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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.
The makers of Ponniyin Selvan 2 recently held a huge event to launch the trailer and audio for the film. Besides the cast members Chiyaan Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Trisha, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and others, the event also saw Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan TR. The film's trailer, which got a grand launch in Chennai on Wednesday, features the Cholas fighting tooth and nail to save their throne from Pandyas and in-house treachery.
The sequel promises to answer many questions that went unanswered in the original. The film is written by Ratnam along with Elango Krishnavel and Jeyamohan. Mani Ratnam’s regular collaborators AR Rahman, Sreekar Prasad, Ravi Varman and Thota Tharani return to provide music, editing, cinematography and production design respectively. The film is produced by Subaskaran under Lyca Productions.
Vijay Sethupathi, who is basking in the success of his latest OTT outing — Hindi comedy series Farzi — is all set to act in his first Tamil web series. The series went on floors on Friday after a pooja ceremony in Madurai. Helmed by M Manikandan of Kaaka Muttai (2015) fame, it will be out on Disney+ Hotstar.
It also marks the reunion of Sethupathi and Manikandan after Aandavan Kattalai (2016) and Kadaisi Vivasayi (2022). Sethupathi took to Twitter to announce the same, along with an image of the crew. He wrote, “Happy to start my first web series in Tamil for @disneyplusHSTam, Directed by #MManikandan with an auspicious pooja!” Other details about the cast and the series are expected to be announced soon.
On the occasion of Ram Charan’s birthday, the makers of the RC15 revealed its title. The Shankar directorial is now titled Game Changer. The makers released a promo video which sets the tone as well as hints at the political setting of the film.
Game Changer stars Ram Charan in a dual role, along with an ensemble cast featuring Kiara Advani (her second collaboration with Ram Charan), SJ Suryah, Anjali, Sunil, Jayaram and Nassar among others. Adapting Karthik Subbaraj’s story into a screenplay, the film has been written by Su Venkatesan, Farhad Samji and Vivek, with dialogues by Sai Madhav Burra.
Manoj Bharathiraja’s directorial debut film is titled Margazhi Thingal. It will feature his father Bharathiraja in an important role. Manoj, who made his acting debut in Bharathiraja’s Taj Mahal (1999) has acted in several films, most recently in Karthi’s Viruman and STR’s Maanadu.
Margazhi Thingal is backed by director Suseenthiran under his new banner Vennila Productions. The film also stars newcomers Vinoth Kishan and Samyuktha Vishwanath. The technical crew includes music director GV Prakash, cinematographer AR Suriya and editor Thiyagu.
The makers of Nandamuri Balakrishna’s NBK108 announced that the film is gearing up for release in Dusshera. The action entertainer is written and directed by Anil Ravipudi of Sarirelu Neekevaru fame. Produced by Sahu Garapati and Harish Peddi, the film co-stars Kajal Agarwal and Sreeleela.
The makers of Shane Nigam starrer Corona Papers announced the film’s release date, along with the news that it was cleared by the CBFC with U/A. The thriller is slated to be released in theatres on April 6.
Directed by Priyadarshan, the film is a remake of the Tamil film 8 Thottakkal (2017). It also stars Gayathrie Shankar, Siddique, Shine Tom Chacko and Jean Paul Lal. Backed by Four Frames Sound Company, the film has cinematography by Divakar Mani and editing by Ayyappan.
Abdul Majith of Thamizhan (2002) and Torchlight (2018) fame recently wrapped up his latest big-budget film. Starring Vimal and Yogi Babu, the yet-to-be-titled film is written, directed and produced by Majith. It also features Champika and Aishwarya Dutta in prominent roles. Mainly shot around Chennai, the film was also shot in Vellore and Ranipet. The story revolves around Vimal who saves people from deceitful brokers.
Actor and director Basil Joseph of Minnal Murali fame was cast as the lead in Nithish Sachdev’s Falimy. While Anthony Verghese was initially roped in to star as the lead, Basil Joseph has now replaced him due to certain changes. The film also changed producers with Cheers Entertainment taking over production duties.
Nitihish Sachdev, who directs Family, co-wrote the film along with Sanjo Joseph. The film will also mark Basil Joseph’s third collaboration with Cheers Entertainment after Jan.E.Man and Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey. Ankit Menon will score the music while Bablu Aju will handle the camera.
Actor Sreenivas Bellamkonda recently announced his next film. Tentatively titled BSS10, the film is directed by Saagar Chandra of Bheemla Nayak fame. Billed as a large-scale action entertainer, the film is produced by Ram and Gopi Achanta. The rest of the cast and crew are yet to be revealed.
In their second collaboration after this year’s Kondral Paavam, Varalaxmi and Dayal Padmanabhan join hands for their next Maruthi Nagar Police Station. Also starring Arav, the film sees both him and Varalaxmi as police officers. Maruthi Nagar Police Station will be premiering directly on the OTT platform Aha. It is also produced by Dayal Padmanabhan under his banner D Pictures.
The makers of the Senna Hegde directorial Padmini have released the first look posters of the film. The three posters feature lead actor Kunchako Boban along with each female lead, which includes Vincy Aloshious, Aparna Balamurali and Madonna Sebastian.
Written by Deepu Pradeep of Kunjiramayanam fame, Padmini is produced by Prasobh Krishna and Suvin K Varkey under their banner Little Big Films. Director Senna Hegde’s frequent collaborator Sreeraj Raveendran returns as the cinematographer while Jakes Bejoy has composed the music. The film is all set to release in May.
Actor Rishi of Kavaludaari and Operation Alamelamma fame recently released the first look poster of his next film Ramana Avatara. The actor took to his social media handle to announce the same on the occasion of Rama Navami.
Ramana Avatara is directed by debutant Vikas Pampapathim, who was an assistant director and writer for director Suni’s Chamak. Produced by Amrej Suryavanshi, the film co-stars Shubra Ayappa, Arun Sagar and Pranitha Subhash.
Actor Venkatesh Daggubati’s upcoming film Saindhav is slated to hit the screens on December 22nd, 2023. Directed by Sailesh Kolanu, who is known for HIT universe, Saindhav will be Venkatesh’s 75th film. It is produced by Venkat Boyanapalli under Niharika Entertainment. The action entertainer which recently started shooting will also see Hindi actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui making his Telugu debut. While the film has music by Santhosh Narayanan, it has cinematography by S Manikandan.
The makers of Challenging Star Darshan’s 56th film, which has been titled Kaatera recently unveiled the first look poster of Radhana Ram (in her debut) as the female lead. Named Prabhavathi, she is described to be powerful, witty and charming. Radhana is the daughter of actor Malashree and late producer Ram.
The film is written and directed by Tharun Sudhir in his second collaboration with Darshan after Roberrt. Produced by Rockline Venkatesh, the film is set in a village in the 70s and features Jagapathi Babu in an important role. The film has music by V Harikrishna and cinematography by Sudhakar S Raj.
The makers of the Soubin Shahir starrer Romancham announced that the film will be streaming on Disney+ Hotstar from April 7. Written and directed by debutant Jithu Madhavan, the film opened to positive reviews when it was released in theatres in February. Romancham also stars Chemban Vinod Jose, Sajin Gopu, Siju Sunny and Arjun Ashokan. It was produced by John Paul George, Girish Gangadharan and Joby George. While Sushin Shyam has composed the music, Sanu Thahir has handled the camera.
Popular music director, lyricist, director and actor V Manohar has returned to the director’s chair with Darbar after 23 years.. His last directorial outing was Dr Shivarajkumar starrer Indradhanush in 2000.
Darbar is said to be a political thriller which focuses on the importance of voting. Sathish, who plays the lead in the film, has penned the script as well. The film co-stars Jahnvi, Sadhu Kokila, Ashok and Lakshmi Devamma.