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Chennai, Feb 17 (IANS)The makers of director Aswin Kandasamy's romantic fantasy drama 'Double Occupancy' (DO) have announced that their unit has now wrapped up the shooting of the film.

For the unaware, the film is being produced by Avni Movies, in collaboration with Benzz Media.

Sources in the unit say that the project has now swiftly moved into its final stage of post-production. Those in the know claim that the film's story looks to blend tender romance with imaginative fantasy and contemporary reflections on identity.

They say that the film, which is set for release soon, will seek to push the boundaries of mainstream Tamil cinema with its daring premise and emotionally resonant storytelling.

At its heart, Double Occupancy (DO), sources say, will be a sweeping romantic fantasy exploring identity, duality, science versus faith, and the aching beauty of loving someone who exists in two different forms.

Leading the film is Santhosh of 'Ponniyin Selvan' fame along with Reshma Venkatesh, who is continuing her streak of bold, dynamic roles.

Apart from the lead actors, the film will also feature, Vinoth Kishan, celebrated for his intense, layered performances in films such as Naan Mahaan Alla and Andhaghaaram, and Samyuktha Viswanath, whose craze since 'Katchi Sera' has made her one of the most exciting talents of her generation, in pivotal roles.

In the film, Samyuktha is paired opposite Santhosh and her character in Double Occupancy adds both charm and emotional grounding to the film’s fantastical undertones.

Actors VTV Ganesh and Bagavathi Perumal too will be a part of the cast.

After years of experience working with leading production houses, Aswin Kandasamy will make his directorial debut with this film.

On the technical front, the film has cinematography by Santhakumar Chakravarthy and music by Sam CS. Editing for the film is by Praveen Antony while production design has been handled by Senthil Raghavan. Costumes are by Sruthi R. Kannan.

--IANS

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Chennai, Feb 17 (IANS) The makers of director Mahesh Narayanan's eagerly-awaited thriller 'Patriot', featuring both superstars of Malayalam cinema Mammootty and Mohanlal, have now announced that Mammootty has completed dubbing for his portions in the film.

Taking to make the announcement through the film's official Instagram handle, the makers wrote, "Presence undeniable. Mammootty wraps up dubbing for #Patriot. In Cinemas Worldwide from April 23, 2026. #Mammootty #Mohanlal #MaheshNarayanan #AntoJoseph."

It may be recalled that the makers of 'Patriot' had already confirmed that Mohanlal had completed dubbing for his portions in the film.

On the film's official Instagram handle, the makers had recently posted a video clip of Mohanlal flashing the thumbs up sign after dubbing and wrote, "Some voices do not just speak, they define moments. Mohanlal has completed dubbing for Patriot. In Cinemas Worldwide from April 23. #Mohanlal #AntoJoseph #AntoJosephFilmCompany #Patriot #MaheshNarayanan."

Just a few days ago, the makers had released a Behind The Scenes (BTS) video made using clips shot on the sets of the film while the crew was shooting in Sri Lanka.

Taking to his X timeline, actor Mohanlal wrote, "#Patriot Behind The Scenes : Srilanka. In Cinemas Worldwide from April 23 , 2026."

The BTS video released had visuals shot on an airbase, filled with choppers, planes and fighter aircraft. The BTS video also showed glimpses of Mohanlal and Mammootty on the airbase, highlighting the fact that the two legends of Malayalam cinema were coming together after 18 years.

One interesting visual showed Fahaadh Faasil sitting inside the cockpit of a fighter aircraft with a professional explaining to him about the controls of the aircraft. It may be recalled that actor Fahadh Faasil had recently disclosed that he plays the villain in the film.

Fahadh, who participated in an event recently, made this disclosure on stage. "I play the villain in Patriot," he said and went on to also confirm that there would be a second part to his blockbuster film 'Aavesham'. "Yes, Aavesham 2 is there. That is a question that people ask me everywhere I go. Hopefully, (in) 2027 or 2028," he said.

For the unaware, Patriot is scheduled to hit screens worldwide on April 23 this year.

On January 4 this year, the makers of the film had announced that the unit had wrapped up the film's shooting. They wrote,"That’s a wrap. Blood, sweat, belief. #PATRIOT marches on. See you on the Big screen."

They also shared a BTS video of all the stars on the sets on the occasion.

The film, which has triggered huge expectations ever since it was announced, also features acclaimed actors Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, and Revathy in addition to the two Malayalam superstars.

A teaser which the makers released last year went on to amplify the expectations of fans and film buffs.

The teaser begins with a voiceover which says, " I remember there was a time when this nation was controlled by the two of them. Together. Over these years, what they earned wasn't just followers. Faith. Trust."

We then see a series of intriguing but intense scenes and hear Mammootty's voice say, "They are going to bring social score to people." We next hear Mohanlal, who appears to play an army general in the film, say, "There are three of us. Do you think you can stop us?"

The teaser then gives us an idea that there is a program called Periscope and that Kunchacko Boban plays a character called Daniel.

Nayanthara is heard asking,"This program which is part of the student laptop scheme. Is that similar to Periscope?" We also hear another voice, asking,"Is this program watching them secretly?" The teaser ends with Mammootty asking someone to complete the sentence, "Great Indian traitor... or Patriot."

Overall, the teaser gives the impression that the film will revolve around a group of socially responsible individuals trying to thwart an illegal attempt by the government to monitor its citizens.

--IANS

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Chennai, Feb 17 (IANS) The makers of director Sivakumar Murugesan's next film, 'Seyon', featuring actor Sivakarthikeyan in the lead, on Tuesday released a gripping glimpse video called 'Celebration' to mark the actor's birthday, much to the delight of fans and film buffs.

The film is being produced by Kamal Haasan's RaajKamal Films International and Turmeric Media.

Taking to its X timeline to share the link to the video, Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI) wrote,"#Seyon - The Celebration #HappyBirthdaySK #SeyonOct2026 #சேயோன் #OneMoreTime #KamalHaasan #Sivakarthikeyan @ikamalhaasan @Siva_Kartikeyan #Mahendran @Dir_SivakumarM @Music_Santhosh @RKFI @turmericmediaTM @bala_actor @vivekvdop @Sanlokesh."

The Celebration video showcases an incident that happens on the second day of the Maasi Kalari festival that is held at the Karumaathur Virumaandi Temple. The incident in question is shown taking place two hours after a major scuffle at the festival.

A group of people gather at the local police station, even as the constable explains the situation to the inspector. He informs that a major fight had broken out at the festival even as the inspector begins inspecting those who have gathered at the station.

He finds a group of young men with half tonsured heads and asks them what happened. The constable explains that the young men with half tonsured heads behaved in an indecent manner by flashing laser lights at dancers at the festival and making reels out of it. "Therefore, somebody bashed them up and tonsured half their heads," he explains. The inspector then asks another man from another group as to why he was beaten. He says he was asked what play they were to stage at the festival and he had informed them that he was to stage the devotional "Valli Thirumanam (Valli's wedding to Lord Murugan)" and therefore, he too was bashed up.

The reply makes those locked up in prison wonder if the person who bashed up the theatre artiste was an atheist. But then another man clarifies, "He is not an atheist. In fact, he is the one who gets possessed by the divine spirit of Virumaandi."

The cops realise that everybody from the neighbouring villages are there save one and that is the people of Karumathur, who are carrying out the procession. The others try to stop the procession but according to custom, the procession must not be stopped. The procession proceeds and the inspector happens to see Sivakarthikeyan in a possessed state and prays to him...

The celebration video gives the impression that the story will be set in Madurai. The makers also disclosed that the film would release in October this year.

The film, which will feature Sakarthikeyan in a power-packed and dynamic new role, will be a grand rural commercial entertainer.

It may be recalled that the makers had, on Monday, released the title poster of the film. The title poster had Sivakarthikeyan seated on what appears to be a stone throne adorned with peacock feathers with a machete placed over his shoulder. The actor has well oiled hair and is seen in a rural get up. He sports a well toned physique and is surrounded by peacocks.

The film has triggered huge interest as it marks a significant reunion between Sivakarthikeyan and Raaj Kamal Films International. Their collaboration for this film comes on the heels of the blockbuster success of their earlier film 'Amaran', which garnered both critical acclaim and commercial triumph.

Produced by Kamal Haasan and R. Mahendran, the film brings together powerful storytelling and a compelling cinematic vision. Director Sivakumar Murugesan will be stepping into his second directorial venture after the much-awaited soon-to-be-released 'Thaai Kizhavi'.

Adding to the excitement, this project will mark the first-ever collaboration between RaajKamal Films International, Sivakarthikeyan, and acclaimed composer Santhosh Narayanan.

The film will have cinematography by Vivek Vijayakumar and editing by San Lokesh. Art direction for the film will be by R K Nagu while Keerthy Sampath and Joshua Maxwell will be its costume designers.

--IANS

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Mumbai Feb 17 (IANS) Television superstar Rupali Ganguly has spoken about how abuse against men often goes unnoticed and unsaid.

In an upcoming powerful episode of her hit television show Anupamaa, will see revolving around abuse against men and the trauma surrounding it.

A particular sequence has been curated in the show to highlight how important in today's times it is for men to come out and talk about the abuse they are facing and not remain in silence just because they are asked to "man up.”

Sharing her thoughts on the track, Rupali Ganguly, who plays the titular character in Anupamaa said, "The makers of Anupamaa are bringing that into light and using Anupamaa as a mouthpiece speaking against atrocities and against men. There are a lot of unspoken things that happen in society that need to be spoken about. Television dramas have mostly shown women as the victim in domestic conflicts, while men are referred to as the perpetrator. And though violence against women is an undeniable reality, men too suffer in silence.”

She added, “The makers Rajan Shahi and Deepa Shahi need to be applauded for bringing up topics and for speaking about topics that are still taboo and still spoken in hushed tones in our society. I am so proud to be a part of DKP, of Rajanji's vision, and to be his mouthpiece, to be the mouthpiece of the writers who have very boldly taken up these issues to highlight.”

Talking about the show, Rupali said, “Anupamaa has always been associated with raising a voice for what is happening in society, vis-à-vis, chahe wo kisan wala topic ho, chahe wo bargain nahin karne wala topic ho Diwali par, adjustments, the stray animals, unko feed karne ke liye, gaumata ki seva karo, chahe wo dogs ko roti khilao, pakshiyon ko dana dalo (be it a farmer-related topic, be it a non-bargaining topic on Diwali, adjustments, feeding the stray animals, serve the cow, be it feeding rotis to dogs, or feeding grains to birds.)"

"So in every which way we have tried to send a message across to the society, trying to empower parents, trying to empower women, trying to show the right path to children. So it is very heartwarming and very proud for me that I get to voice this thought out of the makers, which is talking about male abuse, husband abuse, domestic violence, and the husband being the victim," she concluded.

--IANS

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Mumbai Feb 17 (IANS) Bollywood star Anil Kapoor, on Tuesday has taken to his social media account to share a heartfelt note as his acclaimed series ‘The Night Manager’ completed three years since its release.

Marking the milestone, Kapoor posted a powerful still from the show, and further reflected on how one particular scene resonated deeply with his own personal and professional journey.

He wrote, “Three years of The Night Manager. This scene reflected so much of where I began in life and in my career. I don’t always like revisiting the past, especially the moments when I was misunderstood or judged for the person I was becoming. People sometimes think they can step on your toes, without realizing what it has taken to get where you are. And then in certain moments the real you surfaces shaped by everything you’ve experienced to stand where you do.”

He added, “While this character was very different from me, there was something deeply personal in this scene that I connected with. Instead of approaching it with anger or loudness, I chose to express a quieter, more internal truth. Sandeep, the writers and I worked closely on it keeping my own journey and the way I’ve built my personal and professional life in mind while shaping this moment.”

Expressing gratitude to the audience, he wrote, “It means a lot that audiences connected with this scene as deeply as we did while creating it.”

Talking about the The Night Manager, it was the Indian adaptation of John le Carré’s novel of the same name, premiered in 2023. The espionage thriller was directed by Sandeep Modi and Priyanka Ghose.

The series along with Anil Kapoor also featured featured Aditya Roy Kapur in the lead role, alongside Sobhita Dhulipala.

Anil Kapoor portrayed the role of a suave yet menacing arms dealer Shelly Rungta.

The Night Manager, released in two parts in February and June 2023, emerged as one of the most-watched Hindi web series on the streaming platform.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 17 (IANS) Veteran actress Shabana Azmi took to her social media account to share a nostalgic throwback, further revealing that her ‘signature flower-in-the-hair look has been a constant over the years.’

Taking to her social media account, Shabana posted an old newspaper photograph featuring a younger version of herself straight from the year 1982. The portrait shows the actress in a classic look with a flower tucked into her hair.

Shabana looks gorgeous in the picture. She captioned the post as, “So the flower in my hair was always there .. just the position has changed …”

Through the caption, the veteran star highlighted how certain style elements have remained a part of her throughout the decades, even though time and trends have changed.

For the uninitiated, Shabana Azmi is touted as one of Indian cinema’s most respected performers. The actress is known for her powerful roles in parallel cinema as well as mainstream films. She made her debut with “Ankur” in 1974, earning the National Film Award for Best Actress. She has delivered fine and acclaimed performances in films such as “Arth”, “Paar”, “Khandhar”, “Masoom”, “Fire”, “Godmother” and “Neerja”. The actress chose roles that were way ahead of their time and received great applause from audience for the same.

On the personal front, Shabana Azmi is married to noted lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar.

A few weeks ago, Shabana celebrated the birth anniversary of her father, celebrated poet Kaifi Azmi. The gathering saw her close friends Urmila Matondkar, Dia Mirza, Vidya Balan, Divya Dutta and many others in attendance, and were seen enjoying at the celebration. Videos from the evening showed the guests dancing to live music, while Shabana Azmi, along with Javed Akhtar, was also seen dancing enthusiastically.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 17 (IANS) Indian actors Priya Mani and Mohit Raina have been roped in to headline a yet-untitled Indo-U.S immigrant family drama, directed by Harsh Mahadeshwar.

“This project is very close to my heart because it explores identity and belonging in a deeply honest way,” Raina said.

Priya said that what drew her to this film instantly was the “emotional truth of the story”.

“I’m grateful to be part of a project that brings together such committed collaborators to tell a story that will connect with audiences across borders.”

The project centers on the true story of an immigrant family’s experience navigating cultural identity and belonging in America. U.S.-based Red Bison Productions has partnered with Mumbai’s Azure Entertainment on a cross-border feature film marking the Indian company’s inaugural Hollywood collaboration, reports variety.com.

Principal photography is set to commence in April, with filming planned across New York and New Jersey, as well as Delhi and Jammu-Kashmir in India.

Mohit added: “Being part of Azure Entertainment and Red Bison Productions’ first Indo-Hollywood collaboration makes it even more special, as it represents a meaningful step toward global storytelling.”

Additional casting details and the film’s title will be revealed at a later date. The film was previously launched with a different title and cast in 2023 and has since been revamped and redesigned, reports variety.com.

Romila Saraf Bhat, founder of Red Bison Productions, said: “From its inception, this story demanded a global voice and an honest cinematic treatment. With Priya Mani and Mohit Raina leading the cast, and an inspiring narrative that spans continents, we are creating cinema that is deeply personal yet universally resonant.”

Prashant Ramesh Mishra, CEO and co-founder of Azure Entertainment, described the venture as pivotal for his company’s expansion strategy. “This film represents a defining moment for Azure Entertainment as we step into global cinema for the first time,” Mishra said. “This story goes beyond borders and beyond the idea of the American Dream, reflecting on to the shared human experience of aspiration, loss, and resilience.”

Azure Entertainment previously produced “Rocky Handsome,” “Badla” and “Kesari.” Red Bison’s credits include “Bhaag Bawre Aandhi Aayi.”

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 17 (IANS) Marking the 17th as her family’s “Musical Pooja Day,” Durga Jasraj fondly remembered her father, the legendary Hindustani classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj, and his endearing ritual of sipping coffee during concerts to keep his voice in pristine condition.

Taking to social media, Durga shared an emotional note recalling how “Bapuji” would only sip coffee during his performances to keep his vocal chords lubricated.

Sharing a picture of the late legendary musician, Durga wrote: “Bapuji loved his coffee!!! He would only sip coffee during his concerts to keep his vocal chords lubricated …”

She revealed that misri and clove were also among his dependable choices, especially during long classical recitals.

“Misri and clove were also his dependable choices especially during his concerts… Thank you coffee for keeping Golden Voice like Bapuji in such pristine condition …”

Remembering him with devotion, Durga described the 17th of every month as their “Musical Pooja Day,” when the family offers prayers through raags and taal.

“Today is the 17th, our Musical Pooja Day... We pray through Raags and Taal... This is the only way we know to let Bapuji know we love him and seek his blessigs… Love you Bapuji, aapki hamesha Jai Ho,” se wrote.

Pandit Jasraj’s musical career spanned 75 years. His legacy includes memorable performances of classical and semi-classical vocal music, classical and devotional music, albums and film soundtracks, innovations in various genres, including Haveli Sangeet and popularizing the Mewati Gharana.

Pandit Jasraj remained in the US when the country entered its Covid-19 lockdown. He died at his home in New Jersey in 2020 due to cardiac arrest.

He was married to the daughter of film director V. Shantaram,Madhura Shantaram, whom he had first met in 1960 in Bombay.They had two children, a son, Shaarang Dev Pandit, a daughter, Durga Jasraj, and four grandchildren.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 17 (IANS) National Award-winning singer and actor Swanand Kirkire believes Hindi film music has never been a static space, and it never will be.

Reflecting on the debate around melody versus algorithm-driven hits, Kirkire says music is, and always has been, in a state of constant evolution.

He told IANS: “Having witnessed the evolution of Hindi film music over time, I can say that music is an ever-changing phenomenon. It keeps evolving with the years. What was new yesterday is old today, and what is new today will be old tomorrow.”

In an era dominated by streaming platforms and digital metrics, he acknowledges that algorithms play a significant role in determining what gets heard.

He added: “New experiments, new technologies, new sounds, and new influences keep entering the world of music. Algorithms are definitely a big part of our lives these days, and we often feel the need to create music accordingly.”

But he is quick to add that the commercial aspect cannot be ignored.

“It becomes an even bigger concern because music also involves money. So the question of how to reach more and more people—and make money—becomes important. Things are constantly changing,” he said.

Yet, for Kirkire, the larger truth remains untouched by trends or technology.

The singer said: “But as I said, there has always been good music and bad music. There was good music and bad music yesterday. There is good music and bad music today. And I am sure there will be good music and bad music tomorrow as well.”

Beyond music, Kirkire is also embracing a flourishing acting career.

Having featured in projects like Chumbak, Badrinath Ki Dulhania, Three of Us, Panchayat and the most latest Bandwale, he says the journey has unlocked something deeper within him.

“I’ve acted in many projects. From Chumbak and Badrinath Ki Dulhania to Three of Us, Panchayat, this one—Bandwale—and I’m also doing three or four more films, including a Rajshri film. So it’s not just one project anymore. It has unlocked a new artistic hunger within me.”

Interestingly, acting was never part of the original plan.

“I’m looking forward to taking on many more roles because it’s very, very challenging.

It’s true that initially I never wanted to become an actor. But now that I’ve started doing it, and people are liking my work, and I’m enjoying the challenge, I definitely want to explore many more roles. Yes, for sure.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 17 (IANS) Actress Huma Qureshi has heaped praise on Rajkummar Rao, describing him as “one of the most committed actors of our times,” after a picture of him appearing to have gained weight began circulating on social media. The actor had later clarified that the transformation was for a role he would be seen playing on screen.

Rajkummar underwent a physical transformation for the Ujjwal Nikam biopic. It was on Instagram, the actor had shared that he had gained 9-10 kgs of weight and even made his hair look thinner to get the part visually right. While simultaneously doing look tests for his next biopic on Sourav Ganguly.

Huma, who is a close friend of Rajkummar, took to her Instagram story, where she shared a picture of Ujjwal Nikam and Sourav Ganguly.

She captioned: “@rajkummarrao One of the most committed actors of our times.”

Talking about Huma, the actress is all set to be seen in Yash-starrer “Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups”. The makers had earlier unveiled the looks of Yash, Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Rukmini Vasanth, and Tara Sutaria of the film.

Written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas and directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups has been simultaneously shot in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions planned in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and several other languages.

“Toxic : A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups” is reportedly a gripping tale of crime and deception set in 1980s Goa, where a powerful drug cartel manipulates lives behind the state's picturesque beaches and vibrant culture.

The film features a formidable technical lineup, including National Award-winning cinematographer Rajeev Ravi, music by Ravi Basrur, editing by Ujwal Kulkarni, and production design by TP Abid.

The action sequences are mounted on a grand scale, choreographed by Hollywood action director JJ Perry (John Wick), alongside National Award-winning action directors Anbariv and Kecha Khamphakdee.

Produced by Venkat K. Under the banners of KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, the film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on March 19, coinciding with Eid, Ugadi, and Gudi Padwa.

Huma’s latest releases include “Maharani 4” and “Delhi Crime Season 3”.

Directed by Puneet Prakash, produced by Kangra Talkies Pvt. Ltd., and created by Subhash Kapoor, Maharani 4, stars Huma, Shweta Basu Prasad, Vipin Sharma, Amit Sial, Vineet Kumar, Shardul Bhardwaj, Kani Kusruti, and Pramod Pathak.

She was also seen in the third season of “Delhi Crime”, which is directed by Tanuj Chopra. Huma stars alongside names such as Shefali Shah, Rasika Dugal, Rajesh Tailang, Jaya Bhattacharya, and Anuraag Arora. The cast also includes Sayani Gupta, Mita Vasisht, Kelly Dorji, and Anshumaan Pushkar.

--IANS

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