K Balchander- Kamal combo beat Bharathiraaja at Diwali clash

 A new triggered me. It was Legen Sarvana is clashing with Suriya in coming Diwali box office. A related article om am yesteryear Diwali clash\ Bharathiraja Nizhalgal v/s K Balchander Varumayin Niram Sigappu. Both dealt with unemployment among youth. 

Varumayin Niram Sivappu

Director: K Balachander

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Budget :-

Nizhalgal was budgeted at Rs. 46 Lakhs

Varumayin Niram Sivappu was more expensive and came in at Rs. 67 Lakhs

Screens:-

Nizhalgal was released across 230 Theatres in Tamil Nadu - 46 A Theatres, 115 B Theatres and 69 C Theatres

VMS was released across 212 Theatres in Tamilnadu - 81 A Theatres, 85 B Theatres and 46 C Theatres

Rights Sale:-

Nizhalgal sold for Rs. 1.34 Crore across 8 Territories. City Rights sold for 23 Lakhs ,

VMS sold for Rs. 1.40 Crores across 8 Territories. City Rights sold for 27 Lakhs

Box Office:-

Nizhalgal grossed Rs. 70.60 Lakhs in the box office and registered only a 25 day run in a circuit. It was a Colossal Flop.

VMS grossed Rs. 2.67 Crore in the box office and registered a 100 day run in 2 circuits and a 50 day run in 7 circuits. It was a Superhit.

City Distribution

Nizhalgal sold for Rs. 23 Lakhs and the Distributor Share was Rs. 13 Lakhs, a loss of 10 Lakhs.

VMS sold for Rs. 27 Lakhs and the Distributor Share was Rs. 61 Lakhs, a Profit of 34 Lakhs

Music Albums

Ilayarajas Nizhalgal had 136 runs on AIR

MSVs VMS had 607 runs on AIR

A Run is a count of everytime any song is played on AIR between 30 days before a movies release to 90 days after a movies release

MSV was the clear winner

Critical Rating

Nizhalgal scored 42/100 in Tamil Magazines

VMS scored 50/100 in Tamil Magazines

Winner

Varumayin Niram Sivappu was the clear winner

What happened Next?

An angry Bharathiraja was pegged as being entirely dependent on Bhakyaraj as it was scripted by Mani Vannan then his ADand so decided to make his next film on a do or basis. This was Alaigal Oviyathillai that became a raging success.

Besides, Manivannan (later became an actor-director) and Vairamuthu, the film was also a launchpad for actors, Ravi, who after the release of the film started to be called as ‘Nizhalgal’ Ravi, Chandrasekar,who later turned politician and joined DMK, Rajasekar, who went on to become one of the director duo Robert – Rajasekar.

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OTT to OK Script before Shoot / Trisha's Mother likes Vijay massage of feet

 Asa Producer you want the film to be approved by the top OTT players, then submit your script and wait for them to say an okay. If you have A lister hero and Director, then you can fix an amount for OTT but after release and three weeks later, OTT can fix a new price if your film collections is lower than expected. Ifthe collections are more than expected, can the Producer ask for bigger price ? NO. Recent exam[le is Thug Life. Price slashed from Rs 110 crores. As it prevails release dates can be done for A listers with OTT approvals. Example the shifting release date of Malayalam film Thudarum.

The new Trend of demands from the Digital Players in Indian Cinema is not healthy and encouraging. The digital players are dictating the release dates and they have imposed new rules to slash down the digital payment if the film fails to fare well in theatres. The latest update is that the Digital Players are asking the producers to initiate the proposal from the scripting stage. Some of the producers have sent bound scripts to the teams of Amazon Prime and Netflix to sell off the digital rights.

Considering the crisis in the market, some of the top producers have decided to start new projects only after they get an assurance or approval from the digital giants. Some of the young actors who have been struggling for success are mounting pressure on the producers to start the shoots. But the producers are in talks with the digital giants to sell off the digital rights so that a percentage of their investment can be recovered. The digital players are putting some of them on hold while some of them are getting approved. This is a new trend between the producers and the digital players.

Even with a good director, a talented actor, and a well-made film, box office success is never guaranteed. There are several examples of films that are now considered cult classics but flopped at the box office. Even in recent times, many such cases exist. Some blame online reviews, others blame poor marketing, and some simply chalk it up to bad luck.

At the end of the day, these failures impact the producer the most. If the film later becomes a cult classic, the director, actors, and other talents will be praised, but the producer often sees no real benefit. This is why a pre-release OTT deal can offer producers some much-needed relief.

Latest on Trisha post for Thalapathy Vijay is that the actress mother has liked a post in which Vijay is shown massaging the feet of her daughter. Reddit users say that it signals that Mom too like Trisha's relationship with Vijay. Some feel that this could affect the actor's poll chances. Jayanthi Kannappan Producer says that Trisha and Vijay are friends and co stars and nothing wrong in travelling together for weddings and having holidays. She said Vijay's wife is in London for her daughter's education.

Rajinikanth Coolie - The Power House is Hindi Title

 Taking the negative feedback for the Hindi title Majdoor in social media circles and from Rajini fans in North Indian belt, Lokesh and Sun Pictures has decided to rename it as Coolie – The Power House. We had repprted this read; https://dhakshinscreen.blogspot.com/2025/06/coolie-as-majdoor-in-hindi-gets-bad.html. Amitabh’s Coolie is famous among Hindi viewers and it was during the shoot that Big B got seriously injured, Many felt that Majdoor title gave it a dubbing film feel.

There is another Hindi Mazdoor that had Dilip Kumar- Raj Babbar- Nanda and Rati Agnihotri and directed by Ravi Chopra. Read a few titbits about it:

Mazdoor is the remake of. B.R.Chopra earlier film Naya Daur. Dilip Kumar, Nazir Husein and Johnny Walker were in both films.

After Nikaah Salma Agha was signed for Mazdoor and even recorded one song but left the film before shooting started. Rati Agnihotri replaced her.

Rati Agnihotri was uncomfortable with the gray role where she plays a seductress and wanted to leave the film but Ravi Chopra convinced her otherwise. When the movie was released she walked away with a lot of accolades despite the huge ensemble cast.

There was a story doing the rounds that Dilip Kumar was not interested in the film due to Ravi Chopra's poor box office record. when B. R Chopra offered Dilip Kumar a three film deal he agreed. Ravi Chopra denied the rumours.

While Mazdoor was Nanda's last film interestingly she played Padmini Kolhapure's mother in all three films she had signed during her brief comeback in the 1980's - Ahista Ahista, Prem Rog & Mazdoor.

This was Dilip Kumar and Nanda's only film together. Both were at the peak of their careers in the 1960s but were never paired together in their prime.

Nanda stated she only accepted the film because she wanted to work with Dilip Kumar.

Parts of the film were similar to the English serial Master Of The Game based on Sidney Sheldon's novel. First and last time Music Composer R.D.Burman and Lyricist Hassan Kamal worked together. Mazdoor was one of the last film Characters Actor Nazir Hussain signed.

 

Rajinikanth v/s Aamir Khan highlight of Coolie and not Nagarjuna

Rajinikanth and Aamir Khan cameo ssequence was shot for 10 days and so is this an epic clash between two Superstars ? Aamir Khan is not an actor that any Director would use for just showing his face and not only that he costs a bomb. Aamir said that he did not hear what his role was as it meant working with Rajinikanth.

The source states, “Coolie will feature a power-packed action and confrontation sequence Rajinikanth and Aamir Khan. Known for his perfectionism, Bollywood actor had 10-day shoot schedule for Coolie for the scene that is beyond a mere cameo. The two icons will share screen space in a mass-loaded face-off, filled with intense dialogues, and gripping action.”

Yet another actor appearance in Coolie that is creating heat is that of Nagarjuna. Post Kubera, Nagarjuna’s clout in the viewers has increased and defunct fan clubs have now revived and started to say that it was Naf that saved Kubera in Telugu States and now gain in Coolie, he will do the same.

The music for the film is by Anirudh Ravichander, and the upbeat first single, Chikitu, has already caught the fancy of many online. With catchy beats and a tribute to Rajinikanth’s fanbase, the song is just the start of the movie’s mass appeal.
With Aamir Khan’s impactful cameo and Rajinikanth leading from the front, Coolie promises to be a full-on entertainer Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, is slated to release on August 14, 2025, just in time for the Independence Day weekend. The film itself has been made on a high budget of ₹350 crore and stars Nagarjuna, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, and Sathyaraj in prominent roles.

Interestingly, while the Tamil version retains the title Coolie, the Hindi version is being called Majadoor, due to title conflicts with previous Bollywood films. Lokesh has also confirmed that Coolie is a standalone project and not a part of his Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU).

Raiinikanth’s Coolie’s stakes are sky-high, and it needs to collect near Jailer’s closing numbers to break even, and even in North India the film’s breakeven will be even more than Jailer’s closing.

Directed by Nelson, Jailer collected 625 Cr gross worldwide in its full run, and that will be the breakeven target for Lokesh’s Coolie.

  Nagarjuna recalled his reaction after reading the script, saying, “I liked it so much that I made Lokesh  come back six to seven times to work out my role! But now, if anyone asked me how my role in Coolie was, I’d answer it with one word: liberating. There was no pressure in how I acted… unlike, say, the character of Deepak that I play in Kuberaa. Deepak has to be a certain way all the time — even the manner in which he drinks a cup of coffee has to be decent. But in Coolie, all of that went out of the window.”

Drug Addict Srikanth hid marriage after his wife was jailed / Thug Life to PAY PENALTY

 

Srikanth marriage itself was done under a cloud with the actor claiming that he went through it to save his parents from being beaten up by his wife's henchmen. To the police after being nabbed for drug case says that he took drugs as payment for the money owed to him by the producer and slowly he started using them and got hooked. read about Srikanth marriage ;

As per reports, Vandhana and Srikanth's wedding had been fixed after their parents agreed to their relationship. Later Srikanth's parents called it off after finding out that Vandhana and her parents were booked in a few legal cases involving land dispute. However, despite this, Srikanth and Vandhana got married with the permission of the latter's parent - without Srikanth's parents knowing about it.

This took an ugly turn in Srikanth's life after he denied acknowledging the marriage. Srikanth, later addressed the press by saying

"Our marriage never consummated. I went in for a register marriage as I loved her and was hopeful of convincing my parents. Soon after we announced our formal wedding date, I learnt that Vandana was jailed for an offence and that the passports of her parents were impounded for their involvement in criminal cases. She turned up at my house two days ago with tough-looking henchmen. I have been forced to abandon my house with my aged parents as I fear for their life. I have sought police protection."

After counselling, and legal intervention, the couple soon patched up and continue staying married. The couple are parents to two children.

Kizhakku Kadarkarai Salai  starring Srikanth and Bhavana  and directed by Stanly.  RS Anthanan started a new production company called Venthiraikalam and made his debut as producer. with this film. It too was bogged in problems and was not a hit. Anthanan is today known as Valaipechu , the YouTube channel that gives latest authentic news on filmdom.

Mani Ratnam apology that was circulated yesterday is a fake and also the news that Madras Talkies had said that the apology is fake. From what we gather is Writer-lyricist-producer Siva Ananth, who has worked with director Mani Ratnam on many of his films including Kaatru Veliyidai, Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, Ponniyin Selvan: I and II and the latest Thug Life, has confirmed that the director's reported 'apology' for his latest film with Kamal Haasan as fake. Madras Talkies had not given any official statement through any of the social handles that it operates about the apology being fake. Anytime on or after July 5^th, Thig Life South languages will hit NetFlix and it seems that a renegotiation has led to Madras Talkies reducing the agreed 8 weeks window to four for OTT release. The simultaneous release of Thug Life Hindi through national chains after it agreed toa 8 week window has created a new problem. Those who want to see Thug Life in Kannada can do so on NetFlix.

This move to release before 8 week has sparked friction with national multiplex chains in North India, where the 8-week window is more rigidly enforced. “There’s a standard industry guideline to maintain an 8-week gap before OTT release. By breaching this, the producers are now liable to pay a penalty,” a source revealed. The financial repercussion includes forfeiting the Hindi theatrical share, amounting to approximately Rs 25 lakh.

Interestingly, this marks the second time, after Indian 2, that the producers of a Kamal Haasan film have walked back on their commitment to uphold the longer OTT window. While negotiations are ongoing, Thug Life will likely proceed with the shortened 4-week release plan. Industry insiders say stricter clauses are expected to be implemented in future agreements to prevent such deviations.

 

Coolie as Majdoor in Hindi gets BAD RESPONSE / Kayadu Lohar with Tovino STARTS

 

Apart from single release tomorrow, The latest news is that Coolie will have a different title, and it will be released as ‘Majdoor’ in Hindi. Reportedly, the title change in Hindi might be because of rights issues, as Amitabh Bachchan’s old film is also titled Coolie (1983). Also, there are other films like Govinda’s Coolie No. 1 (1995) and Varun Dhawan’s Coolie No. 1 (2020). So, Rajinikanth’s Coolie will have a different title, and it will be released as ‘Majdoor’ in Hindi. The film is slated to be released on August 14, clashing with Hrithik Roshan and NTR’s War 2.

The title change was revealed in a recent promo for the song “Chikithu,” which drops on June 25. While Coolie is retained in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada, the Hindi promo ends with the surprising new title Majadoor. Social media reacted instantly — and brutally. Fans called the new title “poor,” “bland,” and “outdated,” arguing that Coolie had stronger mass appeal, instant connect, and nostalgic value.
The film also stars Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Soubin Bashir, Upendra, and Kaali Venkat, alongside Aamir Khan in a cameo.

After so many speculations, Kayadu Lohar is now at the locales of the Malayalam film starring Tovino Thomas. Directed by Dijo Jose Antony, the film is set in the late 1950s, and it shows the struggles and hopes of migrant farmers living in Kerala’s high-range regions. Dijo Jose took to his Instagram handle to share a snap with the team.

Actress Kayadu Lohar gets very busy in South Indian cinema with continuous offers from Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam after Dragon’s success. Now, Kayadu Lohar teams up with Tovino Thomas for Pallichattambi.

Tovino Thomas, who was recently seen in Narivetta, will work with director Dijo Jose Antony for a big-budget film named Pallichattambi. The film’s shooting began today, June 23.

Kayadu Lohar teams up with Tovino Thomas for Pallichattambi, which is set against the backdrop of 1957–58. It will not be just another period film and tries to depict some intense and unknown battles. 

Director Dijo Jose Antony, known for ‘Queen,’ ‘Jana Gana Mana,’ and ‘Malayalee From India,’ directs this most awaited project of Tovino Thomas. The script is written by Suresh Babu (of ‘Shikkar,’ ‘Oruthee,’ and ‘Dadasaheb’ fame). 

The film will be made on a large scale with a stunning production design, led by renowned art director Dileep Nath. 

Kayadu had acted in Vinayan's notable period film is "Pathonpathaam Noottaandu" (Nineteenth Century), which is a historical drama set in 19th century Kerala. She played a Kalaripayattu exponent in the film.

Kamal with Chiyaan Director / Vels with Ajith / Geetha Kailasam Angammal'and Meenakshi Jayan Victoria Winners

 Two Top Superstars in todays headlines- Ajith and KH. First Ajith news- His next film is not by Mythiri Movie Makers but bu our own Vels Film International. Ashik who did Vidamuyurchi is tipped be repeated and AK takes home 65% of the total budget as his fees. 

Next is Vinveli Nayaga KH and though we were thinking about Anbu Arivu duo to do the next, there is a change of plans- S U Arun Kumar of Veera Dheeran Sooran the Chiyaan film is to do a rustic thriller and a quickie to be bankrolled by RKFI.

Tamil film 'Angammal' has won Best Film at the 2025 edition of the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF), Geetha Kailasam, who is renowned filmmaker K Balachander’s daughter-in-law, was the first choice for the role of Angammal. “We chose Geetha Kailasam after watching her performance in Navarasa, Sarpatta Parambarai and Natchathiram Nagargiradhu,” Director Radhakrishnan said. “She was very natural, and the screen presence she commanded was really impressive in all her above performances.”. Radhakrishnan’s second feature after the Malayalam-language Ave Maria (2018) is set in the mid-1990s. Angammal is based on acclaimed Tamil writer Perumal Murugan’s short story Kodithuni.

 Vipin Radhakrishnan's sophomore directorial venture follows a son's attempts at making his free spirited mother wear a blouse. Set against a rural backdrop in Tamil Nadu, the story does a pretty good job at establishing the dynamic between Angammal and Pavalam, the different life that her son wishes to lead and disgusted of the old ways in his village. Driven by the excuse of his girlfriend's family visit for an arranged love marriage proposal, the story mostly follows the rift that occurs between the mother and son as the former sticks on to what she desires to wear.

Meenakshi Jayan has won the Best Actress award in the Asian New Talent category at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) Golden Goblet Awards. She was honoured for her role in the Malayalam film Victoria, which was also the only Indian film selected for competition at this year’s festival, which concluded on Sunday. Directed by debutant Sivaranjini J, Victoria tells the story of a young beautician from Angamaly, a small town in Kerala, who is planning to run away with her Hindu boyfriend, defying her Catholic parents’ wishes. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when a neighbour’s rooster, meant for a church festival, disrupts her day. What follows is a mix of emotional, personal, and spiritual challenges, all playing out over the course of a single day.