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Inasmuch as one would like to pat the selection committee for facilitating Indian cricket skip a few steps ahead by naming Shubman Gill as captain of the men in blue one-day international team, the committee refused to state its position on the status of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma vis-a-vis their selection for the 2027 World Cup. Ajit Agarkar was right in saying that that October 2025 is not the right time to take an affirmative call for an event that’s going to happen in October-November 2027. Surely Agarkar and his committee could no way have “blocked” Virat and Rohit’s seats well in advance to leave the other contenders short-changed. The selection committee may or may not remain the same after next year’s BCCI AGM but a matter of vital importance is whether Virat and Rohit would continue to be picked for all one-day internationals — in all 21 ODIs after the three-match series in Australia. India is scheduled to play South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, West Indies and Sri Lanka (all a three match series at home till November 2026 and England and New Zealand, all a three-match away series) and indeed by end of 2026, a few more cricketers would be pressing hard for a place in the one-day team for the World Cup. India’s Test team will be occupied with a five-Test series at home in January-February 2027 before the scheduled WTC final in London, after which the focus will be on a round of a 50 over matches/tournaments. The million $ question is whether the selection committee and head coach Gautam Gambhir will allow the Virat-Rohit thorn to be in their flesh for that long.
After successfully pushing through GST-2 reforms, PM Modi had been looking for innovative ideas for governance. It was this search for ideas to further fuel his Viksit Bharat that led to him to interact with about 85 secretary-level officers of the government on October 6. About two dozen secretary-level officers heading various ministries and departments actively participated in the discussions. It is learnt officers were thrilled with the personal interaction they had with the PM. Three days after the meeting, Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan was already acting on their suggestions. On October 9, he wrote to the secretaries and asked them to roll out their ideas. Among the key points of action was promoting “indigenous development” of digital and social media platforms. The directive on digital platforms is significant as the number of internet subscribers in India as on March 2025 stood at 969.1 million, with most using foreign platforms like Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube and X. Significantly, PM Modi pushed for use of local platforms coinciding with the launch of Arattai, the messaging app developed by Tamil Nadu-based Zoho Corporation. Earlier, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted on X that he was switching to Zoho’s homegrown office suite software. Likewise, Home Minister Amit Shah too switched his official email service to Zoho Mail. In his letter, the Cabinet Secretary had also dissuaded ministries/departments from avoidable litigation and filing unnecessary court cases and wasting resources. Officials were also told to reorient PhD programmes to promote innovation and development of new ideas, and technologies, through topics that fit the emerging needs of the country – and conceptualise awards at the international level to recognise excellence in various fields. Overall, the ministries have been asked to promote “Atmanirbharta” and reduce imports.
In the last 14 India-West Indies Tests there were 25 centuries and all but two of them were by Indian batsmen. Making hundreds against the West Indies has become almost routine but the remarkable feature is that the Indian youth brigade is coming regularly to the party these days. Shubman Gill, just 26, who made his fifth Test century in just 12th innings as captain, was only a few innings behind Alastair Cook (9) and Sunil Gavaskar (10) in recording the feat. Even Sir Donald Bradman took 13 innings to make that fifth hundred as captain of Australia. Having also assumed responsibility as captain on the tour of England, Gill has five hundreds in the calendar year in his 10 Test centuries overall as he emulates Virat Kohli in making merry when hitting a purple patch of batting form. Pushing him hard in making Test centuries is the opener Yashasvi Jaiswal whose hunger for runs has become a lot more famous than his satiating his physical hunger by helping out at a Pani Puri stall outside the tented ground that was his home in Mumbai. The anger he showed in seeing his captain turn his back on him as he sought a quick single when in his 170s is evidence of how run-hungry Jaiswal is. Not yet 24, he joins South African Graeme smith as a quick collector of seven Test centuries as opener. Run making may get more difficult when Team India plays tougher opposition like South Africa in a home series, but the fact remains that there is a youth brigade that is making India proud again since the halcyon days of Gavaskar in 1971 when the breakthrough victory came in the Caribbean.
In a watershed year for Indian cinema, Kannada and Malayalam industries are leading the charge with blockbuster epics that blend cultural depth with universal spectacle. Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 has shattered records, amassing Rs 500 crore worldwide, fuelled by its raw portrayal of Karnataka’s ‘Bhoota Kola’ rituals and environmental folklore. Shetty’s dual role as the fierce Panjara— a forest guardian clashing with modernity—delivers visceral action and spiritual resonance, backed by immersive folk music and stunning Udupi landscapes. The film’s grassroots appeal exploded through dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, turning rural myths into pan-Indian anthems and earning global acclaim at festivals like Busan. Hot on its heels, Malayalam’s Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra released on August 20, 2025, surged past Rs 300 crore in just six weeks, heralding a superhero saga rooted in Kerala’s matrilineal heritage. Director Dominic Arun masterfully fuses high-octane VFX with emotional intimacy, as producer Dulquer Salmaan crafts a universe where heroine Chandra (Kalyani Priyadarshan) wields ancestral powers against cosmic threats. Priyadarshan’s nuanced turn — from vulnerable orphan to empowered icon — fills a void in female-led genre tales, while spicy dialogue controversies sparked viral debates, boosting theatre footfalls. Salmaan’s bold vision promises spin-offs, blending local lore with Marvel-esque flair. This duo’s dominance underscores a broader renaissance: Gujarati’s Chhello Show 2 breached Rs 100 crore with its heartfelt immigrant saga; Marathi’s Dashaavtar hit Rs 50 crore via satirical family dramedy; and Tamil’s Coolie topped Rs 250 crore in labour-rights thriller mode. Smart OTT tie-ups, dubbed releases, and culturally authentic narratives propel these beyond regional silos, outshining Hindi’s faltering Param Sundari and Sunny Sankari ki Tulsi Kumari. As indigenous voices claim centre stage, Indian cinema evolves into a vibrant mosaic....
IndiGo seems to have cracked it. Their experiment to introduce direct flights between Manchester and Mumbai on July 1, seems to have more than enough takers. Emboldened by such a good response the airline has chalked up plans to add one more destination, Mumbai-London from October 26, making it the 45th destination. IndiGo has direct flights to Manchester and Amsterdam from Mumbai, and now it will be in direct competition with the established British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Air India. IndiGo continues its code-sharing as a partner carrier with some European and Middle Eastern airlines. The tremendous traffic growth — both business and regular travellers, the latest signing of the Free Trade Agreement between India and the UK, surge in India–UK activities on all fronts, including culture, has prompted IndiGo to offer this direct service, say aviation insiders. IndiGo will provide a trendy, competitive lower price at Rs 22,000 upwards for return tickets. IndiGo aims to attract budget travellers on its long-haul service. In addition to direct flights between Mumbai-London, it will also commence direct flights between Manchester-Delhi from November 15. It will certainly be good tidings to the residents of Delhi, north India, Gujarat, and Central India. with the vast network it operates from Delhi, being its headquarters. Mumbai serves as a hub for western India pockets. It is contemplating increasing its 3-day a week frequency to its current Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday schedule between Manchester to Mumbai, thus probably making a service of 9 flights freely in a week from Manchester.
Recruitment scam seems to be the new normal. Now, the state of Odisha is rocked by the Sub-Inspector Recruitment Scam. The Opposition parties, BJD and Congress, have been staging demonstrations against the ruling BJP government demanding a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities in Combined Police Service Examination (CPSE) 2024. It is said that the written examination for recruitment of sub-inspectors conducted by the Odisha Police Recruitment Board was postponed after Berhampur Police busted a major recruitment racket with the arrest of 114 aspirants and three middlemen from the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border on September 30. Subsequent investigation revealed the role of an “organised criminal syndicate” was in place to subvert the entire examination process and give job to people who were willing to pay speed money. Sources say such a scam cannot happen without the blessings of senior government officials. It is alleged that each Sub-Inspector post was being sold for Rs 25 lakh. Informed sources say the scam could be worth around Rs 200 crore. So far Vanik Coaching Centre in Odisha is in focus. In the last 15 months, 16 recruitment exams have been cancelled at the last moment, leaving job aspirants frustrated. The BJP-led government by chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi says the recent recruitment scam in police is the legacy of the previous Naveen Patnaik’s BJD government. When Short Post contacted DGP Y B Khurania he refused to comment saying, “he was going on leave”.
The idiom aging like an old wine seems apt for the 56-year old Bobby Deol. Finally, he has stepped out of the shadow of his father Dharmendra and brother Sunny Deol. For an actor who almost became a recluse and took to drinking, the comeback has proved all his detractors wrong. What changed his life was an innocent question by his children: why is daddy home and not going to work? This is what he said in an exhaustive interview to Times Now‘s Navika Kumar. He went out looking for a job and he was lucky. A web series came his way and his role as Baba Nirala in Aashram (2020) made audiences sit up again. Then came Animal (2023), where his near-silent performance stole the spotlight despite limited screen time. Suddenly, Bollywood’s “forgotten Deol” was the industry’s most talked-about star. Bobby made his debut in Barsaat (1995). With hit films like Gupt, Soldier, Badal and Bichhoo he had carved a niche for himself as the romantic action hero. His downfall started some time in 2010 as a lot of new faces emerged who were versatile. Now cut to current days, he seems breezing with confidence… zipping in and out of film sets or TV news studios. Sure, Bobby has bounced back but diehard industry watchers have a piece of advice for him. “Now, that films are coming the way, he should pick and choose…he should strike a fine balance between art and commerce…that’s a craft he needs to master”.
In the intensely competitive ecosystem of Kollywood, traversing 22 years and reaching Lady Super Star status is no mean feat …in the same demanding profession where beauty, fitness and a modicum of acting talent combine to make a star. Forty-year old Nayanthara has achieved this milestone, still holding steady as one of the highest paid heroines (Rs 7 crore per film) pan India. Before she turned into the legend Nayan, she was Diane Mariam Kurian, dad Kurian Kudiyattu from the armed forces and mother Omana Kurian who bestowed her beauty and grace. Maybe she carried her military disciplined upbringing to her profession. But Nayan, went through some stormy and controversial romantic hookups too…her dalliance with a married Prabhu Deva, her brief affairs with Simbu and Arya provided much chomping fodder to the media, hungry for titillating bits and bytes. From her first film, Manasinakkare in Malayalam in 2003, to playing Sarat Kumar’s lead in Aiyya in 2005 …pairing with Rajinikanth in Chandramukhi which put her in orbit …soon Vijay, Ajitt, Suriya, Vikram, Simbu, Dhanush and Arya were her co-stars. Nayan’s name guaranteed a good box office run. She carried a mythological, Mookuthi Amman on her shoulders and turned a craze among women; the director is now ready with Mookuthi Amman 2. Vignesh Shivan, her husband came into her life with his directed film Naanum Rowdy Thaan, a relationship that merged into marriage in 2002, a much-hyped wedding… Netflix filmed and marketed it. Her twin boys, Uyir and Ulagh keep her busy, even as she still works in films with the same zeal in heroine-oriented roles. Nayan’s cosmetics start-up is sought after by fashionistas.
Jindal (India), part of the BC Jindal Group, is all set to expand its Howrah steel plant in West Bengal with Rs 1,500-crore investment. Already operating two plants in the state producing a range of steel-based downstream products, the group will significantly enhance its production capabilities with this addition. The Jindal Group’s latest investment aligns with its broader plan to scale up steel production across India, aiming to invest Rs18,000 crore over the coming years to enhance overall manufacturing capacity. The new Rs 1,500-crore downstream facility in West Bengal, with an annual capacity of 0.6 million tonnes, is expected to boost the company’s existing capacity by 60%, significantly increasing production of coated flat products, pipes, and crash barriers. According to the company, the commissioning of the new cold rolling complex marks the completion of a key phase in the expansion project, raising Jindal India’s total downstream steel capacity from 1 million to 1.6 million tonnes annually. Currently, Jindal India operates two advanced West Bengal facilities specialising in cutting-edge colour coating, galvanising, and galvalume technologies, further strengthening its position in India’s steel sector. Beyond West Bengal, the company, through its subsidiary, Jindal India Steel Tech is setting up a greenfield steel manufacturing plant in Dhenkanal, Odisha. JISTL plans to invest a total of Rs 15,000 crore in Odisha in three phases by 2030, with the current Rs 3,600 crore investment marking the first phase of the project.
Each time Kerala’s ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) attempts to appease Lord Ayyappa, something horribly goes wrong. With elections around the corner, first municipality in December 2025 and assembly elections in early 2026, the CPM-led LDF has been doing its best to appease Lord Ayyappa. The Kerala government held a Global Ayyappa Sangamam on the banks of river Pamba last month, in the name of commemorating the platinum jubilee of Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages Hindu temples across the state. The meets agenda also included promotion of pilgrim tourism and exploration of investment opportunities. The meet failed miserably when the Opposition Congress-led UDF and BJP opposed the meet. It ended in a whimper with very low attendance. The hype behind the meet led to the focus shifting to release of Ayyappa devotees arrested in the 2018 Sabarimala protest against the Supreme Court judgement permitting women of menstruating age to worship at the shrine. While devotees and people at large ignored the Supreme Court ruling, the LDF took special interest in implementing the Apex Court order by forcefully taking young women to the shrine with full police protection. This act left LDF not only alienating the Hindus in the state but also families of CPM cadres. The Left-oriented cadres, at least on paper may be atheists, but not their families.
In the intensely competitive ecosystem of Kollywood, traversing 22 years and reaching Lady Super Star status is no mean feat …in the same demanding profession where beauty, fitness and a modicum of acting talent combine to make a star. Forty-year old Nayanthara has achieved this milestone, still holding steady as one of the highest paid heroines (Rs 7 crore per film) pan India. Before she turned into the legend Nayan, she was Diane Mariam Kurian, dad Kurian Kudiyattu from the armed forces and mother Omana Kurian who bestowed her beauty and grace. Maybe she carried her military disciplined upbringing to her profession. But Nayan, went through some stormy and controversial romantic hookups too…her dalliance with a married Prabhu Deva, her brief affairs with Simbu and Arya provided much chomping fodder to the media, hungry for titillating bits and bytes. From her first film, Manasinakkare in Malayalam in 2003, to playing Sarat Kumar’s lead in Aiyya in 2005 …pairing with Rajinikanth in Chandramukhi which put her in orbit …soon Vijay, Ajitt, Suriya, Vikram, Simbu, Dhanush and Arya were her co-stars. Nayan’s name guaranteed a good box office run. She carried a mythological, Mookuthi Amman on her shoulders and turned a craze among women; the director is now ready with Mookuthi Amman 2. Vignesh Shivan, her husband came into her life with his directed film Naanum Rowdy Thaan, a relationship that merged into marriage in 2002, a much-hyped wedding… Netflix filmed and marketed it. Her twin boys, Uyir and Ulagh keep her busy, even as she still works in films with the same zeal in heroine-oriented roles. Nayan’s cosmetics start-up is sought after by fashionistas.
Trisha Krishnan is a beautiful and talented Tam Brahm enigma in Kollywood. At 40, she is still sought after. Trisha turned into a craze after Ponniyin Selvan, a Mani Rathnam magnum opus, though her Vidaamuyarchi with Ajith left the audience cold. The media and fans are still trying to decode her persona …is she a Cool Cat or is she a Virago Vixen? Those close to her would vouch for a potent mixture of both. And making public statements like her recent bold dare “I am waiting for people to plan my honeymoon too”. Is she tired of the talk about her romantic links or the presumed liaisons (Vijay figures prominently) or is she trumpeting her bold attitude? Not that Trisha is a boring, simpering and simple lady who pulls her housing shell tightly over her head and coils up. Not at all…she is a fun-loving effervescent girl who bubbles more like her Bubbly in her Chennai beach outings with her friends. But she has had some near escapes from permanent betrothal…her relationship with Rana Daggubati went on for long, then suddenly ended. Another engagement to a sturdy South Indian turned stormy, when Trisha stormed out of the ceremony. She does seem to get these last-minute jitters, poor girl but is not prepared for the backlash …constant chatter about her next romance. One such “almost real almost fake news” must have raised her hackles. Filmdom has many such encounters of a nasty kind but only a few like Trisha can take them head on.
There is some mysterious compulsion in film stars who hanker for media projection, compulsively, yet want to play hide and seek with their fans. Often, the liaisons go through many hoops…we are just friends, we are co-stars who respect each other, our families have known each other …but the real relationship surfaces only after many such games. National crush Rashmika and the middle ‘classic’ icon Vijay Deverakonda are supposed to have pledged their future together at an “intimate, private ceremony in Hyderabad”…a news item that immediately raised the radar of not just speculation, but certainty. Soon enough the mainstream media had the news flash. Rashmika may have instinctively realised that she couldn’t make Vijay wait indefinitely. Now the next speculation about how strong the bond is, as the age difference between the two is seven years, and the Telugu hero Deverakonda has been overtaken by Rashmika who has moved into a pan India super slot after her Pushpa, Animal, Chavva, Sikander and Kubera collectively grossing Rs 3,300 crore. Pushpa and sequel have of course hit the top slot many times over, with Rashmika competing equally with Allu Arjun for encore applause, 26 films in her kitty. Telugu audiences went crazy over their super chemistry in Geetha Govindam, the first film starring both, a chemistry that turned into a relationship over time. Forbes India lists Vijay as one of the highest paid Telugu film stars, even though his Kingdom and Khushi met with average success. The wedding is planned for February, 2026…in case you get invited.
Tripti Dimri has a larger than life brief to enact when she plays stormy Parveen Babi in a soon to be made biopic by Netflix. Who doesn’t know Parveen Babi’s Royal Afghani lineage, her modelling career careening into Bollywood as a sex symbol, the eight films she co-starred with Amitabh Bachchan, her boldness to take on roles that closet cowards ached to ape, her riveting, sizzling on screen presence that turned on audiences? But destiny dealt a serious blow to her career when she was diagnosed as schizophrenic, soon labelled manic. Imagine her state of mind even as she rode the crest of filmi success when she accused Big B of being a Don, planning to kidnap and kill her. Many more such incidents weighed on her career. She tried a spiritual retreat and overseas trip. In 2005, this tempestuous and beautiful actor died alone in her Mumbai flat. After Tamil actress Silk Smitha’s biopic, Dirty Picture, is this another effort to lay bare an artist’s sad life or is it a homage to Parveen Babi who raked in millions for her producers? In a misogynistic social environment, women who are bold enough to smash so called societal norms are termed easy prey. One only hopes that this biopic will depict her talent and magnetic screen presence marred by mental health issues. Babi lived her personal and professional life on her terms.
Garlands For Vijay’s Campaign Vehicles, But No Candles For 41 Dead? This year’s Ayudha Pooja in Tamil Nadu was overcast by the heart -rending death toll of 41 lives, including a 2-year old child and a 60 year’s elder at Karur, when the grandstanding campaign presence of TVK Vijay turned into a massive stampede. The country was still reading about this serious death toll and the Tamilian craze to catch a glimpse of a film star. The usual claims of “heart broken”, “I am too numb to process this” and the blame game of who or what caused the human tragedy, flew thick and fast. But wait, who said the Ayudha Pooja celebrations had been cancelled, so this party could pay homage to the dead, even light candles (Vijay is of the Christian faith and even candle were not lit to mourn the dead) . Instead, the pictures of his campaign vehicles fully decorated with Banana saplings and garlands went viral, but not a word of condolence, even as a one man commission of retired Judge Aruna Jagadeesan had been set up to probe the tragedy. Are campaign vehicles and their sanctity more important than human lives? Time and again such death tolls and heart wrenching tragedies happen. Soon, more campaigns and political aspirant pied-pipers will spring up …the star struck public will be wooed to come in large numbers, supplicants and suppliants, blind faith and mindless following just ripe for more such disasters.
It has become rather hard to classify a film star politician or a politician drawing massive crowds as a star in the South. At least two deputy CMs of significant states have added value to their Star status…Udhayanidhi Stalin and Pawan Kalyan. Pawan Kalyan’s just released film, They Call Him OG, is setting all kinds of records for crowds drawn, collections at box office and the craze for the actor politician. In just two days, OG swept in Rs 200 crore globally. Trade analysts are busy with their matrix of comparison with other “hits”. We in India are quite familiar with cinema and star craze. But Germany had a shocking incident …a poster of Pawan Kalyan was bathed in milk in public and incensed the Germans, who were angry about such low-level civic sense. In a Chittoor (Andhra Pradesh) cinema, a huge garland on the hero’s poster caught fire and people ran helter-skelter. But such over the top intense hero worship is par for the course in a star struck ecosystem. If the star is a weighty politician, the frenzy and celebrity fever only intensifies. Despite record-breaking collections, critics have cautiously slammed the plot and the film. But then do critics matter? When you lead a mammoth fan club, the film just flaunts the Hero…and all is in the well at the Box Office. Keep your hold on those fans …the magic formula.
This soft gentle hero, R Madhavan has travelled all the way from a Jamshedpur TamBrahm middle class upbringing to the giddying heights of Bollywood and Kollywood with an untarnished reputation. He also made box office history with strong story line plots of love, sentiment and family bonds, and directed a few patriotic films. His biopic Rocketry: The Nambi Effect on Nambi Narayanan, was warmly received. In a recent media interaction, Madhavan decoded his strategy for choosing between “financial stability and making Good films”. If the overriding concern is financial stability, you tend to grab every film that falls your way …but choosing good films can happen only if you are financially secure. Profound or trite? With Madhavan there is no Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde stand. This clean-cut hero has come a long way to make his home in Dubai. And that not to be missed trapping…he is the proud owner of a yacht. “There is buzz that I own a ship …nothing of the sort…it is just a Rs 16 crore 75 feet pleasure boat”. There is also talk that Maddy has dabbled in real estate and owns property in Mumbai. Sensible, down to earth middle-class values …use your money in sensible ways, not prowl for instant wealth. He does remind you of Dhoni who succeeded enough to make his name a brand with his outstanding play, quietly made his millions…balanced fame and fortune, curated. Dhoni and Maddy are like peas of the same pod …humble, practical and at the end of the day poster boys for middle class ethos, not razzmatazz power play.
Twenty-four action-filled years have passed on in 49-year old Malaika Arora’s life, since she gained global fame for her dance Chaiyya Chaiyya with Shah Rukh Khan atop a moving train in Dil Se. Nothing much has changed for this feisty and fast fashionista…her love for undiluted publicity, fashion statements and boundless energy have only grown along with her passion for fitness. Oh! Yes, her liaisons do make for high voltage news, not surprising that after her divorce from Arbaaz Khan (brother of Salman Khan) social media chatter made her every link newsworthy, especially her long standing relationship with Arjun Kapoor. Now the same ‘GRIPE VINE’ is trumpeting a break with Arjun Kapoor. Recently HT carried an interview with Malaika about her past state of mind and her present transformation, a weighty self-assessment and certification. “Till now my style quotient, dress sense, fashionista status and relationships determined my personality in the eyes of others”. Pardon us, but celebrities are scoped for this very reason, if this scrutiny and projection stop, the celebrity is no longer a celebrity. What was Malaika conveying? Others cannot influence what I should do. “But when I stopped justifying my actions and appearance, I felt a lot more free”. She concluded by forgetting what people think, it’s important what you think of yourself. She justifies her boldness, openness and going that extra mile which has put her on top. For added measure she states that people who contain her in a narrow perception cage are not her well-wishers. Is Malaika down to earth honest or is she styling for her next move? Best to be an enigma and baffle the curious.
People are justifiably wondering about the movie title Idli Kadai, featuring popular Tamil star Dhanush with Nithya Menen as a leading lady. Perhaps the movie may just prove that titles don’t matter as long as the content is gripping. Strangely enough Dhanush seems to have that innate trick of marketing his film through the curiosity factor. In a recent promo event Dhanush talked about his childhood when his family couldn’t afford even idlis, how he yearned for them and hence centrifugal his plot with a well fermented storyline, soft, spongy and sentimental. Like all mid-level heroes, Dhanush is at the crossover crossroads …which option to jump to the next level? Especially after Vijay pole-vaulted to politics and his bête noire Sivakarthikeyan inching to top slot, though Madharaasi fell flat despite the hype. But Dhanush has a leg-up which many don’t have; he can multi-task as an actor, director, singer and scriptwriter. His female lead Nithya Menen is a dependable lead, talented and fearless …though her film Thalaivan Thalaivi was rejected both in cinemas and OTT. In that too Nithya romances a Kothu Parotta seller …food is the rocket to a man’s heart, head and bank.
Malayalam cinema’s suave hero, Dulquer Salmaan is truly a Lucky Baskhar. You might think so what? He is a nepo hero from the house of a film legend, Mammootty. Bloodlines can exalt a star only for a limited time, eventually they have to prove their mettle. Dulquer has leaped further than his father. His company, Wayfarer Films just released Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra is setting new records at the box office. In just 13 days of showing, it has collected Rs 200 crore and much critical acclaim for its producer Dulquer who plays a cameo in the film. Dulquer is shrewdly strategizing his status not just as a star but a producer of quality stuff. Dulquer’s upcoming film, Kaantha was all set for release on September 12 but he suddenly decided to postpone its release to get the best of Lokah’s ROI. Its cost of production was Rs 32 crore and Dulquer is confident it will bring in Rs 300 crore. He has already announced that he will share the overflow with the crew of Lokah. Dulquer wants Kaantha too, to be an unforgettable film. Success needs well thought out master plans. Luck is the magic component.
To PM Narendra Modi’s clarion call, ‘Make in India’ may we add, Make for India. When the ideologically arid opposition protests lack of employment and opportunity, there are many products and services incubated by entrepreneurs who dream big and realise these dreams. Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe is one such successful dream that has fed thousands of hungry patrons growing by the day. Of course, one cannot easily forget the bomb blast there on March 1, 2024. The café was founded by Raghavendra Rao and his wife Divya (a CA by profession) in 2021 as a quick service restaurant. The name ‘Rameshwaram’ was chosen by the founders to pay tribute to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam as it was his birthplace. Today it is Bengaluru’s landmark where the aroma of pure ghee roasted Dosas, cushion soft idlis, taste enhancer chutneys and filter coffee bring in droves from 6 am to 1 am and caters to people across all stratas. This veg south Indian fast food chain with a daily turnover of around Rs 5 crore reportedly commands a valuation of Rs 18,000 crore as its gross margin is 70%. More. It seems its hygiene and cleanliness also add to valuation. This fast chain is indeed giving tough competition to the likes of McDonalds, KFC, Burger King and many more. What is even more fascinating is the level of automation and the training of the chefs. The steaming boilers cook up to 500 mini idlis in one batch ..and the deftness of the chef who pours batter for 8 dosas at a time is a sight to watch .Rameshwaram Cafe is one of a kind …think global (in terms of automation tech, good quality, consistent service and fast delivery )and reach local. The Rao couple have built a shrewd food business with astuteness. It will not be surprising if they go for an IPO.
Inban Udhayanidhi is all of 20 years of age even as he moves in as CEO of Red Giant Movies, a production and distribution company, incubated and grown by his father Udhayanidhi Stalin, now deputy CM of Tamil Nadu. In just 17 years, Red Giant emerged as a near monopoly in terms of its scale and reach. Inba, as he is informally called by his closest friends, has the provenance of politics, power and privilege, a DNA soaked in cinematic and political wealth. WunderbarFilms and Don Pictures combined production, soon to be on screen, Idli Kadai directed and lead by Dhanush is the first film to be distributed under Inban Udhayanidhi’s watch. Don’t be irreverent to this banal title …Idli Kadai (idli shop). Dhanush is known to choose powerful themes and dramatic storytelling. Idli Kadai marketed and promoted by Red Giant is expected to strike that Midas touch too, with push and pull from this well-known political family. The news is that Inban is simultaneously being coached and trained in acting, another legacy from his father who could orchestrate his film and family status with agility. In a state where cinema and politics are de rigueur as environmental interests, Inba has his play station all mapped and pegged. Red Giant’s popularity hit a high in 2010 when all four of its distributed films… Vinnaithaandi Varuvaya, Madrasapattinam, Boss Engira Bhaskaran and Myna became popular hits. Since 2022, film promos could no longer use Udhayanidhi’s name as he was Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports. Inban Udhayanidhi inherited the reins. Ah, the inscrutable ways of destiny.
It was the audio launch of the just released Sivakarthikeyan film Madharaasi. No point in asking why this title (time was when all south of the Vindhyas were Madrasis often parodied by comedian Mehmood). Sivakarthikeyan did not need aide memoirs or pre coded script to grip audience attention …his TV anchor days experience seamlessly slipped into his hero status on stage. He was all praise for director AR Murugadoss (ARM) and the hit films Deena, Ramana, Ghazni and Thuppakki ..headlined by Thala Ajith, Suriya, Vijay and late Vijayakanth, …each one moulded by ARM to portray powerful roles and make hit films. SK’s praise for the ARM acting method was not stage “feel good” acclaim. The vacancy left by Vijay (riding into politics) and Thala Ajith (adrenaline amped up race cars) were waiting to be filled. Naturally, SK, the romantic comedian hero, has set his sights on an action hero mould …how Madharaasi will catapult him to this fighter mode depends on how powerful his transition is …his Amaran was praised as a classic. Madharaasi’s story is about guns brought in containers to be stored in a factory for future mayhem in TN. This danger needs a suicidal hero to put his life on the line. “I took steroids to replicate an intense craze driven look.” This simple Simon who talks without rancour recalls his struggling aspiring days …even water wouldn’t be given for those who knock on film doors. Today, they ask me Sir , some juice, cake? I have Tamannaah to my left and Samantha on my right…a distraction when I failed to notice Dhanush in the front row. SK has now overtaken his finder, Dhanush. Is SK destined to ride the crest of cinema without borders?
The soon to be released film Manusi led by singer and talented actor Andrea Jeremiah directed by Aram fame Gopi Nainar has a parallel story of its own to recount before release. Manushi is swinging like a pendulum between the Central Board Of Film Certification Board (CBFC), the filmmakers and the Madras High Court. For added misery to producer Vetrimaaran, the film is ready, yet its public viewing is uncertain. So what’s delaying it? The CBFC is apparently unhappy with the film’s potshots at the government, fiery dialogues and what is apparently seen as a mix up with communist ideology. So Vetrimaaran, approached the CBFC and the Madras HC after several cuts of scenes, dialogues chopped and probably ended up making an impactful film, insipid and inane; falling between two stools. CBFC did not give any certificate so the producer approached the HC. Recently, Sun Pictures’ got ‘A’ certificate for Rajini starrer Coolie. Sun Pictures moved the court to get ‘UA’ instead of ‘A’. Probably the makers wanted the youth and kids to view this masterpiece. The Court promptly set aside the plea. But like the Scottish folklore of Robert Bruce, producer Vetrimaaran try again approach seem to have with the HC. He approached the court, objected to the multiple cuts and changes. This time, Judge Anand Venkatesh watched the movie. He was so moved by Manusi and its portrayal of “the dark underbelly of power”. His review of this film was carried in all media. All one can say is that the learned Judge taught movie reviewers to fully understand the nuances of a film before reviewing it. He also ordered a few changes in the film but more importantly, the CBFC had to issue a certificate for release within two weeks.
Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin is currently the man for all reasons of political strategy …dumping an invitation for an Ayyappa event in Kerala, he winged his way to Bihar on August 27, to participate in Rahul Gandhi led Voter Rights Yatra to protest against the sudden deletion of 65 lakh “fake” voters from Bihar electorate. Stalin’s party heavyweights wondered about this trip, even as Stalin was scheduled to visit London and Germany on August 30. Meanwhile, despite his huge show of power, actor Vijay knows that a nascent party like TVK at best can divert votes, what he really needs is a sinewy party to really break the incumbent. And his Chanakyas, Aadav Arjun and John Arogyasami have marketed a Congress alliance like the Holy Grail. Vijay has already sought an appointment with Rahul Gandhi, a play that Rahul is said to have nimbly avoided being lured by the sound and fury of a cinematic organisation. Surely, Rahul and his party are well aware of the 360-degree strategic strength of the DMK. Why rock the boat when this Opposition alliance has gained respectable traction? But the Judas in every party will try their to open trap doors or pull up drawbridges . Established leaders like Thirunavukkarasu, Manikam Tagore, Selvakumar are enticing the party with claims that aligning with Vijay will fetch them 60 to 70 seats, and TVK will share power with Congress.
In her recent interview to Tamil magazine Kumudam, ageless wonder and popular actress Nadhiya talks about the secret of her youthful looks, energy and enthusiasm as if it is as easy as plucking a low hanging fruit off a tree. She made her mark even in her first Tamil film Poove Poochoodava in which she played the granddaughter of another rocking beauty, Padmini. Not just looks but talent too, earning a Filmfare Award. But several Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films later, it was her role as a single mother in M Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi that brought her a huge wave of adulation ..Ravi Mohan, Asin and Prakash Raj were just foils to this dedicated actor …she takes her son to be enrolled in school…the Principal insists that the field “father” must be filled. Nadhiya just grabs the pen and fills the form as Son of Mahalakshmi. This scene inspired many single mothers. Then she looked like an older sister to Ravi Mohan …now, paradoxically, he looks like her older brother. At the height of her career, in 1988, she married Shirish Godbole and winged off to America, to live her life as a family maker. What made her give up fame, celebrity status? She is clear why…I knew him as a student, we planned to marry only after he settled down. Two daughters and American life did not erode her magnetism. When she flew into Mumbai, her fans accepted her. Even if she sashayed into her modelling role, she could have launched several products — bangles, sarees, sandals. She shares the secret of her youth and energy…a down to earth attitude to life, eat only when needed, workouts are non-negotiable and focus on tasks. Her fans are perplexed about why this talented and striking beauty is not chosen for more rewarding roles.
Even as established parties struggle for superiority among the voters and ideological battle formations, a Johnny-come-lately, just trapezes from his cinema stardom to an iconic leader with solutions to every issue in Tamil Nadu. The second, mega public podium of Vijay in Madurai drew huge crowds that saw National news TV covering it live. At the venue, a 100 feet flagpole to hoist the TVK flag broke and collapsed …superstitious Tamils tut tutted. But Vijay brushed it off and kicked off his super self-projecting show with elan…and arrogance. His ramp walk’s style braved by the fan crowd in 102 degree heat could be seen as his total hold over the audience (fans), notwithstanding fainting kids and adults, first aid in ambulances and the expected melee of crowd behaviour. But what needed to address issues of omission and commission of the incumbent party, quickly turned into an arrogant slugfest. Established superstars Rajini and Kamal were baited, unconcealed. But the Tamil Nadu chief minister addressed as Uncle Stalin raised eyebrows. Is Vijay pointing out his youth or Stalin’s old age? He referred to the AIADMK as MGR’s party and challenged PM Modi and the BJP…in cinematic style with an MGR song. The late Vijayakanth was remembered as my “dear brother”. Even as huge grease drums were placed to prevent the incited crowds to come near him, Vijay cited a Lion’s exclusivity…lions come only to kill and eat the prey. Never to stand and watch. But throughout this harangue, not once did Vijay offer his electorate concrete suggestions. Throwback to Aesop’s Lion and the Mouse parable…invincibility is better underpinned by humility.
Malayalam movies abound in realism, and low budgets. But even as these movies gained recognition for down to earth plots, the reality of gender exploitation had become a scourge…female artists often faced casting couch exploitation, and other forms of sexual harassment. AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) under superstar Mohanlal faced serious charges, chapter and verse instances that could not be swept under the carpet. The Hema Committee Report forced the entire body to resign and face fresh elections. When former Miss India Femina Beauty Queen, 51-year old Shwetha Menon threw her hat in the ring, the male oligopoly did not take it as a serious threat. But just to ensure Shwetha got besmirched by bad publicity, a scandal campaign on Shwetha made the rounds; it quoted and charged her under Section 67 A of the obscene films law …a smear campaign that would have scorched any other female artist. But not her…she got acquitted. Not only that she worked her way to win 159 votes against actor Devan who got only 132 votes. For the first time in its 31-year old history, AMMA has a female artist as its head. Even though she tries to pun on AMMA, “Yes, a real Amma heads the Association now.” She has a plan but first she wants to get all the members on her side and work without rancour. Workplace sex exploitation is widespread. But women are now getting tough and willing to crack the whip on those whose touch is creepy.
After years of CIA and FBI stranglehold on the global cinema audience, an Israeli spy story series Fauda in 2015 became the benchmark for spine-chilling storytelling, pitting bitter enemies in death strangleholds. Fauda and later Teheran much-watched and lauded spawned a long line of spy thrillers, some even playing out the most recent and may be still unfolding events of Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond. Fauda was cloned as Tanaav for India. But why clone, when we have our own braveheart stories? Our creative teams scaled new heights in espionage thrillers with Sare Jahan Se Accha, The Family Man, Special Ops (two seasons of pure thrills, spills and chills in which Kay Kay Menon plays the antagonist-protagonist), Sarzameen, Rannneeti: Balakot & Beyond and currently Salakaar, a hit show guaranteed to nail bite to stumps. Naveen Kasthuria, an unmistakable Ajit Doval with Mouni Roy, the alluring honey trap Mariam aka Shrishti, give a new meaning to heroism. Are these new genres building new age heroes? The valiant and versatile intel agents who risk their lives as much as the military combatant, gathering invaluable humint? We predict OTT will be the future launch pad for real life (but unseen) heroes …the reel life ones have had their day. No one denies that these thrillers carry significant hype…intel failures have changed the course of border protection. But it is clearly an era of Sare Jehan Se Acha.
Shruti Haasan is drop dead gorgeous…a classic beauty, inherited from both Kamal and Sarika. The powerful range of her voice often rock’s a stage with her talent and superb stage presence. But something has held back her climb to the top as an actor who could have given Nayanthara and Trisha a run for their money. Talent, looks and DNA of provenance, 39-year old Shruti has done over 45 films in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi from her debut in 2009. Her latest movie is Coolie with Rajinikanth. Even as Coolie’s promos are out like mushrooms in the monsoon, Shruti too has found her media voice …“acting with Rajini Sir is a blessing I have longed for. She is banking on Coolie big time. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj, who directed Kamal’s blockbuster Vikram (a film that pulled Kamal from his lean time) teamed up with Shruti for an album….Inimel (from now onwards), a pairing that was not too lauded . But it was Shruti’s stepping stone for Coolie; Lokesh asked her directly if she would join the Rajini film. Who wouldn’t like to act with the legend? Recently she basked in Kamal’s political success as she toured Parliament when he took his oath as a Rajya Sabha MP. The buzz is also strong..her performance in Coolie is one for the arc lights… Shruti Haasan …you deserve to be at that summit.
Call it election fervour or a pilgrim’s progress, PM Narendra Modi has single-handedly opened up the Temple Parikrama to India’s devotion driven pilgrims. It’s a debatable point to talk about our country being more aware of the Himalayan Shrines and Kasi sacred spots, even the Buddhist temple trails. Has the same importance not been given to the Southern edifices of stunning and amazing temple architecture, the sagacity of the Royal lineage of Cholas and other kings who designed and built temples as the focal point of all cultural, artistic and socioeconomic aspects of life? Every visit of the PM has now showcased these divine wonders. The media has carried the visuals not just pan India but globally. This focus has indirectly enhanced tourism. After multiple visits, Modi is expected to visit Tamil Nadu again on August 28-29 to go to Thiruvannamalai and the majestic Arunachaleswarar Temple. This holy site holds great importance for the Ashram of Saint Ramana Maharshi. Modi is expected to host his Mann Ki Baat from the Chidambaram Temple (the astonishing rock sculptures here portray the 108 Karanas of Bharata Natyam. The Navagraha (nine planets) circuit is perhaps the most inspiring and informative …from Suryanar Koil to Saturn’s abode at Thirunallar (the only Navagriha place which is on the outskirts of TN). There are numerous myths and scientific lores…for example, the Sun’s rays resplendently light up the inner sanctum of Suryanar Koil on Makar Sankranti day …like the SUN temple at Konarak. The mythology and significance of the pantheons is not explained to the tourists. The Vatican has developed audio wearables for every sanctum for guiding the tourist. Maybe our PM can intervene and make it a truly spiritual and fulfilling visit to the Navagraha circuit.
Coolie is an endangered species even in the busiest of railway stations dominated by all pervasive airline luggage. Yet the megalith entertainment company, SUN Pictures chose this archaic title for the 50th year of Rajini’s super stardom, an enviable success many a hero yearns for. Coolie, certified A, is a big budget, big production teeming with big stars from other languages…big music and naturally big stakes for all concerned. Why did director Lokesh Kanagaraj, who has a whole universe named after him, choose this archaic title for hero Rajini? Maybe he carries the entire load of the film on his superstar back, despite the alphabet language soup of regional stars Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Sathyaraj, Shruthi Hassan and Pooja Hegde pitching in their weight. Pan India, Coolie is insured to bring in fans of each star …the sum of the parts exceeding expectations. Cinema is truly challenging for number crunchers. To add sound to the music, Anirudh has drummed up a storm with his style of Gen Z music. His hit numbers Powerhouse (Rajini, of course), Chikkudu Vibe, Monica (item song for which Pooja Hegde has swivelled her svelte self) have already stormed Spotify and YouTube. Chennai’s iconic launch pad, the Nehru Stadium went turbo on Coolie’s audio launch. Milling crowds clashed …delirious fans and genuine pass holders had a free for all according to media reports! But quickly quelled by the guards even as Rajini stood up in the sun roof car and acknowledged the cheering crowds. Age cannot wither his style nor custom stale the variety.
Khushbu Sundar is the classic evolutionary survivor. She walked into the DMK and instantly became Kalaignar’s favoured acolyte. Quitting the DMK, she had a brief flirtation with the Congress and a stormy exit in 2020 leading to her entry into the BJP’s power establishment. She remains a high-profile activist and was rewarded with a post in the Women’s Commission. But a leadership status eluded her, despite her avowed talent as a public speaker. In every TV debate, she could shine with her English fluency and general knowledge. She was no glamour actress wallflower, depending on her star attraction to make heads turn …she could hold her own, authoritatively. Perhaps it is this power profile …perhaps her Muslim identity …or even her fluency in Tamil that has now raised her status to vice president, TN BJP. What timing! Just as she was about to work her attraction quotient of this mint new status, two entrants to the DMK camp have bunged a lethal spanner on her and the BJP. DMDK President Premalatha Vijaykanth has walked into Stalin’s charmed circle. And OPS, another survivor of doubtful worth has also sashayed into the DMK camp. Khushbu, already facing the handicap of a nationalist party facing two local Dravidian establishments in TN, has to now face the combined onslaught of me-too aspirants who are bound to affect the poll logic. Khushbu still tries her best…she appealed to TVK newbie chief Vijay to join the BJP alliance to unseat the DMK.
Senthil Balaji, the TN ex minister out on bail continues to make headlines going by the caustic questions posed by the Madras HC: “We need a cricket stadium to accommodate 2000 accused and many more involved in the jobs for money scam in which Senthil Balaji, a confidante of the DMK was jailed. Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi of the Supreme Court went hammer and tongs at the government lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi. If every case has over1000 persons as criminally accused and over 500 witnesses, this case can never end during the lifetime of the main perpetrators. Is this a dilatory manoeuvre? The Cash-for-Jobs scam is of a scale not often heard …the special court has yet to serve summons to the accused from far flung areas of TN, a task that won’t get done by December 2025. The next mammoth protocol will be serving copies of all documents and charge-sheets filed by the Greater Chennai Corporation. Each accused will have to be served 3207 documents (covering one lakh pages). But what is even more challenging is the fact that these very accused are also the ones who have lost their money …a pathetic status, though bribing is illegal. According to Gopal Sankara Narayanan, the lawyer appearing for the accused, it is heart wrenching when “even grandmothers who pawned jewellery to get jobs for their grandchildren have been pulled into this scam ring”. Those who collected the money should be brought to justice. But as the Bench remarked “this whole investigation is like a rudderless ship”. Justice Kant suggests that clubbing of cases against both accused and witnesses may, just may find light at the end of the tunnel.
A recent issue of The Economist has a solar plexus hitting writeup about advertising and Artificial Intelligence. The whoosh after this sucker punch was the subject of the annual Holy Grail meet at Cannes where adland titans revealed and predicted a doomsday status to creativity. The crystal balls revealed that human intelligence is overwhelmed by AI. But such “bare all” events are significant as Cannes proved. In this cockroaches and computers head on collision who will survive, who will be eliminated? Surprisingly, the legendary cockroach endures to see yet another epoch, because its survival instincts are too strong. TikTok, Meta and Google put on their fiercest Halloween masks to shock and shake the professionals in denial. Sam Altman, the Moses of AI predicted that 95% of marketing as we know may be AI delivered. The 5% is the surviving cockroach that shall still burrow into the $ 1-trillion ad spend annually on “workmanlike campaigns”. AI is definitely going to impact the landscape …some advertisers are shifting their communication onto billboards. Chennai’s iconic Gemini Circle proved this point in more ways than one. A huge billboard shows a very apt, creative copy (though oldies may be shocked) superimposed on the anatomy of unmistakable bums. The copy then fires …“let Elon Musk explore Mars. Our Mission is Uranus”. Discover a whole new world of colorectal care. The name of this clinic is even more creative — Assana Colorectal & Gut Wellness Clinic. A few years back, such an ad may have brought a smirk to the genteels, who do not discuss rectal troubles, pain in the arse including piles in a group. They called it anal fixation and anal retentive to be dealt with behind bathroom doors. AI has not killed the cockroach…yet.
Probably no other actor, pan India has launched such a plethora of memes as Vadivelu. Tamil media, be it politics, cinema or just everyday life peppers their narratives with Vadivelu memes and gifs…his pathetic expression, beat up state, costumes and crazy dialogues are memorised and talked about, long after taking the bus home from the cinema. The 64-year old Vaigai Payal Vadivelu (reference to a storm from Vaigai river) has acted in countless comedy roles, a comic timing so perfect that it cannot be replicated. At one point he took on hero roles, his 23 Aam Pulikesi, a comic balloon that burst all myths about classic heroes. Suddenly his career climb took a beating as the Tamil Film Producers Council red carded him. It was a temp ban from 2018-2020. But Vadivelu’s drunken outbursts, run in with late Vijayakant founder of DMDK, his films failing all these led to his break. His master comic dialogue, “Varum aana Varadhu” ad libbed by thousands kept the fan following only clamouring for Vadivelu. But Maamannan brought him back…a film which proved that Vadivelu’s versatility was vintage. Director Sudesh Sankar knew what he wanted in Maareesan, the just released film of Vadivelu (as Velayudhaswami Pillai) and Malayalam artist Fahad Fasil (as Dhayalan) under the Super Good Films banner. Maareesan is a serious comedy with shades of humorous pathos.
Vijay Sethupathi, one of the most bankable stars of Tamil cinema is an institution of hits by himself. What happens when this powerhouse loves, clashes, and lives through a stormy marriage with Nithya Menen, an equally bankable leading lady, is the theme of Thalaivan Thalaivii to hit the screens on July 25. There is a small snag here…after a run of hits, especially last year’s Maharaja, Sethupathi stumbled in Ace this year. Maybe the makers wanted insurance for the new release …and they swung it, majorly. Thalaivan Thalaivii is the usual story…Vijay Sethupathi, a parrotta master is drawn towards a Masters holder, Nithya Menen. But director Pandiraj, known for hits like Pasanga, Kadaikutty Singam makes even ordinary, everyday stories extraordinary with his sensitive and layered treatment. Sethupathi and Nithya get married …Is this union a ho hum boredom filled marriage which loses its sheen after the first flush of love and lust fade? Does it turn into a battlefield? The lead pair has a full posse of talented support in Yogi Babu, Myna Nandhini, Saravanan and others who are not to be sneezed at as foils. They bring strong synergy to the script. Santosh Narayanan’s music has heightened the film’s intensity. Already songs Pottala Muttai and Aakash Veeran are social media hits. Every marriage has its quota of love, fights, separation, reconciliation. Has Pandiraj made these spouse dynamics powerful?
Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) is now a busy leader of the AIADMK, the prime opposition of Tamil Nadu. The challenges he faces in the run up to the 2026 TN Assembly Elections seem insurmountable; at last, the BJP alliance is a fait accompli….yet K Annamalai, the firebrand former TN BJP head has just bowled a googly …whether the alliance will acknowledge the AIADMK as the unilateral face of the government or if a coalition would steer it. EPS has coined his own slogan, “Makkalai kaappom, Thamizhagathai meetpom” (protect the people, reclaim TN). In contrast the DMK under MK Stalin has already eased into the limelight with Stalin’s slogan “Oraniyil TN” (TN in one Formation) with his people outreach programmes already in motion. Recently, EPS set the cat among pigeons when he said “a huge party is about to join us”. Now, the guessing game is on which is the huge party in TN that will join the AIADMK-BJP alliance. “Our party will roll out the red carpet for any outfit wanting to join us” says EPS. The BJP and AIADMK are going hammer and tongs to dethrone the DMK, even as actor-politician Vijay and his TVK claim that they would not need any props to call the shots …TVK has even passed a resolution about having no truck with BJP and AIADMK. Congress leader Karthi Chidambaram has had the last laugh with his own witty and sarcastic take on the identity of this huge party waiting to tread the red carpet. “Is it Trump and his party waiting to join the alliance”?
Pooja Hegde, the almost Miss Universe turns overnight star yet trolled as not lucky for her heroes. She nearly walked away with the Miss Universe Tiara in 2010 but her destiny was in films. Pooja played the heroine in her first Tamil Film Mugamoodi. Now with 17 films, 4 SIIMA Awards, 3 Filmfare nominations and with overwhelming celebration of her beauty there is something lacking in her place as a superstar. Even with Prabhas as lead, ‘Radhe Shyam’ had a lukewarm reception. Despite item numbers Arabhikuthu and Jaalilo Gymkhana sizzling in Beast with Vijay as hero, the film flopped. Salman Khan serenading her in Kisike Bhai Kiseke Jan did nothing to boost the box office for the money backers. Deva and Retro were disappointing, even though the heroes were having a bad spell of filmy luck. But in the world of cinema, if a film fails, the hero does not have to take the whole blame …it is equitably distributed, sometimes passed off as “this heroine’s Rasi is not powerful” superstition. But significantly Pooja’s remuneration kept climbing up simultaneously. Reportedly, she is said to have been paid a whopping Rs 5 crore for ‘Jana Nayakan’ overtaking the remuneration of Kajal Aggarwal and Samantha. With too many films bombing, the buzz spread …Pooja is not a lucky heroine. The trolls only jacked up her demand. Now the draw of her gorgeous persona has gone sky high — 5 million views for a cameo item in Rajinikanth’s Coolie. The number “Monica” is a guaranteed hot number. Pooja overtakes Katrina Kaif and Samantha with her raw appeal. And to shut all trolls, she has signed a new film with Dulquer Salman…yet another validation that trolls and myths cannot stop her rise.
It seems to be a point of No Return in the PMK family feud. Now, 85-year old Dr S Ramadoss has denied his son Dr Anbumani even the right to use his name. Ramadoss senior is seriously contemplating bringing his daughter Srikanthi to lead the party he founded and continue his legacy. Combative and razor sharp Ramadoss is preparing his cadres for the ensuing elections and keeping the Vanniyars vote bank intact. He did hint that his daughter Srikanti could be his succession choice. In front of his party workers, the wily doctor even sang the opening of a popular Tamil film song, Poga Poga Theriyum …….Inda poovin Vaasam theriyum. Meanwhile, Dr Anbumani with wife Sowmya and his daughters is taking a totally different political stance, quietly consolidating his status as political heir. Since he has the Election Commission’s stamp that he is the party’s leader till the 26 June 2026, he is confident that these emotional edicts and anger filled statements by his father may not carry legal weight. Both have approached the Election Commission for settling the legacy dispute for party name, symbol and leader, as candidates must file their nominations. There are those who ask why does senior Ramadoss knock at the doors of courts and Election Commission when his age and experience should be mature enough to not air family feuds in public? But a very poignant meeting of Anbumani with his ailing mother Saraswati Ramadoss, at the Thailapuram family home garnered enough emotional weight. It is well known that she has more affection for the son. At least now Anbumani can claim “Mere paas Maa Hai”.
Popular south star Priya Mani Raj, known as Priyamani has many comfort zones as a superb actor (she won the National Award for Paruthiveeran in which she played a rape victim), the OTT series The Family Man was as much about her as the Sri Lankan Terrorist Samantha, ‘1234 get on the dance floor where she sizzled in a racy fun number with Shah Rukh Khan in Chennai Express and many a role as cop or CBI officer. She laughs as she says “I have done so many CBI /cop roles that I may be given a citation”. But even as she indirectly does not want typecast roles, she is grateful that she has gained this recognition…her pleasant looks, versatile performance in all language formats and impact filled roles make her an apt choice for all reasons. So, when Revathy directed Good Wife started filming, Priya was the obvious choice. She plays the role of a lawyer who has hung up her robe, but when her husband is charged in a scandal, she dons her lawyer robe once again. This 6-episode is based on the American OTT series. Forty-one year old Priyamani is also starring in Vijay’s last film (he claims) Jana Nayakan to be released in January, and in a third season of The Family Man on Amazon Prime. This unassuming lady from a middle class South Indian family has truly come a long way.
Right on the heels of Ayothi and Tourist Family, Tamil audiences who have turned picky and particular about strong story lines and sinewy scripts are about to be treated to another cute film about the obstacles in acquiring a 3 BHK flat. R Sarath Kumar and his wife, a struggling middle class couple, want to realise their dream to own a house. Nothing monumental you may say but what they encounter as problems nearly scorches their aspiration. Was it just a coincidence or planned that the Saturday, June 28 the Chennai editions of Times Of India and The Hindu were peppered with housing projects ads. The Chennai real estate market is often called a surplus housing realty market. Yet modest budget aspirers are left out of this aspiration circle …cost and EMI speed bumps. Suddenly, a video of a 27-year old Sarath Kumar film, Sooryavamsam surfaced to draw the attention of netizens. The film, a blockbuster story and its hard-hitting dialogues, is still remembered and talked about. This particular hook video had a compelling Sarat telling his wife Devyani in chaste Tamil, “Enra kudumbathil elleraum vandachu, photo edunga”.(all my family members are here, take the photo) A tentative Devyani soulfully asking “Chinraasu”, referring to her estranged son waiting in the wings to reconcile with his dad. In this promo video, Siddharth is shown as the lonely one, hopefully, waiting in a corner. A powerful idiom for yet another father-son feud, with a helpless mother wanting to bring them close. This innovative promo for 3 BHK has already whetted audience expectations …small budget films, with identifiable story lines, that leave a strong emotional impact.
Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin has proved his worth and weight on numerous fronts in these past four years. Even though it is easy to pass it off as osmosis by being trained by the political Machiavelli, dad Karunanidhi, he has honed his skills and political instincts by using every trick in the trade. Most significantly, he has been able to stand up to a powerful central government and find his own resolutions to problems. Not that charges of corruption, dynastic polity and Tamil isolationist fervour have not been thrown at him. But he has developed into a powerful leader who projects his state at every chance …and of course showcases himself. So when he showed up in the higher middle class neighbourhood of Chennai’s Alwarpet on July 3 with a clarion call “Oranyil Tamil Nadu” (TN in one formation), people were impressed. All the more when he asked leading questions …do you think the doles of my government should be continued? How is our government, what did you gain? Should we protect our “Mann, Mozhi, Manam” (our land, language, identity) at any cost? The speed brakes on our educational system, unjustified delimitation, our share of the country’s finances …should we protect our rights or blindly accept? His ministerial colleagues and all regional functionaries have been instructed to do this door-to-door feedback/survey for 45 days. Meanwhile, the Opposition parties are still getting their alliance act together. Will it be the hare and tortoise race or the early bird gets the worm case?
Notable things are happening in Samantha’s frenzied cinematic and real life. Strangely enough, much is not happening in her life and as rumours fly thick, every move is watched and noted…occupational hazard of a female star. Samantha started off in Tamil films, Khushi, Theri, Ega full of promise …her looks and talent were evident. Things moved fast after the initial success. Her marriage to Nag Chaitanya and the eventual breakup made news. A more defying fate hit when she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease , myositis and her world seemed to crash around her ….even though she was an electrifying presence after her hot number ‘Ooh Antava’ in Pushpa The Rise….the remuneration of Rs 5 crore for a single item song opened jaws as much as her sensuality. Her Amazon OTT series , and her incredible performance in The Family Man was much talked about. Suddenly things started nosediving…her films fared poorly, especially the much anticipated Shakuntala and the web series Citadel: Honey Bunny. What hit her most was that the new sensation Srileela was chosen for the sequel of Pushpa …same item number at much less cost. Talk was rife that Samantha had a tiff with Srileela, but at the GQ event Samantha openly asked her competitor to join her for a photo op. Recently, Samantha has stirred up more talk, about her vacation in Abu Dhabi. The destination was not significant but the escort, director Raj Nidimoru in close comfort raised a storm.
The name Prashant Tipirineni Nani may not stir recognition until you notice Nani. Oh yes, HIT: The Third Case or Hit 3 starring Nani in an electric turbo action role will immediately stir memories of that action thriller. Much talked about but given mixed reviews by critics. But redemption too…it is the third highest grosser Telugu film, collecting Rs 56 crore in 6 days of cinema run. The team of Nani, Srinidhi Shetty and Director Sailesh Kolanu were happy that HIT 3, third instalment in the series, had surpassed Nani’s earlier Hi Nanna, Saripodhaa Sanivaram and HIT 1 collection. But happiness and celebrations in this mercurial make-believe world of cinema is often short lived…ghosts from the past or ghosts who walk in due to bad Karma often wreck the party and the high of commercial success soon, nosedives. Allegations of story/plot plagiarism are hurled and more often than not, end up in court. Hit 3 has just been hit by allegations from Soniya Vimal (Vimalavalan) who has accused Nani of lifting most of her story, making a few changes here and there in the making of HIT 3. The writer is now demanding copyright compensation of 20% of the take. Vimal claims she had registered her story with the South Indian Film Writers Association in 2021, met with Nani and gave him an outline but got no response from the makers. After watching the first show, she could identify and record every spin of the story, her original. The only recourse was to go to the court. The Madras High Court has now posted the hearing for July 7.
Tamil film’s popular hero Dhanush is an extraordinary artist. He has carved out a unique niche for himself in the last 25 years. He has come a long way … Oh yes, he did have a leg-up, having married the superstar Rajnikanth’s daughter Aishwaraya. But that tenuous tie too broke up. Recently he crossed another milestone with Kubera – it was his 51st film. His film graph carries several hits, some near misses but never total failures. His latest Kubera has a stupendous starcast …Rashmika Mandana as a leading lady, Telugu super star Nagarjuna, Bollywood’s Jim Serb to name a few. But it is Telugu director Sekar Kammula , who has attracted much attention. Dhanush was in the cinema with his son, director Kammula and other crew for the first day first show, humbly accepting his fans’ roaring admiration. Popular stars Sai Pallavi and Kartik Subburaj complimented Dhanush on his performance. Sai Pallavi wrote on X that the most complicated roles bring out the best in Dhanush. But sadly enough, just two days of Kubera’s release in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, news of its pirated release on the net hit them all where it hurt.
There is a saying in Hindi, Aapko Aam khanese matlab hai ya ghutli ginnese? For Dr S Ramadoss and his feuding son, Dr Anbumani, the PMK and its symbol, the Mango have come to a collision point in their succession battle for taking over the party. In this bitter battle, not just Dr Anbumani but even his wife Sowmya has been targeted by Dr Ramadoss senior stating that her ambition has made the father-son dispute irrevocable. He claims that even as he had brought the alliance with AIADMK to almost closure in 2024, Sowmya sabotaged it with her hectic hospitality, inviting Annamalai to their Thailapuram residence and overturned the alliance as BJP was her choice. The impasse has come to a point where Dr Ramadoss says Dr Anbumani is no longer the party head and leader, even as the son insists that his term lasts till 2026 according to the Election Commission. Going a step higher, Sowmya has taken the matter to the Gods. She travelled with her two daughters to Rameshwaram, Dhanushkodi and to the temple of Nambu Nayaki Amman, a temple where thousands of devotees seek the Goddess’s blessings for their problems. This is highlighted by a ritual …fresh green turmeric is ground on stone grinders here then the turmeric paste is offered to Nambu Nayaki. Sowmya, seasoned bahu and politician went a step further …. She offered luscious looking mangoes too , to the Goddess …probably praying that her husband succeeds in getting both party and leadership in this bitter power struggle in the PMK. Considering that 80 % of the followers are silently throwing their hats in favour of Dr Anbumani, the turmeric and mangoes could well be a winning combo.
The New Indian Express has a whole op Ed by Prabhu Chawla on titled ‘Bollywood flops as the South shines’. Chawla quotes chapter, verse, stats, stars and spectacle as huge budget films are crashing. Even with the most tantalising attractions, big budget films of cult figures and classic heroes are cringing; in some cases even manipulated data on pre-booking and daily takes are cleverly presented to give an impression all is well. Recently, a top hero seeing how his latest much-touted film tottered, took to “rewarding” influencers for good reviews. The disturbing trend has festered for over three years. Khans and the Punjabi machos have not been able to draw sustained crowds, repeat audiences and clever Pan India plans have failed. Even OTT has built a strong resistance. Take Salman’s Sikander with every trick in the trade to showcase Bhai and Rashmika, fiery action, fierce fights and oodles of glamour could not stave off its tepid reception. SRK at least had a medium hit in Jawan. But it is Akshay Kumar who wears the crown for serial flops. Housefull 5 has fallen flat. It would be unfair to single out Bollywood alone; the South too has had its share of cringeworthy flops of Vikram, Suriya and even Kamal Haasan. The super star Rajini has snagged a new formula …sign up a big name from every “film wood” …it’s bound to draw the fans of the star and the sum of the parts would rake in overflows. It’s not the money spent or the overwhelming star cast, sets and show that have made Tamil films like Parking, Ayodhya, Tourist Family and few others succeed at box office. These engaging movies have all developed strong, relatable plots and gripping story telling which the audience identifies.
Deepika Padukone has acquired significant sass after motherhood. Naturally when she has overtaken all female leads in Bollywood, is the brand ambassador to many snazzy brands and is now able to call the shots and crack the whip, she is a true Diva. Was she shown the door by Sandeep Vanga from the film Spirit or did she toss her regal mane and walk out? Now the buzz is she has walked out of Kalki 2 also? So, what are the reasons for this huff and puff? After the success of Jawan, it is rumoured Deepika has set the base remuneration of Rs 25 crore plus10 % share in profit, and working time restricted to 8 hours. Next…Spirit demanded some risqué scenes and she was not agreeable, so chose to walk out. And walked into SUN Pictures Pan World, under production …#AA 22xA6 (sounds like a rocket out of NASA) directed by Attlee. The lead is iconic star Allu Arjun, a name that has carpetbagged crazy global fans and dizzy fanfare after the twin Pushpas. This blend of mega scale, lead popularity and now Deepika’s electric presence is expected to bring big money to SUN and Kalanithi Maran, he of the gilded golden goose touch. One cannot but help ponder over the pole-vaulting success dynamics of stars …when a lead is unknown, an able director with a strong script and a production house that wagers big money on the project go all out for a hit film. Three or four such hits, the unknown turns Diva…the scales turn, equations spin upside down. This happens so often in cinema …the chronicler of fantasy. Till the next Deepika Padukone.
RSS Ideologue S Gurumurthy who has facilitated many alliances and peace talks in Tamil Nadu is in the news once again. This time, the ambassador-at-large, has been called upon by the PMK party founder Dr S Ramadoss to find a solution between him and his son Dr Anbumani. The meeting between Gurumurthy was a personal one and the BJP had nothing to do with it, said BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran. With 2026 Assembly Elections ahead, brokering a rapprochement between the patriarch and his son was the number one need when all parties in Tamil Nadu are circling and calculating to shore up alliances. Earlier Gurumurthy had met Dr Ramadoss at his Thailapuram residence, the party headquarters. There is a power struggle between father and son over the control of the party. Clearly, Dr Anbumani, who was a Union health minister in the first UPA government, is no novice at power play. He has challenged his father on a number of issues: party funds, choice of his nephew, Mukundan being appointed as the leader of the Youth Wing. A sudden trip to Chennai by senior Ramadoss set off the grapevine bells clanging. Sure enough, Ramadoss headed to Mukundan’s residence in Poes Garden. Gurumurthy along with former Chennai Corporation Mayor Saidai S Duraisamy met Ramadoss. Obviously, bringing this Mango (the party symbol) on a platter will certainly help the NDA. It may be recalled that Gururmurthy was also closely involved in trying to patch up the differences between EPS and OPS.
Kamal Haasan, Ulaga Nayagan (world hero) for his drooling fans turned Ularal Nayagan (Blabbermouth) by his Kannada was born from Tamil comment. The timing of his comment made the film trade nervous. His movie Thug Life is all set to hit cinemas in the South on June 5. Already Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are at loggerheads over sharing of Cauvery waters. This misplaced claim could jeopardise the film’s showing in Karnataka, a big market for Tamil films. Legendary director Mani Rathnam was presiding over the razzmatazz promos with his marquee cast on stage when a pap asked Rathnam, “You have teamed up with Kamal after 38 years. Would Thalapathy Rajini also get a film from you after 35 years?” Rathnam, as his wont, did not wade into this “intellectual” research. With great care he said “we have to consider his market, availability and most important a script equal to his magnetism, a long list of conditions”. Such diplomacy and discretion were scattered in the winds when Kamal turned Ularal Nayakan by his declaration that Kannada was the offspring of Tamil. Threats of Thug Life boycott and angry protests erupted just as quickly …but Kamal being Kamal refused to apologise. Kamal who has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha with the backing from MK Stalin was perhaps keen to prove his loyalty to Tamil and Stalin, stuck to his stand. Kamal was scorched by critics who alleged that his party MNM was pledged like Panchali in the gamble of the Mahabharat. Thug Life needed just one more embellishment, the cherry on the I scream…K Krishnaswamy, founder of Puthiya Tamizhagam said “The title Thug Life is not acceptable…as Thuggery has a very bad connotation. Why don’t you change the title to a more positive one?
This is a common evolution in India. The Mahabharata has chronicled numerous such succession feuds as the forerunner of family groups. The latest feud is in the party of Dr S Ramadoss, founder of the Vanniyar caste party, PMK in 1989. His son Dr Anbumani’s action has made the patriarch lament in Shivaji Ganesan style “…the very son whom I loved and groomed is now kicking me on my chest”. Thanks to his father Dr Anbumani became the youngest Health Minister in Dr Manmohan Singh’s cabinet in 2004. But, in the past one year the internecine strife in PMK has come out in the open. The bone of contention seems be to Dr Ramadoss succession plan. He appointed his grandson (daughter’s progeny) Mukundan as the Youth Wing General Secretary. But Anbumani had other plans; he wanted to take over the party in toto and call the shots. It’s the same old story …a father wanting undiluted power over the progeny, and a son wanting to inherit the party which he has grown with his network. Of late, Anbumani (who has perennially ached for TN CMship) has become restive and influenced many cadres to not attend formal party meets called by the father. Add to this his wife Sowmya’s proximity to BJP and the political alchemy has turned explosive. The final nail in the coffin, Ramadoss senior alleges that in one of the family fights, the son hurled a bottle at his mother. The PMK has held sway in North Tamil Nadu and as a force cannot be ignored by any political parties for alliances. But could this family discord dismantle it. Will Dr Anbumani make amends with his father to salvage PMK? Dharmakshetra Kurukshetra.
Malayalam movies are now much talked about, sought after for viewing. It has taken time for realism filled, low budget and totally identifiable cinema to overflow beyond Kerala, making 2023 and 2024 the years of Mollywood. But wait, another phenomenon has just shot to prominence to make 2025 as the year of (trumpets) Mohanlal, Lalettan. Lal is on a roll and his level of popularity as a vasool Raja is going to take a big effort by other stars to even come close. Why? Even as Empuraan 2 is on OTT, his latest hit Thudarum is going strong in theatres, delaying its OTT appearance. Lalettan’s team have just unveiled the first look of soon to release Hridayapoorvam, directed by Sathyan Anthikad, no pushover as a director of hits. Lalettan fans are giddy with anticipation for Hridayapoorvam. Malavika Mohanan, Sangeeth Parthap, Sangita, Siddique, SP Charan among others. Fans may recall that Lal has worked with Sathyan in numerous films, and this teaming up is after 10 years. Already Thudarum has swayed the audience (some say it’s another avatar of Drishyam) and word-of-mouth approval rating is high. Even as Lalettan is yet to feel the weight of adoration, two pan India films, Kannappa and Vrishaba have been announced. But the year-end bonanza for Mohan Lal fans is the film starring Mammootty, Boba, Fahad Fazil, Nayanthara , Revathi, Rajiv Menon and more. What more can an artist aspire for? Choice of directors, acceptable scripts and dedication to his craft have raised Mohan Lal to enviable heights. 2025 is definitely the year of Mohan Lal.
When two geniuses come together after a 38-year hiatus making Nayakan, director Mani Rathnam and hero Kamal Haasan have spared no gimmick to launch Thug Life as a money spinner hit. Suddenly cinematic audiences have turned analytical and critical of films both big budget and small chillar. It’s a guessing gambling game to predict what would draw crowds. So when the teasers and promos of Thug Life started, guesswork too sparked fast. Is it an anthology of earlier Rathnam hits? Nayakan, Thalapathi and other creative films that the audience lapped up? With June 5 set as release date, the first single song Jinguchan already rocked wedding sangeet. The entire marquee cast danced for Jinguchan. But it is the second song Sugar Baby which features heroine Trisha in a near item number (which slays Kamal with his cinematic penchant for steamy close ups) that has set off a viral fest…all kinds of reactions are pouring in. Not that the audience is averse to titillating scenes. But one wonders why use the heroine for such a raunchy number? The bigger controversy raging is the 30-year age gap between Kamal and Trisha and the song is appropriately named Sugar Baby as foil to Sugar Daddy? The next question is, what is Abirami doing in the film? Probably she is paired with Simbu but leaks of Kamal romancing Abirami too have made the rounds. Obviously, the piper calls the tune and Kamal in keeping with his status as Ulaga Nayakan has a love interest in both. The artistic genius of both director and lead have sketched out promos that keep the audience panting for the movie. Thug Life is expected to walk away with audience craze in slick story telling.
TVK chief Vijay is a confused man these days. He is also a man in a hurry. Add to this his confidence in his ability to draw and hold filmi crowds …the mix is overpowering. So, he pulls out all the rabbits from his magical hat …the annual 10th, 12th toppers prize giving event is making his cadres scramble like headless chickens. Of course, this year’s event is extra special, just like the Booth Committee organization event for which he has zeroed in on Cuddalore as the location as his followers have impressed on him that he has much popularity in North Tamil Nadu to show muscle. The choice of city for his mega public meet is next on his anvil. This time Vijay has set his sights on a 1000-acre site and his team is super busy scoping out sites that meet police, public and security regulations. Siruganoor is a popular choice. But overriding all these issues his immediate concerns is choosing an alliance partner. Some psephologists have predicted a TVK win and formation of government. Prashant Kishor has already told him to fight the 2026 poll alone. Now, his right hand and general secretary Bussy N Anand is of the view that no alliance is needed; he could opt for a rotating CMship with the partner. Aadav Arjun mildly says go for AIADMK but bargain for more seats. John Arogyasamy, yet another influencer says no need for alliance. But through all this back and forth, Vijay is hesitant about BJP leading an alliance. But inwardly Vijay is sceptical though happy and has bumped up the survey results to both DMK and AIADMK. Whistling in the dark?
It was in 2004 when the Tamil movie M. Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi pole-vaulted a vanilla hero to fame in Kollywood. Ravi Mohan, credited as Jayam Ravi (to identify his lineage with Jayam Productions), was signed for many a family theme film that had little violence but much sentiment and romance. Suddenly he announced that he would be known now as Ravi Mohan despite his 25 years established brand name – Jayam Ravi. Simultaneously, he said that he is separating from wife Aarti of 18 years and started divorce proceedings. Name change and wife change? Yes …Ravi Mohan confidently walked into the lavish wedding of Producer and Vel’s Group Chairman, Isari Ganesh’s daughter Preetha. What set off the jungle drums was Ravi and escort Kenisha Francis were twinning in identical cream coloured attire. This was the moment for Aarti to go into a public lament and tear fest…“I kept silent all these days not because I am weak, but for the sake of my 14 and 10 year old sons and their emotional well-being. But Ravi has not only abandoned his family, but his responsibility as a father”. Was this the moment when Ravi Mohan reminisced about his very first movie where his mother, played by gorgeous Nadia boldly takes on her role as single mother, even as husband abandons his family? Trolls apart, the real reasons for Ravi Mohan wanting a divorce are not out in the open …only veiled talk in social media about Aarti’s mother Sujatha Vijayakumar’s overwhelming influence on the marriage. Now that Ravi Mohan has openly brought out his new choice, the pending case should take its natural course. Ah! Kollywood and its filmi, fragile marriages.
This year’s Annual Met Gala at the NY Metropolitan Museum of Arts had many celebs from Hollywood and Bollywood flaunting their plumes and blinding the drooling audience with their bling and sass. One Indian actor invited much attention with her drop-dead gorgeous looks and her prominent baby bump. Kiara Advani dazzled and dazed those present, celebrating motherhood in unapologetic terms. Married to Sid Malhotra in 2023, Kiara didn’t think that her pregnant look was an impediment for a ramp walk. On the contrary, she was much appreciated for her panache with which she wore designer Gaurav Gupta’s bold outfit, décolletage and all. But wait, there was a fly in the ointment …there always is especially in the world of show fashion and haute celebrity. Did Kiara’s costume remind the fashionistas about Aishwarya Rai’s last year Cannes costume? The haute monde seemed to think so …Kiara got some trolls too. But hey, who cares …celebs like Aishwarya go on and on, like Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and the aged super stars of filmdom. Aishwarya has walked the Cannes ramp in many bizarre outfits …got trolled too. The fact is India and Indian celebs draw crowds globally…the Met Gala had Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Alia Bhatt striding stylishly with chic and panache. Kiara has arrived and plans to shine till the next Diva walks on her stilettos.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor cannot be ignored or intimidated even by his own party. But surprisingly his talents, communication and diplomatic skills are overlooked…deliberate or by accident? Tharoor’s felicity with English and his fluent communication is often dubbed intellectual arrogance. A recent interview with Al Arabia is bound to make the country look at him with awe and admiration. It is a lesson in non-partisan voice in a time of national crisis. Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs he has hit home the fact that the current conflict with Pakistan is India’s “calibrated response” to Pakistan’s repeated terrorist incursions. “India is not escalating, merely reacting with precision and restraint by hitting back at terrorist locations.” Pakistan is a master of denial …the most humiliating one when Osama Bin Laden was given sanctuary in Abbottabad. Tharoor further goes on to laud the term “Sindoor” and how appropriate it is in the context of the terror killing of a newly-wed man at Pahalgam …in one swoop , his wife’s as well as many other victim’s sindoor was wiped off. Why then is the Congress High Command not openly volunteering his talents as a global media mouthpiece to defend India’s stand? The BJP and especially Modi have extended their hand openly. At the Vizhinjam Port inauguration, Modi was all admiration for Tharoor’s presence. Is the tipping point at hand now? Whatever the political exigencies and ideology compulsions, a resource like Tharoor could well be harnessed for India’s benefit.
Tamil film superstar-turned politician Vijay’s public appearances for his TVK party and his election stump are turning into a circus due to the fans over enthusiasm and uncontrolled public show of admiration. But is this public display of admiration working against Vijay’s agenda? Climbing on vehicles, crowding around his caravan and surrounding him with bike riders who don’t seem to care for their own safety and the public became the talking point after Vijay’s two events at Coimbatore and Madurai. On April 26 and 27, crazy fans descended on the airport to receive him causing annoying inconvenience to other air travellers. It was meant to be a meet to organise booth committees. However much these staggering crowds made him ecstatic, Vijay seemed to run scared as he appealed to them to maintain discipline. In fact, some party bigwigs planned to ask for a higher level of security than the current Y security from the government. His trip to Madurai was no less nerve racking when he had to insistently appeal to the tailgating crowds…please don’t follow my caravan riding your bikes “you are not wearing helmets, security personnel are thwarted…we have to follow discipline.” But the way his caravan got dented, soon went viral on social media. Vijay was on his way to Kodaikanal by road to complete the shooting of Jananayaga (Peoples’Hero). Observers are openly saying that these followers are still in fan mode and that Vijay must get his political act together before proclaiming that 2026 will see TVK coming to power in TN.
Actor-Director-Producer M Sasikumar plays the lead role in the just released Tourist Family directed by 28-year old debutant Abishan Jeevinth. No wonder Jeevinth shed tears at the film’s release even as Sasikumar looked on indulgently and gently chided him …there will be many more from you. When the story was narrated, Sasikumar was told that the hero would play dad to a 16-year old. “Instinctively I knew no big hero would agree…instead the choice would be, eliminate the son or give me the 16-year olds role”. Sasi breezed into Tourist Family and led an impressive support cast comprising Simran, MS Bhaskar, Yogi Babu and others. The film has drummed up much word of mouth endorsement and praise. How does one deal with the subject of a Sri Lankan immigrant family? Abishan has brought in a fresh take on the subject. Sasi’s ambition was to launch at least 10 debutant directors…he is now on the 12th. At the same time he glides in as hero. Take Ayodhi for example, Sasikumar carried this movie on his shoulders but never sidelined the rest of the cast. What is his alchemy? If lungi clad Sasi were to stand near the tea shop and shoot the breeze with his friends, you would never swoop down on him as a film hero. His choice of subjects, treatment and performance makes us emote, laugh, cry, think and ruminate about humanitarian values. Even as Retro, Raid 2 and Kesari 2 openly vie for business …Tourist Family easily breezes through with no top heavy hero, jazzy treatment and over the top spend.
Film launches and releases are taking on novel and highly customised market promos. Naturally, with crores riding on success, all stakeholders pitch in their best. Suriya’s Retro, directed by Kartik Subburaj, slated for release on May 1 ensured all the bells and whistles…and more. Veteran South actor and Suriya’s dad, Sivakumar went on stage as a proud father and fan boy of his son. His over the top accolades for his son’s rise could be because Suriya is still recovering from the disaster of Kanguva and the team wanted to make the event eventful. Sivakumar said, Suriya was the first one to have six pack abs. Expectedly this got a spate of trolls as chiselled abs are nothing new in show business. But the way Sivakumar traced the rise and success journey of his son, it touched hearts. When both his sons – Suriya, Karthi – were teens the father had consulted an astro, who predicted a great presence for Suriya in the world of cinema. Sivakumar was nonplussed as Suriya hardly spoke four words in a day, he is so introverted and quiet. I think this soothsayer is “loose”. But things started gaining momentum when ace directors Vasanth and Mani Ratnam called Suriya for screen tests even as father pleaded with them not to raise high hopes. Mani Ratnam’s film Nerukku Ner was a hit. A still from that movie made Ratnam say “those eyes will give sleepless nights to female fans”. Yes, like all stars Suriya too had his ups and downs. But his place as a reliable hero and bankable star is assured. Retro may vault him back.
TRENDS & VIEWS
Editor’s Note: Short Post Noticed By People Who Matter
Four years have zipped by and we are crossing another milestone on 31st January 2025 – it’s our 4th Anniversary. It feels good.
Looking back at the 1460 days, I must say Short Post has made its mark with people who matter via 4000 stories published in the areas of politics, business, entertainment and sports. All made possible by the unflinching commitment and dedication of our senior editors, most of whom have been part of this journey from Day One.
Small pack, big impact is in essence the story of Short Post which was launched at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. It shows our conviction. In all humility, I can say, we have created a new niche in the news segment space like Hindustan Unilever which created a new segment, when it launched CloseUp Gel.
Yes, we have created a brand (in a limited sense), created demand (readers) and created supply (senior journalists). But we are facing teething problems like all start-ups. What makes us happy and confident is the recognition of our efforts. For instance, we have an arrangement with the OPEN Magazine, part of the $4.5 billion Kolkata-based Sanjiv Goenka-RPG Group. This arrangement sees around 10 Short Post stories posted on OPEN Magazine website every week. This arrangement is testimony that our content has been well received! Also, I may add that the Maharashtra government has recognised Short Post and has allowed our senior editor to cover the Assembly sessions. Ditto: Odisha.
Our goal is to ensure that Short Post becomes a habit. I would like people to keep checking their smartphones to know the latest Authentic Gossip. As regards AI and the fear of it disrupting all businesses including media. On that, personally, I have no such fear as I am confident AI cannot smell news particularly Authentic Gossip. That’s the place we are well entrenched.