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Mumbai, April 11 (Ians) On the occasion of Eid on Thursday, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has announced his new film ‘Sikandar’ directed by A.R. Murugadoss.

The actor also announced the movie’s release date, confirming that it will hit theaters on Eid 2025.

Taking to Twitter, Salman shared a glimpse, which had “Salman Khan in and as Sikandar”. The film is presented by Sajid Nadiadwala.

Salman captioned the announcement: “Iss Eid ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ aur ‘Maidaan’ ko dekho aur agli Eid Sikandar se aa kar milo… Wish you all Eid Mubarak! #SajidNadiadwala Presents #Sikandar Directed by @ARMurugadoss @NGEMovies @WardaNadiadwala #SikandarEid2025”

This is not the first time Salman is working with A.R. Murugadoss.

The two have previously worked together in ‘Jai Ho’, where he was the writer.

Murugadoss has worked on films such as ‘Kaththi’, ‘Dheena’ and ‘Stalin’, among many others.

His first Bollywood film was the 2008 Aamir Khan-starrer ‘Ghajini’, a...

Leo, the upcoming action thriller starring Vijay, Sanjay Dutt, Trisha and Arjun, is all set to hit the theatres on October 19, 2023. The film, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, is one of the most anticipated movies of the year, as it marks the second collaboration of Vijay and Lokesh after the blockbuster Master (2021). Leo promises to be a gripping story of a chocolatier who gets entangled in a web of violence and revenge with his estranged brothers, who are ruthless gangsters.

IMAX Poster

The film has been shot with IMAX-certified cameras by cinematographer Manoj Paramahamsa, and will be released in IMAX format along with the standard format. Leo will be the second Tamil film to get released in IMAX format after Mani Ratnam’s magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan, which is slated to release in January 2024. IMAX format offers a larger and more immersive screen experience for the viewers, with enhanced sound and picture quality.

Leo is one of the most anticipated Tamil movies of 2023, starring Thalapathy Vijay, Sanjay Dutt, Trisha, Arjun, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Mysskin, and Mansoor Ali Khan. The action thriller film is directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, who has previously collaborated with Vijay in Master (2021). Leo is the third film in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe, and is produced by S. S. Lalit Kumar of Seven Screen Studio. The film has music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, who also worked with Vijay in Kaththi (2014) and Master.

The film was officially announced in January 2023 under the tentative title Thalapathy 67, as it is Vijay’s 67th film as a lead actor. The title of the film was revealed as Leo on 3 February 2023. According to rumours, The film is being made on a budget of ₹250–300 crore, and Vijay was reported to receive ₹120 crore as remuneration. The film’s plot revolves around Leo Das, a mysterious character played by Vijay,...

Leo, the much-awaited action thriller starring Vijay and Trisha, is all set to have a grand audio launch on September 30 at 5 pm at Nehru Stadium in Chennai. The film, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, is the third installment in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe, and features Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Sarja, Gautham Vasudev Menon, and others in pivotal roles. The music for the film is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, who has previously collaborated with Vijay in Kaththi (2014) and Master (2021).

The audio launch event is expected to be a star-studded affair, with several celebrities from the film industry gracing the occasion. The fans of Vijay are eagerly waiting to hear the songs and the background score of the film, which is touted to be a high-octane entertainer. Anirudh Ravichander has already hinted that the film will have a mix of mass and melody tracks, and that he has experimented with different genres and sounds for the film.

The Tamil film industry is buzzing with excitement as the news of a collaboration between actor Sivakarthikeyan and director Ar Murugadoss has been confirmed. The project, which is yet to be titled, is expected to start rolling from early 2024 and will be produced by Lyca Productions.

Sivakarthikeyan will be joining hands with Ar Murugadoss for the first time. The actor, who is known for his comedy and romantic roles, will be seen in a different avatar as he will be playing a serious and intense character in the action thriller.

Ar Murugadoss, who is one of the most successful directors in Tamil cinema, has delivered blockbuster hits like Ghajini, Thuppakki, Kaththi and Darbar. He is also known for his collaborations with Bollywood stars like Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan. Interestingly, the script of the upcoming film with Sivakarthikeyan was initially written for Shah Rukh Khan, but the...

The action-packed thriller Leo, starring Vijay and Trisha, is set to hit the screens on October 19, 2023. The film, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Seven Screen Studio, has generated a lot of buzz among the fans and the trade circles. The film also marks the debut of Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt in Tamil cinema, as well as the second collaboration of Lokesh Kanagaraj with Vijay after Master (2021).

Leo Promo

But what’s more exciting is that Lokesh Kanagaraj is not just a director, but also an actor. Yes, you heard it right. The talented filmmaker, who has delivered back-to-back hits like Maanagaram (2017), Kaithi (2019), and Master, is all set to make his acting debut in a film directed by the National Award-winning stunt choreographers Anbariv. Anbariv, who are twin brothers Anbu and Arivu, have worked with Lokesh Kanagaraj in Leo as well as in his previous films. They are known...

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming film ‘Jawan’ has six different action directors from across the world including names such as Spiro Razatos, Yannick Ben and Craig Macrae among many others for spectacular adrenaline rushing sequences in the film. According to a source close to the project, said: “Jawan’s action has been choreographed by six of the biggest action directors, Spiro Razatos, Yannick Ben, Craig Macrae, Kecha Khamphakdee, Sunil Rodrigues and Anal Arasu. They have choreographed the action for some of the best films globally.”

“Jawan incorporates a wide range of action formats, encompassing hand-to-hand combat, exhilarating bike sequences, heart-pounding truck and car chases, and more. These meticulously designed action sequences are integral to the film’s narrative, adding depth and realism to the cinematic experience,” the source added.

The source concluded by saying that with the combined talents of these “six exceptional action directors, Jawan is poised...

Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu has shared a heartfelt note from the Independence Day Parade at New York and revealed that she started her career when she shot for her first film at The Big Apple. Taking to Instagram, Samantha shared pictures of herself from the Independence Day Parade happening in New York. The actress was seen wearing this exquisite attire from Ritu Kumar making sure to turn all heads round.

Attaching them with a heartfelt and emotional note, Samantha expresses how the city of New York is extremely special for her. From shooting her first film there to now making headlines with everyone cheering for the actress, she has definitely come a long way and we couldn’t be more proud and happier.

“They say New York is where dreams are made. I started my career when u shot for my first film here…..A scared little girl without a...

Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who is currently enjoying her off from work, has shared a happy selfie dressed in pink. Samantha on Thursday took to Instagram, where she is seen lying down on a recliner, dressed in a pink chikankari kurta paired with purple sunglasses. She is seen sporting short hair and is looking at the camera and smiling.

For the caption, Samantha wrote: “Feels”.

Samantha is currently on an acting break as she wants to focus on her health, and undergo treatment for autoimmune condition myositis.

According to Webmd, Myositis refers to any condition causing inflammation in muscles. Weakness, swelling, and pain are the most common myositis symptoms.

On the work front, her next is ‘Kushi’ with Vijay Deverakonda. The romantic Telugu film will release on September 1. Produced by Mythri Movies, ‘Kushi’ has been directed and is set to debut in cinemas on September 1.

The actress will also be...

Nikhil Kumaraswamy, the Kannada actor and politician, is gearing up for his Tamil debut with a bilingual film. The film will be directed by Lakshman, who has delivered hits like Romeo Juliet, Bogan, and Bhoomi. The film will be produced by Lyca Productions, the leading banner in Tamil cinema.

The film will be a commercial entertainer with a strong message and will showcase Nikhil in a different avatar. The shooting of the film will start next month in Chennai and will continue in various locations across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The film will also have some prominent actors from both the industries in supporting roles.

Bogan Trailer

Nikhil Kumaraswamy is the son of former Karnataka Chief Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy and the grandson of former India Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda. He made his acting debut with the Kannada-Telugu bilingual film Jaguar in 2016. He then starred in Seetharama Kalyana...

Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who made her acting debut with the Telugu film ‘Ye Maaya Chesave’ in 2010, and received a lot of appreciation for her performance on the song ‘Oo Antava’ from ‘Pushpa: The Rise’, has completed 13 years in the film industry and she expressed gratitude towards her fans for giving her their love and support.

She posted a picture of colourful flowers and wrote in the caption: “The older I get, the farther I go. I just feel deeply thankful for all the love and affection and for each new day and all the good things it brings. So many things that used to affect me don’t anymore. Just a wave of love and gratitude everyday. Thank you.”

Her friends and fans also congratulated her for successfully completing 13 years in the industry.

One wrote: “I know how and where you started and looking at how you are today makes me swell up with pride!

Exclusive: Megan Stalter, one of the breakout stars of HBO Max’s Emmy-winning series Hacks, has found her first leading film role in the dark comedy Cora Bora, from director Hannah Pearl Utt (Disengaged). She’ll star alongside Jojo T. Gibbs (Fresh) and Manny Jacinto (Top Gun: Maverick).

The indie centers on Cora (Stalter), who senses her open relationship is on the rocks. When the struggling musician and messy millennial goes home to Portland to win her girlfriend back, she realizes it’s much more than her love life that needs salvaging.

Ayden Mayeri (I Love That for You), Thomas Mann (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl), Chrissie Fit (Pitch Perfect franchise), Andre Hyland (Big Time Adolescence) and Heather Morris (Glee) will also star in the pic, which is a co-production between the Los Angeles Media Fund and Neon Heart Productions, in collaboration with Almanor Films.

The film written...

EntertainmentHelmed by director Nelson Dilipkumar, Beast marks Vijay’s 65th film.Tnm StaffScreengrab | YoutubeThe trailer from actor Vijay’s much-anticipated film Beast was unveiled on Saturday, April 2, ahead of the theatrical release of the film on April 13. The trailer begins with a person announcing that the East Coast Mall in Chennai has been hijacked. Then we see a flurry of gunshots inside the mall with the people there scurrying for cover. The attackers appear dressed in Santa Claus outfits. Vijay’s character then gets introduced in the film as ‘one of the best and most notorious spies we have ever had’. Vijay can be seen in a menacing avatar single-handedly engaging with the assailants by wielding a gun and other sharp weapons of his own. Vijay’s character is named Veeraraghavan in the film and his tagline is ‘Meaner, leaner, stronger’. From the trailer, the film appears to be an action thriller.

Exclusive: Academy Award winner Melissa Leo, Aja Naomi King, Manny Jacinto and newcomers Amari Price and Aiden Price will star alongside Nnamdi Asomugha in his feature directorial debut, The Knife, which recently completed production in Los Angeles.

The film written by Asomugha and Mark Duplass is a psychological thriller that follows a family over the course of one night, after a frightening event threatens to dismantle their household and uncover the illusions of their lives.

Asomugha is producing under his iAm21 Productions banner, alongside Jonathan T. Baker and Ami Werges, with Mark and Jay Duplass, Mel Eslyn, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, Chijioke Asomugha and Rao Meka serving as executive producers.

Asomugha is an actor, Emmy-nominated producer and former NFL player who has starred in recent years in films including Sylvie’s Love,...

Popular CultureYouTube and Instagram are full of videos that promise a peek inside homes of celebrities like Manju Warrier, Vijay, Rajinikanth and more.Bharathy SingaravelCourtesy/FacebookManjuWarrierMohanLalMasterMovieFascination with celebrities is universal, and a specific sub-culture that has evolved around it is visits to the homes of some of the biggest star actors. Not actual visits though, like a guest coming to the house, but more of sight-seeing from outside and hopes to catch a glimpse of the star as they go about their day. Beverley Hills, Los Angeles where many of Hollywood’s most famous live, have actual tours with a guide, a map and a Rolls Royce to get you there. There are also two-hour van tours, because not everyone can afford to ride around LA in a hired Rolls Royce. But what about closer home? YouTube and Instagram are full of videos that promise a peek inside celebrity homes.

KollywoodThe title and first look poster of ‘Thalapathy 65’ were released on June 21, ahead of actor Vijay’s 47th birthday.Tnm StaffSix hours after the release of the first poster from actor Vijay’s most- anticipated movie Beast, Sun Pictures, the production house that is bankrolling the movie, released a second poster at 12 midnight on Tuesday to mark Vijay’s 47th birthday celebrations. Both the posters are being widely circulated by fans on social media. The first poster featured an intense Vijay holding a rifle with smoke in the backdrop, while in the second poster the star is seen holding a gun with explosions and choppers in the backdrop. Vijay is also spotted holding a bullet between his lips, hinting that the film is likely to be packed with high-octane action sequences. Many celebrities took to social media to convey their birthday wishes to Vijay on Tuesday. Musician Anirudh Ravichander,...

A film of the January 10th, 1973 Genesis concert at the Bataclan in Paris, France has circulated within the fan community for years, but the good folks at the Genesis Museum recently shared a 4K restoration that is a stunning improvement over anything seen before. Simply put, it’s the most pristine video of a Peter Gabriel-era show that has ever surfaced.

“This was a really big project,” the Genesis Museum noted on YouTube. “Not that the source was bad; the source was actually very nice. However, the source had many anomalies,...

KollywoodAccording to reports, the team will begin with a song shoot.Tnm StaffActor Vijay's 'Thalapathy 65' directed by Nelson Dhilipkumar is going on floors on Wednesday. The team had a pooja at the Sun TV studio in Chennai. It is being said that they will start with a song shoot and move to other locations. Recently, it was announced that actor Pooja Hegde would be playing the female lead for the movie. Pooja Hegde made her Kollywood debut with the 2012 superhero film Mugamoodi, where she shared the screen with actor Jiiva. #Thalapathy65Poojai@actorvijay @Nelsondilpkumar @anirudhofficial @hegdepooja #Thalapathy65 pic.twitter.com/BYm9yygzWj — Sun Pictures (@sunpictures) March 31, 2021 While the genre of the project remains a mystery, it is rumored that it will be an out and out fun-entertainer. Initially, it was said that Ar Murugadoss would be directing this project. However, it was reported that Murugadoss, whose last...

KollywoodPooja Hegde made her Kollywood debut with 2012 superhero film ‘Mugamoodi’. Tnm StaffScreengrab/TwitterAfter delivering the blockbuster film Master, Kollywood star Vijay is gearing up for another film. Fans have been eager to receive updates about his upcoming project Thalapathy 65 and were excited when the production company Sun Pictures tweeted about the female lead for the movie. Sun Pictures took to Twitter to announce on Wednesday that popular actor Pooja Hegde has been roped in to star opposite Vijay in the tentatively titled project Thalapathy 65. “The gorgeous @hegdepooja onboard as the female lead of #Thalapathy65!" wrote Sun Pictures on Twitter. The gorgeous @hegdepooja onboard as the female lead of #Thalapathy65 !@actorvijay @Nelsondilpkumar @anirudhofficial#Thalapathy65bySunPictures #PoojaHegdeInThalapathy65 pic.twitter.com/flp4izppAk — Sun Pictures (@sunpictures) March 24, 2021 Ever since the news was announced, netizens are eagerly waiting to receive more updates about the venture and are tweeting about the film using trending hashtags...

Spoiler Alert: This story contains details about tonight’s His Dark Materials Season 2 finale “Æsahættr” on HBO.

His Dark Materials wrapped up its second season, rife with exciting alliances and the return of original characters, with a dramatic buildup to the final installment of Phililp Pullman’s fantasy trilogy.

Taking directly from the events of Pullman’s The Subtle Knife, the series’ sophomore finale unveils the biblical prophecy around Lyra Silvertongue (Dafne Keene). A witch, held against her will by Mrs. Coulter (Ruth Wilson) and her new Spectre allies, reveals that Lyra’s true name is Eve, unveiling the potential for a second Fall of Man. Fearful for her daughter’s fate, Mrs. Coulter, joined by Magisterium forces, ventures deep into the world of Cittagazze to thwart any attempts of fulfilling the prophecy.

The stars continue to align in the season finale as Dr. Mary Malone (Simone Kirby), requested by...

Looks like HBO is committed to adapting Philip Pullman’s full trilogy: His Dark Materials has been renewed for a third and final season, TVLine has learned.

The fantasy series’ second season concludes Monday, Dec. 28, at 9/8c. Season 1 dealt primarily with the events of Pullman’s The Golden Compass and centered on the adventures of Lyra, a little girl living in a universe similar to our own. Season 2 has chronicled the events of The Subtle Knife, Book 2 in Pullman’s three-novel set, which follows what happens as Lyra and a boy named Will are pursued by both friends and foes between parallel universes.

When Philip Pullman magicked up Spectres on the pages of The Subtle Knife, he did it without giving a thought to the VFX artists of the future. If Pullman had considered the puzzle he was setting the people tasked with depicting creatures so diaphanous that “in some lights, they were hardly there at all,” he may have had a rethink. Instead, not knowing that his story would be turned first into a feature film and then a stunning TV adaptation, he described monsters that were “a rhythmic evanescence, like veils of transparency turning in a mirror.” Tricky.

“In literary form, it’s a very different game,” laughs Framestore VFX Supervisor Russell Dodgson. “You can describe things that you can’t quite picture and that makes it more magical, but then you try and put it on screen and it’s like, oh! It’s such hard work. Our 3D VFX supervisor on that,...

If you’re the kind of person who tuts at pre-December Christmas trees and moans about supermarkets simultaneously stocking mince pies and Halloween goodies (don’t cross the streams!) then look away now, there’s nothing for you here.

If, however, you’re the sort of person who’s gasping for end-of-year cheer like it’s the last bottle of Evian in a hot, empty desert, then step this way. We’ve collected up all the festive TV specials airing in the UK over Christmas 2020, so you can start mentally circling the ones in your personal schedule.

It being early, there are still announcements to be made, so check back here for updates. Ditto for official air dates and times, which are thin on the ground until the channels lock in their schedules. We’ll pop back and add those in as they’re confirmed.

Starting with our top five picks,...

KollywoodIt is being rumoured that director Ar Murugadoss has exited from the project. Digital NativeActor Vijay and filmmaker Ar Murugadoss, who have worked together in films such as Thuppakki, Kaththi and most recently Sarkar, were reportedly set to reunite for the fourth time for a project currently dubbed Thalapathy 65, to be bankrolled by Sun Pictures. If the industry grapevine is anything to go by, director Ar Murugadoss has backed out of this project due to creative differences with Vijay, as some allege, while some say that Sun Pictures had a misunderstanding with the director. There are also reports that the director Magizh Thirumeni had already narrated a story to Vijay after Bigil and had plans of the teaming up with him for his 64th film. This however went to Lokesh Kanagraj, the result of which is Master. Magizh Thirumeni is popular for delivering action thrillers such as Thadaiyara Thaakka, Meaghamann,...

“The world is aware of a threat over our heads,” we learn in the new His Dark Materials Season 2 trailer. “But have no fear. We will do whatever is necessary.”

Following the order of Philip Pullman’s novel trilogy, His Dark Materials Season 2 is based on second book The Subtle Knife, picking up after Lord Asriel (James McAvoy) opened a bridge to a new world and, as the trailer warns, the “Great War.”

Here are the latest details on the second season of His Dark Materials.

His Dark Materials Season 2 Trailer

The full trailer for His Dark Materials Season 2 has arrived, as seen immediately below.

The new clip shows us more of the continuing adventures of the prophecy-centric Lyra Belacqua (Dafne Keen), whose path has become intertwined with a wayward resident of our world, Will Parry (Amir Wilson). We also get a good look at Andrew Scott, who’s traded...

TollywoodThe motion poster was released for the actor's 65th birthday.Tnm Staff On the occasion of actor Chiranjeevi’s birthday, the motion poster of his upcoming film Acharya was released. Acharya is being directed by Koratala Siva, who has delivered several hit films like Mirchi, Srimanthudu and Bharat Ane Nenu. The film will be released next summer, the production team announced. In the poster, Chiranjeevi is seen wearing an olive green shirt and draped in a red scarf, which is usually worn by communist revolutionaries. The tweet by Koratala Siva makes it amply clear that Chiranjeevi indeed plays the character of a Left revolutionary. “A Comrade's quest for Dharma," the director wrote while sharing the motion poster. 'A Comrade's quest for Dharma' Here's the Motion Poster of #Acharya - https://t.co/IOJqcEgPzd Join us to Witness the Mega Magical combo of #Megastar & #ManiSharma.@KChiruTweets @AlwaysRamCharan @DOP_Tirru @sureshsrajan @navinnooli...

KollywoodWhile an official confirmation is awaited, the three had worked together last in 'Sarkar' that released in 2018.Digital NativeActor Vijay and filmmaker Ar Murugadoss, who have worked together in films such as Thuppakki, Kaththi and most recently Sarkar, are all set to reunite for the fourth time for a project currently dubbed Thalapathy 65. Reports have emerged that Sun Pictures will bankroll the project and an official agreement was signed on Tuesday. An official announcement can be expected to be made very soon, as per reliable sources. Two other filmmakers were in talks for teaming up with Vijay next. As per reports, Sudha Kongara and Ajay Gnanamuthu were two other directors who were most likely to be signed. However, Murugadoss, whose last outing Sarkar with Vijay didn’t do as expected at the box-office, has been handed over the baton once again to deliver a blockbuster. If everything goes as planned,...

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Kent State massacre, in which the Ohio National Guard murdered four student protestors during an anti–Vietnam War demonstration on campus. “For a moment, time stood still,” Devo’s Jerry Casale told Rolling Stone in a chilling recounting of the events of that day. “It was like a Scorsese film, like Raging Bull, where suddenly Jake Lamotta is getting hit in the face and it goes into slow motion. And then it snaps back just like a Hollywood movie, and, bang! Back to real time.

The Phil Collins–led incarnation of Genesis announced a reunion tour this morning. So far it’s just 10 arena dates in the United Kingdom and Ireland, but that’s almost certainly merely the first leg. The band hasn’t toured in any capacity since 2007 and can easily fill stadiums and arenas all across globe. Nothing is certain, but 2021 will probably be a very good year for Genesis fans.

The lineup this time is the 1978–1993 and 2007 incarnation of the band, minus touring drummer Chester Thompson. In his place is Phil’s teenage son Nic.

KollywoodThe actor is known for his roles in movies like ‘Ethir Neechal’ and ‘Kaththi’. Tnm Staff Popular Tamil comedy actor Sathish got married to Sindhu, director Chachi's sister, weeks after the couple got engaged. Sathish, known for his roles in Ethir Neechal and Remo alongside Sivakarthikeyan and other films like Kaththi, Thamizh Padam 2 etc, started out working under Crazy Mohan in his theatre group, honing his skills in writing scripts and acting. He has also acted in Chocolate Krishna, one of the most popular plays of Crazy Mohan’s troupe. He has also worked with Al Vijay as a co-dialogue writer for the movie Poi Solla Porom. Recently Sathish got engaged to Sindhu in a private ceremony in Chennai. As per reports, director Chachi got to know Sathish during the filming of Sixer, and the couple’s wedding was arranged by their parents. Sathish had recently posted pictures of him...

TollywoodVV Vinayak directed mega star Chiranjeevi's 150th film, 'Khaidi No 150'.Digital NativeProducer Dil Raju is basking in glory over the grand success of his latest production venture Maharshi. The producer was in Tirupati to offer his prayers to Lord Venkateswara on the success and handed out a press note that came as a surprise. According to the press note, Dil Raju will be introducing ace director Vv Vinayak as an actor. The note reads, “Superhit Producer #DilRaju, Director @directorvamshi offered prayers to Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala on the occasion of #Maharshi's Blockbuster Success. #DilRaju has announced that he will be Introducing Sensational Director #VVVinayak as an actor in his upcoming production.” He reportedly told, “I recently heard a script and after deliberating over who would suit the role, I have decided to introduce Vv Vinayak as an actor under my banner. Vinay has also agreed to the project...

Film CommentaryFrom going after the loosu ponnu to taking on Gautham Menon's obsession with killing women, 'Tamizh Padam 2' exposes the misogyny in Tamil films. Spoilers ahead.Sowmya Rajendran*Spoilers ahead Cs Amudhan's Tamizh Padam 2, much like the first film, takes a dig at Kollywood trends and spares no mainstream film. This time around though, the director has also addressed how female characters are represented in Tamil cinema, especially the heroine, who has been reduced to a "loosu ponnu." Agila Ulaga Superstar Shiva's first wife, Priya (Disha Pandey), is killed off unceremoniously because this is a sequel and obviously, a sequel can never have the same heroine. Besides, Tamizh Padam 2 is a cop film and as guruji Gautham Menon has taught us over and over again, a police officer's sincerity to the job is inversely proportional to his wife's longevity. So, Priya dies and is replaced by Ramya (Iswarya Menon). How? Shiva's friend advises him to simply close his eyes and fall in love with the first woman he sees. Shiva has only two conditions – a. The girl must be the colour of maida b. She must be a 'loosu ponnu'. This may seem satirical to people who are not familiar with mainstream Tamil films, but it's actually an accurate description of the heroine in most of them. Amudhan goes one step ahead and breaks down the conditions that establish a "loosu ponnu" – she must chase a puppy, she must help blind people cross the road, and she must eat ice-cream in the rain. While film critics have been lamenting this annoying trope for eons now, it's refreshing to see someone from the industry spelling it out in neon. Ramya also wears a T-shirt that says "Mental manadhil" and gets into a bus for patients with mental health issues (one supposes that mental healthcare professionals won't be delighted by this) to seal the deal for Shiva. He's in love! Among the films that Amudhan takes a dig at is the horrendous Remo which romanticised stalking on a whole other level. When his friends advise him to torture the heroine into falling in love with him, Shiva asks if that would not be wrong. They, however, tell him that he's the hero and that he can go to any extent to make the woman fall for him. Santhana Bharathi, who appears as one of Shiva's friends, also dresses up as a female nurse – to make sure we don't miss the reference. Ramya is hilariously oblivious to the fact that the heavily bearded person in the nurse uniform is not a woman – well, she's a loosu ponnu after all. 'Adida avala' from Mayakkam Enna and 'Evandi unna petha' from Vaanam (by Dhanush and Simbu respectively, the kings of the soup song genre) get a rehaul with Ramya singing the woman's version of it when she's dumped by Shiva for a stupid reason. Although the song is meant to be funny, it has some poignant lines that hit home, especially given the spate of stalker related murders in Tamil Nadu. "Love failurenu solli acid adikkara neenga/ engakita enda kolaveri pathi maanamkettu pesureenga" (Those of you who say love failure and throw acid, why do you speak to us about murderous rage without any shame?) are lyrics that Kollywood will do well to remember next time directors are tempted to make the same-old "suffering" hero nonsense. There's plenty of good-natured humour about a plethora of films – Vivegam, Vikram-Vedha, Thupparivalan, Thuppaki, Pisasu, Kaththi, VIP, 24, 7aam Arrivu, Thevar Magan, 2.0, Kabali, Ms Dhoni, Baahubali, Irudhi Suttru, Villain, Veeram, Saamy – the list is super long. However, what's appreciable is how Amudhan has also gone after the misogyny present in the films of directors who are considered to be "classy", particularly Gautham Menon. Although Gautham Menon is usually credited with giving "sensible" women characters who are not the "loosu ponnu", they tend to die brutal deaths, especially in his cop films. The misogyny is not as glaring as it is in the average mainstream film, but it's all the more disturbing. In Tamizh Padam 2, Shiva stalks Ramya (his tenant - Vinnaithaandi Varuvaya) to the Us (Vaaranam Aayiram) and the heroine eventually dies. But then, she hilariously comes back as Gayathri (the proposal scene is straight out of Vettaiyadu Vilaiyaadu). The self-obsessed hero voice-overs that are present in every Gautham Menon cop film – Khaaka Khaaka, Yennai Arindhal, Achcham Yenbadhu Madamayada – are also unmistakable. By the end of the movie, Shiva, the sincere cop, has a wall full of pictures of dead wives – so much so that his long-suffering paati decides to kill him and put an end to it. And oh, Kasthuri does an "item" number in the middle of an investigation because that's how the "classy" directors show off their "massy" side to the audience. Tamizh Padam 2 is not without its issues. It is essentially a string of scenes from popular films and if you don't get the references, chances are that it will not make any sense to you. But Amudhan has dared to show Kollywood an aspect that is seldom discussed by people from within the industry seriously – why can't we have better female characters? Why can't our love stories treat women with more respect? And when will our heroines grow up and behave like adults?...

KollywoodDirected by Ar Murugadoss, this untitled film went on to the floors early this year and has been progressing steadily with the two schedules being wrapped.Digital NativeDigital NativeThe shooting of Vijay’s 62nd film, which has not been titled yet, has recommenced with the Tamil Film Producers Council strike coming to an end. According to reports, the team had shot the intro number, presumably a kuthu song featuring Vijay along with loads of dancers. This song, composed by the Oscar-winning music director Ar Rahman has been rendered by Diwakar, well known for songs such as 'Nenjukulle Nee' in Vadacurry and 'Tango Kelayo' in Kaatru Veliyidai. Directed by Ar Murugadoss, this untitled film went on to the floors early this year and has been progressing steadily with the two schedules being wrapped. According to reports, the team intends to shoot a schedule in the Us. Bankrolled by Sun Pictures, Kalanithi Maran on a very high budget, the film features Keerthy Suresh as Vijay’s lead pair. It may be mentioned here that Vijay and Ar Murugadoss had associated earlier for two films – Thuppaki and Kaththi – and this is their third venture together. The film also stars Varalaxmi Sarath Kumar in a pivotal role with Radha Ravi playing the antagonist and Yogi Babu and Livingston also included in supporting roles. The technical crew of this film comprises Girish Gangadharan for cinematography, A Santhanam for art direction and A Sreekar Prasad for editing. It is learned from reliable sources that the film will also star Pazha Karuppaiah in the role of a politician and he will be seen playing a negative character as well. The film has been penned jointly by director Ar Murugadoss and writer Jeyamohan. The shooting of Vijay 62 is progressing at a breakneck speed so as to enable it to hit the silver screens on November 7 to make it a Diwali release. Touted to be a political action thriller, it is one of the most anticipated films of the year. It may be mentioned here that a bike stunt sequence featuring Vijay was canned a few weeks ago and it leaked online creating a huge ruckus. (Content provided by Digital Native)...

DanceThe troupe's performance of the megastar's song received a standing ovation.Tnm StaffTollywood star Chiranjeevi made a mega comeback into films after a decade-long hiatus with Khaidi No. 150 in 2017. The film did well at the box-office and Chiranjeevi’s performance was a hit with the audiences as well. And recently, the song ‘Sundari’ from the film wowed audiences in the Us, many miles away from home. A Delhi-based dance troupe, Team Shraey Khanna, performed on the song on the Steve Harvey Show which airs in the Us. The group of five chose the song ‘Sundari’ for their performance. Dressed in shiny velvet blue suits, the performance and the song had the audience grooving right along. What’s more, not only did people stand up cheering during their dance routine, but also gave them a standing ovation. Watch the video here: The troupe revealed in a video that the idea behind the performance was to combine their love for pop icon Michael Jackson with 'Bollywood' style. Chiranjeevi, the actor who danced in the original song, is definitely not from Bollywood but this wouldn't be the first time people outside south India have used the 'Bollywood' tag to describe anything to do with Indian cinema. Chiranjeevi is known for his effortless moves, and the song from Khaidi No. 150 was no exception. His dancing would make it hard to believe that the actor is now 61. Watch the original video here. Khaidi No. 150 is the Telugu remake of Kollywood film Kaththi, which came out in 2014 and starred Vijay in the lead role.

If the industry grapevine is anything to go by, composer Anirudh Ravichander who rose to fame with Dhanush’s Kolaveri Di number and has hit albums such as Maari, Remo and Vedalam to his credit, might reunite with Vijay and Murugadoss for the second time after their blockbuster collaboration Kaththi.

While there hasn’t been an official announcement yet, buzz is that Anirudh has already given his nod as Murugadoss has been keen on roping him in from the beginning.

Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh played the baddie in the Vijay starrer Kaththi, a Tamil film, a few years ago and this marked his debut in the south Indian film industry. The actor has now signed on the dotted line to star in the multi-lingual film Sahoo, which has Prabhas in the lead. While he is busy shooting for this film, the news is that he will be foraying into Sandalwood soon.

The biggest celebration of South Indian cinema, the Fortune Sunflower Oil Iifa Utsavam co-powered by Gionee smartphone and Renault- Passion for Life was a splendid event that witnessed the coming together of the biggest superstars of the Tamil and Malayalam Film Industries on 24th January 2016. With some of the year’s biggest films taking home the prestigious awards, the evening came alive as some of the most prolific names in the South Indian film industry came together to revel in the success of Tamil and Malayalam Cinema in 2015.

In the Tamil Film Awards, Baahubali-The Beginning took home the highest number of accolades with a total tally of six awards including Best Picture, Direction, Supporting Role (Male), Supporting Role (Female), Playback Singer (Male) and Playback Singer (Female). For the Malayalam Film Awards, Ennu Ninte Moideen took home the highest number of accolades with a total tally of six awards including Best Picture,...

Neil Nitin Mukesh is having a good run playing bad. He was recently pitted against Salman Khan in Prem Ratan Dhan Payo and last year demonstrated his villainous side in A.R. Murugadoss Tamil blockbuster, Kaththi, starring Vijay in the lead.

Before Neil Nitin Mukesh’s more recent antagonist adventures, filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra was awed by the striking black and white portions in Bejoy Nambiar’s 2013 outing, David. Neil Nitin Mukesh’s version was shot in a sepia tone that conveyed the hippy pop culture of the 1970’s with élan.

Impressed by Neil in those portions of the film, he was duly selected for Wazir. Vidhu Vinod Chopra says, “I saw the black and white portions of ‘David’ and found Neil perfect for the role of Wazir.”

An action thriller starring Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar, Neil Nitin Mukesh, John Abraham and Aditi Rao Hydari, Wazir releases in cinemas worldwide on...

The winners of Filmfare Awards 2015 (South) has been announced. Check out the full list of winners.

Filmfare Awards 2015 Tamil Winners

Best Film – Kaththi Best Director – Ar Murugadoss – Kaththi Best Actor (Male) – Dhanush – Velaiyilla Pattathari Best Actor (Female) – Malavika Nair – Cuckcoo Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) – Bobby Simha – Jigarthanda Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female) – Ritwika – Madras Best Music – Anirudh Ravichander – Velaiyilla Pattathari Best Lyricist – Na Muthukumar – Azhagu (Saivam) Best Playback Singer (Male) – Pradeep Kumar – Aagayam Theepidicha (Madras) Best Playback Singer (Female) – Uthara Unnikrishnan – Azhagu (Saivam) Best Actor Critics Award:Nivin Pauly (1983), Karthi (Madras) Best Choreographer – Shobi – Pakkam vanthu (Kaththi) Cinematographer – Ps Vinod (Manam) Debut Awards Male – Dulquer Salman (Vaayai Moodi Pesavum), Bellamkonda Sreenivas (Alludu Seenu) Debut Awards Female – Catherine Tresa (Madras), Nikki Galrani (1983) Lifetime Achievement Awards – IV Sasi and Radhika

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His Bollywood career may be slow at the moment but Neil Nitin Mukesh continues to take new challenges. While on one hand Neil will be seen playing Salman's brother in Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, on the other, we hear that he will soon be seen making his debut in Tamil films. It is learnt that Neil will be seen essaying the role of the villain in the film that will be directed by Ar Murugadoss. The film titled Kaththi (Knife) is said to be an action thriller written and directed by Ar Murugadoss. It will feature Vijay in a dual role with Samantha as the female lead. The makers are currently eyeing a 2014 Diwali release.