News

The 69th, and possibly last, film of popular Tamil-language cinema actor Vijay before he enters politics full time, has set a producer, director and release date.

The as-yet-untitled film will be directed by H. Vinoth, whose last three films “Nerkonda Paarvai” (2019), “Valimai” (2022), and “Thunivu” (2023) all starred Ajith Kumar. It will be produced by Venkat K. Narayana for Kvn Productions, with Jagadish Palanisamy and Lohith N.K. as co-producers. Kvn is currently producing Geethu Mohandas’ “Toxic – A Fairytale for Grown Ups” alongside “K.G.F.” star Yash’s Monster Mind Creations.

Anirudh Ravichander will compose the music. While no plot details have been provided, a line on the project’s announcement poster says: “The torch bearer of democracy. Arriving soon…” The film is due to release in October 2025 in the Tamil, Telugu and Hindi languages.

Vijay’s “The Greatest of All Time” is currently on release and has grossed more than $46.8 million. Over the latest weekend,...

Kochi, Jan 17 (Ians) Kerala High Court pointed out to increasing intolerance when it comes to matters of faith by referring to petition against a scene in an upcoming Malayalam film ‘Antony’ where a gun is placed in a Bible.

“Should we be so intolerant that even for a passing reference to a book you should take up objection? Even if it is Bible, doesn’t there need to be a negative reference or connotation for you to object,” asked Justice Ramachandran.

The Court remarked that whatever be the holy text used in the scene, some section would be unhappy.

“Bible is used to hide a gun so Christians are unhappy. If it is Gita, Hindus will become unhappy. If it is Quran, Muslims will be unhappy,” the judge said.

He added that such scenes were frequently there in English movies from 1960s and 70s.

“Keeping a gun in a Bible...

Kochi, Oct 9 (Ians) The Kerala High Court has asked the State Police chief to take note and act against the vloggers who play truant with vested interests against new movies.

Justice Devan Ramachandran was hearing a petition filed by Mubeen Rauf, the director of the film ‘Aromalinte Adyathe Pranayam’ who brought to fore the negative impact the of the vloggers’ “foul play” on the film industry and sought action.

Stressing on the need for checks and balances, Justice Ramachandran said, “The State Police Chief, through the learned Government Pleader, will also inform this court as to if an individual or an entity can file a complaint against such activities, including unlawful and motivated ‘Review Bombing’; and the modus for such, leading to the manner of investigation and its conclusion, apart from other suggestions.

“It must, however, be specifically kept in mind by the State Police Chief that, what he is...

Kochi, Oct 9 (Ians) The Kerala High Court has asked the State Police chief to take note and act against the vloggers who play truant with vested interests against new movies.

Justice Devan Ramachandran was hearing a petition filed by Mubeen Rauf, the director of the film ‘Aromalinte Adyathe Pranayam’ who brought to fore the negative impact the of the vloggers’ “foul play” on the film industry and sought action.

Stressing on the need for checks and balances, Justice Ramachandran said, “The State Police Chief, through the learned Government Pleader, will also inform this court as to if an individual or an entity can file a complaint against such activities, including unlawful and motivated ‘Review Bombing’; and the modus for such, leading to the manner of investigation and its conclusion, apart from other suggestions.

“It must, however, be specifically kept in mind by the State Police Chief that, what he is...

Raising their concerns over the proposed regulation by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to selectively ban Ott apps in the event of a law and order situation, at least 11 consumer groups on Monday said the proposal would lead to overregulation and would create regulatory uncertainty in the domestic market.

One of the concerns cited by the organisations, including the Consumer Unity & Trust Society (Cuts), Consumer Guidance Society and Consumer Guild, among others, is that Ott service providers are already regulated under the It Act 2000 which will be replaced by the upcoming Digital India Act (Dia). Therefore, such consultations should form part of Digital India Act and any other additional consultations by regulators like Trai will also lead to an overlap of the regulatory structure.

Trai in July started the process to examine the issue of regulating Ott communication apps.

“The proposed framework for selective banning of Ott applications...

TributeThe filmmaker, often credited with revolutionising cinema, passed away by assisted death in Switzerland on September 13.CrisJean-Luc Godard / Courtesy - IFFKNo one had expected 90-year-old Jean-Luc Godard to show up on stage in Thiruvananthapuram, when Kerala’s most cherished film festival – International Film Festival of Kerala – was belatedly held in February last year. Godard, a pioneer of the new wave French cinema in the 60s, was declared the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the fest, held two months too late because of Covid-19. But when the big screen at the Nishagandhi Auditorium lit up to show his face, a Cuban cigar in his hands, the crowd sat bewildered. They broke into laughter and applause at his first line: “Ok I will speak with the tongue of the dominators, I will speak in English.” Godard, a beloved of the festival crowd of Kerala, accepted the award, mocked the language...