Everything That Made News In Entertainment From The South (May 21 - May 27)

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.

Kavin’s next film launched, Anirudh to score music (Tamil)

Actor Kavin of Dada fame has joined hands with choreographer-turned-director Satish. The yet-to-be-titled film was launched recently in Chennai with the actor and director in attendance. Director Mysskin also made an appearance at the event.

The film co-stars Preethi Asrani. Interestingly, Anirudh Ravichander will compose music for the film. Kavin expressed deep gratitude to Anirudh for joining the film as it will be their maiden collaboration. Produced by Raahul under the Romeo Pictures banner, the technical crew includes cinematographer Harish and editor RC Pranav.

First look of Suresh Gopi’s JSK is out (Malayalam)

The makers of the legal thriller JSK recently unveiled the first look of the film. Directed by Pravin Narayanan, the film sees Suresh Gopi as a lawyer and Anupama Parameswaran as his client. The film also stars Suresh Gopi's younger son Madhav Suresh, Shruti Ramachandran, Divya Pillai, Askar Ali, Baiju Santhosh, Kottayam Ramesh, Shoby Thilkan and others. The legal thriller is produced by Cosmos Entertainment.

Second single 'Jigu Jigu Rail' from Maamannan out (Tamil)

After the success of the Vadivelu sung 'Raasa Kannu', makers of Mari Selvaraj’s Maamannan have released the second single 'Jigu Jigu Rail' from the album, which has vocals by AR Rahman. He is also the music composer of the film. While Yugabharathi has penned the lyrics, Sandy has choreographed the dance for the lyrical video. 

Maamannan is the third feature film of Mari Selvaraj. It stars Udhayanidhi Stalin (in his last role before he ventures into his political career), Vadivelu, Fahad Fasil and Keerthy Suresh. Produced by Stalin under his Red Giant Pictures banner, the makers are aiming for a June release.

Pasupathy’s Thandatti gets a release date (Tamil)

The makers of the Pasupathy starrer Thandatti recently announced that the film will be released on June 23. The rural comedy also stars Rohini, Vivek Prasanna and Ammu Abhirami. The film is directed by debutant Ram Sangiah and is produced by Prince Pictures. Mahesh Muthuswami has handled the cinematography while KS Sundaramoorthy has scored the music.

STR48 goes on floors (Tamil)

After his recent outing, Pathu Thala, Atman Silambarasan is all set to begin shooting for his next. Tentatively titled STR48, the film is directed by Desingh Periyasamy of Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithal (2020) fame and produced by Raaj Kamal Films International. On May 22, the makers took to their respective social media handles to make the announcement and share pictures. STR 48 is anticipated to be an action entertainer, and the makers are yet to finalise the cast and crew of the film.

First look of Sai Dharam Tej in Bro is out (Telugu)

The makers of the Sai Dharam Tej and Pawan Kalyan starrer Bro recently released the first look poster of Tej in the film. He plays a character named Markandeyulu (Mark). Samuthirakani, who made Vinodhaya Sitham (2021) in Tamil, is remaking the film as Bro in Telugu. This remake is produced by Zee Studios and People Media Factory. The film has music by Thaman S and dialogues by Trivikram Srinivas. It will be released on July 28.

First Look Of Ravi Teja's Tiger Nageswara Rao Out

The first of Ravi Teja's Tiger Nageswara Rao was unveiled in an event held in Rajahmundry on Wednesday. In a first-of-its-kind launch, the poster was released at havelock bridge amidst fanfare. The poster features a close-up of Ravi Teja, sporting a rustic look, holding a sharp weapon in his mouth.

Besides Telugu, the promo video was released in Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi and Kannada, with actors like Venkatesh, Karthi, Dulquer Salman, John Abraham and Dr Shivarajkumar providing the voiceovers in the respective languages.

Rahman and Bhavana join hands for a bilingual (Malayalam)

Actors Rahman and Bhavana are all set to star in a Malayalam-Tamil bilingual directed by debutant Riyaz Marath. The actors began shooting for the yet-to-be-titled film in Kochi. Backed by Adit Prasanna Kumar under APK Cinemas, the film sees Rahman play a cop while Bhavana plays a forensic officer. Sujith Charang will handle the cinematography.

Sudeep joins hands with Kalaipuli S Thanu for Kichcha46 (Kannada)

After the success of Vikrant Rona, Kichcha Sudeep has finally confirmed his next project with producer Kalaipuli S Thanu. The producer announced the same, stating that the film will be backed by his V Creations banner. The team also released a short announcement video which shows the actor entering the caravan. The film is expected to be a Kannada-Tamil bilingual and is speculated to be directed by debutant Vijay.

Bhajarangi Loki joins the sets of Salaar (Kannada)

It's known that Prashanth Neel has teamed up with Prabhas for the first time in Salaar. The makers of the film recently announced that actor Saurav Lokesh, popularly known as Bhajarangi Loki for his role in the Shivarajkumar starrer Bhajarangi (2013), has joined the sets of the action film. He will be playing a negative role. The film also stars Shruthi Hassan, Jagapathi Babu, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Sriya Reddy. Backed by Vijay Kiragandur of Hombale Films, Bhuvan Gowda has been handling the cinematography and Ravi Basrur has been scoring the music. The film is all set to release on September 28. 

Anoop Menon, Baiju, Pisharody, and Shajon headline Thimingala Vetta (Malayalam)

The first poster of 'Thimingala Vetta' starring Anoop Menon, Baiju Santhosh, Kalabhavan Shajon, Ramesh Pisharody, and Athmeeya Rajan has been unveiled. It is said to be a political drama based on the contemporary Kerala politics. Produced by Sajimon under the banner VMR Creations, the film is directed by Rakesh Gopan.

First glimpse of Mohanlal in Malaikottai Vaaliban is out (Malayalam)

On May 21, celebrating Mohanlal’s birthday, the makers of the Lijo Jose Pellissery directorial Malaikottai Vaaliban released the first glimpse video of the film. The video shows Mohanlal pulling heavy ropes in the midst of a crowd gathered to watch a wrestling match. Mohanlal is said to be essaying the role of a wrestler in pre-independent India. This is the first collaboration between director Lijo Jose and Mohanlal. The much-anticipated film also stars Manikandan Achari, Danish Sait, Hareesh Peradi, and Sonalee Kulkarni.

Drishyam gets a Korean remake (Malayalam)

After being remade in many Indian languages — Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi — and adapted in Chinese and Sinhalese, Jeethu Joseph’s crime drama Drishyam is all set to be remade in Korean. Announced at the India Pavillion event happening at the Cannes Film Festival, the Korean remake will be starring Song Kang-ho, who is known for his role in Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite and Memories of a Murder. Indian production house Panorama Studios and Jay Choi’s Anthology Studios will be collaborating with director Kim Jee-woon on the project.