Actor RJ Balaji shared the first look on social media with the caption, “Escape the law. Face the god.”

Directed by M Selvakumar, who previously helmed Bumper, the film also features actor-director Ameer in a key role.

The film is being produced on a grand scale by Samuel Mathew under his production banner, ‘7 Miles Per Second’. This marks the production house’s second film. Earlier, the banner had produced the Siddharth-starrer ‘Miss You’.

Ghibran has been roped in as the music composer for the film. Instagram fame Villupattu Madhavi has made her debut as a playback singer with ‘Vetta Saami’. She has lent her voice to a folk song titled ‘Sudalaimadan Vettai Paadal’ in the film.

A post by CineBuzz, reshared by Kashyap on Instagram, described the film as one that may require more than a single viewing to fully appreciate. The post rated the film 1/5 on the first watch, saying it was difficult to understand, but gave it 5/5 after a second viewing, noting that its story, characters, symbolism and hidden layers began to make sense.

Calling Toxic a psychological thriller rather than a conventional commercial film, the post suggested that its storytelling and atmospheric presentation reveal themselves gradually.

Kashyap’s reshare has added to the ongoing conversation around the film, which has divided audiences over its unconventional narrative and layered storytelling.

Calling it the RaaJa Trance of Dorothy, Subbaraj shared the song’s poster on social media and announced that the music video will be released on August 29.

“Let’s all get into a Trance!!” the filmmaker wrote.

The announcement comes shortly after the release of Kalyana Virundhu, another song from the film. Dorothy is directed by Karthik Subbaraj and produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain. The film is scheduled for a worldwide release on September 25.

Mayilsamy (Kavin), a good-natured young man, is rejected by his love interest because she finds him too predictable and not 'interesting' enough. He eventually runs away from home and moves to Chennai. On the other side, Devayani (Nayanthara), who lives with her aunt’s family after her mother eloped when she was young and her alcoholic father (Prabhu) stayed distant, is pushed into an arranged marriage with a wealthy relative. She too runs away to Chennai, where she crosses paths with Mayilsamy. What follows is a warm and humorous journey as the two find their way towards each other.

A lot of men dream of falling madly in love with someone, being loved in return, and experiencing the kind of romance that defines most rom-coms. Kavin enacts this beautifully. He plays the flawed Mayilsamy to perfection, one who is also afraid of his parents, lies when necessary, and cries, too. There is a dialogue in the film where he says, “Men shouldn’t cry,” to which Nayanthara replies, “What do men and women have to do with crying?”

Film: Hi Director: Vishnu Edavan Cast: Nayanthara, Kavin, Raadika Sarathkumar, K Bhagyaraj, Prabhu Rating: 3.5/5 stars

In another example of the strength of the writing, the scenes where the couple have late-night conversations are very heartwarming. There is something refreshing about watching a grown man and woman talk under the stars late into the night without any particular agenda, and director Vishnu Edavan handles this portion with sincerity. Nayanthara, who plays Devayani with freshness and grace, has great chemistry with Kavin's Mayilsamy, as evident in how the theater audience was visibly enjoying their simple moments of companionship.

The casting is another win for Hi. K Bhagyaraj, who plays Kavin’s father, with his humour-laden dialogues during key moments landing effectively. Raadika Sarathkumar as Kavin’s mother has enjoyable conversations with her son, balancing humour with sentiment. Prabhu, who plays Nayanthara’s father, has a limited role as an alcoholic, but his appearances leave an impact.

The film is packed with references to Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and even Kavin himself. In the first half, Mayilsamy mentions his admiration for Rajinikanth’s older films, where the actor would lose everything yet still manage to laugh in the face of adversity. This idea is later mirrored in a scene where Mayilsamy is about to propose to Devayani but changes his mind midway during the conversation and breaks into a Rajini-like laugh. Kavin deserves credit for pulling this off convincingly.

Another strength of Hi is its treatment of relatable situations and themes. Circumstances may force people to lie, big or small, but there are always consequences. This concept plays out in Hi, when Mayilsamy lies to protect his love, setting off a chain of dramatic events. Ironically, the very lie he tells to save his relationship eventually becomes the reason for his separation from Devayani. How the two find their way back to each other forms the crux of the climax and by the time the end credits roll, the film is sure to leave you with a smile.

The high-key lighting by cinematographers Leon Britto and Rajesh Shukla adds magic to the frames of Hi and enhances the characters beautifully. Jen Martin’s compositions are refreshing, with the ‘Rasagulla’ song standing out for its placement within the narrative.

On the whole, Hi is a light-hearted family entertainer that manages to hold your attention even without a single stunt sequence. It makes you laugh, moves you to tears in places, and, most importantly, leaves you with a warm feeling.

In a statement issued on Friday, the producer associations said that they had chosen to indefinitely postpone the strike call given in the wake of Tamil Nadu Minister for Information and Publicity Rajmohan's assurance to them that the attention of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay would be drawn to their concerns and that tripartite talks under the guidance of the Chief Minister would be facilitated to find a permanent solution to the problem.

The producers said that they had met Tamil Nadu Minister for Information and Publicity Rajmohan on August 26 and explained the problems plaguing the film industry to him. They said that they had also submitted their requests as a petition to the minister on the occasion.

Stating that after perusing their petition, the Minister had asked the Tamil Nadu Film Distributors Federation and the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association to continue following the process that was in place for releasing films now, the producers pointed out that the minister had told them that the Tamil Nadu government would initiate steps to hold talks between the Tamil Nadu Film Distributors Federation, the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association and the Tamil Film Producers associations after the ongoing Assembly session and find a solution to the problem.

For the unaware, the producers associations had on August 22 announced that no new Tamil films would be released from September 1. They had also said that all film shootings and post production work being carried out on films would come to a standstill from September 1.

The producers said the decision to stop the release of all new Tamil films from September 1 had been taken in response to the unilateral announcement made by the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association and the Tamil Nadu Film Distributors Federation with regard to the release of new films on OTTs.

The distributors and the theatre owners associations had said that they would only be able to screen those films whose producers gave them an assurance that they would release their films on OTT platforms only eight weeks after their theatrical release.

In a joint statement on August 22, the producers had said, "The distributors federation and the theatre owners association, of their own accord and without holding consultations with others, have decided that they can permit the theatrical screenings of only those films, whose producers give letters stating that they will release their films on OTT platforms only after eight weeks after their films' theatrical release."

Pointing out that no such practice was in place in the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka or Kerala, the producers associations had said that this move, which was being deliberately introduced in Tamil Nadu alone, was one that needed to be condemned.

Tagging himself as the “adult cub,” the star expressed gratitude for being guided on a path of “righteous humility” alongside his “SuperBuddy.”

Downey Jr. took to Instagram, where he shared two images, including a picture of an ace and queen card from a deck of playing cards, as he celebrated 21 years with his wife, Susan Downey.

“Her to whom all is owed…The great joy of being led on a path of righteous humility is mine. She-the lioness - Me-the adult cub / recipient of 21 trips around the sun with my SuperBuddy,” he wrote as the caption.

Downey Jr. proposed to Susan on November 5, 2003, the night before her 30th birthday. They were married in August 2005, in a Jewish ceremony at Amagansett, New York. She gave birth to their son, Exton Elias Downey, in 2012, in Los Angeles, California.

In 2014, Downey Jr. announced via his Facebook and Twitter that he and his wife were expecting a daughter in November. Their daughter, Avri Roel, was born on November 4, 2014.

Talking about Downey Jr. he is one of the highest-grossing actors of all time. The star is known for his versatility across roles, he is the recipient of various accolades, including an Academy Award, a Daytime Emmy Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and two British Academy Film Awards.

He will soon be seen playing Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the Avengers. It is intended to be the sequel to Avengers: Endgame and the 39th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, and written by Michael Waldron and Stephen McFeely, the film features an ensemble cast led by Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. In the film, the Avengers, Wakandans, New Avengers, Fantastic Four, and the X-Men converge from different universes to face Doom.

Speaking at a recent event, Ashwath Marimuthu revealed that the shooting schedules of ‘Arasan’ and ‘Dharman’ are expected to conclude around the same time. He added that he would begin work on ‘STR 51’, starring Silambarasan, after completing his commitments on ‘Dharman’.

STR 51 titled 'God of Love'

‘STR 51’ marks the first collaboration between Silambarasan and Ashwath Marimuthu. The director, known for films including ‘Oh My Kadavule’ and ‘Dragon’, is helming the project, which has been titled ‘God of Love’.

Produced by AGS Entertainment, the film was announced amid considerable expectations. The project has remained one of the most anticipated films among Silambarasan’s fans, despite its production being delayed due to the actor’s existing commitments.

Silambarasan busy with Arasan

Silambarasan is currently busy with ‘Arasan’, directed by Vetrimaaran. The film is progressing at a brisk pace and is expected to hit screens during the upcoming Diwali festival.

With the actor committed to ‘Arasan’, work on ‘STR 51’ has been pushed back. However, the project has not been shelved, with the makers maintaining that it will move forward as planned.

Ashwath directing Dharman with Superstar Rajinikanth

Meanwhile, Ashwath Marimuthu is currently directing ‘Dharman’, which stars Rajinikanth. The film is produced by Kamal Haasan, and its second schedule is presently underway.

STR 51 to follow Dharman

Ashwath Marimuthu’s latest statement has now provided clarity on the project’s timeline. He confirmed that ‘STR 51’ will follow ‘Dharman’ once he completes his current commitments.

STR 51 script ready

The director also revealed that the script and music composition for ‘STR 51’ have already been completed. Describing the film as a fantasy project, he said it would carry elements reminiscent of films from the ‘Manmadhan’ era.

The latest update has once again raised expectations among Silambarasan’s fans, who are eagerly awaiting the actor-director collaboration.

On Thursday, Madhu Chopra attended an event where she spoke with the media. She told the media on the sidelines of the event, “There has to be certain boundaries. My body, my choice works in those boundaries. It is good to do it”.

She further mentioned, “But that boundary is necessary. How you put your dignity, and respect other people's values matters a lot. You can do it in a place where these things are common. Sorry to say that, our children also wear it. They wear it for work, for hobbies. But it is acceptable because that works in those spaces”.

Earlier, the brand pulled down the campaign, stating that they have the highest regard and deep respect for Indian culture, traditions and festivals. The brand pulled the advertisement down a day after Kriti Sanon clapped back at trolls criticizing her outfit in the recent Raksha Bandhan advertisement.

Kriti on August 25 shared a note on her Instagram handle, where she pointed out that the essence of any festival lies in the emotions, and not in the clothes we wear. She was seen donning an off-white ensemble featuring a bralette-style blouse, a cape, and a draped skirt for an advertisement for a jewellery brand for Raksha Bandhan.

The brand on Wednesday shared a statement on Instagram, where they said that they have the highest regard and deep respect for Indian culture.

Kriti wrote, “We have the highest regard and deep respect for Indian culture, traditions and festivals. As a brand, we have always believed in celebrating these joyous moments with the entire family and this time we wanted to extend the love and celebration to our pets”.

“If our recent advertisement has inadvertently hurt the sentiments of some segments of society, that was not our intent at all. Out of respect, we have withdrawn the said advertisement from all media. Wish you all the love & positivity this festive season”, she added.

Produced by Royal Fortuna Creations, the film also stars Dhruva, Adhivathi Shetty, Senrayan, Hrithika Biswas and “Finally” Swathika.

“We use fear as a medium to tell a larger mystery. Our intention is to ensure audiences walk out of the theatre with a few questions still lingering in their minds,” Milo said.

The film was shot over 32 days in a mountainous village in Kerala.

The team deliberately avoided sunlight in every scene and often waited for dark clouds to film sequences.

Nova is slated for release in September, though an exact date is yet to be announced.

The controversy began after a jewellery brand released an advertisement featuring Kriti tying a rakhi to her pet dog before tying one on her brother’s wrist. However, her outfit comprising an ivory bralette-style blouse, a long skirt and a shrug drew criticism from some sections on social media.

The advertisement faced further backlash after BJP MP and actress Kangana Ranaut criticised it, calling it “intentionally creepy” and questioning the choice of outfit for the occasion.

Responding to the criticism, Kriti shared a statement on Instagram, asking, “When will we stop telling women what to wear?”

She further wrote that ethnic fashion has evolved over the years, but a woman’s respect for her culture continues to be judged by her clothes. “Culture & traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!” she said.

Kriti’s sister Nupur Sanon also came out in support of the actress, saying she did not care what Kriti wore while tying a rakhi to her.

Despite the defence, The brand withdrew the advertisement on August 26, saying it was doing so “out of respect” after it had inadvertently hurt the sentiments of some sections of society.

The controversy has since sparked heated debate on women’s clothing, cultural traditions and whether festive attire should be subject to expectations of modesty. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also appeared to support Kriti’s stand, sharing a message that said what a woman wears, does and where she goes is her choice.

Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the Kannada action drama, which was reportedly mounted on a budget of over Rs 500 crore, was released in theatres across the country on Wednesday with dubs in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and several other languages.

In a statement, the makers said the film recorded a significant opening in the Hindi market, where it collected Rs 55.4 crore net, surpassing the Rs 53.95 crore opening day collection of Yash’s “KGF: Chapter 2”.

The details of the movie's overseas collection is still awaited.

The film features Yash in the dual roles of Raya and Ticket and presents the actor in a new avatar. His screen presence, action sequences and larger-than-life portrayal have emerged among the highlights of the film, according to the makers.

The film features an ensemble cast including Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth and Huma Qureshi.

"Toxic" is produced by KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations.

Directed by Ben Rekhi, the movie is headlined by actor Manoj Bajpayee along with Boman Irani and Divya Dutta.

The story has been adapted for the screen by Sooni Taraporevala, known for her collaborations with Mira Nair on movies such as "Salaam Bombay!", "Mississippi Masala" and "The Namesake".

"Last Man in Tower" centres on Masterji (Bajpayee), a retired school teacher who finds himself standing alone when members of his community begin making choices that challenge his convictions. As the possibility of a different life emerges for those around him, his decision to hold on to what he believes is right begins to strain relationships and loyalties.

Dutta features as Mrs Puri, whose hopes and choices come into conflict with his, while Irani essays a pivotal role.

The film explores community, family, compromise and the choices people make when an opportunity to change their lives comes their way.

Rekhi said bringing the film to life was a fulfilling experience, particularly the opportunity to see Bajpayee and Irani share the screen for the first time.

"The most rewarding part has been witnessing the power of Manoj and Boman - two giants of cinema - working together for the first time in this film. Divya brings an incredible depth and emotional strength to the ensemble," he said.

Rekhi described "Last Man in Tower" as a story about holding on to community and family through turbulent times, saying its themes have become increasingly relevant.

Daggubati, who produced the film and founded Spirit Media, said the story's appeal lay in the way it found universal questions in the lives of a specific group of people.

"What drew us to it was how naturally it finds something universal in the lives of a very specific group of people. There is something very compelling about the way it explores the choices we make and the things we hold on to," he said.

The crew also includes Juhi Chaturvedi, the acclaimed screenwriter of "Piku" and "October" who has penned the dialogues, and composer Govind Vasantha, the man who gave music to films such as "96" and "Meiyazhagan".

Besides Daggubati, the film is produced by Rekhi, Guneet Dogra and Pratiksha Rao.

Titled Ae Meri Zindagi, Tu Chupi Hai Kahan, the song was recorded in late 2023, when Bhosle was in her 90s. It features in filmmaker Harish Vyas’ father-son drama, which stars Anshuman Jha, Raghubir Yadav, Soni Razdan and Ayesha Kapur.

Asha, who ruled Bollywood for over seven decades and recorded more than 12,000 songs, died in April this year at the age of 92. Her celebrated repertoire includes songs such as “Dum Maro Dum”, “Piya Tu Ab To Aaja”, “Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko” and “Yeh Mera Dil”.

Described as a tribute to life, the song celebrates the joy of living, love and the importance of expressing one’s feelings. Its release on Bhosle’s birth anniversary is intended to honour her enduring musical legacy and contribution to Indian cinema.

“Launching the song on her birthday is intended as a celebration of Asha Ji's timeless voice, her immense legacy and the generations of listeners whose lives her music has touched,” Vyas said in a statement.

For Jha, who also stars in the film and has a personal connection to its story, Asha's voice adds a deeply personal dimension to the narrative.

Om Ka Hari is deeply special to me because, at its heart, it is about the importance of saying 'I love you' to your father, something I never got the chance to do. To have Asha Ji's voice carry the song that represents the catharsis of the film is one of the most profound and memorable moments of my life as an artist,” he said.

The new release date was shared by the makers on social media with the tagline, "The darkest chapter of our history opens this October". The film was earlier scheduled to release on September 11.

Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, "Ranabaali" is a period action drama set against the backdrop of British colonial rule in the Rayalaseema region. The film draws from historical accounts, oral histories and lesser-known episodes from the period between 1854 and 1878.

Deverakonda stars in the titular role, with his actor-wife Rashmika Mandanna playing the female lead.

Hollywood actor Arnold Vosloo, known for films such as "The Mummy" and "The Mummy Returns", is also part of the cast.

The film is being presented by Gulshan Kumar, Bhushan Kumar and T-Series Films and produced by Mythri Movie Makers. Music and background score are by composer duo Ajay-Atul.

"Ranabaali" marks another collaboration between Deverakonda and Sankrityan after their 2018 film "Taxiwaala". It also reunites Deverakonda and Mandanna, who previously starred together in "Geetha Govindam" and "Dear Comrade".

Sharing the trailer on X, Dhanush wrote, “Here is #immortal trailer, best of luck @gvprakash.”

The trailer opens with a tribal couple in a foreign land preparing to welcome their child before shifting to India, where Mahi (G V Prakash Kumar) is searching for a room on a sharing basis.

He receives a call from Sindhu (Kayadu Lohar), who says she is living alone and looking for a roommate. Mahi, who falls for her, moves into her room.

After noticing that Sindhu is both wealthy and attractive, he decides to settle down with her. However, things soon take a dark turn as a series of disturbing developments leave Mahi shaken. Sindhu, meanwhile, appears to know more about the strange happenings inside the flat.

The film has received a clean ‘U’ certificate from the censor board and is scheduled to hit theatres on September 4

Immortal also features TM Karthik, Kumar Natarajan, Lollu Sabha Maaran, Aaditya Kathir, Arshu Maharjan, Pema Tsamchoe and Sunita Shrestha.

Produced by Arunkumar Dhanasekaran, the film has cinematography by Arun Radhakrishnan and music by Sam CS.

The actor died in Los Angeles, his longtime manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz announced on Wednesday. A cause of death was not immediately shared. Curry had suffered a major stroke in 2012. Soon after news of his death, several actors and filmmakers who worked with Curry or admired his work shared memories of the late star.

Carol Burnett, who worked with Curry in the 1982 film 'Annie', remembered their time together and shared a clip from the film on Instagram. Curry played Miss Hannigan's brother in the movie. Burnett wrote, "We had such a wonderful time working together on 'Annie.' Nobody could play lovable villains better than he could. He was a dear friend. I was blessed to know him."

Luke Evans, who recently played Dr. Frank-N-Furter on Broadway, also paid tribute to Curry. The role was first played by Curry on stage and in the 1975 film 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show'. Evans wrote, "There will only be one Tim Curry," before remembering the actor's talent and influence. "He was a force, a bright fierce flame, an exquisite charm and that rich vocal tone, he was an inspiration to me and so many people for the roles he played and the effect he had on so many of us."

Evans also shared that he had written a letter to Curry towards the end of his Broadway run. In the letter, he spoke about how Curry's portrayal of Frank-N-Furter had influenced every actor who later took on the role. "With only three weeks left, before I finally hang up the fishnets and heels, I wanted to send you a note. Although we've never met, you've been part of this journey from the very beginning. Every actor who puts on Frank inevitably walks into a conversation that started with you, and I've felt that every single night," the letter read in part.

‘Viswanath and Sons’ cast & crew

Directed by Venky Atluri, the film stars Suriya and Mamitha Baiju in the lead roles. Produced by Naga Vamsi, the project marks Suriya’s 46th film. Radhika Sarathkumar, Raveena Tandon and Bhavani Sre are among the other prominent members of the cast.

‘Viswanath and Sons’ movie plot

A wealthy Olympic rifle shooter becomes a single father through surrogacy, but his son’s serious illness forces him to reconnect with his young surrogate mother, Maddy. What begins as a medical arrangement turns complicated when Maddy develops feelings for him and seeks custody of her biological son. Forced to live together, Sanjay and Maddy gradually become devoted co-parents while he confronts his painful views on marriage and his fractured family past. Years later, after Maddy completes her medical studies, the three reunite, leaving their future as a family open to possibility.

‘Viswanath and Sons’ reportedly crosses Rs 200 crore

‘Viswanath and Sons’ has reportedly received a favourable response from family audiences following its theatrical release. The film is also said to have crossed the Rs 200-crore mark worldwide, according to reports.

‘Viswanath and Sons’ OTT release date

Amid its theatrical run, reports about the film’s digital premiere have surfaced. According to the latest buzz, ‘Viswanath and Sons’ could arrive on Netflix on September 14. However, there has been no official confirmation from the production team or Netflix yet.

Raja Muthupandi, who hails from Kovilpatti, brought pride to Tamil Nadu and India with his performance at the international competition. During the meeting, he proudly showed his silver medal to Simran.

Simran congratulates Raja Muthupandi

Appreciating his hard work, dedication and determination, Simran said the achievement was only the beginning and wished him greater success in the years ahead.

“With this victory, you have already brought pride to India and Tamil Nadu. It is even more special to see someone from our own Tamil Nadu achieve such a remarkable feat on the international stage. With the same determination and perseverance, I wish you many more victories and medals in national and international competitions,” she said.

Simran recalls Kovilpatti connection

Simran also interacted with Raja Muthupandi and enquired about his hometown and family. When he mentioned that he was from Kovilpatti, the actress fondly recalled her association with the town through her film career.

The meeting concluded with Simran and Raja Muthupandi posing for photographs, with the weightlifter holding his Commonwealth silver medal.

Magudam: OTT release details

According to a Daily Thanthi report, ‘Magudam’ could make its digital debut on ZEE5 on September 11, less than a month after its theatrical release. An official announcement regarding the OTT premiere is still awaited.

Magudam movie plot, cast & crew

Linga (Vishal), a feared yet compassionate gangster, is estranged from his son Kiruba (Vishal), who has rejected his father’s violent world for a quiet family life. Kiruba’s ordinary existence is shattered when a deadly clash with local criminals results in the loss of his wife and daughter. The tragedy drives Kiruba to abandon his peaceful ways and confront the forces responsible for his family’s destruction. As Linga steps in to protect his son and grandson, the estranged father and son join forces on a dangerous path of revenge.

‘Magudam’ marks actor Vishal’s debut as a director, with him also playing the lead role. Dushara Vijayan plays the female lead, while Anjali appears in a pivotal role. GV Prakash Kumar has composed the music for the film.

From Ravi Arasu to Vishal

The film was initially directed by Ravi Arasu. However, production reportedly came to a halt midway due to certain reasons. Vishal subsequently took over the screenplay and directorial responsibilities and completed the project.

Released in theatres on August 14, ‘Magudam’ received mixed reviews from audiences and critics. Reports also suggested that the film’s box-office performance fell short of expectations. The reported September 11 OTT release will be confirmed only after an official announcement from the makers or ZEE5.

Dolly Parton, a rhinestone-studded, rags-to-riches daughter of Appalachia who for 60 years ruled country music — and much of pop culture — with an outsize personality and down-home wit that enshrined her as one of America’s most cherished originals, died Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80.

Her death was announced by her family. A spokesperson said that she died after a brief battle with cancer and that she had been admitted to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville on Friday.

From her hard-scrabble beginnings to glittering stardom, Parton’s life was the stuff of make-believe. Her songs spoke to millions, confronting privation and loss even as they radiated possibility and hope. She was, quintessentially, a uniter of people. In 2019, The New York Times ran a story with the headline “Is There Anything We Can All Agree On? Yes: Dolly Parton.”

No dumb blonde

Parton cannily exploited — and transcended — rural stereotypes and kitsch to fashion a folksy chic entirely her own. In the process, she became an international celebrity who headlined stadium tours, starred in Hollywood movies, built a business empire and appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone. Her at times girlish soprano notwithstanding, she was anything but the “dumb blonde” invoked in the title of her 1966 single.

“I’ve created this and played it up — the makeup, the whole persona,” Parton said, alluding to her plastic surgeries as well as her colloquial ‘Dollyisms’ in a 2002 interview with the Times. “But this isn’t all I am,” she added. “It’s not even most of what I am. Hopefully people can see beneath the hair to know there’s a brain, beneath the boobs to know there’s a heart and behind all the other stuff to know there’s some talent.”

Inducted into both the country music and rock ‘n’ roll halls of fame, Parton was the top-ranking female singer on country radio from 1967 to 1993, and had a total of 25 No 1 country singles. Her early breakthrough came in 1967 when she was hired as the ‘girl singer’ on ‘The Porter Wagoner Show’, a syndicated country music television variety program. Several years later, she had No 1 country hits with records including ‘Jolene’ and ‘I Will Always Love You’.

Both songs were among about 3,000 titles she published in her lifetime, hundreds of which have been recorded by other artists, including Tina Turner, Norah Jones, the White Stripes, Merle Haggard, RuPaul and Whitney Houston. With Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette, Parton blazed a trail for women in country music, inspiring such contemporaries as Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris, as well as latter-day hitmakers including Carrie Underwood, Kacey Musgraves and Taylor Swift.

Songwriter first

Stylistically, Parton’s music ran the gamut: mountain bluegrass and soul-inflected country-politan, disco-era pop and covers of classic rock touchstones written by Neil Young and Led Zeppelin — all of it rendered indelible by her irrepressible spirit and alternately keening and gossamer soprano drawl. In ‘Coat of Many Colors’, maybe her most beloved original, Parton plumbed childhood feelings of pride and humiliation.

The coat in question — quilted from rags and originally a source of delight and the expression of a mother’s love — becomes an object of ridicule at school.

So with patches on my britches

And holes in both my shoes

In my coat of many colors

I hurried off to school

Just to find the others laughing

And making fun of me

In my coat of many colors

My Mama made for me

“That little song is like a world of things,” Parton said of ‘Coat of Many Colors’ in ‘Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics’ (2020), written with Robert K Oermann. “It teaches about bullying, about love, about acceptance, about good parents.”

Empathy was a hallmark of Parton’s songwriting, perhaps nowhere so much as in ‘Down From Dover’ and ‘Daddy Come Get Me’, harrowing Southern gothic ballads about teen pregnancy and how patriarchy blames and victimizes young women. Assertive women populated Parton’s songs, notably in the workplace anthem ‘9 to 5’.

“It’s a rich man’s game / No matter what they call it / And you spend your life / Putting money in his wallet,” Parton sang in that theme song for the 1980 pink-collar comedy ‘9 to 5’, in which she also starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.

Parton would go on to star in other films, among them ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ (1982), with Burt Reynolds; ‘Steel Magnolias’ (1989), with Julia Roberts and Shirley MacLaine; and ‘Straight Talk’ (1992), with James Woods.

In 1976, she became the first woman in country music to host her own syndicated TV series; a decade later, she had an hour-long variety show on ABC. But for all her reach and command as an entertainer, Parton viewed herself, first and foremost, as a songwriter.

One of 12 kids

Dolly Rebecca Parton was born January 19, 1946, the fourth of 12 children of Robert Lee and Avie Lee (Owens) Parton, in a one-room cabin on the banks of the Little Pigeon River in Sevier County, Tennessee. Her father was a tenant farmer, and her mother was a homemaker who sang old Anglo-Celtic ballads and hymns while doing housework.

Parton may have grown up without plumbing, heat, electricity and other modern conveniences, but she always insisted that she also grew up happy, and that music offered her a refuge from want.

She started singing on radio and on TV at 10, on the ‘Cas Walker Farm and Home Hour’ in Knoxville, Tennessee, securing bookings with the help of her uncle Bill Owens, who also bought her her first guitar. The two would go on to write many songs together.

Parton made her recording debut in 1959, the same year she made her first appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. In 1962, she signed a songwriting deal with Tree International Publishing (now part of Sony Music Publishing). Two years later, she became the first person in her family to graduate from high school.

In 1966, Parton married Carl Dean, an asphalt contractor who shunned the limelight. The couple had met two years earlier, at a laundromat in Nashville, when Parton was 18. Dean died in 2025.

Parton is survived by six of her siblings: Willadeene Parton, Robert Lee Parton Jr., Stella Parton, Cassie Parton, Freida Parton and Rachel Ann Parton George.

After her 1980 recording of ‘9 to 5’ earned her two Grammy Awards and an Oscar nomination, Parton turned her attention to movies, TV appearances and the development, in the mid-1980s, of Dollywood, her Smoky Mountain theme park, among other business ventures.

She published her memoir, ‘Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business’, a New York Times bestseller, in 1994. The next year, she established the Imagination Library, a philanthropic endeavour through which more than 200 million books have been distributed to babies and young children.

A show about her life, ‘Dolly: A True Original Musical’, is scheduled to open on Broadway in early 2027.

Parton was nominated for more than 50 Grammy Awards, 10 of which she won, along with being recognised for lifetime achievement by the Recording Academy in 2011.

Parton was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001, and was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2005. In 2022, she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

TRIBUTES POUR IN

Michael Harriot, author, Black AF History: The Unwhitewashed Story of America

Here’s a quietly wonderful thing I noticed: If you talk to someone who was in choir or band at a majority Black HS, you’ll eventually discuss those annoying fundraisers for uniforms, instruments, etc. & a SURPRISING number will casually say: “Oh, Dolly Parton paid for ours

Joy Bhattacharjya, sports producer, quizzer, orator

...I’m not a fan because of Jolene, or I will always Love you. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a part of her Dollywood Foundation mails one book per month to each enrolled child from the time of their birth until they enter kindergarten. Currently reaches almost 850,000 children each month. In 2018, the charity sent out its 100 millionth book. She provided critical early funding for Covid-19 research in Vanderbilt, took one of the first vaccine doses available, and sang a version of Jolene with lyrics that went ‘Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine/I'm begging of you please don’t hesitate’. Dolly was giving, contributing, and fighting bigots and racism till the very end. RIP Dolly, you were something!

Connie Britton, actor, Nashville

I keep having these conversations with Dolly in my head today, like I did back in those Nashville days at the Ryman until I actually finally got to meet her in 2022. So today I’ve been telling her what an inspiration and godsend she has been to me and to so many. And she says, “You know honey, God is in you. Know and love every part of yourself. Let it shine as only you can. Use everything you’ve been given, all that you’ve come from. And use it generously, for joy and honesty and fun and service.” At least, yeah…that’s what she’s saying to me. Thank you Dolly. The blonds are really taking heaven by storm this week.

Highlights

A heart as golden as her wig

In 1988 Dolly Parton pulled every 7th and 8th grader in Sevier County, Tennessee, into a room and told them to pick a buddy. She made them sign a contract.. if BOTH graduate, she hands you both $500. One fails, nobody gets paid. The county dropout rate went from 35% to 6%. She handed out the checks herself

In 1989 she offered $500 to every kid in the county who wanted to go to the local college

After the Gatlinburg wildfire (2016), which killed 14 people, injured 190 others, and destroyed more than 2,400 buildings in Tennessee, Parton sent 900 families $1,000 a month for six months. The fund raised more than expected, so she showed up in May and handed every one of those families another $5,000 on top. Then she quietly put $3 million into the recovery group that handles the years after the news trucks leave

Parton played a benefit concert in 2007, Dollywood and the Stampede matched it, and LeConte Medical Center opened in 2010 with a birthing unit and a women’s center in it.

In 2022 she started covering 100% of tuition, books, and fees for Dollywood employees

In April 1991, Parton famously partnered with the American Eagle Foundation to establish the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary at Dollywood, creating the largest presentation of non-releasable bald eagles in the US

When Hurricane Helene (2024) came through in Western North Carolina, Dollywood Parks & Resorts, The Dollywood Foundation, Dolly Parton’s Stampede and Pirates Voyage, partnered with Walmart to provide significant donations to flood relief across the Appalachian region. Parton also wrote a personal check for $1 million and her companies matched it

Parton started the Imagination Library – a non-profit – in 1995 in Sevier County, Tennessee, to honour her father, who never learned to read or write. It has expanded internationally and operates across the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and Ireland

Parton received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in March 2021 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, and famously encouraged others to get vaccinated by singing a playful rewrite of her hit song ‘Jolene’ (‘Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, I’m begging of you, please don’t hesitate’)

Marvel Studios is bringing the 2019 blockbuster back to the big screen in an extended presentation that will include new material connected to the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, which is scheduled to release on December 18.

The Encore edition will be screened across India in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

The extended version has a runtime of around 185 minutes, making it approximately four minutes longer than the original theatrical release. It will feature a custom introduction, additional material connected to Avengers: Doomsday and a new post-credits end tag linking the two films.

Fans watching the film on IMAX and screens certified under Marvel Studios Presents INFINITY VISION will also get an additional sneak peek of Avengers: Doomsday. The new premium-large-format certification promises larger screens, brighter images and enhanced sound.

The announcement has also been amplified by actor Robert Downey Jr, who shared a poster of the re-release on Instagram with the caption, “B4 we move forward - Let’s run it back.”

Marvel Studios, meanwhile, shared a video announcing the return, writing, “Reassemble the team & relive the experience as Avengers Endgame: Encore returns to theaters September 25.”

Avengers: Endgame, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, originally released in 2019 and concluded the Infinity Saga with the Avengers final battle against Thanos. The film became one of the biggest cinematic events in history.

The theatrical return comes ahead of Avengers: Doomsday, which will feature Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom and reunite several major Marvel characters.

The narrative is set in Goa in 1947, shortly after Independence, when the region was still under Portuguese rule. Nayanthara enters as Ganga with a bike stunt, followed by Yash, who plays her brother, Raya. The siblings find themselves embroiled in a gang war with Salvador (Darrell D’Silva) and his siblings Tony (Akshay Oberoi) and Elizabeth (Huma Qureshi).

Tara Sutaria plays Rebecca, the daughter of kingpin Salvador, who is expected to marry Raya. In the meantime, Raya meets Nadia (Kiara Advani), with whom he has a son. Rukmini Vasanth’s Melissa enters later. Raya repays her father’s debts, after which Melissa falls for him and eventually marries him. The couple have a son, whom Raya later tries to save from Ticket (Yash). Ticket is his estranged son with Nadia, who is out for revenge against his father.

At its core, Toxic revolves around Ganga’s vision of wanting Raya to rule the city. However, the screenplay struggles to establish why the audience should care about the characters or their intentions or their journeys. Some characters disappear almost as quickly as they are introduced, while the repetitive medley of guns, axes, knives and explosives results in the fights becoming increasingly confusin

Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups Director: Geetu Mohandas Cast: Yash, Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Rukmini Vasanth, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria Rating: 1.5/5 stars

The film repeatedly moves from one elaborate action set-piece to another without allowing its characters or conflicts enough room to develop. For instance, the film’s first major action sequence takes place in a graveyard. Even before the fight begins, there is a scene of Yash making out with a woman inside a car, which was featured in the film's promotional material, and is used merely as a setup for a bomb to detonate. The bomb eventually detonates during the climax, but the film offers little explanation for the scene.

Toxic has several intimate and sexualised scenes involving Raya and different women, apparently intended to establish him as a womaniser. Yet most of these sequences have little relevance to the narrative. The film repeatedly reduces its female characters to objects of desire, offering them no meaningful narrative space. While such objectification is often criticised in films helmed by male directors, Toxic does this extensively despite being directed by Geetu Mohandas. The film is also co-written by Geetu and Yash.

The portions involving Raya and Nadia provide one of the few stretches that has some depth, while the sibling relationship between Raya and Ganga also manages to create some emotional connection. Funnily, Ticket's introduction goes on to offer some unintended humour: his actions and dialogue delivery often evoke laughter during serious scenes.

Raya’s actions are eventually presented as consequences of his own mistakes, but by the time this emotional dimension comes into focus, Toxic's runtime has already tested the audience’s patience.

Toxic certainly has no shortage of spectacle. It is replete with bungalows, casinos, pirates, snow-covered mountains, aeroplanes, missiles and what not. But beneath all the grandeur, the film lacks an engaging story. For all its scale and ambition, the film offers very little substance.

Taking to Instagram, the ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh Do’ shared a video of herself lying on a bed. The clip carried the text, “Watch me transform after giving up caffeine.” She paired the post with a witty caption that read, “Apparently, quitting coffee was a decision my body was not consulted about.” With her post, Rakul appeared to highlight the struggle of staying away from caffeine, especially for those who are used to their regular cup of coffee.

The video begins with Rakul looking energetic and laughing. However, after “quitting caffeine,” she shows her hilarious “transformation” by lying on a bed and appearing visibly irritated.

Rakul Preet Singh often shares snippets of her personal and professional life on social media. From sharing stunning photoshoot pictures to giving a glimpse into her life with husband Jackky Bhagnani, Rakul often gives a peek into her life through her social media posts.

Keeping up with this trajectory, Rakul recently gave a glimpse into her professional and personal bond with Jackky Bhagnani. She revealed that their partnership is fuelled by constant laughter and endless conversations about food. The actress shared a series of pictures with Jackky in a collaborative social media post. Reflecting on their equation, she said their shared synergy makes building something exciting together as a couple a truly rewarding experience.

“People ask us what it’s like working together. The answer? Half the time we’re discussing work, the other half we’re laughing and discussing what to eat. It’s fun because I feel our synergy is aligned. Building a life together is one thing. Building something you’re both excited about is a whole different experience,” Rakul wrote as the caption.

Work-wise, Rakul will next be seen playing Surpanakha in 'Ramayana' by Nitesh Tiwari.

The makers are said to be proceeding with the shoot as planned, without any delays. Meanwhile, Silambarasan TR, Vetrimaaran and music composer Anirudh Ravichander recently met on the sets to discuss the progress of the film, further raising expectations around the much-awaited project.

The film is set against a backdrop connected to Vetrimaaran’s Vada Chennai universe. Apart from Silambarasan in the lead, Arasan features Vijay Sethupathi, who is said to be playing a cop, and Priyanka Arulmohan in prominent roles.

Andrea Jeremiah and Samuthirakani are reprising their respective roles as Chandra and Guna from the Vada Chennai universe. The cast also includes Kishore Kumar G, Yogi Babu, Vikranth Santhosh, Chaithra J Achar and Tejeenthan Arunasalam.

About Arasan

Directed and written by Vetrimaaran, Arasan brings together Silambarasan, Vetrimaaran and Anirudh Ravichander for the first time in a highly anticipated collaboration. Kalaippuli S Thanu is producing the film under his V Creations banner.

Anirudh is composing the music, while R Velraj is handling the cinematography. R Ramar is the editor. The film’s connection to the Vada Chennai universe, along with the return of familiar characters and the addition of Vijay Sethupathi, has generated considerable interest among Tamil cinema fans.

With the Chennai schedule progressing steadily, further updates about Arasan are expected to be announced by the makers soon. The film continues to be one of the most awaited Tamil projects, particularly among fans of Silambarasan and Vetrimaaran.

His remarks came over actress Kriti Sanon finding herself in the crosshairs of controversy over her Rakhi advertisement attire.

Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut termed Sanon's outfit "intentionally creepy" while others said it was "vulgar".

The ad for a jewellery brand has the "Cocktail 2" star in an Indo-Western ensemble featuring a bralette-skirt combo with a cape and shows her tying a Rakhi to her brother and pet dog.

In an Instagram story, Gandhi tagged Sanon's response and said, "What a woman wears, what she does and where she goes --“ is her choice."

"Stop trolling women for exercising their freedom," he said, using the hashtag 'smash the patriarchy'.

"When will we stop telling women what to wear," Sanon asked on Tuesday after finding herself in the crosshairs of controversy over the Rakhi ad.

The 36-second video sent social media into a frenzy of debate, opening up questions of freedom of choice, what constitutes Indian culture and the nature of the brother-sister festival itself.

Ranaut questioned her choice of outfit to represent a traditional Indian festival.

"It's a wonderful time to be a woman, our closets are full of variety of clothes, today's woman is a global woman, from cocktail dresses to lehenga cholis, jeans to saris, bikinis to salwar kameez.

"...From all the options that are available to us today why would you tie your brother a Rakhi in your bikini/ undergarments? Where are all your styling options? Ha ha the advert looks intentionally creepy," Ranaut, known for her provocative statements, wrote in her Instagram Stories.

Like Ranaut, there were many who criticised Sanon's outfit.

Sanon, who kept quiet for much of the day, shot back with a counter post on Instagram in the afternoon.

"Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!... Also, when will we stop telling women what to wear?? Ethnic fashion has evolved over the years, but still a woman's respect for her culture is measured with just her clothes," she said in a note shared on her Instagram Stories.

In her note, Sanon stressed that the essence of festivals is not in the clothes one wears but "in the emotions and meaning you hold for the traditions".

"Rakshabandhan is a bond of protection. My sister and I tie rakhi to each other. We know we can protect each other no less than a brother would have.

"We pray for each other's health, happiness & long life. And for us, this prayer and promise extends to our dogs too! After all, they are family," she added, addressing trolls who objected to her tying a Rakhi on a dog.

In a statement, posted on its social media pages, the brand said their aim was not to "hurt the sentiments of some segments of society" and have withdrawn the ad.

"We have the highest regard and deep respect for Indian culture, traditions and festivals. As a brand, we have always believed in celebrating these joyous moments with the entire family and this time we wanted to extend the love and celebration to our pets.

"If our recent advertisement has inadvertently hurt the sentiments of some segments of society, that was not our intent at all. Out of respect, we have withdrawn the said advertisement from all media. Wish you all the love & positivity this festive season!" GIVA said.

In the ad, "Cocktail 2" star was seen in an Indo-Western ensemble featuring a bralette-skirt combo with a cape and tying a Rakhi to her brother and pet dog.

The video led to an uproar with many criticising her choice of clothing during a traditional festival and some even objecting to her tying a Rakhi on a dog.

In a post on Instagram, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut described her outfit as "intentionally creepy".

"It's a wonderful time to be a woman, our closets are full of variety of clothes, today's woman is a global woman, from cocktail dresses to lehenga cholis, jeans to saris, bikinis to salwar kameez...

"…from all the options that are available to us today why would you tie your brother a Rakhi in your bikini/ undergarments? Where are all your styling options? Ha ha the advert looks intentionally creepy,” Ranaut, known for her provocative statements, wrote in her Instagram Stories.

Sanon, who kept quiet for much of the day, shot back with a counter post on Instagram in the afternoon.

"Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!... Also, when will we stop telling women what to wear?? Ethnic fashion has evolved over the years, but still a woman's respect for her culture is measured with just her clothes," she said in a note shared on her Instagram Stories.

In her note, Sanon stressed that the essence of festivals is not in the clothes one wears but "in the emotions and meaning you hold for the traditions".

"Rakshabandhan is a bond of protection. My sister and I tie rakhi to each other. We know we can protect each other no less than a brother would have. We pray for each other's health, happiness & long life. And for us, this prayer and promise extends to our dogs too! After all, they are family," she added, addressing trolls who objected to her tying a Rakhi on a dog.

Taking to its X timeline, R S Infotainment, the production house producing the film, wrote, "A never seen before sports action drama from the heart of the ocean. The Spectacular #MANDAADI teaser out now. In worldwide theatres from September 10th. #MandaadiOnSept10th Starring @sooriofficial & #Suhas."

The teaser released begins with sailors preparing their boats for a race. Sathyaraj's voice is heard in the background saying, "We are not keeping the competition alive and kicking. It's the competition that is keeping us alive and kicking."

He is further heard saying, " If the players are true to the game, the wind and sea will never forsake them."

The teaser gives viewers an impression that the film will be a grim sports drama in which Soori plays a sailor with grit and determination.

It may be recalled that the censor board has already cleared the film for release with a U/A certificate. The film is slated to hit screens worldwide on September 10 this year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” her publicist, Marcel Pariseau, said in a statement Tuesday.

Known for her curvy physique, massive blond wigs and skin-tight outfits that served her self-deprecating wit, she was among the most beloved personalities in music and beyond — the rare celebrity whose appeal transcended generations, geography and politics.

She wrote hundreds of songs, including classics like “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You,” that totalled more than 100 million worldwide sales and more than 1 billion online streams. Parton, who plucked bejewelled banjos, guitar and dulcimers with her long fingernails during performances, was a generous philanthropist and successful businesswoman whose projects included a theme park in the Smoky Mountain foothills near her birthplace.

Her career was forever influenced by her upbringing as one of 12 children born into what she called a “dirt poor” Tennessee family. She started her education nonprofit, Imagination Library, to send free books to children in Tennessee because her father, who quit school to work on the farm, struggled to learn to read.

Parton's first musical performances were in church, where her grandfather was a preacher. By age 10, she was learning guitar and singing on local television shows. At 13, she appeared on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, where Johnny Cash introduced her as “a little girl here from up in East Tennessee.”

With a suitcase of songs, she followed her uncle, Bill Owens, also a songwriter, to Nashville after graduating high school in 1964. Fred Foster, who produced Roy Orbison, Willie Nelson and more, saw her potential and got her songs cut by other artists, as well as recording and releasing Parton singing her own material. By the mid-1970s, Parton was a Nashville queen.

A key collaboration with Porter Wagoner

Parton's partnership with Porter Wagoner, a pencil-thin pompadoured star with flashy rhinestone outfits, was key to her career. She honed her acting skills on his syndicated TV show and he advocated for her to get a record deal at RCA. Their first duet, “The Last Thing On My Mind,” was released in 1967, the same year she started her own publishing company.

While their duets were often big radio hits, Parton's solo singles didn't chart as high at first. With Wagoner as a co-producer, she began to adjust her country warble to a more polished, pop-leaning style.

She got her first No. 1 solo single with “Joshua,” and reached the Top 5 with the ballad “Coat of Many Colors,” about how her mother sewed together scraps of clothes to make a coat Parton wore “so proudly” even as her peers mocked her for being poor. The song, with its Biblical references and ode to maternal love, was later made into a children's book and a TV movie.

In 1973, she had the hit that made her career — “Jolene,” a country music standard with its steady, churning rhythm and Parton's repeated delivery of the title as she pleads for the woman not to steal her man.

The song topped the country charts, crossing over to pop and later being released internationally, opening up new audiences for Parton. “Jolene” is one of her most covered compositions, including by Miley Cyrus (Parton's goddaughter), Olivia Newton-John and The White Stripes.

She left Wagoner's show in 1974, amid reports of squabbling between the two, although they continued to record together and Wagoner stayed her producer for years after that. But the relationship turned litigious when Wagoner sued her in 1979 for millions in management fees and royalties.

A pop crossover star

She followed “Jolene” with a huge hit in 1974, “I Will Always Love You,” an ode and farewell to Wagoner that helped her win the Country Music Association's female vocalist of the year back-to-back in 1975 and 1976. She famously turned down Elvis Presley, who wanted to record it, because she would not share publishing rights.

Decades later, Whitney Houston's version of “I Will Always Love You” became a smash for the soundtrack of her 1992 film “The Bodyguard,” and broke sales records. Houston won a Grammy for her performance in 1994, presented to her by Parton.

“Here You Come Again,” a pop crossover hit and one of the few she didn't write, further established Parton as a multi-genre entertainer and brought her first Grammy Award in 1979.

“A lot of people thought I had totally lost my mind,” she told The Associated Press in 1979 of changing her singing style. “But I had no fear of change. I expected success, but I was braced for failure. I didn't care if people thought I was wrong. In my own heart, I knew I was doing the right thing.”

Parton's other crossover hits included the title song from “9 to 5,” the 1980 comedy starring Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin; and her duet with longtime friend Kenny Rogers, “Islands in the Stream,” written by brothers Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees. In 1987, she collaborated with Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris on the million-selling “Trio” album.

Down home charm

For millions of fans, she was simply “Dolly,” a mixture of Southern charm, humour and glamour. But she was also considered a feminist role model for holding the reins of her own career, writing her own songs, owning her content and looking after her finances in an entertainment world dominated by men.

Parton was open to making fun of herself; when she hosted “Saturday Night Live” in 1989 she told the writers that her only restrictions were she wouldn't curse and she wouldn't make fun of Jesus.

She regularly joked about her breasts or her dumb blonde appearance, but with a wink that she was the one controlling the laughs. In the memoir “My Life So Far,” Fonda remembered Parton's way with a wisecrack, “usually high raunch,” and a laugh that was “somewhere between a girl's giggle, an explosive shriek, and a cascade of little bells."

After her gown split down the front when she won CMA's entertainer of the year in 1978, Parton quipped: “My Daddy said that's what I got for putting 50 pounds of mud in a five-pound bag.”

Throughout her career, she embraced her glamorous style, often wearing custom curve-hugging rhinestone dresses and bodysuits even if they drew tsk-tsks from others in the industry. Her look was always a part of her larger musical business plan.

“I knew my songs were good even if I had been ugly as sin,” she told the AP in 2014. “So I thought, 'Well, I would have probably chose to look this way even if I had been a waitress.' I mean, this is my look. I mean, I like a lot of makeup. I like a lot of hair. I like flashy clothes. I like to show it off. But that's just who I am.”

She married Carl Dean, an asphalt paving contractor, in the mid-1960s; they were together until his death in 2025 at the age of 82. Though rarely seen in public, he was an influence on her career. She told NPR that she wrote “Jolene” about a flirty bank teller who seemed to take an interest in Dean.

'9 to 5' to Hollywood and Broadway

In her first major film role, Parton played alongside Fonda and Tomlin as office workers who rebel against their tyrannical boss in “9 to 5.” Critic Roger Ebert called her a “natural-born movie star” and the title song earned her two Grammy Awards and a ranking of 78 on the American Film Institute's list of top 100 movie songs. Starring roles in “The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas” and “Steel Magnolias” followed.

"I never thought of myself as a movie star," she told AP's Bob Thomas in 1979. "I knew I'd be a star, but as a singer or as a writer of songs or books or poetry. I wanted to be a famous performer and wear flashy clothes, but singing in movies was not one of my ambitions. My family lived in the mountains and we didn't see movies.”

Her love affair with TV and film continued for decades, with appearances alongside Cyrus on “Hannah Montana” and adaptations of her music for Christmas specials, films and streaming series. She also became an author, her books ranging from the memoir “Dolly” to a bestselling novel co-authored by James Patterson, “Run, Rose, Run."

The stage adaptation “9 to 5: The Musical” debuted in 2009, and “DOLLY: A True Original Musical” is set to open Jan. 19, 2027, on what would have been her 81st birthday.

The 2003 film starred Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey as magazine writer Andie Anderson and advertising executive Benjamin Barry, whose relationship begins with competing bets before turning into genuine romance.

Hudson, who played Andie in the original, is attached to produce the sequel, according to Variety. The report comes after years of speculation about a possible follow-up to the much-loved romantic comedy. 

Hudson and McConaughey had previously expressed openness to returning for a sequel, provided the project had the right script. In 2024, Hudson said that both she and McConaughey were “totally open” to starring in another instalment, but stressed that the script would be the deciding factor. 

The original film, directed by Donald Petrie, followed Andie as she attempted to write an article about making a man leave her in 10 days, while Benjamin took a bet that he could make a woman fall in love with him within the same period.

Participating in the trailer launch event of the film, the director said, "This (the film) is a particular part of my personal life that I have made as a story for the big screens. I was in a very dark time. When I was in that time, the things that I went through -- somehow, I was able to see it as a particular point in cinema. I was able to turn it into a story."

He went on to say, "When I was changing it, I wanted to turn it into a hopeful film. That's what this film is about."

Stating that they wanted to make the point that somehow, eventually, everything will turn out better, the director said, "That's why we went with the title, 'Once More'. Somehow, everything will turn out better."

"The three years that I wrote this film, the two years that I waited for this film, I was able to turn it into a film. This is my memory of that thing. When I see this, I feel very fulfilled.I feel very happy. What's in this film is my heart. What's in this film is my passion," he said.

For the unaware, 'Once More' is to hit screens worldwide on August 28 this year.

The film, which features Arjun Das and Aditi Shankar in the lead, will also feature model turned actress Sona Olickal in a pivotal role.

The film has been in the news for a number of reasons. Most significantly, the film will mark the Tamil debut of celebrated Malayalam music director Hesham Abdul Wahab, who is best known for his chartbuster songs in films like 'Hridayam' and 'Hi Nanna'.

'Once More' has a brilliant technical team backing it up. Cinematography for the film is by gifted cameraman Aravind Viswanathan. Editing for the film has been handled by Nash while Raj Kamal has helmed the department of art direction.

Lyrics for the songs, a couple of which have already emerged chartbusters, are by Vignesh Srikanth. Costumes in the film have been designed by Navadevi Rajkumar while dances in the film have been choreographed by Apsar.

The film has had its sound design handled by Renjith Venugopal while Arun Sangameshwar has performed the duties of a colorist.

Harish Durairaj has served as the film's executive producer while Vijay MP has played the role of the creative producer in this unit.

The film has been produced by Yuvaraj Ganesan under the banner of Million Dollar Studios.

The makers of the film recently shared a candid, heartwarming photograph featuring musical sensation Anirudh Ravichander alongside celebrated lyricist and National Award winner Kasarla Shyam.

The photo captures a grounded moment of mutual respect between two master craftspeople in the studio, setting the perfect stage for what promises to be a massive musical track.

Accompanying the picture, the makers shared a message that immediately captured fans' attention, “A picture speaks a thousand words… and this one carries a thousand mass beats. #TheParadise second single out very soon. GRAND RELEASE WORLDWIDE ON 24.09.26”.

Anirudh’s music for The Paradise is already among the most awaited soundtracks of the year. Kasarla Shyam earlier bagged a National Award for ‘Balagam’.

The Paradise is helmed by Srikanth Odela, and follows his blockbuster hit ‘Dasara’. The teaser gave an intense glimpse into Nani’s character, Jadal, who is fierce, raw, and rustic, with the story set against the backdrop of the slums.

In a move that underlines the film’s global ambitions, the makers have reportedly approached Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds to present ‘The Paradise’ across international markets.

The film explores the struggles of a marginalised community fighting discrimination, exploitation and the denial of basic rights. Its gritty visual world, hard-hitting action and politically charged themes have generated considerable anticipation among Telugu and pan-Indian audiences. The project has also attracted attention for Nani's radically rugged transformation and Srikanth Odela's darker storytelling approach.

Produced by SLV Cinemas, ‘The Paradise’ is slated for a massive theatrical release on September 24, 2026, in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, English, Spanish, Bengali, Kannada, and Malayalam.

In an appeal addressed to the Tamil Nadu government and producers’ associations, FEFSI sought immediate government intervention and called for tripartite talks involving producers, theatre owners and workers’ unions to find an amicable solution.

The appeal comes after the Tamil Film Producers Council and the Tamil Film Active Producers Association announced that all film-related work, including shooting and post-production, would be halted from September 1. The producers had taken the decision amid their dispute with theatre owners over the window for releasing films on OTT platforms, besides financial concerns.

While acknowledging the producers’ grievances, FEFSI said the decision to abruptly stop ongoing shoots had come as a “major shock” to the workforce.

“A halt in film shootings directly affects not just producers, but thousands of daily-wage workers and their families who depend entirely on daily employment for their sustenance,” the federation said.

FEFSI pointed out that the film industry supports a large network of workers across departments, including assistant directors, cinematographers, technicians, lightmen, set workers, makeup artists and transport personnel.

The federation also recalled the 45-to-50-day industry strike in 2023, during which tripartite discussions were held under government supervision. It said several key resolutions arrived at during those talks remain unimplemented.

FEFSI cautioned that repeatedly halting film production whenever disputes arise could cause recurring disruption across the industry and called for a mechanism to ensure that agreements reached by stakeholders are implemented.

Stating that strikes cannot be an immediate or sustainable solution to structural issues, FEFSI appealed to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to intervene and facilitate talks between producers, theatre owners and workers’ unions.

The federation also sought a time-bound action plan to address the industry’s long-standing issues while ensuring that the livelihoods of film workers are protected.

Yash’s fan base has grown exponentially following the blockbuster success of the KGF franchise, and the frenzy at the Chennai event was yet another reflection of his soaring pan-Indian popularity.

The stars and members of the Toxic team arrived one after another, adding to the excitement. Yash and producer Venkat K Narayan arrived together in the same car, with the producer himself behind the wheel. The dialogue writer for the Tamil version, Ganesh Subramaniam, was also present, along with actors Akshay Oberoi, Sudev Nair and Sanoop Dinesh. Nayanthara, who is currently promoting her upcoming film Hi, was absent from the event, while filmmaker Vignesh Shivan, who has also penned three songs for Toxic, graced the occasion.

Thanking Yash for the opportunity, Vignesh congratulated the team and recalled meeting Kiara Advani before Kabir Singh to narrate LIK. Joking about the actress turning down the project, he quipped that it was ultimately her luck that she did not accept the film.

One of the biggest moments of the evening came when Rukmini Vasanth took the stage. The actress received a thunderous response from the audience, with continuous claps and whistles making it difficult for her to begin her speech. Overwhelmed by the affection, she eventually said, “Please let me talk, I’ll cry now.”

Huma Qureshi, who returned to Chennai after several years, spoke about the affection she continues to receive from the city. She said people still remember her as Kannama, referring to her popular character. Huma also had a special introduction for the evening’s star, saying, “There are stars, there are superstars, and there is only one Rocking Star — Yash.”

Director Geetu Mohandas, who took the stage after an AV tracing her journey from her days as a four-year-old child artiste, opened up about her struggles. Recalling how she was considered a poor student at school and how few people believed in her, Geetu said she had now made one of the biggest films with a star of immense stature because Yash believed in her. “Once he believed, everyone started believing,” she said. Promising a new side of the actor, she added, “It will be Yash 2.0 in Toxic.”

The event also doubled as a birthday celebration for producer Venkat K Narayan, who was making his first stage appearance in Tamil Nadu. Thanking the Tamil audience for their support, he recalled the success of Jana Nayagan and appreciated the audience for standing by them during difficult times. “We are hungry to see Vijay sir on screen again,” he said. Speaking about Toxic, Venkat described the film as the result of “great ambition, bold vision, extreme hard work and extraordinary performances.”

However, the evening reached its emotional high when Yash finally took the stage, making his entrance after the other guests. Visibly moved by the reception, he began by addressing the audience as “Ennai thathedutha Tamil makkale (the Tamil people who adopted me)."

Yash went on to thank the Tamil audience for respecting cinema and the craft behind it. Referring to the leak of Jana Nayagan, he said that despite the setback, Tamil audiences continued to come to theatres and celebrate the film. His words reflected the bond he shares with the audience in the state, which has embraced him warmly over the years.

Speaking about Toxic, Yash said that the film is about passion, emotion and several deeply human elements. His speech, delivered amid loud cheers from the packed stadium, brought the evening to an emotional close. The film is set to hit theatres on August 26 across six languages, marking one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

The event concluded on a celebratory note, with the entire cast and crew joining Yash and Venkat K Narayan on stage to cut the producer’s birthday cake, bringing the star-studded evening to a fitting end.

The film began with a traditional pooja ceremony at Sripathy Cinemas in Thanjavur on Monday. The first schedule is expected to run for 20 days. Written and directed by Murugu, the film is produced by S Sai Devanand and KS Sinish under Soldiers’ Factory and Learn and Teach Production.

Interestingly, GV Prakash was initially signed as the music director but has now taken on the lead role. Sean Roldan will compose the music. Prarthana, known for films such as Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimayil, Love Today and Parking, plays the female lead.

The cast also includes Jenson Diwakar, Radha Ravi, Dheepa Ramanujam, Devadarshini and Kalyani Natarajan. Harish Kannan is the cinematographer, while Ganesh Siva handles the editing. Gopi Anand is the art director, Priya Ravi is the costume designer and Dinesh Kaasi is the stunt choreographer. The film is said to be a light-hearted romantic family entertainer.

Speaking at the trailer launch, Aditi, who stars opposite Arjun Das, thanked producer Yuvaraj Ganesan and director Vignesh Srikanth for giving her the opportunity.

Thanking Srikanth, she said, “Once More came to me when I was down in life, and playing Anjali healed me and helped me so much. Srikanth sir has given his blood, sweat, heart and heartbreak to this film, so I’m truly grateful that he trusted me with this opportunity.” Once More is set to hit screens worldwide on August 28.

The film also features model-turned-actress Sona Olickal in a pivotal role.

The film marks the Tamil debut of Malayalam music director Hesham Abdul Wahab, known for his work in films such as Hridayam and Hi Nanna.

Aravind Viswanathan is the cinematographer, while Nash handles the editing and Raj Kamal is the art director. Vignesh Srikanth has penned the lyrics, with Navadevi Rajkumar designing the costumes and Apsar choreographing the dance sequences. Produced by Yuvaraj Ganesan under Million Dollar Studios, Once More stars Arjun Das and Aditi Shankar in the lead.

The director has previously helmed Jyotika-starrer Raatchasi and Arulnithi’s Kazhuvethi Moorkan. The film began with a pooja ceremony recently.

It marks the first time Jayaram and Simran will be seen together as a lead pair. The two actors had earlier worked together in KS Ravikumar’s Panchathanthiram. The untitled film also stars Vaazhai actor Ponvel, along with Devika Sathish and Bhagavathi Perumal, popularly known as Bucks.

K Vijay Pandi of White Carpet Films and Shanjan G of Redacted Studios are producing the film, which will be presented by actor Arya’s The Show People. Billed as a romantic comedy, the film explores the interactions between the Gen Z and 90s generations and the situations that arise from their relationships. Deepak is handling the cinematography, while Achu Rajamani will compose the music. Arul E Siddharth is the editor and Mahendran is the art director.

Written and directed by Sreeti Mukerji, the film features newcomers Aarushi Bajaj, Ansh Duggal, Bianca Arora and Piyush Khati in the lead roles. Kunaal Roy Kapur, Anurag Basu, Neha Dhupia and Anju Alva Naik will appear in supporting roles.

The film follows friendship, young love, heartbreak, dreams and the ups and downs of growing up. Speaking about the film, Alia and Shaheen said, “Don’t Be Shy has been extremely special to us from the very beginning, and we couldn’t be prouder to see it come to life.”

They added that the film captures the experiences of being young, including friendships, first love, heartbreak and the process of finding one’s identity. The film is co-produced by Grishma Shah and Vikesh Bhutani.

The minister made new announcements during the demands for grants for the School Education, Tamil Development, Information and Publicity departments.

As part of the initiative, a memorial hall with a bronze statue of director Bharathiraja will be established in Theni at an estimated cost of 2.5 crore.

The government will also provide an additional Rs 5.75 crore for establishing a Tamil chair at the University of Houston in the United States, the Minister said.

In another announcement, the government assistance provided for the Chennai Book Fair will be increased from 75 lakh to 1 crore.

The Minister further announced that an integrated memorial complex will be established in Chennai to honour several prominent personalities, including Velu Nachiyar, Periyar EV Ramasamy, BR Ambedkar, former Chief Minister K Kamaraj and freedom fighter Anjalai Ammal.

'Jeevan Bheema Yojana' was initially slated to hit the theatres on August 28. However, the release of the movie has now been pushed by a week. The reason for the change in release date is not known. Arshad Warsi will be seen in a double role for the first time in the project which also features Sanjeeda Shaikh, Vijay Raaz, Pooja Chopra, and Bijendra Kala in key roles, along with others.

Sanjeeda will essay the role of Yojana, Jeevan’s resourceful wife, whereas Vijay Raaz will be seen as the mysterious Vinayak. 'Jeevan Bheema Yojana' shares the journey of Jeevan (Played by Arshad) and his wife Yojana (Played by Sanjeeda). As the couple struggles under mounting debt, they discover Bheema, a stranger who looks exactly like Jeevan.

They form a seemingly foolproof plan to fake Jeevan's death and claim an insurance payout. However, things soon get out of control when they realise that the man presumed dead has ties to a dangerous diamond-smuggling network.

Shedding further light on 'Jeevan Bheema Yojana' and Arshad Warsi's performance in his next, director Abhishek Dogra had said, , “Jeevan Bheema Yojana is a film about ordinary people making one extraordinary, catastrophic decision and then spending the rest of the film paying for it. The genre is dark comedy, but the heart of it is very human.

Arshad brings both men to life with a precision that constantly surprised us on set.” 'Jeevan Bheema Yojana' has been backed by Anshu Mishra under the banners of Star Beam Ventures Ltd (formerly BlueGod Entertainment Ltd).

The investment comes after the merger of Ironhill India and Ironhill US, which brought the two businesses together as a single international platform.

For Anirudh, the investment marks his second foray into the global hospitality and food and beverage sector after Loca Loka Tequila. He is also the co-founder of Loca Loka Tequila and founder of Albuquerque Records, an independent label launched to release future pop and hip-hop music by the artist. Loca Loka Tequila is co-founded by actor-producer Rana Daggubati and entrepreneur Sree Harsha Vadlamudi, as well.

Why did Anirudh invest in Ironhill?

Anirudh said his association with Ironhill's co-founder Sree Harsha Vadlamudi through Loca Loka Tequila gave him an understanding of the team's approach to brand-building and operations.

“Ironhill has built something rare, a hospitality brand with real soul and genuine scale to match. As Ironhill writes its global chapter, I'm not just backing a business. I am backing a philosophy that great experiences, like great music, need no translation,” Anirudh said.

Ironhill currently operates venues across India and the US, with plans for expansion into new international markets through 2026 and 2027.

Sree Harsha Vadlamudi said Anirudh's investment reflected his confidence in the brand as it expands internationally.

“His decision to back Ironhill at this moment as we step onto the global stage speaks to the confidence that people who truly understand brand-building have in what we are creating,” Vadlamudi said.