Everything That Made News In Entertainment From The South (May 19 - 25)
Ajith Kumar’s Good Bad Ugly gets its first look poster (Tamil)
The makers of Ajith Kumar’s next film Good Bad Ugly released the first look poster of the actor. Seen in three distinct shades, Ajith Kumar seems to be playing another gangster after his fan-favourit Vedalam character. The poster also sees the Valimai star showing the finger and wearing a knucklebuster.
Good, Bad, Ugly is written and directed by Adhik Ravichandran and is backed by Mythrie Movie Makers. Devi Sri Prasad is set to handle the music while Abhinandan Ramanujam cranks the camera. The film is set to release in Pongal 2025.
Darshan’s The Devil gets a release window (Kannada)
After the success of Kaatera, actor Darshan Thoogudeepa will be next seen in the film The Devil. The makers of the film recently announced that the film will be released for Christmas. While it was initially planned for an earlier release, the makers postponed it following Darshan’s injury.
The Devil is directed by debutant Prakash Veer. The film also stars Mahesh Manjrekar and Rachana Rai in lead roles. The film has B Ajaneesh Loknath as the composer and Sudhakar S Raj as the cinematographer.
Karthi’s next with C Prem Kumar gets a title (Tamil)
After the success of 96, filmmaker Prem Kumar is set to return to the director’s chair after six years with Karthi. The makers recently announced the title of the film, which is called Meiyazhagan. The announcement came with a first-look poster that sees Karthi sitting on the backseat of a cycle that is ridden by Arvind Swamy. The background has multiple illustrations.
Meiyazhagan is written and directed by C Prem Kumar and is backed by Suriya and Jyothika under the 2D Entertainments banner. The film also stars Sri Divya, Saran Shakthi, and Rajkiran. Govind Vasantha handles the music while Mahendran Jeyaraju handles the camera.
Jeethu Joseph and Mohanlal’s Ram finally gets a release window (Malayalam)
Jeethu Joseph and Mohanlal have collaborated on multiple films such as the Drishyam series and the latest Neru. They have also been working on an action film called Ram which has been delayed since 2020. Now, the first part of the film is reportedly set to release this Christmas. Producer Ramesh S Pillai announced the news during an audio launch.
Ram is directed by Jeethu Joseph and is backed by Ramesh S Pillai and Sudhan Sundharam under the Peacock Film Production, Abhishek Films, and Passion Studios banners. Satheesh Kurup handles the cinematography while Vishnu Shyam handles the music. The film also stars Trisha, Indrajith Sukumaran, and Adil Hussain.
Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2 gets a release date (Tamil)
Kamal Haasan was last seen in the action film Vikram. The actor has been filming for Shankar’s Indian 2 since 2017. After numerous delays, the much-awaited sequel will finally be out on July 12. The makers announced the release date earlier this week and also released the first single ‘Paara’ from the film.
Indian 2 is directed by Shankar and is backed by Subaskaran under the Lyca Productions banner. The film has an ensemble cast of Siddharth, Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh, Bobby Simha, Vivek, Nedumudi Venu, and more. Anirudh handles the music while Ravi Varman cranks the camera.
Jr. NTR’s next with Prashanth Neel to begin shooting this year (Telugu)
While Jr. NTR awaits the release of his next pan-Indian period film Devara: Part 1, the makers of his next film with Prashanth Neel have made an announcement. Tentatively titled NTR 31, the action entertainer will reportedly begin production in August 2024. Mythrie Movie Makers, who are backing the project, made the announcement.
Jr. NTR will also be seen in the YRF Spy Universe film War 2 before heading to NTR 31. Prashanth Neel last helmed the action film Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire. The filmmaker is currently in production for the second part with Prabhas.
Ilaiyaraaja sends legal notice to the producers of Manjummel Boys (Malayalam)
While Manjummel Boys brought back the song 'Kanmanni Anbodu' to everyone's playlists, composer Ilaiyaraaja seems to have an issue with using his composition in the film. The noted composer reportedly sent a legal notice to the producers of the film, claiming that he had the legal and moral rights over the song. The notice was reportedly sent to Soubin Shahir, Shawn Antony, and Babu Shahir of Parava Films. The song featured in a pivotal scene in the film, which was set in the Guna Caves. The filmmakers reportedly stated that they had obtained permission for using the song. Guna actor and writer Kamal Hassan too had endorsed the useage of the song after the film's release.
Dhruva Sarja’s Martin is finally set to hit screens on this date (Kannada)
After numerous delays, Dhruva Sarja’s pan-Indian action entertainer Martin will finally hit the screens on October 11. The actor was last seen in the commercial entertainer Pogaru and also has the Prem directorial KD in the making.
Martin is directed by AP Arjun from a script by Arjun Sarja. The film has Vaibhavi Shandilya, Anveshi Jain, and Sukrutha Waghle in the lead roles. Uday K Mehta backs the film under the Vasavi Enterprises banner. Ravi Basrur handles the score while Mani Sharma composes the songs.
Dheekshith Shetty’s next gets a title and first look (Kannada)
Dheekshth Shetty was last seen in the sci-fi thriller Blink, which was a huge hit. Now the actor is set to return with the heist comedy Bank of Bhagyalakshmi (BOB). The actor announced the film with a first-look poster which sees him in a Western garb while holding a revolver with a fox mask on his knee. The background sees multiple other characters in a wasteland of sorts.
BOB is directed by Abhishek in his directorial debut. The film is backed by HK Prakash under the Sri Devi Enterprises banner. The film also stars Brinda Acharya, Sadhu Kokila, and Gopalkrishna Deshpande. Judah Sandy handles the music while Abhishek G Kasargod handles the cinematography.
Mohanlal’s L2: Empuraan gets a new poster (Malayalam)
On the occasion of Mohanlal’s birthday, the makers of his upcoming action film L2: Empuraan unveiled a new poster for the film. The poster sees Mohanlal’s character, Khureshi-Ab’ram amidst a group of hitmen in suits. Filming for the project is currently underway with Prithviraj Sukumaran returning to helm the film.
L2: Empuraan is directed by Prithviraj, who also helmed the original Lucifer, from a script by Murali Gopi. Lyca Productions joined hands with Aashirvad Cinemas to back the project. Sijjith Vasudev handles the cinematography while Deepak Dev handles the music. Manju Warrier and Tovino Thomas are expected to return for the sequel.
Kajal Aggarwal’s Satyabhama gets a new release date (Telugu)
Kajal Aggarwal's action film Satyabhama will finally hit theatres on June 7. The release date was postponed multiple times and finally seems to be locked in. The film is directed by Suman Chikkala and is backed by Aurum Arts. Sricharan Pakala handles the music while Vishnu Besi handles the cinematography.
Ashika Ranganath joins the cast of Chiranjeevi’s next (Telugu)
Actress Ashika Ranganath has reportedly joined the cast of Chiranjevi’s next film Vishwambara. The actress is known for her work in the Kannada film industry and made her Telugu debut with Amigos. She was also seen in this year’s Nagarjuna-starrer Naa Saamy Ranga.
Vishwambara is directed by Mallidi Vassishta and is backed by UV Creations. The film also stars Trisha, Meenakshi Chaudhary, and Kunal Kapoor. Chota K Naidu handles the cinematography while MM Keeravani composes the music. The film is set to be released on January 10, 2025.