Here’s a recap of the significant stories in entertainment across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada films, and sometimes the odd television series as well.
A year after KGF 2 was released, Hombale Films confirmed that KGF 3 will be happening. The Yash starrer franchise has been a massive success with fans yearning for a third installment. The teaser, which was released on social media, ends with the number 3 flashing on the screen.
KGF 3 will explore the protagonist Rocky’s life between the years 1978-81, which was omitted from the second installment. Another text in the video reads: Mother of all collisions is yet to be witnessed.
The much-awaited first-look poster of Mohanlal and Lijo Jose Pellissery's upcoming film Malaikottai Vaaliban was launched by the prominent actor on Twitter, marking the occasion of Vishu this week. The poster sees him pull on a grappling rope, with an iron chain tied around his neck. The film, which has wrapped up its first schedule, is said to be a period drama following the life of a wrestler.
Malaikottai Vaalibhan is written by PS Rafeeq and is backed by John & Mary Creative, Amen Movie Monastery, Century Films and Max Lab. The film features music by Prashanth Pillai and cinematography by Madhu Neelakandan.
The Sai Dharam Tej starrer explores a mystical village and the mysterious events that occur there. While there is a love story, the folk thriller also explores black magic and mysticism.
Virupaksha is directed by debutant Karthik Dandu. He also provides the story while Sukumar has written the screenplay as well as co-produced the film under his banner Sukumar Writings. The film is produced by BVSN Prasad under Sri Venkateswara Cine Chitra. The film also stars Samyuktha Menon, Sunil and Ajay. It is all set to release on April 21st.
The Test is an upcoming film starring Nayanthara, Madhavan and Siddharth in the lead roles. YNOT Studios producer Sashikanth turns director with this film. The makers have released a video poster of the film, which hints at it being a sports drama.
The motion poster features the three actors, along with images of cricket balls, bails, stumps and stadium lights in the background. As the motion poster ends, we hear big cheers, like in cricket stadiums.
RDX is a high-octane action film directed by debutant Nahas Hridhiyath. Starring Anthony Verghese, Shane Nigam and Neeraj Madhav, the makers recently announced that they had wrapped up filming. Backed by Sophia Paul’s Weekend Blockbusters, the action entertainer is written by Shabas Rasheed and Adarsh Sukumaran.
Anbariv who are known for KGF and Vikram have choreographed the stunts for the film, which is said to have martial arts elements in it. The film also stars Mahima Nambiar, Aima Rosmy Sebastian, Lal and Nishant Sagar. Sam CS has provided the music while Alex J Pulickal has handled the cinematography.
After a five year-long hiatus, Dhanush puts back his producer’s hat with director Mari Selvaraj’s next film. The duo had previously collaborated on Karnan (2021) and announced the beginning of their next project on the two-year anniversary of the film. Currently titled Production 15, Dhanush will be both acting and producing the film under his Wunderbar Films banner.
Dhanush is currently shooting for Arun Matheswaran’s Captain Miller while Mari Selcaraj is wrapping up the Udhayanidhi Stalin starrer Maamannan and the Disney Plus Hotstar film Vaazhai.
The Pawan Kalyan starrer Ustaad Bhagat Singh went on floors recently. The action entertainer reunites Kalyan with director Hari Shankar S; they previously collaborated on Gabbar Singh. The makers also recently announced that actor Sreeleela has been roped in to play the female lead and has joined the team for filming.
The film is produced by Naveen Yerneni and Y Ravi Shankar under the Mythri Movie Makers banner. It co-stars Ashuthosh Rana, Nawab Shah and Naga Mahesh. Devi Sri Prasad will score the music for the film.
The makers of the Chiyaan Vikram starrer Thangalaan recently announced that they would be releasing a special glimpse on Vikram’s birthday, which is on April 17th. The teasers and posters show Vikram in a rugged avatar.
Thangalaan is a period drama set in the Kolar Gold Fields during pre-independent India. Written and directed by Pa Ranjith, the film also stars Parvathi Thiruvothu, Pasupathi, Malavika Mohanan and Daniel Caltagirone. GV Prakash Kumar has scored music for the film. The makers are aiming for a year-end release for the film.
Yogi and director Shoonya’s film is titled Rosy. The film is touted to be a gangster film, a genre familiar to director Shoonya who made his debut with last year’s Head Bush. Actor Yogi announced the title of the film through his social media, also revealing that Rosy would be his 50th film.
Director Joshiy teams up with actors Joju George, Nyla Usha and Chemban Vinod Jose, marking the reunion of the team of the action entertainer Porinju Mariam Jose (2019). The latest to join this team is Kalyani Priyadharshan.
The film is backed by Einstin Zac Paul and is being distributed by Appu Pathu Pappu Productions. Rajesh Varma of Paisa Paisa fame has penned the story while Jakes Bejoy and Renadive join are roped in as the music director and cinematographer, respectively.
The shooting for Nayanthara's next commenced with a puja ceremony, a video of which was released by Zee Studios. The video shows the various guests who arrived for the ceremony. The cast including Nayanthara, Jai, Redin Kingsley and KS Ravikumar can be seen attending the event, including director Nilesh Krishnaa. However, the main highlight was the appearance of Superstar Rajinikanth who graced the occasion and gave his blessings.
The film is written and directed by debutant Nilesh Krishnaa and produced by Zee Studios, Naad S Studios and Trident Arts. The technical crew includes Thaman S on music, Sathyan Sooryan as the cinematographer and Praveen Anthony as the editor.
The makers of the period drama Thuramukham announced the OTT release date of the film. Based on P Chidambaram’s play of the same name, the film focuses on the struggles and atrocities faced by the harbour workers and the evils of the Chappa system. The Nivin Pauly starrer will be streaming from April 28th on SonyLiv.
Helmed by Rajeev Ravi, the film co-stars Nivin Pauly, Arjun Ashokan, Nimisha Sajayan, Joju George and Darshana Rajendran. The film was released in the cinemas in March and received positive reviews.