After a successful theatrical run, Thalapathy Vijay’s highly anticipated farewell film Jana Nayagan is reportedly set to make its OTT release on ZEE5 from August 21. Directed by H. Vinoth, the political action drama marks Vijay’s final cinematic outing before he fully transitions to politics with his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party. The film follows a charismatic leader who takes on corruption and entrenched political forces while fighting for the welfare of the people.
Cast and Crew
The film stars Vijay in the lead role alongside Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Prakash Raj, Priyamani, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Mamitha Baiju, and Narain in key supporting roles. Jana Nayagan is produced by KVN Productions, with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander.
Box Office Success Despite Piracy
Jana Nayagan faced a major setback ahead of its theatrical release due to pre-release piracy, but managed to overcome the challenge and attract audiences to cinemas. Driven by Vijay’s massive fan following and the emotional significance of being his final film, the movie collected ₹215 Cr worldwide in its first weekend and eventually emerged as a commercial success.
ZEE5 Streaming Details
The Jana Nayagan OTT release is now reportedly scheduled for ZEE5 on August 21, giving viewers another opportunity to experience Vijay’s farewell performance. While official confirmation from the streaming platform is awaited, the reported premiere has already generated excitement among fans eager to revisit the film or watch it for the first time from their homes.
Talented actor Sundeep Kishan, who recently appeared in Netflix’s web series Super Subbu, has announced a major film in his career, Karikaala. The period action drama is directed by Yugandhar Muni, who delivered the solid hit Shambala last year with Aadi Saikumar.
First Look and Release Plans
The first look poster of Karikaala features Sundeep Kishan in an impressive warrior avatar. In a rare move for Telugu cinema, the makers have not only confirmed that the film will be released in two parts but have also announced the release dates for both installments well in advance.
The two-part release schedule for Karikaala has been locked:
Part
Release Date
Part 1
July 2
Part 2
October 28
Both parts are scheduled for release next year. By announcing the Karikaala dates well in advance, the team is demonstrating strong confidence in the project. The film will be released simultaneously in Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil, making it a pan-India venture for Sundeep Kishan.
Director’s Track Record
Yugandhar Muni earned strong recognition with Shambala, which emerged as a sensational blockbuster in 2025. The director’s proven ability to handle action-oriented subjects makes Karikaala an exciting prospect. With a talented team backing the project, expectations are naturally high for this ambitious two-part epic.
Technical Team and Production
Sricharan Pakala is composing the music for Karikaala, while producers Mahidhar Reddy and Rajasekhar Annabhimoju are bringing the film to audiences. The warrior avatar in the first look suggests a period action drama, though official storyline details remain under wraps.
Sundeep Kishan also has Sigma in the pipeline, giving the actor a strong lineup. It remains to be seen whether Yugandhar Muni can replicate the success of Shambala on a larger scale with Karikaala.
Thalapathy Vijay’s highly anticipated political action-thriller, Jana Nayagan, continues to pull steady numbers at the ticket windows. Despite opening to a mixed critical response following its July 23rd release, the film has managed to sustain a decent run across the country. However, as the movie completes its second week, the massive theatrical breakeven targets are beginning to look out of reach.
Day 12 and Day 13 Tracking: Weekday Drops Take a Toll
As the film enters its 13th day, the weekday drop has become highly evident. According to our live box office tracking,Jana Nayagan posted an India net gross of ₹2.63 crore on its 12th day (Tuesday). This represents a steep 42% drop compared to its first Monday collection, which stood at ₹4.56 crore.
The footfalls have also mirrored this decline. Theater occupancy across all languages dropped to 13.5% on Tuesday, down from the 21.6% occupancy witnessed on Monday.
Territory-Wise Box Office Collection Breakdown
Despite the weekday slowdown, the worldwide total has successfully crossed the ₹300 crore milestone. Below is the detailed breakdown of the collections at the end of Day 13 tracking:
Territory
Gross Collection
India (Tracked)
₹197.8 Cr
India (Actual Est.)
₹213.8 Cr
Overseas
₹90 Cr
Worldwide Total
₹304 Cr
When analyzing the demographic split, the Tamil version remains the undisputed heavyweight, contributing a massive 84% of the total collections. However, the film has also made noticeable inroads in other markets. By Day 13, Jana Nayagan successfully crossed the ₹20 crore gross mark in the Hindi belt and collected over ₹13.5 crore from the Telugu states.
The Unreachable ₹450 Crore Breakeven Target
While a ₹304 crore worldwide gross is a stellar achievement for most films, Jana Nayagan carries a massive financial burden. Considering its reported production budget and the exorbitant initial theatrical business, the film needs to collect at least ₹450 crore+ in worldwide gross to emerge as a clean commercial success and enter the profit zone for distributors.
Given the current daily tracking numbers, hitting even the ₹350 crore mark now looks impossible. However, the film is still on track to comfortably gross over ₹325 crore in its lifetime run. In doing so, it is actively chasing the box office record set by Karuppu(₹320 crore) to claim the title of Kollywood’s highest-grossing film of the year.
Why Did Jana Nayagan Struggle to Hit Theatrical Targets?
Trade experts and industry analysts point to the chaotic release strategy as a primary factor for the missed targets. Originally slated for a massive Pongal release in January, the film faced severe pre-release challenges, multiple postponements, and censor troubles before finally landing a July release.
Analysts suggest that had there been no postponements or release friction, the exact same content amplified by Vijay’s unmatched massive stardom could have easily generated the opening momentum required to achieve its breakeven target.
About the Film: A Political Spin on Bhagavanth Kesari
Directed by H. Vinoth, Jana Nayagan is the official Tamil adaptation of the 2023 Telugu blockbuster Bhagavanth Kesari. The film retains the core storyline of the original, focusing heavily on girl empowerment but heavily modifies the screenplay to include intense elements of political drama and national security threats. These changes were explicitly tailored to suit Vijay’s larger-than-life on-screen image and his real-world political aspirations.
Varun Tej’sKorean Kanakaraju is all set to have paid premieres on August 6, a day before its theatrical release. The horror-comedy directed by Merlapaka Gandhi and co-starring Ritika Nayak joins the growing trend of paid premiere shows in Tollywood.
Varun Tej Confirms Premiere Shows
During his speech at last night’s pre-release event in Bhimavaram, Varun Tejconfirmed that Korean Kanakaraju will have paid premieres on the night of August 6. He stated that this decision was driven by their strong confidence in the movie.
The paid premiere culture has grown significantly in the Telugu film industry in recent years, with several big-ticket releases opting for special shows before the official release date. The strategy helps gauge audience response and build early word-of-mouth.
Thaman is composing the music for this horror-comedy, while UV Creations is backing the project. The film’s trailer received positive response from audiences, raising expectations for the premiere shows. Fans are hopeful that the film will live up to the makers’ confidence.
Renowned Indian actor Pradeep Rawat (74), who became popular among the Telugu audience as ‘Bhikshu Yadav’ in the movie Sye, has passed away. Reports indicate he died of a heart attack at his residence in Mumbai.
Having battled blood cancer for some time, Pradeep Rawat reportedly passed away on Tuesday evening after suffering a heart attack at his home. Film circles are shocked by the news of his death.
Career Across Telugu and Hindi Cinema
In Telugu, he acted in films such as Sye, Chatrapathi, Ghajini, Lakshmi, Bhadra, Yogi, Desamuduru, and Andarivaadu. He also played memorable villainous roles in Bollywood blockbusters like Lagaan and Ghajini.
He impressed audiences across Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi cinema with his portrayal of diverse and distinctive characters. His imposing presence and powerful dialogue delivery breathed life into his villainous roles.
Pradeep Rawat began his acting career with the role of Ashwatthama in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat series. Subsequently, he played significant roles in films like Sarfarosh, Lagaan, and Ghajini. In addition to Hindi and Telugu, he acted in Tamil and Nepali films as well; he had recently completed shooting for a Nepali movie.
Industry Mourns the Loss
It was stated that Pradeep Rawat underwent treatment initially at Kokilaben Hospital and later at another hospital. His co-star, Lagaan fame Yashpal Sharma, reacted on Instagram, posting an emotional message: “Our Ghajini and Lagaan ‘Deva’ is no more. May his soul rest in peace.”
The news of his passing has cast a pall of gloom over the film industry. Film personalities and fans alike are expressing deep sorrow and paying tribute to Pradeep Rawat on social media.
Director Sreenu Vaitla has revealed one of the biggest missed opportunities of his career. In a recent interview with Rajesh Manne on Tera Venuka Kathalu, the filmmaker disclosed that he met Ajith Kumar in 2011, shortly after Dookudu emerged as a blockbuster. According to Vaitla, Ajith Kumar had already watched the Mahesh Babu starrer, appreciated it, and expressed interest in starring in its Tamil remake—on the condition that Vaitla himself directed the film.
Why the Remake Never Happened
However, the collaboration never materialized. Vaitla explained that he had already committed to directing Baadshah with Mahesh Babu and was also hesitant to helm a Tamil film because he did not have sufficient command over the language. As a result, he let go of what he now describes as a “golden opportunity,” admitting that he continues to regret the decision.
Dookudu’s Blockbuster Legacy
Released in 2011, Dookudu became one of the biggest blockbusters of its time, earning widespread acclaim for its perfect blend of action, comedy, and family entertainment. The film not only cemented Mahesh Babu’s superstar status but also established Sreenu Vaitla as one of Telugu cinema’s leading commercial directors.
Looking back, the filmmaker believes an Ajith Kumar–Sreenu Vaitla collaboration could have been something truly special, making it one of the most fascinating “what if” moments in South Indian cinema.
Aishwarya Rajesh and Thiruveer’s romantic entertainer Oh Sukumari is making its digital debut on Prime Video from August 7, 2026. The film, which completed its theatrical run, will now reach a wider audience through the streaming platform in multiple South Indian languages.
Movie: Oh Sukumari
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Streaming Status: Now Streaming (Since August 7, 2026)
Available Languages: Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam
Directed by Bharat Dharshan, Oh Sukumari features Thiruveer and Aishwarya Rajesh in the lead roles. The supporting cast includes Jhansi, Muralidhar Goud, and Srinivas Gavireddy in pivotal roles. Set against a Telangana village backdrop, the romantic comedy follows an aspiring politician who falls in love with Sukumari. However, his world turns upside down when he discovers that she carries an unusual secret, leading to a blend of romance, comedy, and family emotions.
Critical and Audience Reception
Upon its theatrical release, Oh Sukumari received a mixed-to-positive response from critics and audiences. Reviewers praised the film’s unique premise and the performances delivered by Aishwarya Rajesh and Thiruveer. The blend of humour and emotion found appreciation among family audiences. However, some critics felt the screenplay could have explored the central idea more effectively. Despite this, the film resonated with viewers who enjoyed its light-hearted storytelling and entertaining village setting.
Oh Sukumari OTT Release on Prime Video
After completing its theatrical journey, Oh Sukumari begins streaming exclusively on Prime Video from August 7. The romantic entertainer will be available in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada, allowing audiences across South India to watch the film from home. This follows the recent trend of Telugu films arriving on Prime Video within weeks of theatrical release, giving viewers quick access to fresh content.
The Malayalam investigative crime thriller Uyir is now streaming on JioHotstar from August 4, 2026. Directed by M. Padmakumar, known for acclaimed thrillers like Joseph and Shikkar, the 2026 film) brings a grounded, emotionally resonant take on the crime genre. Written by Shaji Marad and Nikhil K. Menon, Uyir offers viewers a compelling investigative narrative anchored by strong performances and realistic storytelling.
The Story and Cast
The film follows Ajeeb Rahman, a probationary sub-inspector posted at the Dharmadam Police Station in Kannur, who investigates the mysterious death of an unidentified woman. As the investigation unfolds, he uncovers shocking truths that challenge both his skills and conscience. Roshan Mathew leads the cast in the central role, supported by Baiju Santhosh, Athulya Chandra, Shruthy Menon, and Saiyami Kher in pivotal roles. The narrative is inspired by real-life incidents from the career of a police officer, adding authenticity to the thriller’s premise.
Theatrical Run and Reception
Following its theatrical release on June 30, 2026, Uyir received attention for its realistic treatment of the crime genre and emotionally charged narrative. Critics and audiences particularly appreciated Roshan Mathew’s nuanced performance as the rookie police officer navigating complex investigations. M. Padmakumar’s restrained direction helped establish the film as a notable entry in Malayalam cinema’s thriller landscape. The film continues the director’s track record of delivering grounded crime dramas, similar to recent Malayalam OTT releases that have found success on streaming platforms.
Where to Watch Uyir
Uyir is now available exclusively on JioHotstar in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, giving audiences across India access to the thriller. The multi-language release ensures wider reach for the investigative drama, allowing viewers to experience M. Padmakumar’s latest work from home. Fans of crime thrillers and Roshan Mathew’s performances can stream the film starting today.
Varun Tej‘s Korean Kanakaraju and Lokesh Kanagaraj‘s DC are arriving in theatres on the same day, August 7, 2026. Both films have completed their censor formalities ahead of this Friday’s worldwide theatrical release.
Film
Certificate
Runtime
Release Date
Korean Kanakaraju
U/A
156 minutes (2h 36m)
August 7, 2026
DC
A
142 minutes (2h 22m)
August 7, 2026
DC Censor Report
Lokesh Kanagaraj makes his debut as a lead hero with DC, which has been censored with an A certificate and locked a runtime of 142 minutes. This marks the acclaimed director’s first attempt at leading a film as the main actor.
The film will be released in Telugu States by Asian Suresh Entertainments. Directed by Arun Matheswaran, DC stars Lokesh Kanagaraj and Wamiqa Gabbi as the leads, along with Sanjana Krishnamoorthy and others in crucial roles. The film’s music, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, has received superb applause from fans.
Korean Kanakaraju Gets U/A Rating
Varun Tej‘s Korean Kanakaraju has completed its censor formalities, receiving a U/A certificate and locking a final runtime of 2 hours and 36 minutes ahead of its worldwide theatrical release on August 7, 2026.
The horror comedy, directed by Merlapaka Gandhi, hits theatres this Friday carrying a worldwide theatrical breakeven target of ₹12 Cr share. The film has already secured solid non-theatrical revenue, and its trailer received a positive response from audiences.
Two Different Genres Clash This Friday
Two completely different movies compete at the box office this Friday — Lokesh Kanagaraj‘s intense A-rated DC versus Varun Tej‘s family-friendly horror comedy Korean Kanakaraju.
While DC‘s music composed by Anirudh Ravichander has created massive buzz among fans, Korean Kanakaraju is banking on its strong trailer reception and the horror comedy genre’s box office potential. With both films targeting different audience segments, it will be interesting to see how they perform in their opening weekend.
Hyderabad is all set to welcome another premium movie destination with the announcement of AMB Victory by AMB Classic, an IMAX with Laser cinema coming soon to RTC X Roads. The project marks a first-of-its-kind collaboration between Mahesh Babu, Victory Venkatesh, Suresh Daggubati, Rana Daggubati, and Asian Cinemas, bringing together two of Telugu cinema’s most influential film families. The announcement has already generated excitement among movie lovers, especially given RTC X Roads’ iconic status as the heart of theatrical movie culture in Hyderabad.
IMAX with Laser Returns to Hyderabad
The upcoming venue will feature IMAX with Laser, the latest generation of IMAX technology known for its ultra-sharp 4K laser projection, enhanced contrast, richer colours, and immersive multi-channel sound. The property, which will house India's second-largest IMAX screen, expands the successful AMB Cinemas brand that Mahesh Babu launched with Asian Cinemas in Gachibowli. By bringing the AMB experience to RTC X Roads and partnering with the Daggubati family, the venture aims to redefine premium movie exhibition in one of the city’s busiest cinema hubs.
Telugu Stars Leading Exhibition Business
The launch of AMB Victory also reflects the growing trend of Telugu stars investing in the exhibition business. Mahesh Babu’sAMB Cinemas, Allu Arjun’sAAA Cinemas, Ravi Teja’sART Cinemas, and the upcoming ARC Cinemas backed by Ram Charan have all strengthened Hyderabad’s multiplex landscape. With the addition of IMAX with Laser and the combined backing of Mahesh Babu, Venkatesh, Suresh Babu, Rana Daggubati, and Asian Cinemas, AMB Victory is expected to become one of the city’s premier destinations for experiencing the biggest Indian and Hollywood blockbusters.
![Oh Sukumari OTT Release: Streaming Now on Prime Video [Direct Link]](https://tracktollywood.com/wp-content/smush-webp/2026/08/Untitled-design-6-768x432.jpg.webp "Oh Sukumari OTT Release: Streaming Now on Prime Video [Direct Link]")
