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In a week’s time, that’s next Sunday on February 23, the world of cricket would swing to the passions reflected across India and Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy. The clash between the arch rivals in cricket will be a sell out with every seat at the Dubai International Stadium, where the expatriates will shell out thousands of Dirhams and create an electrifying atmosphere. Seventeen months ago, a near full house at the Narendra Modi Stadium rooted for the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team against Pakistan in the ICC World Cup. India which won that match was the host of the World Cup and Pakistan travelled to Ahmedabad for the marquee event. The Pakistan Cricket board (PCB) being the host of the ICC Champions Trophy, believed India would travel across the border to give the local fans — either in Lahore or Karachi — a real experience of a high-octane tension filled match, but the BCCI, not allowed by the government of India, refused to send its team to Pakistan — citing security concerns — and India’s group matches were scheduled in Dubai. An India-Pakistan contest in any sport is an extraordinary event by itself, but one between the cricketers of the two countries is truly uplifting to the millions of fans of the country that wins the contest. Eight years ago Pakistan downed India by 180 runs in the Champions Trophy final at ‘The Oval’ in London. Pakistan holds a 3-2 edge in the Champions Trophy and 73-57 edge overall in ODIs, but it’s 2-0 for India in Dubai with Rohit Sharma totalling 317 runs in five matches with a high of an unbeaten 111 against Pakistan in the 2018 Asia Cup.
Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district seems to be on the radar of corporate India. Two big projects, an iron ore, and a steel plant, involving huge investment is expected to transform this naxal-infested belt forever. Sajjan Jindal promoted JSW Group is setting up a 25 million tonne steel plant – world’s largest — by investing Rs 1 trillion over next seven to eight years. Helping the steel plant with regular supply of iron ore is B Prabhakaran-promoted Thriveni Sainik Mining. This company is a prominent player in the coal mining sector with a capacity to deliver 15 MTPA of coal. Coming to iron ore, Thriveni has entered into an agreement with Mukesh Gupta-promoted Lloyds Metals and Energy as Lloyds was granted a 50-year iron ore mining lease in 2007 for 348 hectares at Surajgarh Village. This area is known to have a major iron ore reserve. It may be recalled that Gupta was a high-profile businessman in the nineties running a clutch of companies from steel to real estate to pharma. Thriveni which got into play in 2021 after being appointed MDO or Mine Developer and Operator has already produced over 3 MTPA and plans to produce 25 MTPA iron ore. Sometimes back, Thriveni Group was in the news not because its promoter Prabhakaran was arrested over his role in a mining scam but, because the Union minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw before entering politics was a director in Prabhakaran-promoted iron ore company Thriveni Pellets Pvt Ltd set up in 2019.
Nine years after the Left Democratic Front (LDF) headed by Pinarayi Vijayan blocked the then ruling UDF’s plan to allow private universities into Kerala, the LDF has had a change of heart. “The government’s latest decision is in sync with changing times,” says Higher Education Minister, R Bindu. Any agency which has experience and credibility can apply to set up a University provided it deposits Rs 25 crore as corpus money and also has the requisite land as per regulatory agency. In case the proposed Private University is a multi-campus varsity, then at least 10 acres of land is required. The government’s move is to ensure that Malayali students remain in Kerala. As per a joint study by Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation (GIFT) and Centre for Development Studies (CDS), nearly 50.8% of Malayali students migrate to neighbouring Karnataka alone for higher studies. Though the government has indicated that the new policy has attracted many institutions/universities, it is too early to predict how things will play out due to certain stiff parameters included in the proposal. They include 40% seat reservation for permanent residents of Kerala and that SC/ST students have to be provided scholarships and fee concessions. The LDF government has also indicated that its nominees — Higher Education Secretary and another Department Secretary should be nominated in the Private University’s governing council. And if this is not enough intervention, the state government will have a nominee as member of the University’s executive council and three nominees in the academic council. It will also comply with directions of regulatory agencies regarding appointment of Vice Chancellors and faculty members. Initial indications are that the Azim Premji University and another Gulf-based institution with the blessings of the promoter of Lulu hyper-market chain, M A Yusuff Ali, have indicated their interest.
The Union Home Ministry’s decision to grant actor-politician Vijay, the chief of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), ‘Y’ category security in Tamil Nadu has stirred the political pot. Sources said while the security was accorded after an internal security audit by the Intelligence Bureau, it has prompted a sharp reaction from the AIADMK, which suspected that the BJP would use the security cover to get the newbie politician to its side at a time when it is planning a grand alliance with TVK and the Congress for next year’s assembly elections. It may seem the Centre’s security decision is being over analysed. But sources say the Congress is already under pressure from AIADMK to change its TN president ahead of the assembly polls as he is being viewed as too close to the DMK, post Erode assembly by-elections. Meanwhile, it is felt Vijay may accept the security cover as it will be helpful in managing the crowd during his public engagement as a politician. AIADMK functionaries however are unconvinced that the Centre’s decision was merely a security decision. Strongly backing the Centre’s decision to give Vijay ‘Y’ security cover, TN BJP chief K Annamalai pointed out that the Central government had given CRPF security to Opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, regardless of whether the AIADMK was in alliance with the BJP or not. He pointed out that similarly the central government had given ‘Y’ security to Vijay. “The reason that Vijay is not able to meet the public is because of the huge crowds.” He also wanted to know why the DMK government in the state had not come forward to give Vijay this sort of security.
The recent release of Chaava, featuring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, has ignited significant discussions around the intersection of art and political scrutiny in India. While the film has garnered considerable buzz and attention at the box office, it has also faced backlash from various political groups, often dubbed as the “moral police.” This scrutiny particularly intensified around a promotional song featuring a traditional lezim dance that depicted the historical figure Sambhaji Maharaj in a manner some deemed inappropriate. Critics argued that the portrayal of the king dancing was historically inaccurate and disrespectful, prompting Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant to advocate for a review by historians to preserve the dignity of the Sambhaji Maharaj. In response to this pressure, director Laxman Utekar met with political leader Raj Thackeray and ultimately decided to remove the contentious scene. This incident reflects a growing trend where political entities feel entitled to intervene in Bollywood productions, raising concerns about the freedom of expression for artists. This pattern is not new; previous controversies, such as the uproar over the song “Besharam Rang” from Pathaan and the backlash against the song “Malhari” from Jodha Akbar which faced criticism for its use of the phrase “Vaat Laavli,” underscore the inconsistent responses from the industry and authorities. Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his grand historical narratives, has frequently found himself at odds with political outfits, from Jodha Akbar to Padmaavat to Gangubai Kathiawadi. This trend illustrates a troubling reality where the creative landscape is increasingly shaped by political agendas, often at the expense of artistic integrity and historical representation. As the lines between art and politics blur, it raises critical questions about the future of creative freedom in India.
In Tamil Nadu, the Dravidian major AIADMK is going through a minor crisis of confidence with a senior member in Sengottaiyan staying away from an event that felicitated the party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS). The former minister explained it away saying he was told there would be no portraits of party founder MGR and his protégé J Jayalalithaa at the venue and the party explained it away by saying the event was by a federation of farmers. The minor misunderstanding alone is not, however, what the leader and former chief minister EPS is facing. He is deprecated as the ‘dubbing voice’ of the BJP by TN chief minister MK Stalin and assailed every day by those who he had forced out of the party like TTV Dhinakaran of the Sasikala clan. While Palaniswami may be forced to accept that to go with the BJP in the Assembly elections of 2026 could be the only option given the scattered vote share of the Opposition, he is being offered an olive branch by the ousted former chief minister O Panneerselvam (OPS) who now senses an opportunity to call for unifying all forces so the party may regain the strength of old and be a force to be reckoned with in the state. OPS is now saying he is willing to patch up and return even with EPS as chief. provided fair elections are held soon with all party members allowed to vote for their chief. Meanwhile, word has come in that political advisers are saying that only a front against the ruling DMK with AIADMK, BJP and Vijay’s fledgling TVK could fancy its chances of downing the ruling party.
Maharashtra keeps proving that there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics. So, the BJP which had launched a vociferous diatribe against Ajit Pawar’s Dhananjay Munde in Beed through its local legislator Suresh Dhas there, suddenly mediated a peace meet between them signalling de-escalations in political tensions on that front. Maharashtra reeled in a shock when Dhas admitted to dropping in to check up on Munde’s health following a surgery after spending weeks accusing his aides of extortion and murder. Uddhav too has started warming up to BJP chief minister Devendra Fadnavis prompting talks of a BJP-Sena alliance after calling each other names like Fadtus and Kadtus to each other. Fadnavis though met up with his cousin Raj Thackeray sparking talks of BJP aligning with him. Uddhav’s bete noire Eknath Shinde, on the other hand, displayed signs of warming up to Sharad Pawar. Sharad Pawar played a masterstroke by publicly felicitating Shinde, praising him and clearly dropping out Uddhav Thackeray from his books like a hot potato. Shinde these days is already having an upper hand with Operation Tiger; he intends to poach Uddhav’s three MPs. Ajit Pawar has already started attending events with the senior Pawar on the dais sparking talks of both the NCP factions warming up to each other. Amidst all these shifts and readjustments, probably to gear up for the forthcoming local body polls, the Congress is the only party which finds itself left lonely to nurse its wounds all alone.
The silent war for supremacy claims between Rajini and Vijay’s fans has been smouldering for a few years now. Vijay has conquered that top slot in box office status which Rajini and Kamal shared. Who is the highest paid actor is the bone of contention…obviously the commercial success of Vijay’s formula padded high-octane films is hard to ignore, harder not to acknowledge it. Recently, it took an ugly turn when the X (formerly Twitter) handle of Rajini fan clubs carried an unsavoury threat to Vijay. The plan was to chuck rotten eggs at Vijay in his political meetings. The rotten eggs were to be sourced at bulk rates from Namakkal. This audio caused a major flutter and Rajini’s PR mouthpiece condemned the plan. “A genuine fan of our Thalaivar would never think of such base actions. Mutual respect for fans is what we profess. Don’t make cinema a divisive force”. Another distasteful event had preceded this one on February 7 when Ajith’s long-awaited Vidaamuyarchi hit the screens. Suddenly at the Nellai’s Ram theatre, a bunch of diehard Vijay fans and newly minted party acolytes came, waving TVK flags and matching swag to impress the crowd about their leader. A few Ajith fans caught hold of the enthusiasts and thrashed them, saying you want to watch a movie, do so without pomp and flag fare. Even when celebrity stars don’t resort to cheap publicity, the fan clubs bring a bad reputation. And when cine glitz transforms into politics, the stakes are higher.
Aadav Arjuna, son in law of lottery king Santiago Martin, convinced poll strategist and founder of Jan Suraaj Prashant Kishor to meet actor Vijay at his Neelankarai residence. During the meeting, it is learnt, Kishor talked about forging an omnibus alliance in Tamil Nadu – Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), AIADMK and the BJP. The meeting that lasted over two hours left the media and watchers agog with curiosity and questions. TVK commands 20% of the votes in TN, a figure that Prashant is said to have spoken about to mainline media as well as podcasters. “My two-hour meeting has set 2000 kites flying with their own versions,” said Prashant. It was said that Prashant who visited Vijay as a friend has spelt out the dos and don’ts. He has set out three commandments. First suggestion, his exhortation to TVK and Vijay build up the party to reach every nook and corner. Cinema can only go so far in providing optics. The second commandment, TVK was recently started and does not have enough time to build a full-scale infrastructure in the short time before 2026 hustings. It is not possible to stand alone and hope to fight elections without the support of a strong alliance. The third one is seen as most strategic. In 2017 DMK was almost reborn after a 10-year Vanvas but it had seamlessly worked with alliances that stood the test of time. So instead of fighting a monolith coalition, try to wean away the unhappy B Listers. For now, Kishor has just thrown the bait …it was obvious that TVK and Vijay were working, planning and converting every chance into an opportunity. And now with the Centre’s Y security status accorded to Vijay, he is already in the chosen list.
There is no dearth of one sensational turn after another in Maharashtra politics over the past three months. Ever since the state assembly election results came out in November, the polity has been in upheaval. The latest such development is firebrand leader Chhagan Bhujbal’s obeisance to RSS top leader Bhayyaji Joshi. Of and on attacking the Sangh Parivar, Bhujbal had nurtured his image as a secular follower of NCP founder Sharad Pawar. Many observers recalled how Bhujbal was the first to split the Shiv Sena in 1991 when Balasaheb Thackeray was at the height of his popularity. The issue was Thackeray’s refusal to accept the Mandal Commission report. Again, it was Bhujbal who was among the top disciples of Pawar to join the newly-floated NCP in 1999. He rose to become Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister. The recent vertical split in the NCP found Bhujbal joining the faction led by Ajit Pawar and many of his closest workers were astounded. In a recent surprising turn, Bhujbal was not accommodated in the cabinet formed by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. He had publicly lamented that Fadnavis wished to make him a minister but Ajit had stalled the move. Owing to such happenings, there is a whispering campaign to suggest that Bhujbal is on his way to join the BJP. He himself has never discounted this possibility. On top of this, Bhujbal’s unreserved praise of Bhayyaji at a Ram temple in Niphad in Nasik district a couple of days ago has once again heightened suspense about his next move.
The recent release of Chaava, featuring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, has ignited significant discussions around the intersection of art and political scrutiny in India. While the film has garnered considerable buzz and attention at the box office, it has also faced backlash from various political groups, often dubbed as the “moral police.” This scrutiny particularly intensified around a promotional song featuring a traditional lezim dance that depicted the historical figure Sambhaji Maharaj in a manner some deemed inappropriate. Critics argued that the portrayal of the king dancing was historically inaccurate and disrespectful, prompting Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant to advocate for a review by historians to preserve the dignity of the Sambhaji Maharaj. In response to this pressure, director Laxman Utekar met with political leader Raj Thackeray and ultimately decided to remove the contentious scene. This incident reflects a growing trend where political entities feel entitled to intervene in Bollywood productions, raising concerns about the freedom of expression for artists. This pattern is not new; previous controversies, such as the uproar over the song “Besharam Rang” from Pathaan and the backlash against the song “Malhari” from Jodha Akbar which faced criticism for its use of the phrase “Vaat Laavli,” underscore the inconsistent responses from the industry and authorities. Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his grand historical narratives, has frequently found himself at odds with political outfits, from Jodha Akbar to Padmaavat to Gangubai Kathiawadi. This trend illustrates a troubling reality where the creative landscape is increasingly shaped by political agendas, often at the expense of artistic integrity and historical representation. As the lines between art and politics blur, it raises critical questions about the future of creative freedom in India.
The silent war for supremacy claims between Rajini and Vijay’s fans has been smouldering for a few years now. Vijay has conquered that top slot in box office status which Rajini and Kamal shared. Who is the highest paid actor is the bone of contention…obviously the commercial success of Vijay’s formula padded high-octane films is hard to ignore, harder not to acknowledge it. Recently, it took an ugly turn when the X (formerly Twitter) handle of Rajini fan clubs carried an unsavoury threat to Vijay. The plan was to chuck rotten eggs at Vijay in his political meetings. The rotten eggs were to be sourced at bulk rates from Namakkal. This audio caused a major flutter and Rajini’s PR mouthpiece condemned the plan. “A genuine fan of our Thalaivar would never think of such base actions. Mutual respect for fans is what we profess. Don’t make cinema a divisive force”. Another distasteful event had preceded this one on February 7 when Ajith’s long-awaited Vidaamuyarchi hit the screens. Suddenly at the Nellai’s Ram theatre, a bunch of diehard Vijay fans and newly minted party acolytes came, waving TVK flags and matching swag to impress the crowd about their leader. A few Ajith fans caught hold of the enthusiasts and thrashed them, saying you want to watch a movie, do so without pomp and flag fare. Even when celebrity stars don’t resort to cheap publicity, the fan clubs bring a bad reputation. And when cine glitz transforms into politics, the stakes are higher.
In Bollywood a new trend is emerging. The traditional approach of the big launch of star kids via big screen is history. For instance, Saif Ali Khan’s son Ibrahim Ali Khan’s debut film Nadaaniyan will be released on Netflix with the usual marketing drive. According to film historian Dilip Thakur, “Gone are the days when big launches would happen for newcomers or star kids; the last big launch was that of Hrithik Roshan…that was 25 years ago.” There is not going to be any superstar with the advent of OTT culture and GenNext seems okay with it. Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor’s film Loveyapa is their first theatrical release; both have already made their debut on OTT with Maharaj and The Archies. Junaid’s father Aamir Khan is going around promoting them. Unlike Janhvi kapoor, Khushi had a rather quiet launch with The Archies but her acting prowess was noticed. Both are somewhere sure that they have been accepted and therefore fine with it. Thakur says the business of cinema is all about the first weekend and that the game is over unless it is Pushpa or a Pathaan. Besides the exposure to OTT is more than the cinema and only spectacles are going to work in cinemas and the generation next knows it and is practical about it. Hypothetically, if they don’t make their cut in acting, the paparazzi culture has already made them influencers so they will be around in some form connected with Bollywood.
The re-release of Sanam Teri Kasam, a 2016 romantic drama starring debutants Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane,has been surrounded by an intriguing wave of drama and fanfare. Recently, a passionate group of fans gathered outside the office of producer Deepak Mukut, accompanied by actor Harshvardhan Rane, fervently urging him to re-release the film. In a surprising turn of events, Mukut not only confirmed the film’s re-release but also announced a sequel, generating significant buzz in the industry. Initially launched to lacklustre box office performance, Sanam Teri Kasam was deemed a disaster upon its first release. However, the film’s soundtrack, featuring hit songs, kept it alive in conversations, gradually transforming it into a cult favorite. Now, with its re-release across 400 to 500 screens, Sanam Teri Kasam finds itself in direct competition with two fresh titles: Loveyappa, starring Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor, and Himesh Reshammiya’s Badass Ravi Kumar. Interestingly, while both new films struggled to make a significant impact at the box office, Sanam Teri Kasam has shown promising advance bookings, leading many exhibitors to consider increasing its showtimes over the weekend. This resurgence is particularly noteworthy for a film that was initially dismissed, highlighting a curious trend in the industry where previously overlooked content receives a second chance. Adding to the irony, the film’s popular music was composed by Himesh Reshammiya, who is simultaneously competing with his own project, underscoring the unpredictable nature of audience preferences and the evolving landscape of Bollywood.
In recent times, Bollywood has seen a noticeable shift, with many newcomers struggling to leave a lasting impression on audiences. This decline can be traced back to a variety of factors, including the selection of projects that fail to resonate with viewers. Gone are the days when iconic films like Betaab, which introduced Sunny Deol or Rocky which launched Sanjay Dutt, captivated audiences and launched the careers of these stars. So too Jackie Shroff with Hero. In contrast, today’s newcomers like Suraj Pancholi, Siddhant Kapoor and Sasha Agha find themselves lost in films that do not provide them with the platform to showcase their talents effectively. The recent film Azaad featuring Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani serves as a case in point. Aaman Devgn, nephew of Ajay Devgn has struggled to make a significant impact, while Raveena Tandon’s daughter Rasha Thadani managed to capture some attention with her performance. Many of the films do not offer the newcomers a fair opportunity to shine; often focusing more on star power than on storytelling. For instance, in Azaad, the narrative centres around the titular horse rather than the lead pair, which diminishes the impact of the human characters. This misalignment can lead to a lack of engagement from the audience, making it difficult for the actors to connect with viewers. Aaman’s performance, despite being camera-friendly, lacks the emotional depth and histrionics that are often necessary to truly engage the audience. In contrast, Rasha stands out with her strong screen presence and impressive dance moves, showcasing a talent that could potentially elevate her career. Ultimately, even when a film does not resonate with audiences, a standout performance can create opportunities for newcomers to prove themselves.
Armed with a landslide majority in Maharashtra, the BJP, it is learnt, is now strongly pushing its coalition partners up against the wall. Not only has it launched a strong attack against Ajit Pawar’ party deputy leader Dhananjay Munde but it is keeping Eknath Shinde on the edge too. While the knives have been sharpened against controversial minister Dhananjay Munde demanding his resignation for the alleged involvement of his aide in the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. Munde and his party have been resisting and fighting it against all odds. While Ajit Pawar may have strongly backed Munde for now, he realises that the BJP may not stop at him and could launch fresh salvo against his other deputies. Hence, Pawar has directed his men to maintain a clean slate and even demanded that freshers be vetted before giving entry in his party. His contemporary, Eknath Shinde too is not having it easy with BJP ministers like Ganesh Naik eyeing his Thane stronghold and launching a worker engagement campaign clearly with an eye on the forthcoming local body polls. While Shinde chose to brush aside concerns, his workers have threatened to do a quid pro quo by launching similar exercises in BJP’s constituencies. Shinde did not attend the cabinet meeting last week, while Munde is believed to have left mid-way. The BJP strategy seems to be to keep the coalition partners constantly on the edge.
The year 1952 saw the release of a cult movie and a classic coming together of two names that shaped Dravidian cinema indelibly. A talented writer from Thirukkuvalai …the indomitable M Karunanidhi (DMK founder) and a firebrand actor who set the template for Tamil cinema…Sivaji Ganesan. These two cinema debutants made Parasakthi, an evergreen movie still remembered by connoisseurs of this powerful medium. Suddenly, Parasakthi is in the news. Two Kollywood producers are claiming the title Parasakthi. Vijay Antony (actor-producer-director-music director) claims that his 25th movie under production, Sakti Thirumagan has been already registered as Parasakthi for its Telugu version in July 2024. His posters were splashed on X. Imagine the shock that Town Pictures and avant garde director Sudha Kongara got on hearing that their Sivakarthikeyan’s 25th film Parasakthi has an ostensible me too. This was no filmi coincidence. A high decibel legal battle is being averted by Akash Bhaskaran, emissary of Kongara who met Antony to resolve the issue. AVM Pictures also endorsed that the title was given to Kongara’s team and all concerned were just heaving a sigh of relief. Then for Kongara trouble came from an entirely unexpected quarter. The legal heirs of Perumal Mudaliar, National Pictures, original Parasakthi producers decided to digitalise the 1952 hit and re-release it. This claims that the Krishnan Panju directed original has allotted only distribution rights to AVN for a few areas, that no other house could use the title. Avowedly, the Sivaji craze and the Kalaignar charisma guarantee big crowds.
The perception that January is a challenging month for the film industry is not without merit. Historically, this month has often been viewed as a “jinx” for film releases, primarily due to the post-holiday dynamics that affect audience behaviour and box office performance. As people transition from the festive season to their regular routines, several factors contribute to the underperformance of films released in January. Films released in December often enjoy extended viewership due to the holiday season, leaving little room for new releases. Several films released in January have struggled to resonate with audiences, reinforcing the notion that this month is not ideal for cinematic success. For instance, Chhapak, which was released in January 2020, faced challenges at the box office despite its critical acclaim and social relevance. Similarly, in January 2023, films like Fighter and Mai Atal Hu failed to garner the expected audience turnout, highlighting a consistent trend of underwhelming performances during this month. The recent January releases, such as Emergency, featuring Kangana Ranaut, and Fateh, starring Sonu Sood, also struggled to find traction despite significant promotional efforts. This pattern suggests that even with star power and marketing campaigns, films released in January may face an uphill battle to attract viewers. Given the historical challenges associated with January releases, filmmakers and studios may need to reconsider their marketing and timing strategies. To mitigate the risks associated with January releases, studios could explore alternative strategies, such as targeting specific demographics or leveraging unique marketing campaigns that resonate with the post-holiday mindset. As the film industry continues to evolve, understanding the dynamics of audience behaviour and timing will be crucial for maximizing box office potential.
On Republic Day, Vijay’s last film’s title and first look were announced — Jana Nayagan (hero of the masses) cracking a whip with the tagline Naan Aanai Ittal. Besotted MGR fans, even 37 years later were intended to be captivated hook, line and sinker by this iconic song and MGR’s cult charisma. TN’s DNA is conjoined twins — cinema and politics, a predictable, popular combo that has enthralled the cinema hungry and politics punched denizens of this state. Vijay who floated his party TVK in 2024 to harvest the votes in 2026 has it all planned. Or so it seems. This popular actor was launched by his father S A Chandrasekhar in 1984. After 68 films, Vijay now considers himself worthy of the crossover to TN’s throne, a charismatic Lord of the rings. There was a time when Vijay cannily shifted his MGR style to clone superstar Rajinikanth … .action, style and mass appeal, of course with a watchful eye on the box office take. If imitation is the best form of flattery, then it has to be acknowledged that Vijay reaped rich rewards in terms of fan following. So his last film is planned to carry a significant payload…MGR’s legacy as the cult Samaritan, forever ready to wipe the tears of the poor and pull them up from mired poverty. For which Vijay needs power, endorsement and legitimacy. He has carefully trained his virulent guns on the DMK so far, not pricking the AIADMK. Soothsayers say, at best he can divide and divert votes from both the behemoths. Can Vijay take an MGR incarnation?
Ajith Kumar, Tamil films gentle hero, is often praised for his courteous behaviour and helpful nature; he will help any needy person in the film world. Even when the competitive race between him and superstar Vijay heated up, raising the stakes for the most bankable, he kept his cool and did not resort to cheap gimmicks for publicity. In fact, his huge fan following gave him the sobriquet, Thala, a leader worthy of worship. The scripts he chose reflected his humane attitude and realistic expectations in the world of make believe. Even though his film Vidaamuyarchi was much delayed, Ajith believed in his director Magizh Thirumeni’s ability to bring the film to the cinemas. And February 6 will showcase this Ajith-Trisha starrer. No wonder Thirumeni at an event in Kochi to release the teaser of Mohanlal’s film Lucifer’s sequel said, “I am fortunate to be yet another person in need of help at the right time. Proud to say that Ajith held my hand and believed in my skill”. But what Regina Cassandra, a co-star of Ajith says is even more commendable. She says Ajith is a doer not a talker and does everything that has an impact. Unlike Vijay, he abhors politics. He has passion for car racing and his team won third place at the popular 24H Dubai 2025. A man with military discipline was recently awarded the Padma Bhushan.
As the year begins, the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India (FCTWEI) finds itself at the centre of a fresh controversy in Tollywood. Reports suggest that director Kaushik Ganguly’s upcoming film has encountered hurdles with the Federation, raising concerns about whether the shooting will commence as scheduled. Sources indicate that the shoot for Kaushik’s new project was set to begin on January 27 in North Bengal, however, complications over crew members have allegedly created friction between the director and the Federation. Rumours have also surfaced suggesting that the Federation has “blacklisted” Kaushik. This follows past disputes between Tollywood directors and the Federation, tracing back to July of last year, when director Rahul Mukhopadhyay faced a similar standoff, leading to the suspension of his Puja film’s shoot. Rahul’s case escalated tensions between the Federation and the Directors’ Guild, which was later mitigated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after her intervention. Meanwhile director Joydeep Mukhopadhyay is facing similar issues as he prepares to start filming later this month. However, director Arindam Sil has got the green signal from the Federation even though he was suspended by the director’s guild over sexual harassment issue. Talk about selective treatment. Another layer to this controversy involves Federation President Swaroop Biswas’ earlier comments on workplace harassment. Last year, he claimed that 60% of directors faced allegations of sexual misconduct, coinciding with the city’s outcry over the rape and murder of a young doctor. Now, it is learnt that TMC minister Aroop Biswas, brother of Swaroop Biswas, might intervene to resolve the matter.
Vignettes from the greatest devotional gathering on earth are flowing in by the minute. Even social media enthusiasts are unable to keep up with the variety and speed with which scenes and stories are sprouting from the Maha Kumbh. Imagine the absolute stunning effect a 16-year old gorgeous girl had on all those who sighted her, selling bead necklaces in the surging crowd in Prayagraj. Meet Monalisa Bhosle from Indore, who had come with her family to pitch their tent and peddle bead necklaces and garlands, hoping to make a decent take from the huge crowd looking for bric a brac and mementos to carry home. Instead most stood transfixed by this girl’s dusky chocolate complexion and her unusual coloured eyes, her grace and absolute spontaneity in peddling her beads. She quickly turned into a sensation — crowds started milling around her, photos clicked by the hundreds, podcasts even more profuse. Monalisa Bhosle quickly retreated into her shell, overwhelmed by the attention and focus on her, she was not used to. Her father went a step further and packed her off to Indore fearing fame flooding his female offspring and the potential for trouble. Monalisa had only an unusual name for fame. It has started…the kite fliers who spread all kinds of news. Monalisa was whisked to a beauty parlour to transform her. There was talk about her playing second lead to Jahanvi Kapoor in a movie led by Ram Charan. If this were to happen, definitely a game changer for the Menaka of Mahakumbh. She came, she stood, and she transfixed all spotting her.
Just like efforts to tie-up helter-skelter loose ends of a plot to reach the climax, film promo events offer chances to hit back at those who failed you. In Need. Tamil film’s classy director Gautham Vasudev Menon found just such a moment. It was his promo for the Mammootty starring Dominic And The Ladies’ Purse, a pink Panther like detective theme. Menon could not control his angst as he poured out “would it have made a difference for Suriya if he had acted in Dhruva Natchathiram as originally planned?” He reminded Suriya about the two hits Kaakha Kaakha and Vaaranam Aayiram that marked turning points in Suriya’s filmograph. With Surya’s exit, Dhruva Natchathiram then passed on to Vikram but some financial glitches delayed the film inordinately, though Menon was gung ho about its release, soon. So why was he tying up seemingly disconnected loose ends now? The release of Vishal starrer Madh Gaja Raja (after a 12-year delay for ditto reasons) and its runaway success buoyed up Menon, appreciably. So what if Suriya went out of the film? Lead actors are replaced many a time. And the Kanguva failure would have taught Suriya many a lesson…cinema is more often misses than hits. Just as Suriya is investing all his resources in Retro, Dhruva Natchathiram will shine like the Pole Star, says a confident Menon.
1st May 2025 is the release date of Kartik Subburaj’s Stone Bench Productions and Suriya’s 2 D Studios of their movie Retro. After the disaster of Kanguva, it’s widely talked about that Suriya must recover the lost ground via this new release directed by Subburaj himself. Suriya, it is learnt, was not keen to take any chance experimenting with new themes and avant garde story lines. Is that why they have hit upon the title Retro? The movie title is a bit mystifying and quaint for a romantic and action-filled movie whose teaser has set Suriya’s fans gushing over his talent for romance and action, a throwback to his highly acclaimed Kaakha Kaakha, Singam sequels, Pitamagan and Soorarai Pottru. Obviously, the team is not taking any chances. Suriya’s eager fans are rooting for a hit. Retro has to shine, shake and sell in the time frame when Ajith’s Good Bad Ugly and Dhanush’s much touted Idly Kadai will also draw eager fans to cinemas. Whatever the commercial and critical outcome, Suriya, Dhanush, Sivakarthikeyan are targeting that space left vacant by Vijay and Ajith. Vijay has launched his own political party. Ajith is getting more involved in racing events as he has launched his own team. He recently won third place at the popular 24H Dubai 2025 race and caused a flutter when his car did a top spin after hitting a barricade. Seasoned actor that he is, Suriya knows the intricacies of unravelling a story and living his role as the mainstay. Who can predict…Retro might bring back the 90s and millennial styles.
The suicide of Chandramouli Biswas, former bassist of the renowned Bengali band “Fossils”, has not only left Bengal’s music fraternity in shock but also opened a Pandora’s box about the challenges faced by Bengali musicians. Biswas was found hanging in his Kolkata residence and suicide note suggest the artist was battling depression. Sidhu, a member of the iconic band “Cactus,” lamented the lack of infrastructure in Bengal’s independent music scene. He noted that while the film industry has producers and structured promotion systems, independent musicians struggle to gain visibility. According to him, radio stations no longer play Bengali songs, and decisions about playlists are made by offices in Mumbai, sidelining local artists. Eminent singer Raghav Chattopadhyay added that the supply of music far exceeds the demand where gaining recognition in the music industry has become unpredictable, with some talented musicians struggling for opportunities while others achieve overnight fame without formal training. Another concern highlighted by contemporary musician Debdeep Mukhopadhyay is the lack of respect for instrumentalists. Chandramouli, according to his bandmate Mahul Chakraborty, was working on a new project, “Golok,” with plans to release an album before focusing on live performances. However, the lack of a producer and promotional support made the journey challenging. The lack of sustainable opportunities and acknowledgment for musicians has raised broader questions about the state of Bengal’s music industry. While legendary bands like “Fossils,” “Cactus,” and “Chandrabindu” paved the way, newer bands struggled to gain traction. The disparity between the thriving demand for international performances in Kolkata and the stagnation of local talent underscores the industry’s challenges.
Come to think of it, one does not really see yesteryear popular stars like Reena Roy or Jaya Prada getting publicity…save for some guest appearances on reality shows. The same cannot be said of the 70-year old husky sexy popular star Rekha. From time to time she is visible in the social media space and makes dramatic appearances at the big event. The paparazzi loves her because she has struck a good chemistry with them…goes that extra mile to pose for them. But ironically, she is not friendly with any journalists. That’s why you only see her…don’t read her interview. An insider said, “She is a costly affair when she agrees to participate in an event or award function and goes into details like Amitabh Bachchan.” Rekha who has acted in more than 180 films is nostalgic, mystical and continues to have a big draw wherever she goes. Just recently she was spotted at Raj Kapoor’s 100th birthday celebration. Here too the actress pleased all the paps… even gave a photo of Raj Kapoor sweet kiss. Sources say she is keen to get back to acting. Any Bollywood producers listening?
Old timers may still reminisce about that 1964 runaway Tamil comedy hit, Kadhalikka Neramillai. Tamil audience is in for yet another namesake of this film, Kadhalikka Neramillai, directed by Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi, wife of Tamil Nadu deputy CM, to be distributed by husband’s Red Giant Movies. So when the film’s cute heroine Nithya Menen said in the music promo and trailer event, “I just don’t like the filmi world I am in. Just when I decided to quit and look for another career (pilot), destiny dropped the National Award for best female lead in Thiruchitrambalam, in my lap”. An award she richly deserves. Even as she goes from strength to strength as a bankable actress, she wonders why she continues … .no freedom to move, an image to be kept up. How many aspiring leading ladies would happily exchange places with her! Nithya comes from an agnostic family based in Bengaluru. But now she strongly believes that there is a “supreme power and destiny that presides over our lives”. She admits that she has turned into a believer. Is she practising the essence of Gita philosophy? Do your duty to the best of your ability, be detached and don’t depend on outcomes. She is sought after in all South Indian languages, delivers the best that a character demands. Her all-time favourite is the 2023 Kolaambi. O Kadhal Kanmani brought her many accolades. This sparkling lady is sure to find “kadhalikka neram” soon.
Sundar C’s Madh Gaja Raja, a project in the works for 12 long years is at last ready for release this Pongal. As if its jinxed image and optics were not enough to tarnish a good entertainer, hero Vishal attended the promo and audio launch event with high viral fever…a pitiable sight to watch his hands and voice trembling as he took the mic. MC Divya Dharshini had the presence of mind to make him sit along with Sundar, the Director and other members of the film unit. It was enough fodder for a news hungry social media and trolls to go after his reputation, and level all kinds of surmises. Vishal made his debut in 2004 with Chellamae, soon gave successive hits with Sandakozhi, Thimiru, Thaamirabharani, Malaikottai and other hits. An action hero with compelling talent and screen presence. But his aggressive and angry attitude soon came to the fore …keeping pace with his angry young man image. Tamil Film Producers Council charged big misappropriation which he stoutly denied. He took a potshot at the censor board for delay in release of his film Mark Antony. The personal life of this 47-year old star too was in turmoil, even as he acted in over 25 films. Every person has highs and lows …a film star is more vulnerable. His close friend actor Jeyam Ravi is confident that “Vishal will overcome this bad patch and get his lion-like stride back”. Till then Vishal needs empathy not brutal trolls.
As Hrithik Roshan completes 25 years in the films, another 8 star kids are set to enter Bollywood. Starting this month are Ajay Devgn’s nephew Aaman Devgn and Raveena Tandon’s daughter Rasha Thadani who is already a social media star even before her launch in Azaad. Saif Ali Khan’s son Ibrahim has been making news for dating Shweta Tiwari’s daughter Palak even before the release of his first film. Ibrahim who has assisted Karan Johar has three films that are under production and will see his debut in this year. One cannot miss Ishq co-stars Aamir Khan and Ajay Devgn at the launch party of director Indra kumar’s son Aman whose debut film Tera Yaar Hoon Main will be directed by Milap Zaveri. Sanjay Kapoor’s daughter Shanaya Kapoor who was to be launched by Karan Johar will have to wait longer as that movie has been put on hold but she will hit the big screen in Mohanlal starrer Vrushabha. She has been doing studio rounds for the last four years. Ananya Pandey’s cousin Ahan Pandey has been waiting in the wings to be launched by YRF and hopefully it will happen this year. Veer Pahariya, grandson of veteran Congress leader Sushil Kumar Shinde will be seen in Skyforce with Akshay kumar. Last year we saw star kids in Archies which was a disaster but both Khushi Kapoor and Vedang Raina have bagged movies. Khushi will be in Loveyappa with Junaid Khan, Aamir Khan’s son who made his debut in Maharaj. For star kids getting entry into Bollywood is easy. But, how many can make it big like Hrithik, Aamir, Kajol and Ranbir?
Suddenly Kollywood is facing an existential crisis after its 2024 stocktaking. A Telugu sequel, Pushpa 2 hauled in Rs 1500 crore in just a few weeks. But Kollywood is shell shocked and stunned by the math –it trotted up Rs 1,000 crore loss in 2024. Where did it go wrong? Of 241 films released, 223 were either flops or performed badly. Even as Malayalam films faced Rs 700 crore loss, Kollywood could reap only Rs 2,000 crore. Of its repertoire, 18 films satisfied big outlays and stars … Amaran, GOAT, Meiyazhagan, Aranmanai 4 and a few more. 186 small and medium budgets like Demonte Colony 2, Romeo, Andhagan, Vaazha, Lubber Pandu and Pechi did good business on modest outlays. Tamil Film Producers Council Secretary, K Rajan said “Of the 241 films released in 2024, only 7% have brought cheer to the producers and all other stakeholders. We need quality films backed by strong scripts and stories”. Looks like the much celebrated Kollywood factory seems to be facing a creativity hiatus. Can’t blame fickle audiences and non performing cast who earn astronomical remuneration. Actually, there are many conflicting pulls…OTT, attention deficit, lack of time to watch a film unravel for 2-plus hours, and myriad other digital distractions. Time to change according to the ecosystem. Nayakan, Thalapathi, Thillana Mohanambal, Sankarabharanam, Thevar Magan and past film hits underscore the creativity of Kollywood to give gripping films. Will Kollywood reinvent itself?
The year 2024 belonged to the horror comedy genre and the South Cinema which helped box office get respectable numbers. Trade analyst Atul Mohan says 2024 will go down as one where horror films emerged as the unlikely saviors of Bollywood. With movies like Shaitaan, Munjya, Stree 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 collectively raking in Rs 1,200 crore — almost 50% of the year’s total box office collections — the genre proved its mettle in a challenging year for the industry. Prabhas and Allu Arjun films including some south films dominated the box office and it does seem like a trend that will go into 2025. `While the South Indian blockbusters Kalki and Pushpa 2 dominated the Hindi belt, Bollywood struggled to deliver consistent hits. The absence of the Khans from the big screen was conspicuous and some highly anticipated films like Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Maidaan, Sarfira, Vedaa and Jigra fell short of expectations. Some of the big stars like Askhay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff, Alia Bhatt failed miserably at the box office clearly indicating that you cannot take your audience for granted. The Khans absence was clearly felt at the box office. However, the year wasn’t without its surprises. Films like Munjya, Crew and Madgaon Express turned out to be unexpected crowd-pleasers, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the gloom.
For Tamils, Pongal is the height of inviting prosperity into homes. It is also the time when wallets are thrown open generously for entertainment, especially movies. So along with the controversial Jallikattu (Bull taming), families eagerly await new film releases. This Pongal Ajith Kumar and his much delayed Vidaamuyarchi is the film that all his adoring fans are eagerly waiting for. Already, much news was aired about Ajith’s illness, the stop-start shooting schedules in Azerbaijan and the many challenges that director Magizh Thirumeni had to face in completing this film. With the ravishing Trisha as his co-star, recent first look pictures have been praised sky high…Arjun, and Regina Cassandra are also in the film which has been already snapped up by Netflix after its cinema run. At November end, Lyca Productions aired a silent teaser video, in which a trim, suited and booted Ajith and a slim and svelte Trisha hit the high notes, hand in hand. With his overwhelming competitor, Vijay out of the film world, the often acrimonious and acerbic competition for biggest following of both, no longer exists. Yes, outsider Sivakarthikeyan has gained huge strides after his rocking performance in Amaran and Ajith could be back again on that treadmill. But Ajit has a unique fan following for his suave looks, underplayed roles and a sophisticated aura no other South star has touched. Suddenly, out of the blue, director Aadik Ravichandran aired some first looks of another Ajith film, Good, Bad and Ugly. Serendipity…cheap copy of that classic Clint Eastwood cult spaghetti Western? Can Ajith pull off a hit with this and make it a double treat for Pongal?
Salman Khan is undeniably one of the most iconic figures in the Indian film industry whose impact transcends mere box office statistics. With a career that spans over three decades, his films–regardless of critical reception — frequently surpass the Rs 100-crore mark signifying his extraordinary appeal and star power. Throughout his illustrious career, Salman Khan has found himself at the centre of numerous controversies and has come unscathed. With a net worth estimated at around Rs 2,900 crore, he is an immensely sought-after star for brand endorsements. However, in recent years, his forays into guest appearances in films such as Baby John, Singham Again, Godfather and Antim have not garnered the kind of response one might expect from the audience. While his cameo in Pathaan was well-received, his lead role in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan released on Eid, faced significant criticism and was largely snubbed by both critics and fans alike. Looking ahead, the anticipation surrounding his upcoming film Sikandar is palpable. Directed by AR Murugadoss, this film marks a significant moment in his career, as it will be his first mainstream lead release following Tiger 3. Sikandar represents a pivotal juncture in his career, especially after a series of mixed receptions for his recent projects. Rumours are rife that he is in talks with well-known south director Atlee. Despite his immense charisma and dedicated fan base, a pressing question lingers in the face of ongoing controversies, and the challenges posed by a rapidly evolving industry: whether Sallu bhai at 59 can still captivate the new generation of moviegoers?
For over a year now the social media has been on an overdrive about Aishwarya and Abhishek’s marriage. Mirroring this sentiment, shortpost.in on December 22, 2023 ran a story headlined “Aishwarya And Abhishek: Rocky Marriage Or Only Hiccups? Now, Aishwarya and Abhishek have shut the mouth of rumour mongers after the two were spotted together at their daughter’s Aaradhya birthday party. Then tongues started to wag that Aishwarya is having issues with her in-laws. What gave credence to this rumour is her solo appearances with her daughter at Ambani wedding and other events. So the Bachchans took the opportunity to clear the air with Amitabh Bachchan making it to Aaradhya’s annual school day function. The video that went viral shows Aishwarya all smiles when Amitabh Bachchan steps out of the car. But, many say that it was done for optics as grandmother Jaya Bachchan was missing from the scene. So too were Aaradhya’s cousins (Shweta Nanda’s children). All these clearly indicate all is still not well but amends are being made. The reports about fallout began when a news report said that the actress had walked out of the Bachchan’s Jalsa bungalow and moved into Amu which is in close vicinity. Although there was no official statement but once Abhishek showed his wedding ring to the media to indicate all is well. Sources say that Aishwarya is slowly getting back to doing more work. This should be music to ear for her diehard fan.
The massive success of Pushpa 2, has reignited the debate over screen allocation in West Bengal’s single-screen theatres. While the blockbuster continues to dominate the box office, its stronghold has created challenges for four Bengali films— Khadaan, Shontaan, Chaalchitro, and 5 No. Swapnamoy Lane—which targeted Christmas Day for their releases. The overlap has sparked a heated controversy over securing adequate slots in single-screen theatres, which remain a key audience base for Bengali cinema. Single-screen theatres across Bengal are grappling with the balancing act of accommodating these films while catering to the massive demand for Pushpa 2. Tollywood’s Christmas lineup has been significantly impacted, with producer-actor Dev expressing frustration on social media. He alleged that Khadan’s shows and advance bookings were disrupted due to the overwhelming presence of Pushpa 2. Arijit Dutta, owner of Priya Theatre, reported dividing slots among the films: Khadaan (two shows), Chaalchitro (one), 5 No. Swapnamoy Lane (one), and Pushpa 2 (one). However, veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty’s Shontaan was left out entirely, sparking outrage from its director Raj Chakraborty, who criticized the lack of consistent support for Bengali cinema. A distributor, speaking anonymously, blamed the simultaneous release of multiple Bengali films during the festive season, suggesting a lack of coordination among producers. He pointed to Bollywood’s strategy of staggering releases as a model Tollywood could emulate. Star Theatre owner Joydeep Mukherjee called for better planning within the Bengali film industry to avoid internal competition. Interestingly, allegations have resurfaced about Shontaan‘s producer, pressuring hall owners to prioritize its films. This history has led some distributors to side with independent producers in the current clash.
This video of Varun Dhawan’s interaction with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the Aaj Tak Agenda 2024 event has gone viral wherein he respectfully said people call Amit Shah “Chanakaya in politics but I would like to call Amit Shah, the Hanuman of country as he serves the nation selflessly.” Loud clap and applause followed and this is what the 37-year old actor is hoping that his Christmas release movie Baby John too will get at the theatres. According to Girish Wankhede, Trade Analyst, “For Varun the movie holds immense significance, marking a pivotal moment in his career.” The Christmas season release is a prestigious window for Bollywood which historically has been graced by all Khans — Aamir (Dangal, PK, Dhoom 3), Salman (Dabangg 2, Dabangg 3) and Shah Rukh Khan (Don 2, Dilwale). Varun who entered Bollywood in 2012 with Karan Johar’s Student Of The Year was lucky to have 11 consecutive box-office successes between 2012 and 2018. Post that he has faced numerous challenges. Despite his commendable cameos in films like Stree 2 and Munjya, his recent projects — such as Bhediya, Bawal and Jugjugg Jeeyo have struggled to make a significant impact at the box office. With a few flops like October and Sui Dhaaga in his filmography, it’s clear that he has not experienced a major hit since the successes of Badrinath Ki Dulhania and Judwaa 2. This makes the Christmas release of Baby John not just another film for Varun, but potentially a game-changing opportunity that could redefine his standing in the industry feels Wankhede.
It was something that the Congress couldn’t stomach easily. Perhaps the party was surprised that the Raj Kapoor family had chosen to interact with PM Modi. A day after the social media and TV channels were awash with PM Modi’s interaction with members of the Kapoor family, a very senior Congress leader ventured to put out a snarky social media post questioning the meeting. For some odd reason he completely chose to ignore the context of the meeting. “We have been asking PM Modi to visit Manipur. But he has instead found time to meet with Kareena Kapoor.” Soon good sense prevailed and he deleted his crude post. Guess he must have realised that his post was outright offensive. The Kapoor family had called on PM Modi on December 10 to invite him to the legendary actor-filmmaker’s Film Festival. The festival is to commemorate Raj Kapoor’s 100th birth anniversary, an iconic figure in Indian cinema who passed away in 1988. Ten Raj Kapoor films are going to be showcased across 40 cities in 135 cinemas .The Kapoor family, including actors Ranbir Kapoor, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, Neetu Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhat and Saif Ali Khan met the PM. “This is a special day for us. We enjoyed the conversation. He spoke to us in a friendly manner. He made all of us feel very comfortable,” said actor Ranbir Kapoor. His cousin actor Kareena Kapoor Khan said that it was her dream to sit next to PM Modi and talk to him. “His energy is so positive and he is truly a global leader.” PM Modi inquired about the third generation of Kapoors — and autographed for Kareena’s children Tim and Jeh. December 14 marks the 100th birth anniversary of Raj Kapoor.
Reel heroes don’t care about the media. That’s what came to light at the recent episode where a phone of a senior journalist was snatched by security personnel of actor Allu Arjun and no apology was offered either by the actor or his PR team. One has to wait and watch whether the journalist Vibha Kaul Bhat of ABP News will take the fight forward. More. Recently at the trailer launch of Kanguva, the bouncers of Tamil film’s popular star Suriya pushed the media who were waiting for the actor for over two hours. But, here one must say the actor had decency to apologise. Ranbir Kapoor now enjoys a good equation with the paparazzi but it may be recalled that the same actor in the past had snatched the camera of a paparazzi. A few years back Kangana Ranaut sent a legal notice to the Entertainment Journalists Guild of India and the Press Club of India for supporting PTI journalist Justin Rao. There are stories and stories about Dharmendra, Anupam Kher and other stars how they got into fights with journalists. In recent times Shah Rukh Khan was mightily upset with paparazzi for staking out his house when his son Aryan was arrested in connection with a drug-on-cruise case. Their overdrive saw King Khan carrying a green umbrella to hide his face making it difficult for paps to shoot him. During Ambani’s wedding the film fraternity went that extra length to pose for the paparazzi. Ironically, while the entire fraternity including Big B has had problems with paparazzi, Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff have been their darling since the time they entered Bollywood. Time for other stars to learn their mantras.
The latest petition from the Tamil Film Producers’ Association, is perplexing. Justice S Sounthar refused to grant an interim stay adding that film criticisms are part of freedom of speech and expression that cannot be curtailed. It’s not hard to delve into why this gag order is sought legally. The recent disaster of Kanguva at the box office is probably the reason for this drastic demand. High stakes and high jinx political grandstanding. The sop…journos are invited for a press show before the release either in a preview theatre or regular ones. And the press note gives the synopsis, star cast etc. The reviews in print or digital are read by people who decide — given today’s looming OTT presence — whether they want to see it or wait for a week or two. …it seems most decide to wait. Amaran is yet to debut on OTT….5th December after much demand. Because the film is still running to decent shows not managed by incentives Amaran came quietly with a feel good heart touching theme all could relate to. Kanguva thundered “Audience will lap it up. Open mouthed”. We rest our case.
Making his appearance on a reality show Indian Idol the 50-year old Fardeen Khan, son of successful actor-producer Feroz Khan, looked boyish and subdued. Indeed, he has quietly made a comeback on the big screen and OTT after 14 years of self-imposed exile. Although he was signed by Sanjay Gupta for Visfot which took a really long time to release as there were no takers for Gupta’s films; Covid-19 was the main culprit. But it helped Fardeen who got a chance to work with one of the biggest OTT shows Heeramandi directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali which signalled his comeback in 2024. This was followed by Khel Khel Mein with Akshay Kumar which didn’t do well. But Fardeen who played the role of gay man certainly impressed the audiences and critics in a big way. Fardeen made his debut in 1998 with Prem Aggan. Post that he signed up for several films. Overall his career graph did not pick up. In 2010 after the release of Dulha Mil Gaya he took a break from acting. During this long hiatus he worked on his craft. Fardeen who was married to yesteryear actor Mumtaz’s daughter Natasha now separated has a daughter and son. He often brings his children to the sets. Currently, he is working with Akshay Kumar in Housefull 6 which is set for 2025 release. He may have missed out on No Entry Mein Entry. Will Feroz Khan’s son make a big impact in his second innings?
Kolkata’s cultural calendar is abuzz as the 30th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) approaches, set to run from December 4 to 11. However, this year’s celebration of cinema is overshadowed by controversies and protests within the Tollywood industry. The festival, showcasing 175 films from 41 countries with a spotlight on French cinema, has been relocated from the sprawling Netaji Indoor Stadium to the smaller Dhanodhanya Auditorium by chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s government. The shift in venue, coupled with a reduced guest list, reflects the tension brewing between Bengal’s film industry and TMC government. This uncurrent stems largely from the aftermath of the RG Kar hospital rape incident, which sparked a citizen’s movement involving many prominent Tollywood stars coming out in open against the government. Party insiders revealed that Didi expressed dissatisfaction with Tollywood, remarking that the stars’ involvement had fuelled public outrage. Adding to the friction, a faction of directors and producers is protesting against Swarup Biswas, president of the Federation of Cine Technicians & Workers of Eastern India, accusing him of running a “syndicate raj.” Legal disputes, including defamation cases have escalated tensions further alienating a significant section of the film industry. This year, a notable portion of Tollywood has reportedly boycotted the festival, marking a shift in its traditionally warm relationship with Didi. Over the years, Didi fostered strong ties with Tollywood, even nominating several actors to political office. Yet, the current unrest signals a growing rift, with critics suggesting the RG Kar protests lent momentum to public dissatisfaction with her administration. This has strained the once-strong bond between Didi and the industry.
The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa every year was bigger in scale and ambition. There were more venues for screenings. Besides Panjim there were places like Porvorim including beach screenings at Anjuna and Miramar. The 9-day celebration showcased over 200 films from 75 countries. But, the glamour quotient was missing. Telugu superstar Allu Arjun whose name was sent out by the media cell of the festival did not turn up instead asked his Pushpa 2 co-star Rashmika Mandanna to stand in for him. Although IFFI is about the convergence of cinema from all over the world, the perception is always made by the big Bollywood and international names attending. And this was not impressive. The only big names from Hollywood were Hugo Weaving and Chuck Russell who are no longer part of the mainstream cinema. Every year there are huge delegate queues waiting to watch films but that was missing this year, an indication that cinephiles are losing interest in the festival. A few complained that the booking app showed it was houseful but the reality was just the opposite. The Film Bazaar, the biggest marketplaces,a big attraction for young filmmakers and storytellers seems to have attracted less number of buyers — both Indians and foreigners. The Indian Express in its editorial said that various institutions “over the years, pumped in funds and energy into making the IFFI as prestigious as the Cannes Film Festival — as envisioned when Goa was selected as the festival’s permanent home in 2004. Yet, 20 years on, unlike its model on the French Riviera — whose selections and winners go on to dominate the international festival circuit and awards season — the IFFI is far from shaping global cinematic imaginations and sensibilities.”
Will Telugu sensation Allu Arjun do an encore? Pushpa 2 releases and the film trade is saying it will rewrite the box office history. It may be recalled that Pushpa: The Rise became a sensation and his mannerisms became very popular. It emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film in 2021 and ranked among the highest-grossing Telugu films of all time. The film also earned Arjun his first National Film Award. A clued-in trade analyst says that after KGF Chapter2 Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2 will create the same type of buzz. Unlike RRR, this is a contemporary movie and more people can relate to it. Common man can relate to the character Pushpa, who rises from the bottom. It’s a masala story that’s bound to click. It is learnt that Allu Arjun is travelling all over to promote his film. His event at Patna has increased the curiosity amongst the audience in the Northern belt. The music of the film is already a big rage and the 42-year old star who has connect with the audience is definitely going to create a bigger market for his films and himself. Exhibitors like Girish Wankhede feel that the Hindi collection of Pushpa 2 is expected to be a major surprise. It has the potential to surpass the post COVID-era benchmark of Rs 66 crore on its opening day, with projections indicating that it could reach between Rs70-75 crore for its Hindi version. The total collections may exceed Rs 250 crore worldwide.
December 4th is a red letter day for the Hyderabadi glitterati. Nag Chaitanya and Shobhita Dhulipala are to solemnise their marriage at a lavish ceremony to be held at the Annapoorna Studios, the Akkineni family’s heritage studio named after the late Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s wife. Sentiment, scale, spend and super social event to mark this second wedding of 38-year old Nag Chaitanya, divorced from Samantha Ruth Prabhu in 2021. The talk is that 32-year old Shobitha has been gifted specially woven Kanjivaram saree and choli in gold lace and stunning jewellery befitting the Akkineni family. The ceremony is to run over 8 hours. The big buzz is that this gala event’s filming and exhibition rights have been sold to Netflix for Rs 50 crore! Rings a bell? Nayanthara and Vignesh Sivan’s wedding event and its OTT telecast. Even as the camera greedily laps up the stunning costumes and staggering jewellery on display, the long line of filmi invitees waiting to pose in their boast worthy bling are on view. And OTT streamers have their own original edited content. And the families earn back the money spent on the weddings. Business Schools have yet to teach this ROI. The only troubling thought …after all this, why are divorces taking place so often? Even as Nag Chaitanya and Shobitha Dhulipala soon to be streamed wedding events are making news, Dhanush and Aishwarya Rajinikanth are given the family court’s verdict. Divorced.
The Nayanthara-Vignesh Shivan wedding in 2022 was much talked about, kindled oodles of curiosity and news. Okay, Nayan is known as the Lady Superstar of Kollywood and this couple were newsmakers for a long time …speculations and guesswork rife over whether it was yet another Nayan dalliance in her longline of ditched paramours Prabhudeva, Simbu in that list. Finally the wedding was celebrated with pomp and style, Netflix signed a deal for OTT rights at an astronomical figure, no one could corroborate. Then, all concerned moved on … .Nayan is now mother to two cute boys. The wedding footage and other highlights of Nayan’s films were curated to make a biopic, Nayanthara, Beyond The Fairy Tale, and it went OTT live with many expectations that it would hit the high jinx for Nayan…actually it has not garnered much praise. But the Fairy Tale turned into a Horror Story when she was slapped with a notice to pay Rs 10 crore for a 3-second clip from her movie Naanum Rowdy Thaan, a hit movie from Dhanush’s home production. Nayan was livid. Adding insult to injury, Dhanush further insisted that the clip be deleted immediately. Currently Dhanush is directing Idli Kadai produced by Akash Bhaskar. His recent wedding attended by Sivakarthikeyan, Anirudh, Dhanush and Nayanthara, husband in tow turned viral worthy … .the angry vibes both conveyed made news. The protagonists were sitting poles apart and faces turned away. Karma, it is said, has a way of punching holes in egos.
A major controversy has erupted in Tollywood as over 233 directors from films, TV and independent media have filed a defamation suit against Swarup Biswas, president of the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India. The Rs 23-crore lawsuit follows Biswas’s contentious remarks alleging rampant sexual harassment in the film industry, with 60% of complaints purportedly against directors and producer-directors. The hearing will take place on January 10. Swarup, the younger brother of Aroop Biswas, Bengal’s Power and Housing Minister and a close aide of chief minister Mamata Banerjee, finds himself at the centre of an unprecedented protest by Tollywood’s creative community. This is, perhaps, the first time that Tollywood has publicly challenged the Federation. Directors and producers have also criticized what they call “red-tapism” and “arbitrary demands” imposed by the Federation, including its control over unit sizes, pay scales, working hours, and technician selection. At the Eastern India Motion Picture Association’s (EIMPA) recent AGM, Swarup Biswas proposed that producers deposit Rs 5 lakh each as security to ensure timely technician payments, citing Rs 50 lakh in pending dues. Producers have outright rejected the demand, questioning the Federation’s accountability and EIMPA’s silence on the matter. Veteran actor-director Aparna Sen has publicly questioned Swarup Biswas’s credentials, asking for proof of his contributions to the industry. Biswas holds an assistant director’s card, which is reportedly issued only to those involved in at least two films. Actor-politician Roopa Ganguly also criticized the Federation, accusing it of politicizing the industry and questioning why filmmakers often seek the CM’s intervention during crises.
Are the re-runs slowly becoming a revenue model both for producers and exhibitors who have been grappling to bring back the audiences to cinema halls? Diwali turned out to be decent but then again we are gone back to re-release of films. Shah Rukh Khan’s Veer Zara re-release has been appreciated. Rakesh Roshan plans a re-release of Karan Arjun with a huge number of screens after 30 years of its release. This again has Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan coming together for the first time on screen. SRK’s Kal Ho Naa Ho and Pardes too are re-releasing in cinemas. Those in the trade feel that re-release of Tumbbad, Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein and Laila Majnu have given courage to producers to cash on re-runs. The re-runs have stirred both excitement and curiosity. Traditionally, re-releases were reserved for timeless classics, but now more recent films are being revived, prompting questions: Is this trend purely nostalgic, or is there a deeper strategy at play? According to Trade Analyst Saurabh Varma, the re-release phenomenon is benefiting the cinema industry in multiple ways. For producers, re-releasing films is a cost-effective option. The marketing and distribution expenses are far lower than for new releases. Re-releases tap into the large fan bases of iconic films, giving long-time fans a chance to relive their favourite stories on the big screen. Furthermore, these revivals provide a unique opportunity for younger viewers who may have missed these films during their initial release. The combination of nostalgia and iconic music resonates deeply with audiences.
Tamil film producers and their financial backers are now rethinking this model — big money, big stars, big projects but no guarantee that it will reap profits. So the new strategy…safe and secure than spend thrift and sorry. Can small budget films do big business? A resounding yes to three of 2024s baby budget films that warmed the cockles of producers’ hearts. Three films of this year, Lover, Lubber Pandhu and Vaazhai have pulled in amazing profits and massive margins. Lover’s budget was a mere Rs 5 crore, and plus other expenses added the total cost to Rs 6 crore. Hold your breath! It made a profit of Rs 13 crore. But Lubber Pandhu (Rubber Ball), a title that would have gone unnoticed, made the biggest rake in for Prince Pictures who earned Rs 35 crore in TN gross alone — 300% profit. Vaazhai was no sneeze over either…it brought Rs 12 crore profits in TN. Film making costs and exhibition/promo expenses can zoom up dangerously, and after paying the incredible star salaries, if the film’s overflow is modest, stakeholders have no insurance cover to fall back on. Small is big is fast becoming the new open sesame for Kollywood to stay safe.
Popular Tamil star Suriya’s much-awaited Kanguva said to be made at a cost of Rs 200 crore faced public wrath. Suriya had done intense promos and marketing even claiming that the film would rake in Rs 2000 crore. The most cringeworthy claim was “audience would lap it up, open mouthed”. The first day’s take was pegged at RS.60 crore. In fairness to Suriya those in the know claim that it was just a concerted effort to throw the baby out with the bath water. There were other stars who too had disappointed so why pick on Suriya? For those seeking the truth, Suriya and wife Jyotika had made some public utterances about religious worship …why spend money in temples and other religious places? Why not use that money to help underprivileged kids to get educated? There is talk that the family moved to Mumbai from Chennai in order to seek better career prospects and make the home production company more profitable. Interesting to note that there were claims and memes by the prickly audience asking Suriya “you could have spent Rs 200 crore on philanthropy. But no, you wanted to spin it to Rs 2,000 crore”. No one is sure till now whether Kanguva is a rotten tomatoes failure or it would survive the vicious backlash. But a leading Tamil magazine Vikatan in its review has appropriately summed it up …”Suriya set out to save the Truth. But who is going to save Kanguva’s weak script”. There is a saying in Hindi, Ek Chup, Sau Sukh. Discretion is the better part of valour.
Vidya Balan struck Bollywood like a tornado in Parineeta having debuted in 2003 with a Bengali film Bhale Thaco …this South Indian star raved by audiences for her acting and beauty struck a chord. Another Hema, Rekha, Padmini, Vyjayantimala? Vidya has her unique magnetism and left behind her signature in every role. Then it happened …actually it had been building up kilo by kilo …her weight gain overshadowed all else. Though she faced body shaming with determination, even as she claimed that she had overwhelming hormonal issues. But in a super charged fashion and style world where the Manish Malhotras and Tarun Tahilianis who designed for super trim beauties, Vidya had to regain her trim figure. And you know how she lost weight, leading to OMG gasps and wonderment? As stylishly as she handled an on stage fall, oops moment while performing a dance number with Madhuri Dixit for the promo of Bhool Bhulaiya 3. Even as Vidya performed intricate Bharata Natyam steps, she just fell…and raised herself stylishly and carried on, almost as if it was a dance move. Vidya now basks in admiration for her weight loss which was through the diet change that she credits — Anura, a health center that helped her to identify her particular “inflammation” prone body response to sluggish metabolism. The born again Vidya is chirpy and cheerful and fans are going to see a lot more of the new Vidya.
Tamil Nadu political parties put up a brave face after watching the response to Vijay’s entry into their charmed circle. While some minor players were dismissive of the actor, the ruling DMK tried to convey the message that it was business as usual. Except that they too are worried not even about the zeitgeist of young people seemingly attracted to the fresh player on the scene. What bothers the DMK the most is its rival AIADMK would be able to tie up with Vijay, in which case they sense a more formidable rival may be at hand to threaten the future of the mostly family concern that the DMK is. The AIADMK, sensing an opportunity, has asked its leaders and cadre not to attack Vijay in the media as they sense a soulmate in the greenhorn who mostly toed the AIADMK line when Vijay spelt out some of his political ideologies and plans. In boldly putting forth his views on the corruption in the DMK, he has become most attractive to the AIADMK. They sense that Vijay, a Christian, may not fit the BJP plans and hence believe they are in a better position to woo him into an alliance for the 2026 Assembly polls. The DMK is, however, happy at the arrival of a new player who can further split the public vote if his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is to contest the polls alone and not in any alliance. The 2026 Assembly polls of Tamil Nadu are going to be fun and games.
It’s a tricky tightrope walk when a true life event and sacrifice is transferred on to the medium of cinema … .the creation has to more than match the extraordinary bravery of an army Major, his supreme sacrifice and the family’s sorrow filled pride in him. Kamal Haasan and his Raaj Kamal Films International production house has hit the high emotional spot with Sivakarthikeyan as Amaran. The film, applauded by both audience and critics, raked in Rs 42.3 crore worldwide on Day One. And deservingly. Amaran is the rendition of late Major Mukund Varadarajan leading the Rajasthan Rifles in Shopian, who fell to terrorist bullets while defending his team and the country –he was just 31. Even as people exited the cinemas, many were shedding tears and paying heartfelt emotional salaams to this brave son of India. Rajkumar Periasamy, trained in the creative environs of Kamal’s cinema, has done faithful research on the life of Major Mukund, and created his character for compelling screen performances. Sivakarthikeyan, according to Kamal has raised himself to a new cinematic level that is bound to leapfrog his status as an actor. But it is Sai Pallavi, as the hero’s wife Indu Rebecca who has garnered equal admiration as the “iron” army wife who does not shed tears of weakness but carries her head high, saluting her husband’s bravery. Good cinema is still appreciated amidst the cacophony and glitz of mindless offerings aimed at padding up jaded stars.
Kollywood has set the trend for many traditions, especially festivals. Diwali tops the list for the Tamilian film buff — crack of dawn oil baths, new clothes finery, gorging on sweets and savoury, crackers, and of course a must see “film”. Producers too play by this unstoppable sentiment and release their movies on Diwali Day with great expectations about audience storming cinemas and opening their wallets. This year’s line up — Amaran, Brother, Bloody Beggar and Lucky Baskhar are all set to sashay sassily on the ramp and raise hopes for which film gains the most …money wise. Starring Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi Amaran produced by Kamal Haasan and Sony Pictures International, directed by Rajkumar Periasamy has raised the expectations bar. Jeyam Ravi has not had much cinematic popularity to talk about after Ponniyin Selvan. His movie Brother directed by M Rajesh is touted as an all-round entertainer with comedy heading the mix…Harris Jeyaraj has scored the hit number Makkamishi. In the case of Bloody Beggar, an entertainer that hinges on a poor man as an impersonator in a rich man’s mansion. It is backed by Nelson the director of Jailer who has trusted his assistant M Sivabalan to bring the best of acting talent from Kavin seen as the millennial favourite. Perhaps all three films are at best seen as counterfoils to Dulquer Salmaan’s Lucky Baskhar, a Telugu film that has quickly turned out pan India in Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi. Vaathi fame director Venkat Atluri has directed this film as a period piece.
Will the ego clash destroy the fate of the two Big Diwali releases this year? So it seems. Singham Again, directed by Rohit Shetty, a multi-starrer starring Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar has been dragged to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for unfair business practice by the producers of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 alleging that they are not being allowed to take single screen as Singham Again producers have booked all screens. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 directed by Aneez Bazmee has also got a good star cast comprising Kartik Aaryan,Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri. It may be recalled that Ajay Devgn had dragged Shah Rukh Khan to CCI for unfair business practices during the release of his movie Son of Sardar which coincided with SRK’s Jab Tak Hain Jaan. Even then it was a Diwali clash. Here one can’t help but talk about Om Shanti Om which was released on Diwali along with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya. The clash between two titans almost sacrificed the careers of two newcomers Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor; it had Salman Khan who wasn’t on good terms with SRK. Similarly, SRK and Rakesh Roshan were locked in a release battle during the release of Kaabil and Raees and both films suffered. Both Shah Rukh and Hrithik Roshan have a history as when the latter became a superstar with Kaho Na Pyar Hai and SRK’s Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani flopped. Critics were talking about Hrithik replacing SRK. At that point in time SRK cleverly used a Pepsi Ad to mock Hrithik’s super star status.
This year’s biggest grosser Stree 2 has found its place in the numbers book as pure entertainment riding a spooky plot. This film’s highlight is Tamannaah Bhatia enticing fans with her Aaj ki Raat item number, bringing in repeat audiences just to see her dance. Her earlier film Jailor item number Noovu kaavalaa is still rocking the audience. Tamannaah has her place as a saleable star who raises no controversies, does her work and moves on. But she may not have realised the deep trouble she was getting into by signing on as Brand ambassador for the Mahadev HPZ Token App, which has now become a legal nightmare for its owner Saurabh Chandrakar. His App and role in the alleged illegal broadcast of the IPL competition has turned into a Rs 5000 crore lawsuit, with Viacom claiming Rs 100 crore loss. Tamannaah is alleged to be part of the promos and events and now the ED is determined to question all those connected with the scam. Travelling to Guwahati with her parents, the ravishing film star was subjected to 5 hours of questioning. It is not known how this captivating lady withstood the ED grilling (or how the ED faced her voltage). But her visit to the famous Mahashakti’s Tantric power temple of Kamakhya, dressed in a white kurta accompanied by her parents, made more news.
Sixty-year old popular star Jayaram Subramaniam has created a soft and stylish spot for himself in Kerala films despite Mammootty and Mohanlal’s reigning supreme as evergreens. His performance in the hit period drama Ponniyin Selvan (as Alwar Kadian Nambi, the articulate comic Brahmin) was as much the highlight of this epic drama as the pivotal characters of Ponni and Karikala Chozhan. His 26-year old son Kalidas Jayaram has created a niche for himself in the film industry. Recently he was cast in the Dhanush film Raayan, and showed his mettle in the Tamil OTT anthology Pava Kadaigal in which he played a transgender. Kalidas is all set to marry Tarini Kalingarayan, a former Miss Tamil Nadu 2019, well known model and alumnus of MOP Vaishnav College. Jayaram and wife Parvathy had just celebrated daughter Malavika’s wedding in grand style , and it came as no surprise that they announced Kalidas ‘ wedding too in quick succession. The only surprise was that Jayaram, Parvathy and Kalidas honoured MK Stalin, TN CM with the first invite. Not surprising it created a buzz as why had he not given the first invitation to the Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan? In the world of politics and cinema events occur not according to the logic of mundane society. Celebrities have their own exalted status or political predilections. Superstar Mammootty’s son Dulquer Salmaan’s was an arranged marriage in 2011 to Amal Sufiya whose family is from North India. Mohan Lal’s son, Pranav Mohanlal’ marriage with Kalyani Priyadarshan has remained an enigmatic topic.
The Hema Committee Report, revealing tales of sexual exploitation and inhuman working conditions in the Malayalam film industry, has raked up the #MeToo movement in Mollywood leading to many prominent actors, directors named by their co-stars. In Hyderabad it has taken its first toll; choreographer Shaik Jani Basha, popularly known as Jani Master who works in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films saw the I&B ministry withdrawing its invitation to 70th National Film Awards in New Delhi but also suspending his National Award amid sexual assault allegations. Jani who is out on bail. And the person who complained against him is worried if she would lose both work and face in the film industry. Close on the heels of Hollywood, in India the MeTooMovement gathered steam in late 2018 when actress Tanushree Dutta accused actor Nana Patekar of sexual harassment. Then many more female stars and professionals from Bollywood came forward. Music director Anu Malik, director Sajid Khan paid the price; they were dropped from reality shows initially. But it seemed a temporary halt almost like lip-service. One could see singers Alisha Chinai and Sonal Mahapatra raising howls of protests via social media every time they saw Anu Malik judging reality shows. In the case of director Sajid Khan, he kept out of public glare initially and was almost out of work as several actresses accused him of exploitation. When things cooled down he was given an opportunity to participate in Bigg Boss reality show to clear his image. Some of the actresses seeing there is no harsh punishment for people in Bollywood who have exploited female stars, technical assistants, choreographers, makeup artists are wondering the cost of being outspoken.
Ace Tamil film director Lokesh Kanakaraj currently directing Rajinikanth’s 171st movie Coolie, is a hunted man trying his utmost to convince the crazed Super star fans that he was in no way responsible for Thalaiva’s sudden illness. Rajini had just completed a 40-day stint for Coolie at Vizag. He was taken ill with belly pain and unease, immediately rushed to the Apollo Hospital, Chennai where a team of top cardiologists and other consultants took charge. Rajini came home after a stent was put and advised rest for three weeks. The Tamil media spelt the stent as “stunt” in their news bulletins. In any other 73-year old, it would just pass off as an age related issue and not unusual. (Rajini has a transplanted kidney and was on immune suppressants). Here we are talking of a phenomenon who reigns over a huge legion of fans who go crazy just for a glimpse. So the overwhelming vigil outside the hospital was expected, happening every time a political VIP/celebrity gets into Apollo. Not just the media but the hundreds of me too YouTubers floated opinions, prayers, surmises and misplaced criticism of the director Kanakaraj. Various theories floated around and blame was pinned on the director. With Vettaiyan set to release on October 10 and mega marketing promos needed, Rajini had much to deal with. The talk was that he was paid Rs 100 crore while Big B paid Rs 7 crore ( for guest appearance ). Vettaiyan could benefit from the huge publicity generated by Thalaiva.
Thirty-seven year old Samantha Ruth Prabhu was married to Nag Chaitanya, Telugu film’s enduring star Nagarajuna’s son for just 4 years before the couple filed for divorce in 2021. Already Nag Chaitanya’s closeness to fast rising Shobhita Dhulipalia is buzzing around. But it is Samantha who has been hit the hardest in the past few years, despite her rise to stardom in both Tamil and Telugu films. The OTT series Family Man brought her much acclaim. But her personal life was hit in a serious way when she was diagnosed with myositis, a medical condition that has punched her psyche hard, understandably. But Samantha was not prepared for the latest turbulence in her life…Telangana Minister for Environment and Forestry, Konda Surekha recently made downright derogatory remarks about the cause of Samantha’s divorce ….alleging that BRS leader KT Rama Rao is the cause for the rift and divorce. Surekha further insinuated that this BRS leader has a knack of intervening and interfering in the lives of celebrities. Telugu cineworld has erupted in anger at this kind of malicious loose talk, and superstars Chiranjeevi, Allu Arjun, Jr.NTR, Nagarajuna have condemned the Congress leader for this unsavoury talk. KTR of course has warned this minister to apologise immediately and retract her slanderous allegation or face a defamation case. The Minister has tended an instant apology on X, especially to Samantha that she had no intention of dragging her into the muck…she just wanted to vent her venom on politicians for their derogatory attitude to women. Samantha may be rueing her bad times…stars too have to cope with Star struck times.
As Durga Puja, the most anticipated festive season in West Bengal, approaches, the Bengali music industry finds itself in a precarious position, haunted by memories of the Covid-19 pandemic. The recent RG Kar Medical College incident has sparked a wave of concern, resulting in the widespread cancellation of events and programmes. Several prominent singers, music bands, and musicians have voiced their worries as the festive period, usually a time of high earnings, now faces a grim scenario. One of the key voices from the industry, renowned singer Jojo, expressed her anguish over the unfolding situation. According to her, people often think that musical events are merely entertainment, not realizing that these shows provide income to a wide array of people—from backstage crew members to sound engineers and support staff. Echoing her sentiment, celebrated singer Lopamudra Mitra highlighted the impact on young musicians who often accompany established artists during live performances. She further mentioned that many budding talents rely on the festive season to showcase their skills and gain exposure. Veteran singer Rupankar Bagchi raised concerns about the inconsistency in policies, where television productions are continuing uninterrupted, with channels banking on new content for the festive period, but music and cultural shows are being singled out. It’s not just the music industry that’s bearing the brunt. The local theatre industry, popularly known as “Jatra,” is also witnessing a steep decline in sponsorship and participation. The Bengali music and cultural community is now grappling with the fallout of these developments, fearing long-term repercussions.
The oft debated question, can meaningful cinema entertain? Or intended pure entertainment be meaningful? Suriya and Jyotika’s home production 2 D Entertainment‘s just released Meiyazhagan is sure to raise this debate all over again till the next Mega extravagant film comes along to zap film buffs with the scale of spend. Director Premkumar has taken 6 long years after the super success of 96, a Trisha and Vijay Sethupathi led, literally one night stand when they meet and relive their now ended love story. Meiyazhagan is the one night story of Arulmozhi( Arvind Swami in a riveting, unforgettable performance ) who travels home in the Needamangalam bus, to his native village from where he was unexpectedly hounded out when his ancestral home was willed to his sisters. The trip is made memorable by meeting Karthi the hail fellow well met, cheer and bonhomie maker. Malayalam cinema’s “almost there” super star Tovino Thomas feels Meiyazhagan is the leitmotif of meaningful cinema that touches viewers and lingers as emotional super glue. Arvind Swami and Karthi share the powerful impact of a common story that appeals in uncommon ways. Incidentally, Karthi, still under the spell of his role as influencer was an inch away from trouble. At a press meet for movie’s promotion, he was asked about the Tirupati Laddu issue. In his usual way he tried humour. Pawan Kalyan came down heavily on his flippant attitude and soon Karthi had to apologise. Sensible otherwise, the Telugu version of Meiyazhagan would have suffered.
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.