Tax Cut to Help Thug Life ? / Malavika song in Sardar 2 - Vaa Vathiyaar delayed ??

 Was Entertainment tax cut by Tamil Nadu Government done to help Thug Life at box office ? This question arises as the film protagonist Kamal Haasan is all set to be Rajya Sabha MP with the backing of ruling party DMK. Yet another impact is that the reduced ticket prices will make it all the more difficult for Thug Life to enter the Rs 100 crore club in a jiffy. Thug Life opening is expected to be a record breaker in Kollywood and by attributing the turnout  to tax cut is probably a pre-emptive way to undermine the record.

Media reports say that it was Kamal Haasan who spoke about ET reduction in FICCI Chennai meet with Udhaynidhi Stalin as one of the participants, that fuelled the cut. The Exhibitors Association had put forth a similar demand. However, the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) thanked and expressed their gratitude to MK Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. They also thanked Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Minister for Tamil Development and Information Thiru MP Saminathan. Kamal name goes missing.

Popular notion is that reduced ticket rates get more footfalls and it can be the case in States where theatres are free to fix ticket prices for first one week of release. It has been seen that big budgeted films with ticket rates as high as Rs 2000 in AP/ TS has backfired after a bad Word of mouth talk has spread. In Tamil Nadu, the new legislation would mean Rs 8 cut and this is not going to bring more crowds. The parking charges, prices of eatables in theatres canteens are costing more than the ticket rates. After a consumer court ruling on selling bottled water at MRP, theatres have instead put water coolers to beat the argument that drinking water has to be provided free and sell bottled water without MRP and say that these bottles are manufactured for sale in theatres only. Popcorn  and other snacks too have no MRP .

Tamil Nadu holding on to strict pricig control of movie tickets is a great help to movie goers. Apart from this the no permission to fan shows that sell tickets at exorbitant rates and screen them at late night hours is a great relief.

As Malavika Mohanan is all set to join Karthi in Bangkok for a special song in Sardar 2, Vaa Vathiyaar film directed by Nalan Kumaraswamy is getting delayed further. The film that started much before Sardar sequel is still lying unfinished as Producer is not able to get 20 days call  sheet from Karthi. As Amazon who bought the OTTare keen that the film Sardar 1 is given in time to schedule releasem the film is given all importance by Karthi.

The Bangkok leg is expected to be power-packed, with high-octane sequences and a special song being shot during this phase. A source close to the development revealed, "Malavika Mohanan is set to fly to Bangkok in the first week of June for the next schedule of Sardar 2 alongside Karthi. The team will also be shooting a special song during this leg of the shoot."

Sardar 2 marks her next collaboration in Tamil after Thangalaan with Vikram ar, and is already being talked about for its gripping plot and scale. But that’s just one piece of the puzzle. Malavika’s growing pan-India appeal is evident in her upcoming lineup, which includes three major films across industries — The Raja Saab with Prabhas in Telugu, Hridayapoorvam with Mohanlal in Malayalam, and Sardar 2 with Karthi in Tamil.

Kamal Haasan to unlearn Kannada History as Kollywood faces BAN

 .Kamal Haasan Kannada born out of Tamil remark is threatening to spill over to a larger movement against Tamil cinema screening in Karnataka. On the cards is a formula by which the Actor endorses the historian view that .

Both Kannada and Tamil evolved from Proto-Dravidian. Because of this shared ancestry, both the languages have similar grammar structures, word formation, and words with common etymology.

Kamal had already said that he was not qualified to talk about language history and on these lines a reply drafted in such a way that it got resolved.

Apart from Thug Life, many forthcoming Tamil biggies that are going to release will not find theatres in Karnataka. It means a loss of Rs 10- 20 crores. Yet another fall out would be that Karnataka based Production houses also cannot release any Tamil films in home State. A counter   move by Tamil filmdom will not hurt the Karnataka filmdom as except for Yash’s KGF, no Kannada film has done anything worthwhile at Tamil box office.

After the anti Tamil riots that followed Dr Rajkumar abduction by Veerappan, everything has been normal. except for the yearly Cauvery dispute,,, on film front everything was normal. With Shivara Kumar called Shivanna and son of Late Dr Rajkumar doing cameo in Tamil films, all seemed rosy.

At the Karnataka Film Chamber meet, the unanimous view was that Shivanna s should have corrected Kamal on stage itself/ Some give him an excuse for not reacting - Veteran actress and former KFCC chief Jayamala also spoke up in Shivarajkumar's defense. "Shivanna is Dr Rajkumar's son. He was emotional and focussed on the event which was why he could not have understood the intensity of the comments made by Kamal. Also, he is still recovering after the surgery," she explained.
film producer Chinne Gowda said, "He was a guest at the event and possibly he might have not understood why the Tamil star said [those things]."

Shivanna has a question to those protesting Kamal’s remark at Chennai function where he was the guest and blaming him for not speaking up at the stage itself – He asks -  "It's a matter of pride for all of us that he invited me as the chief guest for his event. He was here just yesterday, among us. If anyone had concerns, they could have asked him directly - but no one did. I don’t know why people chose to remain silent then," . This was directed at the Bengaluru media who met Kamal. He had a word of advice -"Love for Kannada shouldn’t just appear when someone speaks up. It should be consistent - from the heart, always. I say this to all the media channels too: don’t just cheer for Kannada at events. Show that same passion all the time.". It all began at the audio launch of 'Thug Life' in Chennai on May 24, where Haasan, while complimenting Shiva Rajkumar, who was invited as a chief guest, said "Kannada was born out of Tamil". His statement faced huge backlash.

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TOURIST FAMILY : 100% Profit / It is not Trisha and Kamal but charchter- Mani Ratnam

 TAMIL MOVIES BOX OFFICE REPORT TILL 26/05/2025

Madhgaja Raja - SUPER HIT

Kadhalikka Neramillai - FLOP

Vanangaan - FLOP

Nesippaya - DISASTER

Kudumbasthan - SUPER HIT

Mr. Housekeeping - FLOP

Vidaamuyarchi - FLOP

Dragon - BLOCKBUSTER

NEEK - FLOP

Fire - AVERAGE

Kingston - FLOP

Murmur - SUPER HIT

Perusu - AVERAGE

Sweetheart - FLOP

Veera Dheera Sooran Part 2 - BELOW AVERAGE

Good Bad Ugly - SUPER HIT

Gangers - FLOP

Sumo - FLOP

Retro - AVERAGE

Tourist Family - SUPER HIT

DD Next Level - FLOP

Maaman - HIT

Ace - DISASTER

Theatrical hits of 2025

Madha Gaja Raja

Kudumbasthan

Dragon

Murmur (scam of the century)

Good Bad Ugly

Tourist Family

Maaman

Movies like Perusu and Fire earned decent money for the cost involved.

Retro is a profitable film for 2D but a lossmaker in theatres.

Veera Dheera Sooran is a lossmaker but didn't lose too much to be called a flop.

Vidaamuyarchi, NEEK, Kingston, DD Next Level, Ace are the biggest lossmakers of this year.

Highest grossing movie :- Good Bad Ugly (246.5 crores) and amassed a profit of 44% for all investors

Most Profitable movie :- Tourist Family (more than 150% profits for all investors)

Biggest lossmaker movie:- Ace (lost more than 66% for all investors)

In an interview with Mid-Day, Mani Ratnam offered a thought-provoking defense of the portrayal, stressing that relationships with significant age gaps are not only common in real life but should also be accepted in cinema without judgment. "In real life, people with age differences - whether older men with younger women or vice versa - are not an anomaly. It has been a reality for a long time," Ratnam explained. "However, when these kinds of relationships appear in films, people tend to scrutinise and pass judgment. This implies that we’re turning a blind eye to what’s happening in our society and insisting that things should only be portrayed in one way," the filmmaker added.

"It is (about) how these two people meet. It is not Trisha Krishnan and Kamal Haasan. It is (about) their respective characters. So that is what it should be. And if you see the film, the relationship, how it formed and whether it is real or not, then you can make a judgment, not based on Trisha Krishnan and Kamal Haasan," he elaborates. 

Lokesh to Repeat Leo Record with Coolie / Thalapathy could not folllow Kamal's advice

Why Lokesh Kanagaraj will repeat Leo success with Coolie and Rajinikanth ?  Released in 2023, Leo marked the reunion of Lokesh Kanagaraj and Thalapathy Vijay after Master. With crazy hype on the ground, the film clocked a superb 66 crore net at the Indian box office on day 1.  This figure was possible after Leo clocked high figures in two Telugu States as well as in Kerala and Karnataka. Now Coolie will have to play second fiddle to War 2 that has NTR Je with Hrithik. But looks like Coolie is just a rampage in these States after the lukewarm response to War 2.

Coolie has many things going its way. It has many familiar faces, including Rajinikanth and Nagarjuna. And on top of that there is adequate commercial appeal with the massy BGMs and commercial visuals.

Read more at: https://www.m9.news/movienews/coolie-shock-to-war-2-in-telugu-states. War 2 is going to be a Hindi flavoured spy actioner with very little domestic Telugu touch. Barring the presence of NTR, there might not be too much to get excited for the Telugu audience.

As officially announced, Coolie is scheduled to release on August 14, 2025. In a solo release, the film would  definitely bag the biggest opening ever for a Tamil film, as War 2 is a Hindi film dubbed in Telugu – Tamil .  Vijay’s Leo holds the record of the biggest Kollywood opening at the Indian box office with its massive day 1 collection of 60 crore+.  Lokesh will match it or go one step more with Coolie.

   According to an earlier report by India Today, Kamal Haasan was asked about Vijay’s films in a television interview. The National Award-winning actor responded by saying that Vijay had given some blockbuster films, and he had even seen some of them. But Kamal Haasan also wanted Vijay to make good films like accomplished Hindi film industry actors Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. He further said that Vijay has the potential to do that. By saying that Vijay should make ‘good films’ like Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, Kamal Haasan might have meant that he should do films that blend quality storytelling with mass appeal.

Interestingly, Kamal Haasan’s remark about Vijay came in the same year when the latter’s film Bairavaa was released in theatres. Although the film received an underwhelming response from several critics, Bairavaa reportedly became Vijay’s fastest film to breach the 100-crore mark at that time (Via Indian Express) Before that, Vijay starred in Atlee’s action thriller Theri, which is regarded as one of the most popular films of his career. Both these Bollywood stars were doing content-oriented films, which did well commercially. Perhaps that’s why Kamal Haasan cited Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan as examples and wanted Vijay not to focus solely on mass entertainers. An advice that Thalapathy could not take heed. Last film is Jana Nayakan.

According to an earlier report by India Today, Kamal Haasan was asked about Vijay’s films in a television interview. The National Award-winning actor responded by saying that Vijay had given some blockbuster films, and he had even seen some of them. But Kamal Haasan also wanted Vijay to make good films like accomplished Hindi film industry actors Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. He further said that Vijay has the potential to do that. By saying that Vijay should make ‘good films’ like Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, Kamal Haasan might have meant that he should do films that blend quality storytelling with mass appeal.

Interestingly, Kamal Haasan’s remark about Vijay came in the same year when the latter’s film Bairavaa was released in theatres. Although the film received an underwhelming response from several critics, Bairavaa reportedly became Vijay’s fastest film to breach the 100-crore mark at that time (Via Indian Express) Before that, Vijay starred in Atlee’s action thriller Theri, which is regarded as one of the most popular films of his career. Both these Bollywood stars were doing content-oriented films, which did well commercially. Perhaps that’s why Kamal Haasan cited Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan as examples and wanted Vijay not to focus solely on mass entertainers. An advice that Thalapathy could not take heed. Last film is Jana Nayakan.

STR a Transgender in 50th / Rashmika a slum girl and Dhanush a Dharavi boy in Kuberaa

 During the promotions of his upcoming film Thug Life, with Mani Ratnam and co-star Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan TR revealed that he would play a transgender character in his 50th film. It is a role for a mainstream actor that goes against conventions. The Desingh Periyasamy (Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal) directorial will have music by Yuvan Shankar Raja, who reunites with Silambarasan after collaborating on Vallavan, Manmadhan, Silambattam, Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan, Vaanam and Maanaadu. The actor earlier described STR 50 as "a dream project for both me and Desingh. We are pouring our hearts into this!" He is also turning first-time producer for the film, backing it through his banner Atman Cine Arts.

The pilot promo shoot is going to begin any day now, and will happen for 10–15 days. It will be releasing Late May to June. Several VFX companies are working to bring back child Simbu and Dum Simbu with graphics. STR is playing a double role as hero and villain, it’s a period film. Expect Rajinikanth like characteristics. Yuvan has started the musical process and has finished a few tracks and scores. A Pongal 2027 release.

Rashmika posted a series of stories on her Instagram that unveiled the teaser of her upcoming film, Kuberaa. She wrote, "And here we begin... #Kuberaa." Another story, she wrote about her character "So much strenth in her silence... and so much story in her eyes." "Every step... a story, a purpose, a hearbeat." The last story spoke about Dhanush's character, "There's a fire behind his eyes... a story only few can understand."

The teaser offers a gripping glimpse into the film’s intense storyline, with a haunting background score that adds just the right dose of drama. Kuberaa explores themes of power and wealth, tracing the journey of Dhanush’s character—a homeless man from the slums of Dharavi in Mumbai—who rises through the underworld ranks to become a formidable mafia leader.

Nagarjuna steps into a layered and complex role, while Rashmika Mandanna plays a woman quietly yearning for more than the confines of her modest middle-class life. Jim Sarbh adds to the intrigue with his portrayal of a suave, sharp-witted businessman.

The film promises to be a hypnotic descent into a world where ambition knows no bounds and power comes at an unimaginable cost. Titled Trance of Kuberaa, the teaser plunges viewers deep into the morally grey universe of the film, offering a sharper look at its pivotal characters and the chaos they're about to unleash.

 

Kamal - Abhirami liplock faces Mani axe ? / BBMalayalam and Lal / Madras Matinee v/s Thug Life

 Is Mani Ratnam chopping off the liplock between Kamal and Abhirami ? This is latest buzz. The question raised by a Reddit user is : ""It's two consenting adults, but still, they could have cast someone older to be Kamals's wife." …

Many forget that Abhirami and Kamal played wife and husband in Virumaandi. To top it there was a liplock scene that takes place inside a well’s steps. Annalakshmi taking the role of both his wife and his Mother in his life as a substitute of his late grandpa, who he loved so much makes their relationship more divine.

Asianet has started airing the logo of BiggBoss Malayalam. The logo has alphabet ‘L’ on the left side and ‘7’ on the right side  The ‘L’ on the logo indicates Lalettan  ‘7’ indicates the season numberThe logo was released on Mohanlal’s birthday . The Hindi dub of L2: Empuraan has finally arrived on OTT after a record-breaking theatrical run and release in other South Indian languages via streaming. You can now enjoy it on JioHotstar. In addition to its March 27 theatrical release, the political action thriller in Malayalam has been available on the platform along with Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada dubs since April 24. Today's release of the Hindi version enhanced the film's reach to a wider pan-Indian audience.

Madras Matinee starring Sathyaraj- Kaali Venkat is set to take on a day later the gigantic combo of Thug Life Produced by Madras Talkies. Produced by Madras Motion Pictures Productions, directed by Karthikeyan Mani, and starring Sathyaraj and Kaali Venkat, 'Madras Matinee' is a  drama depicting middle-class life and will be released iworldwide on June 6th.

The film's team has released the official poster for the theatrical release of the film, which has created a stir among fans with its first look poster and title look.

The film, which wonderfully portrays middle-class life and its aesthetics on a different platform, has been created to be enjoyed by all fans.

The film stars Sathyaraj, Kali Venkat, Roshni Hari Priyan, Shelly, Vishwa, George Marian, Archana Sandhu, Sunil Sugatha, Madhumita, Sams, Geetha Kailasam, Bhanupriya and many others.


Anand G. K. has handled the cinematography and K. C. Balasarangan has composed the music for this film. Sathishkumar Samuski has handled the editing and Jackie has handled the art direction. The film is produced by Madras Motion Pictures Productions. Moment Entertainment is the executive producer. The film is presented by leading film production company Dream Warrior Pictures.

The film will be released in theaters worldwide on June 6th.

 

Ravi Mohan Net Worth to shrink after paying wife Alimony / Thug Life Trails Aamir Khan's film

Ravi Mohan to  Lose 3.75% Of His Current Assets Per Year – If Estranged Wife Aarti Ravi’s Huge Alimony Demand Met. The actor, who called his wife controlling after 15 years of marriage, enjoys a net worth of 128 crore, as per a report by Asianet Newsable from September 2024. However, paying 40 lakh a month means shelling out 4.8 crore per year to the wife. This would mean that the actor will lose 3.75% of his current net worth every year.

Fight Over Assets

The Kadhalikka Neramillai actor recently sought police help to recover his assets, including his car and other properties, complaining that his wife, Aarti, had barred him from their home. However, later, the matter was sorted out mutually.

Ravi Mohan’s Per Film Salary!

As per IMDb, Ravi Mohan charges 10 – 12 crore per film. His remuneration reportedly jumped as he was rumored to charge a whopping amount of 16 crore for Sivakarthikeyan’s Parasakthi, helmed by Sudha Kongara. However, later, it was reported that all the actors had opted for the profit-sharing model.

Hopefully, the actor and his estranged wife sort out the family turmoil amicably and lead their lives peacefully, choosing their separate ways.

 

 Unbelievable ; Thug Life the coming together of two legends Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam should have been the top in list of most waited film of 2025 of IMDb BUT it is not. Then is it  Aamir Khan film be on the top but it is not. No.1 Film on IMDb’s Most Anticipated List

The most anticipated Indian title on the IMDb top ten list is Sangeeth Sivan’s comedy horror movie Kapkapiii, which will be released in theatres tomorrow.. Yes, Kapkapiii is a Hindi remake of the 2023 Malayalam film Romancham.. Directed by Sangeeth Sivan and starring Tusshar Kapoor and Shreyas Talpade, it is a horror-comedy film. The release date is scheduled for May 23, 2025. 

Sitaare Zameen Par is the third-most anticipated Indian film on the IMDb top ten most anticipated new Indian movies list. On the other hand, Thug Life is trailing behind Aamir Khan’s film on Rank 8 on IMDb. This is surprising because Thug Life will be released two weeks earlier than Sitaare Zameen Par, and the film marks the magical reunion of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam, who have previously collaborated for the 1987 cult crime drama Nayakan, which came out 35 years ago. So, the buzz surrounding the film should be more intense. But it is expected to catch up soon.

Aamir films comes only after Narivett - 2. Narivetta

• Release Date: 23rd May 2025
• Platform: Cinemas
• Director: Anuraj Manohar

Plot: The Malayalam action-drama features Tovino Thomas, Suraj Venjaramoodu, and Cheran in major roles. The plot is about how a cop is accused of the death of a protester after he tries to speak up for the atrocities against a group of tribals.

Last in the 10^th line up is Bhairavam is the official remake of the Tamil blockbuster Garudan. In an interview, Bellamkonda Sreenivas made interesting comments about remakes.