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Chennai, Feb 19 (IANS) Actor Arya on Thursday released the first look of late Director Suresh Sangaiah’s upcoming film 'Kenatha Kanom', featuring actor Yogi Babu in the lead, much to the delight of fans and film buffs.

Taking to his X timeline, Arya wrote, "Delighted to reveal the first look poster of #KenathaKanom. Looks intriguing and promising. Best wishes to the entire team for a big success."

Yogi Babu will look to captivate audiences once again with 'Kenatha Kanom', a Jio Hotstar Original.

Sources close to the unit of the film said that the occasion carried profound emotional significance to the unit, as the film’s director, Suresh Sangaiah, had passed away only recently.

Revered for his exceptional directorial brilliance in 'Oru Kidayin Karunai Manu' and 'Sathya Sodhanai', Suresh Sangaiah's works remain cherished milestones in the landscape of Indian cinema.

The first look of 'Kenathaa Kanom' presents a grounded, rustic aesthetic that hints at a situational, character-driven, fun-filled drama rather than overt comedy. Yogi Babu is positioned in the centre of a gathering of villagers. His folded-hands and earnest expression suggest humour emerging organically from circumstances and the confusion that prevails. The earthy colour palette, layered composition, and rugged title design further reinforce the rural setting, indicating a narrative where comedy and drama intertwine through everyday chaos, community dynamics, and subtle absurdity.

Apart from Yogi Babu, who essays the protagonist’s role, the film will also feature actors Lovelyn chandrasekhar, Ramakrishnan, Raichel Rabecca, George Mariyam, Mottai Rajendiran, Kavitha Barathi, Kalaipandiyan, Hello kandasamy among many others.

On the technical front, the film has Nivas K Prasanna composing music for it. V. Thiyagarajan handles its cinematography while R Ramar is overseeing its editing. P.L. Subentar is taking care of art direction. Sudesh serves as the stunt director. P. Kathavarayan and T.P. Sasi Kumar are the Production Executives, with A.R. Amalraj as the Executive Producer. The film is being produced by R. Ramesh Babu and Jegan Baskaran.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 19 (IANS) After tasting success with the 2023 film “Evil Dead Rise,” filmmaker Lee Cronin is back with another horror movie titled “The Mummy” and the makers have dropped the trailer, which unleashes spine-chilling terror and leaves viewers with the heebie-jeebies.

The film is scheduled to be released in cinemas on April 17 after first being announced back in December 2024. A reimagining of The Mummy franchise, the film stars Jack Reynor, Laia Costa, May Calamawy, Natalie Grace, and Veronica Falcon.

The over-two-minute trailer begins with a couple getting a call as their daughter Katie is found after eight years of going missing in Cairo. However, things are different.

As the couple go see their daughter, the doctor tells them: “It’s very important you fully prepare yourself for what you are about to see. No sudden moves. No loud noises.”

What begins as an emotional family reunion soon spirals into a conjuring twisted tale when they discover that their daughter, Katie, has spent the past eight years inside a 3,000-year-old sarcophagus, only to return as a living, mummy-like demon.

The video ends with the eerie line by Katie: “Don’t worry grandma, it’s fun to be dead.”

As per the synopsis given by Warner Bros India on their YouTube page, the film tells the story of “the young daughter of a journalist disappears into the desert without a trace— eight years later, the broken family is shocked when she is returned to them, as what should be a joyful reunion turns into a living nightmare.”

Talking about Lee Cronin, he first achieved recognition for his short horror film Ghost Train in 2013, which won the Méliès d'Argent and was featured in the horror anthology film Minutes Past Midnight.

Continuing to work in the horror genre, he made his feature directorial debut with The Hole in the Ground. In 2020, he directed an episode of the horror television series 50 States of Fright. In 2023, he wrote and directed Evil Dead Rise, the fifth installment in the Evil Dead franchise.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 19 (IANS) Actress Vaishnavi Macdonald took a nostalgic trip down memory lane as she recreated the charm of the 1998 film Barsaat Ki Raat as she performed on her song “Maine Dil Ka Hukam Sun Liya” once again.

Vaishnavi took to Instagram, where she shared a video. The clip featured the actress performing on the song “Maine Dil Ka Hukam Sun Liya” along with its original version playing alongside it.

“This song became viral from my 1998 film Barsaat ki Raat! After so many years. #geetavishwas #vaishnavimacdonald #mainedilkahukumsunlia,” she wrote as the caption.

Talking about Vaishnavi, the actress is best known for playing Geeta Viswas in Mukesh Khanna's television series Shaktimaan. She has acted in various Bollywood films such as Bambai Ka Babu, opposite Saif Ali Khan, Ladlaa and Barsaat Ki Raat. She is also known for starring in Miley Jab Hum Tum, Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke and Tashan-E-Ishq.

The actress had moved to Hyderabad as a child where she decided to become a scientist. However, while vacationing in Mumbai, she had the opportunity to appear in the Ramsay Brothers' horror film Veerana, which followed the story of a woman who becomes possessed by the spirit of a dead witch, turning her into a bloodthirsty creature who seduces and kills men.

The film became a turning point in her life as she decided to pursue acting as a profession.

Vaishnavi subsequently appeared in Barsaat Ki Raat, Ladlaa, Maidan-E-Jung, Bambai Ka Babu, Daanveer and Oru Mutham Manimutham.

From 1998 to 2005, she played the female lead Geeta Vishwas in the superhero series Shaktimaan. The show and her character, got high acclaim and was considered her breakthrough role. In 2000, she played the role of ACP Ratna, a daring police officer in the comedy serial Raju Raja Rajasaab.

She is currently seen as Rani sa in the show “Rimjhim”.

--IANS

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Mumbai Feb 19 (IANS) Singer-actor Nick Jonas took to his social media account on Thursday and stated that he is “beyond proud” of his superstar wife Priyanka Chopra as she premiered her film “The Bluff” at the TCL Chinese Theatre.

The doting husband expressed admiration for her dual role as lead actor and producer for the movie.

Sharing a picture of him walking hand in hand with Priyanka at the premiere, Nick wrote on his social media account, “An incredible night celebrating The Bluff. @priyankachopra watching you not only lead this film but bring it to life as a producer has me beyond proud. The intention and strength that you poured into this story… I’m more in awe of you every day.”

He added, “Big congratulations to the entire cast and crew on such a powerful and beautifully made film. Can’t wait for everyone to experience the thrilling ride that is The Bluff, out February 25th on @primevideo.”

In the picture shared by Nick, Priyanka and him are seen walking down a corridor with a lot of love for each other, holding hands. Priyanka is seen wearing a striking black structured cuirass-style bodice and a draped skirt with a thigh-high slit and a flowing trail. Nick complemented her in classy brown blazer.

Priyanka also shared several pictures from the red carpet of the movie premiere. In one frame, she is seen standing facing a sea of photographers and media as cameras flash around her.

Another picture captures her interacting with fans and signing autographs. She also posed with her co-stars and members of the cast and crew against “The Bluff” backdrop.

Talking about “The Bluff”, the movie marks Priyanka’s first US project that she has both produced and starred as a leading. The film is set against themes of colonialism and maritime folklore and will stream from February 25 on Prime Video.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 19 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn took a moment to celebrate his mother on her birthday, calling her the “shakti” behind everything he is today.

The actor took to Instagram and shared a picture featuring him alongside his mother Veena and wife Kajol. He also wrote a heartfelt note for his mother.

Expressing his gratitude and love, Ajay wrote, “The shakti of our lives. Everything we are begins with you. Happy Birthday Maa.”

On the acting front, Ajay, who was last seen on screen in De De Pyaar De 2 with Rakul Preet Singh and R.Madhavan, currently awaits the release of his upcoming film 'Dhamaal 4'.

The film is now pushed to hit the screens on July 3. This is the second time that the release of the drama has been pushed.

Initially, "Dhamaal 4" was slated to reach the theatres on March 19. However, in order to avoid a box-office clash with two much-hyped dramas Ranveer Singh's "Dhurandhar: The Revenge" and Yash's "Toxic", the makers chose June 12 as the new release date.

Made under the direction of Indra Kumar, "Dhamaal 4" will retain the core cast of the popular franchise, including Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Sanjay Mishra, and Jaaved Jaaferi.

Joining in on the fun, Esha Gupta, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Anjali Anand, Upendra Limaye, Vijay Patkar, and Ravi Kishan will also be a part of the cast this time.

Jointly backed by Ajay Devgn, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Ashok Thakeria, Indra Kumar, Anand Pandit, and Kumar Mangat Pathak, "Dhamaal 4" is presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series in association with Devgn Films, a T-Series Films, Maruti International, and Panorama Studios production.

The first instalment in the franchise, “Dhamaal”, was released back in 2007. The project stars Sanjay Dutt, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Aashish Chaudhary, Javed Jaffrey, Asrani, Sanjay Mishra, Murli Sharma, Vijay Raaz, Manoj Pahwa, Tiku Talsania, and Prem Chopra in key roles.

In 2011, came the sequel "Double Dhamaal", followed by the third reboot titled "Total Dhamaal" in 2019.

The story of "Total Dhamaal" is believed to be loosely based on the 2015 outing "Vacation" with a couple of scenes inspired by the 2014 film "Blended".

--IANS

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Mumbai Feb 19 (IANS) Actress Disha Parmar gave fans a glimpse of an adorable family moment as her two year-old daughter Navya watched her ‘Baba’, popular singer Rahul Vaidya, perform live on stage for the very first time.

Sharing a video on her social media account, Disha captured little Navya totally engrossed in watching her her father perform live on stage at an event.

In the video clip, Rahul is seen singing on stage, while Navya quietly and keenly observes him while being seated in the audience. Further in the video, Disha is trying to gently distract her from watching her father perform, but the little one appeared unfazed, and with her eyes fixed on her “Baba” with love and warmth. Disha, sharing the video, wrote, “First time seeing Baba on stage!! And she was engrossed!” further tagging Rahul Vaidya.

Disha and Rahul’s love story has often been in the spotlight. The couple first met on the sets of a music video and later reconnected. For the uninitiated, their relationship gained nationwide attention during Bigg Boss 14 when Rahul Vaidya, as a contestant, made a public declaration of love for Disha and proposed to her for marriage. On National Television, he admitted that while they had been close friends earlier, his time inside the house made him realise that he was deeply in love with her.

Disha later entered the show as a family guest and said yes to Rahul's proposal, sealing their romance in front of millions of viewers.

The couple then tied the knot in July 2021 in a star-studded ceremony attended by industry friends and family. Two years later, in September 2023, they welcomed their first child, a baby girl whom they lovingly named Navya.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 19 (IANS) Multifaceted Amruta Fadnavis proved her singing prowess with her latest track "Shambhu Re".

During an exclusive interaction with IANS, the singer, social worker, and wife of Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, revealed whether she has ever thought about trying her hand at acting.

She was asked, "Have you ever thought of acting, as you are closely connected with the entertainment industry?"

Reacting to this, she shared that her true passion is music, and it is something that comes naturally to her.

Amruta added that whenever an acting opportunity presents itself, she declines the offer in a polite manner, saying that it is not her calling.

She shared that she wishes to focus on music and do justice to her songs.

Amruta told IANS, "Music is my passion. I naturally know how to emote that passion. So I generally feature in my own vocals. But I never thought about acting. And whatever offers I got, I politely told them that this is not my path. But music is definitely my path. And giving justice to my songs is my path."

Speaking about her passion for music, she stated that music is her soul.

"It's like breathing for me. Whether it's late night or early morning, whenever I get time, I practise classical music. I practise my suralap. And the songs that come, I work on them and then record them. So I think every song is a new production for you. You have a baby. So I think it's very important to give it justice. So I work on every song. In fact, Monty ji helped me a lot. And because of him, I was able to succeed,” she explained.

During the same interaction, Amruta revealed the idea behind her track "Shambhu Re", which was released on the occasion of Mahashivratri.

She shared, “When you have devotion and love for God, whether it is a difficult song, whether it is this song that has just been sung. So I think the song that awakens the devotion in you is beautiful."

--IANS

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Chennai, Feb 19 (IANS) Director Navinkumar Palanivel's eagerly awaited haunting crime thriller ‘Thadayam’, featuring actors Samuthirakani and Sshivada in the lead, will begin streaming on OTT from February 27 this year, its makers have now announced.

The series, which is based on true crime, is to be streamed on the OTT platform Zee5.

‘Thadayam’ (which when translated in English means 'Clue') will be a gripping crime thriller inspired by true events that unfolded along the Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh border in 1999.

Written and directed by Navinkumar Palanivel, Thadayam stars acclaimed actor-director Samuthirakani as SI Adhiyaman, alongside Sshivada as Inspector Lakshmi.

A string of brutal midnight murders shakes a cluster of rural villages, each scene identical, each clue pointing nowhere, except for one disturbing detail: the killer steals only the sacred symbols of marriage.

As fear turns into folklore and suspicion spreads, a newly transferred officer begins to sense a ritualistic pattern behind the chaos. What follows is a tense, night‑bound investigation where every answer deepens the mystery, and the truth hides in the darkest corners of belief

Director of the series, Navinkumar Palanivel, said, “Thadayam is not just a crime thriller; it’s an exploration of fear, belief, and obsession within a close-knit rural society. What fascinated me most about this true story was how the crimes preyed on something deeply emotional and sacred. I wanted to tell this story with honesty, restraint, and an unsettling realism that stays with the viewer long after the screen fades to black.”

Samuthirakani, who plays SI Athiyamaan, said, “What drew me to 'Thadayam' was its authenticity. This is not a loud cop story but it’s about patience, observation, and understanding the human mind. Athiyamaan is a grounded officer walking into a landscape filled with fear and unanswered questions, and that complexity made the role deeply compelling.”

Actor Sshivada added, “Inspector Lakshmi is strong, intuitive, and resilient in the face of relentless horror. 'Thadayam' gives space to its characters to breathe, to question, and to feel the weight of what they’re up against. It’s rare to find a crime series that balances emotional realism with such an eerie atmosphere.”

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 19 (IANS) Popular television actor Barun Sobti believes that the idea of a “perfect relationship” is a myth and says that it is something partners need to consciously build together over time.

Speaking about relationships, Barun shared that perfection does not come ready-made.

He told IANS: “There is no perfect relationship; you have to work on it. You work on a perfect relationship.”

The actor, who enjoys a massive fan following across age groups, also reacted to women swooning over him. Calling it “adorable,” Barun said that receiving love from people is always a beautiful feeling.

“It’s an adorable thing. Any human being, for that matter. Being loved is better than being hated. Of course, it’s a nice feeling,” he added.

The actor is currently seen in the second chapter of the series “Kohrra”. It also stars Mona Singh and Rannvijay Singha. The second season started streaming on Netflix on February 11.

In the new season, Barun’s reprising his role as the sharp-witted investigator Amarpal Garundi, who teams up with a new character played by Mona to solve a complex, dark murder mystery of a woman.

Created and written by Gunjit Chopra, Diggi Sisodia, and Sudip Sharma, Season 2 brings a fresh case and a new pairing, rooted once again in Punjab’s bleak, wintry terrain where silence often speaks louder than a confession.

A Film Squad Production in Association with Act Three, produced by Saurabh Malhotra, Sudip Sharma, Manuj Mittra, and Tina Tharwani, Season 2 also marks an important creative evolution for the series.

Barun made his acting debut in 2009 as Swayam Khurana in Shraddha. He later did a cameo role in the superhit show Dill Mill Gayye as Dr Raj, a medical intern with drug addiction. In 2010, he starred in Baat Hamari Pakki Hai.

Barun rose to prominence in 2011 with his work in Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon. He went on to make his silver screen debut in 2014 with Main Aur Mr Riight. Sobti's second feature film was Tu Hai Mera Sunday.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 19 (IANS) National-Award winner Swanand Kirkire believes that mainstream Bollywood lyrics have not lost their poetic depth, asserting that they have merely evolved with changing times and sensibilities.

Asked if he thinks lyrics have lost their poetic depth in mainstream Bollywood, or is that criticism unfair, Kirkire told IANS: “I don’t think lyrics have been lost. You know, newer kinds of sounds and newer kinds of words are coming into lyrics.”

“Definitely, the old-world imagery goes away, and it has to, because younger people see a different world. A different kind of vocabulary will come into their lyrics. So, I don’t think everything new is bad, and everything old was good. Lyrics are still lyrics.”

The National Award-winning lyricist pointed out that the industry has always had a mix of commercially driven songs and those rooted in deeper meaning.

“Definitely, there is always a big quantum of lyrics that try to become really popular soon. And there is another part that talks about meaning. So, everything is happening together.”

However, Kirkire did underline the need for greater linguistic engagement among younger creators.

“The newer generation works a little more on lyrics. They are very good with sounds, but since Hindi is not their first language, most of them are educated in public and English-medium schools, so they should learn a little more Hindi. That’s one thing.”

At the same time, he praised musicians emerging from smaller towns and the independent rap scene.

“And the people from small towns who are making music now, the rappers and everybody, they are doing great. So, I don’t think anything is losing meaning,” he said.

Kirkire’s latest is the series “Bandwaale”. The show is streaming on Prime Video.

It is created by Swanand Kirkire along with Ankur Tewari, marking a significant new chapter in his storytelling career.

Kirkire won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics twice: first in 2006 for the song "Bande Me Tha Dum...Vande Mataram” from the film Lage Raho Munna Bhai, and then in 2009 for the song "Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh" from the film 3 Idiots.

In 2018, at the 66th National Film Awards, he won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for the Marathi film Chumbak. He made cameo appearances as Sansad ji in Panchayat 3 and as Mansoor Khan Sahab in Qala, for which he also contributed as a lyricist and singer.

--IANS

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