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Work on director Antony Bhagyaraj’s action entertainer, ‘Siren’, featuring actors Jayam Ravi in the lead, has started and is proceeding at a brisk pace in the city.

Sources close to the unit of the film, which is being produced by Sujatha Vijaykumar of Home Movie Makers, say that the film will be made on a grand scale and will involve a huge budget.

The film has also caught the attention of film buffs as writer Antony Bhagyaraj, best known for his contribution as a writer in superhit films like ‘Irumbu Thirai’ and ‘Viswasam’, is making his debut as a director with this film.

Sources claim that Jayam Ravi will be playing in this film, a character that he hasn’t played in any of his earlier movies so far.

Actress Keerthy Suresh will be sharing screen space with Jayam Ravi for the first time in this action-thriller that will be laced with family sentiments.

Paramount is the latest Hollywood studio to pull its upcoming movies, the Sandra Bullock-Channing Tatum-Brad Pitt romantic comedy adventure The Lost City and Sonic the Hedgehog 2, from Russia as the Ukraine invasion continues.

“As we witness the ongoing tragedy in Ukraine, we have decided to pause the theatrical release of our upcoming films in Russia, including The Lost City, and Sonic the Hedgehog 2. We stand by all those impacted by the humanitarian crisis across Ukraine, Russia, and our international markets and will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds,” Paramount announced this Am in a statement.

Yesterday, Disney set the table in how the major studios would approach a lucrative box office territory that has opted to go to war with an independent nation: Not with words, but with actions. Disney decided to pause the theatrical release of Pixar’s Turning Red in Russia.

. The Surreal Romanian Sci-Fi Animated film Delta Space Mission from Directors Mircea Toia And Călin Cazan is set for February 2022 Release with Ocn Distribution, Digital Releases To Follow With Grasshopper Films. Here’s a New Teaser From The Restoration:

Deaf Crocodile Films is proud to announce the upcoming 4K restoration release of the wildly surreal Romanian animated sci-fi film Delta Space Mission (Misiunea SPAȚIALĂ Delta) from directors Mircea Toia and Călin Cazan. Pre-sales will launch on February 1, 2022, followed by a digital launch several weeks after, released in collaboration with Grasshopper Films.

Delta Space Mission features a new 4K restoration from the original 35mm picture and sound elements by the Arhiva Nationala de Filme – Cinemateca Romana / National Film Archive – Romanian Cinematheque and the Centrul National al Cinematografiei / Romanian Film Centre (Cnc). The Blu-ray edition of Delta Space Mission contains a new interview with co-director Călin Cazan, an essay by acclaimed comic...

Cinema is a vehicle for investigating historical scars in “Isaac,” a starkly beautiful drama about a filmmaker who returns to his native Lithuania in 1964 to make a movie about a WWII slaughter, and becomes embroiled alongside his schoolmate in totalitarian trouble. Adapted from a short story by Antanas Skema, director Jurgis Matulevicius’ feature debut — Lithuania’s entry to the Oscar international feature race — is Its obliqueness may preclude it from attracting a wide domestic audience, but such haziness is part and parcel of a work about the lingering, lethal fog of war.

“Isaac” opens with the 1941 Lietukis garage massacre of 40 Lithuanian Jews at the hands of Nazis and their local mob-like collaborators. Shot in sumptuous black and white (as is two-thirds of the ensuing film), and with the sort of roving, wobbly, serpentine camerawork favored throughout by Matulevicius and talented cinematographer Narvydas Naujalis, this scene evokes the grimy brutality of “Son of Saul,...

The series Stanislaw Lem Centennial is playing on Mubi in the US starting September 12, 2021.SolarisYou may have heard, the new global space race is on. Hardly a week goes by without an update about its latest stage. Jeff Bezos has gone into space as a tourist. We’re looking for life on Mars. China and Russia have banded together to explore the Moon. But if the world would just hit a pause button, and listen to the late Stanislaw Lem (1921-2006), whose centenary is being celebrated this month, we’d halt the interstellar dibs, and divert our limited resources to save the Earth first. Such advice might seem odd coming from one of the world’s great science-fiction writers. After all, Lem’s imaginary planet, Solaris, was a blueprint for humanity’s galactic appetites. But with Solaris, Lem actually issued a warning: We’re not fit to shoulder the grave responsibility of outer space exploration.

KollywoodThe actor claimed that the producer has not returned promissory notes months after the former repaid the loan taken for his 2018 film 'Irumbu Thirai'. Tnm StaffActor-producer Vishal has lodged a complaint with the Chennai police against popular producer Rb Choudary alleging that the latter has not returned cheque leaves, bonds and promissory notes months after the former reportedly repaid his loan. The actor also alleged that the producer has been evading him for months, claiming that he had misplaced the documents. The loan amount is pertaining to the actor’s 2018 film Irumbu Thirai. “It’s unacceptable that Mr #RBChoudhary failed to return the Cheque Leaves,Bonds & Promissory Notes months after repaying the loan to him for the Movie #IrumbuThirai,he was evading giving excuses & finally told he has misplaced the documents. We have lodged a complaint with Police,” Vishal tweeted on Wednesday. Rb Choudary is actor Jiiva's...

KollywoodThe film’s release was earlier stayed by the Madras Hc over a copyright claim.Digital NativeDigital Native Actor Vishal took it to his Twitter account and announced that his film Chakra has crossed all obstacles and will release as planned on Friday. The Madras High Court, which had earlier issued an interim stay over the release of the film, has now vacated the stay clearing the film's release. His post reads "Truth Always Triumphs !! Yes, as always have faced hurdles, issues & have always been true to my self, to my profession & to anything related to the Film Industry, The Stay has been vacated & #Chakra will be released worldwide tomorrow, Feb 19 will be a Grand Day for Chakra movie in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam & Kannada, Thanks to the Hon High Court for serving the order at the right time keeping the interest of not just the producer but everyone involved in the film & vacating the stay,...

KollywoodDirected by Anand Shankar, 'Enemy' stars Arya and Vishal in lead roles. Digital NativeArya and Vishal share a good camaraderie and have been very close for a long time. Having worked together in films such as Avan Ivan and Vasuvum Saravananum Onna Padichavanga (cameo), they had recently announced that they were going to work together once again. The two will becoming together for an interesting multi-starrer titled Enemy directed by Anand Shankar of Arima Nambi fame. The film will see both the actors locking horns. Touted to be a thriller, the makers on Thursday unveiled Arya's first look from the film. Sharing the first look Vishal wrote on his Twitter handle,"My most favourite #Enemy @arya_offl, I think I will not like you in this film but I love you in real life as always, but be ready to face me with all your power in this particular film.

KollywoodThe trailer of the film was released earlier last year.Digital NativeVishal’s much-awaited film Chakra is all set for a theatrical release on February 19. Written and directed by Ms Anandan, the film will be released in all four south Indian languages. Vishal took to Twitter to announce the release date. He tweeted, “Yes, it’s confirmed… We have planned to release our action thriller film #Chakra in theatres on February 19th in all 4 South Indian Languages. Going to be a grand release. Looking forward to it.” The trailer of the film was released earlier last year and it hints at an action thriller that revolves around a cyber-crime. Yes, it’s confirmed... We have planned to release our action thriller film #Chakra in theatres on February 19th in all 4 South Indian Languages. Going to be a grand release. Looking forward to it... Gb — Vishal (@VishalKOfficial) February 1, 2021 Initially, the makers...

Kollywood 'Enemy's' cast and crew will be leaving for Dubai on February 10th and the shooting will commence on February 15th.Digital NativeMamta Mohandas has bagged a role in the Tamil film Enemy and will be paired opposite Arya in this multi-starrer. Directed by Anand Shankar, the film stars Vishal and Arya as the male leads with Mamta Mohandas and Mrinalini Ravi as the heroines. Enemy is bankrolled by Vinod Kumar under the banner Mini Studios and has Prakash Raj in a pivotal role. The technical crew of this film includes S Thaman for music and Rd Rajasekar for camerawork. Ramalingam is the art director and Raymond Derrick Crasta has been signed in as the editor. Touted to be a complete action entertainer, Ravi Verma has been roped in to choreograph the stunt sequences. It's final. My best friend @arya_offl is now my "Enemy".We have no choice,...

KollywoodThe team had wrapped up the film’s shoot last October.Digital NativeThe much-awaited trailer of Karthi’s upcoming film, Sulthan directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan was released by its makers on Monday and the film is set to release on April 2 as a summer release. Karthi unveiled the trailer on his social media page. The film’s leading lady, Rashmika Mandanna, who is all set to make her Tamil debut with the film also shared the news. The trailer is quite intense and the film is expected to be a mass family entertainer. The team had wrapped up the film’s shoot last October. Karthi had then written, sharing the photo, Karthi wrote, "And it’s a wrap!! From the day we heard the idea three years back till today, the story continues to excite us. It’s one of my biggest productions so far. I thank the entire team...

CinemaThe actor also visited the Thannirbhavi beach, where she did stand-up paddling and was part of the surf life-saving programme.Digital NativeDigital NativeRegina Cassandra spent time at an organic farm in Adyanadka, a village near Mangaluru, getting to know the nuances of farming. The actor, in an interview with the Times of India, revealed that she got to know about the farm through her friends in Bengaluru and decided to spend a few days there. Recalling the events that led her to try her hand at organic farming, she said, “In 2018, I had a major epiphany about life and what we are doing to our planet. Ever since I’ve been conscious about my ways and that’s probably what drew me to spending time amidst nature and trying my hand at agricultural activities.” During her stay at the farm, Regina harvested radish, gongura and ivy gourd. She also got...

KollywoodThe makers have also recently roped in Prakash Raj for a pivotal role.Digital NativeVishal and Arya, who had previously worked together in Bala’s Avan Ivan, have joined hands for the second time for filmmaker Anand Shankar’s upcoming Tamil action-thriller Enemy. The film’s title was officially unveiled on Wednesday and the project will see Arya play the antagonist. Announcing the title, Vishal tweeted: “It's final. My best friend @arya_offl is now my "Enemy". We have no choice, except to fight it out in a battle of epic proportion. Gonna be good. Gb (sic)”. It's final. My best friend @arya_offl is now my "Enemy".We have no choice, except to fight it out in a battle of epic proportion. gonna be good. Gb#Enemy @anandshank @vinod_offl @MusicThaman @MiniStudio_ @mirnaliniravi @RDRajasekar @RIAZtheboss @baraju_SuperHit pic.twitter.com/9jQ0RjLIJz — Vishal (@VishalKOfficial) November 25, 2020 The makers have also...

KollywoodTouted to be an action thriller, this untitled film is being bankrolled by Vinod Kumar under the banner Mini Studio.Digital NativeAnand Shankar will be directing a film with Vishal and Arya in the lead and Mirnalini Ravi has been signed up to play the female lead in it. The shooting of this film began a few weeks ago and the team had recently completed shooting a song sequence in Hyderabad. Touted to be an action thriller, this untitled film is being bankrolled by Vinod Kumar under the banner Mini Studio. Vishal was initially supposed to bankroll this film but he opted out due to budget issues. Sources in the know say that the budget of this project is on the higher side and despite trying his best, the director couldn’t bring it down. S Thaman is onboard to compose the tunes for this entertainer. Recently there were reports...

KollywoodDirected by Anand Shankar, the film will have Vishal playing the protagonist while Arya will be seen as the villain.Digital NativeDigital NativeArya and Vishal share a great camaraderie and have known to be close for a long time. Having starred together in films such as Avan Ivan and Vasuvum Saravananum Onna Padichavanga, they had recently announced that they will work together again in a project with director Anand Shankar. Recently there were reports that Sameera Reddy of Vaaranam Aayiram fame has been approached for a pivotal role in the film. However, refuting the rumours, the actor told Toi, “The news is false.” Sameera Reddy had quit films after getting married to Akshai Varde in 2014. She has worked in both Hindi and south film industries, and was last seen in the Kannada movie Varadhanayaka in 2013. She made her Tamil debut through Gautham Menon’s critically acclaimed Vaaranam Aayiram, through which...

KollywoodIt was nine years ago that Vishal and Arya had worked together in Bala’s 'Avan Ivan'.Digital NativeDigital NativeIt was rumoured a few months ago that Vishal and Arya are all set to join hands for a new project. It was finally announced on Tuesday that they will reunite for Anand Shankar’s next yet-untitled Tamil project after nine years since they worked together in Bala’s Avan Ivan. “As we get back to work, I’m glad and powered up to share with you that #VISHAL30 and #ARYA32 is going to be #ANANDSHANKAR4. Official announcement of the multi starrer will be made by our producer @vinod_offl (sic),” Anand tweeted. As we get back to work.. I’m glad and powered up to share with you that #VISHAL30 and #ARYA32 is going to be #ANANDSHANKAR4 Official announcement of the multi starrer will be made by our producer @vinod...

Kollywood The court refused to extend the status quo and posted the matter for hearing on October 5.Digital NativeThe Madras High Court on Wednesday refused to extend the stay that it had previously granted on Vishal's upcoming film Chakra. In a case filed by Trident Arts, the producers of Vishal's previous film Action, the Madras High Court had previously issued an interim injunction against releasing Chakra on Ott platforms until September 30. When this case came up for hearing on September 30, the court refused to extend the status quo. Justice N Sathish Kumar who heard the case posted the matter for hearing on October 5. Trident Arts Ravichandran who produced Vishal’s previous film Action had approached the Madras High Court to obtain stay for the release of Chakra on Ott alleging that Vishal owed the production house Rs 8 crore in order to settle the losses incurred by Action. While ordering notices...

KollywoodThe petition was filed by Trident Arts which produced Vishal's earlier film 'Action'.Tnm StaffIn a setback for actor Vishal, the Madras High Court on Thursday stayed the release of his upcoming film Chakra on Over-the-Top (Ott) platforms. The court was hearing a petition filed by Trident Arts which had produced the actor’s previous film Action. The court posted the matter for hearing on September 30 and also held that the film cannot release until then. In the meantime, the court also directed Vishal and Trident Arts to sort out the issue amicably. The production house has alleged that Vishal owes them Rs 8 crore for losses, an amount that the actor had allegedly agreed to pay if their film Action tanked at the box-office. Additionally, they have also alleged that Chakra was supposed to be produced by them since the film’s director Anandhan had originally pitched it to them.

KollywoodTrident Arts, producer of Vishal's previous film 'Action', has alleged that the actor has to pay Rs 8 crore to the production house to settle the losses incurred.Digital NativeThe Madras High Court on Tuesday ordered notices to be sent to actor Vishal and director Ms Anandan in connection with the release of their film Chakra on the Ott platform. In a plaint filed by Trident Arts, it was alleged that Vishal owed the production house Rs 8 crore to settle the losses of their previous film Action. Action, released last year, fared poorly at the box office. In the complaint, Trident Arts alleged that during the making of the film, Vishal entered into an agreement with them to settle the losses if the film did not do well at the box office. The film was made on a budget of Rs 44 crore and Vishal entered into an agreement to bear the...

KollywoodThis film will be bankrolled by ace producer Kathiresan.Digital NativeActor Vishal is currently busy with the sequel of Thupparivaalan.The film began with Mysskin wielding the megaphone but due to some differences of opinion, Vishal took over from him. Therefore, besides playing the lead role and producing Thupparivaalan 2, Vishal is also directing the film. There is a buzz in Kollywood that Karthik Thangavel of Adanga Maru fame will soon be directing a film with Vishal in the lead and the industry grapewine is that the director had already narrated the story to the star and has got his verbal approval. However, Vishal is yet to sign on the dotted lines, we hear. This film will be bankrolled by ace producer Kathiresan, who had bankrolled critically acclaimed movies like Jigarthanda and Aadukalam. Thupparivalan 2 stars Prasanna, Vinay, K Bhagyaraj, Andrea Jeremiah, Anu Emmanuel, Shaji Chen, Vijayakumar, Abhishek Shankar, Simran, John Vijay and Master Nishesh.

KollywoodVishal, who was also supposed to produce the film, has reportedly backed out due to budget constraints and is scouting for a suitable producer to take it up.Digital NativeDigital NativeDirector Anand Shankar and Vishal announced a new film together some time ago. But it now appears that there may be a delay in its commencement. According to a Toi report, the budget of this project is on the higher side and despite his best efforts the director couldn’t bring it down. Following this, Vishal, who was also supposed to produce the film, has backed out and is scouting for a suitable producer to take it up. If things work out favourably, this film will go on the floors in May this year, we hear. Meanwhile, Vishal has two films – Thupparivalan 2 and Chakra – in his kitty. Thupparivalan 2 is the sequel to the 2017 crime thriller that went on to score big at the box-office.

Tony Sokol Feb 2, 2020

Mary Higgins Clark encouraged the flame of inspiration and burned mysteries in the minds of generations.

Popular mystery novelist Mary Higgins Clark died of natural causes in Naples, Florida, on Friday March 31, according to the New York Times.

"It is with deep sadness we say goodbye to the 'Queen of Suspense' Mary Higgins Clark, author of over 40 bestselling suspense titles," her publisher Simon & Schuster announced on Twitter. "She passed away peacefully this evening at the age of 92 surrounded by family and friends."

Higgins Clark was a widow in her late 30s with five children to support when her she published her first book. She would go on to write 56 best sellers, including Loves Music, Loves to Dance and Daddy's Little Girl, in a career spanning over 45 years. Her book sales topped 100 million copies and she won honors like the "Grand Master" statuette from the Mystery Writers of America,...

Mary Higgins Clark, the prolific author known as the “Queen of Suspense” for her dozens of best-selling suspenseful novels, died Friday in Naples, Fla. She was 92. Publisher Simon & Schuster said Clark died peacefully and surrounded by family.

“It is with deep sadness we say goodbye to the ‘Queen of Suspense’ Mary Higgins Clark, author of over 40 bestselling suspense titles,” the company tweeted.

The writer spent more than four decades as a staple on bestseller lists, and her books sold more than 100 million copies in the U.S. alone. Many of Clark’s novels in her lengthy portfolio were developed into TV films including “The Cradle Will Fall” in 1983, “Moonlight Becomes You” in 1998, and most recently “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” which was adapted into the French production “Ce que vivent les roses.” Higgins Clark was extremely popular in France, where she was honored with the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters.

While not quite as stiff as its title might suggest, Dominic Cooke’s “Ironbark” is unambiguously dad cinema down to its core. , it’s the perfect movie for anyone who watched “Bridge of Spies” and thought: “If only that had been 30 minutes shorter, a bit less artful, and a lot more British.” Never fear, the director of “On Chesil Beach” is here, and he’s naturally brought along Benedict Cumberbatch for good measure.

Holding a magnifying glass to a remarkable (but rather unheralded) footnote of Cold War history, “Ironbark” tells the story of how two men from opposite sides of the Iron Curtain forged a bond that would help avert nuclear armageddon. Cooke’s lean version of events begins in the heart of the Soviet Union circa the autumn of 1960, when a war hero and military intelligence colonel by the name of Oleg Penkovsky has become so desperate to de-escalate...

KollywoodThe filmmaker speaks to Tnm about why he chose to create a vulnerable superhero, and, retrospectively, what he might have done differently in the film.Subha J RaoIn the five days since its release, Ps Mithran’s Sivakarthikeyan starrer Hero has received almost an equal amount of bouquets and brickbats. Some have loved the reimagining of the superhero genre and the issues discussed while others have had issues over the very same reasons. And then, there’s the ‘message’ part of the movie, which again has a divided opinion. In a free-wheeling conversation after the release, Mithran, who previously made action-thriller Irumbu Thirai in 2018, speaks about the genesis of Hero, why he chose to create a vulnerable superhero, and, retrospectively, what he might have done differently in the film. Many are comparing Hero to Shankar’s Gentleman, and even calling the film its spiritual sibling. Do you agree with that?...

Kollywood The soundtrack album, composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, was launched recently and the film marks his second collaboration with Sivakarthikeyan. Digital NativeSivakarthikeyan's next Hero directed by Ps Mithran, who made a big splash last year with Vishal’s Irumbu Thirai, is slated to hit the screens on December 20 ahead of the Christmas and New Year Holidays. The music for the film is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, and the latest update is that the veteran composer and Yuvan's father Ilaiyaraaja has crooned a surprise track for the film which is penned by lyricist Pa. Vijay. Sharing the news, Yuvan took to Twitter and announced, "Guess what??!! There's a surprise track in #Hero sung by appa. So happy to have recorded this song with appa.@Psmithran @pavijaypoet @Siva_Kartikeyan @kalyanipriyan @kjr_studios". Guess what??!! There's a surprise track in #Hero sung by appa.. So happy to have recorded this song with appa.

Kollywood He also revealed that the film will have an 18 minutes sequence for which Yuvan has composed a non-stop background score. Digital NativeDigital Native Director Ps Mithran, who made a big splash last year with Vishal’s Irumbu Thirai, has joined hands with Sivakarthikeyan for a project titled Hero a Superhero film. With the film slated to hit the screens on December 20, the audio launch happened in Chennai on Friday. During the event, Siva spilled beans that a sequel of the film is on the cards and the film will turn into a franchise if it becomes a super hit. He also revealed that the film will have an 18 minutes sequence for which Yuvan has composed a non-stop background score. Speaking at the event, composer Yuvan Shankar Raja said, "I’ve done many re-recordings, but for the first time, we’ve done this lengthiest piece – 18-minute score. I think it...

KollywoodThe movie is touted to be a sci-fi comedy and will be directed by 'Indru Netru Naalai' fame Ravi Kumar.Tnm StaffSivakarthikeyan, who is basking in the great response for his latest release Namma Veettu Pillai, has signed up for a science-fiction film next. The movie, which might be titled ‘Vingyani’, meaning ‘Scientist’ will be directed by Ravi Kumar. Tipped to be an alien invasion comedy, this will be Ravi Kumar’s next sci-fi movie after Indru Netru Naalai. The film Vingyani went on floors last year and the schedules have taken a back seat due to some financial troubles. Starring Sivakarthikeyan in the lead role, the movie will have Rakul Preet Singh, playing the female lead. Her role is touted to be that of an astronomer -- one who studies stars and planets. The makers are planning to resume the film’s shooting from January. Recently, there were rumours...

KollywoodThe duo has earlier worked on the hit film ‘Avan Ivan.’ Digital NativeActors Arya and Vishal share a great camaraderie and have been close for a long time. The duo had earlier worked together on films such as Avan Ivan and Vasuvum Saravananum Onna Padichavanga. According to recent reports, Vishal will be teaming up with director Anand Shankar for his next film. As per the buzz on social media, it seems that actor Arya may be roped in to play the main antagonist in the film, much to the excitement of fans. It may be noted initially Arya was roped in to play the role of the villain for Vishal's Irumbu Thirai, but the actor opted out. Apparently, Arya felt that the time wasn’t right for him to play an antagonist in his career. While he continues to remain on friendly terms with Vishal, he felt he couldn’t...

KollywoodA picture of the director in a blue suit with the team has been doing the rounds on the internet.Digital NativeVishal and filmmaker Mysskin have joined hands for the second time for Thupparivaalan sequel, an investigative drama with Sherlock Holmes style of narrative. In the film, Vishal plays a detective and his character called Kaniyan Poogundran has been modeled after Sherlock Holmes. The shooting of the 45-day first schedule is currently underway in London. If the ongoing buzz is anything to go by, director Mysskin who was seen on screen as an actor in movies like Savarakathi, Super Deluxe and Suttu Pidikka Utharavu would be seen in an extended cameo in this film as well. A picture of the director in a blue suit with the team has been doing the rounds on the internet. The film also stars Lovely Singh, Nassar, Gautami and Rahman playing crucial roles. It also,...

TollywoodThe actor was last seen in 'Mr Majnu' which released in January this year. Digital NativeAkhil Akkineni’s film with director Bommarilu Bhaskar went on the floors a few weeks ago and is making good progress. This untitled film is produced jointly by Allu Aravind and Bunny Vas. On the genre of this film, we hear that it will be an emotional family drama. Akhil reportedly agreed to do this project after the director convinced him with its strong storyline line, say sources. While this film is still in progress, Akhil has finalised his next project. Reports have emerged that the young actor has agreed to star in a Mithran directorial. The director apparently floored him with a breezy entertainer, as per sources, and Akhil has agreed to hop on board. The film is expected to go on to the floors in summer next year. Soon after wrapping up Bhaskar's film,...

KollywoodVishal is currently busy with 'Chakra', 'Thupparivaalan 2' and 'Irumbu Thirai 2'.Digital NativeReports are that Vishal will be teaming up with director Anand Shankar next. The director apparently came up with an impressive storyline and the actor has agreed to join the star cast as its lead actor, we hear. To be titled yet, it is still in the pre-production stage with the director completing up the script. Vishal is currently busy with Chakra, directed by Ms Anandan. The film is gearing up for Pongal next year. Shraddha Srinath and Regina Cassandra play the female leads in this entertainer that will have Vishal as an army officer.  Meanwhile Thupparivaalan 2 is also progressing well with the release date set for next year. Directed by Mysskin, the film is a sequel to the hit movie Thupparivaalan. The film went on floors recently in Bristol and the makers are planning a single 45-day schedule.

KollywoodThe film is expected to release this November.Tnm StaffThe official trailer of Vishal’s Action was released on Sunday, for Deepavali. The two-minute trailer has plenty of action sequences just like its teaser, which was released in September. The one-minute teaser had plenty of action sequences with guns, dirt bikes, bikes, ATVs (the shooting of which reportedly caused an injury), motorboats and cars. In the trailer too we can see such stunts. Super Deluxe fame Ashwanth (Rasukutty) is seen briefly in the trailer. Tamannaah is seen accompanying Vishal in some of his stunts, jumping off a roof in one shot. The story seems to be focussing on an international issue concerning two nations. Aishwarya Lekshmi also makes an appearance in the trailer that ends with Vishal making a reference to his previous film Irumbu Thirai’s plot and Yogi Babu delivers a funny one-liner in response. The film is expected to release this November.

KollywoodWhile an official confirmation on the same is expected soon, the film is likely to hit the marquee for Pongal next year.Digital NativeThe sequel of Vishal’s Irumbu Thirai went on floors and the shooting is currently underway. Directed by debutant Anandan the film stars Shraddha Srinath and Regina Cassandra as the female leads. The latest reports suggest that the makers have zeroed down on the film's title and it may be titled Chakra. While an official confirmation on the same is expected soon, the film is likely to hit the marquee for Pongal next year. Irumbu Thirai had hit the silver screens on May 11 last year to a positive buzz and its Telugu dubbed version Abhimanyudu made it to the silver screens on June 1. Directed by Ps Mithran Irumbu Thirai was produced by Vishal under his banner Vishal Film Factory. While Vishal and Samantha played the lead pair in the film,...

SandalwoodThe actor will play a reserve forest officer in the film, which revolves around forest and wildlife conservation.Digital NativeShraddha Srinath has bagged a role in the Rishab Shetty directorial Rudraprayag. The plot of the film reportedly revolves around forest and wildlife conservation. In the movie, Shraddha will play a reserve forest officer in charge of the forest in Belgavi. The film will also star Anant Nag in a lead role. On choosing the title Rudraprayag, the director had said in an interview earlier to the New Indian Express, “Prayag means sangama (confluence) in Hindi, and the subject will have relevance to Rudraprayag, which is established if you turn the poster upside down. This is a point of confluence of two rivers – Alaknanda and Mandakini – and they are of different characters. While one is completely calm, the other river is very vibrant. It then forms the river Ganga. That’s the speciality of this place.

KollywoodGautham Menon, Sudha Kongara, Vignesh Shivn and Vetrimaaran have been roped in by Netflix to direct a Tamil anthology web series.Digital NativeIt was recently reported that four leading Tamil filmmakers - Gautham Menon, Sudha Kongara, Vignesh Shivn and Vetrimaaran - have been roped in by Netflix to direct a Tamil anthology web series. While an official announcement is yet awaited, reports are already making the rounds that Vignesh Shivn is said to have finalised the lead actors for his segment. Apparently, Vignesh is believed to have approached Anjali and Kalki Koechlin to play the leading ladies in his segment and if everything goes as planned, the shoot will commence from December. The details of the cast and crew of the segments to be directed by other films are yet to be revealed. Meanwhile, Vignesh is also getting ready to commence work on his next project with Sivakarthikeyan. Currently dubbed...

KollywoodThe film also has Shraddha Srinath playing the role of an army officer. Digital NativeActor Regina Cassandra, who is basking in the success of Telugu thriller Evaru, is said to have been signed for a crucial role in Vishal’s Irumbu Thirai 2, which also stars Shraddha Srinath as an army officer. While the makers are yet to make an official announcement, reliable sources have confirmed that she has already given her nod for the project. Vishal is bankrolling the sequel which is expected to go on the floors later this year. The rest of the cast and crew are yet to be finalised. Irumbu Thirai, which released last year, was a cyber-thriller that featured Vishal and Arjun in the lead roles. The sequel is being directed by Anand, an erstwhile assistant of director Ezhil. Vishal will also soon work on the sequel to Thupparivaalan with filmmaker Mysskin. Both of them...

KollywoodKJR Studios, the makers of the film, made the announcement via a special poster which featured a comic book page teasing that the project could be a superhero film.Digital NativeDirector Ps Mithran, who made a big splash last year with Vishal’s Irumbu Thirai, has joined hands with Sivakarthikeyan for a project titled Hero. The makers on Saturday announced that the film will hit the screens on December 20. Kjr Studios, the makers of the film, made the announcement via a special poster which featured a comic book page teasing that the project could be a superhero film. Kalyani Priyadarshan has been signed to play the leading lady while actor Arjun has been roped in to play the antagonist. It’s worth mentioning that Arjun had played the antagonist in Irumbu Thirai as well. Here is the #HeroTitleDesign & #HeroReleaseDate #HeroFromDec20th pic.twitter.com/icRhT91lKj — Sivakarthikeyan (@Siva_Kartikeyan) July...

KollywoodCurrently dubbed as 'Sk 17', it was recently reported that Rashmika Mandanna is in talks for the project as well.Digital NativeIt has already been confirmed that Sivakarthikeyan will soon join hands with Vignesh Shivn for a project. The pre-production work on the yet-untitled film has been going on for a few months now and latest reports suggest that the makers are in talks with Kiara Advani to play the leading lady. Currently dubbed as Sk 17, it was recently reported that Rashmika Mandanna is in talks for the project and if it has to be seen if the film will feature two heroines. To be produced by Lyca Productions, the film will mark the first time collaboration between Siva and Shivn. Shivn's last release was Suriya starrer Thaana Serntha Kootam (Tsk). Apparently, Shivn had pitched a script to Siva even before Naanum Rowdy Dhaan. However, Siva was committed to other...

KollywoodAn official confirmation regarding the film’s cast and crew will be announced in the coming weeks.Digital NativeDespite a delay in its release, Vishal’s latest film, Ayogya has received a positive opening. Following this, the actor will reportedly begin shooting for the sequel to his hit 2018 film Irumbu Thirai. Unlike the original, the sequel will not be helmed by Ps Mithran. Debutant Anand, a former associate of director Ezhil will be directing the film instead. An official confirmation regarding the film’s cast and crew will be announced in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Vishal will be wrapping up the shooting of his untitled project with Sundar C, which co-stars Tamannaah Bhatia. Vishal was earlier severely injured while shooting an action sequence for the movie. The incident took place while shooting an action sequence choreographed by Anbariv. The actor was tossed along with the Atv bike, shocking the entire cast and crew.

Tollywood Sources in the know say that she will sign on the project and an official confirmation will be out soon.Digital NativeDigital NativeThe star kid Kalyani Priyadarshan made her acting debut in Tollywood with the Akhil Akkineni starrer Hello and is slowly making inroads in the film industry. Her second film Chitralahari released last week to positive reviews. Directed by Kishore Tirumala the film had Sai Dharam Tej in the lead with Sunil, Nivetha Pethuraj and Vennela Kishore in supporting roles. The film was bankrolled by Mythri Movie Makers. The latest is that Kalyani has bagged another offer in the Telugu film industry. This time, she will be seen in a multi starrer that has Sharwanand and Sudhir Varma in the lead roles. This film is gearing up for release in a couple of months. Also, Kalyani is in talks to star in Bheeshma, which has Nithin playing the hero.

KollywoodThe project is expected to go on the floors from second half of this year.Digital NativeDigital NativeLast month, it was officially announced that Sivakarthikeyan and Vignesh Shivn are all set to join hands for a project, which will be bankrolled by Lyca Productions. Currently dubbed as Sk 17, the project will mark the first time collaboration of Siva and Shivn, who have for long yearned to work together. Reports have emerged that the film has been titled Lic, but neither the makers nor Shivn have confirmed the title which has already gone viral on social media. The project is expected to go on the floors from second half of this year. Last week, rumours surfaced that Rashmika Mandanna has been approached with the offer to play the leading lady in this project. The makers are yet to make an official announcement but reliable sources have already confirmed that Rashmika is...

KollywoodThe film will be directed by Pandiraj, under whom the actor made his acting debut in 2012 with ‘Marina’.Digital NativeSivakarthikeyan is basking in the success of his debut production Kanaa apart from being busy with a handful of projects. In a surprise announcement, it was revealed that the star will team up with director Pandiraj for his next film. Interestingly, this will be the second film for the duo; in 2012, Siva made his acting debut with Marina which was directed by Pandiraj. After bankrolling Vijay’s Sarkar and Rajnikanth’s Petta back to back, Sun Pictures will be producing this film next. Announcing the project, the production company tweeted on Friday, “#SK16BySunPictures @Siva_Kartikeyan @pandiraj_dir”. #SK16BySunPictures@Siva_Kartikeyan @pandiraj_dir pic.twitter.com/2xPTk8psHu — Sun Pictures (@sunpictures) March 8, 2019 Last seen in the rural entertainer Seemaraja which hit the screens last year and opened to a decent response,...

KollywoodThis film will be directed by Ps Mithran of 'Irumbu Thirai' fame.Digital NativeDirector Ps Mithran, who made a big splash last year with Vishal’s Irumbu Thirai, is all set to join hands with Sivakarthikeyan for his next project. The project, which will be bankrolled by 24 Am Studios, was officially announced last November and it was confirmed that the film will also star Arjun Sarja in a crucial role. On Tuesday, it was officially announced via a poster that the project will mark the Tamil debut of Kalyani Priyadarshan, daughter of veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan. Mithran and Siva had previously worked on a short film and have been planning to work together on a feature film for quite some time now. They were even supposed to work on a project even before Irumbu Thirai. In a chat with Times of India last year, Mithran said: “I’d written a story for him long ago,...

KollywoodKalyani, daughter of veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan, made her acting debut with Telugu film 'Hello'.Digital NativeDigital NativeDirector Ps Mithran, who made a big splash last year with Vishal’s Irumbu Thirai, is all set to join hands with Sivakarthikeyan for his next project. The project, which will be bankrolled by 24 Am Studios, was officially announced last November and it was confirmed that the film also stars Arjun Sarja in a crucial role. With the film slated to go on the floors very soon, reports have emerged that Kalyani Priyadarshan is most likely to be signed as the leading lady. Kalyani, daughter of veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan, made her acting debut with Telugu film Hello. In Tamil, she’s already part of Dulquer Salmaan’s Vaan and if she comes on board this project, it will be her second outing in Kollywood. In September 2018, talking to Times of India, Mithran...

Netflix has released the first trailer for a new series they’ve produced called 1983. The series is a polish spy thriller that follows “a group of rebels in search of the truth behind a deadly secret.”

This looks like it’s going to be a great and intense series. I’m a big fan of spy stories and this one has an interesting twist. The story is set in an alternate history where the Iron Curtain never fell. I like what I’m seeing in this trailer and I’ll definitely be checking this series out.

Here’s the full plot summary:

Following in the great tradition of Cold War spy thrillers, this alternative history series takes place in a world where the Iron Curtain never fell. Now, in 2002, twenty years after a devastating terrorist attack in 1982 that halted the course of Poland’s liberation and the subsequent downfall of the Soviet Union,...

The Washington Post published its last column from Jamal Khashoggi on Thursday, which fittingly focused on diminishing press freedoms in the Arab world.

“Arab governments have been given free rein to continue silencing the media at an increasing rate,” he said. “Arabs living in these countries are either uninformed or misinformed. They are unable to adequately address, much less publicly discuss, matters that affect the region and their day-to-day lives.”

Khashoggi cited Freedom House’s 2018 “Freedom in the World” report which found that most governments in the Arab world were classified as “not free.”

Also Read: Iranian Dissident Journalist Masih Alinejad on Jamal Khashoggi's Fate: 'What Is the West Going to Do?'

“The Arab world is facing its own version of an Iron Curtain, imposed not by external actors but through domestic forces vying for power,” he said. “The Arab world needs a modern version of the old...

TollywoodThe Telugu version of 'Irumbu Thirai' has become a hit.Digital NativeDigital NativeVishal’s Irumbu Thirai hit the silver screens on May 11th to positive reviews and its Telugu dubbed version Abhimanyudu released on June 1st amidst a lot of expectations. The star does have a good fan following in the Telugu speaking states, Andhra and Telangana, and his Pandem Kodi, released some years ago was one of the biggest hits in his career. However, none of his other dubbed films released after Pandem Kodi managed to break the record it had set but this is bound to happen soon with Abhimanyudu. According to trade reports, the Telugu version of Irumbu Thirai, Abhimanyudu, opened to packed houses on June 1st and is holding well in theatres. Despite two direct Telugu movies, the Nagarjuna starrer Officer, directed by Ram Gopal Varma and Raju Gadu starring Raj Tarun making it to the silver screens on June 1st, Abhimanyudu has managed to stand out. Abhimanyudu, according to trade reports, grossed Rs. 2 crores worldwide during the first weekend, of which Rs 1.03 crores came from the Telugu speaking states alone. Directed by Ps Mithran, the film has Vishal and Samantha playing the lead pair, with Arjun, Delhi Ganesh, Sreeja Ravi, Robo Shankar and Kavithalaya Krishnan in the star cast playing the supporting roles. The film is bankrolled by Vishal under his banner Vishal Film Factory. Speaking at the Telugu press meet, Vishal said that Irumbu Thirai has turned out to be the biggest hit of his career. Yuvan Shankar Raja has composed music for Irumbu Thirai / Abhimanyudu while George C. Williams is the cinematographer and Ruben is the editor. Initially, Arya was roped in to play the main antagonist in the film but he later opted out stating that he was not ready to play the villain right now in his career. Eventually, the role went to Arjun Sarja. (Content provided by Digital Native) Also read: 'Saamy 2' trailer: Kollywood's image trap and what it's doing to our biggest stars...

KollywoodDuring the film’s success meet, he had said that he would never forget the 10 hours before the film’s release.Digital NativeDigital NativeVishal is finally relieved that his Irumbu Thirai managed to hit the marquee despite a lot of hurdles. During the film’s success meet, he had said that he would never forget the 10 hours before the film’s release as it was doubtful if it would get a release as planned. However, things moved in the right direction with the intervention of producer Sr Prabhu, he said. Vishal also thanked the Tamil Film Producers Council for supporting him throughout and pointed out that no one can play around to stop a film’s release in the future with such strong support. Vishal, who is the general secretary of the South Indian Film Artistes Association and the President of the Tamil Film Producers’ Council, had been facing strict opposition from a section in the Tamil film industry. However, he managed to get Irumbu Thirai released on May 11 despite the strong opposition and is happy that it doing well at the theatres. Directed by Ps Mithran, the film was produced by Vishal under his banner Vishal Film Factory. Irumbu Thirai has Vishal and Samantha Ruth Prabhu playing the lead pair with the star cast comprising Arjun, Delhi Ganesh, Robo Shankar, Vincent Ashokan, Kaali Venkat, Gemini Mani, Madhusudhan Rao and Vivek Prasanna in supporting roles. While Vishal plays an army officer in it, Samantha was seen as a doctor. Arya was initially roped in to play the baddie in this flick but he later opted out citing that he wasn’t prepared to play baddie in a Tamil movie at this stage. Eventually, the role went to Arjun Sarja, was previously seen playing a character with negative shades in the Ajith starrer Mankatha. Yuvan Shankar Raja had composed music for this venture with George C Williams cranking the camera and Ruben editing it. With Irumbu Thirai out at the theatres and the film industry strike coming to an end, Vishal is all set to start work on Sandakozhi 2, which is the sequel to his movie Sandakozhi. Directed by N Lingusamy, the film has Keerthy Suresh and Varalaxmi Sarath Kumar playing the female leads. Yuvan Shankar Raja is composing music for Sandakozhi 2. (Content provided by Digital Native) Also Read: Sunny Leone’s first look in 'Veermahadevi' out...

CinemaWhile no new films will hit the screens in the coming weeks, theatres are now playing old blockbusters and even films that didn't have a good run in theatres.Tnm StaffFolks in Chennai can now watch last year’s blockbuster films like Vikram Vedha and Mersal again in theatres. Even films like Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa and Sketch that came way before them are being screened again. Following differences between south Indian film industries and Digital Service Providers (DSPs), Tamil and Telugu film industries have announced an indefinite strike. While no new films will hit the screens in the coming weeks, theatres are now playing old blockbusters and even films that didn't have a good run in theatres. From old Mgr classics like Enga Veetu Pillai and Adimaipenn to Suriya’s recent Thaana Serndha Kootam, several films are sets to play in multiplexes to keep the crowds engaged. Some of the films that will be shown again are Aval, Meesaya Murukku, Oru Nalla Naal Pathu Solren, Ajith’s Vedaalam, 1981 classic Meendum Kokila, Gulaebaghavali, Mannar Vagaiyara, 2014 thriller Yaazh, Yenda Thalaiyila Yenna Vekkala, amongst others. The strike may affect several big releases in Tamil. There about 50 movies in the pipeline for the next three months, including Rajinikanth's Kaala, Vishal’s Irumbu Thirai, and Sai Pallavi's Karu. What is the strike about? According to the four film industries, the DSPs who deliver content straight to theatres via satellite for digital projection, charge rates that are too high. DSPs such as Qube and UFO are believed to charge around Rs 22,500 per screen for digital projection. This includes the cost of hiring and delivery of content via digital distribution in theatres. While Tamil and Telugu film industries have gone on indefinite strike, Malayalam and Kannada will see a one day shut down. The last round of talks between the south Indian film industries and the DSPs was held on February 23 in Bengaluru. This was the third time that the two parties were meeting to find a resolution. However, the talks ended without them reaching an agreement.