Actor Vijay Sethupathi who primarily works in Tamil cinema has urged the central government to include the South Indian language on the PAN website. He was talking an event in Chennai when he made the public appeal to the government. He said that it would be beneficial for people who do not speak Hindi or English. Vijay Sethupathi makes an appeal to the government Vijay Sethupathi said that the PAN-card related information on the site is currently available only in Hindi and English which makes it inaccessible for Tamil speaking people of the country. He appealed the government to add the language. Talking in Tamil, the actor said, "I have completed my studies and worked as a Chartered Accountant Auditor. Understanding government-related information can be challenging. It is commendable that the Income Tax Department has simplified the PAN card application process through easy-to-understand cartoons.” “People in Tamil Nadu often end up searching frantically for updates when they face a problem. This wouldn’t happen if the information was in a language they understood," he said adding the website should add all reginal languages of the country and make it more accessible among people. Vijay Sethupathi's work front The actor was last seen in the film Viduthalai part 2. The film focuses on issues of casteism and naxalism. Some critics pointed out that these issues were prominent in the 70s and 80s and why the actor is not making films focused on contemporary issues. It’s not about highlighting burning topics; it’s about telling the stories of people and their lives. The film isn’t made to earn praise or gain a good name. I’m proud to have worked on this project. Although the story is set in the 70s, if it still resonates with you, then it’s a reflection of the fact that these issues persist even today.” 'Viduthalai Part 2' will be released in theatres on December 20. The first part which was released in 2023 revolved around a tragic train derailment linked to a suspected extremist political leader. The film features a star-studded cast, including Soori in the lead role, with Bhavani Sre, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Rajiv Menon, Ilavarasu, Balaji Sakthivel, Saravana Subbiah, Manju Warrier, Kishore, Anurag Kashyap, and Bose Venkat in pivotal roles.
30 January,2025 06:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRegina Cassandra is eagerly awaiting for the release of her upcoming film 'Vidaamuyarchi' opposite Ajith Kumar. The film that was supposed to be released in theatres earlier this month was delayed due to undisclosed reasons. Now, the film is set to be released in theatres n February 6. While the actress has a rich career down south, in the past years she also made a mark for herself in the Hindi language. However, she said that Bollywood was 'snooty' towards south stars and that has now changed as they do not have a choice. Regina on Bollywood welcoming South In an interview with News18, while talking about how welcoming Bollywood is towards South stars, Regina shared, "Now, they don’t have a choice. Before… pretty snooty. If they knew that you were from the South." She added, " I don’t know if it was because language was a barrier. But for me, it never was, so. And I don’t look like a South Indian. I don’t know if all of these things worked in my favour. But I think now it’s just become, like, they need people from the South, especially after the pandemic hit. They needed actors from the South for a bigger audience." Regina has worked in the Hindi film 'Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga' where she was paired opposite Sonam Kapoor. She was later seen in the web series 'Farzi', 'Rocket Boys', 'Shoorveer', and 'Jaanbaaz Hindustan Ke'. She will next be seen in Section 108 with Nawazuddin Siddiqui and in the Sunny Deol starrer action drama Jaat directed by Gopichand Malineni. Ragina Cassandra on working with Ajith Meanwhile, Regina is looking forward to the release of 'Vidaamuyarchi' in which she plays a "fun-loving character who thrives on new experiences and challenges." Talking about working with Ajith, the actress shared, "Ajith sir is a passionate person—whether it’s cinema, biking, or racing. When he talks about his journey, you realize he’s someone who has always pushed boundaries. He always says this one thing, especially about his racing now, “If not now, then when?" And that’s so nice, right? Because, you know, you see someone who’s done so much in their lives, but still wants to experiment with life and roles rather than sticking to a safe formula. Not many actors, especially male stars, take that risk. That’s something I truly admire. He is a workaholic. If he gives you a commitment, he sticks to it. It’s not about how important or not important you are in his life. I like that work ethic. I think he takes on too much, but that’s my personal opinion."
29 January,2025 10:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAll eyes are on SS Rajamouli's next with Mahesh Babu and why wouldn't it be. The filmmaker has given India two of its biggest blockbusters in the past decade with Baahubali 2 and RRR. Now, he is gearing up for his jungle adventure drama starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra. The shoot of the film has commenced in Hyderabad. Amid this there have been reports that Prithviraj Sukumaran has been replaced in the film by John Abraham. Is Prithviraj part of SS Rajamouli's next? During an interview with Pinkvilla, Prithviraj was asked about the same. He said, "Everyone seems to know more about the film than I do. See, nothing has been confirmed yet; there are a lot more things to be discussed. So yeah, once everything is in place, we’ll see." John Abraham in SS Rajamouli’s next As Priyanka Chopra prepares to make a comeback on the Indian front with SS Rajamouli's next, it is now reported that Bollywood’s muscle hunk John Abraham will also be a part of the project alongside Mahesh Babu. Interestingly it will reunite Priyanka and John after 2008. They were last seen together in the rom-com Dostana. According to a source quoted by News24, "Earlier, Prithviraj Sukumaran was considered for the role, but things could not materialize. Now, John will be seen sharing the screen with Priyanka Chopra. He has quite a few scenes with her and the shoot will happen in Hyderabad itself." After months of speculation, ace filmmaker SS Rajamouli seems to have confirmed his upcoming project with superstar Mahesh Babu, tentatively titled 'SSMB29'. He humorously shared that he had "caged the lion" (referring to Mahesh Babu) in an Instagram post and even taken the actor's passport, implying that he would be tied up with the film's shoot. Mahesh Babu responded with a famous dialogue from the 2006 blockbuster 'Pokiri.' His comment read, "Okkasaari commit ayithe naa maata nene vinanu," which translates to, "Once I commit, I won't even listen to myself." Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra, who recently hinted at a "new chapter" in her life while in Hyderabad, also seems to have confirmed her involvement in the project as she commented "finally" under the post.
29 January,2025 07:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThree female make-up artists have gone on a hunger strike in Kerala against their reunion who cancelled their membership for speaking against harassment. Actress Parvathy Thiruvothu has come out in support of the three women who have gone on protest against the All Kerala Cine Makeup Artists and Hairstylists (AKCMH) that comes under FEFKA. The AKCMH is one of the 21 unions affiliated with the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), the apex body for the welfare of professionals and technicians working at various levels of the Malayalam film industry. Parvathy and Rima Kallingal come in support of make-up artists Actress Parvathy took to social media to spread awareness on the plight of the make-up artists who spoke about the abuse and harassment they have faced in the industry. Sharing pictures of protestors Rohini, Elizabeth, and Angel, the actress wrote, "Fighting for Right to work. Right to an equal and safe workplace. Right to dignity!" She added, "Meet Rohini, Elizabeth and Angel. They have been at the receiving end of incessant harassment and abuse and when they spoke up , they were threatened and gaslit. Eventually, ousted from their union in the name of ‘disciplinary actions’. They are the only ones who have come forward now." "FEFKA’s grand POA is this?" she questioned. She tagged the CMO of Kerala's handle and wrote, "I’m told there are many who have now been intimidated into silence. This is the ground reality of our work place. Oh and what’s not surprising is that despite multiple asks and efforts, there has been hardly any coverage on their struggles in the media here in Kerala. No TRP treasures found here, is it!? Or has the media also been hushed successfully? I wish I could say this is shocking". View this post on Instagram A post shared by Parvathy Thiruvothu (@par_vathy) Actress Rima Kallingal also extended her support to the artists and wrote, "The women of Malayalam film industry, part of the hair stylist union, asking for their right to work, to dissent, to be independent of make up heads, to work as make up heads and for a safe working environment free of harassment and abuse. Suspended for speaking up . Ostracised for having a voice. Women workers in 2025 in Communist Kerala." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rima (@rimakallingal) Artists' membership cancelled for speaking up A NewsMinute journalist who spoke to the women on strike revealed that they "have been forced to take this drastic step as a last resort after the Union, which they say charges over a lakh rupees for a basic membership, has been stonewalling their complaints of harassment and protecting perpetrators including men against whom FIRs for sexual harassment have been registered". "Their Union is among the 21 trade unions affiliated to the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), presided by B Unnikrishnan.They demand that the Kerala government looks into their complaints, including the highly exorbitant and arbitrary membership fee, failing to pay which results in work bans and financial distress. This is a pushback by three women who are at their breaking points. They need more attention and support. Please share. And I hope more journalists will amplify this," the journalist shared on Instagram.
29 January,2025 04:52 PM IST | MumbaiTelugu star Vijay Deverakonda, who was recently seen in a cameo appearance in ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, has extended a warm welcome to the British rock band Coldplay. On Tuesday, the actor took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and shared a video. The text on the video read, “Chris Martin says he is from Telangana”. The actor wrote on the video, “Chris Martin welcome. Someone needs to make a Podusthunna poddumeeda X Coldplay mashup”. Earlier, Vijay gave a field day to the netizens with the poster release of actress Rashmika Mandanna’s upcoming Telugu movie ‘The Girlfriend’. The poster read, “Vijay Deverakonda will introduce ‘The Girlfriend’”. Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, who are two of the leading stars in India, are rumoured to be dating, and the Internet users brought that up in the comments. One user wrote, “Vijay Devarakonda will introduce HIS GIRLFRIEND”. Another wrote, “So THE BOYFRIEND will introduce THE GIRLFRIEND?”. A third user wrote, “Why it's totally relating to Their Personal life?”. Earlier, Rashmika Mandanna, who was seen in the recently released blockbuster ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’, celebrated the “very special” month of December with the 1st anniversary of her movie ‘Animal’. The actress took to the Stories section of her Instagram, and re-shared a Reel from one of her fans showcasing her character of Geethanjali from the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer ‘Animal’. She wrote on the video, “December has indeed been very very special to me. So grateful. Swami swami swami.Thank you Thank you Thank”. ‘Animal’, which starred Ranbir in the titular role, told the story of the relationship between a son and a father carved in blood. The multi-starrer film, which was directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga of ‘Kabir Singh’ fame, proved to be a blockbuster, and also triggered a wave of criticism over its portrayal and treatment of women. The film made a huge noise and diminished the Vicky Kaushal-starrer ‘Sam Bahadur’, a biopic based on the Indian war hero Sam Manekshaw. Prior to that, ‘Pushpa: The Rise’, which was Rashmika’s claim to fame across India, was also released in December. The film, which released during the thick of the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemie, performed exceptionally well at the box-office amidst the shut down of theatres across India. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 January,2025 07:57 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSAlmost six years since Lucifer’s (2019) release, Mohanlal and director Prithviraj Sukumaran are ready with the sequel, L2: Empuraan. On January 26, the makers unveiled the teaser. One of the teaser’s standout elements is Mohanlal’s entry sequence that involves an AH-64 Apache, considered among the world’s best attack helicopters. Interestingly, the chopper wasn’t rented or digitally created for the actioner. Since Apache helicopters weren’t available in India, the makers decided to have a replica constructed from scratch with the aid of engineers. The replica of AH-64 Apache that has been used in L2: Empuraan Spearheaded by production designer Mohandas and supervised by Sukumaran, the process began in 2023 and took over six months. A member of the production team shared, “The film was in the works for almost three years, and early on in the process, it was decided that we need to create this helicopter. It took over six months of intensive work to replicate the Apache’s design. We collaborated with aviation experts and engineers to ensure the structure, cockpit, and external features mirrored the real aircraft. We’ve used it in the film, and it will be retained for the next instalment as well.” The team used lightweight materials like aluminium and fibreglass for the helicopter’s frame as that ensured easy manoeuvring during the shoot. Advanced 3D printing technology was employed to craft intricate parts, such as the missile pods and cockpit controls. To ensure that the chopper managed certain functions, the team engineered moving parts, such as the rotor blades, and installed LED screens in the cockpit to simulate real-time aviation controls. A supervisor elaborated on the post-production work, saying, “While the physical replica handled close-up shots, CGI enhancements was used to depict flight and combat.”
29 January,2025 07:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuThe Madras High Court on Tuesday dismissed an application filed by the OTT platform Netflix, seeking to reject Tamil superstar Dhanush’s copyright infringement suit against actress Nayanthara. The case pertains to the alleged unauthorised use of visuals from the Tamil movie ‘Naanum Rowdy Dhaan’ in the Netflix docu-drama ‘Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale’. Justice Abdul Quddhose also dismissed another application filed by Los Gatos Production Services India LLP, an entity managing Netflix’s content investments in India, which sought to revoke the court’s earlier leave granted to Wunderbar Films, owned by Dhanush, to file the suit in the Madras High Court. Los Gatos argued that the suit should not proceed in Chennai since the applicant company was based in Mumbai. However, the judge ruled in favour of senior counsel P.S. Raman, assisted by Gautam S. Raman, holding that the applications by Los Gatos lacked merit. The court scheduled a further hearing on February 5 regarding an interim relief sought by Wunderbar Films. The interim relief pertains to the use of visuals from ‘Naanum Rowdy Dhaan’ in the Netflix docu-drama. In the affidavit, Sreyas Srinivasan, director of Wunderbar Films, argued that neither Nayanthara nor Netflix had the right to use any footage, including behind-the-scenes (BTS) visuals from the 2015 film, without prior permission from Wunderbar Films, which had produced the movie. Srinivasan explained that Nayanthara had signed an artist agreement with Wunderbar Films on August 27, 2014, which transferred all rights related to her performance, likeness, name, and voice in connection with the movie to the production company in perpetuity. Wunderbar Films claimed that on discovering the unauthorised use of the BTS visuals in the docu-drama’s trailer, a notice was issued to Netflix on November 9, 2024. In response, Netflix and Tarc Studios LLP, the producers of the docu-drama, stated on November 11, 2024, that the visuals were personal in nature and had not been shot by persons commissioned by Wunderbar Films. The dispute came into the public eye just days before the docu-drama’s release on November 18, 2024. On November 16, 2024, Nayanthara addressed an open letter to Dhanush via her social media platform, alleging that she had repeatedly requested for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Wunderbar Films for two years but had not received one. In her letter, Nayanthara explained that the docu-drama included a few seconds of visuals and songs from ‘Naanum Rowdy Dhaan’ because the film marked the beginning of her romantic relationship with her now-husband, director Vignesh Shivan. She accused Dhanush of harbouring a personal grudge against her and Shivan, as he had sent her a legal notice seeking ₹10 crore in damages after the release of the trailer. Nayanthara claimed that only three seconds of BTS footage shot on personal devices were used, making the legal notice unjustifiable.
28 January,2025 01:44 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSPan-India actor Rashmika Mandanna, who has a massive lineup of films, kickstarts 2025 with her period drama Chhaava alongside Vicky Kaushal. Fondly known as “Crushmika” the Pushpa 2 actor recently confirmed being in a relationship. While she is rumoured to be dating Telugu star Vijay Deverekonda, Rashmika avoided taking any names. Rashmika Mandanna spills the beans about her ‘partner’ In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Rashmika opened up about her “happy place” stating, "Home is my happy place. It makes me feel anchored, makes me feel rooted, makes me feel like success can come and go, but it’s not a forever. But home is forever. So, I work from that space. As much as the love and this fame and the visibility that I get, I still am, just a daughter, just a sister, just a partner. I really respect that life, that personal life that I have." What attracts Rashmika Mandanna to a man She added, "They say eyes are the window to one’s soul, I think I believe in that and I keep smiling so I am drawn to people who have a smiley face. And, of course, someone who respects people around them no matter who they are.” For those unversed, Rashmika was previously engaged to actor-filmmaker Rakshit Shetty. She was 21 while he was 34 when they exchanged rings in 2017. According to reports, the two started dating after working on the 2016 film Kirik Party. In 2018, when their love story came to an end. The two never discussed the reason behind their split. Rashmika Mandanna to play Maharani Yesubai in Chhaava Maharani Yesubai was the wife of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj referred to as Chatrapati Maharani of the Maratha Kingdom. Produced by Maddock Films and directed by Laxman Utekar, the film also stars Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna. Chhaava is touted to be a "stirring tale of the courageous warrior whose coronation on this day in 1681 marked the beginning of a legendary reign." The movie is set to release in the theatres on February 14. Rashmika will next be seen in Sikandar with Salman Khan and Thama with Ayushmann Khurrana.
28 January,2025 10:11 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Kajal Aggarwal has started shooting for her upcoming film titled 'The India Story'. The actress shared the happy news with her fans on social media. She is currently in Pune shooting for the film. Kajal Aggarwal begins The India Story shoot The India Story, a gripping drama that also features Shreyas Talpade and Murali Sharma, has begun filming for their first schedule in Pune. Directed by Chetan DK and produced by Sagar B. Shinde under MIG Production and Studios, the film will also include key schedules shot in Kolhapur. Kajal Aggarwal shared a picture with the clapboard on her social media, captioning it, “Kick starting our first schedule in Pune, for The India Story. Excited to bring this untold, impactful story to life. Mark your calendars- 15th August 2025 – see you in the cinemas!” The India Story is a gripping and intense drama that explores the dark and controversial world of major scandals involving pesticide companies. With a compelling narrative and powerhouse performances, The India Story promises to shed light on a critical issue while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Produced by MIG Production and Studios, The India Story is slated to release later this year. The production house had earlier shared pictures from the first day of shooting on social media, captioning them, “A powerful Story that's not said before. Coming to you in cinemas on 15th August 2025.” The film is slated to hit theaters on August 15, 2025. The upcoming thriller is set to clash with Ayan Mukerji's "War 2," which stars Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR. About Kajal Aggarwal's work front Meanwhile, Kajal Aggarwal was last seen in the Telugu film 'Satyabhama'. Directed by Suman and produced by Sashi Kiran Tikka, Bobby Tikka, and Srinivas Rao Takkalapelly, the film starred Kajal as the titular character along with Naveen Chandra, Prakash Raj, Nagineedu, Harsha Vardhan, and Ravi Varma. The film, released on 7 June 2024, opened to negative reviews. She has an exciting lineup of major projects ahead. Aggarwal is set to star in Kamal Haasan’s highly anticipated 'Indian 3', where she will play a key role of Dakshayini. In addition, she will be featured in 'Sikandar', a film directed by AR Murugadoss, alongside Salman Khan. Kajal is also part of 'Kannappa', directed by Vishnu Manchu.
27 January,2025 09:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDirector Varsha Bharath's upcoming film 'Bad Girl is gearing up for its world premiere at the International Films Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). The film has been presented by Vetrimaaran and Anurag Kashyap. Starring Anjali Sivaraman in the lead roles, the film will be competing in the Tiger competition. The teaser of the film was unveiled at an event in Chennai. Now, director G Mohan has accused the makers of misrepresenting Brahmins. About Bad Girl teaser The teaser of 'Bad Girl' was unveiled at an event in Chennai on Sunday The film sees Anjali as Ramya, who always desired of having a boyfriend. However, she gets shamed for getting intimate with her boyfriend when she finds one. On the IFFR website, the film has been described as, "From her journey through high school and college, then out into the wider world, Ramya’s dream of finding the perfect guy is obstructed by societal mores, strict parents, unrequited love and the untrammelled chaos of her own mind, in Varsha Bharath’s naughty and affecting comedy.” G Mohan bashes Bad Girl The teaser has not been taken kindly by filmmaker G Mohan who is known for films like 'Draupathi' and 'Bakasuran'. He accused Vetrimaaran and Kashyap of bashing brahmins. "Portraying a brahmin girl personal life is always a bold and refreshing film for this clan. What more can be expected from vetrimaran, Anurag kasyap & Co.. Bashing Brahmin father and mother is old and not trendy.. Try with your own caste girls and showcase it to your own family first.” Portraying a brahmin girl personal life is always a bold and refreshing film for this clan. What more can be expected from vetrimaran, Anurag kasyap & Co.. Bashing Brahmin father and mother is old and not trendy.. Try with your own caste girls and showcase it to your own family… https://t.co/XP8mtnaFws — Mohan G Kshatriyan (@mohandreamer) January 27, 2025 What Pa Ranjith said about the film He was reacting while reposting a tweet from director Pa Ranjith who shared his review of the teaser. Ranjith’s review of the film read, “Happened to watch #BadGirl, and it’s truly a bold and refreshing film! Director #VetriMaaran deserves immense credit for backing such a daring story. The film powerfully portrays women’s struggles and social expectations through a unique new wave cinema style. Congratulations #varsha.” Directed by Varsha Bharath, Bad Girl features Anjali Sivaraman, Shanthi Priya, Saranya Ravichandran, Hridhu Haroon, TeeJay Arunasalam and Sashank Bommireddipalli. Preetha Jayaraman, Jagadeesh Ravi and Prince Anderson handled the cinematography, while Amit Trivedi and Radha Sridhar took care of the music and editing.
27 January,2025 09:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAllu Arjun's 'Pushpa 2' recently completed 50 glorious days in the theatres. The Sukumar directorial that also stars Rashmika Mandanna in the lead was released in theatres on December 5, 2024. The film shattered all existing box office records in India becoming the highest grossing Indian film. Now, the film is all set to be released on streaming platform, Netflix. Pushpa 2 to release on Netflix with additional scenes On Monday, Netflix India took to their social media handles to reveal that the film will be available to stream soon on the platform. However, the platform did not reveal the date of streaming release. But, they did have an exciting news for fans. The film will be released on streaming with an additional 23 minutes of footage that you may not have seen in the theatres. Sharing the news, Netflix India wrote on X, "The man. The myth. The brAAnd. Pushpa’s rule is about to begin! Watch Pushpa 2- Reloaded Version with 23 minutes of extra footage on Netflix, coming soon in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam & Kannada!" It may be recalled that the makers had also released a reloaded version from January 17 this year, which had an additional 20 minutes footage of the film. Interestingly, the reloaded version was to first release on January 11. The man. The myth. The brAAnd 🔥 Pushpa’s rule is about to begin! 👊 Watch Pushpa 2- Reloaded Version with 23 minutes of extra footage on Netflix, coming soon in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam & Kannada! pic.twitter.com/ZA1tUvNjAp — Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) January 27, 2025 More about Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2 Pushpa 2: The Rule emerged as the biggest film of 2024, setting unparalleled examples of success since its release. From winning the hearts of the audience to breaking box office records, the film left its mark everywhere. Not only did it inaugurate the over ₹800 Crore club in Hindi, but it also crossed the ₹1800 Crore mark worldwide, making it India's biggest and highest-earning film. Pushpa 2: The Rule, directed by ace director Sukumar and featuring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, is a gripping story that revolves around Pushpa Raj -- a man, who, after having had everything taken away from him, decides that he will not lose anything more in life to anyone. The story tells his rise to the heights of power by becoming the head of a powerful syndicate that illegally deals in red sandalwood. The film, which has three parts, is produced by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar writings with music on T Series. The second part released on December 5, 2024. (with inputs from IANS)
27 January,2025 06:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
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