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.
Gopi Nainar of Aramm (2017) fame is all set to team up with Andrea Jeremiah for his upcoming movie Manusi. The first look posters for the film were shared by actor Suriya on his social media which feature Andrea who looks disturbed and scared. The film is produced under the banners of Grassroot Film Company, B4U Entertainment and Ivy Entertainment.
Ajith’s Thunivu is slated to hit the screens in Telugu titled Thegimpu. Directed by H. Vinoth, the film marks his third outing with Ajith after Valimai and Nekonda Paaravai. Their previous film Valimai did not have a different name in Telugu. Thegimpu is an action drama revolving around bank heists. Malayalam actor Manju Warrier plays the female lead in the film. The film is expected to release on January 12 clashing with Vijay’s Varasudu.
Mammootty starrer Christopher is a thriller based on real-life events. In the character reveal poster, Sneha is introduced as Beeena Mariam Chacko. Directed by B Unnikrishnan, the script for the movie was penned by Udaya Krishna.
Christopher marks the second collaboration of the director and screenwriter after Aaraattu (2022). Produced by Aroma Mohan and RD Illuminations, the film also stars Amala Paul, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Vinay Rai, and Shine Tom Chacko. Manoj has handled the editing while Faiz Siddik has done the cinematography and Justin Varghese has composed the music for the film.
Rohit Pathak who has acted in Tamil and Telugu movies like Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru (2017) and Seetimaarr (2021) will be essaying a negative role in Balakrishna starrer Veera Simha Reddy. Balakrishna will be seen doing a dual role in the movie. Helmed by Gopichand Malineni, the film is scheduled to hit screens on January 12, 2023.
Produced under the banner Mythiri Movie Makers, the film also stars Duniya Vijay, Lal, Shruti Hassan, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and Honey Rose. Rishi Punjabi is the cinematographer and Thaman is the music composer.
Tamannaah is making her Malayalam debut with Bandra and on the occasion of her birthday, makers released a poster featuring her in traditional attire. Billed as an action gangster film, Bandra is directed by Arun Gopy and Uday Krishna has penned the script for the movie. Produced by Ajith Vinayaka Films, it co-stars Sarath Kumar, Dino Morea, Rajveer Ankur Singh, and Amit Tiwari. Vivek Harshan is the editor and Shajikumar is the DoP. The music for the film has been composed by Sam. C.S
Chiranjeevi and Radikaa Sarathkumar who have earlier worked in many blockbuster movies are reuniting for a new project. Radikaa Sarathkumar will be taking the role of a producer for this yet-to-be-titled film. The movie will be produced under the banner Radaan Media Works and writer Lakshmi Bhupala is on board as the dialogue writer.
Chandra Keerthi, the writer, director, and actor of Tootu Madike is joining hands with the producer Madhusudan Rao. This project will be the second collaboration with the production house, Sarvata Cine Garage. Set in the backdrop of a forest, the film will be a complete entertainer filled with love, action, and drama. Swaminathan RK, who composed music for Tootu Madike will be scoring music for this film too. Chandra Keerthi will play the lead role in the movie.
Nomination shortlists for 10 categories for the 95th Academy Awards were revealed. Naatu Naatu song from SS Rajamouli's directorial RRR was shortlisted in the best original song category. The song was composed by MM Keeravani. The final nomination for the Academy Awards will be announced on January 24, 2023.
Helmed by Sunil Mysuru, Orchestra Mysuru is slated to hit screens on January 12. Backed by Raghu Dixit Productions, the film stars Rajalakshmi, Mahesh Kumar, and Ravi Hunsur in prominent roles. Eight songs of this musical entertainer are composed by Raghu Dixit and Dhananjay has penned the lyrics for the songs. Joseph K Raja has handled the cinematography.
Sembi starring Kovai Sarala in a never before seen role traces the life of an old woman and her granddaughter. While they lead a calm life alongside nature in the hills, Kovai Sarala’s character gets entangled in a case, becoming a most wanted fugitive. How will she save her granddaughter?
Written and directed by Prabu Solomon, the film co-stars Ashwin Kumar Lakshmikanthan and Thambi Ramaiah. M Jeevan is the cinematographer and Buvan is the editor. The music for the film has been scored by Nivas K Prasanna.
Salaga fame Sanjana Anand collaborates with rapper-turned-hero Chandan Shetty for a song appearance in Suthradhari. Directed by Kiran Kumar, the film is a whodunit thriller. The song will be an introduction song, sung and composed by Chandan Shetty. The song is composed for the New Year celebrations and will be out on December 27. Bankrolled by Navarasan, Suthradhari will have Chandan Shetty and Apurva playing the lead roles.
HIT: 2 is a crime thriller that follows the life of a police officer named Krishna Dev and a murder investigation. The Telugu film was released on December 3 and is now all set to be dubbed in Hindi and released on December 30. The film is a sequel to HIT: The First Case (2020) which was remade in Hindi this year. Directed by Sailesh Kolanu, HIT: 2 also stars Rao Ramesh, Tanikella Bharani, and Posani Krishna Murali. Garry BH is the editor and Manikandan is the cinematographer. The music for the film is composed by MM Sree Lekha and Suresh Bobbili.
Real star Upendra sings an election-based song for Praja Rajya. The song titled Jai Election Dhan Dhana Dan is composed by Vijetha Manjaiah and is based on the importance of elections and voting The lyrics for the song have been penned by Yogaraj Bhat. Directed by Vijay Bhargav, the film revolves around the significance of democracy. The film is written and produced by Varadaraaju DN and stars Devraj, Nagabharana, Achyuth Kumar, Sudharani in prominent roles.
After Settai (2010), Hansika Motwani and director R Kannan reunite for a horror comedy titled Gandhari. Hansika is said to play dual roles in the movie. Produced by Kannan under the banner Masala Pix Productions, Gandhari is slated to hit screens on February 23, 2023. The film also stars Metro Shirish. Stunt Silva has handled the action sequence for the film while Balasubramaniem has cranked the camera.
Dear Vaappi traces the journey of Basheer (Lal), an ambitious tailor and his model daughter Amira. Written and directed by Shaan Thulasidharan, the makers conducted an audio launch which was graced by several celebrities including Guru Somasundaram, G Suresh Kumar, B Unnikrishnan, and others.
Apart from Lal, the film co-stars Anagha Narayanan and Niranj Maniyanpilla Raju. The film has music by Kailas Menon, cinematography by Pandikumar and editing by Lijo Paul.