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How Tamil Cinema’s 10-Year Transformation Set The Stage For 2025’s ₹50 Cr Blockbuster Wave ( Photo Credit – X )

Tamil cinema has been quietly reinventing what it takes to make a solid story and sell it to a wider audience. This quiet revolution of money, metrics, and storytelling has brought the area to the forefront of Indian cinema.

From raw indie dramas to polished pan-Indian spectacles, Tamil cinema has spent the last ten years laying the groundwork for its current box office dominance, and 2025 is simply reaping the rewards.

Tamil cinema’s quiet revolution that began in the 2010s

Back in the early 2010s, Tamil cinema was already experimenting with complex storytelling and bold themes—Aaranya Kaandam brought neo-noir into the mainstream, while Subramaniapuram and Pariyerum Perumal proved that gritty, rooted narratives could still pull crowds. Directors like Vetrimaaran, Lokesh Kanagaraj, and Mari Selvaraj were redrawing the boundaries of storytelling.

Trending What Was Vijay Sethupathi Accused Of?...

Dhadak 2 remake: The trailer of films one after the other is being released. Those who are getting tremendous love from the audience. Which also has a trailer of a beating 2. Actually yesterday where the trailer of ‘Son of Sardar 2’ was released, then the same Siddharth chaturvedi And Tripti Dimri of Dhadak 2 The trailer has also been released. Which is impressing people a lot. But now the news that has come in it of South film Remake It has been told.

Dhadak 2 Remake: Dhadak 2 is remake film

Bollywood is again bringing a romantic drama film in the next month. Where there is a lot of romantic drama films this month. So the next month is also going to start with the romantic drama film ‘Dhadak 2’. Whose trailer leaving an impression on the audience has been released. In which people have liked the story between Trupti Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi.

Karki Ott Debut: The Powerful Caste Drama Is Finally Streaming – All Details Inside(Photo Credit –YouTube)

Karki, the Kannada-language adaptation of Mari Selvaraj’s critically acclaimed Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal (2018), and starring Jai Prakash Reddy and Meenakshi Dinesh in the lead roles, was released in theatres on September 20, 2024. And now, almost nine months after its theatrical release, the film is all set for its streaming debut. Read on to learn about Karki’s Ott release date and streaming platform, what it’s about, and whether you should watch it or not.

Karki – Plot & Cast

Directed by veteran Tamil filmmaker Pavithran (marking his Kannada directorial debut), this socially relevant film ostensibly follows the story of Muthuraj (played by Jai Prakash Reddy), a young man from rural Karnataka who relocates to a city because of a lack of opportunities in his village. While pursuing BA Llb, he befriends an upper-class girl, Jyothi Lakshmi...

A.R. Rahman And Dhanush Collaboration (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Music maestro Ar Rahman is a name that resonates with almost every Indian. His background scores have not only enhanced cinematic moments but also played a key role in making several films unforgettable. Dhanush, on the other hand, first caught our attention as an actor.

Over time, Dhanush rose to stardom, building a loyal fan base. He later branched out into direction and writing, taking creative control of projects like Idly Kadai (yet to be released), Nilavuku Enmel Ennadi Kobam, Raayan, and Power Paandi.

The Mega Collaboration

Getting to the point, Ar Rahman and Dhanush have already teamed up on multiple projects in the past, such as Maryan, Raanjhanaa, and Raayan, the latter being directed by Dhanush himself. Now, the duo is reuniting again, this time as actor and composer for a film tentatively titled D56, according to 123telugu.com. The news...

15 Great Movies About Caste Discrimination, Dalit Resistance, And Ambedkarite Politics In India: Cinema in India has long mirrored the country’s social hierarchies, often reinforcing dominant-caste narratives while rendering Dalit experiences invisible. Yet, scattered across the decades are films that dared to challenge caste orthodoxy—some subtly, others with unflinching rage. In a country where caste continues to shape social structures and individual destinies, films that confront caste-based discrimination and engage with Ambedkarite politics occupy a crucial space in the cultural discourse. These films do more than tell stories—they challenge hierarchies, provoke dialogue, and assert the humanity and dignity of those historically marginalized.

At its core, Ambedkarite politics calls for the annihilation of caste, not just through legal reform but through social transformation, education, and self-respect. It rejects caste-based hierarchies and ritualistic practices that uphold Brahmanical dominance, advocating instead for equality, dignity, and justice rooted in constitutional rights and rational thought.

Everything About Anupama Parameswaran Amid Her Dating Rumors With Dhruv Vikram (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Anupama Parameswaran has been making the news, not only about her movies but also about the rumors about her relationships. The actress has raised fresh conjectures about being in a relationship with actor Dhruv Vikram after fans noticed their interesting link on a music app. But are the claims true?

Anupama Parameswaran’s Journey In Cinema

Anupama Parameswaran was born in Irinjalakuda, Kerala in 1996. A Malayali by birth, she is the daughter of Parameswaran Erekka and Sunitha Parameswaran. Anupama’s journey to acting began when she dropped out of college in Communicative English.

The turning point in her life was the Malayalam film Premam (2015), in which she played Mary. The film was a massive success and launched Anupama’s career into orbit. Thereafter, she made some notable films, including James & Alice, A Aa (Telugu), Kodi (Tamil), and Sathamanam Bhavati.

Here’s a call for all the fans of amazing South Indian actor Dhanush, who is all set to reunite with visionary director Mari Selvaraj for their much-anticipated project, which is tentatively titled as D56. This is not a first time collaboration but in actual fact Dhanush joined the distinguished director Mari Selvaraj in 2021 and this duo had given out the blockbuster movie Karnan which has captured the hearts of the viewers and has left an indelible impression in the land of cinema.

Now, finally after four years this duo is getting on stage to blow the minds of audiences through their unique storytelling prowess. So, let’s take a deeper look into the upcoming project of Dhanush and Mari Selvaraj through this blog post now!

What’s the partnering up of Dhanush and Mari Selvaraj bringing for us?

The collaboration of Dhanush and Mari Selvaraj is all decked up...

Anticipation is building for the upcoming Tamil sports drama, Bison: Kaalamaadan, directed by the visionary Mari Selvaraj. While Dhruv Vikram takes center stage as the lead, the film boasts a stellar ensemble cast that promises to elevate the narrative to new heights. Let’s delve into the pivotal roles played by Lal, Anupama Parameswaran, Pasupathy, Kalaiyarasan, and Rajisha Vijayan, and explore how their characters enrich this cinematic journey.

Vikram takes on the lead role, portraying the character of Manathi Ganesan, an Arjuna Award-winning Kabaddi player. This film is based on the real-life story of Ganesan, highlighting his journey and achievements in the sport.

Anupama Parameswaran plays a significant role in the film, although specific details about her character have not been publicly disclosed.

Lal: The mentor with a steely resolve

Veteran actor Lal steps into the shoes of a seasoned Kabaddi coach, a character etched with experience and unwavering determination.

Here’s A Look At The Top 5 Awaited Tamil Movies (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Tamil cinema is set for an exciting year with a stellar lineup of films featuring gripping narratives, compelling visuals, and power-packed performances. Here’s a look at the top five Tamil films generating buzz that should be on your watchlist!

Test

Helmed by debutant director S. Shashikanth, Test is one of the most anticipated sports dramas of the year. The film boasts a stellar star cast, including R. Madhavan, Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, Lirish Rahav, Kaali Venkat, Murugadoss, Nassar, Mohan Raman, and Vinay Varma. Test revolves around the world of cricket, telling the story of a national-level cricketer, a scientist, and a teacher. The film is slated for release on April 4, 2025.

Rakkayie

Rakkayie is an upcoming period action drama starring Nayanthara. It is directed by Senthil Nallasamy and tells the story of a courageous mother who declares...

The much-awaited first look of Bison is here!

Applause Entertainment, in collaboration with Neelam Studios has unveiled the striking first look of Bison, an electrifying sports drama directed by the acclaimed Mari Selvaraj.

Starring the legendary Vikram’s son Dhruv Vikram in a transformative role as a Kabaddi player, alongside Anupama Parameswaran, the film is inspired by true events and brings to life a gripping tale of passion, resilience, and triumph against all odds.

Sameer Nair says, “The purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you what or how to think and feel, but to give you something to think and feel about. This is what we strive to do. Building a scalable creative business requires art, science and magic blended with considerable fiscal discipline. The journey from being ‘Applause Entertainment’ to becoming the ‘House of Applause’ has been a dramatic yet rewarding ride and the love has been definitely worth all the risk.

Dhruv Vikram Bison First Look (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Dhruv Vikram has been teasing his upcoming film Bison for quite some time now. The film wrapped up filming on February 17, 2025. In his Instagram post, he thanked the film’s director Mari Selvaraj, and called the film ‘life-changing’ as well. The movie has been in the works since 2020, and finally, fans will get to see its first look.

When is the first look of Bison releasing?

On March 5, 2025, Dhruv Vikram first announced the teaser with a black and white poster. A man’s silhouette is placed on the right and it is facing left. The man is wearing a white shirt. The film’s title is written horizontally along with supplementary information like the producers and the director of the film.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dhruv (@dhruv.vikram)

On March 6, 2025, he dropped yet another teaser poster, hyping...

Dhadak 2: Sidhant Chaturvedi & Triptii Dimri’s Film Faces Issues With The Censor Board ( Photo Credit – YouTube )

Sidhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri‘s much-anticipated romantic drama Dhadak 2 was supposed to arrive on Holi, and fans were very eager to see the two actors together on screen. Now, as per the latest reports, the film is not being released on Holi anymore as it is facing trouble with the Censor Board!

Reports suggest that the romantic drama is now stuck with the Central Board of Film Certification. The film, as per murmurs, has been very well made, but the issue lies with its certification.

A report by Bollywood Hungama suggests that the Cbfc is very confused about the certification and category of Dhadak 2 since it is based on caste issues and is a gut-wrenching tale. Even the examining committee is happy with the film but needs time to ponder its certification.

Vaazhai, directed by Mari Selvaraj, is a Tamil film that delves into the life of Sivanandan, a young boy from rural Tamil Nadu. It isn’t just another coming-of-age story. It’s a hard-hitting portrayal of Sivanandan‘s life and the mental battles he fights in the face of overwhelming odds. The narrative offers a poignant exploration of mental health and inner strength, set against the backdrop of societal oppression and child labor.

Plot overview

Sivanandan, the protagonist, grows up in a rural village in Tamil Nadu, where life revolves around the banana plantations. Poverty is the norm, education is a distant dream, and survival is a daily struggle. From the very beginning, we see how Sivanandan is forced into adult responsibilities way too soon. His desire to escape the monotonous cycle of poverty and find meaning in life drives the story forward.

The narrative is simple but layered. It...

Tamil Ott Releases: The world of Tamil cinema is thriving on Ott platforms, offering a plethora of new movies and web series for audiences to enjoy. This week, several exciting Tamil Ott releases are set to capture viewers’ attention across platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Tentkotta, and Disney+ Hotstar. Here’s a closer look at some notable titles that have recently premiered or are about to be released.

1. Snakes and Ladders

One of the most anticipated Tamil Ott releases is the series Snakes and Ladders, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on October 18. Produced by Kalyan Subramanian under A Stone Bench Production, this series features a stellar cast including Naveen Chandra, Nandha, and Manoj Bharathiraja. Set in the mid-2000s, it follows the adventures of four school friends—Gilly, Irai, Sandy, and Bala—navigating the complexities of adolescence and friendship.

2. Kadaisi Ulaga Por

Another significant entry in the realm of...

In June 2023, Aanand L. Rai and Dhanush announced their third collaboration, Tere Ishk Mein, following the success of Raanjhanaa and Atrangi Re. However, nearly a year has passed since the announcement with little to no development on the project, sparking numerous rumors about its status. According to Peepingmoon, the film is still on but has faced production delays.

Sources indicate that Dhanush’s commitments to his Tamil films have caused the postponement of Tere Ishk Mein. “Dhanush has several prior commitments down south that he wants to complete before dedicating two months to Aanand L. Rai’s film. The director acknowledged his concern and has agreed to wait for him. They’re now aiming to start the film around October–November 2024,” a source revealed. The film will be shot in a two-month, continuous schedule in Varanasi and other locations in Uttar Pradesh, with a theatrical release targeted for mid-2025.

Described as a tragic love story,...

The makers on Tuesday announced an untitled raw sports drama starring superstar Chiyaan Vikram’s son Dhruv Vikram and Anupama Parameswaran in the lead, which will be directed by Mari Selvaraj.

Selvaraj’s untitled project marks the beginning of a multi-film alliance between Applause Entertainment and Neelam Studios, which is led by Pa Ranjith and producer Aditi Anand.

The inaugural project from this alliance is the highly anticipated sports drama, directed by the acclaimed director Mari Selvaraj, the creative force behind the recent blockbusters Maamannan and Karnan.

The project, which is scheduled to commence production in early 2024, is a tale of guts, grit and glory in the life of a young man where the whole world was a Goliath to his David.

A story of a man who defied the lines on his hand to achieve what no one thought possible, to choose sport over a gun, peace over violence and life over death.

Mari Selvaraj, the acclaimed director of Karnan, Maamannan and Pariyerum Perumal, is reportedly in talks with actor Kavin to helm his next project. According to Vikatan, the movie may begin after completing Dhruv Vikram’s movie and before going to Dhanush’s movie.

Mari Selvaraj is currently working on his fourth film with Dhruv Vikram, which is said to be a sports drama. The film is expected to go on floors soon and will be produced by Pa Ranjith’s Neelam Productions. However, as Dhanush has a huge line-up of films, there will be a break after completing Dhruv’s movie. So, Mari Selvaraj is planning to do one movie with Kavin in the meantime.

Maamannan Trailer

Kavin, who rose to fame with his stint in the reality show Bigg Boss Tamil 3, made his debut as a lead actor in Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma. He also played a supporting role in Sivappu Manjal Pachai.

National Film AwardsCinematographer PC Sreeram and Telugu actor Nani were among those who expressed disappointment over Jai Bhim not winning National Awards.The 69th National Film Awards were announced on Thursday, August 25, and films like Kadaisi Vivasayi, Kashmir Files, Rrr, Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, were among the winners. However, several felt that movies like Sarpatta Parambarai, Karnan, and Jai Bhim were snubbed by the jury because of the social message present in the films and the way these movies took on casteism. Several people took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their discontent with the winners of the national awards and that the above mentioned movies did not win. Noted cinematographer PC Sreeram also expressed his disappointment with Jai Bheem being left out. He said, “We in the film fraternity are united in our happiness for this year's National Awards. Did they leave out " jaibeem"due to any...

Filmmaker Mari Selvaraj, who is known for directing Dhanush in ‘Karnan’, is set to release his Tamil Ott series titled ‘Sos – Straight Outta Sunnambu Kaalvai’. The story revolves around the struggles of two generations of HipHop dance groups to build a dance studio in Sunnambu Kaalvai.

Mari Selvaraj serves as a showrunner on the show which has been written and directed by Suriya Raj.

Talking about the show, Mari Selvaraj said in a statement: “Exploring the most favourite genre of dance combined with heart wrenching drama, Sos unravels an extraordinary narrative. With hip-hop taking the centre stage in the hearts of youth, this show promises a dance revolution and the journey of passion, resilience, and self-discovery. I am thrilled to bring this unique inspiring tale to viewers”.

Selvaraj entered the Tamil film industry in 2006. He initially planned to become an actor, but later joined Ram, as an assistant director in three films,...

EntertainmentPopular actors Fahadh Faasil and Nazriya Nazim got married on August 21, 2014.Nazriya and Fahadh with their pet dog OreoActor Fahadh Faasil is known to be a bit of a social media recluse, so it was a rather special moment for his ardent fans when he took to Facebook on Monday, August 21 to pen a warm note for his wife and actor Nazriya Nazim on the occasion of their ninth wedding anniversary. “Thank you for the love. Thank you for the life. 9 years of US,” Fahadh wrote alongside a heartening picture of them together, looking away from the camera in what appears to be a foreign country. He credited the photograph to filmmaker Amal Neerad, who has directed Fahadh in films such as Iyobinte Pusthakam (2014) and Varathan (2018). On the occasion, Nazriya too took to social media to share a wholesome picture of the couple holding on to their eight-year-old dog, a Shih Tzu named Oreo.

Dhruv Vikram, the talented young actor and son of Chiyaan Vikram, is all set to make a big announcement on August 25th. According to reliable sources, the actor will reveal the details of his 4th movie, which will be directed by E.V. Ganesh Babu, who has previously helmed Yamuna and Kattil. The movie is expected to be a romantic drama with a social message, and will feature a fresh face as the female lead.

The most exciting news for the fans is that the music for the movie is likely to be composed by none other than the Mozart of Madras, A.R. Rahman. The Oscar-winning composer has worked with Dhruv’s father in several films, such as Raavanan, I and Mahaan, and has also scored the music for Dhruv’s debut film Adithya Varma. If the reports are true, this will be the second collaboration between Dhruv and Rahman,...

EntertainmentMari Selvaraj and Fahadh Faasil recently collaborated for Maamannan where the actor played the terrifying and casteist villain Rathnavelu. TwitterAnti-caste filmmaker Mari Selvaraj penned a heartfelt note for Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil’s birthday on Tuesday, August 8. The duo recently collaborated for Maamannan where Fahadh Faasil played the terrifying and casteist villain Rathnavelu. In his birthday wish, the director said that he created Rathnavelu’s character because of his expressive eyes and said that he likes them very much. Detailing the brief he gave Fahadh Faasil while playing Rathnavelu, Mari Selvaraj said, “In one eye, I asked you to firmly believe that the way of life that has been taught for generations is right. In the other eye, I had asked you to represent the confusion that the younger generation creates by asking fierce questions against the established norm. You perfectly portrayed two different lifestyles with your two eyes and carried it throughout the movie.

Social mediaAn ironic compilation of edits of the terrifying Rathnavel from Maamannan (played by Fahadh Faasil) have now become a symbol of caste pride for online caste groups, especially among the Gounders and Thevars (dominant caste groups in Tamil Nadu). It is not unusual for Tamil cinema fans to appreciate their favourite characters from movies by editing short video clips accompanied with ‘mass’ background music to express their love towards the actor and share it on social media platforms. While it is rare for antagonists to receive the same kind of adulation, Fahadh Faasil’s character Rathnavelu from Maamannan, has now been appropriated and celebrated by dominant caste groups on social media. These groups have expressed their love to Rathnavelu’s character by creating a compilation of ‘mass’ videos, asserting their caste pride by sharing them widely on social media. In anti-caste filmmaker Mari Selvaraj’s Maamannan, Rathnavelu, a dominant...

Mari Selvaraj, the talented filmmaker who delivered a blockbuster hit with Maamannan, is all set to start his next project with Dhruv Vikram, the son of superstar Vikram. The film will be a sports drama based on the life of a kabaddi player from Thoothukudi, a coastal town in Tamil Nadu.

According to sources, the film will be set in the 1990s and will showcase the struggles and achievements of a young man who dreams of becoming a kabaddi champion. Dhruv Vikram, who made his debut with the critically acclaimed Adithya Varma, will play the lead role of the kabaddi player. He has reportedly undergone rigorous training in kabaddi and has also learnt the local dialect of Thoothukudi for his role.

The film will also feature an ensemble cast of supporting actors, who will play the roles of the family members, friends and rivals of the protagonist. The details of...

Maamannan is a 2023 Tamil-language political thriller film that has been making waves on Netflix since its release. The film is now trending in Number 1 in Netflix. The film is written and directed by Mari Selvaraj, who is known for his critically acclaimed films like Pariyerum Perumal and Karnan, which deal with the issues of caste oppression and social justice in Tamil Nadu. The film also features a stellar cast of Vadivelu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Fahadh Faasil, and Keerthy Suresh, who have delivered powerful performances in their respective roles.

The film revolves around the conflict between Maamannan (Vadivelu), an Mla from the oppressed community, and Rathnavelu (Fahadh Faasil), the district secretary of the same party, who belongs to the dominant community. Rathnavelu is a ruthless and arrogant politician, who treats his subordinates and rivals with contempt and violence. He also indulges in dog races and kills the ones that lose. Maamannan, on the other hand,...

Writer-Director Mari Selvaraj had a generational revenge drama on his hands, but somehow, mid-way, it seems he decided to make a film on caste politics and the electoral powerplay in the country. The new film Maamannan features entertaining performances by Fahadh Faasil and Vadivelu. Udhayanidhi does a decent job of playing the hero, although his frozen face does become tiring considering the 157-minute runtime of the film.

The story of Maamannan begins by setting up the confrontation between Rathinavelu and Athiveeran, which becomes the catalyst for mending the bond between Athiveeran and his father, Maamannan. Maamannan goes through a radical change in his personality and starts his fight against the oppression that he has endured in the name of tradition.

Spoilers Ahead

Plot Synopsis: What Happens in ‘Maamannan’?

The seed of the story was sown many years ago. Maamannan’s son Athiveeran went swimming with his friends in a well,...

New Delhi, July 27 (Ians) With Ott platforms dishing up an overflowing platter of options, it’s hard to put together a must-watch list, especially if it’s limited to five. Here are the five new titles that have caught the attention of Ians:

From an investigative crime drama to a gripping thriller, to a love story, Ians has put together a slate that should grab the interest of diverse audiences, spanning interests and languages.

This week’s must-watch array of multi-genre content includes Urvashi’s 700th movie ‘Appatha’ to Vijay Varma and Shweta Tripathi’s investigative drama ‘Kaalkoot’. We also have Tamil political thriller ‘Maamannan’ to ‘Choona’, a thrilling heist drama loaded with perfect comic punches.

And, don’t forget Raveena Tandon and Milind Soman’s ‘One Friday Night’, which explores the complexities of relationships.

Kaalkoot

The investigative drama stars Vijay Varma and Shweta Tripathi Sharma, along with Yashpal Sharma,...

If you are looking for a gripping and engaging political drama with a star-studded cast, then you might want to check out Maamannan, a Tamil-language film that is now available on Netflix. The film, directed by Mari Selvaraj and produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin, features Vadivelu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Fahadh Faasil, and Keerthy Suresh in the lead roles. The music is composed by the legendary A. R. Rahman.

Maamannan, which means Emperor in Tamil, tells the story of a father and son duo who belong to an oppressed community and rise up in the political arena.

Maamannan Trailer

The film explores the themes of social justice, caste oppression, political rivalry, and family dynamics. It also showcases the culture and history of Tamil Nadu, especially the Adimurai martial art form. The film has some intense action sequences, emotional moments, and witty dialogues. The performances of the actors are commendable, especially Vadivelu, who is...

KollywoodMaamannan is Mari Selvaraj’s third film, starring Vadivelu, Fahadh Faasil, Keerthy Suresh and others.Vadivelu and director Mari Selvaraj fans can rejoice. Netflix has announced that Maamannan is set to stream on the Ott platform from July 27. Mari’s third film, and another success, is an anti-caste take on the cult classic, but caste-pride film Thevar Magan (1992) that had starred Vadivelu in a supporting role. Set in the Kongu belt of Tamil Nadu, in Salem, Maamannan also provides an insight into electoral politics in the region. Vadivelu as the titular character, plays a Dalit Mla from a reserved constituency. The story tracks his empowering journey alongside his son Adheeveran (Udhayanidhi Stalin) as he takes on caste oppressors within his own fictional political party. The film received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Maamannan cements Vadivelu, known primarily for comedy roles, as a powerful character actor. Maamannan also...

Netflix is bringing two exciting films from the South Indian cinema industry to its platform soon. One is Maamannan, a Tamil political thriller that will premiere on July 27. The other is Padmini, a Malayalam film that will be released later.

Maamannan, directed by Mari Selvaraj, features an ensemble cast of Vadivelu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Fahadh Faasil and Keerthy Suresh. The film explores the conflict between an Mla from an oppressed community and a district secretary from a dominant community, who are both members of the same party. The film has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, but has been appreciated for its performances and social message.

Padmini, directed by Senna Hegde, stars Kunchacko Boban, Madonna Sebastian and Aparna Balamurali in the lead roles. The film is a fun-filled tale of Rameshan, a part-time poet and a full-time college teacher, whose life takes a standstill when an extremely embarrassing situation makes...

Netflix is bringing two exciting films from the South Indian cinema industry to its platform soon. One is Maamannan, a Tamil political thriller that will premiere on July 27. The other is Padmini, a Malayalam film that will be released later.

Maamannan, directed by Mari Selvaraj, features an ensemble cast of Vadivelu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Fahadh Faasil and Keerthy Suresh. The film explores the conflict between an Mla from an oppressed community and a district secretary from a dominant community, who are both members of the same party. The film has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, but has been appreciated for its performances and social message.

Padmini, directed by Senna Hegde, stars Kunchacko Boban, Madonna Sebastian and Aparna Balamurali in the lead roles. The film is a fun-filled tale of Rameshan, a part-time poet and a full-time college teacher, whose life takes a standstill when an extremely embarrassing situation makes...

Film CommentaryMari said that Maamannan, his film’s powerful protagonist, is a reimagination of Esaki, a subservient character in ‘Thevar Magan’ who is willing to sacrifice his life for his master Sakthivelu, played by Kamal Haasan.Letting out a spoiler during the film Maamannan’s audio launch, Tamil filmmaker Mari Selvaraj said that his anti-caste film with Vadivelu and Udhayanidhi Stalin in the lead roles was “inspired” by the cult classic 1992 film Thevar Magan. Mari said that the powerful character of ‘Maamannan’, his film’s protagonist, is a reimagination of ‘Esaki’, a subservient character in Thevar Magan who is willing to sacrifice his life for his master ‘Sakthivelu’, played by Kamal Haasan. It is no coincidence, according to Mari, that he chose Vadivelu, who plays Esaki in Thevar Magan, to now play the reimagined character of Maamannan. Mari establishes the politics of Maamannan from the very first shot, just like...

ListicleHeadlined by stars like Rajinikanth, Ram Charan, Mammootty, and Fahadh Faasil, these films challenge how Dalit and Adivasi lives have so far been represented in cinema from the southern states.Cinema from the southern states have seen a wave of anti-caste films that challenge how caste is represented on our screens. Kollywood in particular has seen many such movies in recent years, with several helmed by Dalit directors such as Pa Ranjith and Mari Selvaraj among others. The success of these films in both box office takings and wide-spread popularity among audiences and critics alike have certainly created a trend of anti-caste movies. These films have banked on some of the biggest stars in their respective industries like Rajinikanth, Ram Charan, Mammootty, and Fahadh Faasil to draw in movie-goers, while simultaneously challenging how Dalit and Adivasi lives have been represented so far. Here’s a list of films in Telugu,...

EntertainmentBesides two Hollywood biggies, there is much to look forward to in India’s cinemas this July — some more exciting than others. Here are some films to catch in theatres this month.Between Greta Gerwig’s wild live-action meta-comedy Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s epic historical drama Oppenheimer, Hollywood film fans are spoiled for choice this July. The widely different genres of the two films, the anticipation surrounding both, and the decision to release them on the same day (July 21) have tickled many a funny bone, with the internet even christening the face-off ‘Barbenheimer’. But besides these two Hollywood biggies, there is much more to look forward to in India’s cinemas this July — some more exciting than others. Here are seven films, across industries and languages, that we can’t wait to catch in theatres this month. Maamannan - In theatres Mari Selvaraj’s Maamannan was released in theatres...

ControversyThe popular anti-caste director tweeted his praise for ‘Maamannan’ and also stated his concerns regarding the treatment of Dalit MLAs within their own parties.In the wake of Mari Selvaraj’s Maamannan receiving wide praise from audiences and critics alike, director Pa Ranjith has spoken out on the politics of the film. Maamannan stars actor-producer and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (Dmk) minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. Congratulating Udhayanidhi and Mari Selvaraj, Pa Ranjith said, “As an actor, producer and minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin truly deserves praise. He himself must be aware of the immense challenge of caste discrimination within the Dmk. We believe that through this movie [Maamannan] Udhayanidhi will take the first step toward abolishing discrimination inside the party.” The plot of Maamannan revolves around a Dalit Mla (Vadivelu) who is discriminated against by members of his own party on the basis of his caste. This fictional party in the film claims that...

Kollywood The movie, starring Udhayanidhi, Vadivelu, Fahadh Fassil, and Keerthy Suresh, was released on June 29 and has garnered critical acclaim as well as positive responses from audiences. Udhayanidhi Stalin’s production house Red Giant Movies has presented a Mini Cooper, a luxury sports car, to director Mari Selvaraj in recognition of the success of their latest film, Maamannan. The movie, starring Udhayanidhi, Vadivelu, Fahadh Fassil, and Keerthy Suresh, was released on June 29 and has garnered critical acclaim as well as positive responses from audiences. Maamannan marks Mari Selvaraj’s third triumphant anti-caste film, following the success of Pariyerum Perumal (2018) and Karnan (2021). Udhayanidhi took to his social media platform to announce the gift and shared pictures of the presentation. In a tweet, he expressed his gratitude to Mari Selvaraj, stating that the film has sparked discussions and debates among Tamils worldwide. Udhayanidhi emphasised that Maamannan has effectively conveyed the principles of...

Actor ProfileFrom comedy to singing, to moving audiences and fellow actors to tears in emotional scenes, Vadivelu, fondly called Vaigai Puyal, has done it all.Vennaam. Valikuthu. Azhuthuduven. Did you just hear these three iconic words in Vadivelu’s voice? If you did, it’s a testament to how much the celebrated Tamil comedian’s dialogues are burnt into our collective memory. It has been 35 years since Vadivelu, affectionately called Vaigai Puyal (Vaigai Storm) by his fans, was first seen on screen in En Thangai Kalyani (1988). The epithet is a reference to the famed Vaigai river that flows through the actor’s hometown of Madurai. All these decades later, Vadivelu and his work continue to defy both expectations and easy categorisation. Simultaneously, many of his dialogues have become embedded in spoken Tamil, offering succinct witticisms to use for everyday problems. The actor has delivered some of the most memorable scenes in Tamil cinema comedy,...

ReviewAfter ‘Pariyerum Perumal’ and ‘Karnan’, director Mari Selvaraj is back with yet another film that will redefine how Kollywood talks about caste. FilmPoster/CourtesyMariSelvarajTwitterThe heart and soul of Maamannan is Vadivelu. After all, the title takes the name of his character. And it feels as if the actor never forgets that for even a moment when he is in front of the camera. This is a Vadivelu so spectacularly in form that you cry when he cries, and you are enraged for him when his grief gives way to anger. Nearly every minute of the story you are made to travel with him. Mari Selvaraj, after Pariyerum Perumal (2018) and Karnan (2021), delivers yet another film that will redefine how Kollywood talks about caste. The film is set in the Kongu-belt, in Salem district. Maamannan (Vadivelu) is a Dalit Mla from Kasipuram. His son Adhiveeran, fondly called Veeran, (Udhayanidhi Stalin) and him...

ControversyThe protesters in Theni raised slogans against Dmk and said its actions could lead to caste riots. To prevent violence, police protection has been offered to three theatres in Thoothukudi as well.Police in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district detained 20 people who were staging protests in front of a theatre against the screening of Mari Selvaraj’s Maamannan, which was released on Thursday, June 29. According to reports, police protection was given to the theatre in Theni. The protesters reportedly belong to the Tamil Desiya Forward Bloc which supports the dominant Thevar community in Tamil Nadu. During the audio launch of Maamannan, director Mari Selvaraj had said that the film was inspired from Thevar Magan. He said that although Thevar Magan was a masterpiece, it made him feel distressed with its glorification of the feudal nature of the Thevar caste, and its problematic caste politics. After this speech, people began calling...

KollywoodMari Selvaraj took to Twitter to share a picture with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Mk Stalin, who he said hugged and appreciated them after watching ‘Maamannan’.TwitterJust hours into the release of Mari Selvaraj’s latest and much-anticipated film Maamannan, praise has already begun to pour in. On Twitter, Mari Selvaraj shared a picture with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Mk Stalin, who he said was all praise for the film. “After watching Maamannan, Chief Minister Mk Stalin hugged and appreciated us. We offer our gratitude and love to him,” said the director. The film features Vadivelu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Keerthy Suresh, and Fahadh Faasil in lead roles. Actor and producer Dhanush, who watched the film on Thursday, June 28, also took to Twitter to share his appreciation. “Maamannan by Mari selvaraj is an emotion. A big hug to you Mari. Vadivelu sir and Udhayanidhi Stalin have delivered a very convincing performance. Great...

NewsThe petitioner claimed that the release of Maamannan could lead to communal tensions.A writ petition has been filed in the Madras High Court seeking a ban on director Mari Selvaraj’s Maamannan, claiming that the film might stoke communal tensions between Thevars (dominant community) and Devendra Kula Velalars (Dalit community). The film is scheduled to release on Thursday, June 29. Maamannan stars actors Vadivelu, Fahadh Faasil, Keerthy Suresh and Udhayanidhi Stalin. The petitioner, Manikandan, who belongs to Thevar community, demanded the Central Board of Film Certification to revoke the censorship certificate of Maamannan and further completely ban the film’s screening. Manikandan claimed that after watching the trailer and audio launch of the film, he suspects that Maamannan will induce “religious fanaticism” between Thevars and Devendra Kula Velalars. He said that Mari Selvaraj’s previous film Karnan was based on a true incident between Thevars and Devendra Kula Velalars. Mari...

NewsIn 7 aum Arivu, Shruti Haasan, who is a genetic engineer, claims that talented people are fleeing India because of reservation, recommendation and corruption.Actor-politician Udhayanidhi Stalin, scion of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party (Dmk), disclosed that actor Suriya, in the lead role in 7aum Arivu, had objected to a piece of dialogue in the film that sounds anti-reservation. It was Udhayanidhi’s production house Red Giant Movies that had produced it. Though Suriya’s advice was well-meant, he chose to ignore it because of his inadequate understanding of the concept of social justice and Dmk’s own unwavering fight towards achieving it. In a scene in the film (released in 2011) where a group of scientists dismiss Shruti Haasan’s absurd theory of ‘reviving skills through genetic transfer,’ Shruti retorts, “Because of reservation, recommendation, corruption, talented people are fleeing India.” (She was the heroine.) In an interview, while promoting his film Maamannan,...

Cinema“The voice in the film is an important one. It is not just Mari’s but the voice of crores of people. This is a generation which dictates the path of India, and films are necessary for that,” Kamal said.Ever since Mari Selvaraj’s speech during the audio launch of Maamannan was televised, the director has been either subjected to criticism or applause and his views on Thevar Magan movie have become a raging topic of discussion. However, actor Kamal Haasan, who was the chief guest for the event, has appreciated Mari Selvaraj for his politics. “I have been watching your films since Pariyerum Perumal. One quality I like about you is, instead of defining who is the opposition, intending to change the society, you attempt to give even the oppressors a neutral space. When you are in anger that thought does not occur. But your thought proves your quest for equality,...

KollywoodThe court was hearing a petition by producer Ramasaravanan who says that ‘Maamannan’ star Udhayanidhi Stalin had failed to complete shooting for his film as promised. With less than a week left for director Mari Selvaraj’s Maamannan starring Udhayanidhi Stalin to hit the theatres, the Madras High Court has refused a petition to stay the film’s release and given Udhayanidhi time until June 28 to respond. Maamannan is set to release on Friday, June 29. The court was hearing a petition by a person called Ramasaravanan, who says he is a producer, stating that Dmk Minister and actor Udhayanidhi Stalin had failed to complete shooting for his film Angel as promised. The petitioner further says that Udhayandhi had promised to finish the shooting and dubbing for his film before the release of Maamannan, which is to be his last film. Ramasaravanan has also demanded Rs 25 crores in damages. The petition...

EntertainmentPlayback singer Shuba posted the Instagram video featuring Ar Rahman, lyricist Snehan, and herself on Wednesday, June 21, taking even the original creators by surprise. When a typically reticent Ar Rahman gets the occasional urge to express himself on camera, it is always a matter of excitement for his admirers. The Oscar-winning music composer, who recently surprised his ardent fans by shaking a leg to the peppy ‘Jigu Jigu Rail’ track in Mari Selvaraj’s Maamannan, seems to have now decided to maintain the streak, this time by indulging in some tongue-in-cheek humour with lyricist Snehan and singer Shuba. On Wednesday, June 21, Shuba posted an Instagram video featuring the trio, recreating a hilarious video by team Vikkals, and taking even the original creators by surprise. In the original video, content creators Vikram Arul, Hari Muniyappan, and Sibi Jayakumar appear as Shuba, Snehan, and Rahman respectively, enacting to comedic effect their imagination...

KollywoodMari Selvaraj, who is known for his anti-caste movies, said that watching Thevar Magan distressed him greatly and did not understand whether the movie was right or wrong.Anti-caste Tamil filmmaker Mari Selvaraj said that Thevar Magan, considered an iconic movie in Tamil cinema, had inspired him to make his latest movie, Maamannan–by reimagining the film about Thevars, a dominant community, with Dalit characters. In his speech during the audio launch of Maamannan’s on June 1, the director in the presence of actor Kamal Haasan, the lead actor of Thevar Magan, confessed to him that he did not understand whether Thevar Magan was right or wrong when he watched it for the first time. Besides playing the lead role, Kamal Haasan also wrote and produced Thevar Magan. Mari Selvaraj said on stage, “Today Thevar Magan is treated as a masterpiece. Every director would have watched it before making their films.

TrailerMari Selvaraj’s ‘Maamannan’, starring Udhayanidhi Stalin, Vadivelu, Fahadh Faasil and Keerthy Suresh, is expected to release on June 29. The trailer of filmmaker Mari Selvaraj’s highly anticipated Maamannan was released on Friday, June 16. The trailer begins with Vadivelu’s dialogue in the background, “I might be singing the same song, but I will sing it as long as I live. I shall rip my gut out, transform it into a lute and make its strings echo in every street. I will keep seeking the ears which want to hear the truth.” These lines are from a poem written by Telugu poet Nagamuni. Director Mari Selvaraj is known for the strong anti-caste themes in his films, and Maamannan is his third film after Pariyerum Perumal and Karnan. The trailer shows Vadivelu in the role of a musician who passes his art down to young children. Udhayanidhi Stalin is seen in the role of his son.

EntertainmentMari Selvaraj’s ‘Maamannan’ was speculated to be Tn Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s last film as an actor, before shifting his focus entirely to his political career. Red Giant Movies/TwitterAmid speculation over actor-politician Udhayanidhi Stalin possibly quitting acting in films after the upcoming political thriller Maamannan, the Tamil Nadu Minister has announced that he might make a comeback in films after three years, at the end of his term as the state Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development. Udhayanidhi made this statement at the audio launch event of the film Maamannan on June 1, Thursday. In Maamannan, Udhayanidhi plays one of the lead roles alongside Keerthy Suresh. The film also stars actors Vadivelu and Fahadh Faasil. The movie is directed by filmmaker Mari Selvaraj, known for his anti-caste works. Read: Top wrestler says she complained to Pm about Brij Bhushan in 2021 “I have too much work to do [in politics]. Maamannan...

Entertainment 'Maamannan', which stars actors Udhayanidhi Stalin, Keerthy Suresh, Vadivelu, and Fahadh Faasil among others, is directed by anti-caste director Mari Selvaraj.Facebook/Ar RahmanOscar-winning music composer Ar Rahman will perform live at the audio launch of upcoming Tamil film Maamannan on Thursday, June 1. The event is scheduled to be organised at the Nehru Stadium in Chennai. Maamannan, which stars actors Udhayanidhi Stalin, Keerthy Suresh, Vadivelu, and Fahadh Faasil among others, is being directed by anti-caste director Mari Selvaraj of Pariyerum Perumal and Karnan fame. The film's trailer will also be released at the audio launch event. Two songs from Maamannan have already been released. 'Raasa Kannu', an emotional song sung by veteran Tamil actor-comedian Vadivelu, has received rave reviews and clocked over 6.2 million views on YouTube. The second song, 'Jigu Jigu Rail', has crossed 3 million views on YouTube. 'Jigu Jigu Rail' particularly won appreciation from many Rahman...

Mumbai, May 29 (Ians) Star Dhanush looked unrcognisable as he was seen sporting long hair and beard at the airport.

Celebrity photographer Viral Bhayani took to Instagram, where he shared a picture of Dhanush walking at the airport with in new look. The actor was seen wearing a maroon sweatshirt paired with black joggers and sunglasses.

The actor also obliged for a picture with a fan.

However, his new look caught the attention of many fans who likened the actor to Baba Ramdev.

One wrote: “Mujhe toh laga Baba Ramdev kapde pahen kar gaye.”

Another called him: “Baba Ramdev pro.”

“I think Baba Ramdev par biopic banne wali hai,” said a netizen.

One asked: “Baba Ramdev is that you?”

A fan wondered how the camera people recognised the actor.

“How did people recognise him in his new avatar… He is completely unrecognisable.”

It is not clear if this is a look...