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Legendary Tamil Filmmaker Bharathiraja Passes Away at 84

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Legendary Tamil Filmmaker Bharathiraja Passes Away at 84

Veteran Tamil filmmaker and actor P. Bharathiraja has passed away at the age of 84 while undergoing medical treatment. His demise marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, leaving behind a rich and unforgettable legacy.

The Pioneer of Realistic Rural Cinema

Born on July 17, 1941, Bharathiraja revolutionized Tamil cinema by bringing authentic rural stories and realistic village landscapes to the big screen. Fondly known as Iyakkunar Imayam (The Peak of Directors), he transformed the filmmaking landscape by moving away from studio-bound productions and showcasing the beauty and emotions of rural life.

Over a remarkable career spanning several decades, Bharathiraja earned immense acclaim as a director, producer, and actor. He won six National Film Awards and delivered several timeless classics that continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.

Among his most celebrated works are 16 Vayathinile (Padhaharella Vayasu in Telugu), Alaigal Oivathillai (Seethakoka Chiluka), and Mudhal Mariyathai (Aradhana), films that earned him national recognition and critical acclaim.

Final Works and Lasting Impact

Bharathiraja’s final directorial venture was the emotionally moving segment Paravai Kootil Vaazhum Maangal in the 2023 anthology series Modern Love Chennai. As an actor, his last on-screen appearance came in the 2025 Malayalam film Thudarum starring Mohanlal.

With his unique storytelling style and deep connection to rural culture, Bharathiraja shaped generations of filmmakers and movie lovers. His contribution to Indian cinema will remain immortal, and his absence will be deeply felt across the film industry.

Rest in peace, Bharathiraja Garu. Your cinematic legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Peddi Uttarandhra Record: ₹17.52 Cr in 6 Days, Tops Pushpa 2

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Peddi Uttarandhra Record: ₹17.52 Cr in 6 Days, Tops Pushpa 2

Ram Charan’s Peddi is delivering exceptional numbers in the Uttarandhra region, emerging as the territory’s breakout success story. The rural sports drama directed by Buchi Babu has collected ₹17.52 Cr share in its first six days, setting a new benchmark for non-RRR releases in the region.

Day 6 Performance Holds Strong

The film maintained a solid hold on its sixth day, collecting ₹1.18 Cr share in Uttarandhra alone. This weekday performance demonstrates the film’s strong word-of-mouth and sustained audience interest across the region’s centers.

MetricPeddiPushpa 2RRR
6-Day Uttarandhra Share₹17.52 Cr₹17.3 Cr₹20.5 Cr
StatusOn TrackFirst Week CompleteFirst Week Complete

Surpasses Pushpa 2, Chases RRR

Peddi has already overtaken Pushpa 2’s first-week share of ₹17.3 Cr in Uttarandhra, making it the highest-grossing non-RRR opener in the region. Only S.S. Rajamouli’s RRR (₹20.5 Cr first-week share) stands ahead, and the film is on track to challenge that milestone with one more strong day.

Uttarandhra has emerged as Peddi’s best-performing territory, outpacing its collections in other regions. The region’s strong connect with the film’s rural sports backdrop and Ram Charan’s mass appeal has translated into exceptional occupancies and solid per-screen averages.

Eyes Elite ₹25 Cr Club

Based on its current trend, Peddi is positioned to finish as the highest-grossing non-S.S. Rajamouli film in Uttarandhra’s box office history. Only two films have crossed the ₹25 Cr lifetime share mark in the region: Baahubali 2 and RRR—both directed by Rajamouli.

With its excellent weekday hold and positive audience reception, Peddi has a strong chance of becoming the third film to enter this elite club, cementing its status as a regional blockbuster.

Karuppu Collects ₹310 Cr Worldwide in 25 Days

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Karuppu Collects ₹310 Cr Worldwide in 25 Days

Suriya’s Karuppu has wrapped up an outstanding 25-day theatrical run with ₹310 Cr gross worldwide collections. The film has emerged as the biggest South Indian grosser of 2026 and stands as Suriya’s career-best box office performance by a significant margin.

Karuppu 310 Cr Box Office Breakdown

The film delivered strong collections across all territories, with Tamil Nadu leading the charge:

TerritoryGross Collection
Tamil Nadu₹154 Cr
Karnataka₹23 Cr
Telugu States₹35 Cr
Kerala₹14 Cr
Rest of India₹3 Cr
Overseas₹81 Cr
Worldwide Total₹310 Cr

The ₹310 Cr gross worldwide cements Karuppu as the year’s biggest South Indian film while establishing a new benchmark for Suriya’s box office pull. Tamil Nadu contributed ₹154 Cr—nearly half the worldwide total—reflecting the film’s dominant home market performance.

Overseas circuits added ₹81 Cr to the total, demonstrating Karuppu’s strong appeal in international markets. With the theatrical run now coming to an end, the 25-day collection of ₹310 Cr represents the film’s final box office tally.

Karuppu OTT Release on Amazon Prime

Karuppu (titled Veerabhadrudu in Telugu) has been acquired by Amazon Prime Video for its digital premiere. The film will begin streaming on June 12, 2026, giving audiences who missed the theatrical experience a chance to watch Suriya’s blockbuster from home.

Akhil’s Lenin Set to Deliver Long-Awaited Success

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Akhil’s Lenin Set to Deliver Long-Awaited Success

Akhil made his Tollywood debut with huge expectations through his debut film, Akhil, in 2015. Although he has shown significant improvement with each film, he has yet to achieve the level of success many expected from him. Most Eligible Bachelor worked to some extent, but it was not a major blockbuster. More importantly, his last film, Agent, turned out to be a huge disappointment, leaving Akhil at a crossroads in his career.

Lenin Set for June 26 Release

After taking considerable time to choose his next project, Akhil signed Lenin, which is set to hit theatres on June 26. The film has reportedly been screened for a few industry insiders, and the feedback is said to be extremely positive.

Strong Positive Buzz from Industry Screenings

According to sources, Lenin is a very good film with strong emotional content and well-executed action sequences. It is said to be different from a regular commercial entertainer, featuring several surprising and shocking moments.

The second half is reportedly one of the film’s biggest strengths, with the final 30 minutes said to be extraordinary. The movie is said to blend drama, emotion, action, and several unexpected twists effectively.

Akhil Success Finally Within Reach?

Earlier, Nagarjuna also expressed immense confidence in the film’s output through his tweet. Now, with highly positive reports emerging from those who have watched the film, expectations are rising rapidly.

With strong content and positive early reactions, Akhil may finally be set to deliver the much-needed success he has been waiting for since his 2015 debut. Lenin could mark a turning point in his career.

Rajinikanth Thalaivar 173: Superstar to Play Doctor Role?

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Rajinikanth Thalaivar 173: Superstar to Play Doctor Role?

Superstar Rajinikanth is gearing up for yet another exciting project, tentatively titled Thalaivar 173, directed by Ashwath Marimuthu. The film has already started generating strong buzz in industry circles, with fresh updates hinting at an intriguing role for the veteran star.

Doctor Role – A First for Rajinikanth

According to reports, Rajinikanth may be seen portraying a doctor in Thalaivar 173. If the reports turn out to be true, this would mark the first time in his illustrious career that he takes on a full-fledged doctor role on screen. The unique character setup is said to be one of the major highlights of the project.

The screenplay reportedly incorporates several real-life incidents, making the narrative more relatable and grounded. Furthermore, the story is expected to feature a major twist that could leave audiences surprised, adding an extra layer of anticipation around the project.

Pre-Production Activities Underway

Adding to the excitement, a recent photoshoot for Thalaivar 173 was reportedly conducted at the RKFI office, with renowned photographer G. Venkat Ram handling the shoot. The photoshoot is believed to be part of the film’s pre-production activities as the team prepares to kick-start filming.

Ashwath Marimuthu, known for his critically acclaimed work, recently came on board replacing Cibi Chakaravarthi as the director. The collaboration between Rajinikanth and Ashwath Marimuthu marks their first project together, adding to the excitement among fans and industry watchers.

Shoot Begins End of June

Meanwhile, production work is progressing at a rapid pace. Set construction is currently underway in Poonamallee, Chennai, where key portions of Thalaivar 173 are expected to be shot. The makers are reportedly planning to commence principal photography by the end of June.

With Rajinikanth teaming up with Ashwath Marimuthu for the first time and a promising storyline taking shape, Thalaivar 173 is quickly emerging as one of the most awaited Tamil films in development. Fans are now eagerly waiting for an official announcement regarding the complete cast, title, and shooting schedule.

Gowtam Tinnanuri’s Magic Heads for Direct OTT Release

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Gowtam Tinnanuri’s Magic Heads for Direct OTT Release

Director Gowtam Tinnanuri, who delivered the critically acclaimed Jersey before facing a setback with Vijay Deverakonda’s Kingdom, has a long-pending project called Magic that is now reportedly heading for a direct OTT release.

About Magic – The Musical Drama

Gowtam Tinnanuri completed Magic several years ago as a musical drama featuring Sara Arjun and other newcomers in lead roles. The film was originally scheduled for a theatrical release in 2024 across both Telugu and Tamil languages. However, the project went silent for over a year with no updates from the makers.

Legendary composer Anirudh Ravichander scored the music for Magic, which is jointly produced by Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under the banners of Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas. Despite the prolonged delay, the film remains a highly anticipated project among fans of Gowtam’s work.

Why the Direct OTT Route?

The latest reports suggest that Magic will skip theatrical release entirely and premiere directly on a popular digital platform. According to industry sources, the makers are currently in talks with an OTT service, though nothing has been officially confirmed yet.

The shift from theatrical to OTT is becoming increasingly common for films that face extended delays or lack promotional momentum. For a musical drama featuring newcomers, a direct digital release could ensure wider reach without the risks associated with theatrical distribution.

What’s Next for Gowtam Tinnanuri?

Since the underwhelming response to Kingdom, Gowtam Tinnanuri has not announced any new directorial venture. The director, who earned national recognition with the Nani-starrer Jersey (later remade in Hindi with Shahid Kapoor), is expected to bounce back with his next project.

Once Magic finds its OTT home and releases, it will clear the decks for Gowtam to officially announce his next film. Industry buzz suggests he’s been listening to scripts, but no confirmation has come from the filmmaker yet.

Anil Ravipudi Film with Venkatesh, Kalyan Ram Starts June 18

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Anil Ravipudi Film with Venkatesh, Kalyan Ram Starts June 18

Successful director Anil Ravipudi scored a solid blockbuster with Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu this Sankranthi. Following this massive success, he announced an ambitious multistarrer featuring Venkatesh and Kalyan Ram. The Anil Ravipudi film start date has now been officially confirmed for later this month.

Grand Launch on June 18

Anil Ravipudi himself announced at a recent public event that his next movie will start on June 18, with a grand opening ceremony. The shooting of the film is scheduled to begin from June 22, marking the official start of this highly anticipated collaboration.

The Venkatesh-Kalyan Ram film is being produced by Shine Screens, marking their third collaboration with Anil Ravipudi. The production house has previously delivered successful films with the director, and this multistarrer is being positioned for a Sankranthi 2027 release.

First Schedule Without Venkatesh

Fans eagerly await the progress of the Anil Ravipudi-Venky-NKR combo film. However, the first schedule will start without Venkatesh, as the veteran star is currently busy completing his ongoing film with director Trivikram. Venkatesh is expected to join the sets in July or August once he wraps up his existing commitments.

The team has planned a phased shooting schedule to accommodate both stars’ dates, ensuring the ambitious multistarrer stays on track for its festive 2027 release.

Ram Charan’s Peddi Set for Revised Version with New Scenes

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Ram Charan’s Peddi Set for Revised Version with New Scenes

Ram Charan‘s blockbuster Peddi could soon be screened in a revised version, with reports suggesting that the makers are planning a few notable changes to the film following recent discussions and audience feedback.

The film, which released on June 4, has faced mixed reactions over certain portrayals, with director Buchi Babu Sana acknowledging the concerns and confirming that edits will be made. According to industry buzz, the revised version will include both scene removals and new additions to enhance the narrative.

What Changes Are Expected?

One of the major changes reportedly involves the removal of portions of Gournaidu’s flashback episode in the second half. Sources suggest that tightening this segment could improve the film’s pacing during the crucial latter portions.

At the same time, the makers are said to be introducing additional scenes featuring Ram Charan and Jagapathi Babu, two of the film’s most impactful characters. These additions are expected to strengthen the emotional core of the story and provide more depth to their on-screen relationship.

Re-Censorship Process Ahead

Reports further suggest that the modified version will be sent for re-censorship before being dispatched to theatres. In India, any changes to a film after initial certification require the Central Board of Film Certification to review and approve the revised version. Once the certification process is completed, exhibitors are expected to receive the updated version for screening.

While an official announcement regarding the specific timeline is still awaited, the possibility of a revised version of Peddi has already generated curiosity among fans. It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the overall viewing experience as the film continues its theatrical run.

Peddi Crosses ₹250 Crore Worldwide in Five Days

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Peddi Crosses ₹250 Crore Worldwide in Five Days

Mega Power Star Ram Charan’s Peddi continues its strong run at the box office, crossing the ₹250 crore worldwide gross mark in its first five days. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the emotional sports drama has been particularly dominant in Telugu states, while other territories show moderate performance.

According to trade reports, Peddi has collected approximately ₹252.3 crore gross worldwide in five days, driven by strong footfalls in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Peddi Five Days Worldwide Box Office Collections

The film has delivered impressive numbers across India, with Telugu states leading the charge.

TerritoryGross Collections (5 Days)
Nizam₹65 Cr
Ceded₹23 Cr
Andhra (6 Territories)₹75.5 Cr
Karnataka₹22 Cr
Tamil Nadu + Kerala₹5 Cr
North India₹17.5 Cr
Total India Gross₹208 Cr
Overseas Gross₹44.3 Cr
Worldwide Gross₹252.3 Cr

Nizam has contributed ₹65 crore, while Andhra’s six territories have collectively added ₹75.5 crore to the total. Karnataka has also delivered solid numbers at ₹22 crore, while Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and North India remain relatively low.

Recovery and Theatrical Rights Analysis

From a business perspective, Peddi is making steady progress toward profitability across all circuits.

ParameterTelugu StatesWorldwide (Telugu)Worldwide (All Languages)
Share Collected₹115.3 Cr₹149 Cr₹156 Cr
Theatrical Rights₹155 Cr₹210 Cr₹245 Cr
Recovery Percentage74%71%64%

The film has achieved 74% recovery in Telugu states within its first five days, indicating strong commercial performance. On a worldwide scale, the Telugu version has reached 71% recovery, while the overall recovery across all languages stands at 64%.

This positions Peddi well for long-term profitability, especially with the crucial second weekend ahead.

Strong Momentum Despite Weekday Phase

Ram Charan’s widely appreciated performance, combined with Buchi Babu’s emotional storytelling and A.R. Rahman’s music, has struck a chord with Telugu audiences. The film continues to attract strong footfalls despite entering the weekday phase, maintaining its hold in key circuits.

With the second weekend approaching, Peddi is well-positioned to continue its successful theatrical journey and move closer to the break-even mark in several territories. The coming days will be crucial for sustaining momentum, and if the film holds well, it could establish itself among the biggest box-office winners of 2026.

Ravi Mohan Maintenance Row: Aarti Moves Chennai Court

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Ravi Mohan Maintenance Row: Aarti Moves Chennai Court

The legal dispute between actor Ravi Mohan and his estranged wife Aarti has escalated, with Aarti moving the Chennai courts over child maintenance. The couple, officially separated in September 2024, is now embroiled in a fresh legal battle centered on financial support for their children.

Aarti’s Maintenance Petition

According to reports, Aarti recently filed a petition in the Chennai Family Court alleging that Ravi Mohan has not provided any maintenance support for their children since April 2025. She stated that expenses related to the children’s upbringing—including school fees—have remained unpaid during this period.

Seeking a quicker resolution, Aarti later approached the Chennai High Court and requested directions to expedite the Family Court proceedings on her maintenance plea.

High Court Directs Expedited Hearing

After hearing the matter, the Chennai High Court issued instructions to the Chennai Family Court to take up Aarti’s interim maintenance petition and pass appropriate orders within two weeks.

The directive brings the ongoing legal dispute back into the spotlight. The Family Court is now expected to hear the matter on priority, with all eyes on the upcoming proceedings and the decision that will follow.

Ravi Mohan has not yet publicly responded to the latest petition. Further updates are expected once the Family Court takes up the case in accordance with the High Court’s directive.

Background on the Separation

Tamil actor Ravi Mohan (also known as Jayam Ravi) and his estranged wife Aarti Ravi officially separated on September 9, 2024, after 15 years of marriage.

The couple tied the knot in June 2009. Their separation was announced in a public press note issued by the actor. Since then, their divorce has been marked by ongoing legal proceedings, public statements detailing marital disputes, and disagreements over child access and alimony.

EventDate
MarriageJune 2009
Official SeparationSeptember 9, 2024
Maintenance Allegedly StoppedApril 2025
Family Court Petition Filed2026
High Court Directive IssuedJune 2026
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