In a social media post, Rangaraj shared a picture with Raga Rangaraj, his son with Crizildaa, and said he has fulfilled all his responsibilities towards the child with love and dedication over the past six months. He added that he would continue to provide everything his son needs.

The post comes amid an ongoing legal dispute involving fashion designer Crizildaa, who had approached the Chennai Police Commissioner's Office alleging that Rangaraj, who was already married, had married her and later deceived her. Based on her complaint, police initiated an inquiry, while the matter is also pending before the court.

DNA test confirmed Rangaraj as son's father

During the course of the legal proceedings, Joy Crizildaa, who was in the final stages of her pregnancy, gave birth to a baby boy.

Earlier, counsel appearing for Rangaraj informed the Madras High Court that his client was willing to take lifelong responsibility for the child if a DNA test established that he was the biological father.

In April, Crizildaa released a press statement confirming that the DNA report established Rangaraj as the father of her child, Ragha Rangaraj.

Rangaraj's latest statement, along with the photograph of him and his son, comes against the backdrop of the ongoing case. There have been no fresh developments in the legal proceedings following his social media post.

The announcement was made on Wednesday through a statement shared by all seven members of the group - RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook -- on their respective Instagram handles.

"We have decided not to submit for Grammy consideration this year. We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. We thank ARMY and everyone who has always stood by us," the statement read, as quoted by Variety.

The K-pop boy band's announcement came just over a month after the Recording Academy announced a new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.

"This category recognises artistic excellence in Asian pop music performances originating from or widely recognised within Asian markets, including but not limited to K-pop, 3-pop and C-pop, with meaningful use of one or more Asian languages. Awards are presented to the performing artists," read the Academy's description of the category.

It is worth mentioning that BTS has been nominated for Grammys before, including in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video categories. All seven members have been voting members of the Recording Academy since 2019.

On the musical front, the group released its fifth studio album 'Arirang' in March, after the members completed their mandatory military service. The record topped Billboard's main singles and albums charts, generating significant global response.

The band is currently on the 'World Tour Arirang.

In the most recent appearance, they performed at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where they performed their 2020 hit single 'Dynamite'. (ANI)

The actress said continuing to work alongside Holland in the 'Spider-Man' franchise has been "a privilege," highlighting how they have grown together over the years.

Speaking in an interview at the film's London premiere, Zendaya was asked if there was a lifelong friend in the entertainment industry whom she was grateful to have grown up alongside.

"Well, Tom, obviously, my best friend, but being able to do these films with him is a privilege, and I love to be able to grow together and watch him," Zendaya said, adding, "I mean, he's the best," as quoted by People magazine.

The latest comments come as the pair prepare to return to the franchise that first brought them together.

Zendaya and Holland were cast opposite each other in 'Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016, launching an on-screen partnership that evolved into one of Hollywood's most closely followed real-life relationships.

For several years, the actors maintained that they were close friends despite continued speculation about their relationship.

Their characters, Peter Parker and MJ, shared their first on-screen kiss in 2019's 'Spider-Man: Far From Home.

Their romance was publicly confirmed in July 2021 when the pair were photographed kissing in a car, as per People magazine.

Later that year, Holland marked Zendaya's 25th birthday with a mirror selfie taken while he was dressed as Spider-Man, writing, "My MJ, have the happiest of birthdays. Gimme a call when you're up xxx.

Zendaya responded, "Calling now," with a heart emoticon.

Despite their global popularity, both actors have consistently spoken about maintaining privacy in their personal lives.

During an interview, Holland explained, "I don't talk about it. I try my best to keep it as private as possible. We both feel very strongly that that is the healthiest way to move on as a couple," as quoted by People magazine.

Zendaya echoed a similar sentiment in a separate interview, saying, "It's about protecting the peace and letting things be your own but also not being afraid to exist."

Holland has also explained why he usually avoids attending Zendaya's red-carpet premieres.

"Because it's not my moment, it's her moment, and if we go together, it's about us," he told in an interview.

In January 2025, Zendaya sparked engagement speculation after appearing at the Golden Globes wearing a large diamond ring on her left ring finger. Later, People magazine confirmed that the couple were engaged.

More recently, Holland referred to Zendaya as "my wife" during a quick-fire segment on the UK-based podcast.

Asked who he would most like to holiday in Greece with, Holland replied, "I think probably my wife would be pretty good. It would be a bit strange if I went, 'Sorry babe, I'm gonna take Matt [Damon, Holland and Zendaya's The Odyssey costar] actually," as quoted by People magazine.

At the 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day UK premiere, Holland also praised Zendaya's support, saying, "I think Zendaya always just brings me an unbelievable sense of calm. Even in the midst of all of this craziness and travelling the world and making these movies and sometimes being really overwhelmed, because that's what happens when you're a human being.... No one calms me down better than she does," as quoted by People magazine.

Zendaya and Holland recently appeared together in 'The Odyssey' and are now returning to the superhero franchise where their journey began.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day' arrives in the US theatres on Friday, July 31. In India, the movie was released on Thursday, July 30.

Zendaya will next be seen in 'Dune: Part Three', while Holland is set to star in 'Avengers: Doomsday', with both films scheduled for release on December 18.

Haasan shared his admiration for the project and said “Homer dreamt it, Nolan dared to bring it to life.”

“Homer dreamt it. Nolan dared it. I applauded it. Children of cinema, this film belongs to the ages. Must watch! As #TheOdyssey continues its epic voyage across the world, my ode will greet audiences in theatres in India. I’ll share it here soon. P.S. The CBFC got the first preview! It approved,” Kamal wrote in the caption.

‘The Odyssey’ is based on Homer's ancient Greek epic of the same name. The film marks Nolan's first venture into large-scale mythological storytelling, and follows the legendary journey of Odysseus as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War.

The film has been shot using cutting-edge IMAX technology across multiple international locations. The film is among the most anticipated cinematic releases, with a scheduled theatrical release in July 2026.

Kamal was last seen in Thug Life directed by Mani Ratnam. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Abhirami, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nassar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Ali Fazal, Sanjana Krishnamoorthy and Tanikella Bharani.

It marks the reunion of Haasan and Ratnam after their previous collaboration, Nayakan in 1987.

The star will next be seen in the sequel of the 2024 epic mythological science fiction film “Kalki 2898 AD” directed by Nag Ashwin.

Produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, it features an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Shobana and Disha Patani.

Inspired by Hindu scriptures, the film serves as the first instalment in the planned Kalki Cinematic Universe. Set in a dystopian future in the year 2898 AD in the city of Kashi, the story follows a group on a mission to protect lab subject SUM-80's unborn child, believed to be Kalki, the final incarnation of Vishnu.

The trailer was released in the early hours of July 30, 2026, across five Indian languages, including Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam. The trailer opens with Yash as Ravana taking over the kingdom of Lanka as its king. It then traces the mythology of the Ramayana, beginning with Lord Ram's days in Ayodhya.

From Ram honouring Kaikeyi's demand and leaving for exile to the Surpanakha episode and the 'Sita Haran', the trailer offers a detailed glimpse into the epic's key events. Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Yash as Ravana and Ravie Dubey as Lord Lakshman look apt in their parts. Lara Dutta as Kaikaiye, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, Arvind Govil as King Dashrath seem to be doing justice to their characters. Adapted by award-winning screenwriter Shridhar Raghavan; Ramayana features the biggest East- West collaboration yet with music by Oscar-winning legends Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman Talking about the movie, Namit Malhotra, the producer and creative architect of Ramayana, said, "The Ramayana is not just one of our greatest epics; it is part of how we live, celebrate and pass on our values from one generation to the next. Every year, Dussehra and Diwali remind us that its message continues to guide millions through the triumph of light over darkness and righteousness over evil. Very few stories continue to shape everyday life thousands of years after they were first told.

The Ramayana does.” He added, “Having spent much of my life working across the global film industry, I have always believed that India's greatest stories deserve to be experienced on the world's biggest stage. Today, we finally have the artists, the technology, the craftsmanship and the collective ambition to present this extraordinary cultural legacy to audiences everywhere with the authenticity, scale and cinematic excellence it deserves.” He further added, “This is not simply the beginning of a film. It is the beginning of a journey to celebrate India's cultural richness with the world. India has always lived this story. It is now our privilege to share it with the world." Nitesh Tiwari, the director of Ramayana, said, "The Ramayana is one of the greatest stories ever told, not because of its scale, but because of the timeless values it represents.

As a filmmaker, I never felt the responsibility to make it universal, it already is. My responsibility has been to approach it with complete honesty, authenticity and reverence.” He added, “Every creative decision we have made - from the writing and performances to the production design, music, visual effects and every frame on screen, has been guided by a single thought: to honour this extraordinary legacy with the dignity and respect it deserves while presenting it through the finest cinematic craftsmanship possible.” He further added, “It has been the privilege of a lifetime to work alongside some of the world's finest artists, technicians and storytellers in bringing this vision to life.

I hope audiences everywhere experience not just the spectacle of Ramayana, but also the emotion, humanity, and timeless spirit that have allowed it to endure for thousands of years." For the uninitiated, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios and eight-time Academy Award-winning VFX studio DNEG, in association with Yash's Monster Mind Creations, Ramayana: Part One will release worldwide on Diwali 2026. –IANS rd/

For the unaware, Jaiyan is the youngest son of late veteran producer R.D. Bhaskar and nephew of legendary composer Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja.

'Raja's Playlist' has been garnering attention for bringing together some of the most celebrated names in Tamil cinema, all united by decades of friendship and admiration for the late R.D. Bhaskar and his family.

Producer Ramanan Balagangatharan, who has backed the project as a heartfelt gesture of friendship, while commenting on the successful completion of the film's shoot, said, "Completing the shoot of Raja's Playlist is a very emotional and satisfying milestone for all of us. Every member of the team has worked with immense passion and dedication to bring this beautiful story to life. Jaiyan has given his heart and soul to his debut performance, and I am confident audiences will embrace him wholeheartedly. We are now excited to begin post-production and look forward to presenting a heartfelt musical entertainer that celebrates family, emotions and the timeless power of music."

While ace director Venkat Prabhu has penned the story for this film, Yuvan Shankar Raja, the younger son of Ilaiyaraaja, has composed its music. Acclaimed filmmaker Sudha Kongara has joined the film as its Creative Producer.

The film has been directed by Sujith N. Subramaniam, who makes his directorial debut after earning appreciation as the cinematographer of the acclaimed film 'Kudumbasthan'. He has also written the screenplay based on Venkat Prabhu's story.

The film features Jaiyan alongside Sona Olickal, Vagai Chandrasekhar, Guru Somasundharam, Roju, Bibian, Aarya Lakshmi, Pragadeeshwaran Poobalam, Indhumathy, Reshmi, Rajinth, Ramkumar, Meena, and Thilagavathi in pivotal roles.

With filming now wrapped, the team has commenced post-production.

The film, which is being produced by Mammootty's own production house, Mammootty Kampany, is yet to be titled and is being tentatively referred to as #MammoottyKampanyProductionNo9.

Taking to its social media timelines to announce the news of commencement of shooting, Mammootty Kampany wrote, "The wait is over! MammoottyKampany Production No. 9, directed by Nithish Sahadev, has officially gone on floors today in Karaikudi. Seeking all your love, blessings, and support as we embark on this exciting journey. Stay tuned for more updates!"

The makers also released a BTS clip of the crew shooting some crucial scenes in the film on the first day of shooting.

The film has triggered huge expectations as Nithish Sahadev's previous film, 'Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil', featuring actor Jiiva in the lead, was a big hit in Tamil cinema.

Soon after the success of 'Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil', Nithish Sahadev had announced that he would be directing Mammootty in his next film. The director had made this announcement last year. Taking to his Instagram page to post a picture of himself and his team with Mammootty, he had written, "Next padam with Mammookka. Directed by Myself. Written by - Anuraj Ob & Myself. Project Designer : Agnivesh Ranjith #Mammootty #MammoottyKampany #soonrolling."

The film had been officially launched two weeks ago with a grand pooja ceremony. Mammootty Kampany had then too taken to its Instagram page to make the announcement. It had said, "MammoottyKampany Production Number 9 Kicked Off today with the Pooja Ceremony ! Direction : Nithish Sahadev D.O.P : Jimshi Khalid Written by : Anuraj OB & Nithish Sahadev. Stay Tuned for More Updates #Mammootty #MammoottyKampany #NithishSahadev."

Interestingly, the unit of #MammoottyKampanyProductionNo9 has begun its shooting schedule on a day actor Dulquer Salmaan, the son of actor Mammootty, celebrated his birthday.

Taking to X, the Lubber Pandhu director posted a picture with Dhanush and wrote, “I hope, I wish, and I promise to work towards directing a mass blockbuster for you. Happy Birthday D.” He also added the Tamil line, “Aadikku apram poosa aarambam, ”indicating that work on the film will begin after the Tamil month of Aadi, towards the end of August.

With the birthday message, Tamizharasan also hinted at the film’s genre, confirming that D56 will be a mass commercial entertainer, ending months of speculation surrounding the project. The filmmaker had begun location recce for the film earlier this year, while details about the cast and storyline have been kept under wraps. Reports suggest that actor Vijay Kumar could be part of the film, while Rukmini Vasanth is also rumoured to play a key role, although an official announcement is awaited.

Meanwhile, Dhanush is currently shooting for Rajkumar Periasamy’s Om: Chapter 1. Apart from D56, the actor also has projects lined up with director Mari Selvaraj and filmmaker Vetri Maaran.

If the deal makes, he would join Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, who starred in the late 1990s and 2000s takes on the Universal monster property, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

Once a relatively unknown actor, Johnston catapulted to prominence with Obsession, the USD 750,000 indie feature that Focus picked up at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The film exceeded all expectations, grossing more than USD 458 million worldwide and turning Johnston into a breakout star. Before the film's success, he appeared in Teen Wolf, the indie Slash, and Lionsgate's Endangered Species. At the time Obsession premiered, Johnston had no representation, but he later signed with Gersh following the film's remarkable run.

As for The Mummy franchise, Stephen Sommers directed and co-wrote the 1999 version that starred Fraser and Weiss and was an adventure movie set in the 1920s. The pair starred in 2001's Mummy Returns, while Weiss sat out 2008's The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.

David Coggeshall has written the script for the new feature. Sean Daniel is once again back to produce after producing The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, The Scorpion King, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor and Tom Cruise's 2017 The Mummy. Combined, the features have grossed USD 1.8 billion globally.

The line-up features the most celebrated Japanese movies like The Hotel of My Dream by Yukihiko Tsutsumi, Aristocrats by Yukiko Sode, Time Scoop Hunter by Hiroyuki Nakao and The Lines Draw Me by Tokuhiro Koizumi. The films will be members only screenings and the seats will be on a first come first serve basis.

The couple has filed a complaint at the Shivaji Park police station seeking action.

Raunaq Rajani alleges police assault during protest

Rajani said he and his wife were detained by police on July 22 while officers were allegedly rounding up protesters at Shivaji Park. He claimed he sustained a neck sprain, while his wife was later diagnosed with a rib fracture.

In a video posted on Instagram, Rajani alleged that the couple intervened after seeing a child being detained by police without reason. He said he began recording the incident, after which the police allegedly became aggressive and attempted to force him into a police vehicle.

According to Rajani, he and his wife were forcefully pushed into a police bus. He alleged that a man in a red T-shirt manhandled his wife despite a woman police officer asking that she be taken off the bus.

His wife repeatedly screamed, "Haat kaise lagaya" (How did you touch me), questioning why she was being touched.

Raunaq Rajani seeks FIR over police assault

Rajani further alleged that while they were on the floor inside the police vehicle, a police officer kicked his wife in the ribs, causing the fracture.

The comedian said the couple is seeking the registration of an FIR against the police officer who allegedly kicked his wife and the man in the red T-shirt for allegedly assaulting and manhandling her.

"This nationwide protest began because the government misused the police machinery against innocent protesters. And when we stood up for that very cause in Mumbai, the police, instead of pulling back, doubled down on us," Rajani said in the video.

Two Dhanush films, ‘Captain Miller’ and ‘Raayan’ were among the winners in the 72nd National Film Awards. What triggered controversy was ‘Raayan’, written, directed, and starred by Dhanush, winning the honours for the Best Tamil Film.

Many took to social media, arguing that critically acclaimed films such as Maharaja, Vaazhai and Meiyazhagan were more deserving for the award.

'Award came naturally'

The discussion also extended to actor Vikram, whose performance and physical transformation in ‘Thangalaan’ had made him a strong contender for the Best Actor award in the eyes of many fans. His omission further fuelled criticism and online memes targeting ‘Raayan's’ National Award win.

Speaking at a blood donation and welfare assistance camp organised by his fan club near Periyapalayam to mark his birthday, Dhanush addressed the controversy.

"Many good films were released that year and I respect the fans who expressed disappointment," a Maalaimalar report quoted him as saying.

Recalling his earlier films, Dhanush added, "People expected ‘Pudhupettai’, ‘Vada Chennai’, ‘Mayakkam Enna’ and ‘Maryan’ to win National Awards, but they didn't. The National Award for ‘Raayan’ came naturally. As a Tamil, I have received two National Awards. Pat me on the back instead of knocking me down," he said during the event.

DT Next has learnt that Superstar Rajinikanth is making time to pen his autobiography, chronicling his journey from a bus conductor with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to one of Indian cinema's biggest icons.

While rumours of a biopic have also surfaced, highly reliable sources close to the actor in Poes Garden said the chances of such a project materialising at this point are unlikely

The autobiography is rumoured to chronicle Rajinikanth's childhood, early struggles, entry into cinema and rise to the pinnacle of the Tamil film industry. It is also likely to offer personal insights into the experiences and milestones that shaped his life and career.

Although there has been no official announcement, the reports have generated excitement among fans eager to learn more about the actor's extraordinary journey.

Current projects

Rajinikanth is currently shooting for 'Jailer 2', directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. He is then expected to collaborate with Kamal Haasan's production house for 'Dharman'. He also has a project in which he will be sharing screen space with Kamal Haasan and will be produced by Red Giant, adding another much-awaited film to his line-up.

Suriya's 'Vishwanath & Sons' cast and release

'Vishwanath & Sons' marks Suriya's 46th film and comes after the success of RJ Balaji directorial 'Karuppu'. Directed by Venky Atluri, the film is jointly produced by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under the Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas banners. It is slated for release on August 14.

The film stars Mamitha Baiju as the female lead, alongside Radikaa Sarathkumar, Raveena Tandon, Bhavani Sre and Yogi Babu in pivotal roles.

Suriya sings 'The Wedding Song' for 'Vishwanath & Sons'

The makers have already begun promotions for the film and recently unveiled another track, 'The Wedding Song'. The track was sung by Suriya himself and written by Ken Karunas. The song, released last week on the occasion of Suriya's birthday, comes after the success of the chartbuster first single, 'Pattampoochi'.

'Vishwanath & Sons' story, crew and pre-release buzz

'Vishwanath & Sons' reportedly revolves around a love story between a middle-aged man and a younger woman.

The technical crew includes GV Prakash Kumar as the music composer, Nimish Ravi as the cinematographer and Navin Nooli as the editor.

According to a Maalai malar report, 'Vishwanath & Sons' has already secured pre-release business worth over Rs 300 crore. The strong buzz surrounding the film has been attributed to the success of Suriya's 45th film, 'Karuppu', directed by RJ Balaji, as well as director Venky Atluri's track record with successful films such as 'Vaathi', starring Dhanush, and 'Lucky Baskhar', featuring Dulquer Salmaan.

Pictures and videos circulating on social media show the acclaimed director filming a sequence featuring the lead pair on the landmark bridge, drawing the attention of locals and cinema enthusiasts. The shoot has generated considerable buzz online, with fans sharing glimpses from the location.

In one of the visuals, Vijay Sethupathi is seen in a casual look while Sai Pallavi appears in a simple rust-coloured outfit, Mani Ratnam was also spotted supervising the shoot alongside his crew.

While the makers are yet to officially reveal details about the film's title or storyline, the Kolkata schedule has already sparked excitement among fans eager to see the celebrated filmmaker collaborate with Sai Pallavi and Vijay Sethupathi.

The production has largely been kept under wraps, with the team maintaining secrecy around the project. More official updates on the cast, title and release plans are expected in the coming months.

Sharing the tracks, Kaana Vilakku Mayile and Adi Theni Santhaiyil, on social media, the director introduced the film’s ensemble cast, which includes Saranya Ponvannan, MS Bhaskar, Kanja Karuppu, Isakki Raghu, Anthony Daasan, Alan Tolstoy, Vetri Kumaran, Billa David, Yogi Devaraj, the late Marimuthu, Manobala and Soundararaja in a key role.

Produced by Kalaimagan Mubarak, Idi Muzhakkam has been awaiting a theatrical release for quite some time. The film premiered at the Pune International Film Festival in 2024, where it received a warm response from audiences.

Sharing the motion poster on social media, production banner 11 Icons Film Productions wrote, "The FIR is filed. The chargesheet will get you soon!" while announcing that the film will arrive in cinemas this September.

The first-look poster features four police officers—two men and two women—seated together with anxious expressions, with Parvathy appearing as one of the officers. Directed by Shahad, known for Prakashan Parakkatte, the investigative thriller also stars Mathew Thomas, Unnimaya Prasad, Vijayaraghavan, Sidharth Bharathan and Azees Nedumangad in pivotal roles.

The story has been written by PS Subramanian and Vijesh Thottingal, with filming taking place across Kottayam, Changanassery and Kuttanad.

Produced by Arjun Selva, the film features music by Mujeeb Majeed, cinematography by Ruby Varghese Raj and editing by Chaman Chakko.

The promotional track has turned into a digital sensation. Composed by G.V. Prakash Kumar, the track features vocals by Velmurugan and Vaheesan. The song has also been receiving an enthusiastic response from audiences in theatres, where it is being screened as part of the film’s promotional campaign.

A major highlight of the promo is Soori’s transformation from comedian to action hero. Sporting a chiselled physique and energetic dance moves, the actor has impressed fans with a completely new avatar. Reacting to the response, the team said, “The overwhelming love for the promo song—especially the incredible response to Soori’s dance moves and sheer dedication—has given us immense encouragement. Written and directed by Mathimaran Pugazhendhi, Mandaadi is inspired by the traditional fishermen’s sailboat racing culture and revolves around themes of determination.

The film stars Soori, Suhas, Mahima Nambiar, Sathyaraj, Ravindra Vijay, Achyuth Kumar, Bala Saravanan, Mithun and Keerthika. Produced by Elred Kumar under the RS Infotainment banner, Mandaadi is currently in the final stages of post-production.

Presented by Vijay Krishna Lingamaneni and produced by Kalyana Chakravarthy Manthina and Bhanu Kiran Pratapa under the Sapta Aswa Media Works banner, the film is set against a police backdrop and a blend of psychological horror and supernatural mystery. According to the makers, Kapaali translates to “the one who wears a skull,” with the first-look poster reflecting the film’s dark and occult-themed narrative.

The poster also features a terrifying female figure with glowing red eyes, alongside police personnel and a police transport vehicle placed within a glowing ritual circle with the tagline, A Journey Into The Unknown,” Announcing the title on social media, Sapta Aswa Media Works wrote, “A journey into the UNKNOWN begins here… #RN21 is titled as #KAPAALI. Wishing a Very Happy Birthday to Rohith Nara.”

The film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release soon.

Written and directed by debutant VJ Meenakshi Sundharam, Chitukurinji promises a refreshing blend of romance, comedy and fantasy.

The film stars Rajith Menon in the lead, alongside Deepshika, Naksha Saran, VJ Pappu, G.M. Kumar, L.V. Adhavan, Rams, Hello Kandhasamy, Theni Murugan, Sujatha, Karate Raja, Easwarbabu, Sathyaseelan, Velachery Sridhar, Manju, Jones, Krishnakumar and Advocate Babu in pivotal roles. Sriram Karthik makes a special guest appearance.

Set in 1983, the film recreates the period through an elaborate village set spread across nearly 80 acres in the Palangi Hills near Kodaikanal, adding authenticity to its visual world. Another highlight of the film is its background score, which was recorded by a live orchestra featuring international musicians at the Budapest Scoring Company studio in Hungary.

The technical crew includes debut composer Maara for music, Francis Rajkumar A. as cinematographer and Mahendran Ganesan as editor, while D Jude Anantth has produced the film.

The official premiere date will be revealed soon.

The announcement follows the success of Parimala & Co, which has emerged as a popular family entertainer on ZEE5 Tamil. Starring Jayaram and Urvashi, the film struck a chord with audiences through its humour and relatable characters, reinforcing the platform’s focus on rooted, family-oriented content.

Inspired by true events, Nooru Saami tells the story of a widowed mother who decides to remarry in her mid-40s after dedicating years to raising her son and caring for her family. Her decision, however, is met with opposition from relatives, villagers and society, which questions her right to seek companionship later in life.

The film explores themes of marriage, motherhood, sacrifice, companionship and the expectations placed on women, making it a relatable watch for audiences across generations.

After opening to a modest response in theatres, Nooru Saami gained momentum through positive word-of-mouth and sustained a successful theatrical run, earning appreciation for its performances and emotional storytelling.

Speaking about the acquisition, Llyod C Xavier, SVP – Marketing South and Business Head for Tamil & Malayalam at ZEE5, said, “We believe that audiences today are looking for stories that not only entertain but also spark conversations and reflect evolving societal realities, and Nooru Saami does exactly that. The film blends a deeply rooted regional narrative with a progressive and thought-provoking theme, making it both emotionally powerful and universally relatable.

Nooru Saami will stream exclusively on ZEE5 in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam this August.

Seeking to bridge this gap, Afrotoons, an animation company dedicated to African storytelling, has launched its first English language series, 'Selase’s Adventures'.

The management team includes members from Africa and India and the company aims to produce animated series, digital storybooks and other children’s content featuring African stories and characters. It says the initiative seeks to help African children see their own cultures reflected on screen while introducing those stories to global audiences.

The team recently held its pre-launch event in Accra, Ghana, where it screened the first episode of its debut English-language animated series, Selase’s Adventures. Afrotoons’ first animated series for children aged 4-7 years, ‘Selase’s Adventures’ follows Selase, a girl who travels to a different African country in each episode, introducing viewers to its culture, traditions, history and way of life. The first season has 13 episodes. The first two episodes have been released and are available on Afrotoons’ YouTube channel.

The event was attended by Kafui Danku-Pitcher, CEO-Ghana National Film Authority; Karl Amba, UNESCO Cultural Programme Officer; Tonya Eldridge, Cultural Affairs Officer at the US Embassy in Ghana; Nee Tettey Nettey, Public Affairs Specialist at the embassy; Sonya Sagan, Social Manager at UNICEF; and finance expert Espen Mørkborg, among others.

Speaking at the event, Adhavan Adityan, director, Daily Thanthi Group and Chief Operating Officer of Afrotoons, said, “This is not just the pre-launch of a company. It marks the beginning of a new effort to take Africa’s stories to audiences around the world. Our goal is to introduce children to Africa’s rich history, culture and heritage in an engaging way. To achieve that, we plan to produce high quality animated series, digital storybooks and several other creative works.”

“The goal is to ensure African children have the opportunity to see themselves as the heroes of their own stories,” said Ama Addy-Takor Seydu, Chief Content Officer of Afrotoons. Meanwhile, CEO Esther Paul said, “When I was growing up, there were no cartoons centred on Africa. That made me realise we needed to create our own stories for our children. That thought eventually led to the creation of this company.”

Justice C Kumarappan observed that the sole allegation against the petitioner was that he had viewed the pirated version of the movie, with no overt act attributed to him.

The court noted that the final report had already been filed in the case and co-accused persons had been granted bail. It further noted that the alleged incident occurred on April 11, 2026, and the petitioner, who was initially not treated as an accused, had assisted in the probe.

Holding that there was no risk of him absconding or tampering with evidence, the court ruled that custodial interrogation was not required.

According to the prosecution, an unedited version was leaked online in April after a freelance editor engaged by the film’s post-production team allegedly copied and circulated it.

While the movie was released in theatres on July 23, the High Court had earlier dismissed the bail petitions of key accused involved in the leak.

Pradeep Kumar submitted that he was implicated solely for watching the film without any material evidence. He added that he was named as an accused at a later stage and highlighted that the investigation had already concluded with the filing of the charge sheet.

Granting pre-arrest bail, the court directed him to surrender before the jurisdictional magistrate within 15 days, failing which the order would stand cancelled. He was also directed to report to the police daily for 15 days and as and when required thereafter.

The actor shared an emotional video on social media, saying the experience was particularly painful because acting alongside Vijay had been one of her long-cherished dreams.

Directed by H Vinoth, Jana Nayagan was released worldwide on Friday to packed theatres and enthusiastic celebrations by Vijay's fans. The film features Vijay in the lead alongside Bobby Deol, Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju, Revathi and Nizhalgal Ravi. Since its release, the film has received a positive response from audiences, with theatres witnessing houseful shows across Tamil Nadu.

'I never expected all my scenes to be removed'

In her emotional video, Anandhi said she had waited for more than a year for the release of Jana Nayagan and was eager to watch her portions on the big screen. She said scenes being trimmed during editing was not new to actors and had happened to her before. However, she admitted she never imagined that every one of her scenes would be removed from Vijay's final film. "I went to the theatre with great excitement, hoping to watch my scenes. I never expected that all of them would be edited out. It was heartbreaking," she said.

'Acting with Vijay was my dream'

Anandhi said sharing screen space with Vijay had always been one of her biggest ambitions as an actor. She noted that the disappointment was greater because Jananayagan marks Vijay's final film before entering full-time politics, leaving her with no opportunity to work with him again. "Acting with Vijay sir was my dream. If he had continued acting, I could have hoped for another chance. But since this is his last film, I feel I have missed that opportunity forever," she said. Despite her disappointment, Anandhi praised the film, describing it as a meaningful entertainer that highlights women's progress. She also urged audiences to watch the film with their families.

Not the first time

The actor also revealed that this was not the first time her portions had been removed during editing. She said scenes featuring her were previously cut from 29 and Suriya's Karuppu before suffering the same fate in Jananayagan.

Calling the repeated experience emotionally draining, Anandhi said it had left her feeling "unlucky" and deeply disappointed. Her video has since gone viral on social media, with many fans expressing sympathy and extending support to the actor while congratulating the Jananayagan team on the film's successful release.

Making the announcement on social media, production house Avni Cinemax wrote, “No more waiting. No more guessing. September 25. #Meesaya Murukku2 is coming to theatres worldwide. Get ready for the celebration. See you all on the big screen.”

The sequel has generated considerable buzz ever since its teaser was unveiled earlier this year. Set in the 1980s, the film follows the journey of a gaana singer and musician who dares to challenge established classical musicians from celebrated musical families, taking on both tradition and privilege through his passion for music.

Hiphop Tamizha wears multiple hats for the project, serving as director, lead actor, music composer, lyricist and writer. He has also penned the film’s story, screenplay and dialogues, while Karan Karky and Nithish D have contributed additional dialogues.

Chaithra J Achar plays the female lead along with Yogi Babu and Harshath Khan.

The actor shared her message on Instagram as demonstrations against NEET continue across several parts of the country. In recent days, student organisations and youth groups have staged protests in New Delhi and Chennai, calling for the abolition of NEET and seeking accountability from the Union government over the alleged question paper leak and examination-related controversies.

The protests gained momentum after thousands of students and members of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) participated in the 'Sansad Chalo' Parliament march in New Delhi earlier this week. The demonstration witnessed heavy police deployment, with several protesters and opposition leaders being detained after attempting to march towards Parliament. The incident has drawn criticism from political leaders, film personalities and social activists across the country.

In Tamil Nadu, student unions and various organisations have also been holding demonstrations over the past few days, reiterating the long-standing demand to scrap NEET. Several public figures have since expressed support for the student-led movement.

'I stand with the students'

In her Instagram post, Jyotika wrote, "Dharmendra Pradhan, step down; resign. I stand with the students and the future of our nation, committed to a democratic India and educational reform."

She praised the younger generation for speaking up on issues affecting education and democracy.

"To the Gen-Z generation—uninhibited and transparent—we are proud of you," she said.

Praise for CJP and Sonam Wangchuk

The actor also thanked the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), saying the movement had demonstrated the importance of unity in raising public issues.

"Thank you, CJP; you have proven that we are India only when we stand united," she wrote.

Jyotika also mentioned education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk and CJP leaders Abhijit Dipke and Saurav Das, describing them as role models for the younger generation.

"As mothers, we wish to raise our children to be like you. Thank you, CJP, for making us fearless," she added.

Her statement comes as support for the anti-NEET movement continues to grow, with politicians, actors, education activists and student groups demanding reforms to the examination system and greater accountability from the Union government.

Reliable sources and trade pundits tell us that the movie has gotten a massive opening of Rs 78 cr across the world on day one.

“We were expecting the collection to be around Rs 40 to 50 crore because of the ‘A’ certificate. This unprecedented opening will ensure a strong theatrical run for the next couple of weeks worldwide,” a source from tinseltown told DT Next.

Jana Nayagan, being Vijay's farewell film after his full time plunge opened to mixed reviews.

The film is a partial remake of the Telugu film Bhagavanth Kesari that had Nandamuri Balakrishna in the lead role. While Jana Nayagan retains the core of Bhagavanth Kesari, the makers have tweaked the former according to Vijay’s political ambitions.

The movie has Vijay playing Thalapathy Vetri Kondan (TVK) while Mamitha Baiju plays Viji and Bobby Deol as John Himler. The movie has music by Anirudh Ravichander. 

Sources in the know say that the film's final day of shooting coincided with actor Yogi Babu's birthday, making it a memorable occasion for the cast and crew. The unit chose to mark the milestone with a cake-cutting celebration on the sets.

Produced by Mayavaram Pictures, 'Kaagangal' has caught the attention of fans and film buffs as it is being directed by Anand Annamalai, the acclaimed writer of the National Award-winning film 'Kaaka Muttai' and the critically acclaimed 'Kuttrame Thandanai'.

Anand Annamalai, apart from writting the story, screenplay and dialogues for 'Kaagangal', has also produced, directed and edited the film. Apart from Kishore and Yogi Babu, the film features Vidharth, Lijomol Jose, and Guru Somasundaram in pivotal roles. Sources say that the film, which will explore human emotions and showcase spiritual harmony, will have an unconventional narrative structure.

They inform that Kaagangal is currently in its final phase of post-production and that activities pertaining to dubbing, sound design, original background score, visual effects (VFX) and Digital Intermediate (DI) are currently taking place. Sources claim the film has distinctive screenplay and will seek to explore faith and humanity. It may be recalled that the film was officially launched in January 2023, when the title look poster of the film was launched.

Mayavaram Pictures, the production house producing the film,had then taken to its X timeline to make the announcement. It had said, "Mayavaram pictures kick started 'Kagangal'.#Title Look Unveiled. Written, Directed, Produced by @0AnandAnnamalai. Starring #Kishore @vidaarth_actor @jose_lijomol #Gurusomasundaram @iYogiBabu @Shali_Nivekas."

On the technical front, the film has cinematography by Saravanan Elavarasu. Music for the film has been scored by M S Krishna and art direction has been handled by Ramu Thangaraj. Antony Reuben has handled the sound design of the film, which has its costumes designed by Tina.

The news of the Censor Board clearing the film for release comes in the wake of the announcement that the film is to hit screens worldwide on July 30 this year.

Taking to its social media timelines, Chandamama Kathalu Pictures, which is one of the production houses producing this film, announced, "The Intense Love Story of the Season is CENSORED with U/A. #SrinivasaMangapuram GRAND RELEASE IN THEATRES ON JULY 30th. An @dirajaybhupathi Film."

Starring opposite Jaya Krishna Ghattamaneni is Rasha Thadani, the daughter of Bollywood star Raveena Tandon, who makes her Telugu cinema debut with this film. The film is set in the temple town of Tirupati and revolves around the characters of Vasu Babu and Manga-friends who turn lovers and live life with infectious joy until an unexpected conflict disrupts their paradise. Refusing to leave the town without Manga, Vasu Babu chooses to fight for his love, no matter the cost.

Sources claim that Ajay Bhupathi, known for his intense and uncompromising storytelling, has presented a youthful love story enriched with impactful action and dramatic highs. The film has triggered huge interest among fans and film buffs for a number of reasons.

The film has been directed by Ajay Bhupathi, who earned critical acclaim for his raw and immersive storytelling in the superhit films 'RX 100' and 'Mangalavaram'. The fact that Ajay Bhupathi is helming this film has got a number of fans interested in it. The film also marks the big-screen debut of Jaya Krishna Ghattamaneni, who carries forward the legacy of Superstars Krishna and Mahesh Babu.

That apart, well known actor and producer Mohan Babu will be seen playing a character called Venkatappaya Naidu in the film. He plays the antagonist in the film. Presented by noted producer Ashwini Dutt and produced by P.

Kiran under the banner of Chandamama Kathalu, the film is being mounted with strong creative vision and high production values. The film boasts an impressive technical team. Two-time National Award winner GV Prakash Kumar is composing the music for the film. The film has cinematography by Jayakrishna Gummadi and editing by Madhav Kumar Gullapalli.

Production design for the film has been overseen by Sahi Suresh while the action sequences in the film have been choreographed by Real Sathish.

The film follows a young woman whose striking resemblance to an internationally renowned adult film star becomes the basis for society’s judgement, complicating her prospects of marriage and acceptance.

Sharing what attracted her to the project, Vaani Kapoor said, “What immediately drew me to Sarvgunn Sampann was how unique, heartfelt and relevant its central idea is. At its heart, it’s about identity, the labels society places on us, and the deeply personal journey of finding your own truth.”

She added, “What I loved most is that the film explores this subject with warmth, sensitivity and humour, making it entertaining while still leaving you with something to reflect on. That’s a rare balance to achieve, and I’m happy to be part of a story that feels fresh, meaningful and deeply relatable.” Sarvgunn Sampann is slated to stream soon on ZEE5 Hindi.

The latest poster features Suriya in an intense avatar and hints at the signature blend of quirky humour and high-octane drama that has defined Jithu Madhavan’s previous films, Romancham and Aavesham. While the makers continue to keep plot details under wraps, the film is expected to revolve around a cop, as suggested by an earlier promotional poster unveiled as part of Netflix’s Pandigai 2026 slate.

The film stars Suriya alongside Naslen and Nazriya Nazim, marking the actor’s first collaboration with the director. The music is composed by Sushin Shyam, who reunites with Jithu Madhavan after Aavesham.

Suriya 47 is jointly backed by Suriya’s newly launched Zhagaram Studios and his home banner 2D Entertainment, with Jyothika also serving as producer. The project recently wrapped filming and is currently in post-production.

Sharing the birthday poster on social media, the team wrote: “Wishing the power-house. Wishing The One. Happy Birthday, @Suriya_offl sir.”

Salman became the first of the Khan troika, also including Shah Rukh and Aamir, to speak out in favour of students in a carefully worded statement where he hailed the demand of the youth for better education while cautioning against the "andolan" being hijacked politically.

"It was such a peaceful movement, feel so sad that it had to take a violent turn. My heart goes out to the students and their families who were hurt. Paper leak is a very serious issue, and I am glad to know and see that the kids of our country have come together for a better educational system, and their parents supported them," the actor wrote on X on Wednesday night.

Spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), protests demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over irregularities in the exam system, including NEET paper leaks, spiralled into violence on Monday in Delhi and in other cities too with police using batons and teargas shells.

"This issue is between the students and the educational system, it should not be hijacked politically...," Salman wrote.

Kareena said, "I've sat with this for a few days, but I can't sit with it any longer. The voices of so many young people asking to be heard are impossible to ignore... and they shouldn't be."

"...When an entire generation speaks with one voice about its own future, listening isn't a courtesy we extend. It's an obligation we owe them. Our children are watching us as closely as we watch them. How we respond now... not eventually, now... will tell them everything about whether fairness and trust are real, or just words adults use," she wrote in an emotional social media statement.

Alia said the courage shown by students has humbled her.

"The last few days have broken my heart and then mended it, again and again, with hope. Behind every student standing their ground is a dream, a family's hope, a journey of countless sacrifices. They represent not just themselves but everyone who has supported them, while creating a better path for those who will come after them," she wrote on Instagram.

"For the students. By the students. The future is theirs," Alia added.

Tamil superstar and politician Kamal Haasan strongly criticised the police brutality shown towards students.

"We should have listened to when one child cried. Instead, we waited until far too many of our children died. A system where coaching replaces learning, anxiety replaces curiosity, and criminality replaces merit is rotten.

"A nation has failed when its children are met with barricades and batons instead of answers," Haasan wrote on X, while also urging activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike.

Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 after he joined the CJP's agitation. He was earlier forcibly shifted to Safdarjung Hospital by police, and was later moved to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram following a Delhi High Court order.

Hollywood star John Cusack, who had voiced his support for anti-CAA protests in 2019 as well as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's "Bharat Jodo Yatra" in 2024, shared an article by author Arundhati Roy, who criticised the Delhi Police for using excessive force on students during their 'Chalo Sansad' march earlier this week.

"Beautiful news from my fellow cockroach," he wrote.

"Panchayat" star Raghubir Yadav said he is heartbroken watching videos of students being "beaten heartlessly and mercilessly" during their march towards Parliament on Monday.

"What should I say... These marked men, wearing the khakhi uniform, have beaten the children at whoever's behest and have shown the cruelty... They will not be forgiven by the universe...

"To children who are marching on with courage, every part of my being is with them. I salute the children. I am with you and the courage that you have shown, you will prevail," he said in a video message.

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi was among the first from the industry to not only voice her support but actually stand by the students at Jantar Mantar.

Her contemporary and co-star Naseeruddin Shah shared a video calling out the government while reaffirming his faith in the youth of the country. His wife, actor Ratna Pathak Shah, also praised students for demanding accountability.

"Right now, my heart is aching, and I am also boiling with anger to see how our kids are being meted out injustice by these goons who remind me of American ICE agents, wearing masks and carrying sticks," Shah said.

"To the children, I want to say that don't lose courage as sympathies of many are with you. There are many who are with you, keep fighting... And to the rulers of this country, I just want to say this, 'sab yaad rakha jaayega' (everything will be remembered)," he added.

Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh was scathing after the clashes on Monday.

"What happened today was very wrong. Students should not have been treated like this. I request the authorities to listen to the students' demands. The voice of the people is the voice of God," Diljit wrote in Punjabi on his Intagram Stories.

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali shared articles and photos about the protests and wrote, "All we have to do for our future is to listen to it. #onenation."

His contemporaries Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane have spoken out for the students demanding accountability.

Mumbai, the hub of the Hindi film industry, has also witnessed protests in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party-led students' agitation in New Delhi. Actors Imran Khan and Alaya F, rapper Raftaar, and singer Anuv Jain were among the celebrities who joined demonstrators in the financial capital.

Ayesha Khan, who shot to fame with her viral song "Shararat" from "Dhurandhar", was detained by the Mumbai Police in Dadar on Wednesday while attempting to join a solidarity protest.

Naseeruddin Shah's son Vivaan was seen attending the protest at Shivaji Park in Dadar. The "Ikkis" actor shared a video from the protest and captioned it, “Azadi”.

Earlier, artists like Sonakshi Sinha, Pratibha Ranta, Anmol Parashar, Rajkummar Rao, rapper Hanumankind, Seema Pahwa, Zoya Akhtar, Richa Chadha and Swara Bhasker spoke in favour of the protests.

Huma Qureshi was seen at the Jantar Mantar protest site so was Hanumankind.

From South cinema, actors Revathy, Tovino Thomas, Vijay Sethupathi, filmmaker Pa Ranjith and many others have been sharing posts about the protests.

In Ahmedabad, noted Gujarati film and theatre actor Jigna Vyas joined the protest in solidarity with students outside Gujarat University's main campus and was later detained by police along with several student leaders.

The young actress, whose work in the superhit Tamil film, 'Tourist Family', came in for much appreciation, took to her Instagram page to make the announcement.

She wrote, "I know this may be hard to accept… I’m truly sorry, guys. With a heavy heart, I have to tell you that I’m no longer a part of the 'Heart Beat' series. This wasn’t easy for me either, but I will always be grateful for the opportunity . Thank you deepaksundarrajan @rj_shyam_sundar @veluraja88 @kabeez_dir @atelefactory for Theju, for believing in me and for everything."

Thanking the entire cast and crew of 'Heart Beat' for making her journey "so special and beautiful", the actress said,"I’ll always cherish the memories we created together. Radhi, Vijay, Arjun, Reena, Rocky, Naveen, manasa, guna, Thapa akka, Ravi, Anitha and all special guest characters."

To her fans on social media, the actress said, "And to each and every one of you… thank you for showering me with so much love, support, and kindness throughout this journey. Your messages, your edits, your cheers, and your unconditional love will always stay close to my heart. It means more than words can ever express."

"One special thing about Theju is that she inspired so many women and earned so much love and respect," she said and added that she was incredibly grateful to have been chosen to bring her to life.

"Thank you, Theju, for becoming such a special part of my journey. I’ll definitely miss being Theju. I know many of you will be disappointed, and I’m truly sorry. But this isn’t goodbye. (I promise to keep entertaining you through every medium with all my heart, until my very last breath.) Promise guys! Thank you for standing by me through every chapter. I hope you’ll continue to walk along with me in every journey. Bye guys! Forever grateful Always!!! Yours lovingly - Theju," she wrote.

The movie is a partial remake of the Telugu film Bhagavanth Kesari, headlined by Nandamuri Balakrishna. While the essence remains the same in Jana Nayagan, the makers seem to have predominantly tweaked the screenplay to cater it to Vijay’s fans as well as political ambitions.

The film opens with Thalapathy Vetri Kondan (Vijay) , a prisoner with a bloodied past, is released on Independence day of 2003. He ends up fostering Viji (Mamitha Baiju), who aspires to become an army officer, taking inspiration from her late mother. Viji’s anxiety’s and phobias stop her from becoming one and makes her lean towards marrying her boyfriend. Meanwhile, a gang called MM, led by John Himler (Bobby Deol), is trading weapons to India illegally stuffed inside toys. Their agenda is also to create a communal clash within Tamil Nadu, leading to a civil war.

H Vinoth here does a brilliant job by connecting these characters and creating a strong subplot. This takes the first 45 minutes of the three hour and three minute film and offers a pleasant viewing experience. It is when the movie begins to unfold, the story travels all over the place and gets tangled between the real intentions of what the team set out for and Vijay’s political ambitions. Jana Nayagan becomes an extension of Vijay’s political campaigns with innuendos on his political opponents.

The film that is mostly shot on green mat and studios isn’t visually enchanting either. Anirudh’s songs provide dance-worthy moments in theatres while we wish that the background music did the same too. The second half of the film though has a couple of emotional elements, we are disconnected from the main plot by then.

Cast: Vijay, Mamitha Baiju, Bobby Deol, Prakash Raj, Pooja Hegde, Priyamani Sunil, Gautham Vasudev Menon, and Srinath; Director: H Vinoth; Music director: Anirudh; Rating- 2/5; Synopsis: A convict is released from the prison. He has a past which even dreaded gangsters shudder to think of. However, an event that poses threat to Tamil Nadu's integrity forces him to go all guns blazing.

Mamitha Baiju is Jana Nayagan’s major high point. It is not that her portions have been written well, she has played her part well as Viji and will be her career-best in years to come. The film, despite being its final outing, is not just an out-and-out Vijay show. It speaks of women empowerment, democratic rights, secularism and stands strong in what Vijay as a Chief Minister envisioned for Tamil Nadu in his tenure.

High on political dialogues and low on execution, makes Jana Nayagan a watch only to bid adieu to Vijay's final on screen appearance. The sad part is that we have lost the best dancer in Tamil cinema to politics.

The case pertains to the production of Vimal's film Mannar Vagaiyara.

According to the prosecution, the actor had borrowed Rs 4.5 crore from financier Gopi to produce the film.

Even after the film's release, Vimal allegedly failed to repay the amount. He subsequently issued a cheque towards repayment, but when Gopi presented it for encashment, it was returned unpaid due to insufficient funds in Vimal's bank account.

Following the dishonour of the cheque, Gopi filed a complaint against Vimal before the Court of Small Causes, Chennai, presided over by judge RD Aarthi, under the provisions relating to cheque dishonour. Vimal had earlier appeared before the court and was examined during the course of the trial.

Delivering the judgment, Judge RD Aarthi held that the charges against Vimal had been proved and sentenced him to one year of imprisonment. The court also directed him to repay the cheque amount.

Following the verdict, Vimal's counsel informed the court that the actor intends to file an appeal and sought suspension of the sentence until the filing. Accepting the request, the court suspended the sentence for one month to enable him to prefer an appeal.

Director: H Vinoth

Music director: Anirudh

Rating- 2/5

Synopsis: A convict is released from the prison. He has a past which even dreaded gangsters shudder to think of. However, an event that poses threat to Tamil Nadu's integrity forces him to go all guns blazing

Finally, Chief Minister Vijay's Jana Nayagan, directed by H Vinoth has released after several roadblocks. The film, despite being is final outing is not just an out-and-out Vijay show. It speaks of women empowerment, democratic rights, secularism and stands strong in what Vijay as a Chief Minister envisioned for Tamil Nadu in his tenure. However, the film gets deviated in several sub plots and we are distracted before it gets back to what it tries to convey. Mamitha Baiju's portions are the high points in a Vijay's film. High on political dialogues and low on execution, makes Jana Nayagan a watch only to bid adieu to Vijay's final on screen appearance.

The film has released in four theatres across Thanjavur city on Thursday, with people having already booked tickets online. However, those who booked tickets for a show at one of the theatres reportedly received a WhatsApp message, informing them that the ticket price has been fixed at Rs 700.

The message allegedly asked the moviegoers to pay the remaining amount through a QR code. Fans were left shocked after being asked to pay an additional amount for tickets they had already booked.

The issue has also sparked discussions on social media, with fans expressing their dissatisfaction over the theatre's alleged move.

Many have questioned the theatre's decision to revise the ticket price after accepting bookings at Rs 200.

Display of fireworks, music and drone light shows, cutting of huge cakes marked the screening of the film in several movie theatres as energetic fans danced and sung and several of them said they were both happy and sad. Happy because the film is screened after a long delay and anguished as Jana Nayagan will be Vijay's last film.

Rohini SilverScreens, Woodlands and Casino were among the cinemas where imposing 'Jana Nayagan' hoardings could be spotted.

A hoarding in Chennai hailed Vijay as "the one and only power centre" of Tamil Nadu.

Also, wall-posters sprung up across the state praising the "glory" of Vijay as many of his fans and supporters visited popular temples to offer prayers for the grand success of the movie.

Chariot-like vehicle was arranged in a town near Chennai to welcome the movie and a fan attracted attention by painting his luxury car with larger-than-life images of Vijay. Many fans sported 'Thangamey Thalapathy' T-shirts.

Alongside celebrations, allegations of inflated cost of tickets surfaced and a video clip of arguments was circulated on social media over "rise" in ticket rates.

Senior Minister N Anand, producer Venkat Narayana are expected to watch the movie in the city.

Fans await with bated breath to watch power play, and razor-shar dialogues of their loved star Vijay, batting for good politics to deliver good governance and serve the nation.

Roughly the film is being screened in about 950 out of the over 1,000 cinemas in Tamil Nadu.

CM Vijay along with some officials had watched a special screening of the movie here on Wednesday evening, sources said.

Made on a budget of Rs 400 crore, will see light of day in over 1,500 screens worldwide after clearing multiple hurdles. These included being sent to the revising committee several times and eventually receiving an ‘A’ certificate, which restricts Vijay’s teenage fanbase from viewing it.

“The ‘A’ certification will have barely a 20% impact on collections, and that too only after the second week, not immediately.

His fans will want repeat watches in the first 10 days,” says C Ganesh, director of Kamala Cinemas. “The film opens with a proper one-minute title card crediting ‘Chief Minister Vijay in Jana Nayagan’. Audiences will want to capture that moment on their phones. We will replay key moments with LED lights flashing across the hall, and my sons will personally manage the operator’s room for the first 10 days,” Ganesh says, adding that recent leaks will not affect footfalls.

“A few tweaks were made after the leak, and people want the big-screen experience anyway. All theatres in Tamil Nadu are housefull for the first 10 days. We opened bookings for the 25th day, and seats filled up in just 90 seconds,” he remarks.

Tirupur Subramaniam, distributor and president of the Theatre Owners’ Association of Tamil Nadu, feels the full picture will emerge after the first show. “For now, bookings are strong in cosmopolitan cities for the next few days. First-day shows are booked out in tier-two and tier-three cities, but the trend there will pick up only after the initial audience verdict. The ‘A’ certificate will lead to a drop in family audiences in subsequent weeks. That will definitely come into play,” he adds.

Meanwhile, producer Venkat K Narayana — recently appointed Tamil Nadu government’s special representative — and his team at KVN Productions remain tied up with last-minute release preparations.

Suprith, Business and Operations Head of the banner, says he was unaware of fan celebrations, including LED mesh drone displays featuring life-size stills of the Chief Minister.

“I only saw it when someone showed me a reel on social media. We have been too busy with the release to keep track of where it originated,” he says.

Despite the controversy, 'Jana Nayagan' has crossed Rs 15 crore in domestic advance bookings, with trade analysts projecting a Rs 50-60 crore opening day. Vijay's first release as Chief Minister and his final acting project is directed by H Vinoth, produced by KVN Productions, and also stars Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju, Bobby Deol and Prakash Raj, among others.

Ahead of the film's release tomorrow (July 23), here's a complete timeline of how the controversy unfolded.

Certification and legal battle

1. December 18: KVN Productions submits 'Jana Nayagan' to the CBFC's Chennai regional office for certification ahead of its Pongal release.

2. December 22: The 5-member Examining Committee recommends a U/A 16+ certificate, subject to 27 cuts and modifications, which the producers accept.

3. December 24: The revised version, incorporating the suggested changes, is resubmitted to the CBFC.

4. January 5: 'Jana Nayagan' producers receive an email stating that the film has been referred to a Revising Committee under Rule 24 following a complaint by an Examining Committee member alleging:

• Religious sentiments could be hurt.

• Indian Armed Forces were improperly portrayed.

• Film suggests foreign elements are fuelling religious unrest.

5. January 6: KVN Productions files a writ petition in the Madras High Court challenging the delay in film certification.

6. January 7: The makers indefinitely postpone 'Jana Nayagan''s January 9 release.

7. January 9 (Morning): Justice PT Asha, sitting as a single judge, rules in favour of the film's producers:

• Quashes the January 5 communication.

• Directs the CBFC to immediately grant an U/A certificate.

• Calls the complaint an "afterthought".

• Observes that, "once the Examining Committee's recommendation was accepted on December 22, the Chairperson no longer had the authority to refer the film to a Revising Committee."

The judge also observes, "Such a volte-face by a member... would give rise to a dangerous trend of members reneging on their recommendation... the sanctity placed on the decision of the Examining Committee... would stand eroded."

8. January 9 (Evening): CBFC immediately appeals before a Division Bench, which stays the single judge's order, observing that the Censor board had not been given adequate time to file a counter-affidavit.

How the legal proceedings on Jan 9 transpired: Hours after CBFC ordered to clear Jana Nayagan, Madras HC puts the brake on it

9. January 12-15: 'Jana Nayagan' producers move Supreme Court. On January 15, the apex court declines to intervene, sending the case back to the High Court.

10. January 20: The Division Bench hears arguments and reserves its verdict; CBFC argues it was denied a proper hearing while producers argue the complaint came from within the committee that had already cleared the film.

11. January 27: In a major setback for the producers, the Division Bench sets aside the single judge's order. Judges on the bench are quoted saying, "The single judge ought not to have gone into the merits of the complaint without giving the CBFC sufficient opportunity to file its counter-affidavit." The case is remitted to a single judge for a fresh hearing, and the producers are allowed to amend their petition to directly challenge the chairperson's referral order.

12. Feb 9–10: Realizing that prolonged litigation could delay the film indefinitely, KVN Productions shifts strategy. They submit a letter to the registry to withdraw their writ petition, electing to comply with the statutory CBFC Revising Committee to fast-track a theatrical release. Justice Asha officially dismisses the case as withdrawn.

CBFC review, delay and OTT setback

13. March 9: Censor board review postponed after a member of their revising committee reportedly falls ill.

14. March 12: 'Jana Nayagan''s OTT rights reportedly cancelled.

15. March 17: CBFC hands the DCP (Digital Cinema Package) to the applicant in Mumbai with due acknowledgement.

16. March 17: The film is screened for CBFC officials in Mumbai, following which the board seeks ECI's intervention on whether the content could impact the level playing field during the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. 

Piracy leak and crackdown

17. April 9: In a shocking turn of events, a five-minute high-quality clip (including Vijay's introduction scene) from 'Jana Nayagan' begins circulating on social media, followed by reports of the full HD print being leaked on piracy websites.

18. April 11: CBFC denies responsibility for the leak, calling reports that 'Jana Nayagan' was leaked from the board "baseless and false". It says access to the film is password-protected, with the KDM (Key Delivery Message) remaining solely with the producer, making unauthorised access impossible. The board also clarifies that the DCP was handed over to the applicant on March 17 and has remained with them since.

On the same day, KVN Productions issues a statement confirming the leak and warning of strict legal action.

19. April 12: The Cyber Crime Wing police of Tamil Nadu arrest six people in relation to the leak. 

20. April 15: State Cyber Crime Wing arrests three main accused in the case, including a freelance film assistant editor. The accused are S Prashanth, S Selvam, and Bala alias Balakrishnan. 

21. April 24: Southern India Film Editor's Association (SIFEA) suspends film editor Pradeep E Raghav for allegedly violating union bylaws and failing to prevent the illegal online leak of the film.

22. May 15: The State Cyber Crime Wing invokes preventive detention under the Goondas Act against three key accused in the 'Jana Nayagan' leak case.

23. May 25: Reports of some booking apps listing the film for June 19 (Vijay's birthday) emerge, but no official confirmation emerges.

24. June 3: Six more persons involved in the unlawful circulation and dissemination of the pirated movie content are arrested by the cyber wing.

Certification cleared for release

25. July 2: Around 1.2 crore people watched the present Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay-starrer 'Jana Nayagan' online even before it received CBFC certification, police informs the Madras High Court. 

26. July 5: Sources tell DT Next that the film is likely to hit theatres later this month, with Vishnu Vishal's Irandu Vaanam, and Madhavan's GDN likely to put their release plans on hold. Tirupur Subramaniam, president of the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners and Exhibitors Association, said Vijay's son Jason Sanjay's Sigma too is likely to postpone its July 30 release to avoid clashing with the film.

Release countdown

27. July 9: CBFC grants the film an 'A' certificate after directing the makers to do 12 modifications in the film including removal of references to Dr BRAmbedkar and TVK, besides muting religious and politically sensitive dialogues.

The film has a runtime of 183 minutes and 21 seconds after 20 seconds of deletions and 10 seconds of replacements.

28. July 15: KVN Productions releases a new poster referring to Vijay as the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and announces July 23 as release date.

29. July 22: On comparisons with the Telugu film 'Bhagavanth Kesari', H Vinot told PTI: "There is 50-50 (mix). There is deep sensitive politics. We took the core idea of fear from the original and explored it through a political lens and how fear functions politically."

30. July 22: Advance bookings for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s final cinematic outing, 'Jana Nayagan', open ahead of its Thursday (July 23) release; theatres report sold-out shows within minutes of tickets going live.

First-day-first-show screenings are scheduled to begin at 8.40 am across Tamil Nadu on July 23.