Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan, who continues to be in police custody, has faced a setback in his sexual assault case after his lawyer, Mohammed Siyad, quit the case. Siyad will no longer represent him in the ongoing sexual assault case, and has also informed Ranjith's family to look for a new counsel. Ranjith's lawyer quits the case Notably, Mohammed Siyad faced criticism for also being a member of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) for the film, on which the incident occurred. Siyad announced his decision to quit the case and revealed that he has asked the filmmaker’s family to hire another lawyer ahead of the upcoming bail proceedings. The lawyer reportedly told OnManorama, “As the legal advisor to numerous production houses, I have been a member of several Internal Complaints Committees, including the ICC for the film cited in this case. It is important to note that the complainant never raised any allegations of harassment during the shooting, nor did she ever approach the ICC." Siyad’s resignation came hours after he filed a bail plea on Ranjit’s behalf. The plea reportedly claims that the actress filed a harassment case because of disagreements between her and the filmmaker during the shoot. About sexual assault allegations against Ranjith Earlier this week, Ranjith was taken into police custody after a woman actor accused the filmmaker of attempting to sexually assault her on a film set. According to police, a complaint was filed with Kochi City Police. The woman claimed that Ranjith lured her into a caravan during a shoot and tried to sexually assault her, encouraging immediate action from authorities. Talking about the case, Kochi City Police Commissioner S Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar shared that a Special Investigation Team was formed after the actress filed a complaint. He also revealed that the allegations were discreetly verified before Ranjith was arrested. “It should not happen to any woman, especially at the workplace," he said. Following the complaint, Ranjith was arrested and then sent to 14-day police custody. Recently, the WCC also issued a long statement calling the allegations against Ranjith ‘grave’. They also questioned the industry’s power structures and criticised the showbiz world.
04 April,2026 10:19 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSouth superstar Allu Arjun took to his social media account to wish his little son Allu Ayaan on his birthday and shared an adorable picture. Sharing a heartwarming post, he wrote, “Many happy returns of the day to the love of my life. Happy Birthday, my chinni babu. HBDAlluAyaan AyaanisaVibe”. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Allu Arjun (@alluarjunonline) In the picture, Allu Arjun is seen dressed in a maroon traditional kurta, smiling as he holds Ayaan close. The young boy, also dressed in an ethnic outfit, is seen striking a playful pose. For the uninitiated, Allu Ayaan, the elder son of Allu Arjun and Sneha Reddy, was born on April 3, 2014, and turned 12 this year. The young boy often features in his father’s social media posts, and Ayaan has become a familiar face among fans. Talking about South star Allu Arjun, on the professional front, has achieved massive success with the blockbuster franchise Pushpa: The Rise, where he starred opposite Rashmika Mandanna. The actor has delivered several memorable hits over the years, including the popular dance number ‘A Ante Amalapuram’. On the personal front, Allu Arjun tied the knot with Sneha Reddy in March 2011 after reportedly meeting through mutual friends. They initially were good friends, and their love story soon blossomed, leading to marriage. On March 6, the actor celebrated his wedding anniversary with wife Sneha Reddy by sharing a heartfelt message and romantic pictures on his social media account. Marking 15 years of togetherness, the actor posted a couple of stunning photographs of the two and wrote, “Happy Anniversary, Cutie. 15 years of togetherness. The journey could not have been this without you.” In another post, he shared a monochrome picture with Sneha and wrote, “15th anniversary . Life of Laughter & companionship @allusnehareddy.” They are parents to two children, son Allu Ayaan and daughter Allu Arha. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 April,2026 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSDacoit’s teaser, which was unveiled last December, showed us exactly what to expect from the Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur-starrer. The one-minute-36-second promo was all about car chases, heists, and action. Ahead of the film’s trailer dropping today, leading man and co-writer Sesh revealed that he performed many of the chase sequences, instead of relying on body doubles. The actor shared, “Dacoit has some intense car chase sequences, and many of them were filmed with me [behind the wheel]. When you’re inside the car, surrounded by cameras, stunt coordinators, and a tightly planned set-up, you realise how much precision is required to get it right. These are the kinds of action sequences where you can’t afford too many retakes because every movement, skid, and turn has been carefully designed.” Shaneil Deo has directed the upcoming action drama, which also stars Anurag Kashyap.
04 April,2026 07:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuUnseen pictures from Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s wedding celebrations have surfaced online, offering a glimpse into their intimate and culturally rich ceremonies. The couple, who tied the knot in a private ceremony in Udaipur, kept their festivities largely away from the public eye, making these newly revealed moments even more special for fans. Vijay Deverakonda's mother gifts heirloom bangles Among the highlights from the celebrations is a touching ritual involving Vijay’s mother, Madhavi Deverakonda. During one of the pre-wedding events, she presented Rashmika with heirloom gold bangles, a gesture deeply rooted in tradition. The gift symbolised acceptance into the family, along with love, blessings, and the continuation of legacy. The ceremony, believed to be part of the sangeet festivities, reflected a blend of modern celebration and age-old customs. The unseen images showcase candid, emotional moments shared between the families, highlighting the warmth and close-knit nature of the gathering. Unlike grand celebrity weddings, the couple opted for a more personal affair, attended only by close friends and relatives. The pictures also capture Rashmika dressed in traditional attire, adorned with elaborate gold jewellery that complemented the heritage theme of the wedding. Vijay, too, embraced a classic ethnic look, matching the cultural tone of the event. Together, the couple’s styling reflected a deep respect for tradition while maintaining understated elegance. Wedding memories of Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda Their wedding, which had been the subject of speculation for years, marked the culmination of a long-standing relationship that began with their on-screen chemistry and gradually evolved into real life. The unseen photos further add to the narrative of their journey, showing moments of joy, rituals, and emotional exchanges that were not part of the official releases. Fans have been quick to react to these glimpses, praising the couple’s simplicity and the meaningful traditions incorporated into their celebrations. The images not only highlight the grandeur of Indian weddings but also emphasise the emotional significance of familial bonds and rituals. Overall, the newly surfaced pictures provide a deeper look into Rashmika and Vijay’s wedding, capturing heartfelt traditions, private moments, and the essence of a celebration rooted in love and heritage.
03 April,2026 07:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Rana Daggubati recently opened up about the immense physical and mental strain he experienced while working on the Baahubali franchise, describing it as one of the most demanding phases of his career. The actor, who played the powerful antagonist Bhallaladeva, revealed that the scale and ambition of the project pushed everyone involved to their limits. Rana Daggubati talks about Baahubali Directed by S. S. Rajamouli, the Baahubali films redefined Indian cinema with their grand storytelling, elaborate action sequences, and groundbreaking visuals. However, behind the spectacle was a long and challenging journey that tested the endurance of the cast and crew over several years. Reflecting on the experience, Rana shared that it is difficult to single out one particular scene that was the most exhausting because nearly every sequence demanded intense effort. He said, “We shot that for like six years or something. So most of those were like that.” His statement highlights the prolonged and physically taxing nature of the shoot, which required sustained commitment from everyone involved. He further explained that the team was venturing into relatively uncharted territory while making the film. “It’s not about one scene because, at that point, we were discovering how to make that film as well,” he said, emphasizing the experimental nature of the process. Unlike typical productions, the team had limited references for large-scale war sequences and advanced visual effects at the time. On facing challenges Rana also credited the vision of Rajamouli for steering the project through its challenges. According to him, the film required a filmmaker who could bring together a massive team and push boundaries to achieve something unprecedented. “It was pushing everyone’s boundaries. It needed a master like Rajamouli and a team that came together for that vision,” he added. The franchise, which also starred Prabhas in the lead role, went on to become a cultural phenomenon and a benchmark for large-scale filmmaking in India. Despite the toll it took, Rana acknowledged that the experience was transformative and career-defining. Looking back, the actor noted that such long and demanding projects are rare, as sustaining that level of intensity over years is not easy. Yet, the challenges ultimately contributed to the film’s monumental success and lasting legacy. Today, Baahubali remains a landmark achievement, not just for its box office success but also for the dedication and perseverance of the team that brought its epic vision to life.
03 April,2026 03:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMohanlal’s Drishyam 3 is one of the most anticipated films. However, the film has found itself in legal trouble over a copyright issue. Well-known brand Amazon has now issued a public notice in which it has strongly stated that it is the sole and exclusive holder of all digital rights of actor Mohanlal's eagerly awaited film Drishyam 3. The streaming platform has warned the public and industry stakeholders against engaging in any digital distribution. Amazon claims sole rights of Drishyam 3 In a statement, Amazon Seller Services Private Limited said, “Notice is hereby given that Amazon Seller Services Private Limited (Amazon), pursuant to the valid exercise of its rights under subsisting agreements between Aashirvad Cinemas and Amazon, is the sole and exclusive holder of all digital rights (including but not limited to SVOD, TVOD, AVOD, FVOD and EST) in the film Drishyam 3 (Malayalam) (the film).” Amazon further said, “The public is hereby cautioned that Amazon holds these rights to the exclusion of all others, and Aashirvad Cinemas (including its assignees, licensees and any other person purportedly authorized by Aashirvad Cinemas) has no authority to sell, license, or in any manner create any third-party interest, lien, or charge over the digital rights for the film.” It warned, “Any person, entity, or digital platform dealing with the film or its digital rights in contravention of Amazon's exclusivity shall do so at their own risk, cost, and consequences. Amazon reserves the right to initiate appropriate legal proceedings, including seeking injunctive relief and damages, against any party found to be infringing upon its exclusive rights or interfering with its contractual relationship regarding the film.” More about Drishyam 3 For the unaware, Drishyam 3, the third instalment in the highly rated franchise, was formally launched with a traditional puja ceremony held at a law college near Kochi in September last year. Director Jeethu Joseph, addressing the media ahead of the launch, revealed that Drishyam 3 would explore the next chapter in the life of Georgekutty, the iconic character played by Mohanlal in the film. “The film focuses on what happens in Georgekutty’s life after four-and-a-half years. That is the crux of the story,” Joseph explained. The Drishyam films have achieved cult status in Indian cinema for their gripping storytelling, intricate suspense, and Mohanlal’s acclaimed performance. The first film, released in 2013, set new benchmarks in Malayalam cinema, while its sequel, released in 2021, drew record-breaking viewership both in theatres and on streaming platforms.
03 April,2026 01:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Malavika Mohanan, who is now working on director Thiagarajan Kumararaja's upcoming film Pocket Novel has now disclosed what recently made her fall in love with Mumbai a little more. The actress has confessed that a sunset boat ride in Mumbai has made her fall in love with the city a little more now. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Malavika Mohanan (@malavikamohanan_) Taking to her Instagram page to update her followers on how the month of March had been for her, the actress wrote, "March was a mixed bag for me. The biggest highlight? Filming for Pocket Novel and being directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja. Unarguably, one of the finest filmmakers of our generation. Watching his process, being guided and shaped by him, has been one of the most special creative experiences in my career so far. (I’ll write more about this later, it’s a long one)." She then went on to explain how she spent quite a while in Chennai as she had to shoot for the film. "I spent most of the month in Chennai for the shoot. And while the work itself was incredible, being away from home for so long hit me harder than I expected. Coming back to an empty room after a long day doesn’t get easier, even though one would think it gets easier the more you do it. I found myself really grappling with loneliness this time," she explained. "When my family came to visit for a couple of days, it was like a respite for my spirit. We wandered through some beautiful temples in Chennai and Mahabalipuram, tried all sorts of local food, and it felt so good just to be with them. Especially since my grandmother visited as well, which she rarely does," she recalled. "Got back to Mumbai a few days ago, after being away for most of the month, and went for a lovely sunset boat ride a couple of days back. The sky was breathtaking, the ocean air healing, and the waves so soothing. That evening, along with having missed home terribly, made me fall in love with Mumbai a little more," she wrote. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 April,2026 09:31 AM IST | Chennai | IANSBollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, who will be seen in the upcoming historical epic Raja Shivaji, is walking down the memory lane that leads to the start of his friendship with actor-director Riteish Deshmukh. The film marks a new chapter in Abhishek’s friendship with Riteish Deshmukh, making it the former’s first Marathi film. The recently released first look teaser of Raja Shivaji features Abhishek Bachchan in the role of Sambhaji Shahaji Raje Bhosle. In the video asset, Abhishek can be seen donning a warrior’s ensemble, roaring across the battlefield and upholding his brotherly bond with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, promising a spectacle that goes beyond the battles. For Abhishek Bachchan, Raja Shivaji is more than a grand cinematic offering as it marks his first-ever Marathi film, a bold leap in his diverse filmography. Talking about the film, he said, “It's my first ever Marathi film. Riteish, who I considered to be my brother, has been dreaming about this from the first time that I ever met him about 25 years ago in Latur. I was shooting there for a film of mine called Zameen. And Riteish was just coming into the film industry, and he came to hang out with Ajay Devgn and me, who were shooting, and that's where our friendship began. And then we've gone on to collaborate on several films”. The actor recalled a moment when he visited Riteish Deshmukh’s residence, where the actor revealed his “dream” to go beyond acting, to direct and make a film on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. “So this is a dream he's harboured and worked on for several years. Riteish has arguably made the most ambitious Marathi film made till date. I have no doubt about the kind of director that he is, which he has already proven in his last film. He's going to do something that is going to become a cornerstone for Marathi cinema. And I'm so, so happy for him, so happy to be a part of it, be part of telling the story. And I hope everybody likes the film because I really think it's going to be a seminal moment for Marathi cinema”, he added. Presented by Jio Studios and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under the banner of Mumbai Film Company, ‘Raja Shivaji’ is set to release in cinemas on May 1, 2026, in Marathi, Hindi and Telugu. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 April,2026 09:27 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSNoted Malayalam film director Ranjith was taken into custody following a complaint filed by a woman actor, who alleged that he attempted to sexually assault her on a film set. Following his arrest, the director has been suspended from the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA). Meanwhile, the Women in Cinema Collective has reacted to the arrest, questioning industry power and lack of awareness. WCC reacts to Ranjith’s arrest in sexual assault case On Thursday, the Women in Cinema Collective reacted to the arrest and questioned the industry's power structures. “Yet another grave allegation by a young actress has shaken Kerala. This time, the accusation is against director Ranjith. It is deeply distressing to realise that despite High Court directives and the new cinema policy, very little has changed on the ground. Where does this audacity of perpetrators come from? From a system that simply does not function,” the statement read. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Women In Cinema Collective (@wcc_cinema) The collective questioned the lack of awareness of the Internal Committee on the matter. “The WCC fought for and secured a High Court order ensuring an IC on every set, along with the formation of a monitoring committee. The committee submitted several crucial action plans. Yet, why are these mechanisms still not functioning? Is it a lack of will, lack of awareness, or sheer indifference? These systems cannot exist merely on paper,” they added. “The industry can no longer hide behind ignorance or inertia. Implement ICs. Follow POSH. Prioritise safety. If cinema wishes to reflect society, it must also model a workplace that is safe, equitable, and dignified for all,” WCC stated. About Ranjith’s sexual assault case According to the police, the actor has alleged that the director invited her to a caravan during the shooting of a film and attempted to sexually assault her. The case against Ranjith was registered by Kochi City Police, after which he was arrested. Meanwhile, Ranjith's lawyer has said that they are preparing to move a bail plea in court. This is not the first time Ranjith has faced such allegations. In 2024, he stepped down as the chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy after harassment claims were made by Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra, though he had denied those allegations at the time. The earlier controversy had sparked strong reactions across Kerala's film industry, with several actors, directors, and industry members publicly calling for his resignation.
03 April,2026 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSurvival shapes Sri Lankan journalist-turned-filmmaker Someetharan’s Tamil movie, Neelira. Days before its April 3 release, as mid-day met the director, he said that the drama — set in 1988 against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan Civil War — is a lived reality retold. “I wasn’t just observing the war, I was born into it,” he recalled. Growing up in a militarised zone, he recounted how a three-kilometre journey to school would take over an hour. “Every few hundred metres, there would be a checkpoint. We had to get off our bicycles and open our school bags for inspection.” Through Neelira, the director revisits the period. But he has shifted the lens on his war story by placing a wedding at the heart of the Naveen Chandra and Sananth Reddy-starrer. Playing out over the night before the wedding, Neelira tells the story of a family that is caught in the crossfire between the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). “Weddings are a time of joy and togetherness. But what happens when that celebration exists in the middle of conflict? Most people see war like a spectacle, like a game of who attacked whom. But I want to tell the story of the people who lived through it,” explained Someetharan. Someetharan. Picture Courtesy/PR; (right) Rana Daggubati. Pic/Instagram The movie may have been handed a few trims by the Central Board of Film Certification, but Someetharan said the cuts didn’t dilute his voice. He added, “I respect that they didn’t want to butcher my film. They want the story to be seen for what it is — standing against the brutality of war.”
03 April,2026 07:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuHaryanvi actor Anjali Raghav has withdrawn her complaint against Bhojpuri actor-singer Pawan Singh before the Haryana State Women's Commission, officials said on Thursday. However, members of Singh’s social media team are still under investigation. While Singh did not attend the hearing, Raghav was present before Chairperson Renu Bhatia in Faridabad. She stated that she no longer wished to continue the case against Singh, who had earlier issued a public apology on social media. Anjali Raghav says Singh's social media team spread misleading info However, Raghav alleged that after a stage show incident in Lucknow last year, Singh’s social media team circulated her photos and videos in a misleading manner. She further claimed that her mobile number and images were uploaded to pornographic websites, causing significant mental distress. Raghav named three members of the team, including Bhiwanshu and Akash, and demanded strict action against them. Following her statement, the Commission removed Singh’s name from the case, while including the three team members, who have now been asked to respond. The next hearing is scheduled for April 6 in Panchkula, where all those named in the case must appear in person. About the controversy Popular Bhojpuri actor Pawan Singh has been in the news for quite some time, for all the wrong reasons. From his wife Jyoti Singh accusing him of harassment to actress Anjali Raghav alleging that he touched her inappropriately, the actor has been in headlines. Anjali Raghav alleged in her complaint to the Women's Commission that Pawan Singh touched her inappropriately during a promotional event held in Lucknow last year. The incident took place during the launch event of Singh's song Saiya Seva Kare, which also stars Anjali. In the viral video, Anjali, dressed in a saree, appears visibly uncomfortable as Singh places his hand on her waist. After the videos from the event went viral, Anjali shared videos on Instagram, saying she was "disturbed" by what happened and made it clear that she would "not work in the Bhojpuri industry anymore." Responding to the matter, Pawan took to Instagram Stories and wrote that he had no "wrong intention" behind his actions. He said he felt "very bad" after learning about the issue and added that, as an artist, he never meant to disrespect her but apologized if his behaviour hurt her. He clarified, “I had no wrong intention towards you, as we are artists. Even then, if you were hurt by my behaviour, then I apologise.”
02 April,2026 10:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
