Kantara 2 hit by crew member death / Atlee - Allu Arjun to have Bollywood STAR

 Kantara 2 unit faced a third mishap with a unit hand from Kerala being swept away in the river. His body was later recovered by the police team. Though the film unit has yet to report this reports say that On May 6, a 33-year-old junior artiste, MF Kapil from Kerala, drowned in the Souparnika River near Kollur during a break in filming. The incident took place around 3:45 pm while the crew was on lunch. Kapil had gone for a swim but got caught in a strong current and was swept away. Rescue teams from the fire department and local authorities searched the area and recovered his body later that evening.

Kapil was from Moosarithara, Vaikom in Kerala. His body was sent to the Kundapura Government Hospital. A police case has been registered, and investigations are ongoing. The film’s production team has not yet released an official statement. This is not the first issue the production has faced. Last November, a minibus carrying 20 junior artistes overturned in Mudoor, Jadkal, leaving several injured. Earlier, a costly film set was damaged due to unexpected heavy rains and storms.

In January, the crew faced criticism and legal trouble after reportedly assaulting villagers who questioned their use of explosives in a forest area. The forest department also began investigating the team for disturbing the local habitat in Sakleshpur without proper clearance. People on social media believe that this most awaited sequel might be jinxed.

While the filming of Kantara 2 is still in progress, post-production work has already commenced!

The sequel is expected to be a grander spectacle than its predecessor, introducing prequel and mythological elements into the storyline.

The film's high-budget visual effects require significant time investment in VFX, which explains the planned Summer 2025 release date.

"The team is not compromising on post-production and visual effects at all," sources added.

Atlee is hunting for a Bollywood STAR for the Allu Arjun film . Yes, Atlee is back to the dual hero formula that he has in mind and got dropped as no hero was willing to come on board with Salman Khan. At that time Atlee wanted a South Star with Salman and the price that South biggies were asking was too heavy. In fact the risk factor of recovering the investment was very risky. Now it is Atlee or Sun Pictures who has the doubt on running on strength of Pushpa franchise is not known , but a Bollywood STAR is become inevitable.

One reason is that whether the Hindi audience will come in huge numbers to see Allu Arjun without the Pushpa tag ?. For something like Rs 500 cr running on salaries, the banking of Pushpa factor to bring in the initial crowds is seen risky. Mrunal Thakur and Jhanvi are on board. Now which Star is going to join ?. So will Salman come on board for this new project. Remember that Atlee’s storyline for Allu Arjun was not what he told to Salman .

Suriya - Venky film OTT deal closed - Retro 4th Top Grosser

Though Suriya’s upcoming film with R J Balaji OTT rights has not been closed, his  film with Venky Atluri which did not even go on floors yet, but the movie’s digital rights have already closed for a massive price of 85 Cr by Netflix. Venky Atluri’s brand is working big for Suriya’s film, and his previous film, Lucky Baskhar, created a sensation in theaters/OTT and an all-time record viewership on Netflix. With Sir and Lucky Baskhar, Venky Atluri created a big brand in audiences. 

Suriya’s Retro in all probability will be the fourth highest grosser of Kollywood 2025 after a 55% drop on Monday. So far it has overtaken Chiyaan Vikram’s Veera Dheera Sooran to be fifth grosser and will beat Madha Gaja Raja to take the 4^th place. The box office figures are: As per estimates, Retro earned 3.40 crores on day 5, a drop of 56.12% compared to Friday’s 7.75 crores. It’s an alarming sign and the film must maintain a steady pace for a decent week 1 collection.

According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Retro barely pulled in ₹3.38 crore (India nett) on day five. Despite an okay opening of ₹19.25 crore on 1 May, the film crashed the next day—same old story. Suriya’s previous film Kanguva followed the exact same script an initial ₹24 crore opening, followed by a free fall to ₹9.5 crore on day two—a humiliating 60% drop. Retro did even worse, plummeting 61%.

Theaters showed the damage. Day two of Retro saw average occupancy at just 40.23%, with morning shows scraping together 23% and even night shows barely touching 53%. 

Including Monday’s collection, Retro stands at 46.55 crore net at the Indian box office, as per Sacnilk. With this, it has comfortably crossed Chiyaan Vikram’s Veera Dheera Sooran (42.71 crores) to become Kollywood’s 5th highest-grossing film at the Indian box office in 2025.

It will soon surpass Vishal’s Madha Gaja Raja (48.70 crores) to grab the 4th spot on the list. However, it won’t be able to beat Vidaamuyarchi‘s 81.58 crores.

 Kollywood grossers at the Indian box office in 2025 (net collection):

• Good Bad Ugly – 153.43 crores
• Dragon – 102.55 crores
• Vidaamuyarchi – 81.58 crores
• Madha Gaja Raja – 48.70 crores
• Retro – 46.55 crores
• Veera Dheera Sooran – 42.71 crores
• It is reportedly made on a budget of 65 crores. Already, the film has recovered 71.61% of the budget.

 

 

Oppam Hindi - Saif Ali Khan blind and Kalari expert v/s Akshay Kumar

 

• Those who have seen Oppam the Malaylam film directed by Priyadarshan should read this. Others will not understand what is being written here. Report based on  Mid-Day states that Saif Ali Khan will be learning Kalaripayattu for his role in the Hindi remake of the Malayalam film "Oppam". He will be taking a two-month break after finishing Rahul Dholakia's movie to attend workshops on how to play a blind man and then travel to Kerala to train in the martial art. The character in the remake is described as a skilled martial artist who is also blind. 
• We think CVN Kalari in Thiruvanthapuram would be right place for Saif to learn.

Now it seems Priyan in his second innings in Bollywood is going to remake Oppam and of course it is Akshay Kumar and with Saif Ali Khan. Both owe a lot to Priyan as in their earlier career stages , it was he who gave them films. Now you may think that Akshay is doing Mohanlal role and Saif the Samudrakanni role. Saif after declaring that his Adipurush outing was a mistake has decided to correct it by playing Lalettan’s role. Akshay’s film after film as a patriotic guy wants to play Samudrakanni role. Remember Robot 2 0 ? . At first Priyan wanted Samudrakanni itself to act in Hindi but Akshay wanted it.

So you imagine them in the respective roles, Now Saif as blind guy and Akshay as bad guy is fixed. Other regulars of Priyan will fill the other roles. You can let the imagination run riot.

Now the biggest surprise is that Saif is learning Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s martial art. So the blind man is going to use Kalaripayattu to fight bad guys. Oppam’s USP was that Lalettan as blind man and his helplessness in fighting those who want to frame him for murder. But in modern Bollywood, Saif is not going to get any sympathy like Lalettan gets from Mallu audience and so he has to fight his way against his enemies and that includes Akshay.  Imagine physical clash between blind man who is Kalari expert and tough guy. Goosebumps ! Even Saif intro can be in a Kalari class. Finally you wonder if Saif is really blind.

Oppam does not have glam element but can Bollywood go without it. So Priyan would elevate the roles of lady SI and also the caretaker role played by Sona Heiden. Even the role played by Meenakshi of the kid that Lalettan carries on his shoulder could be upgraded to a teen girl and a Loverboy wooing her.

• Music played a big role in Oppam’s suucess. Wonder who is doing it as Priyan usually brings guys from Chennai to do it and that too in his Chennai studio.  M G Sreekumar song a must.Brinda Master choreography is inevitable. Priyan has always said that no one in Bollywood can match Lalettan. So no comparisons here. Difficult to get even actors  to replace  Chemban Jose. We are in for exciting times. So far Priyan has been good at remakes and wishing him all luck.

Suriya 45 v/s Dhruv Bison on Diwali / Trisha not part of Gangsters in Thug Life

 Suriya 45 and Dhruv Vikram are headed for a Deepavali clash, as per trade circles. Dhruv- Nari Selvaraj film Bison has already locked October 17 as release date. Though Retro for Suriya has proved that he has the opening and pull at box office, it did not be his comeback after Ganguva disaster. The R J Balaji film will in all probability do the trick as the Director is apt in bring out the box office potential of an actor. Surya’s last Deepavali release in theatres was 7 AM Arivu and later Sooraraai Pottru on OTT. With no Vijay- Ajith- SK in line, Deepavali would be the best chance for Suriya to take a bash at the box office. Trisha who is part of many box office hits is the leading lady in Balaji- Surya film. From what insiders say the vintage – boy next door Suriya comes to fore in the film.

On her birthday, Trisha Krishnan's elegant first look from Thug Life has been revealed. Fans praised her raw appearance, while she shared inspiring experiences working with Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan. The film releases in theatres on June 5. In the poster, we can see Trisha sitting on steps, dressed in a simple white shirt and a flowing red skirt, with a calm and thoughtful expression. Soon after the release, fans couldn't keep calm and lauded the raw look. During the pre-release event, Trisha talked about her character and said, "I am not there in the gangster portions, but I've heard it has come out really well."

The much-anticipated Tamil sports drama Bison Kaalamaadan is all set to hit theatres on October 17, 2025, as the biggest Diwali celebration in Tamil cinema this year. Produced by Applause Entertainment and Neelam Studios and directed by the acclaimed Mari Selvaraj, this gripping tale of guts and glory promises to captivate audiences.

Starring Dhruv Vikram in a transformative role, Bison Kaalamaadan brings together a stellar ensemble cast including Anupama Parameswaran, Director Ameer, Director Lal, Pasupathy and Rajisha Vijayan.

Directed by Mari Selvaraj and produced by Applause Entertainment and Neelam Studios, this film marks another significant milestone in Applause’s journey into Tamil cinema, continuing their commitment to collaborate with top-tier talent and deliver powerful, story-driven films.

 

Nivin Pauly walked out of set to join another / Nakshatra Indrajith Lalanna on MUBI

 Did Nivin Pauly walk away from his commitment to shoot for a film that he had agreed to and that too in the middle of the shoot ?. Producer Listin Stephen sparked a controversy by accusing a major star from the Malayalam film industry of committing a grave mistake. It was during the launch event of Dileep's upcoming film Prince And Family on Friday that Listin levelled the accusations. Without naming the actor, he said, "I've been in the Malayalam film industry for around 15 years and worked on quite a few films. A prominent actor has now ignited the sparks of a major controversy by committing a grave mistake, which should have been avoided. He must be listening to this, so I'm reminding him not to continue with it. If he repeats, it will lead to bigger repercussions."

It is widely speculated on social media that Listin's comments were directed at actor Nivin Pauly for abandoning the shoot of their ongoing film Baby Girl and joining the shoot of Akhil Sathyan's film. The actor is yet to respond to the allegation

Nivin Pauly was once expected to be the next superstar of Mollywood. Many believed he would reach the stature of Mohanlal and Mammootty. However, over time, he seemed to lose his box office appeal. His last commercially successful film was back in 2019, a significant fall from grace. 

Actor Indrajith and Prithviraj Sukumaran's niece Nakshatra Indrajith  portrayal in Lalannas song of the titular character earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Critics Choice Awards. is now available to stream on MUBI. Written and directed by Megha Ramaswamy, the 34-minute film first premiered in 2022 and has since garnered international attention on the festival circuit. Set over the course of a seemingly ordinary evening, Lalanna’s Song follows two women attending a child’s birthday party. What begins as a routine social gathering descends into a surreal and unsettling psychological experience, triggered by the enigmatic presence of Lalanna, a young girl whose haunting song carries ominous undertones.

Megha Ramaswamy's atmospheric short smoothly melds the everyday with the uncanny to portray women's routine experiences.

Starring Parvathy, Rima Kallingal and Nakshatra Indrajith, LALANNA'S SONG is now streaming on MUBI

Nakshatra Indrajith  portrayal in Lalannas song of the titular character earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Critics Choice Awards. is now available to stream on MUBI. Written and directed by Megha Ramaswamy, the 34-minute film first premiered in 2022 and has since garnered international attention on the festival circuit. Set over the course of a seemingly ordinary evening, Lalanna’s Song follows two women attending a child’s birthday party. What begins as a routine social gathering descends into a surreal and unsettling psychological experience, triggered by the enigmatic presence of Lalanna, a young girl whose haunting song carries ominous undertones.
Megha Ramaswamy's atmospheric short smoothly melds the everyday with the uncanny to portray women's routine experiences.

Starring Parvathy, Rima Kallingal and Nakshatra Indrajith, LALANNA'S SONG is now streaming on MUBI

Times Survey puts Vijay's TVK at No 1 - Rapper Hanumankind song in Jana Nayagan

Based on social reach , fanbase, engagements , potential reach the Times of India survey conducted in April 21- 28 puts Thalapathy Vijay’s TVK clout on social media at No 1 and above all other national parties. Second is Congress, third is BJP and third is Pawan Kalyan. See the figures in the image. No wonder Vijay made a special call and called them virtual warriors,

He said the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has the largest social media force in India. He was speaking at the IT Wing administrators' virtual meeting held in Chennai's Sholinganallur.

Due to network issues, Vijay addressed the gathering through a pre-recorded video. "TVK's social media army is the biggest in India - not just our claim, but what others are saying after witnessing it. You are no longer just fans on social media; you are TVK’s virtual warriors," he said.

The IT Wing meeting was held under the leadership of TVK deputy general 

After the news of Dr R Nataraj IPS being inspiration for Jana Nayygan ( read https://dhakshinscreen.blogspot.com/2025/05/is-thalapathy-role-in-jana-nayagan.html .

Rapper Hanumankind said Cinema Vikatan, “I have sung a great rap song for Thalapathy Vijay in Jana Nayagan, composed by Anirudh.” He further mentioned that he will be visiting Chennai more for many more interesting projects. Hanumankind, aka Sooraj Cherukat is a rapper from Kerala. His track Big Dawgs which released in 2024, became a sensation, especially after it went viral in America. The rapper's first song for a film in 2020, in Kannada action crime film Popcorn Monkey Tiger directed by Duniya Soori. Hanumankind sang the song Maadeva in music director Charan Raj's composition.

Humankind also made his debut as an actor in the 2024 hit Malayalam film Rifle Club.

Rapper Hanumankind also performed at Coachella in California, USA in April 2025.

Jana Nayagan, which went on floors in October 2024, also stars Bobby Deol, Priyamani, Pooja Hegde, Prakash Raj, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Mamitha Baiju, and Narain in key roles. Apart from Anirudh Ravichander, the technical crew also features cinematographer Sathyan Sooryan and editor Pradeep E Ragav.

Instagram Post ; When “Big Dawgs,” the riotous song by Indian rapper @hanumankind and producer @kingkalmi, began spreading across the world in July, its creators couldn’t fully appreciate its impact. Hanumankind and his team were largely in the dark about its impact on TikTok — including the more than 1 million posts using the track to date — since India banned the platform in 2020.

Today, the rap hit has reached No. 23 on the #Hot100 and topped the R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales chart.

 

Is Thalapathy role in Jana Nayagan inspired by Dr R Nataraj IPS ?

 Is Thalapthy Vijay playing an IPS officer who takes to politics in Jananayagan ? The Kodaikanal schedule will be the last shooting portions. Three noted politicians who quit IPS are Dr R Nataraj, K Annamalai and  A G Mourya. Annamalai was State Chief of BJP and Mourya joined Kamal Haasan party MNM and contested unsuccessfully in last polls. In a video posted by Vijay, in which he is seen sharing wishes for women's day, the actor is seen sporting a new look. The video is said to have been shot on the sets of his final film, Jana Nagayagan, which is directed by H Vinoth. The mustache and beard has similarity to Dr R Nataraj.

1.    In all probability, it can be Dr Nataraj . Dr Nataraj after retirement joined AIADMK . One can draw a parallel to  Thalapathy quitting films for politics ?. Know  about Dr Nataraj ; Dr R Nataraj: He is an Indian politician who belongs to Anna Dravid Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). He was born to Ramchandran on 31 March 1951 in Chennai, then called Madras. He is an alumnus of Presidency College Madras. He also has a bachelor of a law degree and has earned his doctorate from Madras University. Post his retirement from the Indian Police Service, Dr Nataraj joined AIADMK in 2014. He was a 1975 batch IPS known for the reforms that he brought in the policing and administrative system. According to his words, “When such persons become members of political parties, the youth get drawn to issues concerning public affairs. Besides, as both IAS and IPS provide leadership roles, it is only a natural transition for officers of the two services to get into politics.”

Some say it could be Retd DGP A X Alexander; Who is Alexander ?

4.    AX Alexander: Days after R Nataraj joined the AIADMK, another former DGP AX Alexander joined the party in 2014. Alexander was also the DGP of Tamil Nadu before R Nataraj. “Political service gives wider and broader scope for rendering public service. Nowadays, people want good people to join politics and I am here,” said Alexander.

Dr Nataraj major achievement was his bringing in transparency in TNPSC. He introduced the uploading of answer sheets with marks and gegistration of candidates as well as installing CCTV in exam halls. Selected candidates were given posting abased on the regions that they were familiar . Tremendous enthusiasm has been generated among the youth aspirants to Government service evident from registration of nearly four million candidates for the exams conducted by the commission.

1.    He is President of Vivekananda Educational Trust which runs Single Teacher School in remote villages in Thiruvellore and Kanchipuram districts benefiting over twenty thousand poor children . He is in the Governing council of Madras school of social work. He is President of YMIA over hundred year old heritage institution founded by Annie Besant. He is now actively involved in various social service relating to Education, Health, Rehabilitation of prisoners, Anti corruption, Safe and clean Chennai, Protection of environment, speaking on these issues and contributing articles to create awareness.