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Mari Selvaraj’s Vaazhai 2 Before Dhanush’s D56

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Mari Selvaraj is set to direct Vaazhai 2 as his next project before collaborating with Dhanush on the much-anticipated D56. The acclaimed filmmaker will write, direct, and produce the sequel to his 2024 critically acclaimed drama Vaazhai, which was based on true events from his own childhood in Tirunelveli.

Continuing Sivanaindhan’s Journey

The sequel reportedly picks up after the tragic events of the original film, exploring Sivanaindhan’s teenage years following the devastating loss of his family. Ponvel M. and Nikhila Vimal are said to reprise their roles from the first film, with Kathir, Priyanka Mohan, and Kayadu Lohar joining the cast. Ilaiyaraaja is reportedly composing the music for Vaazhai 2.

About the Original Film

Released in August 2024, Vaazhai emerged as both a critical and commercial success, earning approximately ₹45 crore against a modest ₹5 crore budget. The film followed young Sivanaindhan, forced into plantation labor despite being a bright student, in a deeply emotional narrative inspired by Mari Selvaraj’s own life experiences. Set in mid-1998 near Tirunelveli, the film depicted a tragic incident that claimed 20 lives.

Production Details

Vaazhai 2 will be another deeply emotional and partly fictionalized reflection of Mari Selvaraj’s life. The project is being produced by Navvi Studios with financial backing from Netflix. Before starting work on Vaazhai 2, Selvaraj is expected to complete his ambitious collaboration with Dhanush on D56, which features music by AR Rahman and is produced by Vels Film International.

Mari Selvaraj has established himself as one of Tamil cinema’s most distinctive voices with films like Pariyerum Perumal (2018), Karnan (2021), and Maamannan (2023), all known for their powerful social commentary and deeply personal storytelling.

Ranveer Singh at Chamundeshwari Temple: Kantara Row Ends

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Ranveer Singh recently performed special prayers at the Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysuru, following directions from the Karnataka High Court. The development brings closure to a controversy that sparked widespread outrage last year.

The Kantara Controversy

The issue dates back to the International Film Festival of India held in Goa. During the event, Ranveer Singh allegedly imitated the Daiva Kola (Panjurli Daiva) sequence from the blockbuster film Kantara on stage. The act sparked outrage among Hindu organizations and followers of Tulu culture, who accused the actor of hurting religious sentiments and disrespecting a sacred tradition.

A case was later filed against the actor over the controversy, claiming that the performance offended devotees and cultural beliefs. The Karnataka High Court subsequently directed him to apologize and visit the temple as part of the proceedings.

Temple Visit Concludes Case

As per the court’s directions, Ranveer Singh visited the Chamundeshwari Temple and offered prayers. With this development, the long-running controversy has finally come to an end.

Mamitha Baiju to Lead Pradeep Ranganathan Production

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Actress Mamitha Baiju is reportedly set to lead a women-centric film produced by Pradeep Ranganathan, according to inside reports. The news has generated considerable buzz on social media, with fans eagerly awaiting an official announcement about this exciting collaboration.

Reuniting After Dude’s Success

Mamitha Baiju and Pradeep Ranganathan previously worked together as the lead pair in Dude, which released in 2025 and achieved remarkable box office success. The film went on to enter the prestigious ₹100 crore club, marking a significant milestone in both their careers.

With this new women-centric project, Pradeep Ranganathan steps into a production role, marking an interesting shift from his acting and directing ventures. The decision to center the narrative around a female protagonist with Mamitha Baiju leading the project showcases a commitment to diverse storytelling.

Production Details

According to reports, director Ashwath Marimuthu is also appearing in a heroic role in the film, adding another layer of intrigue to the project. The shooting reportedly commenced yesterday in Chennai, and an official announcement from the production team is expected soon.

The women-centric genre has been gaining significant momentum in South Indian cinema, with several female-led films achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success in recent years.

Mamitha’s Impressive Lineup

Beyond this project, Mamitha Baiju has several exciting films in her pipeline. She is currently awaiting the release of Jana Nayagan, the last film of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay. She is also working on Vishwanath and Sons with Suriya. Additionally, she has reportedly bagged the female lead role in D54, Dhanush’s 54th film.

The actress rose to prominence with the Malayalam romantic comedy Premalu, which became a massive hit. Her strong screen presence and versatility have made her one of the most sought-after actresses in contemporary South Indian cinema.

Peddi June 4 Release: Why Ram Charan Skipped Bakrid Weekend

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Ram Charan and Buchi Babu‘s Peddi is set to arrive in theatres on June 4, 2026, after being postponed twice. The decision to skip the lucrative Bakrid long weekend has surprised many trade analysts, but the strategic move reveals the team’s pan-India ambitions.

Peddi’s Release Date Journey

The Ram Charan starrer has had a turbulent release schedule. The makers first announced March 27, 2026, then shifted to April 30, but production delays forced another postponement. After weeks of speculation about whether Peddi would clash with Toxic on June 4, the team finally locked the date.

The Bakrid Weekend Advantage

Many industry observers expected Peddi to target May 28, which offered a dream six-day opening window:

DateDayHoliday/Event
May 28WednesdayBakrid (Eid al-Adha)
May 29ThursdayRegular weekday
May 30FridayWeekend begins
May 31SaturdayWeekend
June 1SundayWeekend
June 2MondayTelangana Formation Day

This extended holiday cluster traditionally delivers strong box office numbers for Telugu releases, making the team’s decision to skip it even more intriguing.

The IPL Factor Behind Peddi June 4th Release

The most likely reason for choosing June 4 over the Bakrid weekend is the IPL 2026 playoff schedule. The final phase of the Indian Premier League runs through the May 28-June 1 period, with qualifier matches packed across the weekend and the grand final scheduled for Sunday, June 1.

Since Peddi is positioned as a pan-India film releasing across multiple languages, the team likely calculated that IPL viewership would significantly impact opening day collections — not just in Telugu states, but across Hindi, Tamil, and Kannada markets as well. Cricket’s pull during playoff weekend could have diverted family audiences, the core demographic for the rustic drama.

By releasing on June 4, Peddi gets a clear run without competing for eyeballs with cricket’s biggest spectacle. The Wednesday release also means the film gets a full week to build momentum before the next weekend, when post-IPL audiences return to theatres.

Whether this gamble pays off will depend on how the film performs in its crucial opening week, but the strategic thinking behind Peddi June 4th release shows the team is playing the long game for their pan-India aspirations.

Rathnavelu: Ram Charan Delivers Never-Seen Performance in Peddi

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Peddi cinematographer R. Rathnavelu said audiences will witness a never-seen-before performance from Ram Charan in the film, calling it an emotional visual spectacle with stunning grandeur.

Recreating 1980s Vizianagaram

Rathnavelu revealed that the team recreated the atmosphere of 1980s Vizianagaram with highly detailed world-building, realistic visuals, and a unique color tone to immerse audiences completely.

Special sequences in Peddi were shot using film negatives for added realism. Portions filmed in Sri Lanka and Delhi brought additional visual richness to the project. He praised director Buchi Babu Sana for bringing the story to life beyond expectations and said the entire team worked passionately on the project.

Cricket and Wrestling as Major Challenges

Rathnavelu highlighted the cricket sequences and wrestling portions as the biggest technical challenges in the film. The night-time cricket match will feel like a war between two teams and become a major emotional turning point, he added.

He also praised Ram Charan’s transformation, subtle expressions, and physical dedication for the role. The actor reached another level after Rangasthalam, according to the cinematographer. The climax and final 30 minutes will emotionally move audiences while delivering a grand theatrical experience, he said.

Music and Production Support

Rathnavelu praised A. R. Rahman for delivering excellent music and background score for Peddi. He also appreciated producer Venkata Satish Kilaru for supporting the film passionately throughout the production.

He concluded by saying the movie is designed for a large-screen cinematic experience and will offer audiences visually breathtaking and emotionally powerful storytelling.

Aaya Sher Crosses 150M Views: Nani’s Fastest Chartbuster

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Aaya Sher, the first single from Natural Star Nani and director Srikanth Odela’s upcoming film The Paradise, has crossed 150 million views and 1.6 million likes on YouTube in Telugu, becoming the fastest chartbuster in Nani’s career.

Record-Breaking Performance

The song made an explosive debut, clocking 21.75 million views in its first 24 hours and trending #1 on YouTube Music. The track maintained its momentum impressively, crossing 100 million views by early April and now reaching the 150M milestone within three months of release—a rare achievement for a Telugu film song.

MilestoneViewsTimeline
First Day21.75M+24 Hours
Early April100M+6 Weeks
Late May150M+3 Months

IPL Anthem Status Drives Viral Reach

Aaya Sher gained massive mainstream traction after becoming the official anthem of Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2026. This cricket association proved to be a game-changer, expanding the song’s reach far beyond traditional cinema audiences and making it a stadium favorite during the tournament.

The track has received an excellent response from audiences across demographics and has become a top choice on various audio streaming platforms. Its high-energy appeal and mass connect have helped it maintain chart-topping positions consistently.

Anirudh Factor and Cultural Impact

Composed by Anirudh Ravichander, Aaya Sher has turned into a massive cultural phenomenon with viral presence across social media platforms, events, and dance stages nationwide. Srikanth Odela’s raw, massy presentation combined with Nani’s energetic screen presence has struck a chord with audiences, creating a perfect storm of popularity.

The Paradise Release

With the first single achieving record-breaking success, The Paradise is building huge buzz ahead of its theatrical release on August 21, 2026. The film marks Nani’s collaboration with Srikanth Odela, and industry expectations are running high following the unprecedented response to Aaya Sher.

NTR’s Dragon Glimpse Crosses 100 Million Views on YouTube

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NTR’s pan-India action entertainer Dragon, directed by Prashanth Neel, is creating a massive storm on YouTube. The Dragon glimpse video has achieved a sensational milestone by crossing 100 million views on the platform. The explosive 4-minute video clocked 64 million views within just 24 hours of its release before racing past the 100 million mark.

A Glimpse into 1967’s Dark Underworld

Set against the dangerous backdrop of 1967, the Dragon glimpse introduces audiences to a brutal underworld and its powerful characters. The video unveils the illegal opium trade operating in the Golden Triangle region and showcases the terrifying villains associated with the Afghan Trading Company.

NTR as Luger: The Assassin-in-Chief

NTR appears in a completely new and intense avatar as “Luger,” the Assassin-in-Chief of the Afghan Trading Company. His fierce screen presence, rugged transformation, and powerful action moments have become the major talking point among fans and movie lovers across the country.

The actor’s raw intensity and physical transformation are key reasons why the Dragon glimpse has resonated so strongly with audiences nationwide, driving repeat views and massive social media buzz.

Star Cast and Technical Team

The film features a strong supporting cast including Biju Menon, Khushbu Sundar, Guru Somasundaram, Rajeev Kanakala, Ashutosh Rana, Anshuman Pushkar, Sidhant Gupta, Prabhas Sreenu, Shatru, Shiva Rajkumar, and Bheema Jeet Oberoi in key roles.

The cinematography is handled by Bhuvan Gowda, while the powerful background score and music are composed by Ravi Basrur. Chalapathi is working as the production designer for the film.

Produced by Mythri Movie Makers and NTR Arts, Dragon is being backed by Kalyan Ram, Naveen Yerneni, Y. Ravi Shankar, and Harikrishna Kosaraju. The film is scheduled for a grand worldwide theatrical release on June 11, 2027.

Language-Wise Viewership Breakdown

LanguageViews
Telugu61 Million
Hindi30 Million
Kannada6 Million
Malayalam4 Million
Tamil3 Million
Total104 Million+

Drishyam 3 Monday Box Office: ₹15 Cr Worldwide Gross

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Mohanlal‘s Drishyam 3 delivered a sensational Monday performance at the box office, collecting ₹15 Cr gross worldwide and ₹6.5 Cr gross in Kerala alone on its first Monday (Day 5). This brings the film’s 5-day total to ₹157 Cr gross worldwide, crossing the ₹150 crore milestone in record time.

The film became the first Malayalam release to score ₹15 Cr gross on a non-holiday Monday, showcasing exceptional holding power in its opening week.

Drishyam 3 Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown

TerritoryMonday Gross5-Day Total
Kerala₹6.5 Cr
Worldwide₹15 Cr₹157 Cr

With such a superb hold on Monday, Drishyam 3 is now targeting the ₹250 Cr milestone in its theatrical run. The film’s weekday performance mirrors the strong Monday trends seen in other recent South Indian blockbusters like Kantara: Chapter 1, which also held exceptionally well on its first Monday.

Critical Reception and Franchise Legacy

While some viewers found the third installment somewhat underwhelming compared to its predecessors, Drishyam 3 has been a massive commercial hit, raking in impressive figures and proving the franchise's enduring box office appeal).

Directed by Jeethu Joseph and produced by Antony Perumbavoor for Aashirvad Cinemas, the film released worldwide on May 21, 2026, coinciding with Mohanlal’s birthday. The cast includes Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Murali Gopy, and Asha Sarath reprising their roles from the previous films.

Drishyam 3 Plot Summary

Years after the events of the previous films, Georgekutty faces a new wave of suspicion and deception as his carefully built defenses begin to crack and past secrets resurface. The thriller continues the cat-and-mouse game that made the franchise a pan-Indian phenomenon.

Pawan Kalyan Praises CM Vijay’s Political Success in Tamil Nadu

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At the Rajahmundry parliamentary leaders and party workers’ meeting of the Jana Sena Party, Pawan Kalyan made notable remarks about Tamil Nadu politics and the remarkable political rise of actor-turned-politician Vijay, who recently became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

Pawan Kalyan Tamil Nadu Remarks: Admiration for Vijay’s Victory

Speaking candidly about Vijay‘s political success, Pawan Kalyan expressed admiration mixed with envy. “In Tamil Nadu politics, they won so comfortably that it even makes me feel jealous. He became Chief Minister with cutouts and holograms everywhere. Even after travelling for 15 years, I did not get to witness such a victory,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister’s comments reflect contrasting political journeys. While Pawan Kalyan has been in politics for over a decade with Jana Sena Party, Vijay‘s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) achieved swift electoral success in Tamil Nadu.

Jana Sena’s Challenges and Strengths

Pawan Kalyan also spoke about challenges faced by his party and the importance of unity among supporters. He acknowledged that Jana Sena does not have the same level of strength and resources to run campaigns on a massive scale compared to larger parties.

However, he appreciated the dedication of the party’s social media teams, praising their consistent support. “They always stand united whenever I face difficulties,” he noted.

Unity vs Caste: Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh Compared

Comparing political dynamics between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan highlighted a crucial difference. He observed that Vijay‘s fans in Tamil Nadu stayed united and helped him rise to power. Earlier this year, Pawan Kalyan had shared measured views on Vijay’s political prospects.

In contrast, he said that while fans in Andhra Pradesh may admire actors for cinema, caste divisions become a major obstacle once politics enters the picture. This analysis points to distinct political challenges in both states.

Call for Party Unity and Commitment

Pawan Kalyan concluded by addressing internal party matters and urging party workers to work with unity and commitment. He reminded members that political alliances may last only for a certain period and advised everyone to strengthen Jana Sena individually, regardless of positions or posts.

Understanding Vijay's TVK party structure and rise provides context for the organizational differences between the two leaders’ political movements.

FWICE Bans Ranveer Singh Over Don 3 Exit, ₹45 Cr Loss

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The controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh has now become a major talking point in Bollywood circles. On Monday, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) imposed a ban on the actor and issued a non-cooperation directive following his sudden exit from Don 3.

According to FWICE, Ranveer Singh failed to respond to their invitations to appear in person and discuss the issue despite being called on three separate occasions. The organization took the decision after receiving complaints regarding the losses caused by his last-minute withdrawal from Farhan Akhtar’s directorial venture.

₹45 Crore Loss to Don 3 Production

Filmmaker and FWICE member Ashoke Pandit revealed that Ranveer Singh exited Don 3 just three weeks before the shoot was scheduled to begin. The sudden decision resulted in massive financial losses for the makers, as reported by The Week.

Director Farhan Akhtar and Excel Entertainment reportedly suffered losses of nearly ₹45 crore. Several technicians, cameramen, and crew members associated with the project were also affected, as the entire shoot setup and planning had already been completed.

The FWICE ban means that all members associated with the organization — including producers, crew workers, and technicians — will refrain from working with Ranveer Singh until the Don 3 dispute is officially resolved.

Ranveer Singh’s Response

Ranveer Singh initially responded to FWICE’s summons by stating that the organization is not the appropriate forum to address his concerns. Since the matter pertains to contracts, he indicated that he would take a legal route. His spokesperson later issued a statement expressing that the actor holds “deep respect” for the film fraternity.

Reports claiming that Ranveer Singh has been banned from Bollywood for three years are currently creating buzz on social media. However, an official detailed clarification regarding the duration of the ban is still awaited, and no credible source has confirmed the three-year timeline.