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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.
Samantha’s Shaakuntalam narrates the love story of mythological characters Shakuntala and King Dushyant, played by Samantha and Dev Mohan. The trailer of Shaakuntalam tells us that it is “a whimsical tale of love from Mahabharatha”. The trailer beams of majestic visuals, statues, and grand palaces. Samantha also gets a beautiful introduction in the forest covered in butterflies. The story of Shakuntala is set to hit screens on February 17, 2023, in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi.
Written and directed by Gunasekhar, the film is produced by Neelima Guna. It co-stars Allu Arha, Sachin Khedekar, Kabir Bedi, Dr Mohan Babu, Prakash Raj, Madhubala, Gautami, and Aditi Balan. Mani Sharma has composed the music.
The Tamil Nadu government allowed the screening of one extra show for Thunivu and Varisu on January 12, 13, and 18. Earlier the government had banned the screening of 4 AM and 5 AM shows for both the films. Theatre owners had requested for an extra show and on behalf of the Governor, the permit for the extra show has been issued.
Navya Nair and Saiju Kurup reunite in Aneesh Upasana's next. The film is titled Janaki Jaane, and the makers released the first look poster. The film is said to be a light-hearted entertainer where Navya Nair and Saiju Kurup would be seen playing a married couple. The film also stars Sharafudheen and Johny Antony in pivotal roles. Syamprakash MS is the cinematographer and Noufal Abdullah is the editor.
The first look of Goodachari 2 was launched in Mumbai, which also marks the franchise's entry into Hindi cinema. G2 is the sequel to the 2018 espionage drama Goodachari where Adivi Sesh played the role of Agent 116. Actor-screenwriter Adivi Sesh is collaborating with TG Vishwa Prasad and Abhishek Agarwal of People Media Factory and Abhishek Agarwal Arts for the sequel of Goodachari. The film will be directed by Vinay Kumar Sirigineedi and the script will be penned by Adivi Sesh. The prevision video released by the makers gives a sneak peek into the spy world of G2.
Rajinikanth's next is Jailer, helmed by Nelson of Doctor fame. The film has Rajinikanth playing the titular character, a prison guard. While Kannada actor Shivrajkumar was earlier roped into play a pivotal character, there are also reports that actress Ramya Krishnan might be a part of the cast. Apart from these actors, the latest to join the sets of Jailer is Malayalam superstar Mohanlal. The production house confirmed the same by sharing a picture of Mohanlal from the sets of Jailer. Reportedly, 70% of the film's shooting is complete.
Helmed by Karthik Venugopal, Hiphop Tamizha Adhi’s HHT7 is now titled PT Sir. It is said to be a fun-filled entertainer and the makers have released its first look. The poster shows Adhi with basketballs, a football, and a cricket bat. Kashmira Pardeshi will be reuniting with Adhi after Anbarivu.
Produced by Ishari Ganesh under the banner Vels Film International, the film also stars Anikha Surendran, Pandiarajan, Thiagarajan, and Munishkanth. Madhesh Manickam is the cinematographer and GK Prasanna is the editor. Adhi himself has composed the music for the film.
Billed as a romantic musical, Love Birds stars real-life couple Krishna and Milana Nagaraj in lead roles. Directed by PC Shekar, the film revolves around a couple and their life post-marriage. The makers recently released the first look poster of Milana's character. She plays the role of a fashion designer named Pooja who is very ambitious and focused. Produced by Kaddipudi Chandru, Shakti Shekar has handled the cinematography and Arjun Janya has composed the music for the film.
Comedian turned actor Komal Kumar’s Kalaya Namaha has grown into a grander project as actor Prakash Raj joined the sets. The film also marks Komal Kumar’s return as a lead after five years. Directed by Mathivanan, the film is backed by Anusuya Komal Kumar. The film co-stars Asia Firdose, Suchendra Prasad and Tilak in prominent roles.
In a wild vs human set up, Kalvan narrates the culture and struggles of people living alongside the hilly regions of Kadampur. When elephants begin to attack their houses, the villagers move to the court, but the judge questions whether the animal is invading their place or is it the other way round. The teaser also hints that the film will focus on traditions like Mayana Kolai and others.
Helmed by PV Shankar, the film stars GV Prakash Kumar, Bharathi Raja and Ivana. Raymond Derrick Crasta has edited the film and PV Shankar has handled the cinematography as well. GV Prakash Kumar has also scored the music for the film.
Helmed by Senna Hegde of 1744 White Alto fame, Padmini stars Kunchacko Boban and Aparna Balamurali in lead roles. The shooting for the film commenced with a customary pooja. Deepu Pradeep of Kunjiramayanam fame has penned the script for the film. Produced by Prasobh Krishna and Suvin K Varkey under the banner Little Big Films, the film will have music by Jakes Bejoy.
Actor Ramki joined the cast of Venkat Prabhu’s Tamil-Telugu bilingual film Custody. Ramki and Ventak Prabhu had earlier worked in Biriyani (2013). Custody features Naga Chaitanya in the lead role and Arvind Swamy as the antagonist. Produced by Srinivasaa Chitturi, the film also stars Sarathkumar, Sampath, and Priyamani. SR Kathir has handled the cinematography and Venkat Raajen has edited the film. The father-son duo of Ilaiyaraaja and Yuvan Shankar Raja have composed the music.
Helmed by Shaji Kailas, Hunt is a suspense thriller set in the backdrops of a medical college. Bhavana essays the role of a resident doctor named Keerthy. Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran revealed the first look of Hunt, which gives a eerie and haunting vibe.
The script for the film has been penned by debutant Nikhil Anand. Produced by Jayalakshmi Films, the film also stars Aditi Ravi, Chandhunadh, and Ajmal Ameer. Jackson has handled the cinematography and Kailas Menon has scored the music.
Director Raaj Sharan's sophomore directorial Modala Male is said to be a comedy film with elements of horror. Rain is said to have an important connection with the narrative. The film stars Raja Narasimha in the lead role and will have nine heroines including Sahithya Prakash, Pooja Ramachandra, Anjali, Usha, and Priya Shetty. Krishna Pujari and Manu Dasappa are the cinematographers and Ravish and Prasannd Bhoja Shettar are the musicians.
Devi Neeye is a devotional song composed by Bijibal in the film Thankam. The song features Vineeth Srinivasan and Aparna Balamurali praying in temples, glimpses of Biju Menon are also shown in the song. Anwar Ali has penned the lyrics for Devi Neeye and the song was rendered by Najim Arshad.
Thankam is a crime drama directed by Syam Pushkaran. Produced by Fahadh Faasil, Dileesh Pothan and Syam Pushkaran, the film also stars Girish Kulkarni, Kochu Preman, and Vineeth Thattil. Gautham Sankar is the cinematographer and Kiran Das is the editor. The film is slated to hit screens on January 26.
Billed as a thriller, the world of Sabari gives a sneak peek into the peaceful lives of a mother and daughter before they are hit by tragedy. The film explores the theme of how far one will go to save the life of their loved ones. Helmed by Anil Katz, the film stars Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Ganesh Venkatraman, and Shashank.
Kunjammini’s Hospital, helmed by Sanal V Devan, is a fantasy comedy. The film stars Prakash Raj, Indrajith Sukumaran, and Nyla Usha in the main roles. The first look of the film shared by Indrajith on his social media looks whimsical and intriguing. It which features all the characters with heaven in the background.
Written by Abhayakumar K and Anil Kurian, the film will be backed by Wow Cinemas. Ranjin Raj is the music composer and Mansoor Muthukutty is the editor.
Directed by Sai Shivan Jampana, Vaira is Kannada-Telugu bilingual film. Pranam Devaraj made his acting debut with Kumari 21F (2015) in which he was seen as a chocolate boy. However, his character in Vaira is said to be very different and intense. He is going to essay the role of an action hero. Gopinath will handle the cinematography and Mahati Swara Sagar will compose the music.