Category: Entertainment

The shooting of director Manikandan Anandan’s upcoming film, featuring actors Ashok Selvan and Nimisha Sajayan in lead roles, has officially wrapped up, as announced by the makers on Saturday.

The film commenced with a traditional pooja ceremony back in August this year.

Production Details

This project is a collaboration between two prominent production houses in Tamil cinema: Million Dollar Studios, known for delivering this year’s biggest Tamil superhit, ‘Tourist Family’, and Vels Film International, which is also currently working on Dhanush’s much-anticipated film D54 and Nayanthara’s ‘Mookuthi Amman 2’.

Genre and Shooting Locations

Sources close to the film’s unit reveal that it is shaping up to be one of the most expensive ventures in Ashok Selvan’s career and will be categorized as a romantic thriller. A significant portion of the film’s narrative takes place during the night. Previously, sources had indicated that the shooting would be completed in one stretch across Chennai and its surrounding areas.

Technical Crew

The film features an impressive technical team. Music is composed by renowned South Indian music director Dhibu Ninan Thomas, with cinematography handled by the talented Pushparaj Santhosh. Editing duties rest with Bharath Vikraman.

Art direction is led by Mahendran, while lyricist Mohan Rajan has crafted the songs for the film.

The technical crew also includes national award-winning makeup artist Pattanam Rasheed, sound designer Udayakumar from Sound Vibe Studios, and choreographer Azhar.

Post-Production Update

With the shooting now complete, sources say that the unit has commenced post-production work, which is progressing swiftly.

The film remains untitled for now but is tentatively referred to as #ProductionNumber6, marking the sixth film produced by Million Dollar Studios.

Director Prahlad Kakkar has expressed his views on music composer Vishal Dadlani’s sarcastic comments regarding the discussion on ‘Vande Mataram’ in Parliament.

Vishal had previously criticized the parliamentary discourse. Without naming anyone, he pointed out the irony of how symbolic nationalism often overshadows significant issues such as unemployment, inflation, education, and healthcare.

Kakkar’s Response

In response, Prahlad Kakkar remarked, “If you take the politics out of a politician, what’s left? They will remain ordinary people. They are politicdigihunt, and politics is their job. You have to do something for leadership. All these controversies and statements don’t matter because leaders will just keep being leaders.”

Vishal’s Statement

Earlier, Vishal said, “Hello, brothers and sisters. I have good news for you. Yesterday, our Parliament debated on Vande Mataram for 10 hours. Vande Mataram is a very famous and well-known folk song written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. People love it.”

He added, “It was debated in the Parliament. And because of this debate, let me tell you, India’s unemployment problem has been solved. The Indigo problem has been solved. The air pollution problem has been solved. Imagine! A debate was held on a poem for 10 hours. These things were not even mentioned, but all these things have been solved because of this debate. This debate costs Rs. 2.5 lakh per minute of your tax money in the Parliament. 10 hours means 600 minutes. Count it.”

Vishal’s remarks reflect a wider liberal critique that suggests patriotism should be evaluated based on governance, accountability, and citizens’ welfare rather than mere slogans. While supporters viewed his comment as a defense of free expression and personal choice, critics accused him of disrespecting national symbols. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between cultural nationalism and constitutional freedoms in public discussions.

Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet recently played a lighthearted prank on television show host Trisha Goddard.

When Trisha encountered the Oscar-nominated actor, 29, in Central London, she requested a selfie, eager to share the moment with her followers. Timothée agreed to take the selfie but insisted he would “do it better.” Before heading off to Television Centre in West London for an appearance on ‘The Graham Norton Show,’ he took charge of the photo.

However, the outcome was not what Trisha had in mind. The selfie, which she posted on social media, showed Timothée barely in the frame with his left hand covering his face.

Giggling as she recounted the story, Trisha captioned the amusing photo, “Asked @tchalamet for a selfie. ‘Sure’, he said. ‘Lemme take it for you. I do it better’. Grabs my phone. A coupla selfies later hands it back … BOOM! Bwhahahaha …… Love it! That told me, innit? (sic)”

Trisha’s fans found the encounter hilarious, expressing their amusement in the comments. One user remarked, “This is absolutely brilliant, though, frankly, he should have been asking for a selfie with you.” Another supporter chimed in, “RUDE! The Trisha Goddard Show, Global!! (sic).” A third follower commented, “How does he NOT know who you are! You are such a legend he will be kicking himself when he realizes (sic).”

Looking forward, Timothée will be honored with the Spotlight Actor of the Year Award at the upcoming Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 3 for his outstanding performance in ‘Marty Supreme.’

Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi praised Timothée’s portrayal of Marty Mauser, a character striving to become a champion table-tennis player, noting that it captures both the intensity of ambition and the vulnerability of human longing, calling it one of 2025’s most memorable performances.

In a groundbreaking move, the creators of director Harish Shankar’s action entertainer ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’, starring Pawan Kalyan in the lead role, announced that one lakh fans of the actor will participate in releasing the lyric sheet of ‘Dekhlenge Saala’, the film’s first single set to launch on Saturday evening.

The announcement surfaced via the film’s official social media handle. A tweet from the handle stated, “For the first time ever, fans will be launching the lyric sheet. Answer the simple questions on the website and be one among the 100,000 fans who would launch the lyric sheet of #DekhlengeSaala. The lyric sheet will be displayed on the same site after 1 LAKH entries. #UstaadBhagatSingh first single out today at 6.30 PM. Lyrics by @bhaskarabhatla garu POWER STAR @PawanKalyan @harish2you @sreeleela14 #RaashiiKhanna @ThisIsDSP @rparthiepan @DoP_Bose #AnandSai @Venupro @MythriOfficial @SonyMusicSouth @UBSthefilm.”

The announcement has stirred considerable excitement among fans and film enthusiasts alike.

In related news, on July 29, the film’s makers revealed that they had completed filming the climax of the movie. The production house, Mythri Movie Makers, took to X to share, “#UstaadBhagatSingh completes shooting for climax. An electrifying climax high on emotions and action was wrapped up under the supervision of #NabaKanta master.” They also acknowledged Pawan Kalyan’s commitment to the project, noting how he managed to juggle filming despite his busy schedule as the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, alongside promoting his recently released film, Hari Hara Veera Mallu.

It’s worth noting that Pawan Kalyan officially joined the shooting team in Hyderabad back in June.

Sreeleela plays the female lead in this grand-scale production, helmed by Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar under the Mythri Movie Makers banner. The film’s music is composed by the successful Rockstar Devi Sri Prasad. Cinematography is by Ayananka Bose, while editing is handled by Ujjwal Kulkarni.

The action sequences are choreographed by the duo Ram-Laxman, with Anand Sai serving as the production designer. The screenplay is crafted by K. Dasharath, with additional writing contributions from C Chandra Mohan.

Actors: Karan Tacker, Kalki Koechlin, Saloni Batra, Danish Sood, Shubham Choudhury, Nimisha Nair
Director: Robbie Grewal
Genre: Horror, Mystery Thriller, Inspired by True Events
Production House: Almighty Motion Picture (Prabhleen Sandhu)
Platform: Amazon MX Player
Release Date: 12 December
Ratings: 4 Star

Bhay: The Gaurav Tiwari Mystery

‘Bhay: The Gaurav Tiwari Mystery’ is a gripping and atmospheric series that effectively brings to life the intriguing world of India’s leading paranormal investigator, Gaurav Tiwari. This show masterfully blends horror, mystery, and emotional depth, standing out for its grounded approach and respectful treatment of events inspired by real-life occurrences.

Remarkable Performances

What truly elevates the series is the outstanding performance by Karan Tacker. He delivers a nuanced portrayal, capturing Gaurav Tiwari’s calm authority, intellectual curiosity, and inner vulnerability with finesse. His presence is the glue that holds the show together, particularly in tense investigation scenes where subtle expressions and controlled body language convey more than words. Tacker’s restrained performance avoids over-dramatization, making the character relatable. His emotional scenes, especially those reflecting isolation and psychological pressure, leave a profound impact. Alongside Tacker, Kalki Koechlin, Saloni Batra, Danish Sood, Shubham Choudhury, and Nimisha Nair also shine in their roles.

Crafting the Story

The storytelling is another strong aspect of the series. Rather than relying on loud jump scares, ‘Bhay’ builds its fear gradually through mood, silence, and psychological tension. The paranormal cases presented feel rooted in real investigations, lending authenticity and keeping viewers engaged. Even skeptics of the supernatural will appreciate the logical, methodical approach to unfolding the mysteries.

Exceptional Direction

Robbie Grewal’s direction is commendable, seamlessly handling such a sensitive subject while maintaining the commercial appeal of storytelling.

Technical Excellence

On a technical front, the series is well-executed. The background score enhances the eerie atmosphere without being intrusive, while the cinematography makes effective use of shadows, low lighting, and confined spaces to amplify the sense of dread. The supporting cast convincingly portrays fear, skepticism, and emotional conflict.

Conclusion

Overall, ‘Bhay: The Gaurav Tiwari Mystery’ is a well-crafted, respectful, and chilling series anchored by an outstanding lead performance. It delivers intelligent horror with emotional resonance, making it a must-watch for fans of mystery and supernatural thrillers. Such a unique treatment of horror has not been previously explored in India.

Filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s latest release, ‘Dhurandhar’, has ignited a significant debate across India. Various political parties have accused the film of “promoting the government’s propaganda,” while the Centre asserts that the movie solely depicts terrorism, claiming no governmental influence in its production.

Released on December 5, this high-octane spy thriller is both written and directed by Aditya Dhar. Featuring Ranveer Singh in the lead, the film delves into covert intelligence operations, set against pivotal geopolitical and terror-related events, such as the Kandahar plane hijacking, the 2001 Parliament terror attack, and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

Mixed Reactions From the Audience

While many viewers have praised its cinematic grandeur, compelling narrative, and ambitious storytelling, others have criticized its hyper-nationalist tone and graphic violence, labeling them as unsettling and provocative.

Reports indicate that ‘Dhurandhar’ has faced restrictions in several Gulf countries due to its content. This isn’t the first case of Indian films being banned in Gulf nations for themes considered sensitive or featuring narratives perceived as anti-Pakistan.

Political Perspectives on the Film

In response to the controversy, BJP national spokesperson Rohan Gupta expressed, “I don’t think everything should be associated with religion. Dhurandhar is based on a true story, and a film’s purpose is to present reality.” He emphasized the importance of allowing viewers to exercise their judgment about the film’s content, arguing that opposing creative works in the name of religion isn’t a healthy mindset.

BJP MP Bhim Singh supported Gupta’s stance, stating, “The film depicts terrorism, and it so happens that some terrorists are associated with Islam. If the terrorists happen to practice Islam, how is that the filmmakers’ problem? There should not be any objection to the film.”

Conversely, opposition parties have voiced contrasting opinions.

Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ameeque Jamei accused the filmmakers of aligning with the government’s narrative. He remarked, “The film’s acting is commendable; however, it has, by chance, become part of the government’s propaganda machinery. The James Bond shown in it is the same James Bond who was involved when we handed over a terrorist to Pakistan.”

Jamei also noted, “While the film delivers a positive message to the people of Balochistan, it should have been created independently without governmental influence.”

Congress MP Tariq Anwar added his take, suggesting scrutiny of the film’s content in light of reported international bans. “I haven’t seen it myself, but if several countries have banned it, one should check whether it contains any objectionable content that led Pakistan and other countries to take notice,” he stated.

Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh has expressed confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India will be achieved ahead of its proposed deadline, thanks to the power of the youth.

During his visit to Ahmedabad, the actor elaborated on what strengthens Prime Minister Modi’s belief in a self-reliant India. He stated, “To be very honest, Modi ji has had this dream for many years and I have full faith in him and our country. In our youth generation, we will make our country’s name shine even before the date. The intelligent youth of our country knows how to struggle and understands the importance of time. They dedicate a lot of effort and hard work. I feel that they are innovative and consistently reinvent themselves to stay relevant. Keeping these factors in mind, it is most likely that you will bring a lot of glory to India.”

The target for ‘Viksit Bharat’ is set for 2047, marking 100 years of independence.

On the topic of a self-reliant India, Mukesh emphasized, “It is very important to instill this kind of confidence in our young generation. We shouldn’t just follow trends; we should set them. After going abroad, we often return impressed, wishing for similar advancements in our country. But why should we consider it merely a wish when we know we can achieve so much more? I believe whatever Modi ji is doing and the confidence he has instilled in our young generation will lead us to make our country’s name very bright.”

He also expressed a desire to connect with Modi, saying, “I want to see whether I can also invest or not. I am impressed.”

Benny Dayal and Dallas-based composer Ayaz Ismail have struck a chord with audiences through their latest track “Chahe Jaan Le.”

Benny’s Take on the Track

In an exclusive conversation, Benny expressed his deep appreciation for the melody of the song. When asked about the emotional intensity of the single, he explained how he interpreted the sentiments from the moment he heard the lyrics and composition.

“This song fits perfectly into my repertoire,” he stated. “Rhythm and Blues has always been close to me. I instantly felt that it wasn’t a typical filmy track. It was simple, unique, and beautifully understated.”

Creative Freedom in the Studio

Benny noted that Ayaz granted him complete freedom during the recording process. “I kept experimenting with different textures, and I fell in love with the melody because it felt so unconventional. My aim is always to choose songs that are different from each other, to add more variety and versatility to what I do,” he shared.

Personal Connection to the Message

Elaborating on the song’s message, Benny revealed that “Chahe Jaan Le” conveys the simple essence of love and friendship. “I like simplicity—when the production is done well, it connects instantly with the audience. Ayaz gave me so much room to explore. He even mentioned he composed it with my voice in mind. And he was right; some songs resonate the moment you hear them. This one felt beautiful and rare in my body of work, so I knew I had to sing it,” he explained.

Musical Identity of “Chahe Jaan Le”

Benny described the musical identity of “Chahe Jaan Le” as having an Indian neo-soul vibe, blending blues, R&B, and soul. “Neo-soul is contemporary yet simple, but musically rich. I didn’t have a song like this in my catalogue earlier, so I’m happy I do now. My intention is always to reinvent myself so people can’t slot me into one category. Many assume I only sing fast or party tracks. But I am much more than that. If people don’t explore my range, I’ll create my own songs to showcase it.”

With “Chahe Jaan Le,” Benny Dayal once again demonstrates his versatility and commitment to exploring new musical horizons.

Superstar Rajinikanth expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who wished him on his 75th birthday, including political leaders, dignitaries, friends from the film industry, media personnel, and especially his fans, whom he referred to as “the divine force” that has sustained him through the years.

Thank You Messages

Taking to his X timeline, Rajinikanth shared a thank you message, stating: “I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Honourable Governor of Tamil Nadu, Thiru R. N. Ravi ji @lokbhavan_tn, my dear friend the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru M.K. Stalin @mkstalin, the Honourable Leader of the Opposition, Thiru Edappadi K. Palaniswami @EPSTamilNadu, all political party leaders and dignitaries, friends from the film industry, members of the media, and to all my fans … the divine force that sustains me for the warm wishes extended on the occasion of my birthday.”

Rajinikanth also posted individual thank you messages to several prominent figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, and actor Kamal Haasan.

In his note to Prime Minister Modi, he said, “Thank you so much for your warm wishes and kind words, my dear Honourable Prime Minister @narendramodi ji.” To M Venkaiah Naidu, Rajinikanth expressed his appreciation, stating, “Thank you so much, my dear friend and most respected @MVenkaiahNaidu garu. I will always cherish your warm wishes.”

Celebrations and Wishes

Earlier in the day, Rajinikanth prayed at the renowned Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh, accompanied by his family. On his birthday, numerous celebrities and fans celebrated the occasion.

Kamal Haasan, in his birthday message, remarked, “75 years of a remarkable life. 50 years of legendary cinema. Happy birthday, my friend @rajinikanth.” Malayalam superstar Mohanlal also sent affectionate wishes, saying, “Warmest birthday wishes to dear Rajinikanth Sir. As you celebrate 50 remarkable years in cinema, thank you for inspiring generations with your values, strength, and extraordinary spirit. May God bless you always with peace, good health, and boundless joy. @rajinikanth.”

Director Karthik Subbaraj shared his wishes, stating, “Happy 75 Thalaivaaa. Wishing you good health and lots n lots of happiness… Keep inspiring and entertaining us for many many more years to come…. Thanks for making our life beautiful. Love you forever!! #Happy75Thalaivaa #HBDSuperstarRajinikanth.”

Actor Harish Kalyan, among the first to wish Rajinikanth, wrote, “I was just five when I first watched #Baasha, and a part of me is still living in that moment. Thank you Thalaiva for inspiring me and millions across generations. You’re the one & only Superstar. Love you. Happy Birthday to the Style Samrat & the Mastermind @rajinikanth sir.”

Celebrating on the Sets

Rajinikanth celebrated his milestone birthday on the sets of the much-anticipated action thriller ‘Jailer 2’. The production house, Sun Pictures, shared a video clip of the cake-cutting celebration that took place on set. The clip features Rajinikanth leaving his caravan for the celebration, where he was greeted by key crew members, including director Nelson. After a brief cake-cutting event, during which Rajinikanth fed cake to director Nelson, the actor was seen heading back to his caravan.

Actor-turned-politician Raj Babbar paid tribute to his late wife, Smita Patil, on her death anniversary. He highlighted that her inherent goodness made her not only a remarkable actor but also an extraordinary human being.

Empathy on Screen

Babbar emphasized how Smita’s empathy resonated on screen, allowing her to transform even simple narratives into powerful tales of justice. Sharing a heartfelt photo of Smita on his Instagram, he wrote, “What made #SmitaPatil a truly great actor was the same quality that defined her off-screen – she was extraordinarily good. Her profound empathy captured the struggles of common people, transforming simple stories into soul-stirring anthems for justice. She graced us for so little time, yet countless hearts still resonate with her essence.” He added, “You gave us so little time to know you. This mystery shall forever remain unexplained. Remembering Smita on her Punyatithi.”

Legacy of Change

In October, Babbar had also penned a touching note on Smita’s birth anniversary. He reflected on how she used cinema as a means to instigate societal change, constantly challenging norms and breaking stereotypes. Through his post, he shared, “Smita consciously used her cinematic journey as a medium to drive change. Her portrayals dared to question norms and dismantle stereotypes. Her ease with complex roles and her deep understanding of characters woven into our social fabric set her apart.”

A Short yet Impactful Journey

Looking back at her remarkable career, Babbar noted, “She achieved so much within the brief span that destiny allowed. The brevity of her life will always feel like an unhealed grievance. On her birth anniversary, I fondly remember Smita Patil.”

For those unaware, Smita was married to Babbar, and they had a son, actor Prateik Smita Patil. Tragically, Smita passed away on December 13, 1986, at the age of 31 due to childbirth complications. It’s noteworthy that over ten of her films were released posthumously.