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Actress Simran Bagga, who is receiving a lot of positive response to her work in the recently released Salman Khan-starrer ‘Tiger 3’, has called Tamil superstar Vikram, a challenging co-star to work with, owing to his penchant for perfection and his process to churn out a fine performance.

Talking about the same, Simran, who worked with him in ‘Mahaan’, said: “Vikram is such a versatile actor, he works on himself for every character he takes on. He is too challenging to work with as a co-star as he is a one take artist and a perfectionist to the core. It’s always a pleasure to work with him.”

She also spoke about director Karthik Subbaraj, the director of ‘Mahaan’, whose recent film ‘Jigarthanda Double X’ is doing well in theatres.

She said: “Karthik Subbaraj is one of my favourite directors. I love all his movies from ‘Pizza’ to ‘Jigarthanda Double X...

Actress Simran Bagga, who is receiving a lot of positive response to her work in the recently released Salman Khan-starrer ‘Tiger 3’, has called Tamil superstar Vikram, a challenging co-star to work with, owing to his penchant for perfection and his process to churn out a fine performance.

Talking about the same, Simran, who worked with him in ‘Mahaan’, said: “Vikram is such a versatile actor, he works on himself for every character he takes on. He is too challenging to work with as a co-star as he is a one take artist and a perfectionist to the core. It’s always a pleasure to work with him.”

She also spoke about director Karthik Subbaraj, the director of ‘Mahaan’, whose recent film ‘Jigarthanda Double X’ is doing well in theatres.

She said: “Karthik Subbaraj is one of my favourite directors. I love all his movies from ‘Pizza’ to ‘Jigarthanda Double X...

Dhruv Vikram, the talented young actor and son of Chiyaan Vikram, is all set to make a big announcement on August 25th. According to reliable sources, the actor will reveal the details of his 4th movie, which will be directed by E.V. Ganesh Babu, who has previously helmed Yamuna and Kattil. The movie is expected to be a romantic drama with a social message, and will feature a fresh face as the female lead.

The most exciting news for the fans is that the music for the movie is likely to be composed by none other than the Mozart of Madras, A.R. Rahman. The Oscar-winning composer has worked with Dhruv’s father in several films, such as Raavanan, I and Mahaan, and has also scored the music for Dhruv’s debut film Adithya Varma. If the reports are true, this will be the second collaboration between Dhruv and Rahman,...

Actor Dhruv, who is the son of one of Indian cinema’s finest actors, Vikram, has disclosed how he was stunned by his dad’s hard work.

Participating in the trailer launch event of Chiyaan Vikram’s eagerly awaited action thriller ‘Cobra’, Dhruv said: “I would have come to this event even if I wasn’t an actor. Three years ago, when dad began work on ‘Cobra’, I asked him what would be special about this film? He replied: “Ajay (director Ajay Gnanamuthu) anna’s vision, creativity and his progressive nature. All of these will make this film special. So, this film is as much about director Ajay Gnanamuthu as it is about appa. I am sure this film will be a big success because of director Ajay’s attitude that he has to execute his vision.”

Pointing out that his dad was an exceptionally hardworking actor, Dhruv then shared...

Indian activist filmmaker Pa. Ranjith has revealed an extensive production slate featuring top stars and socially relevant themes.

Ranjith was at the Cannes Film Market, where he revealed “Vettuvam”, a linked film and TV series, a co-production between his and Aditi Anand’s Neelam Studios and Golden Ratio Films, the film production arm of Vistas Media Capital.

First up for Ranjith is “Natchathiram Nagargirathu,” starring Dushara Vijayan (“Sarpatta Parambarai”), Kalaiyarasan Harikrishnan (“Kuthiraivaal”) and Kalidas (“Paava Kadhaigal”). The film is set against the backdrop of the Tamil-language theater scene and explores different facets of love that go beyond gender, and includes straight and LGBTQ+ romances, Ranjith says. The film, which also explores how these various kinds of love works on a political level in Tamil Nadu, is due a July release. It is a co-production between Yaazhi Films and Neelam.

Next is an untitled film starring Vikram (“Mahaan”), set against the...

Kollywood‘Cobra’ is helmed by director Ajay Gnanamuthu, and has Ar Rahman on board as the music composer.Tnm StaffScreengrab/ YouTubeThe makers of actor Vikram’s upcoming film Cobra finally announced the release date of the film on Friday, May 20. Sharing a short glimpse video from the film, Seven Screen Studio, the production banner bankrolling the film, announced that Cobra will hit the big screens on August 11. “#Cobra - Worldwide Theatrical Release On August 11.#CobraFromAugust11.#ChiyaanVikram, An @AjayGnanamuthu Film, An @arrahman Musical.” Cobra is helmed by Imaikaa Nodigal fame director Ajay Gnanamuthu. Ar Rahman is on board as the music composer for the project. Billed as a heist thriller, the film reportedly features Vikram as a mathematician. The teaser of the film was unveiled last year, and garnered positive responses. Apart from Vikram, Cobra features former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan, Srinidhi Shetty, Mirnalini Ravi, Ks Ravikumar and Miya George, among others,...

CinemaHelmed by director Suresh Mari, the film features actors Dinesh, Urvashi and Maaran in the lead. Tnm StaffTwitter/ Pa RanjithThe first look poster of director Pa Ranjith’s next production venture J Baby was unveiled on Tuesday, March 29. The film stars actors Urvashi, Dinesh, and Maaran in the lead, and is helmed by Suresh Mari. The film marks Suresh’s directorial debut. Sharing the first look poster, Pa Ranjith wrote, “Here's the First Look (Journey) of #JBaby. Thank you #dinesh (sic).” The film will be produced by Pa Ranjith’s production banner Neelam Productions in association with Golden Ratio Films and Little Red Car Films. The trio reportedly have a five-film slate that kick started with the Tamil movie Writer which released last year. Ranjith will also be producing films by Lenin Bharati, Mari Selvaraj and Akiran Moses. Jayanth Sethu Mathavan, who worked as the cinematographer for Baaram, has been roped in for the project,...

Film CommentaryFor Kollywood, it’s become par for the course to mock Yogi Babu for his looks with slurs like “panni munji vaaya” (pig-face). Such pejoratives have their roots in the casteist dehumanising of dark-skinned, wiry-haired people.Bharathy SingaravelCourtesy/SonyMusicSouthVEVOMainstream Tamil cinema has in the last few years, particularly since the films of Pa Ranjith, witnessed a significant shift in how Dalit, Adivasi or Bahujan people are represented on screen. A generation of younger filmmakers, many supported by Ranjith’s Neelam Productions, have registered a strong, anti-caste, Ambedkarite stance coupled with compelling storytelling. While the industry at large seems to have recognised the ‘marketability’ of such films, it still has a long way to go in exorcising casteism from within its own ranks of scriptwriting, lyrics and characterization. Take the recently released Mahaan. The lacklustre plotline aside, Vikram’s sort-of-intro song brazenly equates a self-absorbed, irresponsible con-man, roaming the city...

EntertainmentIn an interview with Sathiyam News, director Karthik Subbaraj says that lines critiquing Nathuram Godse were censored from his recent film ‘Mahaan’, starring Vikram.Tnm StaffCourtesy/SathiyamNewsIn an interview to Sathiyam News, director Karthik Subbaraj opened up about the politics and challenges of making his latest film Mahaan, starring Vikram, and revealed that he had to remove lines on Nathuram Godse, who murdered Gandhi in 1948. The film follows the story of “Gandhi” Mahaan who is forced since childhood to live only by Gandhian principles whether he likes it or not. Subbaraj says in the interview for the show Nerukku Ner that the film is not about “true Gandhians, but about ideological extremism in which a person’s freedom is taken away. The hero’s father only thinks of himself, he doesn’t ask what his son wants but makes him promise that he will live as a Gandhian.” He added...

Film AnalysisIt’s beginning to look as if the director, known for his absurdist comedies, is getting swamped by his confused understanding of politics and the need to fit star actors into the industry mould.Bharathy SingaravelCourtesy/KarthikSubbarajFacebookIt’s been four days since Karthik Subbaraj’s Mahaan, starring Vikram, was released directly on the Over-the-Top platform Amazon Prime Video. But no one seems closer to understanding either the film’s ideological messaging or its tumultuous plot. The hero, named Gandhi Mahaan, is forced from childhood to live by the values of a fanatically Gandhian family until at age 40, he explodes, drinks for just one evening, leading to his wife (played by Simran), son, father-in-law and brother-in-law having a baffling, extreme public meltdown. Then, Gandhi Mahaan, in Tamil-hero-style, slaps his wife, Naachi, in front of all his neighbours. Everybody leaves him, he turns to a life of liquor brewing, gambling and...

Looking to celebrate the 60th film of their favourite hero, as many as 60 fans of actor Vikram have now taken out a motorbike rally to different parts of Tamil Nadu. ‘Chiyaan’ Vikram’s 60th film ‘Mahaan’, which released on Prime Video on February 10, has been receiving appreciation from both fans and critics. Sources close […]...

ReviewThough Vikram is in good form, the plot meanders and falters, squandering away the opportunity to pull off something experimental and innovative. Sowmya RajendranFor many, Gandhi was a man of peace who preached honesty and an ethical way of life till he breathed his last. For others, Gandhi was a tyrant who imposed his stringent notions about morality on those who came under his influence. Seventy four years since his death, he continues to be discussed, dissected and used to defend or critique a political point of view. Mahaan, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, is not about Gandhi but a reluctant Gandhian. Named after the leader, Gandhi Mahaan (Vikram) is forced by his father, an ardent Gandhian, to follow the way of life prescribed by the Mahatma. But isn’t that a form of violence, too? This is the central question of the film. Starting from 1968, the film tells the story...

Tamil filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj, who is all busy promoting his upcoming movie ‘Mahaan’, has confirmed that he is the one who penned the story for Ram Charan and Shankar’s ‘RC15’. In a recent interview, the young director shared interesting facts about Ram Charan’s upcoming movie, which is being directed by Shankar Shanmugam. Tentatively titled ‘RC15’, […]...

KollywoodThe Karthik Subbaraj directorial marks the first-time collaboration between Vikram and Dhruv Vikram. Tnm StaffScreengrab/ YouTube The first song from actors Chiyaan Vikram and his son Dhruv Vikram’s upcoming film Mahaan was unveiled on February 8. Titled ‘Missing Me’, the track is written and sung by Dhruv Vikram. The Tamil lyrics were penned by Vivek. Helmed by filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj, the soundtrack and background score is set to tune by composer Santosh Narayanan. Mahaan marks the first-time collaboration between Dhruv and Vikram. Mahaan will premiere on Over-the-top (Ott) platform Amazon prime Video on February 10. The film will be released as Mahaan in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam, and Maha Purusha in Kannada. The cast includes actors Vani Bhojan, Simran, and Bobby Simha in pivotal roles. Bobby Simha has teamed up with filmmaker Karthik for six films, including the 2014 film Jigarthanda, for which he bagged the National award. The trailer was unveiled...

The number of views for the trailer of director Karthik Subbaraj’s much-awaited Tamil action entertainer ‘Mahaan’, featuring Vikram and Dhruv Vikram in the lead, on Saturday shot past the 10 million-mark on a day the makers of the film chose to release the lyric video of ‘Rich Rich’, the fourth single from the film. Set […]...

The team of director Karthik Subbaraj’s ‘Mahaan’, featuring actors Vikram and Dhruv Vikram in the lead, on Thursday released the trailer of the much-awaited action thriller. The fast-paced trailer takes us through the story of a simple man who goes through a personal crisis after his family walks out on him when one day he […]...

KollywoodThe Karthik Subbaraj directorial is gearing up for Ott premiere on Amazon Prime Video.Tnm StaffScreengrab/ YouTube Trailer of actor Vikram and Dhruv Vikram’s much-anticipated film Mahaan was unveiled on February 3. The film is gearing up for premiere on Over-the-top (Ott) platform Amazon Prime Video on February 10. The film has been titled Mahaan in Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil, while it will release as Maha Purusha in Kannada. The trailer opens with shots of Vikram teaching economics in a classroom while the students mock him. Simran is introduced as his wife. Vikram is referred to as Gandhi Mahaan since his father was a liquor-ban activist and urged him to follow the same path. However, in the following sequences we see how he turns into a liquor baron who runs all the liquor stores in the city. When he meets his son Dada ( Dhruv Vikram), Mahaan says he is no longer the commerce teacher Dada knew.

‘Pona Poyura’, the third single from director Karthik Subbaraj’s highly anticipated action thriller, ‘Mahaan’, featuring Vikram and Dhruv in the lead roles, has now been released. The number, which has music by Santhosh Narayanan, subtly conveys the message that when you love someone, you need to set the person you love free. Produced by Lalit […]...

Apart from the pricing, packages and deals, understanding cultural differences and preferences is key to attracting new audiences. Sowmya RajendranMeenakshi Sundareshwar/Netflix IndiaA few days ago, Reed Hastings, co-founder and CEO of Netflix, expressed his “frustration” at the company’s lack of success in the Indian market in an investor call. According to reports, Netflix added 2.6 million paying subscribers in the Asia Pacific region in the last quarter, showing good growth in Japan and India. However, the Over-the-Top platform said that it only expects to add 2.5 million subscribers in the current quarter. There are various numbers put forth on the market share of Ott platforms in India but they all agree that Disney+Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix lead the pack followed by platforms like Zee5 and SonyLiv. There are also smaller players like Aha, Neestream and others which are jostling for space in the crowded market. There are...

KollywoodThe film is helmed by Karthik Subbaraj, known for his other hits like ‘Jigarthanda’ and ‘Jagame Thandhiram’. Tnm StaffScreengrab/ YouTube- Amazon Prime VideoThe much-anticipated teaser of actors Vikram and Dhruv Vikram’s upcoming film Mahaan was unveiled on Monday, January 31. The film marks the first-time collaboration between the father-son duo. It has been titled Mahaan in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu, while it will be streaming as Maha Purusha in Kannada on Ott platform Amazon Prime Video. The teaser opens with shots of a group of men protesting against toddy/ kallu shops that serve alcoholic beverages made from the sap of palm trees. The man who leads the protest questions his son if he would live like Gandhi and lead by example as a Mahaan or great man. The teaser hints that the son becomes a liquor baron, played by Vikram, when he grows up, and promises an intriguing family drama.

The team of director Karthik Subbaraj’s much-anticipated Tamil action-drama ‘Mahaan’, featuring Vikram and his son Dhruv Vikram in the lead, on Monday released a teaser of the film that is scheduled to release on Prime Video on February 10. The teaser, which is 129 seconds long, gives away the fact that Vikram plays a character […]...

Actress Simran plays a character named Naachi in director Karthik Subbaraj’s much-anticipated Tamil action-drama ‘Mahaan’, featuring Vikram and his son Dhruv Vikram in the lead. With the film all set to release on Prime Video on February 10, the makers have started disclosing the names and looks of the characters that the lead artistes in […]...

Ahead of the premiere of the highly anticipated multi-lingual action thriller ‘Mahaan’, featuring Vikram and marking his 60th film in the industry, the creators shared the second single – ‘Evanda Enaku Custody’ (Tamil), ‘Yevvarra Manaki Custody’ (Telugu), ‘Ini Ee Life’ (in Malayalam) and Yavano Namage Custody (in Kannada). The film, helmed by Karthik Subbaraj, will […]...

Actor Bobby Simha, who plays a character called Sathayavan in director Karthik Subbaraj’s upcoming gangster flick ‘Mahaan’, featuring actors Vikram and his son Dhruv Vikram in the lead, says this role will be one of his best. Director Karthik Subburaj on Thursday released Simhaa’s look in the film on social media. He said, “Simha as […]...

KollywoodThe ensemble cast of the Karthik Subbaraj directorial also includes actors Bobby Simha, Simran and Vani Bhojan, roped in for prominent roles. Tnm StaffTwitter/ Seven Screen Studios Actors Chiyaan Vikram and his son Dhruv Vikram’s long-awaited Tamil film Mahaan will be premiering online on Amazon Prime Video. Amid speculations about theatrical release of Mahaan, the makers announced on Monday, January 24, that the film will be streaming in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam from February 10. The film has been titled Mahaan in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam, while it will be called MahaPurusha in Kannada. Sharing the announcement with fans, Amazon Prime Video tweeted on Monday, “Live life, Mahaan style. Watch #MahaanOnPrime, Feb 10 in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam Also, releasing in Kannada, #MahaPurushaOnPrime.” The Ott release of Mahaan, a film presented by a well-known production banner and a star cast, has come as a surprise to fans since many big-budget films...

CoronavirusSuryanarayanan, the manager of the actor confirmed the same, and said that it was very mild and there was nothing to worry.Tnm StaffPopular Tamil actor Vikram has tested positive for the coronavirus. Replying to a user on Twitter, Suryanarayanan, the manager of the actor confirmed the same, saying, “Dear well wishers, very mild only and nothing to worry. Thanks for your prayers.” Further details are awaited. Earlier this month, it was announced that the actor will be teaming up with director Pa Ranjith for his next film which has been tentatively titled Chiyaan61.The announcement was made by Studio Green, the production house bankrolling the film, on Thursday, December 2. Vikram is currently gearing up for the release of Mahaan, which co-stars his son, actor Dhruv Vikram, in the lead. The Karthik Subbaraj directorial, bankrolled by Seven Screen Studio, marks the first-time collaboration between the father-son duo. Actor Bobby Simha...

KollywoodThe Karthik Subbaraj directorial marks the first- time collaboration between actor Vikram and his son, actor Dhruv Vikram.Tnm StaffScreengrab/YouTubeThe title and first look poster of actor Vikram’s much-anticipated movie, which was tentatively titled Chiyaan 60, was unveiled on Friday, August 20. Seven Screen Studio, the production banner bankrolling the movie, announced that the Karthik Subbaraj directorial has been titled Mahaan. The poster features actor Chiyaan Vikram in a never-seen-before look. Seated on a bike, Vikram, who appears to be striking a wicked smile, sports a rugged look. We see several hands in the backdrop and horns attached to Vikram’s head, suggesting that he might play a negative character. The poster has also left fans wondering whether the depiction of hands in the poster is associated with the Hindu deities Yamraj or Kali. While actor Vikram’s image is in monochrome, the colours yellow and red have been...

KollywoodThis will be actor Vikram’s 60th film and his first time sharing the screen with his son Dhruv.Tnm StaffCourtesy..TwitterFilming for the much-awaited, tentatively titled Chiyaan 60 has wrapped up, says a Twitter update from the film’s director Karthik Subbaraj. This will be actor Vikram’s 60th film and his first time sharing the screen with his son Dhruv. The film is believed to be yet another gangster flick from the maker of Jigarthanda, Petta and Jagame Thandhiram. Karthik Subbaraj tweeted a picture of a phone screen, showing what could be a still from the film and Vikram seated somewhere to the back of the room. “It’s a wrap for #Chiyaan60 :)” said the tweet. In March, this year, Seven Screen Studio, the producers of the film, announced that Bobby Simha and Vani Bhojan have also joined the cast. Chiyaan 60, marks the sixth collaboration between Karthik and Bobby Simha.

CinemaTitled ‘Vasantha Mullai’ in Tamil and ‘Vasantha Kokila’ in Kannada and Telugu, the trilingual thriller stars actor Kashmira Pardeshi opposite Bobby Simha.Tnm StaffScreengrabActor Bobby Simha, who was recently seen in the comedy drama Disco Raja, is all set for his next release, Vasantha Mullai. Touted to be a sci-fi thriller, the teaser of the trilingual movie was released on Friday, June 25. The Tamil version is titled Vasantha Mullai while the Kannada and Telugu versions are titled Vasantha Kokila. “Our mysterious thriller #VasanthaMullai (Tamil), #VasanthaKokila (Telugu & Kannada ) Teaser is trending on #Youtube,” Srt Entertainments, the production banner bankrolling the film, tweeted while releasing the teaser. The teaser opens with a romantic sequence between Bobby Simha and Kashmira Pardeshi shot underwater. As the teaser progresses, we see a series of clips of an eerie house, the lead pair camping at a hilltop, close-up shots of the lead actors and sequences where they are seen shouting,...