The makers of director Jeeva Sankar's upcoming revenge thriller, featuring Atharvaa Murali in the lead, on Friday announced that their film had been titled Valai, much to the delight of fans and film buffs. Actor Vijay Sethupathi took to his X timeline to release the film's eagerly awaited official teaser on Friday. The actor wrote, "Launching the Teaser of VALAI. Wishes to Atharvaamurali JeevaSankar and the entire cast and crew. RaadhuInfo ProductionNo1." Launching the Teaser of #VALAI ⚓️Wishes to @Atharvaamurali @JeevaSankar and the entire cast and Crew. @RaadhuInfo #ProductionNo1🔗 https://t.co/eZtylqDg6C@vanibhojanoffl @TheRupaManjari #MuraliSharma #PepsiVSBalamurali@GhibranVaibodha @editorsuriya @gopiprasannaa… pic.twitter.com/nOK9bLfxBI — VijaySethupathi (@VijaySethuOffl) February 6, 2026 The film's teaser shows that Atharvaa Murali will be portraying two characters in the film. While the first character he portrays is called Kutty, the second character is called Saraa in the film. Both characters appear to be sea farers.The gripping teaser also gives a glimpse of the roles that actors Rupa Manjari, Vani Bhojan, Murali Sharma and Aadukalam Naren play in the film. It is evident from the teaser that the film is a revenge thriller. The teaser ends with a voiceover stating that if a decision to take revenge is made, two pits must be dug. One is for your enemy while the other is for you. The film has triggered huge expectations among fans and filmbuffs. Rupa Manjari and Vani Bhojan play the female leads in this film, which also has Murali Sharma, Aadukalam Naren and Jayaprakash playing pivotal roles. Apart from these actors, the film will also feature Arjai, Arul D. Shankar, Thulasi, Mayilsamy and Imman Annachi among others. Produced by Pepsi V.S. Balamurali on behalf of the production house Raadhu Infotainment, the film has music by well known music director Ghibran. Cinematography for the film is by the director Jeeva Sankar himself. Editing for the film is by Sathish Suriya and art direction is by Shanmugaraja. Gopi Prasannaa has served as the production designer of this film, the stunts of which have been choreographed by Stunner Sam. Lyrics for the songs in the film have been penned by Karthik Netha, Mohanraj and Vamanaa. 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
06 February,2026 03:29 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSYash's Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups has stormed into the record books, rewriting the rules of pan-Indian cinema even before its theatrical release. In a deal poised to send shockwaves across the industry, Sri Venkateswara Creations (SVC), led by Dil Raju, has acquired the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana distribution rights for a staggering Rs 120 crore (advance on commission basis), officially marking it as the biggest acquisition ever for a non-Telugu origin film. Dil Raju secures Toxic distribution rights The landmark deal between the makers of Toxic (KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations) and SVC further cements the film as one of the most anticipated cinematic spectacles, underlining the extraordinary confidence the trade has in the film’s scale, appeal, and box-office potential. With three major contenders aggressively vying for the AP–TG rights, SVC ultimately emerged victorious, sealing what is now being hailed as one of the most defining distribution deals in recent Indian cinema. Dil Raju of Sri Venkateswara Creations, said, “Yash stands as a formidable titan of Indian cinema, and post KGF 2, his market has only grown stronger across the world. The audience’s anticipation for his next after KGF 2 has been building for a while now. With a four-year wait, the buzz and expectations around this film are massive. We at SVC are stoked to present this prestigious project and hope to continue collaborating with Yash on many more films” The chaos is beginning to unfold. Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups arrives in theaters across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana through @SVCReleaseIntoxicating the world from 19-03-2026.#DaddyIsHome #ToxicTheMovie#TOXIConMarch19th @TheNameIsYash#Nayanthara@humasqureshi… pic.twitter.com/1uB4RbQ9sg — KVN Productions (@KvnProductions) February 6, 2026 The partnership with Sri Venkateswara Creations further reinforces the film’s positioning. Led by Dil Raju, the banner is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and trusted forces in Indian cinema, with a legacy built on National Award–winning films and multiple blockbuster successes. SVC’s association reflects strong confidence in Toxic’s content, scale, and long-term theatrical potential—especially in the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana market, a region known for its deep-rooted love for cinema and its stature as one of the industry’s most influential and vibrant territories. For audiences and fans, this alliance sets expectations soaring—from massive theatrical reach and high-visibility promotions to a big-screen experience crafted to be larger than life. About Toxic Written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas and directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups has been simultaneously shot in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions planned in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and several other languages, underscoring the film’s global ambition. The film boasts a formidable technical lineup, with National Award-winning cinematographer Rajeev Ravi behind the lens, music composed by Ravi Basrur, editing by Ujwal Kulkarni, and production design by TP Abid. The action sequences are mounted on a grand scale, choreographed by Hollywood action director JJ Perry (John Wick), alongside National Award-winning action directors Anbariv and Kecha Khamphakdee. Produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under the banners of KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, Toxic is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on 19 March 2026, strategically coinciding with Eid, Ugadi, and Gudi Padwa- solidifying its status as a major cinematic event.
06 February,2026 03:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOn Thursday, the Anti-Narcotic Intelligence Unit (NAIU) made a major drug bust in Valasaravakkam. The unit arrested eight people, including a Malayalam actress and a filmmaker. Among those taken into custody were actress Anju Krishna and assistant director Vincy Nivetha. Police seize drugs from gang According to a report in The Times of India, the police seized methamphetamine and ganja from the group. The operation was carried out after the unit received a tip-off and conducted a raid in the area. All eight accused have been taken into police custody, and due legal procedures are being followed, the report stated. How the police busted the group As per the report, Inspector Johnny Chellappan from the ANIU South team first apprehended a 33-year-old man named Vigneshwaran, a resident of Nesapakkam. During questioning, Vigneshwaran allegedly revealed that he had procured the drugs from Venkatesh Kumar, a 31-year-old resident of Kovur near Porur. Following this, the police set up a trap and sent a fake customer to meet the supplier and bring him to a spot. When Venkatesh Kumar’s car arrived at a designated landmark in Valasaravakkam in Tamil Nadu, the police intercepted the vehicle and conducted a thorough search. Narcotic substances were allegedly found, following which Venkatesh Kumar and others present at the spot were arrested. According to the report, the police seized six grams of methamphetamine, seven grams of OG ganja, fifteen grams of ganja, a smoking bong, a stamp, and nine mobile phones. The seized items were handed over to the concerned authorities, and the accused were produced before a magistrate. The court subsequently remanded them to judicial custody for further investigation. Who Is Anju Krishna? Anju Krishna is a moderately popular Malayalam actress who has appeared in films such as Aaro and Akasham Kadann. She also acted in the Tamil film Vellimala, directed by Om Vijay. In Aaro, directed by Kareem and written by Kareem along with Rasheed Parakkal, Joju George played the lead role, while Anju Krishna essayed an important character. The police also arrested Vincy Nivetha, an assistant director working in the Tamil film industry. Officials stated that she was present with the group at the time of the arrest.
06 February,2026 02:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDirector Dijo Jose Antony has now announced that the shooting of his upcoming big budget Malayalam action entertainer, Pallichattambi, featuring actor Tovino Thomas in the lead, has come to a close. Taking to his Instagram page to post a pictures from the places they had shot, the director wrote, "From the first shot in Thodupuzha, to the final patch shoot across states, the long road of Pallichattambi comes to an end today. A beautiful journey of hard work finally crosses the finish line. See you in theatres on April 09, 2026. Love from Team Pallichattambi. PallichattambiMovie April09_2026 DijoJoseAntony." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dijo Jose Antony (@dijojoseantony) The film has triggered huge expectations among fans and film buffs. It may be recalled that only last Monday, the makers released the first look poster of actress Kayadu Lohar in the film. For the unaware, Kayadu Lohar, who shot to fame with her fine performance in the Tamil blockbuster film Dragon, plays the female lead in this film along with Tovino Thomas. Actor Tovino Thomas, who took to his Instagram page to share the first look poster of Kayadu Lohar in the film, wrote, "And then, there was love... Love for a character, for a world, and for the soul of Pallichattambi! Worldwide release on April 9, 2026. PallichattambiMovie April09_2026 DijoJoseAntony TovinoThomas KayaduLohar JakesBejoy." The makers of the film have already announced that the film would hit screens worldwide on April 9 this year. Produced under the banners of World Wide Films and C Qube Bros Entertainments, Pallichattambi will seek to present actor Tovino Thomas in a never-before-seen look. Sources close to the unit of the film have disclosed that the story of the film is set in the 1950s-60s period. The film is being produced by Noufal and Brijeesh under the World Wide Films banner, along with Chanukya Chaithanya Charan under the C Qube Bros Entertainments banner. The film is being released in five languages, including Malayalam. The cast will also include Vijayaraghavan, Sudheer Karamana, Baburaj, Vinod Kedamangalam, Prashanth Alexander, and several other prominent actors. On the technical front, the film's script has been penned by S Suresh Babu. Its cinematography has been handled by Tijo Tomy, while its music has been composed by Mollywood’s music sensation Jakes Bejoy. Editing is by Sreejith Sarang, and production design is by Dileep Nath. Meghasyam and Thanzeer have served as the associate producers of the film, which has its costumes designed by Manjusha Radhakrishnan. Renit Raj and Kiran Raphael have worked as the chief associate directors in this film, the sound design of which is by Sync Cinema. Art direction for the film is by Rajesh Menon and casting is by Binoy Nambala.
06 February,2026 01:02 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSAfter setting the box office on fire this Sankranthi, the Telugu blockbuster Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu is all set to make its grand digital debut on ZEE5 on February 11th. The platform has acquired the exclusive digital rights of the Chiranjeevi–Nayanthara starrer, which has emerged as one of the biggest successes of the season. As announced earlier during the Sankranthi campaign, the film will stream on ZEE5 from across all languages available on the platform, ensuring massive reach among Telugu diaspora and South Asian audiences globally. Written and directed by Anil Ravipudi, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu features Megastar Chiranjeevi in a powerful yet endearing avatar, alongside Venkatesh Daggubati, Nayanthara and Catherine Tresa. This family entertainer is deeply rooted in emotion, humour and relationships, while also delivering edge-of-the-seat drama. Blending action, comedy, emotion and family drama, the film follows a national security officer’s (Chiranjeevi) journey to protect his estranged family while rediscovering love, responsibility, and redemption. With Chiranjeevi’s enduring screen legacy and Nayanthara’s wide appeal across the country, the film found strong resonance with audiences during its theatrical run. Chiranjeevi and Nayanthara on film's OTT release Speaking about the digital premiere, Chiranjeevi said, “Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu is a film that celebrates family, relationships and resilience, all wrapped in entertainment. The love the audience has shown us in theatres has been truly overwhelming. I’m happy that through ZEE5, the film will now reach even more viewers across languages and countries. It’s always special when a story travels beyond cinemas and becomes a part of people’s homes.” Nayanthara added, “This film has a beautiful emotional core along with humour and action, and that balance is what makes it special. Working with Chiranjeevi garu and the entire team was a wonderful experience. I’m excited that audiences who may have missed it in theatres can now watch Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu on ZEE5 and enjoy the journey from the comfort of their homes.” Venkatesh on working with Chiranjeevi Venkatesh Daggubati said, “What I love about Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu is how it blends large-scale entertainment with heartfelt relationships. Working with Chiranjeevi garu for the first time made this journey even more special. I’m glad the film is now reaching audiences worldwide through ZEE5 in multiple languages, allowing families everywhere to experience its emotion, humour and drama together.” Director Anil Ravipudi added, “This film was designed as a complete family entertainer, something rooted in emotions, laughter and thrilling moments. The theatrical response has been extremely encouraging, and I believe the story will connect even more strongly on OTT. With ZEE5 streaming it across all languages, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu will now reach homes across markets and cultures, which is truly exciting for us as creators.” The film will be available for streaming on ZEE5 from February 11 in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, Marathi and Bengali languages.
06 February,2026 12:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwo youngsters were seriously injured after their motorcycle collided with a car driven by Malayalam film actor Maniyanpilla Raju in Thiruvananthapuram. The late-night accident occurred on the Vellayambalam–Vazhuthakkad road, following which the actor allegedly left the scene. Police have registered a case and are probing the incident. About the accident Two youngsters suffered serious injuries after the motorcycle they were riding collided with a car driven by film actor Maniyanpilla Raju here, police said on Friday. The injured were identified as Sooraj (20) and Nidev (20), residents of Thiruvananthapuram. According to Museum police, the accident occurred around 9.30 pm on Thursday in front of the Trivandrum Club on the Vellayambalam–Vazhuthakkad road. Police said Raju, after attending an event at Subrahmanium Hall, was entering the Vellayambalam–Vazhuthakkad road when his car hit the motorcycle. However, the actor did not stop the vehicle and left the scene without attending to the injured, police said. People who gathered at the spot rushed the duo to a hospital, and both suffered multiple fractures, police said. A case has been registered against the driver of the car for rash driving, negligent act endangering life, and refusing to attend to a person injured in an accident, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act. Maniyanpilla Raju records statement Police, following a preliminary probe, confirmed that the vehicle was driven by Raju. The actor appeared at the Museum police station on Friday morning and told reporters that a motorcycle hit his car, which will be confirmed after CCTV footage from the area is examined. “I was driving the car slowly to cross the road when the motorcycle hit the vehicle. I heard a noise and saw someone falling down. After leaving the place, I contacted a person and asked him to arrange an ambulance,” he said. He confirmed that the car was driven by him and that he left the scene due to his health condition. “I am a cancer patient and have now been diagnosed with chikungunya. Also, my wife was alone at home,” he said. Raju said he had contacted the police and informed them of his inability to appear at night. “I told them that I would appear in the morning. The vehicle will be surrendered to the police,” he added. (With inputs from PTI)
06 February,2026 11:08 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentZEE5 is set to premiere the much-anticipated political action drama Parasakthi from February 7, 2026. Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Sudha Kongara and produced by Aakash Bhaskaran under the banner of Dawn Pictures, the film brings to life a powerful chapter from Tamil Nadu’s socio-political history. Parasakthi plot Set against the backdrop of the 1965 Anti-Hindi Imposition agitation, Parasakthi explores themes of identity, self-respect, and resistance through an emotionally charged narrative of two brothers drawn into a defining movement of their time. The film stars Sivakarthikeyan in a compelling lead role as Chezhiyan, a principled young man who becomes deeply involved in the agitation opposing the imposition of Hindi as an official language. Sharing her vision behind the film, Director Sudha Kongara added, “Parasakthi was born out of a deep desire to tell a story about dignity, language, and the power of collective awakening. This isn’t just a political movement; it’s about how ordinary lives are affected when identity is questioned. I’m grateful that ZEE5 is taking this story to a global audience that understands the importance of voices, cultures, and histories being heard.” The cast speak about the film Siva Karthikeyan said, “Chezhiyan is one of the most intense and meaningful characters I’ve portrayed. He represents conviction, courage, and the responsibility of standing up for what truly matters. Parasakthi challenged me as an actor and as an individual, and I’m proud that audiences will now experience this journey on ZEE5.” Sreeleela said, “Parasakthi marks a very special milestone for me. Ratnamala is a character driven by quiet strength and empathy and being part of a story with such cultural and historical significance has been an honour. I’m thankful to Sudha ma’am and the entire team for trusting me with this role.” Elaborating on the film’s tone and storytelling, the actress emphasised its realism and the director’s distinctive vision. “This film is very real. Sudha ma’am is someone who brings real stories and cinematic brilliance together. So being a part of something like that felt very special,” she added. Sudha Kongara, known for blending emotional depth with powerful narratives, has often been praised for crafting stories that resonate beyond the screen, and Parasakthi appears to continue that tradition. Witness a stirring tale of resistance, brotherhood, and identity when Parasakthi premieres on ZEE5 from February 7.
05 February,2026 07:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrabhas-starrer The RajaSaab is all set to stream on OTT platform JioHotstar from February 6. The film was released in theatres on January 28 and failed to perform at the box office. Directed by Maruthi, the film could not even recover 50 percent of its budget during its theatrical run. The RajaSaab extended cut on OTT A day after its release, the makers added and deleted certain portions following criticism from fans, who pointed out that several interesting scenes shown in the trailer were missing from the final cut. Now, the makers are set to present an extended cut of the film on JioHotstar. The OTT platform announced that the Prabhas-starrer will stream with an extended cut, though further details about the revised runtime were not disclosed. In its official post, the platform stated, “Due to unforeseen circumstances and last-minute technical glitches, we’ve added the extended cut!” However, the announcement invited more trolling than excitement. One user sarcastically commented, “There was more of this filmed???” Another wrote, “You mean extra troll material?” while a third said, “Don’t even wanna watch, 90 percent cut movie.” Due to unforeseen circumstances and last-minute technical glitches, we’ve added the extended cut! ⚠️Regret the inconvenience caused due to hype 🙂India's Biggest Superstar on JioHotstar | 6th Feb 👑#TheRajaSaabOnJioHotstar #TheRajaSaab #ExtendedCut #JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/3Kq7ofY8qT — JioHotstar Telugu (@JioHotstarTel_) February 5, 2026 A Reddit user joked, “Maruthi Snyder?”—a reference to filmmaker Zack Snyder’s extended cut of Justice League—while another quipped, “7 hours footage.” Some users also mocked the hype around the extended version, calling it unnecessary. The RajaSaab director addresses criticism after film’s release Speaking at a press conference, director Maruthi addressed the mixed response to the film. “Prabhas fans aren’t disappointed with the film, but they aren’t fully satisfied either. That’s because we showcased him in an old get-up with attitude and swag in the trailer. While searching for that look, the fans couldn’t process the story I was presenting,” he said. He further added, “Keeping this feedback in mind, I sat down to sharpen the second half and added missing scenes starting from the 6 PM show. I’m confident the 8–9 minute addition will be mind-blowing. No film has depicted a rooftop fight sequence like this before." The RajaSaab producer SKN files complaint against trolls Producer SKN has filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Police Station in Hyderabad against online trolls. In a press statement, he said the complaint was lodged against social media handles impersonating him and posting derogatory and misleading content targeting the film and its cast. The statement added, “Such malicious acts are intended to create confusion and spread negativity. Strict legal action will be taken against those involved, and the matter is currently under investigation.” Following the film’s release, several members of the team, including SKN, faced online trolling. It remains to be seen what action authorities will take next.
05 February,2026 06:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAllu Arjun-starrer Pushpa 2: The Rule was recently released in Japan, a year after its India release. The film directed by Sukumar, also stars Rashmika Mandanna. The film's collection at the Japan box office has collected Rs 6.1 crores (¥105 Million) in just 14 days. It has further soldified Allu Arjun’s standing as one of India’s most influential global stars. Allu Arjun's star power in Japan Japan, known for being one of the world’s most selective and taste-driven cinema markets, has embraced Allu Arjun with remarkable enthusiasm. The film’s strong 14-day performance despite its unconventional 3-hour-40 minute runtime for Japanese theatres reflects the actor’s expanding global footprint and the franchise’s increasing cult appeal. Over the last few years, Allu Arjun has emerged as India’s most dynamic cultural export, with his films consistently drawing international attention, driving massive online conversation, and establishing new benchmarks for Indian stars overseas. With Pushpa 2, he becomes one of the few Indian actors whose mass commercial cinema is being celebrated from India to Japan, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences far beyond linguistic and cultural boundaries. Trade analysts note that the Japan numbers highlight a clear shift: Indian stars are entering global mainstream conversations and Allu Arjun is leading that wave. About Pushpa 2's success streak For the unaware, director Sukumar's Pushpa 2: The Rule emerged as a huge blockbuster, completing a triumphant 50-day run in theatres. It emerged as the biggest film of 2024, setting unparalleled examples of success since its release. From winning the hearts of the audience to breaking box office records, the film left its mark everywhere. Not only did it inaugurate the over Rs 800 Crore club in Hindi, but it also crossed the Rs 1800 Crore mark worldwide, making it India's biggest and highest-earning film. It may be recalled that the makers had also released a reloaded version from January 17 this year, which had an additional 20 minutes of footage of the film. Interestingly, the reloaded version was to be first released on January 11. Pushpa 2: The Rule, featuring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, is a gripping story that revolves around Pushpa Raj -- a man who, after having had everything taken away from him, decides that he will not lose anything more in life to anyone. The story tells Pushpa's rise to the heights of power by becoming the head of a powerful syndicate that illegally deals in red sandalwood. The film, which has three parts, was produced by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings with music on T Series. The second part was released on December 5, 2024.
05 February,2026 04:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSuperstar Ram Charan's wife, Upasana Konidela and her newborn twins, a boy and a girl, were discharged on Thursday, 5th February, from the family owned Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad. It was done amid tight security, following the mobbing of Ram and daughter Klin Kaara outside the hospital earlier this week. Upasana Konidela and twins discharged from hospital A video circulating on social media shows barricades set up outside the hospital and security personnel ensuring no body obstructs Upasana and the twins’ discharge. The video shows the personnel coordinating to ensure a smooth exit as Ram, Upasana, and their newborn babies leave in their vehicle. The vehicle had tinted glass to ensure that no one managed to get a glimpse of them. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kamlesh Nand (work) (@artistrybuzz_) This was in sharp contrast to when Ram Charan and Upasana welcomed their first child, daughter Klin Kaara, in 2023. The mother and daughter were discharged from Apollo Hospital amid much fanfare. Ram and Upasana greeted fans and media waiting outside the hospital, even posing for some pictures for the media before leaving the hospital. The reason for the tight security this time is that after news broke of the twins’ birth, hundreds of fans gathered outside the hospital on the next day, February 1, to catch a glimpse of them. Their behaviour grew extremely unruly when Ram Charan and his daughter Kaara arrived to visited Upasana and the twins. Ram Charan and daughter Klin Kaara mobbed In viral videos circulating on social media, Ram was seen getting out of his car with his daughter Klin Kaara in his arms. He even covered her face with a red cloth to shield her. However, he was mobbed by a massive crowd outside the hospital, making it difficult to step inside. Fans jostled to get close to the actor, leaving him irritated. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) At one moment, he was seen pushing the crowd to make his way while protecting the little one. Fortunately, the father-daughter duo managed to escape the chaos safely. The video has left social media users shaken, with many calling the scenes “unacceptable” and “dangerous.” Ram Charan, Upasana announce arrival of twin babies The couple shared their first post after welcoming a baby boy and a baby girl into their lives. On Sunday, the actor took to his Instagram account to share an adorable picture from their maternity shoot announcing the arrival. He added a caption that read, "Happy to share that we have been blessed with a baby boy & girl. Having two daughters and a son fills us with immense gratitude. The women in our life have been our greatest strength. I'm very thankful to all our fans, family, and well-wishers who have stood by us and supported us through every moment."
05 February,2026 01:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Aadi Sai Kumar, who recently scored a major success with Shambhala, has signed his next project, teaming up with rising actor Kashika Kapoor. The announcement has generated early buzz, with the pairing being described as a fresh on-screen combination. Kashika Kapoor signs film with Aadi Sai Kumar Kashika Kapoor, who has been steadily gaining attention with her recent film and digital projects, is fast emerging as one of the promising new faces in Indian cinema. Known for her confident screen presence and performance-oriented choices, the actor has built a growing fan base across regions through a mix of films, OTT appearances, and brand associations. This project marks Kashika Kapoor’s first collaboration with Aadi Sai Kumar and is being seen as a significant step forward in her career trajectory. Industry sources indicate that she plays a key role in the narrative, offering her ample scope to showcase emotional range and depth. Following the commercial success of Shambhala, expectations around Aadi Sai Kumar’s next outing remain high. With Kashika Kapoor joining the cast, anticipation around the film has further increased. According to sources, the film is expected to balance strong storytelling with commercial elements, positioning it as a notable upcoming release. Further details regarding the film’s title, director, and release timeline are expected to be announced soon. Kashika on working hour debate As conversations around work culture in the industry gain momentum with Deepika Padukone bringing light to it, Kashika believes the ongoing shift is healthy and necessary. While filmmaking often demands unpredictable hours, she has seen encouraging change. She earlier said, "I think every creative industry goes through phases where conversations about work culture evolve, and it’s wonderful that ours is doing the same. Filmmaking is an intensive process, it involves large teams, unpredictable requirements, and sometimes long hours become a part of that rhythm." “I’ve worked with teams who are extremely respectful of time and well-being,” she says. For her, the focus shouldn’t be on blame but on building systems that allow creativity and balance to coexist. “And from what I’m seeing, we’re definitely moving in the right direction.”
04 February,2026 07:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
