Chennai, Sep 1 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu government has prohibited devotees from carrying camera-enabled mobile phones into 52 major temples across the state from Tuesday, as part of measures to preserve their sanctity and spiritual atmosphere.

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister Ramesh clarified that the restriction applies only to mobile phones equipped with cameras.

Devotees will be permitted to carry basic mobile phones without camera facilities into temple premises without any restriction. The decision follows complaints that visitors were taking photographs, videos, selfies and social media reels inside temples despite existing restrictions on mobile phone use.

Officials said such activities disturbed the spiritual environment and, in some instances, violated the privacy of other devotees.

The ban has been introduced in the first phase at prominent temples, including those at Tiruchendur, Palani, Tirupparankundram, Tiruvannamalai, Samayapuram, Srirangam, Rameswaram and Suchindram.

The Nellaiappar temple, Madurai Alagar temple, Coimbatore Koniamman temple and Salem Fort Mariamman temple are also covered.

In Chennai and surrounding areas, the restriction applies to the Vadapalani Murugan, Mylapore Kapaleeswarar, Triplicane Parthasarathy, Tiruvottiyur Vadivudai Amman, Thiruverkadu Devi Karumariamman, Kundrathur Murugan and Mangadu Kamakshi Amman temples.

Temples in Kancheepuram, including the Kamakshi Amman, Varadaraja Perumal and Ekambareswarar shrines, as well as the Veeraraghava Perumal temple in Tiruvallur and the Murugan temple at Tiruttani, are also included.

Paid mobile phone deposit counters and secure lockers have been established at the temples to enable devotees to leave their devices safely before entering. Major temples have been provided with facilities capable of storing up to 20,000 phones. However, officials acknowledged that these arrangements could come under pressure during festivals and auspicious occasions when more than 50,000 devotees visit some temples.

Visitors have therefore been advised, wherever possible, to leave camera phones at home, in hotel rooms or inside their vehicles.

Awareness campaigns have also been conducted to inform devotees about the new rules and prevent inconvenience at temple entrances.

The department warned that officials responsible for enforcement would face strict action if devotees were permitted to take photographs or videos inside temples and upload them on websites or social media platforms.

--IANS

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Bangalore, Sep 1 (IANS) Actress Shraddha Srinath, who was recently on a holiday to Kyrgyzstan, has now shared details of what she witnessed while cycling across the beautiful country and how she shed tears of joy and pride while completing the expedition that required her to cover a distance of 341 kilometres over a period of eight days.

Taking to her Instagram page to share pictures of herself in Kyrgyzstan, Shraddha Srinath wrote, "I cycled across Kyrgyzstan and I have so much say about it but I’m not sure where to begin. Should I talk about how every time I saw a beautiful sight I muttered “freaking hell” and @broken.brain corrected me gently saying, “freaking heaven”. He wasn’t wrong. Or about how I rode across mountainous, gravelly roads, through gorges and up mountain passes, down steep valleys, by streams of water and across the endless Asian steppes and on the very hallowed ground that is better known today as the Silk Route?"

The actress wondered if she should tell about Emir, a three-year-old kid, who could barely talk but who kept pointing at every piece of horse dung his tiny eyes could find, announcing each one with an emphatic “beh.”

The actress asked if she should tell about how she saw young teenage boys riding horses and herding their sheep back into their homes before the sun set.

Stating that she believed that she had witnessed one of the most stunning parts of the world, the actress said, "Maybe I’ll tell you about the time that I raced a small bird that was flying low, to which I lost, gracefully. Or how years after childhood, I relearnt how to balance and ride the cycle without holding the handlebars and I felt so euphoric I could explode."

The actress pointed out how during every moment of her day, she was deeply grateful for having the privilege to see such incredible sights and for simply being alive.

Shraddha, who wanted to put across the point that the locals were friendly and warm, said that everyone they passed - villagers in their rattling Soviet Union era trucks or fellow cyclists gasping away - flashed their widest smiles and waved and nodded at them, sometimes with words of encouragement.

She also spoke about how one night, when they had camped by Issyk Kul, Tashtan atta sang old Kyrgyz songs for them in his 70-year-old throaty voice. The actress described the effort as being "right out of a dream".

Stating that ‘Jashoo Keremet’ was the Kyrgyz way of saying “life is beautiful”, the actress said she shed tears of pride and joy when the expedition was over -- 341 kilometres over eight days.

Shraddha said that she had endless stories about her journey, just like the stars in the night sky when they had camped before Shilbili Pass but wondered from where she should begin to narrate them.

It may be recalled that actress, had only in May this year, completed 10 years in the film industry.

--IANS

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Ballari (Karnataka), Sep 1 (IANS) The Karnataka BJP is all set to launch its 10-day, 175-km “Ballari Chalo” protest march on Tuesday from Lingasagur in Raichur district to Ballari, targeting the Congress government over the alleged tribal welfare scam and what it termed the government’s failure on various fronts.

The protest march, which will continue until September 10, is being led by prominent BJP leaders, including State President B.Y. Vijayendra and Leaders of the Opposition R. Ashoka and R. Narayanaswamy. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa will also attend the inauguration.

The march will be inaugurated near the Bengaluru Bypass Road in Lingasagur. Following the inauguration and a convention, BJP leaders and workers will undertake a 12-km protest march on the first day.

Before beginning the march, BJP leaders are scheduled to visit the Gurugunta Amareshwara Temple. The leaders will later stay overnight at Santekalluru Ghana Matheshwara Mutt.

The BJP has planned two public meetings every day along the route as part of the protest. The march will pass through nine Assembly constituencies across Raichur, Koppal and Ballari districts in the North Karnataka region.

The route includes Lingasagur, Maski and Sindhanur in Raichur district, followed by Karatagi and Gangavathi in Koppal district. In Ballari district, the march will pass through Kudatini and Kampli before reaching Ballari, the final destination.

The concluding convention will be held in Ballari on September 10 after the protest march reaches the city.

The BJP has said the march is primarily aimed at highlighting the alleged irregularities in the tribal welfare department and demanding accountability from the Congress government. The party is also using the protest to raise issues concerning what it describes as the overall failure of the state government.

Senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka stated, "We have exposed the Congress government’s corruption in the Assembly, taken on the arrogance of those involved in corruption, and secured the resignation of those tainted by the alleged looting of funds meant for Dalits."

He further appealed: "Now, let us take to the streets in a "Ballari Chalo" protest march against the government’s series of failures."

"Let us unite against a government that has failed to respond to the hardships faced by farmers and is encouraging corruption. Our fight will continue until Karnataka and Kannadigas get a people-centric and development-oriented government," he stated.

The “Ballari Chalo” march comes amid the BJP’s sustained campaign against the Congress government over the alleged Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sept 1 (IANS) Actor Anshuman Jha has opened up about the title change of his upcoming father-son drama comedy, which was originally titled “Hari-Om” and is now called “Om Ka Hari.”

The film, starring Jha alongside veteran actor Raghubir Yadav and Soni Razdan, underwent the change after the makers could not secure the rights to the original title. Explaining the decision, Anshuman said, “We didn’t get the title rights,” adding that Om Ka Hari eventually became the most appropriate title for the story.

The film’s makers, First Ray Films, initially hoped to retain the title Hari-Om. However, the title rights were with Tips, which had used the name for a film more than two decades ago and did not agree to relinquish it.

Speaking about the same, Anshuman Jha said, “Yes, the film was originally going to be called Hari-Om but because we didn't get the title rights, we did the next best thing. Om & Hari are deeply spiritual words, culturally resonant with our great nation & Harish Vyas wanted to express the Father Vs Son Dynamic throught the names of the characters which is Om & Hari.”

“Om Ka Hari-the tiele is a testament that a son eventually does become the father & the father becomes the son in a deeper sense and that life itself is circular. And therefore "Om Ka Hari" is the most appropriate title for this picture.”

The title change also reflects the central theme of the film, which explores the complex and evolving relationship between a father and his son. With Raghubir Yadav playing Hari and Anshuman Jha portraying Om, Om Ka Hari brings the two characters to the forefront through its new title. The film also features Soni Razdan, Ayesha Kapur, and Samta Sudiksha in key roles. “Om Ka Hari” is slated to release in September.

--IANS

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Kathmandu, Sep 1 (IANS) The Nepalese authorities have provided details of the procedures for identification and handing over of the mortal remains of foreign nationals who died in the recent devastating flash floods in Rasuwa, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu said on Monday.

In a statement, the Embassy said the Government of Nepal has outlined a series of procedures that need to be completed before the mortal remains of foreign nationals can be handed over.

According to the Embassy, the process includes documentation of the mortal remains, recorded photographs and details, post-mortem examination, and verifying the cause of death.

The authorities will also formally establish the identity of the deceased, collect fingerprints, DNA and other forensic samples, and verify the passport.

The process also requires coordination with the Embassy or consular official, followed by completion of a handover or release memo and receipt.

According to the official statement, if relatives and family are able to identify the mortal remains through photographs and descriptions of the deceased on Nepal Police's website, then the Embassy officials in Kathmandu will assist in coordinating with local authorities for processes related to handing over and repatriation of mortal remains.

It further mentioned that the Nepal authorities have carried out temporary interment of a large number of mortal remains to prevent health risks.

"The identification of such remains would require DNA matching with first-degree relatives," read a statement issued by the Embassy. This can be done by sending the DNA profiles through email to dnacodis@nepalpolice.gov.np or eoikathmandufloodsupport@gmail.com; or by giving blood samples, along with some preliminary information required by Nepali authorities.

In cases where identification is not possible, or the mortal remains have been temporarily interred, the Indian mission said that the Nepal Government will facilitate DNA matching. It noted that authorities in Nepal are collecting DNA samples from the mortal remains for creating their DNA profiles.

The Embassy said that the relevant details regarding DNA profiling can be accessed at Nepal Police's website and its helpline number: +977 9841 6160 95.

Helpline numbers of the Embassy were also released -- +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500, +977 981 032 6117.

The massive flood that struck Nepal's Rasuwa originated in the Tibetan region of China on August 26. It swept through the transboundary Bhote Koshi River, leaving hundreds dead, including foreign nationals, while causing massive destruction in the Himalayan nation.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, Sep 1 (IANS) Hundreds of farmers from Punjab blocked one of the prominent entry points of Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, on Tuesday for their weeklong protest over demands, comprising guaranteed minimum support prices (MSP) for all crops as per the Dr Swaminathan Commission report.

Heavy security has been deployed both by Chandigarh and Punjab to prevent any untoward incident.

The farmers under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) parked their tractor-trailers on one side of the busy road leading to Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport and pitched tents for their sit-in protest that will last till September 7.

The gathering is expected to increase by the evening as hundreds of farmers are being ferried along with ration to the protest site.

The SKM has been allotted a protest site in Sector 48 by the Chandigarh Administration, where a huge stage was erected to address protesters.

People travelling between Mohali and Chandigarh, especially those heading to the airport, could face a harrowing time with the start of the seven-day agitation, despite protesters being allowed to park their vehicles on one side of the two-lane highway.

Mohali Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal said they would try to keep one side of the two-way traffic on the carriageway open.

The SKM comprises 32 farmer organisations, comprising the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Rajewal, the Kirti Kisan Union, and the Punjab Kisan Union. However, the BKU Ugrahan, an associate member of the SKM, is not part of this protest.

The SKM has been demanding, among other demands, scrapping all previous agreements concerning Punjab’s river waters by convening a special session of the Assembly, the restoration of the state’s representation in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), repeal of the Dam Safety Act, and the withdrawal of the Disaster Management Act of 2024.

In Punjab, the BKU (Ugrahan) launched indefinite dharnas on August 30 outside the deputy commissioners’ offices in 17 districts against anti-farmer decisions and policies by the state and Central governments.

The BKU (Ugrahan) has been demanding cancellation of the India-US trade deal, and scrapping of Punjab’s land pooling policy, ownership rights to tenant farmers, and a complete waiver of agricultural loans for farmers and labourers.

--IANS

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New York, Sep 1 (IANS) Defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz described Novak Djokovic's stunning first-round exit from the tournament as a “big surprise” after the Spaniard returned from a four-month injury layoff with a straight-sets win over Roman Safiullin on Monday, while stressing that he remains focused on taking his own campaign one round at a time.

Djokovic's five-set defeat to Mariano Navone on Sunday brought an unexpected early end to the Serbian's campaign and removed the prospect of a potential semi-final meeting with Alcaraz. The result marked Djokovic's first opening-round loss at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open.

Alcaraz revealed that he had followed the dramatic closing stages of the contest before reflecting on the significance of the upset.

“I saw the fifth set. Obviously it was the first time that Novak lost in the first round here in this tournament, so it's a big surprise. Someone like Novak going out in the first round, it's surprising,” Alcaraz said after winning his first-round match against Roman Safiullin on Monday, as quoted by ATP.

“But every Grand Slam is really difficult to get through every round, every player. It's really tough. You have to earn the win (from) the first ball until the last one. He was in my part of the draw, but it was in the semis. For me, the semis are too far away, so I just try to go round by round,” he added.

While Djokovic's departure has changed the complexion of Alcaraz's half of the draw, the Spaniard has his own challenges to negotiate after returning to singles competition for the first time in 139 days.

The 23-year-old had been sidelined since April with a right wrist injury and admitted that his return to the court brought an unfamiliar level of nervousness. However, Alcaraz came through his opener convincingly against Safiullin, striking 28 winners and later confirming that he was pain-free.

“It was a difficult day for me,” Alcaraz said when asked about the feelings ahead of his first singles match in 139 days. “But at the same time, a really beautiful one. Starting the day I was really nervous, thinking ‘I'm going to make it, I'm going to compete again’. I had more nerves than usual, but just happy, because my goal here is to compete, to enjoy, and let's see how my body's going to react after the matches.”

The victory improved Alcaraz's season record to 23-3, and the Spaniard will next face Portugal's Jaime Faria as he continues his title defence in New York.

--IANS

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Dharwad (Karnataka), Sep 1 (IANS) At least three people were killed and three others seriously injured after a car overturned on National Highway 4 near Venkatapur village in Dharwad taluk in the early hours of Tuesday.

The deceased have been identified as K.U. Vinayak, 25; Manjunath, 29; and Basavaraja, 34, all residents of Davangere district. They had reportedly come to Dharwad for catering work.

According to preliminary information, the car was travelling towards Dharwad after the occupants had finished their work and gone for dinner at a dhaba on the outskirts of the city.

The accident occurred at around 2.30 a.m. when a lorry reportedly appeared suddenly in front of the car. In an attempt to avoid the lorry, the driver, Basavanagowda, applied the brakes abruptly.

The driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle, which rammed into the road divider at high speed and turned turtle.

Three occupants died on the spot, while three others, including the driver, sustained serious injuries. The injured were shifted to Dharwad District Hospital for treatment.

Officials from the jurisdictional Garag police station rushed to the spot and initiated an investigation into the accident.

It can be recalled that at least four people, including a three-year-old girl, were killed and five others seriously injured after two cars collided near Godekere Gate in Chikkanayakanahalli taluk in Tumakuru district on August 28.

The deceased were identified as Anil, 32, and Vivek, 31, from Chikkanayakanahalli, and Davud Pasha and his three-year-old daughter Anaam from Turuvekere. According to police, the accident occurred when a Kia car travelling from Turuvekere collided with a Volkswagen car coming from the Chikkanayakanahalli side. The impact was severe, leaving both vehicles badly damaged.

Two people were killed in separate road accidents in north Bengaluru on Monday. In the first incident, 68-year-old R.A. Babu, a resident of Kaval Bairasandra, was killed after a garbage truck rammed his motorcycle near Goraguntepalya around 9.30 a.m. Babu was riding towards CMT when the speeding truck hit his motorcycle, causing him to lose control and fall. He came under the truck’s wheels and died on the spot.

In the second incident, 38-year-old vendor Mahesh, a resident of Goraguntepalya, was killed after his motorcycle crashed into a lorry parked on the Peenya flyover around 3.30 a.m. Mahesh was on his way to Dasanapura market, where he sold lemons.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 13 (IANS) Maharashtra NCP(SP) President Shashikant Shinde has written a commemorative editorial in the party’s magazine, shedding light on the hidden dynamics of the split and the alleged merger plans between the two NCP factions.

Shinde claimed that late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was forced to exit the original NCP due to threats and conspiracies orchestrated by "invisible powers."

He further said that a final decision to merge the two parties was reached in the presence of Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar and was to be announced on February 12.

In a massive revelation, Shinde asserted that Sharad Pawar and other senior leaders had agreed to hand over the entire command of the unified party to Ajit Pawar following the merger.

“Fulfilling this merger and rebuilding the party with strength would be the only true tribute to Ajit Dada," Shinde wrote.

Shinde clarified, "It was our decision to hand over all party responsibilities to Ajit Dada once the merger process was complete. However, fate had other plans. We were all mentally prepared to accept Ajit Dada’s leadership.”

Shinde appealed to the party faithful, asserting that a merger is the only true tribute to the late leader. He noted, “Ajit Pawar’s dream remains unfulfilled, and it is now the party's responsibility to complete it. Unity: Reuniting and strengthening the NCP is the ultimate goal. Leaders and workers must set aside their differences and broaden their perspective to achieve this unity.”

Following the publication of the article, senior NCP(SP) leader and former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh remarked, "I am unaware of what our State President has said. Since he wrote the article, he likely has more information than I do. I personally have no knowledge of this matter."

While Sharad Pawar has avoided commenting publicly on the matter, Shinde’s article has brought these behind-the-scenes developments to light. However, Shinde’s revelations have sparked a new controversy and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) has reacted with sharp skepticism.

Party spokesperson Suraj Chavan questioned the timing of these claims. Chavan alleged that discussing a merger while the leader’s mortal remains were still at Vidya Pratishthan suggests a "lust for power" rather than genuine respect. He clarified that Sunetra Pawar is now the ultimate authority of their party and any dialogue must happen through her.

Further, the party legislator Amol Mitkari stated that no such merger discussions have occurred within their internal party meetings, attributing the rumours to the rival camp's leaders.

While the Pawar family continues to demonstrate a unique balance of political rivalry and familial bond — recently seen at family weddings — the political future remains clouded.

All eyes are now on Sunetra Pawar. Whether she will pursue the "unfulfilled dream" of a unified NCP or maintain a separate identity, remains a question that will define the next chapter of Maharashtra politics.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) India’s share in global electronics demand has expanded at a rapid compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2 per cent, significantly outpacing global growth of 4.4 per cent between 2015 and 2024, driven primarily by the sharp rise in mobile phone exports, according to NITI Aayog's Trade Watch Quarterly report for July-September 2025-26, launched on Friday.

Between 2016 and 2024, electronics exports increased nearly five-fold, reaching USD 42.1 billion. With global electronics trade valued at USD 4.6 trillion, the sector represents one of the largest and fastest-evolving segments of the world economy. India has demonstrated particular strength in products such as mobile phones, consumer electronics, and communication equipment, with exports increasingly directed towards major final-consumption markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the UAE, the report states.

Electronics, the thematic focus of this quarter's edition, has emerged as a cornerstone of India's manufacturing and export transformation. Now the second-largest item in India's export basket, the sector is both technology-led and deeply interconnected with industries such as automotive, renewable energy, telecom, defence, and digital services, making it a powerful multiplier for industrial growth.

The report states that having established a strong foothold in assembly and system integration, India is now entering the next phase of its electronics journey, moving decisively toward component manufacturing and higher value addition. This transition is supported by targeted policy measures, including the Union Budget's Rs 40,000 crore allocation under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities.

The analysis underscores that sustained competitiveness will be driven by deeper integration into global electronics value chains, encompassing printed circuit board design, semiconductor assembly and testing, power electronics, and embedded systems. Complemented by continued improvements in logistics efficiency, tariff rationalisation, and industry-aligned skill development, these shifts position electronics as a key engine of India's export growth and technological advancement in the coming decade.

NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Bery said, "Electronics, as the organising core of modern manufacturing value chains, with semiconductors and components, plays a key role in determining trade balances and technological sovereignty. While India has achieved scale in final assembly, sustained competitiveness will depend on correcting structural cost disabilities, deepening domestic component ecosystems, and leveraging anchor investments in components to embed Indian firms more firmly within global production networks."

The publication also provides a comprehensive assessment of global and domestic trade trends at a time when global trade growth has moderated but remains positive, with services continuing to outperform goods and developing regions emerging as key drivers.

The analysis highlights that India's trade performance in Q2 FY26 was driven by export-led momentum sustaining the overall trade expansion amid heightened global uncertainty. Services and merchandise exports recorded robust growth of around 8.5 per cent, outpacing import growth in both merchandise and services.

At a structural level, the edition underscores the deepening of trade among developing economies, which has expanded nearly four-fold since 2005 and now accounts for a rising share of global exports, with India’s trade trajectory increasingly aligned with this Global South rebalancing through regional value chains and new trade corridors.

Further, this edition highlights the growing role of e-commerce as a key enabler of future export growth. India is now among the world’s top six e-commerce markets, with electronics accounting for nearly half of online retail.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) In a farmer-centric step to stabilise domestic markets and ensure remunerative returns to producers, the Centre on Friday approved the export of 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat, along with an additional 5 LMT of wheat products.

According to a Consumer Affairs Ministry statement, wheat stock availability with private entities during 2025–26 stands at approximately 75 LMT, which is nearly 32 LMT higher compared to the corresponding period last year.

"This substantial year-on-year increase indicates a comfortable supply position in the country. Furthermore, as on April 1, 2026, total wheat availability in the central pool with FCI is projected at around 182 LMT, thus ensuring that export permissions will not impact domestic food security requirements," it said.

Moreover, wheat acreage in Rabi 2026 has also increased to about 334.17 lakh hectares compared to 328.04 lakh hectares last year.

This reflects strong farmer confidence in wheat cultivation supported by assured MSP and procurement mechanisms, and signals the likelihood of another robust harvest, the official statement further added.

The decision to permit export of 25 LMT of wheat and 5 LMT wheat products will help stabilise domestic prices, improve market liquidity, ensure efficient stock rotation, and further strengthen farmers’ income while ensuring national food security.

Meanwhile, to facilitate sugar exports, the government decided to allow export of an additional 5 LMT of sugar to willing sugar mills during the current Sugar Season 2025–26.

Earlier, the government had permitted the export of 15 LMT of sugar during the current Sugar Season 2025–26. This decision is expected to facilitate higher sugar exports and help in managing surplus sugar availability in the country.

As per data, only about 1.97 LMT of sugar has been exported up to January 31, 2026.

In addition, approximately 2.72 LMT of sugar has been contracted for export by sugar mills to date.

The ministry said that the additional export quantity of 5 LMT shall be made available to willing sugar mills, subject to the condition that at least 70 per cent of their allocated quantity is exported by June 30, 2026.

--IANS

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Chennai, Sep 1 (IANS) The makers of director Siddharth's upcoming crime drama, featuring actor Vikram Prabhu in the lead, have now disclosed that their film had been titled 'City of Gold' and released a glimpse video that showed that the film would look to narrate the grim story behind every single gram of gold out in the market.

Raahul of Romeo Pictures, who is producing the film, took to his X timeline to share the glimpse video of the film, and wrote, "The golden wave has hit the city. Presenting the title glimpse of #CityOfGold. Romeo Pictures presents #CityOfGold @iamVikramPrabhu. Produced by @mynameisraahul @Romeopictures_ The young Maestro @U1Records @thisisysr. Directed by @just_sid_here. Starring @iamVikramPrabhu @ShivathmikaR @__amalashaji__ @GMSundar_ @ivasuuu @KarthickSharaj @arulmosez @HariharanPS_ @Dineshkasi1 @Renganaath_R."

The glimpse video released begins with government authorities getting a tip off about gold being smuggled into Coimbatore. But then, the magnitude of the whole operation is so huge that even authorities feel that a crime of this proportion is not possible. We hear an officer saying, "Is this cinema for them to smuggle gold in lorries from one state to another?"

Even as gold prices continue to soar consistently, we hear one of the smugglers saying, "There is nothing that is impossible here."

The glimpse video shows that there is a market for gold and the one calling the shots in this market is a person who is intent on acquiring respect. "All those hands here have to salute us in respect," we hear him saying.

Meanwhile, Vikram Prabhu's character is seen working in this market of gold. The glimpse video also features several grim action scenes.

At one point, we hear Vikram Prabhu say, "Can you believe it if we told you that the one gram of gold that you hold in your hand would have claimed at least a minimum of one person's life before reaching your hand? That is gold. That is what this world is. And that is what this film's story is all about."

Shooting for the film is currently on at a brisk pace. It may be recalled that shooting for the film began in June this year.

Along with Vikram Prabhu, the film will also feature producer Raahul and actresses Shivathmika Rajashekhar, Amala Shaji in pivotal roles.

On the technical front, music for the film will be by Yuvan Shankar Raja while cinematography will be by Karthick Sharaj. Editing for the film will be by Arul Moses A and art direction will be by Hari Haran PS. Stunts in the film have been choreographed by Dinesh Kasi.

--

IANS

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Mumbai, Sept 1 (IANS) Veteran actor Anupam Kher is all set to travel to the US and Canada for his play “Jaane Pehchaane Anjaane.”

Before embarking on the tour, the ‘Special 26’ actor shared a heartwarming glimpse of his time with his mother Dulari and revealed how their casual conversation turned into a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Taking to Instagram, Anupam shared that he would be away for at least two months and therefore wanted to bid farewell to his mother with some laughter and happy moments. He also revealed that their conversation took place entirely in Kashmiri.

The 71-year-old actor said their conversation initially revolved around his mother’s childhood and her cousins. Reflecting on those memories, the actor noted that as people reach a certain stage in life, they often find themselves revisiting their childhood memories. He added that memories from those days never grow old and never lose their charm.

The ‘Saaransh’ actor shared a video capturing his hilarious and heartwarming banter with his mother, Dulari, brother Raju Kher, and sister-in-law Reema Kher.

Sharing his video, Anupam wrote, “I’m heading to the US and Canada for my play Jaane Pehchaane Anjaane. I won’t be back for at least two months, so I thought I’d say goodbye to Mom with a little laughter and fun. But when you start a conversation with Mom, there’s no telling where it will begin or where it will end! And this time, the entire conversation happened in Kashmiri!.”

“We started talking about her childhood and her cousins. Perhaps, at a certain stage in life, we find ourselves wandering more often through the corridors of our childhood… because the memories from those days never grow old, nor do they ever lose their colour.”

“And then, suddenly, the conversation shifted to Raju’s dyed moustache! He hadn’t washed the dye off properly, so his moustache looked exactly like Charlie Chaplin’s iconic black moustache. My sister-in-law kept defending him, Mom was trying to listen to what I was saying, and I was trying to figure out what the actual topic of conversation in this house was,” added Anupam.

The ‘Tanvi the Great’ actor concluded the post saying, “That, perhaps, is the extraordinary beauty of an ordinary home—a little bit of everything happening at once: multiple conversations, several voices, endless explanations, a lot of laughter, a few cherished memories, and an abundance of love.”

--IANS

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Chennai, Sep 1 (IANS) After having won numerous awards, including the award for the Best Feature Film at the Mannheim Arts and Film Festival in Germany, director Sajeev Pazhoor's eagerly-awaited socio-political family thriller 'Enna Vilai', featuring actors Nimisha Sajayan and Karunas in the lead, has now been officially selected for the Atlanta Indian Film Festival to be held in the United States.

It may be recalled that just a couple of days ago, the film had also been selected for the Kaia International Film Festival in Istanbul, Turkey.

Taking to its Instagram page to share the happy news, production house Kalamaya Cineverse wrote, "Another milestone for #EnnaVilai! Proud to be an Official Selection at the Atlanta Indian Film Festival (AIFF). One Powerful Story. One Global Journey. Taking Tamil Cinema to the world. In Theatres - September 2026. Written and Directed by @sajeevpazhoor."

The film, which has caught the attention of critics and film buffs, is to have a theatrical release in September this year.

It may be recalled that the makers of the film had chosen to express their gratitude to the village where the film was predominantly shot by getting the entire village to release the first look of their film.

Instead of inviting a star to unveil the film's first look, the makers had returned to Paalam village in Dhanushkodi, where a major portion of the film was shot, and entrusted the honour to the very people who had welcomed them with open arms throughout the filming process.

The villagers, who had become an inseparable part of the journey behind 'Enna Vilai', gathered together to unveil the film's first look in a heartfelt celebration. Sources present on the occasion had said that what unfolded was not merely a promotional event, but a tribute to a community whose warmth, hospitality and unwavering support left an indelible mark on the entire team.

Produced by Kalamaya Films under the banner of Githesh V, 'Enna Vilai' has been written and directed by Sajeev Pazhoor. The socio-political family thriller stars Karunaas and Nimisha Sajayan in the lead, alongside Y. Gee. Mahendran, Poornima Bhagyaraj, Mohan Ram, Lollu Sabha Swaminathan, Kavithalayaa Krishna, Deepa Shankar, Mottai Rajendran, Nakkalites Kavi and a strong ensemble cast.

For the unaware, the film has already earned the Best Screenplay Award at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival.

Speaking about the decision to have the first look released by the villagers of Paalam, producer Githesh V had said, "Every film has a beginning, but very few get the opportunity to begin with gratitude. While many first looks are unveiled by celebrities or through digital campaigns, we wanted ours to be introduced by the people who quietly became a part of our journey. The villagers of Paalam welcomed us with immense warmth and made us feel at home throughout the shoot. We felt it was only right that this honour belonged to them. More than a promotional event, this was our heartfelt way of saying 'thank you’."

Director Sajeev Pazhoor had, on the occasion, said, "As filmmakers, we often borrow places to tell our stories. But sometimes, those places and the people living there become a part of the story itself. During the making of 'Enna Vilai', the people of Paalam embraced us like family. Before the film reaches audiences across the world, we wanted it to first belong to the people who stood beside us from the very beginning. This first-look launch was not just an event, it was an emotion we wanted to cherish forever.”

--IANS

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Mumbai, September 1 (IANS) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan made a surprising revelation after he admitted of not having made even a cup of the cup of wife Jaya Bachchan ever in his life.

The conversation kicked off when contestant Padmini asked Amitabh Bachchan whether has he ever made tea for his wife Mrs. Jaya Bachchan.

To this, Big B candidly admitted he has never made tea for his wife and explained his unfamiliarity with the process of making tea. Ne said, "Deviji dekhiye joh insaan chai nahi peeta hain voh kaise banayega aur humne aksar dekha hain ki patiniji chai itna nahi peeti hain, peeti hain lekin kitna peeti hain hume nahi pata aur joh bhi peeti hain voh hum banake nahi dete aur hume nahi aata chai banana. Kya hain aaj kal dhaage ke saath ek pothli hoti hain uss dhage ko garam pani mein dubake chai banjati hain lekin humne kabhi uska upayog nahi kiya. Toh, joh asli chai voh kaise banti hain? kya hain ki hum sikh rahe hain, yadhi patiniji ko chai peeneka ka mann kiya toh hum bana sakte hain."

(Madam, see, how will a person who does not drink tea make it? And we have often seen that my wife does not drink that much tea. She does drink it, but we do not know how much she drinks, and whatever she drinks, we do not make it for her, and I do not know how to make tea. What happens is that nowadays there is a pouch with a thread; by dipping that thread into hot water, tea gets made, but we have never used it. So, how is real tea made? What happens is that we are learning, so if my wife feels like drinking tea, then we can make it)

–IANS

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