On Friday, the makers of the film unveiled a new poster with the film’s new release date giving it a cleaner release window and a stronger theatrical runway instead of compromising on screens in a suddenly crowded marketplace.

This has been done to accommodate better footfall in the theatres after films like ‘Drishyam: The Conclusion’ and ‘The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest’ have completed their theatrical run.

The film combines patriotism and comedy, with Suhail Nayyar reportedly playing a negative character.

Earlier, Ayushmann Khurrana also spoke with IANS about the film, and shared details of the film, as he said, “My film ‘Udta Teer’ is releasing on October 9. It is a very different story. I want to say that it is India's first patriotic comedy where I become a Pakistani spy and lose my memory in India”.

“My character in the film starts fighting for India. So in a way, he remembers patriotism, but he forgets which country it is. So it's a very beautiful story”, he added.

In ‘Udta Teer’, Ayushmann essays the role of Bilal Ahmed, a Pakistani spy who suffers memory loss and begins to believe he is Indian.

He earlier said, “Every new director brings a different energy to the set. With ‘Udta Teer’ what drew me in was not just the genre, but the world Akash had created”.

“It is rare to find a script that can be chaotic, funny, emotional and rooted in a larger idea at the same time. I wanted to surrender to that vision and allow the character to take me somewhere unexpected”, he added.

The announcement was made with a gritty new poster featuring Dhanush and Mammootty in blood-splattered avatars, pointing guns. The film marks the first on-screen collaboration between the two actors.

Directed by Rajkumar Periasamy of Amaran fame, OM: Chapter 1 - The Blood Moon also stars Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela in key roles. The technical crew includes cinematographer Ezhil Arasu K, editor R Kalaivanan and music composer Sai Abhyankkar.

The film was originally scheduled to release worldwide on October 16. However, Dhanush announced in September that the release had been postponed as it would have arrived just a day after Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2, which was scheduled for October 15. Dhanush said the decision was taken out of respect for Rajinikanth and to avoid a clash between the two major releases. 

Dhanush also confirmed that OM would not release during the Diwali window, as Suriya’s upcoming film Scene had already announced its festival release date. He said the makers believed that big films should respect previously announced release dates and consider the larger interests of the film industry. 

For Shetty, bringing 'Kantara Chapter 1' to audiences came with a different kind of responsibility. The film was a prequel to a story that had already received immense love, making the task of going back to its roots and expanding its world both challenging and deeply personal.

Reflecting on the experience, Rishab Shetty wrote, “The biggest challenge was to bring this prequel to an audience that had already showered Kantara with immense love. To give a prelude, go deeper into its roots, and tell a story that carries the soul of the land was both a responsibility and a privilege.”

A major part of that journey, he acknowledged, was the team that worked alongside him to bring the story to life. Expressing his gratitude, Shetty said, “My heartfelt thanks to every single member of my team who stood as my backbone.”

While the making of the film was a journey in itself, it was the audience’s response that remained particularly memorable for the filmmaker. Looking back at the moments following the film’s release, he wrote, “The satisfaction I saw on the faces of the audience is still fresh in my mind. That moment, that silence, that applause, and the love that followed will always remain special to me.”

The reflection comes at a significant point in the Kantara journey. What began with the first film five years ago has now grown into two stories, with Kantara Chapter 1 taking the narrative further back into the world and origins that form the foundation of the franchise.

Shetty expressed hope that the same love and support would continue for everything that lay ahead. “I hope that your love, blessings, and support will continue to be with us in the same way for all our future efforts,” he shared.

Summing up the journey in a few words, Shetty wrote, “Five years… Two stories… One dream… An unforgettable journey. I will forever be grateful for all your love.”

Taking to its social media timelines, Drumsticks Productions, the firm producing the film, wrote, "NO MORE SILENCE. SAVITHIRI’S FIGHT BEGINS!

இனி மௌனம் இல்லை. சாவித்திரியின் போராட்டமே! ఇక మౌనం లేదు. సావిత్రి పోరాటమే! #SathyavanSavithiri worldwide in theatres on November 20."

It may be recalled that the film was originally scheduled to release on July 24. However, the makers chose to postpone the film. Now, they have announced that it will hit the screens on November 24.

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

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

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

Produced jointly by Zee Studios and Drumsticks Productions, the film has cinematography by Arul Vincent and music by Sam C S. Editing for the film is by Prasanna G K.

The mafia money, an illegally-operated underground casino beneath a theatre, and the race to secure the vault key — which is also connected to a pen drive containing crucial secrets — create an interesting premise for a heist flick, even though the template itself is quite familiar to us. The first half is largely devoted to establishing Guru and the crisis that pushes him into the mafia world. It also introduces gangster leader Vincent (Shiv Panditt), who is the primary antagonist, and his hired assassin Y (Yog Japee), as well as Kotlapati Veeraya Reddy (Sampath Raj), a drug kingpin and leader of a smuggling gang from another location — all of whom form a strong ensemble cast. Both criminal factions eventually find themselves pursuing the same object, which holds two separate elements that drive the conflict.

The second half brings all these characters together as the chase for the vault key turns into a race involving deceit, shifting loyalties and suspense over who will ultimately get their hands on the vault’s contents. There is plenty of action, colourful set pieces and humour in this portion, keeping the proceedings energetic. The climax is staged stylishly, although its impact could have been stronger had the plot been more tightly constructed and the story narrated with greater clarity.

Film: Sigma; Director: Jason Sanjay; Cast: Sundeep Kishan, Faria Abdullah, Raju Sundaram, Sampath Raj, Shiv Panditt, Yog Japee; Synopsis: A rogue treasure hunter breaks every rule in pursuit of the ultimate score, navigating deadly traps and double-crosses with wit and audacity in this adrenaline-fueled adventure; Rating : 2.5/5 stars

But despite having such an elaborate setup, the screenplay struggles to sustain tension. The film leans on predictable tropes from Guru turning to gambling in desperation, losing to the casino owners and plotting his revenge, to a female character seducing an assassin to manipulate him into stealing the money and splitting it with her. Even scenes that have all the ingredients for excitement on paper fail to generate the necessary suspense and excitement on screen. The emotional dynamics between Sundeep’s and Faria’s characters are also underdeveloped, while Faria’s RJ Sam character is too underwritten to leave an impression.

However, Sigma manages to score on the technical front, with the cinematography by Krishnan Vasant, Thaman's music, and editing by Praveen KL complementing the scale of the film. The action, humour and colourful staging give it the feel of a commercial entertainer, even when the writing often doesn’t match the ambition of the setup.

On the whole, Sigma is an ambitious debut from Jason Sanjay, with a premise that offers considerable scope for a commercial action-heist film. However, the weak screenplay and predictable template prevent the film from making the most of its potential. The action portions and technical aspects make it engaging in parts, but the writing needed to infuse more freshness and create moments of greater tension to make the film impactful.

The film gala, which will be held at the Tibetan Children's Village (TCV) in Upper Dharamshala, will present curated screenings, workshops, masterclasses, conversations and mentorship sessions, the organisers said in a statement.

Founded in 2012 by filmmakers Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam, DIFF has grown into one of India's leading independent film festivals and has provided a platform for emerging filmmakers.

"When we started DIFF, we wanted to create a space in Dharamshala where independent films could be experienced in a communal setting, and where filmmakers and audiences could spend time with each other beyond the screening room. Fifteen years later, that spirit remains at the heart of the festival. We are excited to welcome everyone back to the mountains for this year's landmark edition," the founders said.

Bina Paul, the festival's director of programming, said curation has always been central to DIFF.

While curating, we look for distinctive voices, boundary-pushing filmmaking and films that open up new ways of seeing and thinking," she said.

Among the films in the lineup is "Rehmat" by National Award-winning filmmaker Gurvinder Singh, which adapts stories by Punjabi writer Ajeet Cour and explores displacement, memory, conflict and compassion in present-day Punjab.

Starring Naseeruddin Shah, the film had its world premiere in the main competition of the Locarno Film Festival in August.

"Termite" is Sen's first fiction film after his Oscar-nominated documentary "All That Breathes".

The short film, set in the lanes of Old Delhi, follows two middle-aged men whose lives are disrupted by an unexpected marriage proposal. It had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last month.

The lineup also includes "Members of the Problematic Family" by Tamil filmmaker R Gowtham, which portrays a family dealing with grief after the death of a troubled young man.

"Celtic Utopia" by Dennis Harvey and Lars Loven looks at contemporary Ireland through its folk music and cultural heritage.

"The Ordinary Star" by Samreen Farooqui and Shabani Hassanwalia follows Nawazuddin Siddiqui as he studies the real-life resident of the room his character inhabits in Dibakar Banerjee's "Star".

"Sirat" by Óliver Laxe is a road film about a father searching for his missing daughter across the deserts of southern Morocco, alongside a group of ravers.

"Time and Water", from Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sara Dosa, is a documentary on Icelandic writer Andri Snær Magnason and the changing landscapes of his homeland.

"9 Temples to Heaven" by Thai director Sompot Chidgasornpongse follows a family on a pilgrimage to nine temples in a single day.

The festival's year-round initiatives include DIFF On the Road, which takes curated film programmes to audiences outside Dharamshala. Its collaborations have included the Sa Ladakh Biennale, the Kochi Biennale and Colomboscope in Sri Lanka.

The DIFF Himalayan Film Fellows Programme, supported by Arthshila, backs filmmakers from the Indian Himalayan Region who are working on their first or second feature-length fiction film.

Seven fellows selected for the 2026 programme will work with three mentors: Bhutanese director Dechen Roder and Indian independent filmmakers Umesh Kulkarni and Dominic Sangma.

The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), the festival's learning partner, will hold drop-in activities on all four days, including cyanotype printing, film-strip weaving and a collaborative mosaic mural designed by Tibetan artist Tashi Nyima.

DIFF has also organised community screenings across the Kangra region, in partnership with Royal Enfield Social Mission. Screenings have been held at schools, universities, nunneries, NGOs and the district jail.

The actor is under medical observation at a hospital in Bali, where she was on a work-and-holiday trip, the publicist said.

"Nushrratt Bharuccha, who was in Bali for a work-cum-holiday trip, met with an unfortunate accident and suffered a fracture in her spine. She is currently hospitalised in Bali and remains under medical observation. Following further evaluation by the doctors, Nushrratt will be undergoing spine surgery.

"At present, our immediate priority is her health and ensuring she receives the necessary medical care. We are currently making arrangements to bring Nushrratt back to Mumbai from Bali via an air ambulance, where she will undergo the surgery," the publicist said in a statement.

Given the nature of the injury and the surgery, Bharuccha will require time to rest and recover, and her work commitments over the next few weeks are likely to be affected, the statement added.

The publicist requested people to respect the actor's privacy and allow her space to focus on her treatment and recovery.

"We are grateful for everyone's concern and good wishes and will share further updates as and when appropriate," the statement said.

Bharuccha made her acting debut with the 2006 film "Jai Santoshi Maa" but became popular after featuring in hits "Love Sex Aur Dhokha" (2010) and 2011's "Pyaar Ka Punchnama", co-starring Kartik Aaryan.

Her other credits include "Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2", "Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety", "Dream Girl", "Chhalaang", "Ajeeb Daastaans", "Chhorii", "Janhit Mein Jaari", "Ram Setu", "Selfiee", "Akelli" and "Chhorii 2".

Bharuccha will next feature in an upcoming action film starring Tiger Shroff and directed by Remo D'Souza.

Written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, the film will be previewed in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

The screenings will begin on October 9 at four theatres each in Mumbai and Pune, followed by the other cities. The previews will be held in Marathi and Hindi.

After the previews, the film will release more widely in Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada in India and overseas, the makers said in a statement.

A date for the wider release was not announced.

Set against the backdrop of Gondhal, a traditional ritual of rural Maharashtra featuring music, dance and mythology, the film revolves around a newlywed couple.

According to the official synopsis, the film follows Suman, a suffocating young bride, who uses her lover Sarjerao's obsession in Gondhal ritual and turns sacred tradition into a deadly chess match.

"Gondhal" stars Ishita Deshmukh, Kishor Kadam and Yogesh Sohoni in key roles.

"For us, these previews are more than just early screenings; they are an opportunity to bring 'Gondhal' back to audiences for whom the theatrical experience was always at the heart of the film," Davakhar said.

"This is a story born from Maharashtra's cultural soil, and we have always believed that its atmosphere, sound and visual world should be experienced collectively in a theatre. After the honour of representing India at the Oscars, it feels especially meaningful to open the doors of the film to audiences. I hope viewers enter the theatre without preconceived notions and allow the story, the culture and its psychological journey to speak for themselves," the director added.

Surya Kanthasamy (Ashok Selvan) and Iyal (Preity Mukhundhan) are a married couple handling the everyday challenges of life and work, much like any middle-class family. Their home may be small, but it is filled with warmth, reflecting the deep love and care they share for each other. Like many people caught in the corporate grind who dream of breaking free and starting something of their own, Surya and Iyal decide to take the plunge and venture into a business in a remote hill station. The unexpected circumstances they are pulled into and the ensuing danger they encounter along the way, and how they overcome them together, form the crux of the film.

When Iyal asks Surya, “Unnaku enna avlo pudikkuma?” he simply replies, “Nee en uyir.” Given everything his character does for her through the course of the film, that one line feels deeply fitting and sums up the depth of his love for her. To the actors' credit as well as the dialogue writers, such conversations between the couple are extremely memorable. Everything about how their relationship is depicted feels organic, making the couple relatable to us. But Anbil Avan does not believe in showing just romance and love-filled expressions. It repeatedly drives home the idea that the true test of a relationship comes during difficult times. An argument scene between Surya and Iyal is a standout one, with the performances (particularly Ashok Selvan's), the camera work, and music blending seamlessly to make the moment feel incredibly natural.

A scene that explains a statue depicting Parvathy holding Shiva’s neck becomes one of the film’s most effective metaphors. Surya initially misunderstands the gesture but later learns that Parvathy is holding Shiva’s neck to prevent the poison he consumed from spreading through his body. Shiva drinks the poison to save others, much like how Surya goes to great lengths to fulfil Iyal's dream. In turn, Iyal’s love and support protects Surya and their relationship from hardships. This simple scene captures the essence of the entire film.

Film: Anbil Avan; Director: R Kaarthikeyan; Cast: Ashok Selvan, Preity Mukhundhan, Kadirbalu, Maha Delhi Ganesh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Revathi; Synopsis: Anbil Avan is a survival action thriller that follows married couple Surya and Iyal as they leave behind their corporate lives to pursue a shared dream in a remote hill station. What begins as a journey to build a life together soon turns into a fight for survival, testing their love, resilience and commitment to each other. Rating: 3.5 stars

Anbil Avan also treats its female characters with respect. In one scene, Surya is seen raising his hand at Iyal during an argument but he stops himself in time, making the moment more about the emotional conflict than physical violence. Later, the way a man who misbehaves with Iyal is dealt with provides a satisfying sense of closure to that thread.

The film’s supporting cast deserves applause with several unfamiliar faces delivering impressive performances. Maha Delhi Ganesh, Kadirbalu and Sabumon's performances are praise-worthy for their authenticity and intensity.

Govindh Vasantha’s music elevates every mood in this survival action-thriller, from its lighter, romantic moments to the chilling fight sequences. The score also feels distinct from his previous albums, adding a fresh texture to the film. The film features extensive action sequences, superbly choreographed by Peter Hein. While most of them are executed well, the extended action sequence in the climax felt lengthy and could have been trimmed for a tighter finish.

Overall, Ashok Selvan lives up to his promise of giving it his all, going beyond just acting in and producing Anbil Avan.

His performance is complemented by Govindh Vasantha’s music, Peter Hein’s action choreography, the sweet chemistry with Preity Mukhundhan, and solid acting from the entire cast. Anbil Avan is a significant film in Ashok Selvan's career and one he can be proud of.

Sigma, starring Sundeep Kishan in the lead, was released today. The film is produced by Lyca Productions and marks Jason Sanjay’s directorial debut.

The film had generated considerable anticipation among fans, particularly as it marks the entry of Vijay’s son into filmmaking.

Sangeetha and Divya arrived at the Vadapalani theatre to watch the film on its opening day. Meanwhile, fans are also awaiting to see whether Vijay will watch his son’s directorial debut.

Sigma movie cast, crew & plot

Apart from Sundeep Kishan and Faria Abdullah, the film features Raju Sundaram, Sampath Raj, Shiv Pandit, Anbu Thasan and Yog Japee in prominent roles. Krishnan Vasant is the cinematographer, while S Thaman has composed the music. National Award-winning editor KL Praveen is handling the editing.

The trailer suggests that Sigma will combine action, adventure, humour and emotion. The story also explores the bond between a mother and her son, adding an emotional layer to the heist narrative.

At the centre of the story is a Rs 500-crore racket involving drugs and gambling, which draws him into a world of crime and deception. The protagonist is also in love with an RJ, Sam, played by Faria Abdullah. The trailer shows him planning a major heist with the help of his friends. However, their plans are disrupted by Reddy, played by Sampath Raj, forcing him to rethink his approach and take on the challenge.

In a statement, Jason Sanjay, who is making his debut as a director with 'Sigma', said, "I am extremely excited about the release of Sigma, and at the same time, I am equally anxious. The hype and expectations surrounding the film are immense, and I am confident that we will live up to them."

He went on to add, "Sigma is releasing worldwide in theatres on October 2, with Sakthi Film Distributors bringing the film to audiences. We have chosen a genre and a visual colour palette that we believe will connect strongly with the expectations of today’s audience. As a team, we have put in everything possible to deliver an engaging and entertaining cinematic experience."

The young director also expressed his gratitude to the film's makers and his team.

"I am immensely thankful to Subas Karan, Chairman, Lyca Productions, for placing his trust in me and giving me the responsibility of directing Sigma. I am equally grateful to Tamil Kumaran, Head of Lyca Productions, who spearheaded our operations and execution. His constant support and encouragement have been invaluable throughout the journey," Jason Sanjay said.

"I am ever grateful to my actors, Sandeep bro and Faria Abdullah, for trusting me and the script. The film demanded extensive hard work, and both of them gave themselves completely to the process. I must also acknowledge the valuable contribution of senior artistes such as Sampath, Raju Master and the entire cast who supported the film wholeheartedly," he observed.

"For any director, especially a debutant, having a DOP with a clear visual vision and a strong support system is a blessing. I consider myself fortunate to have worked with Krishnan Vasanth, whose visual understanding has been instrumental in shaping the film. I am equally blessed to have Praveen KL as our editor. His experience and creative understanding have been a tremendous strength to the project. Thaman needs no introduction. His music and beats are among the chief weapons in our arsenal, adding tremendous energy to the film," he said even as he thanked other members of the unit.

Sanjay Jason went on to point out that cinema was ultimately a medium of entertainment.

"As a team, we have left no stone unturned to make Sigma an entertaining and engaging cinematic saga. We have worked with the intention of creating a film that can cut across regional and linguistic barriers and connect with audiences across territories. I believe confidence in a project must always come with humility. With that confidence and sheer humility, I request audiences to watch Sigma in theatres from October 2 and experience the film with us," he urged audiences.

He ended his statement saying, "I am another debutant director stepping into this vast ocean of talent called cinema. At this stage of my journey, the support and acceptance of the audience mean everything to me. Please watch Sigma, support us, and make this journey memorable."

“Doing a normal performance is actually more difficult. That is the challenge. Doing something like Aavesham is very easy for me. I can do Aavesham. But I don’t enjoy doing that all the time. There’s no point in just doing Aavesham alone,” he said, during an interaction with select media.

Fahadh's character in Don’t Trouble The Trouble, he explained, demanded something different. “This character was challenging for me because I have to be a fraud, I have to be cunning, but at the same time, I have to be human and make sure the audience likes me. In Aavesham, there was no need for that," he added.

Fahadh said he does not approach a character purely through the lens of whether it is positive or negative. “What matters is how the character is structured within the film. How it falls in a film is the most important thing. Sometimes, it might be a very small role, also.” He cited Shammi from Kumbalangi Nights as a character that took considerable effort to crack. “That role was very difficult. We kept trying to crack it. We took time and worked on it.”

The actor also revealed that he particularly enjoyed shooting Don’t Trouble The Trouble in real locations. While live-location shoots are common in Kerala, filming in Hyderabad presented its own challenges, particularly with crowd control. “On the first two days, there was an issue because crowd control wasn’t as easy as we thought it would be. But then we had a plan, and the production had a plan, and everything was controlled. We shot on the main roads. We shot during peak hours and at midnight. So, it was a totally new and different experience for me," he added.

The film also gave Fahadh the opportunity to work with child actor Ssara Palekar. When asked whether working with a child actor was tricky, he responded with a laugh: “I have one at home (referring to actor-wife Nazriya Nazim). But Ssara was really good. She is by far the best co-star I ever had.”

The project also received support from Kamal Haasan, Nandamuri Balakrishna and Mohanlal, who agreed to be associated with the trailer. Fahadh said the team was surprised by how readily they agreed. “There was no delay in saying yes. It was an immediate yes.” The experience also made him think about giving back to the fraternity. “I told Karthikeya (producer SS Karthikeya) also, ‘Bro, I think I have to start doing this, because that’s how you give it back, right?’”

The conversation then inevitably turned to his father, actor-director Fazil, who has a strong association with Tamil cinema. Fahadh revealed that he has been waiting for a script from him. “I asked him for a script some five years ago. He hasn’t given me one.”

Fazil, he added, was among the first to predict the success of Fahadh’s recent production, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, which has crossed the Rs 300-crore mark. “My father is watching all the films. He’s enjoying them. He’s guiding us through," Fahadh added. When asked which Tamil character he would like to play in a Malayalam remake, Fahadh immediately picked Vijayan from Mahendran’s Mullum Malarum (1978).

Coming to the production side, producer SS Karthikeya discussed the extensive preparation behind the film’s fantasy elements. The production spent around eight months preparing the VFX before shooting began, locking the visual language, character looks and effects in advance. This also helped control costs, as knowing the number and complexity of shots beforehand allowed the team to negotiate with CG companies and make practical changes during production.

The film was shot in Telugu, with the team also working extensively on the Tamil and Malayalam versions. “I hope people won’t be able to tell which language the film was originally shot in. We tried to perfect it to that extent,” Karthikeya said.

AI was also used during pre-production, particularly to communicate visual ideas to artists, he revealed. “If there is an idea in our director’s mind or our mind that we are unable to communicate to an artist, it becomes easier to quickly create something using AI and show them, ‘This is what we are looking at.’ But that is only at the idea-level.” For Fahadh, however, all the technical work ultimately comes down to the same thing making sure the character and the film work together as a whole.

The Don’t Trouble The Trouble team recently held a pre-release event in Hyderabad, which was attended by actor Suriya, filmmaker SS Rajamouli and producer Ishari K Ganesh, along with the cast and crew.

The film releases in theaters on October 2.

A bench of justices JB Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran refused to entertain the appeal filed by Ilaiyaraaja against the high court verdict of May 26 in favour of music label Saregama.

The dispute pertaining to copyright over the song arose after a production house used a recreated version of the song in a film, claiming that it has got the licence from Ilaiyaraaja.

Saregama objected to it saying it had taken the rights over the song through an assignment from the original producer of "Moodu Pani".

The Delhi High Court eventually held that Ilaiyaraaja retained rights only in the musical component or tune of the song, not in the lyrics or sound recording.

The high court division bench upheld the ruling by a single-judge's bench on May 21.

Ilaiyaraaja then filed a review petition questioning the correctness of the high court's May 21 ruling. This review petition was dismissed by the high court on May 26.

Baththa’s relationship with his family is equally troubled. Even as his wife Kannima (Lijomol Jose) and daughter Thenmozhi (Baby Sahasra Shree) care for him, he remains distant and harsh towards them. His involvement in the arrack trade further establishes him as a man committed to a life of wrongdoing.

The film then takes an unexpected turn when an innocent act by a child Sabari (Sai Prithviraj) leaves Baththa accidentally locked inside a school bathroom. The director turns this situation into a turning point in Baththa’s life, going on to explore the eventual transformation of the man. Instead of presenting an overnight change, he is made to slowly rediscover the value of the relationships he had taken for granted.

As the days pass in confinement, Baththa's anger and aggression begin to fade. The film effectively uses visual symbolism to depict how he begins to shed his old self, with him removing his shirt on the first day, followed by his banian. Sethupathi carries the character through its different shades, moving from being an intimidating gangster in the opening portions to a man trapped in a situation beyond his control. His vulnerability comes through in the moment when he pleads, “Snehidha, please don’t leave,” a line that visibly affected the audience.

Lijomol particularly shines in the scene where she thanks the boy for saving Sethupathi, telling him, “Nee Sabari illa, Saami.” Another emotionally effective moment comes during a conversation between the couple where he acknowledges how badly he treated his family and apologises. Sethupathi brings considerable emotional weight to this scene without overplaying it. There is another great scene where he shaves his beard and then sees Lijomol’s reflection in an old wedding photograph, suggesting that he has shed his anger and bitterness and is rediscovering the love he once had for her.

Film: Baththa

Director: Balaji Tharaneetharan

Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Lijomol Jose

Synopsis: Set in 1986, a feared local don is accidentally locked inside a deserted school restroom by an eight-year-old boy. As the two form an unlikely friendship, the gangster is forced to confront his vulnerability and find his way back to his family.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Baththa also adds a layer of humour to the mystery surrounding how Baththa gets locked inside the bathroom, eventually leading to an emotional confession from the child. Baththa’s acceptance of this confession gives their relationship a fitting resolution. The film also briefly explores Baththa’s backstory, showing him being bullied during his schooldays. The climax is particularly moving with the final song ‘Chellame Magale’ evoking the emotional culmination of his journey, which drew spontaneous applause from the audience.

The music by Sai Abhyankkar is another major strength. Unlike the fast-paced musical approach of his earlier work, the score and songs complement the film and elevate several of its key sequences.

Baththa works because it doesn’t make the transformation of its eponymous character overly complicated: it places a violent man in a simple survival situation and gives him time to confront his demons, managing to derive humour, emotion and warmth from this premise.

It is ultimately a light-hearted film that manages to make the audience laugh, think, and feel genuinely moved, towards the end

The 64-year-old star mentioned Min Ah during a speech delivered entirely in French at the awards ceremony. As his daughter Jane, grandson Jackson and Min Ah received ovations from the audience, he said, “Thank you to my wonderful family, my daughter Jane, and my grandson Jackson. I love you now and forever. Thank you to my sublime companion, Min Ah.” “I love you, Min Ah,” he added, before thanking his late father, Percy Joseph Carrey, whom he credited with teaching him “the value of love, generosity, and laughter,” as cited by People magazine.

Carrey has generally kept his personal life private. In an April 2022 interview while promoting 'Sonic the Hedgehog 2', he spoke about enjoying a quieter life away from the spotlight. “I really like my quiet life, and I really love putting paint on canvas, and I really love my spiritual life, and I feel like, and this is something you might never hear another celebrity say as long as time exists, I have enough,” Carrey said, as cited by People magazine.

When asked whether he was serious about potentially stepping away from acting, he replied, “I’m being fairly serious.” He said he might continue working if presented with a script he felt was particularly important, but that he was taking a break. Before his relationship with Min Ah, Carrey was linked to his 'Kidding' costar Ginger Gonzaga. The pair made their red carpet debut at the Showtime Golden Globes Nominees Celebration in West Hollywood in January 2019.

Carrey’s representative confirmed to People magazine at the time that Gonzaga was his girlfriend. Us Weekly later reported in October 2019 that the couple had split after less than a year of dating. Carrey was previously married to 'Dumb and Dumber' costar Lauren Holly from 1996 to 1997 and to Melissa Womer, with whom he shares daughter Jane, from 1987 to 1995.

Taking to his X timeline, G V Prakash, who posted a picture of himself from the sets of the film, wrote, "Final schedule on…. A @hariharanram24 film …. Shot by @thenieswar sir … @larkstudios1 @ParallelUniPic."

For the unaware, Hariharan Ram is best known for having directed the critically acclaimed superhit film 'Joe'.

The film, which is being produced by Lark Studios, which has delivered two blockbusters --Garudan and Maaman -- back-to-back, along with Parallel Universe Pictures, was announced officially in April this year.

Malavika Manoj, who impressed audiences with her performance in 'Joe', plays the female lead opposite G.V. Prakash Kumar in this film. Sources disclosed that the film will present G V Prakash in a completely new dimension, for which he had undergone intense preparation.

Cinematography for the film is being handled by one of the best in business, Theni Eswar. The ace cinematographer is best known for his visually striking work in films like 'Karnan' and 'Vaazhai'.

The film officially went on floors in June this year. Hariharan Ram gained widespread acclaim with his critically and commercially successful film 'Joe'. Sources say that G.V. Prakash Kumar, who was impressed by his distinctive storytelling, not only agreed to headline the project but also compose the music for the film.

G V Prakash, who is known as much for his acting as he is for his music, was recently in the news for having won a third National Award for Best Background score in the blockbuster Tamil film, 'Amaran', which was based on the life of Major Mukund Varadarajan who was awarded the Ashok Chakra, the country’s highest gallantry award, for his supreme sacrifice while fighting militants in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the complaint, Sherif, who runs a mobile phone shop in Madurai, made a three-minute short film titled Dot Nanga during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. He said the film, which focused on the transgender community, received considerable attention after he posted it on social media and was also appreciated by members of the community.

Sherif said he had planned to develop the short film into a feature but the project was delayed. He later watched Dorothy after some people who had seen the film contacted him and pointed out similarities with his short film.

After watching the movie, Sherif alleged that its storyline had been taken from his short film without his consent. He has sought legal action against Karthik Subbaraj and the production company.

Dorothy follows two childhood friends (Rishikanth, Sananth Reddy) who grow up inseparable in rural Tamil Nadu, a world shaped by caste, violence, and toxic masculinity. Their lives are transformed by the arrival of Dorothy (Keerthy Suresh), a woman whose compassion quietly challenges the world around them. In DT Next's review of the film, we wrote, "Dorothy may not be a comfortable watch for everyone, but Karthik Subbaraj deserves credit for confronting toxic masculinity, transgender prejudice and society’s obsession with defining what is normal."

Dorothy had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 11. It is the first Tamil feature film to premiere at TIFF in a decade and received a standing ovation.

GKM Tamil Kumaran, speaking on behalf of Lyca Productions, apologised for the director’s absence and explained that Sanjay fell ill after travelling extensively with the team as part of the film’s promotions.

Sundeep Kishan described Sigma as an episodic action comedy that has something for everyone. “It is an episodic action comedy. It has everything that will entertain the people,” he said, expressing confidence that the film would offer audiences a complete entertainer.

Speaking about his director, Sundeep said Sanjay was a “very sweet person” and added that anyone who gets an opportunity to spend a couple of hours talking to him would probably come away with the same impression. He also praised Sanjay’s professionalism, saying that the director has worked extremely hard from the scripting stage and continued to work meticulously through the shot divisions during the shoot.

Faria Abdullah, who plays the female lead, won attention with her speech in broken Tamil. While thanking the team and everyone associated with the film, she also credited her parents for helping her reach where she is today. 

The event also saw Tamil Kumaran being asked whether actor Ajith Kumar had played a role in getting Lyca Productions to back Jason Sanjay’s film. Responding to the question, Tamil Kumaran clarified that Sanjay had narrated the story to him during the shooting of Vidaamuyarchi, and said there was nothing more to the connection beyond that.

She wore a sleeveless structured grey vest over a crisp white shirt, paired with wide-leg grey trousers and pointed heels. Keeping the styling understated, Keerthy completed the look with a neat updo, minimal jewellery and natural makeup, allowing the tailored silhouette to remain the highlight of her appearance.

During the show, Keerthy was also seen alongside Silvana Armani, Creative Director of Women’s Collection at Giorgio Armani. Her Milan appearance comes shortly after her international red-carpet outing at the Toronto International Film Festival, where she attended the world premiere of Dorothy.

For the occasion, she chose a burgundy and antique-gold Kanjivaram-inspired creation by designer Karan Torani, styled by Ami Patel and paired with traditional Kerala jewellery. With appearances at both TIFF and Milan Fashion Week, Keerthy has been making a mark at international film and fashion events while showcasing different facets of her style.

Keerthy Suresh recently acted in Dorothy

In DT Next's review of Dorothy, we wrote, "Keerthy Suresh, as Dorothy, Subbu’s brother’s wife, appears for a limited period but leaves an impression. Initially viewed through the objectifying description of a “doll”, Dorothy gradually reveals warmth and compassion. Keerthy handles the role with tenderness, although the character could have benefited from more screen time. She is an angel who disappears too soon."

According to a Maalaimalar report, the development has triggered speculation over whether the veteran actor plans to redevelop the property himself or whether a construction company will undertake the proposed project.

Built in the 1990s, the wedding hall has been closely associated with Rajinikanth and his fan clubs over the years. The actor has frequently met his fan club office-bearers at the venue and held discussions related to fan club activities there.

The mandapam also holds significance in Rajinikanth’s political journey. In December 2017, he announced his decision to enter politics at a meeting with his fans at the venue. However, in December 2020, he withdrew his plans to launch a political party, citing health concerns and the COVID-19 pandemic. He later said he had no plans to enter politics in the future.

What happens to the Rajinikanth's Raghavendra mandapam?

The reported proposal to build a star hotel has raised questions among Rajinikanth’s fans about the future of the existing wedding hall. It is not yet clear whether the structure will be demolished and redeveloped or whether the property will be taken up by another company for the proposed hotel project.

Further details, including the identity of the developer and the nature of the proposed hotel, are awaited.

Nivin Pauly confirms LCU characters

Speaking in an interview, Nivin Pauly said he could not reveal details about the story but confirmed that the characters in ‘Benz’ belong to the LCU. He also mentioned that he is a fan of Dilli and Rolex and is looking forward to seeing the characters in the film. Nivin's comments have increased interest in how ‘Benz’ will connect with the existing LCU films. However, he has not confirmed whether Dilli or Rolex will make an appearance in the film.

Nivin Pauly to play antagonist

Directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan, ‘Benz’ stars Raghava Lawrence in the lead role, while Nivin Pauly plays the antagonist as Walter. Ravi Mohan and Samyuktha are also part of the cast. The film is being produced under Lokesh Kanagaraj's G Squad banner. Lokesh has written the story, with Bakkiyaraj Kannan directing the project.

Benz to expand LCU

‘Benz’ is being developed as part of the LCU and marks an expansion of the interconnected universe beyond films directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film is expected to introduce its own set of characters while connecting with the established LCU world. Nivin's statement that all the characters belong to the same universe has added to curiosity about these connections.

What is the Lokesh Cinematic Universe?

The Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) is a term coined by fans to describe the interconnected world created through filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj's films. The universe began with ‘Kaithi’, followed by ‘Vikram’ and ‘Leo’, with characters and references linking the films.

Karthi's Dilli from ‘Kaithi’ and Suriya's Rolex from ‘Vikram’ are among the notable characters in the universe. Lokesh is set to expand the franchise with projects including ‘Kaithi 2’ and ‘Rolex’. ‘Benz’, directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan, is the latest film to join the LCU.

‘Chennai 600 028 III’ to begin in Chennai

According to the Maalaimalar report, a special set is being constructed in Chennai for the third instalment. Shooting is scheduled to begin in the first week of October, with the first schedule expected to continue for around 10 days.

After completing the Chennai schedule, the team is planning to conduct the second phase of shooting in Bangkok. More details about the film's complete cast and crew are expected to be announced later.

‘Chennai 600 028’ introduced the cricket gang

Released in 2007, ‘Chennai 600 028’ marked Venkat Prabhu's directorial debut. Produced by SPB Charan and JK Saravana, the film featured Shiva, Jai, Nitin Sathya, Premgi Amaren, Aravind Akash, Vijay Vasanth and others in important roles. Yuvan Shankar Raja composed the music, with Premgi Amaren also associated with the music. Centred on a group of friends and their passion for street cricket, the film combined comedy, friendship and the local Chennai setting. It received a positive response from audiences and became one of the notable films in Venkat Prabhu's early career.

‘Chennai 600 028 II’ continued the story

The sequel, ‘Chennai 600 028 II’, was released in 2016, with Venkat Prabhu returning as director. SPB Charan and Venkat Prabhu produced the film, while Yuvan Shankar Raja composed the music. The sequel brought back several members of the original cast, including Shiva, Jai, Premgi Amaren, Aravind Akash, Vijay Vasanth and Nitin Sathya. Vaibhav Reddy, Inigo Prabakaran and Mahat Raghavendra were among the other actors in the film. The sequel continued the franchise's focus on friendship, cricket and comedy. Following its release, there had been continued speculation about a third instalment.

The film's makers have released a behind-the-scenes video on YouTube where Ranbir as well as director Nitesh Tiwari, co-stars Arun Govil and Sai Pallavi spoke about his transformation into Lord Ram.

"This isn't a role, or merely an exciting role in a movie. This is a responsibility... So every day, I reminded myself that my job was not to be worthy of this role. My job was to be worthy of the faith that people placed in this role," Ranbir said in the 5-minute video.

"But I think everything just comes down to the simplicity and belief of the individual playing Lord Rama," he added.

Produced by Namit Malhotra's DNEG and Prime Focus Studios, "Ramayana" has been mounted as an ambitious global-scale adaptation of the mythological epic.

The first part is scheduled for worldwide theatrical release on November 6, during Diwali, with the second instalment planned for 2027.

Besides Ranbir, the movie features Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman.

Arun Govil, who famously played Ram in Ramanand Sagar's television series "Ramayan", plays King Dasharatha in the new film.

Arun said "Ramayana" has no single definition as it is "our dignity, honour, pride, culture, and heritage."

"Everything for us here is the Ramayana," he added.

Praising Ranbir, the veteran actor-politician said he has many qualities required to play the role.

"Normally, you wouldn't expect a superstar to come and touch your feet. But he always does it. Among the current generation of young stars, Ranbir is the closest fit to play Lord Rama," he said.

Nitesh said casting for Lord Rama role was not an easy task.

"Ramayana is the oldest epic known to mankind. And that's what we believe in India that even if you can imbibe one percent of the values which Lord Rama had, you will be a great person. Now imagine what kind of person he was. And that's why casting Lord Rama was almost next to impossible. All we could do was try.

"When Namit discussed Ranbir with me, I felt like it was all possible with Ranbir. He ticked all the boxes," he said.

Sai recalled how she imagined the image of Lord Rama from her childhood.

“He is a very slender Rama and his head is a little tilted… and there's a bow this way. There's a small and petite Sita. That is the image I remember from my childhood. Now suddenly I could see that Rama that I saw in my childhood and I was awestruck," she added.

For Ranbir, one of the exciting aspects of making the movie was to see how "Namit got the best of the East and the best of the West to come together with a single belief of the telling of the Ramayana."

"Talents like Terry Notary who's worked on such great movies. I had the good fortune of training under him for body language, for movement. But just the process was so exciting, the expertise that he was bringing to us because I saw it in Terry Notary's intention that he believed in the Ramayana, he believed in the story.

"We had the amazing legend, Guy Norris, who I had the good fortune of doing two action set pieces... But him being so interested in the emotionality of Lord Rama was such a pleasant surprise," he said.

"Ramayana" has a screenplay by Shridhar Raghavan, with Tiwari also credited on the screenplay.

The production is also backed by Yash's Monster Mind Creations, with Dharma Productions handling distribution across North India's Hindi-speaking markets and Sony Pictures releasing the film internationally.

Director Sivakumar Murugesan, while responding to a question from a fan on X, sought to to put an end to speculation that some portions of the film had been reshot. He wrote, "No brother. Vivek is an excellent cinematographer. This change is being made solely due to date issues, as the shooting schedules of the two films he had already signed (sic). Seyon is shaping up exceptionally well. Thank you."

For the unaware, Vivek Vijayakumar was the cinematographer who was originally working on the film. Now, the team has brought on board cinematographer Vidhu Ayyanna, best known for having shot the Sivakarthikeyan-starrer 'Maaveeran'.

It may be recalled that the makers of director Sivakumar Murugesan's 'Seyon' had only recently announced that the unit of the film had wrapped up its second schedule of shooting.

Raaj Kamal Films International, the production house of actor Kamal Haasan which is producing the film, took to its social media timelines to put out a video clip announcing the completion of the film's second schedule.

It wrote, "வீரத்தின் வெற்றிப் பயணத்தில் இரண்டாம் கட்டம் நிறைவு #சேயோன் (The second stage of courage's victorious journey has now been completed #Seyon) #VetrivelVeeravel #Varendi #KamalHaasan #Sivakarthikeyan."

Sivakarthikeyan had taken a short break in Ooty ahead of the gruelling second schedule in Madurai.

The actor had a few days ago posted pictures of himself seated alone on a jeep and enjoying the serenity offered by the mist-surrounded mountains in Ooty.

Posting the pictures on Instagram, he had said, "A pause. A breeze. A little peace."

The makers of the film had on June 10 this year announced that the unit had wrapped up the first schedule of shooting.

The film officially went on floors in Madurai with a grand pooja ceremony that was graced by several celebrities including actor Kamal Haasan on May 18 this year.

Produced by Kamal Haasan's RaajKamal Films International and Turmeric Media, the film features actress Baghyashrii Borse as the female lead.

Interestingly, this will be Baghyashrii Borse's first direct Tamil film.

The film, which will feature Sakarthikeyan in a power-packed and dynamic new role, will be a grand rural commercial entertainer.

The film marks a significant reunion between Sivakarthikeyan and Raaj Kamal Films International. Their collaboration for this film comes on the heels of the blockbuster success of their earlier film 'Amaran', which garnered both critical acclaim and commercial triumph.

Produced by Kamal Haasan and R. Mahendran, the film brings together powerful storytelling and a co+mpelling cinematic vision. Adding to the excitement, this project will mark the first-ever collaboration between RaajKamal Films International, Sivakarthikeyan, and acclaimed composer Santhosh Narayanan.

The film has editing by San Lokesh. Art direction for the film is by R K Nagu while Keerthy Sampath and Joshua Maxwell are its costume designers.

The film marks Ravi’s second collaboration with Mahaveer Jain after Kartik Aaryan-starrer “Naagzilla” and sees the actor in a very different space, with the narrative revolving entirely around his character.

Written and directed by Amit Aarryan, the film explores the relationship between a man and his faith through an unusual emotional perspective. At the heart of the story is a protagonist whose relationship with God goes beyond traditional devotion, he considers God his closest friend and shares an almost personal bond with Him.

The makers are looking to present the subject in an accessible and entertaining manner rather than as a conventional devotional film. The narrative combines spirituality with humour, emotion and drama, making it a wholesome family entertainer.

The project also comes at an interesting phase for Mahaveer Jain Films, which recently delivered the title track of Yeh Prem Mol Liya and announced RamBola, directed by Hanuman Ansh director Vishal Chaturvedi. With this collaboration, the banner is now venturing into another concept-driven story with Ravi Kishan at the centre.

The film will be presented by Mahaveer Jain Films and produced by Mahaveer Jain Films, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, Vinayak Kumar, Kavin Shah and Shikha K Ahluwalia, along with RatPack Stories’ Vijay Subramanium and Kshitij Mehta.

The yet-untitled film is expected to go on floors in January. The makers are currently working on finalising the title, following which an official announcement is expected.

The actor in the recent past enjoyed a strong run with projects like Mirzapur The Movie, Laapataa Ladies and Maamla Legal Hai.

Ravi has appeared in over 200 films, predominantly in Bhojpuri, Hindi, Telugu and Kannada.

He rose to stardom with his work in the 2003 blockbuster Tere Naam. He then transitioned into Bhojpuri cinema, quickly got a breakthrough as a leading man, and was propelled him to stardom in Bhojpuri region.

Producer GKM Tamil Kumaran took to his X timeline to drop the update. He wrote, "#Sigma is all set to ignite the screens. See U/And your family in theatres on Oct 2. #SigmaInCinemasOct2" and shared a poster that made it evident that the film had been cleared by the Censor Board with a U/A certificate

For the unaware, the action-adventure and heist comedy 'Sigma' is to hit screens worldwide on October 2 this year.

Directed by Jason Sanjay, who is also the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, 'Sigma' has been produced by Subaskaran under the prestigious Lyca Productions banner.

A trailer that was released by the makers recently has added to the excitement of fans. The trailer gives away the fact that the protagonist (played by Sundeep Kishan) of the film is betrayed at one point. However, he refuses to forget what has happened to him and instead chooses to fight back and reclaim what he has lost.

At the centre of the story is a massive 500-crore racket involving drugs and gambling, drawing the protagonist into a high-stakes world of crime and deception. The trailer also shows that the protagonist is in love with an RJ called Sam (Faria Abdullah). We see the hero planning an ambitious heist with the help of his friends. However, their carefully planned operation is disrupted by Reddy (Sampath Raj), throwing their entire mission into chaos. Unwilling to accept defeat, the protagonist returns stronger than ever, determined to overcome every obstacle and accomplish his goal.

The trailer showed that the film would blend high-octane action and adventure with fun, and emotion seamlessly. Apart from Sundeep Kishan and Faria Abdullah, the film will also feature Raju Sundaram, Sampath Raj Shiv Pandit, Anbu Thasan, and Yog Japee in prominent roles.

Mythri Movie Distributors LTD is handling the film’s release in Coastal Andhra and Telangana, while NVR Cinema is to distribute it in the Ceded area.

On the technical front, the film has cinematography by Krishnan Vasant whose visuals in the film's trailer appear stylish and contemporary. The film has music by one of the best in the business, S Thaman. Editing for the film is by National Award winning editor K L Praveen.

Produced by Kalai Arasu under Roll Time Studio, it marks his first venture as a producer after co-producing films including Kanaa, Kottukkaali and Thaaikizhavi under SK Productions. Directed by Karthikeyan, the film has music by Dhibu Ninan Thomas.

At the shooting spot, the team had recreated the atmosphere of the IPL final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings, held at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. The set featured stadium seating, team colours and cheering fans to resemble the match. Rio was seen wearing an MS Dhoni CSK jersey, while Saniya sported Virat Kohli’s RCB jersey.

We spoke to Rio, Saniya, director Karthikeyan and producer Kalai Arasu. Kalai was also actively involved on the floor, working alongside the crew and overseeing the shoot. For debutant director Karthikeyan, Maddy has turned out to be much bigger than he initially planned.

“My wish was to make an action film. Rom-com is also one of my favourite genres. But then I thought, ‘Let me write something with a smaller budget. That can be my first film.’ But I have ended up getting a pretty big budget for this film,” he tells us.

Karthikeyan had written several stories before arriving at Maddy. The project took shape after he narrated the story to Kalai.

“I didn’t know that he was the producer at that point. After I finished my narration, he called me one night and said, ‘I am producing this.’ I was really happy,” he recalls.

Recreating the cricket backdrop, especially the IPL final in the climax, was one of the biggest challenges. After failing to secure permission to shoot at a cricket stadium, the team explored locations including Chepauk, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad before deciding to construct a set.

“We wanted to show the final on that scale because it is also the climax of the movie. Finally, we worked on this structure, got it approved and worked on it extensively. Now it has almost come together,” says Karthikeyan.

Kalai says his love for cricket drew him to the script. “We all watch the IPL, so this is a love story keeping the mindset of today’s youngsters. The love story has a small connection with cricket, something that all of us would relate to,” he says.

The pre-production took four to five months, with the cricket portions requiring extensive planning.

“That was a major challenge because of the IPL cricket season. We had to deal with permissions from the relevant authorities and work around the IPL experience. Since we were producing a commercial film, we had to figure out how to shoot the cricket sequences and make everything look real,” says Kalai.

Despite the scale, Kalai says the team did not compromise on crucial portions. “I always believe that we should spend money on what we are going to show on screen. For the climax in particular, we needed to spend a lot. I believe in this content, I believe in the director, and I believe in the way we work as a team,” he says.

Karthikeyan credits Kalai for giving him freedom. “He never questioned me about anything. Since I have known him for a long time, even if he has to fight with me, he does it with that sense of ownership,” he says.

The film also involves extensive CG and VFX, particularly for the stadium portions. “There is a lot of CG required for this film, especially because we are trying to present the stadium on a very large scale. The final is supposed to happen in Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. So the CG and VFX work will take some time,” says Kalai.

For Rio, who plays Sachin, Maddy is a light-hearted romantic story. “The boy is introverted only when it comes to girls, whereas the girl is very extroverted. She explores and experiences a lot of things in life. The love that develops between these two people is what Maddy is about,” he says.

Rio heard the story in 2024 and immediately wanted to be part of it. “I really liked it when the director narrated the story to me. I immediately said, ‘Let’s do this.’ We discussed the time we had and whether we could execute it the way we wanted to. We felt it was a good project,” he says.

His character’s name, Sachin, has a personal cricket connection. “My father is a huge cricket fan and a big Sachin fan. When he had a son, he wanted to name him Sachin. Luckily, the heroine’s name is Anjali, so there’s a connection there,” Rio explains.

Saniya plays Anjali, an extroverted and adventurous influencer. “As a person, I would say I’m quite similar to my character, Anjali. But I’ve never really had an opportunity to play a character like this before,” she says.

The role also gives her a chance to move away from the serious and emotional characters she has mostly played in Tamil. “Wherever I go, and whenever I travel, the first thing people ask me about is Kalyani,” she says, referring to the popularity of her earlier character.

“Anjali is an influencer, and I feel I can really connect with her as a person in real life. As an actor, you always want to do those typical heroine moments, coming in slow motion and having that larger-than-life heroine introduction,” she adds.

While Saniya has some familiarity with cricket, Rio admits that the sport was a challenge. “I know absolutely nothing about cricket,” he says with a laugh. “In this film, cricket is a major part of the backdrop, and there are a lot of things happening around cricket throughout the film. Obviously, the climax takes place around the IPL.”

Rio is also excited about reuniting with Kalai, with whom he previously worked on Nenjam Undu Nermai Undu Odu Raja, and sharing screen space with longtime friend Mirchi Vijay. “The two of us have been trying to work together for almost ten years. Finally, we’ve got the opportunity to do a film together. So, I’m very happy about that,” he says.

He is equally enthusiastic about Dhibu Ninan Thomas’ music. “Dhibu has already given us three or four songs, and they’re really good. I think this film’s album is going to be one of the best albums of my career,” he says.

Kalai believes Maddy will connect with audiences across generations.

“The film has something for all types of audiences. There is a beautiful father-son emotional element that everyone can connect with, along with moments for youngsters and a ’90s-kid connection. So there is something for everyone,” he says. With the shoot complete, the team is currently working on the CG and VFX.

The release date is yet to be announced.

Sharing a poster featuring a boxing ring, Arya wrote, “The origin of Sarpatta Parambarai begins.”

The poster suggests that the film will explore the origins of the boxing clan, making it a prequel to the first instalment.

Arya is set to reprise his role in the film, with Pa Ranjith returning as director. More details about the cast, story and technical crew are yet to be announced.

The new poster now indicates that the story will go back to the origins of the Sarpatta Parambarai world.

Released directly on Prime Video in 2021, Sarpatta Parambarai was set in North Chennai and revolved around the rivalry between the Sarpatta and Idiyappa boxing clans.

Venkat Prabhu took to X to issue the clarification following comments made by his father, music director, filmmaker and actor Gangai Amaren, about the project.

“SK (Sivakarthikeyan) is always a dear friend/brother to me. A lot of speculations and controversies are going around. As a father, when a film involving your own son gets delayed, the frustration is natural. He probably doesn’t know the complete picture, and I can’t blame him for that,” Venkat Prabhu wrote.

Explaining that he generally keeps his professional matters private, the director added, “I’m a very quiet person when it comes to my work and don’t discuss my professional matters in detail with anyone, including him. The project couldn’t take off due to various reasons. That’s it. No hard feelings.”

Venkat Prabhu also expressed his willingness to work with Sivakarthikeyan again.

“If the time comes and a good script comes my way, I would love to work with SK again. So please, let’s put a full stop to all this,” he said.

He concluded by wishing Sivakarthikeyan well on his upcoming film Seyon.

“I’m busy with my next. My best wishes to my brother’s Seyon,” he wrote.

Directed by Sivakumar Murugesan, Sivakarthikeyan’s film Seyon recently wrapped its second schedule.

Raaj Kamal Films International, which is producing the film along with Turmeric Media, announced the schedule wrap on September 11 through a video shared on social media.

Seyon stars Baghyashrii Borse as the female lead and marks her first direct Tamil film.

Directed by Dhruv Tripathi, written by Mihir Jadhav and Dhruv Tripathi, and produced by Partha Kiran Thakur and Joshua Shirsath, ‘Reporting Live’ will be released on October 9.

On what fans can expect from the project, Dhruv Tripathi shared, “Director and co-writer Dhruv Tripathi shares, “It feels incredibly special to finally announce Reporting Live. I’ve lived with this film for seven years, from writing it with Mihir to bringing it to the screen, so seeing it ready to go out into the world is quite surreal. I wanted to make a thriller that feels grounded and real, while never losing sight of the ordinary people at the heart of the story.

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to make it with a wonderful cast and crew who brought so much to the film, and I’m really excited for audiences around the world to experience it on Netflix.” Producer Partha Kiran Thakur added, “The stakes are high, both in the story we are telling and in the scale of its execution. We had a very clear vision for this film, and it has been incredibly fulfilling to see that vision come to life through such a powerful ensemble.

Bringing together actors from different generations, each a stalwart in their own craft, was one of the most exciting aspects of the process. We’re particularly thrilled to see Parineeti Chopra and Deven Bhojani come together on screen in a pairing audiences have never seen before, portraying characters that are unlike anything they have played previously.” In the film, Parineeti plays an ambitious young reporter who delves into the murky world of illegal sand mining.

The couple also followed a family tradition involving their wedding cake. During an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Blanco revealed that Gomez’s grandmother had insisted they freeze a slice of the cake so they could eat it exactly one year after their wedding. Blanco on Sunday night (local time) shared a picture of the cake on his Instagram Stories. Posting the piece of the four-layer wedding cake on a pink saucer bearing the motif “Love is Love”, he wrote, “year old cake never tasted so good.”

For their anniversary evening, Blanco also shared a glimpse of the couple rewatching their wedding speeches. “1 year down… forever to go,” he wrote in another Instagram Story.

Gomez and Blanco’s relationship developed over several years after they first worked together professionally. They met in 2015 when Blanco produced songs for Gomez’s second studio album, Revival, including “Same Old Love”. They later reunited with J Balvin and Tainy in 2019 for the reggaeton-pop track “I Can't Get Enough”. The pair began dating in June 2023 and kept the relationship private for six months.

Gomez publicly confirmed the relationship in December 2023, responding “Facts” to a fan page post and describing Blanco as “the best thing that's ever happened to me”. Later that month, she shared a photograph of the couple kissing in a New York recap on Instagram. They made their first official public appearance together in January 2024 at a Los Angeles Lakers game and subsequently appeared together during awards season.

In December 2024, Gomez announced their engagement on Instagram with photographs of her marquise-cut diamond ring and the caption, “Forever begins now...” Blanco responded, “Hey wait… that's my wife.” The couple married on September 27, 2025, in a private ceremony at Sea Crest Nursery in Santa Barbara, California. Gomez wore a custom Ralph Lauren gown, while guests included Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.

Zarina plays Zubeida, a woman who has faced the harsh realities of life on the streets. The glimpse shows her recalling a moment when she wanted to end her life at a railway station, but hunger eventually forced her to beg.

The sequence offers a glimpse into her character’s emotional journey and the circumstances that shaped her life.

The makers had earlier revealed Zarina’s character as Zubeida. They have also released a glimpse introducing Tabu’s character, Gauri Hegde, a Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax.

Described in the video as a “fearless woman” and “powerful officer”, Tabu is seen confronting and threatening people. In one scene, she tells Vijay Sethupathi, “In our style, we first shoot and then talk.” The glimpse ends with her designation appearing on screen as she is shown hitting a man with a lathi.

A title poster released by Puri Jagannadh last year showed Vijay Sethupathi sporting sunglasses and holding a blood-stained machete, while standing among wooden boxes filled with currency notes.

Samyuktha plays the female lead, while Kannada actor Duniya Vijay and Tabu play pivotal roles. Brahmaji and VTV Ganesh are also part of the supporting cast.

National Award-winning composer Harshavardhan Rameshwar, known for his work in Arjun Reddy and Animal, is scoring the music.

Slum Dog - 33 Temple Road is planned as a pan-India release in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi.

The film also explores relationships and how adversity can affect a couple. Ashok says his own understanding of relationships has evolved. “Initially, I thought fighting in a marriage was a bad thing. Later, I realised that conflict can sometimes be necessary and can also show that you care. A relationship becomes stronger when both people continue choosing each other,” he says.

Preity credits Ashok for inspiring her approach to filmmaking. “I have seen him give everything to something he believes is worth fighting for. There is something magical about going all out for a project. If I believe in something, I want to do the same,” she says.

The film’s action scale was enhanced by stunt choreographer Peter Hein. Ashok says Hein, who has predominantly worked on bigbudget films featuring major stars, was attracted to the story of Anbil Avan. “He kept saying that the story was very interesting and inspiring. He wanted to use this film to show what he could do,” says Ashok.

Although bringing Hein on board increased the budget, the team wanted to collaborate with him because of his expertise. “He is a real master,” says Ashok, adding with a laugh, “And by master, I mean master of his craft, not just ‘stunt master’!”

Hein also brought several inputs to the action portions, resulting in a few changes to the script. Ashok says those changes ultimately strengthened the film. The actor describes the action as different, survival-oriented and mass, while stressing that it remains rooted in the story. The team has also brought together an extensive technical crew to create a larger theatrical experience.

The makers subsequently decided to postpone the release despite having theatres available. Ashok says the intention was to secure a wider release rather than compete with a crowded release week. “Almost seven or eight films were releasing that week. We felt the film deserved some breathing space, so we decided to push it. The Gandhi Jayanti holiday gives us a better window,” he shares.

Preity also spoke about her journey from Trichy. Having grown up in Trichy, she says she understands what it means to dream beyond one’s circumstances. “People from small towns should dream big and work sincerely towards it. The journey itself is fulfilling,” she says, adding that she hopes her journey will inspire girls from small towns to dream big and achieve their goals.

Preity also feels that she has now found her place in the industry after having four releases this year. “I feel like I belong to the industry now. After four releases this year, people can no longer call me a newcomer,” she says.

Ashok calls Anbil Avan the highest-budget film of his career and says it has also recorded his highest pre-release business so far. “We have brought together some amazing technicians, including music composer Govind Vasantha and cinematographer Gautham, and built the film as a theatrical experience. The music album of Anbil Avan will be on par with 96,” he concludes.

The clip begins with the film’s title appearing on a black screen before showing Arvind Swamy’s character arriving at Karthi’s house , asking him to come out. The scene then reveals Karthi’s response, with his character Urulai screaming “Athaan " a moment where Meiyazhagan rushes to hug Arul Arvind Swamy) after calling him Atthaan. The post also includes the script page for the ending, which describes the title disappearing into darkness, the sound of a door latch opening, and Arul embracing Meiyazhagan.

The moment offers a glimpse of the emotional conclusion of the C Prem Kumar directorial. Meiyazhagan was released in theatres on September 27, 2024. The film follows Arulmozhi Varman, who returns to his hometown after 22 years and reconnects with a relative, setting off an emotional journey of memories, relationships, and self-discovery. The film also stars Sri Divya, Rajkiran, and Devadarshini, among others.

Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, who are set to share big screen soon along with Ranbir Kapoor in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Love and War', stole the spotlight with their fun chemistry by commanding the runway in ornate traditional ensembles to celebrate the work of rural women and young artisans from Uttar Pradesh.

Alia opted for an ivory embroidered ethnic outfit, featuring a sheer dupatta adorned with delicate white floral embroidery draped over her head, paired with a matching corset blouse and skirt. She completed the look with a statement kundan choker, a matching maang tikka, and traditional wrist accessories.As for Vicky, the actor opted for a deep royal blue velvet sherwani jacket with heavy white floral zardozi embroidery, worn over a white collar-detailed kurta and tailored white trousers.

The duo also walked togather as showstoppers for the show.Titled 'Ticket to Bollywood,' the high-profile charity showcase celebrated 15 years of collaboration between Manish Malhotra and the NGO Mijwan Welfare Society. The NGO is managed by actor Shabana Azmi and it empowers rural women and young artisans in Uttar Pradesh through traditional chikankari embroidery.

At the opening of the show, the actress highlighted the patriarchial nature of the society while urging the need to uplift women and give global platforms to young artisians to drive a "transformational change." "So this work we have been able to challenge and overcome centuries of deeply entrenched traditional bondage and help the hundreds of girls from child marriage. Not only but across 42 villages in and around.

Transformational change. From a society deeply entrenched in patriarchy, we had a small way to pull them out and bring women into the decision-making process so that now they can stand up for themselves and make their own decisions. Because when you change a mindset, you change as one person, you change generations. We train the artists.

Manish gives them a showroom by fashioning them into structures, silhouettes, and garments that take them away, as you will witness very soon," said Shabana Azmi.Vicky Kaushal also expressed his gratitude after becoming a part of the Mijwan Fundraiser Fashion which highlighted women empowerment. "I have been actually, in the 15 years, waiting for when my turn will come. So, I'm just happy about it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me an opportunity.

I always tell Manish that I feel the most confident when I wear your creations, but today I felt confident, plus at the same time that I was a small part of a beautiful deed that we are all doing together," said Vicky Kaushal. He continued, "It's incredible what Mijwan Welfare Society has been doing for the past 15 years, empowering rural women, girl child, and in today's time it's so important because what I see in the future is that I hope so and I pray so that we don't need an organisation like Mijwan because there is no need that we need to empower.

I truly believe from bottom of my heart that women empowerment, and they shouldn't just be empowered for taking decisions for themselves. I hope and pray that the time comes sooner and soonest that they are taking decisions for their families, societies and world at large because I feel when a woman takes a decision, it's not an individual decision, it's for the larger good. So, thank you again for making me a small little part."

Alia Bhatt also reflected on the women empowerment and empowering women in her life. While addressing the gathering at the event, the actor said, "Well, I'm surrounded by very empowering women. My mother's and mother-in-law is here today. I have a beautiful baby girl who literally bosses everybody around and I think we don't want it any other way, but you know we talk a lot about women empowerment.

" She added, "The global icon who has given a global stage genuinely to these women and their craftsmanship. it's fabulous whenever we have a Mijwan show that's all we talk about for days and days and it's etched in all our memories like Vicky's been saying he's been wanting to off the ramp for years. I'm so glad that we're here today because It is really empowerment life in action."On the cinema front, actors Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor will be next seen in the film 'Love and War' which will release in theatres on January 21, 2027.

Commemorating the special occasion, Nayanthara and Vignesh uploaded a fun video of the twins entertaining everyone with their energetic dance.

They expressed their gratitude for having their sons in their lives in a heartfelt post that read, "(Red heart emoji) the happiness , the blessing , the meaning , the music , the vibe , the emotion , the Uyir and the Ulag of our life (red heart) happy birthday to U 2 ! #Uyir #ulag the heart beats of our lives (Red heart emoticons) @nayanthara #HBD #UYIRULAG (sic)."

"Every minute , every second amma & dada thank God for blessing us with U2 (Red heart emoticons) love you 2 (Red heart emoticons)", they added.

Nayanthara and Vignesh welcomed twin baby boys via surrogacy in 2022. Announcing the arrival of their little ones on Instagram, Vignesh had written, “Nayan and Me have become Amma and Appa. We are blessed with twin baby boys. All our prayers, our ancestors' blessings combined with all the good manifestations have come together in the form of two blessed babies for us. Need all your blessings for our Uyir (Life) and Ulagam (World). Life looks brighter and more beautiful. God is double great.”

After being in a relationship for a long time, Nayanthara and Vignesh finally got married in a traditional ceremony on 9 June 2022 in Chennai.

Work-wise, Nayanthara will be seen leading Sundar C's forthcoming devotional thriller 'Mookuthi Amman 2'.

A sequel to the 2020 Tamil fantasy-comedy 'Mookuthi Amman', the film will also see Regina Cassandra, Abhinaya, Yogi Babu, Khushbu Sundar, Urvashi, and Ajay Ghosh in crucial roles.

The film is expected to be out in theatres on November 6 during Deepavali.

The film opens in Royapuram, introducing us to the world of gaana artists and their everyday struggles. At the centre is Das (Hip Hop Tamizha Aadhi), a gaana singer and something of a godfather to the community. When Das, his wife Lakshmi (Chaithra J Achar) and his friends wait outside a recording studio after being invited by the son of a prominent music-label owner, they are confronted by a system that refuses to open its doors to people like them. Das compares the industry to a stadium where only a chosen few are allowed to race.

Das insists that technology will eventually break down these barriers and promises to keep fighting. As he makes this declaration, the title card appears to the late actor Vivek’s iconic voice, creating one of the film’s genuinely goosebumps-inducing moments.

The film then moves to the present, where Aadhi plays Jeeva, with dance master Baba Bhaskar as his father. Harshath Khan plays Jeeva’s friend and appears as Harshath in the film as well. Clearly aimed at a Gen Z audience, the narrative incorporates ideas such as cancel culture and online bullying. But the film is sometimes too eager to explain these concepts, making parts of it feel preachy.

Meesaya Murukku 2

Director: Hiphop Tamizha Aadhi

Cast: Adhi, Chaithra J Achar, Ramya Ranganathan, Harshath Khan, Ketika Sharma

Synopsis: Set in North Chennai, the story brings together three generations of musicians whose lives are shaped by their love for Gaana.

Rating: 3/5 stars

Jeeva dreams of becoming a successful musician, and his father stands firmly behind him. The film tries to balance this struggle with humour, though not every joke lands. Its stronger moments come when it addresses the frustrations of aspiring artists and the advantages enjoyed by those born into influential film and music families. In one sequence, Jeeva calls a producer’s son a ‘nepo kid’, making the film’s frustration with nepotism explicit. At times, it feels less like a character expressing his frustration and more like Aadhi using Jeeva to voice his own grievances about the industry.

Yogi Babu and Vijay Varadharajan add to the humour. Vijay Varadharajan’s character speaks in a distinctly Tamil Brahmin dialect. While the comic treatment may work for some viewers, the portrayal could also be uncomfortable for members of the community.

The portions featuring Kethika Sharma provide some lighter moments, while the already popular ‘Aura 10/10’ is placed effectively. Towards the end of the first half, the film introduces a third version of Aadhi. Set in 1997, Tiger Shiva, played by Aadhi himself, leads an action sequence that takes the film to the interval. The second half brings in the present-day Das, played by Karunas, to narrate the flashback.

The film eventually reveals a story about three generations of musicians who have struggled against the same barriers. Das, the gaana singer of the previous generation, could not get the recognition he deserved because he lacked opportunities. His son Shiva, who performed in orchestras, also failed to make it big. Jeeva, the third generation, inherits their talent and unfinished dream.

This generational structure is one of the film’s more interesting ideas. Its central argument is that talent alone is not always enough when opportunities, training and exposure remain limited. Through Jeeva’s use of social media, the film explores how technology can give artists from overlooked backgrounds a platform to reach wider audiences.

The idea could particularly resonate with audiences from North Chennai, who have often been represented through narrow stereotypes in Tamil cinema. Meesaya Murukku 2 attempts to look beyond them and present a community with its own musical culture and talent, arguing that lack of opportunity, rather than lack of ability, can be the real obstacle.

However, the second half does not sustain the pace of the first. As the film progresses, its messaging becomes increasingly direct, while the gaana artists and their world gradually take a back seat. The film introduces an interesting setting but does not explore it as deeply as it could have.

The sequence involving Kethika Sharma’s Laila is another weak point. When Jeeva and another character propose to her, she says she is attracted to women to turn them down, leading into the ‘Vaanavile’ song sequence. The film later reveals that she had used the LGBTQ+ identity as an excuse to avoid the two men. The treatment comes across as insensitive, particularly because the joke uses a sexual identity as a convenient excuse.

Ultimately, Meesaya Murukku 2 has a strong idea at its core: talent can survive across generations, but without access and opportunity, recognition remains out of reach. Its attempt to take North Chennai’s musical culture beyond familiar stereotypes is also worthwhile. But the film does not trust its own story enough. The constant explaining, uneven humour, insensitive LGBTQ+ sequence and sluggish second half dilute what could have been a sharper film about talent, access and the changing music industry.

Speaking about Karthik, Mani Ratnam said, “Karthik is a very very special talent. He is a big advantage and a major boon for the Tamil industry. We have so many young, promising directors, and Karthik is the leader of the pack.”Praising the film’s technical aspects, Mani Ratnam added, “Dorothy is a very special film. His film language is excellent and very impressive. I am envious of his control over the language, over the shots, the technique and everything. When Ilaiyaraaja's music is added to it, it really becomes something very special.” 

Starring Rishikanth, Sananth and Keerthy Suresh, “Dorothy” had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation. The film hit theatres worldwide on Friday.

Sharing the announcement on social media, Mythri Movie Makers wrote, “Announcing the most exciting collaboration to bring together fresh energy and powerful stories.” The banner added that further updates would follow soon.

Details about the nature of the collaboration remain undisclosed. It is not yet clear whether the partnership will involve a single film or multiple projects, or whether Lokesh will be associated as a director, actor or producer. The language and cast of the project have also not been announced.

Mythri Movie Makers, headed by producers Naveen Yerneni and Y Ravi Shankar, has backed several Telugu films and also ventured into Tamil cinema with projects such as Ajith Kumar’s Good Bad Ugly, Pradeep Ranganathan’s Dude and Modha Rathri.

Actor Charlie Cox starrer 'Daredevil: Born Again', which features him as the blind lawyer-turned-vigilante, will conclude with the upcoming Season 3, reported Variety.

Notably, the third and final season completed its production a few months ago, and is expected to premiere on Disney+ in 2027. Co-creator and showrunner Dario Scardapane has also exited the series, which is in the midst of post-production.

Cox made his debut as the blind hero on Netflix's 'Daredevil', which ran for three seasons from 2015-2018 and kicked off the mini, street-level Marvel universe on the steamer. It spawned 'Jessica Jones', 'Luke Cage', and 'Iron Fist' spinoffs and culminated with the team-up series 'The Defenders'.

The show was revived by Disney+ as 'Daredevil: Born Again' in 2025 and brought back several of the main cast members, including Vincent D'Onofrio as Wilson Fisk, aka the Kingpin of New York City, Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Page, Elden Henson as Foggy Nelson and Wilson Bethel as Bullseye.

'Born Again' Season 2 began with reuniting Netflix's 'Defenders' cast by bringing back Krysten Ritter as the super-strong private detective Jessica Jones in a supporting role. Mike Colter also had a cameo in the finale as her lover Luke Cage.

The trailer, which came out earlier this year, featured Elden Henson's character Foggy Nelson, Matt's (Charlie Cox) best friend, who was shockingly killed by Bullseye (Wilson Bethel) in the Season 1 premiere. His appearance in the trailer is likely a flashback or dream sequence.

According to a missing person's poster, Matt hasn't been seen in quite some time, but his alter ego, Daredevil, has been taking on Kingpin's forces as per the trailer. He's aided by Jessica Jones, who uses her super strength (and sarcasm) to beat up Kingpin's goon.

Kingpin steps into a boxing ring to face off against an opponent, and Bullseye flashes a chilling smile and a wink after he escaped from prison in Season 1.