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Here’s a recap of the significant stories in entertainment across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films, and sometimes the odd television series as well.
“We can earn money any way we want. But it’s only through education that we can earn respect,” says Dhanush in the trailer of Vaathi donning the role of a schoolteacher. The trailer features Dhanush in an intense avatar, as he takes on the mishaps and corruption in the education system. The soul of the film seems to be a philosophical conflict between two different schools of thought which view education as a source of monetary profit versus an act of genuine humanitarian service. There is a perfect balance between moments of hard hitting dialogues and whistle worthy action sequences that resonate with the viewer. Also starring Samyuktha Menon in her Tamil debut, the bilingual film which is titled Sir in Telugu, is slated to release on February 17.
Helmed by Gunasekhar, Samantha starrer Shaakuntalam was initially scheduled to release on February 17. But the film has been postponed. Shaakuntalam is set to release in five languages Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi but the new release date has not been announced yet.
The film is an adaptation of Kalidasa’s Abhijnanashakuntalam and is backed by Neelima Guna. The film co-stars Dev Mohan, Mohan Babu, Gautami and Madhoo. Sekhar V Joseph has lensed the film and Prawin Pudi has handled the cuts. Mani Sharma is the music composer for the film.
Writer Padmabhushan is all set to screen free shows for women in 38 screens across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The film which has explored the theme of women empowerment has been well-received by the audience. Writer Padmabhushan stars Suhas in the lead role and is produced under the banners of Chai Bisket Films and Lahari Films. Siddharth Thatolu and Kodati Pavan Kalyan are the editors and Venkat R Shakamuri is the cinematographer.
Composed by Ilayaraja, “Onnoda Nadandhaa”, the first single from Viduthalai -I was released by the makers on social media. The lyrical video of the song has illustrations of the characters played by Soori and Bhavani Sri. This melodious song is rendered by Dhanush and Ananya Bhat. Suka has penned the lyrics.
Helmed by Vetri Maaran, Vidhuthalai is set to be released in two parts. Produced by Elred Kumar under the banner RS Infotainment, the film stars Soori, Vijay Sethupathi and Bhavani Sri. R Ramar is the editor and RVelraj is the DOP.
On the 100th-day celebrations of Kantara (2022), actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty announced that Kantara 2 will be a prequel. The actor-filmmaker believes the backstory and history of Kantara have more depth and the ‘divinity of the father’ which became the highlight of Kantara was left unexplored. Backed by Hombale Films, he asserted that Kantara 2 is going to be bigger than Kantara.
Asif Ali reunites with Mridul Nair for Kasargold. They had earlier planned to collaborate for Thattum Vellattam which got shelved. Billed as a high-octane thriller, the film revolves around gold smuggling and how greed changes the relationship dynamics among a group of friends. On the occasion of Asif Ali’s birthday, the motion poster of the film was released by Dulquer Salmaan. The poster introduces the main three characters played by Asif Ali, Sunny Wayne, and Vinayakan. Bankrolled by Yoodlee Films, the film also stars Deepak Parambol and Malavika Sreenath in prominent roles. Jebin Jacob is the cinematographer and Manoj Kannoth is the editor.
Written and directed by debutant Sriikanth Hunsur, Son of Muthanna is said to be a family drama. The story traces the relationship between a father and his son. Rangayana Raghu will be essaying the role of a retired military officer and Pranam Devraj will be playing his son. The film also stars Girish Shivanna, Suchendra Prasad, Dattanna, and Sudha Belawadi in prominent roles. Sriikanth Hunsur has directed a television serial and also worked as an associate to filmmakers Prem, R Chandru, Chethan Kumar, and Hari Santhosh. Produced by Lohith, Sachin Basrur is the music composer and Skating Krishna is the cinematographer.
Jackie Shroff and Rajinikanth reunite for the third time after Uttar Dakshin (1987) and Kochadaiyaan (2014) in Nelson’s upcoming Jailer. The first look of the actor from the sets was released by the makers on their social media.
Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, Jailer follows Muthuvel Pandian, a jail warden, essayed by Rajinikanth. The film has a stellar cast including Mohanlal, Shivrajkumar, Sunil, Tamanaah, Ramya Krishnan and Vinayakan.
Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar is all set to team up with Telugu star Nandamuri Balakrishna for an upcoming film. The story is not yet finalised but Shivarajkumar has said that the plan to do a combination film is on. Notably, Shivarajkumar made a special appearance in Balakrishna's 100th film Gautamiputra Satakarni in 2017.
The trailer opens with a young boy meeting a newcomer in his school. “That’s when I met the girl in the red dress for the first time and she smiled at me,” reminisces Sharafudheen who is on a hunt for a significant other in the present day scenario. The comical trailer takes an emotional turn as his first love Nithya (Bhavana), the small girl he met at school, comes back into his life.
Written and directed by Adhil Maimoonath, the film marks the comeback of Bhavana in Malayalam cinema and is produced by Bonhomie Renish and Rajesh. It co-stars Saniya Rafi, Asokan, and Anarkali Nasar. Nishant Ramteke has composed the film’s music.
Athiyan Athirai's next directorial venture is titled Thandakaaranayam. Backed by Pa Ranjith under his banner Neelam Productions, the title look of the film was released by the makers. The poster features a gun-like bridge on top of which the film characters, a jeep and a tent stand. Notably, Athiyan Athirai’s directorial debut Irandam Ulagaporin Kadaisi Gundu (2019) was a critically acclaimed film. Justin Prabhakaran has composed the music.
Thandakaaranayam has an ensemble cast including Kalaiyarasan, Attakathi Dinesh, Riythvika, Vinsu Sam, Shabeer Kallarakkal and Bala Saravanan. The editing has been handled by Selva RK and the cinematography has been done by Pratheep Kaliraja.
Asif Ali and Soubin Shahir reunite for an untitled Malayalam film, the actors have previously worked in Virus (2019), Anuraga Karikkin Vellam (2016) and Mera Naam Shaji (2019). The makers of the film have made the announcement on the occasion of Asif Ali’s birthday. The film will be directed by debutant Nahas Nazar and produced by Ashiq Usman and Khalid Rahman under the banner Ashiq Usman Production. Vishnu Vijay will score music for the film
Intinti Ramayanam, which means every house’s saga, follows a family in rural Telangana. The teaser opens by showing us a happy easy going fun family until they are summoned to a police station for a case registered.
Written and directed by Suresh Nadedla, the film is produced by Venkat Uppaturi and Gopichand Innamuri. It stars Naresh Vijaya Krishna, Rahul Ramakrishna, Navya Swamy, Surabhi Prabhavathi and Gangavva. SB Uddhav is the editor and PC Mouli is the cinematographer. Kalyani Malik has scored the music.
Actor-Director Vishwak Sen announced on his social media that the release of his next Das Ka Dhamki is postponed due to pending CG work. The film was originally slated to release on February 17 and the new release date will be announced soon. Das Ka Dhamki is Vishwak Sen’s second directorial project after Falaknuma Das (2019).
Written by Prasanna Kumar Bezawada, the film is produced by Karate Raju under the banner Vishwaksen Cinemas. It co-stars Nivetha Pethuraj, Rao Ramesh, Tharun Bhascker and Akshara Gowda. Dinesh K Babu is the cinematographer, Anwar Ali is the editor and Leon James is the music composer.
Composed and Arranged by Jakes Bejoy, “Puthuthayorith” is a soft, beautiful song sung by Shahabaz Aman. The song features Joju George and Anjali. Muhsin Parari has penned the lyrics. Iratta is written and directed by Rohit MG Krishnan and follows the story of twin cop brothers Vinod and Pramod. Produced by Martin Prakkat, Joju George and Sijo Vadakkan, it co-stars Srinda and Arya Salim. Manu Antony has handled the editing for the film and Vijay has cranked the camera.
Directed by Dinakar Thoogudeepa, the Virat-Sanjana Anand starrer is titled Royal. The director wanted the title to be something that gets easily registered by the viewers and felt that Royal has a mass appeal. Billed as a commercial entertainer, the film co-stars Raghu Mukherjee, Abhilash, and YouTuber Gaurav Shetty.
Directed by Shan Thulaseedharan, Dear Vaappi which chronicles a father-daughter relationship is slated to hit the screens on February 17. It is centred around Basheer, a tailor by profession, and his daughter Amira, a model with big aspirations for her future. Produced by R Muthaiah Murali under the banner Crown Films, the film stars Lal, Anagha Narayanan, Niranj Maniyanpilla Raju in the lead roles.