closer to him each time.

She also expressed gratitude for their children and described Suriya as her husband, the father of their children, her confidant and her best friend.

Suriya, Jyotika's 2026 projects

Suriya has had two releases in 2026 so far — Karuppu, directed by RJ Balaji and co-starring Trisha Krishnan, and Vishwanath & Sons, directed by Venky Atluri. Karuppu released in May, while Vishwanath & Sons hit theatres in August.

His next release is Scene, his 47th film, directed by Jithu Madhavan. The cop action drama is scheduled to hit theatres on November 6, 2026.

Jyotika, meanwhile, starred in the Hindi courtroom drama System, which premiered on Prime Video in May. She is also part of an upcoming action thriller with Sunny Deol, directed by Balaji Ganesh, which began shooting in February.

Concluding her note, Jyotika wished for the couple’s next 20 years together, celebrating their imperfections, friendship and shared understanding.

Quoting a tweet put out by a person who claimed that his film's title was 'Padaiyal', Tamizharasan Pachamuthu wrote, "PADAIYAL - nalla irukke...nan yen yosikkaama ponen.. Sari ok Pesama “ A Tamizharasan Pachamuthu Padaiyal “ nu pottudren.. Nandri. (Padaiyal - sounds nice... now, why did I not think of it?... Okay, I'll simply put it as 'A Tamizharasan Pachamuthu Padaiyal... Thanks)."

Rumours are doing the rounds on the Internet that the film's launch ceremony would happen in Madurai on Thursday. Rumours also suggest that the film will be high on action so much so that its makers were expecting to get an 'A' certificate from the Censor Board at the time of its release. However, there has been no official confirmation on any of these claims being made on social media.

Director Tamizharasan Pachamuthu had in March this year announced that he had begun the recce for the film.

Taking to his X timeline, the director had posted a monochrome picture of himself seated in a temple. He wrote in Tamil," Kelambiyaachu (Have started) #Recce #D56."

Well known production house Dawn Pictures, which is producing the film, was quick to show its admiration for the industrious nature of the director. It quoted the tweet of the director and added fire symbols to indicate it was both impressed and excited.

For the unaware, director Tamizharasan Pachamuthu is best known for his critically acclaimed superhit film 'Lubber Pandhu', which featured Harish Kalyan, Attakathi Dinesh, Swaswika and Sanjana Krishnamoorthy in the lead.

The film, which came in for widespread praise from all categories of audiences, also featured actors Kaali Venkat, Bala Saravanan, Geetha Kailasam, Deva Dharshini, Jenson Divakar and TSK in pivotal roles.

The film, which started off as just a simple sports drama that revolved around the egos of two cricket lovers playing gully cricket in a small town, silently evolved into something much more significant and showed how sport could help people overcome the deep-rooted differences that caste and wealth brought.

Taking to his X timeline to release the teaser, Vijay Sethupathi wrote, "Here is the official teaser of #Mandavetti." The teaser, which plunges audiences into a disturbing world where fear arrives without warning and the line between the known and the supernatural begins to disappear, is two minutes long.

The teaser wastes no time in establishing an unsettling environment, opening with a woman in a trance-like state whose presence immediately creates an inexplicable sense of dread.

From there, the teaser unfolds through a series of mysterious happenings, fragmented conversations and unsettling glimpses of characters attempting to make sense of something far beyond their understanding.

At the centre of these conversations is ‘Senji Saamy’, an enigmatic force whose presence appears to be closely connected to the strange events unfolding around them. Rather than revealing the answers, the teaser carefully leaves the mystery intact, creating the feeling that every revelation could lead to something far more disturbing.

With Komalee Prasad leading the film, the teaser also offers glimpses of the intense transformation that the actress has undergone for a character steeped in vulnerability, rage, suffering and mysticism.

Her presence gives the supernatural world an emotional centre, while the teaser’s fragmented storytelling leaves audiences with one compelling question: What exactly is ‘Senji Saamy’, and why has its presence begun to haunt this world?

Written, directed and produced by Saranraj Senthilkumar under the banner of Tuskers Den Pictures, Mandavetti, sources inform, has been conceived as a dark supernatural crime thriller blending psychological tension, folklore and raw human emotions. The film explores the mysterious mythology surrounding “Senji,” a fierce local deity, whose presence drives the story into deeply unsettling and emotionally charged territory.

The film features Prakash Manithan as the cinematographer, Guna Palinisamy as the editor and Deepak Venugopalas the music director. Gowtham has choreographed the stunts, while Sangeetha Sen is the costume designer. Tony J is handling sound mixing, Balaganghadaran is overseeing DI grading, Vijayan is responsible for VFX.

The clarification comes after his recent blog posts led to speculation that he may be considering stepping away from his professional commitments.

Taking to his personal blog on Monday night, Bachchan addressed the reports and clarified his earlier remark. Writing in Hindi which translates in English, said, “No, sir, I am not retiring from work; in English, it means I am now going to sleep!!! And, sir, you are not invited to come there.”

The clarification came after the veteran actor's previous blog entry was interpreted by some as a hint that he could be contemplating retirement.

In that particular post, Amitabh Bachchan had written about how some of his blog entries are often misunderstood and expressed amusement at the way his words are interpreted and reported. He ended the post with the words “and I retire,” which subsequently triggered speculation about whether he was referring to his career.

In his latest post, he clarified that “retire” was being used in the context of going to bed and not stepping away from acting or his professional commitments.

For the uninitiated, the 83-year-old actor continues to maintain a packed work schedule.

Big B is currently hosting the 18th season of Kaun Banega Crorepati, with which he has been associated for more than two decades.

Recently, through his blogs, he had offered a glimpse into just how demanding his schedule was getting.

He had revealed that he had worked continuously from 7 a.m. one day until 7 a.m. the following morning, and explained that the work had to be completed on time because the first broadcast date for KBC had already been announced.

A fan asked Shah Rukh, “Be honest, what’s the most KING-like thing you do in real life?” Responding with his usual wit, the actor said, “Have three cups of coffee in bed before anybody can speak with me even if I am late for work!! Then of course on sets get shouted at for being late and have no Kingly feelings left.”

Shah Rukh Khan shares marriage advice

The actor also offered advice to a newly married fan who asked him about the green flag for maintaining a happy married life. Shah Rukh replied, “Ek doosre ke rang mein rang jao....make adjustments so both of you make the partner happier.”

SRK gives a glimpse of Ganpati celebrations

During the interaction, Shah Rukh also spoke about how his family celebrates Ganpati. He shared that his wife performs the aarti and prayers, followed by the visarjan. He added that their children and friends gather together to spend time as a family.

“Very simple and family time,” the actor said, describing the celebrations.

King release date confirmed

Shah Rukh Khan also gave an update on his upcoming film King, confirming that the film will release on December 24, 2026. When a fan asked him to show the trailer, the actor replied, “Abhi sirf baat karunga Trailer baad mein.... film is 100 days away na...24th Dec bro.”

Directed by Siddharth Anand, King stars Shah Rukh Khan alongside Deepika Padukone, Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Abhay Verma and Arshad Warsi in key roles. The film is produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures.

King marks Shah Rukh’s return to the big screen after his 2023 releases Pathaan, Jawan and Dunki. The actor’s confirmation comes amid anticipation surrounding the film’s release, which is scheduled for a week after Marvel’s Avengers Doomsday.

Subbulakshmi's music continues to be heard across homes, temples and concert halls, and the biopic is intended to present her life and legacy to audiences across generations, the makers said.

The biopic will be offically launched at The Music Academy, Chennai, on Subbulakshmi’s 110th birth anniversary tomorrow (September 16). Actor-producer and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan will attend the launch as the chief guest. The Indian Choral Ensemble will perform the late singer's at the event.

Anirudh Ravichander will compose the music for the film, which will be directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri of Jersey (2019) and Kingdom (2025) fame.

The Subbulakshmi biopic will be jointly produced by Allu Aravind's Geetha Arts, Rockline Venkatesh's Rockline Entertainment, and Bunny Vasu's Bunny Vas Works.

The makers said the film project has involved years of work to secure the necessary rights, permissions, literary sources and family associations required to tell Subbulakshmi's story.

Rashmika, who was last seen in Cocktail 2 with Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, is set to act against her husband Vijay Deverakonda in the period drama Ranabaali, releasing on October 16. She also has Ravindra Pulle's Mysaa lined up, in which she plays a Gond woman.

Who was MS Subbulakshmi?

Legendary Carnatic vocalist MS Subbulakshmi had a career spanning more than seven decades. Born in an Isai Vellar family in Madurai on September 16, 1916, she recorded her first song, Maragatha Vadivu, at the age of 10.

She performed concerts, recorded albums and sang playback in several languages, including Tamil, Sanskrit, Urdu, Hindi, Telugu, Gujarati and Bengali. She also helped take Carnatic music to international audiences, even performing at the United Nations General Assembly in New York in 1966.

Subbulakshmi acted in six films between 1938 and 1947 and is best known for her portrayal of saint-poet Meera Bai in Meera (1945). At the Delhi premiere of the Hindi version in 1947, poet-freedom fighter Sarojini Naidu reportedly relinquished her own title, 'Nightingale of India', in Subbulakshmi’s honour.

She later withdrew from cinema to focus on music. In 1998, she became the first musician to receive the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour. Affectionately known as MS Amma, she died in Chennai on December 11, 2004. Her rendition of the Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatham morning hymn composed around 1430 AD by Prativadibhayanakara Sri Anantacharya, still echoes across millions of homes every dawn.

The makers chose to release Ramya Krishnan's first look poster from the film on a day the actress celebrated her birthday.

Taking to his social media timelines to share Ramya Krishnan's first look poster in the film, actor Manchu Manoj wrote, "One look. The entire frame belongs to her. Happy Birthday to the phenomenal @meramyakrishnan garu! Your presence, your fire, your command over a scene… an absolute privilege to share the screen with you!"

He went on to add, "Celebrating you today by introducing our ferocious KAMALA REDDY to the world, from the world of David Reddy. Just wait till you see her in action. #DavidReddy #KamalaReddy #HBDRamyaKrishnan #RamyaKrishnan #ManojManchu."

For the unaware, the makers of the film have already disclosed that Ukrainian model and actress Maria Riabhoshapka plays a character called Clara Whitmore in the film.

Director Hanuma Reddy, while welcoming Maria Riabhoshapka on board the film earlier this year, had shared her poster on his Instagram page and said, "Her love isn’t soft… it’s ruthless. Welcome to the Brutal Era."

Actor Manchu Manoj, who plays the lead in the film, too had accorded a warm welcome to Maria Riabhoshapka.

Taking to his Instagram page to pen a welcome post, he had said, "The intense world of #DavidReddy welcomes its leading lady - Maria Riabhoshapka on board as Clara Whitmore. Her love is War. Excited to see her bring this character to life with grace, depth, and fire. A grand Pan Indian historical action drama where valor meets destiny, and every character carries the weight of epic storytelling. @maria_riaboshapka #DavidReddy #MariaRyaboshapka."

It may be recalled that Manchu Manoj had announced the title of this film as 'David Reddy' in August last year on the occasion of completing 21 years in the film industry. The actor had disclosed that this film would be a historical action drama.

Taking to his social media timelines to pen a lengthy post to express gratitude to all those who had supported him and enabled him to reach the milestone in his film career, Manchu Manoj had said, "With a heart full of gratitude… Today marks 21 years of my journey in cinema. I feel truly blessed to be still doing what I love. And with the same love and hope, sharing my 21st film titled #DavidReddy."

"A raw, intense, high-octane historical action drama set between 1897 to 1922, brought to life by the visionary Hanuma Reddy Yakkanti garu, and supported by Velvet Soul Motion Pictures. Thank you for standing by me all these years. Humbled and excited for what’s ahead. #MM21 #MM," he had said then.

Manchu Manoj also shared a poster along with the announcement. The poster had the caption, "Born in the Madras Presidency, Raised in Delhi. Now, shaking the British empire. Rebellion begins...". The caption gave the impression that the story of the film would revolve around India's struggle for freedom.

Speaking during the film’s promotions in Mumbai, Meghna was asked whether working on Daayra made her reflect on how differently the law can work in different situations. “It happens every day in life. The law can be interpreted and manipulated and twisted and adhered to. And people do all of it all the time. And that is actually what is the fulcrum of Daayra,” she said.

The film is billed as a socially grounded crime thriller and features Kareena in a complex, morally conflicted role that explores justice, power and systemic grey zones.

“Someone can completely toe the line of the law and stay within its boundaries. And you can also completely manipulate the loopholes in the law and yet stay within its boundaries. Both are possible,” Meghna added. Produced by Vineet Jain under the Junglee Pictures banner, Daayra is scheduled to release in theatres on September 18.

The promo introduces Vikram taking up wedding responsibilities, offering a 100 per cent guarantee for the events he handles. The promo also hints at a darker side to Vikram’s character. When he enters a storeroom to fetch some supplies, two severely injured men are seen inside. Vikram calmly mops up the blood, suggesting that his caretaker persona may not be all there is to him. Urvashi and VTV Ganesh are also seen in a lighter sequence while preparing a meal in the kitchen.

Power House has music by Santhosh Narayanan, cinematography by RD Rajasekar, production design by Gopi Prasanna and costumes and styling by Poornima Ramaswamy. Produced by Sendhil Thyagarajan and Arjun Thyagarajan under the Sathya Jyothi Films banner, the film marks Anand Shankar and Vikram’s second collaboration after Iru Mugan (2016).

The sequel has been titled 'Mookuthi Amman 2 - Maha Sakthi'. Produced by Dr Ishari K Ganesh under Vels Film International, the music is composed by Hiphop Tamizha and cinematography is by Gopi Amarnath. Being made on a budget of Rs 100 crore, the film was launched in March this year. Earlier, producer Ganesh had revealed that Nayanthara has been fasting for a month to take on the role.

The teaser begins with a soldier informing his queen that an impending danger is approaching the prince of the kingdom, who is still a child. The queen, in order to save the prince, sacrifices herself to the deity. What follows is the troops hunting down everyone in search of the child, while Mookuthi Amman, played by Nayanthara, descends to earth. The teaser sets the tone for a devotional thriller set in two timelines.

The makers had earlier confirmed that the sequel will be a standalone film and will not have any relationship to Mookuthi Amman, directed by RJ Balaji and also starring Nayanthara. The RJ Balaji directorial was a satirical take on religion and the fanaticism brought in by religious gurus.

The film stars an ensemble of Regina Cassandra, Kannada actor Duniya Vijay, Singam Puli and Yogi Babu.

Venkat Prabhu on Monday disclosed that shooting for their film had been completed and that post production work had now commenced. Taking to his X timeline to share the update, Venkat Prabhu wrote, "Happy Vinayagar Chaturthi! Filming Completed. Post-Production Commenced. Film Releasing Soon! On this auspicious day, along with Lord Ayyappa's brother, Lord Ganesha, I am proud to reveal the Creators of our Theatrical Feature Film, TAT TWAM ASSI! #TatTwamAssi #FeatureFilm #ReleasingSoon #TantraFilms #HappyVinayagarChaturthi."

For the unaware, director Vishnu Sasi Shankar, who is directing this film, is best known for having made the Malayalam blockbuster 'Malikappuram'. 'Tat Twam Assi', which has been produced by Tantra Films, has triggered huge expectations among audiences ever since its announcement.

The film’s pre-production work began on February 26, and within exactly three months, the team successfully completed all planning and preparations before commencing the shoot recently. At the launch ceremony, director Venkat Prabhu had delivered the inaugural clap, while director Ponram had switched on the camera and conveyed his wishes to the team.

The movie stars Vaibhav and Meenakshi Govindarajan in the lead roles. Apart from the lead pair, the film will also feature actors Aravind Akash, Aadukalam Naren, and several others in pivotal roles. Although the film is centered around the themes of devotion, faith, and spirituality, the film will also feature action and emotional elements.

Sources had told IANS that the screenplay of the film had been penned in such a way that it would appeal to both family audiences and youngsters alike. The film is being produced by JK Saravana and JK Shatesh. On the technical front, music for the film is being composed by Premgi Amaren, while cinematography is being handled by Yuvan Selva. Editing is by Praveen KL, art direction by Surya Rajeevan, and stunt choreography by Sakthi Saravanan. The film has been written by Adithya Tangirala, Nanthakumar Thamichelvan, and Prithivi Adithya.

On the occasion of Vinayakar Chathurthi, the makers released a poster confirming the film's release date.

It may be recalled that Raiza Wilson had disclosed that she had braved blood-sucking leeches, constant mist and rain among other things to shoot for this film.

Raiza, who is best known for her performance in 'Pyaar Prema Kaadhal', while sharing her experience of working on the eagerly awaited film, had said, “The film is structured like a story within a story. I play an important character that appears in the flashback portions."

"The movie combines elements of action, thriller, and science-fiction. I have never acted in a story or role like this before, which is exactly why I was drawn to it," said Raiza Wilson and went on to add that the shoot took place in the forests of Marayoor in Kerala.

"We even filmed inside sandalwood forests, where obtaining permission itself is difficult. There were many challenges-- blood-sucking leeches, constant mist and rain, the intimidating sounds of wild animals, and muddy, slippery paths. Before going there, I thought the shoot would be quite easy. I had no idea it would be so demanding. I have never faced such difficulties in any of my previous films. Despite all this, we completed the shoot on schedule without delays," she had explained.

Stating that director Milo always kept the atmosphere on set energetic and positive, the actress had said because of that, the hardships they faced never felt overwhelming.

"It is remarkable that he chose such a complex story for his very first feature film. It takes a lot of courage. He worked extremely hard and deserves appreciation for it. Since it rained most of the time, I often had to sit on set in wet clothes. The action scenes I performed were filmed there. Stunt master Vimal Rambo gave me specialized training. I had also already undergone fight training for my film 'Mr. X'. So, performing the action scenes in Nova became easier."

Apart from Raiza Wilson, the cast also includes Dhruva of 'Aanmai Thavarael', Adviti Shetty, Bengali actress Krithika Biswas, Malayalam actor Joe John Chacko, Sendrayan, and YouTube personalities Finally Swathika and Finally Krishna.

Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, the film is written and directed by Karan Arvind Kumar and has been billed as an “out-and-out commercial entertainer”. The project marks Dhruv’s fourth film  and Mythri’s fourth Tamil production.

Santhosh Narayanan is composing the music, marking his second collaboration with Dhruv after Mahaan. The technical team includes cinematographer Viki, editor J Suriya.

Produced by Naveen Yerneni and Y Ravi Shankar, the film is Mythri Movie Makers’ fourth Tamil production after Good Bad Ugly, Dude and ModhaRathri. Further details about the cast and release are awaited.

While speaking on Sajid Khan and Riteish Deshmukh's chat show 'Yaaron Ki Baraat', Abhishek had shared a hilarious incident with Zeenat Aman, during the shoot of the movie 'Mahaan'.

"She was my first love. We were shooting for 'Mahaan' in Kathmandu. One evening, we were eating together in a restaurant," the 'Dhoom' actor recalled.

After dinner, as Zeenat Aman was about to leave, little Abhishek asked her, "Where are you going?", to which, Zeenat had replied, "I am going to my room".

When Abhishek asked her why she was going to her room, Zeenat said that she was going to sleep.

Hearing this, Abhishek, who was little at the time and was not used to the concept of sleeping alone had asked, "You sleep alone?"

Zeenat Aman said, "Yes, I sleep alone."

Abhishek asked her innocently, "Should I come and sleep with you?"

Speaking about 'Mahaan', the action thriller has been directed by S. Ramanathan.

Backed by Satyanarayana and Suryanarayana, the project saw Amitabh Bachchan in a triple role, along with Waheeda Rehman, Parveen Babi, Ashok Kumar, Amjad Khan, Kader Khan, Aruna Irani, Sujit Kumar and Shakti Kapoor in significant roles, along with others.

Legendary composer R.D. Burman shared the music for 'Mahaan', which was an official remake of the 1978 Kannada film 'Shankar Guru'.

Talking about Zeenat Aman's career trajectory, she made her acting debut in 1970 with 'The Evil Within'. A year later, she stepped into Bollywood with 'Hungama', followed by 'Hulchul'.

However, she rose to fame with 'Haré Rama Haré Krishna (1971)', co-starring Dev Anand.

This was followed by some memorable hits such as 'Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)', 'Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974)', 'Ajanabee (1974)', 'Don (1978)', 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978)', 'The Great Gambler (1979)', and 'Qurbani (1980)', to name just a few.

The premiere took place at Toronto’s Scotiabank Theatre, with Subbaraj joined by Keerthy, Sananth and Rishikanth, as well as producers Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain. Dorothy marks Subbaraj’s 10th directorial venture and is the first Tamil feature to premiere at TIFF in a decade.

Producer Guneet Monga Kapoor has reflected on the world premiere of Karthik Subbaraj’s Dorothy at the Toronto International Film Festival, calling the film’s standing ovation a “deeply special” moment.

Taking to Instagram, Guneet shared pictures from the TIFF premiere and wrote, “Seeing Dorothy premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and receive a standing ovation was a deeply special moment for all of us.”

She thanked Karthik Subbaraj for trusting the team with what she described as a “beautiful, deeply human story”, while also expressing gratitude to the cast and crew and Jio Studios and Dhammam Films for being part of the journey.

“Most of all, grateful that Dorothy has found its first audience in Toronto with so much warmth and love,” she added.

The film also marks the first collaboration between Karthik Subbaraj and legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja. Subbaraj said having Ilaiyaraaja’s music accompany the film’s journey to TIFF made the occasion particularly special.

The Dorothy team had earlier presented the film’s 18-track soundtrack as a live musical experience in Chennai, with musicians performing the score continuously for around 40 minutes.

Produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain, Dorothy is backed by Jio Studios, Sikhya Entertainment and Dhammam Films. The film is scheduled to release worldwide on September 25.

Directed by Girish AD, the film was released on August 21 during the Onam festival. Bethlehem Kudumba Unit features Nivin Pauly in the lead, with Mamita Baiju as the female lead. Suresh Krishna, Srinda, Vinay Forrt, and Sangeeth Prathap, among others play important roles.

Bhavana Studios has produced the film, with Fahadh Faasil, Dileesh Pothan and Syam Pushkaran backing the project. Vishnu Vijay has composed the music.

The film was released in Tamil and Telugu on September 4.

According to the film’s opening credits, JioHotstar has secured the streaming rights. However, the OTT release date has not yet been announced by the makers.

How much has ‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’ collected?

According to reports, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit has earned over Rs 130 crore in Kerala alone and around Rs 30 crore from its Tamil and Telugu versions.

The film has reportedly surpassed the box-office collections of Mohanlal’s L2: Empuraan (2025) and Thudarum (2025) to become the highest-grossing Malayalam film. It has also overtaken Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra (2025) and Vaazha II: Biopic of a Billion Bros (2025), which previously held the record for the highest-grossing films in Kerala.

What is ‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’ about?

The film follows Ashley (Mamita Baiju), whose homecoming from abroad takes an emotional turn when a wedding next door stirs memories of her first love, Justin (Nivin Pauly).

In our review of the film, we said, “BKU is at its best when it observes people and relationships, but its ensemble of characters and elements keeps interrupting its love story, with the film sometimes feeling too invested in the ensemble at the expense of the central romance.”

The review also noted that the film explores a familiar Kerala social landscape, with Ashley’s family restricting her agency through religion and emotional blackmail, while her eventual migration is also rooted in this social reality. “Flaws notwithstanding, BKU is going to remain in our collective comfort-watch list (up there with OSO, Premalu, Super Sharanya, Thanneer Mathan Dinangal and their ilk),” the review said.

Girish AD is known for directing the hit Premalu (2024), as well as Thanneer Mathan Dinangal (2019), Super Sharanya (2022) and I Am Kathalan (2024). He had initially been working on the second part of Premalu, but the project was reportedly put on hold as he was not fully satisfied with the story.

The trailer establishes Gaana music as an important part of the film’s identity, exploring how the genre finds its place across generations. “Music is an emotion. How can it be controlled?” asks one of the dialogues, setting the tone for a story that appears to explore the freedom and emotional power of music.

Moving between the past and present, the trailer also establishes Meesaya Murukku 2 as a story of love. It offers glimpses of the three female leads Ketika Sharma, Chaithra J Achar and Ramya Ranganathan.

Alongside its musical and romantic elements, the trailer packs in action, humour and drama. The film also states that its story is based on several true stories.

Hiphop Tamizha, who has directed the film, also serves as its music director and lyricist. The cast includes Hiphop Tamizha, Ketika Sharma, Chaithra J Achar, Ramya Ranganathan, Baba Baskar, Harshath Khan, Nassar and Karunas.

Produced by Khushbu Sundar and ACS Arun Kumar under Avni Movies and Benzz Media Pvt Ltd. Meesaya Murukku 2 is set to hit the screens on September 25.

Taking to her Instagram page to pen the post of gratitude in the wake of the appreciation that was coming in for her performance, actress Mahima wrote, "An experience that I know I will carry with me forever. #mandaadi. Right from the first day of the look test to the very last day when we wrapped the patchwork, every single day felt different. Angel Rakkamma is truly special."

She went on to say, "I still remember calling my people and breaking down after doing certain scenes. The emotional baggage that this character carried felt too heavy on some days, yet somehow, I enjoyed every bit of it."

"Months spent in the same place, in the same house, surrounded by the same people… and after a point, Thondi felt like home, and the people there felt like family. I will always be grateful to @mathimaaran for trusting me with Angel, and for sitting down with me, scene after scene, and patiently working through every emotion," Mahima said even as she thanked actor Soori and producer Elred Kumar for their support.

"A heartfelt thank you to @soorimuthuchamy sir & @elredkumar sir for always being so supportive," the actress said and added, "Thank you to my entire team @pinkyvisal @sapnas_makeover @jeenachandran @jishnugovind1 and to each and every person who gave this film their 200%. Your love, effort and belief made this journey what it was."

Mahima Nambiar concluded her post thanking audiences. She wrote, "And most importantly, thank you to the audience for all the love, appreciation and warmth you are showering on us. Means a lot !!! Muchhhh love. #mandaadi."

The short teaser shows a set of creative montages featuring the romance between Aegan and Sridevi’s characters. Towards the end, Femina George’s character enters a lift with the lead pair inside, wearing a quizzical expression and leaving us waiting to see how the story unfolds.

Haiku marks Kana Kaanum Kaalangal fame Aegan’s third collaboration with Vision Cinema House and the banner’s third film. The production house previously backed Joe (2023), a romantic drama starring Rio Raj, Malavika Manoj and Aegan, and Kozhipannai Chelladurai (2024), a rural drama directed by Seenu Ramasamy and starring Yogi Babu and Aegan.

Sri Devi of Telugu film Court – State vs A Nobody (2025) fame plays his romantic interest. Femina George is well known for her roles in Malayalam films like Minnal Murali (2021) and Sesham Mike-il Fathima (2023).

Technical crew of Haiku

Haiku is produced by Dr D Arulanandhu and Mathewo Arulanandhu under the banner of Vision Cinema House. Hari Haran Ram has contributed additional screenplay.

On the technical front, Priyesh Guruswamy is the cinematographer, while Sakthi Pranesh handles the editing. Siddhu Kumar has composed the music and Prem is the art director.

Haiku is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on October 23, 2026. It has secured post-theatrical digital streaming rights with Netflix even before the completion of its shooting.

Responding to a question posed by a fan on why he had chosen Nivin Pauly to play a pivotal role in the film, Ram said, "Nivin Pauly was the first hero who spoke to me after I'd made my film 'Peranbu'. After watching 'Peranbu', he told me that he wanted us to do a film together."

The director went on to add, "Nivin Pauly had a beard at that time and he looked like Jesus. He had grown his beard for something else and said he was going to cut it. I told him, 'Don't cut it. Let's make this movie and then you can cut it'. So, I did not ask him to grow a beard for my film. I only made use of his grown beard that was already there."

A release date teaser that the makers had released recently has only added to the excitement of fans and film buffs.

The teaser released shows Nivin Pauly (an immortal man) feeding a biscuit to a mother rat in a train. Soori, who is presented as a "good man", is seen lamenting that the biscuits he had bought in Dubai for his son were being fed to a rat.

Nivin Pauly then sets the mother rat down which then makes its way to Soori, who makes no effort to give way to the rat to pass. Eventually, he does give way when Nivin Pauly signals him to.

The teaser then shows Nivin Pauly and Anjali dressed as those in an ancient civilisation. An elephant greets them and makes its way into the jungle as director Ram's voice is heard saying, "Be it a rat or an elephant, be it a tree or grass, everything is life. They are the souls of our ancestors. With their embrace, we arrive on October 1."

A title motion poster that the makers released in 2022 had a tagline that said, "When you fall in love, not just your heart, everything including your body and soul will fly."

For the unaware, one of Tamil cinema's most respected directors, Ram, started work on this film in Rameshwaram's Dhanushkodi in 2021 and completed shooting in April 2022. From then, the film has been awaiting a release date.

The film has visuals by cinematographer Ekhambharam and music by Yuvan Shankar Raja.