What comes as a big breakthrough in the Jana Nayagan leak controversy, the State Cyber Crime Wing of the Tamil Nadu Police announced that it had cracked the case on Thursday. They added that it had arrested three more people in connection with the case. Notably, the police have already arrested six people in connection with the leak earlier. Tamil Nadu State Cyber Crime Wing arrest three more accused In a statement, the State Cyber Crime Wing said that it had arrested three more people, as part of its continued crackdown in the case. The statement read, "Following the six arrests of accused involved in the dissemination and uploading of the pirated content, three main accused are arrested." The Cyber Crime Wing further added that the arrests were carried out based on a detailed technical analysis and examination of digital evidence. The three accused of the crime were arrested for their involvement in data theft and the dissemination of a pirated copy of the film. Sharing more details of the crime, the police said, "The main accused was working as a freelance assistant editor for another movie. However, he unauthorisedly gained access to the reels of Jana Nayagan movie at the editing studio and stole it. The stolen data was then rendered into a movie and shared with the co-accused, leading to the circulation and wider dissemination of the pirated copies online." "All the three accused arrested have been arrested, produced before the Hon'ble Court, and remanded to judicial custody," the police stated. The police also advised the public not to download, stream, or share the pirated content. "Any involvement in digital piracy, including forwarding or promoting such content, will invite strict legal consequences," the police warned, urging the public to promptly report any instances of pirated content or suspicious links to them. About the Jana Nayagan leak For the unaware, director H Vinoth's film, Jana Nayagan, which was touted to be Vijay's final film before he dives into politics, was recently leaked on the Internet. The breach left everyone in shock and furious. A few days later, the pirated version was telecast on a local cable channel in the state. On Thursday, the Madras High Court passed an interim order restraining cable operators and internet service providers from illegally broadcasting the film.
16 April,2026 06:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMalayalam actress Mamitha Baiju has become a popular choice ever since the success of Premalu (2024). The young actress has bagged multiple Tamil films opposite major stars. She will next be seen in Dhanush-starrer Kara, directed by Vignesh Raja. However, the director has been criticised for casting a fair-skinned actor and allegedly darkening her appearance instead of casting a regional Tamil actress. The filmmaker justified the decision, stating that it was based purely on performance. Vignesh Raja justifies Mamitha casting In a recent interview with Galatta Plus, Vignesh was asked why it is so difficult to find a Tamil actress to play lead roles in Tamil films. The question arose after Mamitha was chosen for the role. He responded that casting depends on performance and, at times, marketability. “Personally, honest-to-God, I am not focused on that (marketability) because, for me, content is important. When it comes to performance, I am absolutely certain that I will only hire an actor who does justice to my character. For this character, we auditioned close to 20–25 girls. But what Mamitha did in the audition, no one else came close,” he said. Vignesh added that when he hires actors, he often ‘reintroduces them to themselves’ by changing their look, behaviour, and costumes. “So, this decision was purely taken on merit, and it was a creative decision. I know there’s a lot of conversation around it. My thing is, I’m going to tell Dhanush a story- what if someone else does it better? What if he’s a Telugu director? Will he be asked, ‘Don’t we have directors in Tamil?’ So, I find it a non-issue. It’s okay for you to point out if I’m typecasting or being sexist…it’s not that we have put a tan and all of that. If I’m thinking I have to be politically correct, then it’s going to feel very off,” he added. Netizens react to Vignesh casting However, netizens were not impressed with Vignesh’s justification. A user took to X and wrote, “At this point, it’s just humiliating to hear the same ‘merit’ argument. Tamil women with darker skin exist, are talented, and deserve to be seen. Choosing to darken a fair actress instead of casting them just highlights colourism and shows a lack of care for authentic Tamil representation.” Some also pointed out how women of Tamil origin have fared better in global industries and impressed with their talent. “They justify racism in the name of ‘merit,’ as if Tamil women who came for auditions didn’t stand a chance to portray a Ramnad woman compared to a non-Tamil. Tanning/bronzing is widely seen as problematic. It should be discouraged,” read another comment. “It’s funny how they can find so many Tamil dark-skinned ‘next-door boy’ heroes, but somehow the problem is only there when it comes to women in the same category,” another user pointed out. One more commented, “Colouring a fair actress darker is just colourism,” while another wrote, “Just say it’s your choice—no need for intellectual explanations.”
16 April,2026 06:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor-turned-politician Vijay has landed in legal trouble after Chennai Police registered cases against him and members of his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), for allegedly conducting an unauthorised roadshow ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Vijay lands in legal trouble According to reports, multiple FIRs were filed at different police stations across Chennai, including areas like West Mambalam, Nungambakkam and Vepery. The cases relate to violations of election rules, particularly holding campaign roadshows without obtaining the required permissions from authorities. The incident is part of Vijay’s ongoing campaign for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, where his party is contesting independently across constituencies. His roadshows have been drawing massive crowds, often leading to challenges in crowd control and traffic management. Authorities have taken action citing breaches of the Model Code of Conduct, which regulates political campaigning during elections. Police officials stated that such permissions are mandatory to ensure public safety and maintain law and order, especially during large-scale gatherings involving popular figures like Vijay. This is not the first time TVK’s campaign activities have come under scrutiny. In recent weeks, several cases have reportedly been filed against party members and supporters for violations such as unauthorised rallies, traffic disruptions and defacement during campaign events. All about his political campaign Despite the legal issues, Vijay’s campaign continues to gain momentum, with strong public turnout and enthusiastic support from fans and party workers. His transition from cinema to politics has significantly reshaped the political landscape in Tamil Nadu, making him a key contender in the upcoming elections. The development highlights the increasing tensions and strict enforcement of election norms as the state heads closer to polling. With heightened scrutiny on all parties, authorities are closely monitoring campaign activities to ensure compliance with regulations. As the elections approach, Vijay and his party will need to navigate both political challenges and legal hurdles while maintaining their campaign momentum. Recently, during the elections rally, there were numerous instances that touched the fans hearts. Vijay not only stopped the rally for the injured couple but also addressed his fans and expressed gratitude for their support in his political journey.
16 April,2026 06:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Madras High Court passed an interim order on Thursday restraining cable operators and internet service providers from illegally broadcasting or facilitating access to pirated or leaked copies of the Vijay-starrer film Jana Nayagan. This comes amid the legal suit filed by KVN Productions after the leaked copy of the film was telecast on TV. Madras HC restains illegal broadcasting Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy, while hearing the case filed by KVN Productions LLP, the co-producer of the film, passed the order. The producers had alleged that the movie had been leaked online even before receiving certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Notably, the court's interim order passed on April 16, will remain in force till June 2. The matter will be heard further thereafter. KVN Productions had argued that the pre-release leak was a serious threat to the film’s commercial viability, since such pirated versions could be widely circulated through cable networks and online platforms, leading to irreparable financial loss. They also stated that its latest suit was filed as a quia timet (parties seeking relief against anticipated harms) action, based on a reasonable apprehension of large-scale piracy. The producer also submitted that several “rogue websites” hosting pirated content do not comply with takedown requests and often create mirror domains to evade blocking orders. Thus, it sought a dynamic injunction directing intermediaries to stop access to such infringing platforms. The Court was also informed that damages would be an inadequate remedy, since such a case of piracy, especially a pre-release leak, would erode theatrical revenues and significantly reduce the value of satellite and digital rights. Accepting the prima facie case, the Court restrained the defendants, which included multiple cable operators and ISPs, from copying, recording, reproducing, transmitting or making available the film in any manner without due authorisation. The injunction also extended to distribution through mediums like cable television, internet services, and physical storage devices. About Jana Nayagan row Jana Nayagan was believed to be Vijay’s last film before his entry into politics. The film was initially scheduled for release on January 9, coinciding with the festival of Pongal. However, the release was delayed after the film was referred to the CBFC's revising committee over a complaint about improper portrayal of defence forces and scenes that could potentially hurt religious sentiments. The film’s producer had approached the Madras High Court challenging the delay from the CBFC. On January 9, a single-judge bench of the High Court granted the filmmakers relief, ordering CBFC to give a final censor certificate. However, a Division Bench later stayed the single-judge ruling just a few hours later. The Supreme Court too refused to interfere with this stay order. While the final censor certificate is yet to be issued, the film was leaked online on April 9, 2026.
16 April,2026 06:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Dulquer Salmaan has wrapped the shoot who plays the lead in director Nahas Hidhayath's eagerly awaited action thriller, I'm Game, on Thursday, announced that shooting for the film had been wrapped up. Dulquer Salmaan announces I'm Game wrap Taking to his X timeline to share pictures of the unit on the last day of shooting, Dulquer wrote, "Wrap day smiles say it all. #ImGame shoot done & dusted, couldn’t be happier! Grateful for this journey… see you all on August 20." It may be recalled that in February this year, the makers of the film had marked actor Dulquer Salmaan's completion of 14 years as an actor by releasing a poster of his from the film. Dulquer Salmaan had then taken to his Instagram page to pen a post of gratitude. He had said, "Today marks 14 years of my journey as an actor. Thank you, each and every one of you ! For the endless love. For the encouragement. For a place in your hearts. To mark this milestone sharing a poster from my next ! #ImGame. Coming to Cinemas near you this Onam." It may be recalled that the makers of the film had only in December last year welcomed actress Kayadu Lohar onboard the unit of the film. Kayadu Lohar is best known for her performance in director Ashwath Marimuthu's Tamil film 'Dragon', in which she played one of the female leads. More recently, she was seen in the Malayalam film Pallichattambi with Tovino Thomas. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dulquer Salmaan (@dqsalmaan) More about I'm Game The film has triggered huge interest in fans and film buffs ever since the makers released the first look poster of Dulquer Salmaan in the film. The first look poster had Dulquer striking a stylish pose with a pistol in his hand. I'm Game marks director Nahas Hidayath’s next venture after the blockbuster hit RDX. Posters featuring the other lead actors too have been released by the makers. The movie has quickly become one of the most anticipated releases of the year. It may be recalled that the film officially went on floors on May 3 last year. Actors Antony Varghese, Mysskin, Kathir, Parth Thiwari, and Tamil actress Samyuktha Viswanathan play pivotal roles in the project. Produced by Dulquer Salmaan along with Jom Verghese, I'm Game has triggered immense interest as this will mark Dulquer's return to Malayalam cinema. The story of 'I'm Game', which happens to be Dulquer's 40th film, is by Nahas Hidhayath himself while its screenplay is by Sajeer Baba, Bilal Moidu and Ismail Aboobacker. (with inputs from IANS)
16 April,2026 06:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIt's been a while since reports of Tovino Thomas being a part of Yash’s upcoming film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grownups have been doing the rounds. Many reports suggested that Tovino will be seen playing the negative role in Yash's Toxic. However, Tovino has now addressed the speculation and clarified them. Directed by Geethu Mohandas, Toxic is one of the most anticipated pan-Indian films. Tovino Thomas about playing a villain in Toxic During a conversation with journalist Baradwaj Rangan, Tovino Thomas addressed the rumours linking him to Toxic. The actor clarified that he is not part of the film and that he is not playing the antagonist. He further added that while he generally avoids revealing details about films, in this case, he is honest about stating his non-involvement. Despite earlier speculation about his involvement, he firmly denied any part in the film’s storyline. Back in 2024, reports suggested that Tovino Thomas would be facing off against Yash in Toxic. The rumours created strong anticipation among fans, since it would mark Tovino's Kannada film debut. However, Tovino’s recent clarification settles the dust on all rumours. About Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-ups Earlier, while talking about Toxic, Yash said in a recent interview that he has shot in English as well for the first time in his career. He shared, “For the first time, I think, we have shot that film in English as well. So, as a concept of the film, it’s very layered. Once again, it’s not a typical gangster action story. For the face value, it would look like a gangster movie with a lot of action. But it has got deep psychology, and it’s got very interesting aspects of human life where you can resonate with. And it’s a very unique way to present a dark character is what I feel.” Further opening up about his collaboration with director Geetu Mohandas, Yash added, “For the first time, I think, we have shot that film in English as well. So, as a concept of the film, it’s very layered. Once again, it’s not a typical gangster action story. For the face value, it would look like a gangster movie with a lot of action. But it has got deep psychology, and it’s got very interesting aspects of human life where you can resonate. And it’s a very unique way to present a dark character is what I feel.” Meanwhile, Tovino Thomas was last seen in Pallichattambi, which hit the screens during the Vishu festive season on April 15, 2026. The film collected Rs 8.20 crore worldwide on its first day.
16 April,2026 03:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGreeting the masses on the happy occasion of Vishu, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal on Wednesday announced that his eagerly awaited upcoming film with director Tharun Moorthy had been titled Athimanoharam. Taking to his social media timelines to share the title poster of the film on the happy occasion of Vishu, Mohanlal wrote, "Heartfelt Vishu wishes to everyone. HappyVishu Athimanoharam TharunMoorthy Ashiqusman." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mohanlal (@mohanlal) The film, which was until now referred to as L366, has triggered huge interest in fans and film buffs. Malayalam actress Meera Jasmine plays the female lead in this film in which Mohanlal plays a policeman called T S Lovelajan. The film has triggered huge expectations as the ace director has joined hands with the Malayalam Superstar again for this project, after the phenomenal success of their blockbuster film together titled Thudaram. Recently, Tharun Moorthy had thanked the entire cast and crew of Athimanoharam for their wholehearted support to his film. Taking to his Instagram page, Tharun Moorthy had said, "(The) Producer and Director are often called the father and mother of a film. But no child grows on love alone; it takes an entire ecosystem to nurture it into something meaningful and beautiful for the world." He went on to say, "For us, that ecosystem is everything. We didn’t just make a film. We held it close, cared for it, and loved it like our own. And in that journey, it was our team who became its heartbeat. Every member of the crew poured a piece of themselves into it , their passion, their sleepless nights, their unwavering belief." "Together, we became more than a crew. We became a living, breathing force -- one vision, one rhythm, one shared soul. That energy didn’t just surround us, it consumed us… made us think cinema, breathe cinema, and live it in every moment. This film carries all of us within it," he explained. "To our incredible crew -- this isn’t just a thank you, it’s a piece of our heart. These 55 days weren’t just work, they were a journey we’ll carry forever. And somehow, this feels like just the beginning. The days ahead… they hold something even more beautiful," he signed off. It may be recalled that the director had, in February this year, confirmed that the first schedule of his eagerly awaited film had been completed. The director also used the occasion to point out that he had completed five years in the film industry on February 12. 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
16 April,2026 01:29 PM IST | Chennai | IANSPopular celebrity DJ Ganesh, known for performing at high-profile events like the wedding celebrations of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani, as well as several star-studded birthday parties hosted by Salman Khan and Karan Johar, has now shared inside details from the much-talked-about wedding festivities of Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda in an exclusive interview with News18. The actors recently stepped into a new phase of their lives after tying the knot in an intimate ceremony in Udaipur on February 26, 2026. The celebration was deliberately kept low-key, with only close friends and family in attendance, making it one of the most private celebrity weddings of the year. This was followed by a grand reception in Hyderabad, where several prominent names from the film industry marked their presence. DJ Ganesh shares details from Vijay-Rashmika's wedding Opening up about the post-wedding celebration, DJ Ganesh shared, "It was the last celebration before they had to get back to their normal lives. Rashmika Mandanna loves Bollywood songs, and that is the reason why they got me on board." He further added, "When I first got to know that I had to play, I was confused because I assumed it to be a South Indian wedding. Later, I realised on Whatsapp how big a fan Rashmika is of Bollywood music." One of the most memorable highlights of the evening was Rashmika Mandanna’s infectious energy on the dance floor. The actress reportedly requested her hit track Saami Saami and also grooved to popular Bollywood numbers featuring Salman Khan, including Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Jeene Ke Chaar Din. According to DJ Ganesh, the entire vibe felt less like a formal celebrity wedding and more like a fun, close-knit gathering among friends. "They were kind enough to come and speak to us," he revealed, pointing out how warm and approachable the couple was throughout the celebrations. Privacy measures at Vijay-Rashmika's wedding Despite the scale and star power, the wedding remained extremely guarded in terms of privacy. Many attendees were reportedly asked to sign NDAs, ensuring that the intimate moments stayed away from the public eye. However, the mood itself was far from restrictive. Addressing the strictness around privacy, he clarified, "At Rashmika and Vijay's wedding, phones were allowed, at least for me, because they knew I wouldn't take any pictures. Privacy is very important for them when it comes to celebrity parties." With a blend of intimacy, music, and candid moments, Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s wedding celebration proved that even the biggest stars prefer keeping their most special moments personal while still making them unforgettable.
16 April,2026 12:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Varun Tej has suffered a severe knee fracture while rehearsing for his upcoming film Bhari. His sister, Niharika Konidela, shared an update confirming that he has undergone successful surgery and is currently recovering under medical supervision. The family expressed gratitude for the support and concern of fans during this time. Varun Tej gets injured on Bhari sets On Wednesday, his sister Niharika Konidela took to Instagram to share an update about his health after he sustained the injury. “We would like to inform everyone that my brother, Varun Tej, recently sustained a severe knee fracture while practicing volleyball for our upcoming film Bhari. He has successfully undergone surgery, and the procedure went well. He is currently recovering under medical supervision,” read the statement. The note further added, “We are hopeful that he will regain full strength and health soon, and we truly appreciate all the love, concern, and support during this time.” Soon after the statement was shared on social media, concerned fans flooded the comments section with heartfelt messages. “Get well soon, brother, from @IamSaiDharamTej fans,” wrote one social media user, while another added, “Praying for your speedy recovery.” More about Bhari The special motion poster of the film was released by the makers in March, and it was evident that the film, a rural sports drama, will revolve around volleyball. Produced by Niharika Konidela on behalf of Pink Elephant Pictures, the film will be directed by Yadhu Vamsee, best known for directing the entertainer Committee Kurrollu. The film is to be co-directed by Ravi Sankar D and will have Ramesh Manyam as its executive producer. To note, Niharika Konidela stepped into production with Committee Kurrollu. After backing Raakaasaa, which saw a mixed box office response, she has now joined hands with her brother once again for Bhari. Varun Tej upcoming movies Apart from Bhari, Varun will also be seen in Korean Kanakaraju. The film has triggered huge expectations among fans and film buffs ever since the project was announced. The fact that an Indian actor will be working on a joint Indo-Korean film has thrilled fans, who are eager to see how the film will turn out. For those unversed, Varun is married to Lavanya Tripathi. They tied the knot in 2023 and welcomed a baby boy, Vaayu, in November 2025.
16 April,2026 09:17 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe unexpected and unfortunate leak of Vijay's final film, Jana Nayagan, has left the entire film fraternity in a state of shock and fury. Many have condemned the act rasing concerns about the future of cinema if such acts continue. Now, filmmaker Vignesh Shivan has also raised his voice against the breach, while recalling the incident when he spotted the film on a phone while he was in Madurai. Vignesh Shivan on spotting the leaked version Filmmaker Vignesh Shivan recently recalled the shocking and emotional moment when he spotted a leaked version of Jana Nayagan being watched on a phone. He revealed that the incident took place while he was on his way to Madurai Airport, adding that it left him deeply disturbed. Speaking on Behindwoods' Straight From Hearts with Rangraj Pandey, Shivan reflected on how the situation unfolded and how he reacted in that moment. "I couldn't help it. I honestly felt like breaking it right then and there. It hurts that much to see our hard work treated like that," Shivan said. He admitted that his reaction was instinctive and expressed serious worry about how such a leak could take place in the first place. Vignesh claims it may not have been accidental, he said, "Someone with access did this on purpose. To us, a movie is like a god. We protect it and respect it with everything we have." Describing the leak as a major blow to the entire film industry, Shivan said, "The Jana Nayagan piracy leak was like death. We don't know how the industry is going to compensate for this. Fans and people should celebrate in theatres. It is Thalapathy Vijay's farewell film." Vignesh Shivan likens Jana Nayan leak to death Similarly, at an event for his latest film, LIK, the filmmaker said, “Every day, a film is getting dropped in Kollywood, and directors are being replaced. Today, the situation of directors is very worrisome. I won’t take names…okay, even if I do, let me tell them. A huge film has been leaked online. In this case, I would like to express my condolences to my friend, H Vinoth.” #VigneshShivan:"Today the director's situation was very sad in the industry. #JanaNayagan was leaked online. More than all, the director will be the most painful person for this🙁. I regret for my friend #HVinoth here. I will cause pain like a death, I can feel the pain as a… pic.twitter.com/qa5pwMkETO — AmuthaBharathi (@CinemaWithAB) April 15, 2026 Likening the pain of the leak to that of death, he added, “Because this is as painful as death. Only as a director can you feel that. Every single day, every single shot, I can feel how much the director has struggled. I can feel that pain as a director. When nothing goes as expected, it’s very difficult.”
15 April,2026 10:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPeddi has emerged as one of the most anticipated films of 2026, headlined by global star Ram Charan. The film also features Janhvi Kapoor and Jagapathi Babu in pivotal roles. Ever since its announcement, the project has been generating significant buzz among fans as well as within the industry. With every piece of content, the excitement for Peddi continues to rise. Now, to give the technicians and post-production team more time to perfect the film, the makers have announced that the film will not release on April 30th, but at a later date. Peddi postponed to June A small portion of work still remains for the film. To ensure the best theatrical experience, the makers have decided to give the technicians and post-production team more time. Consequently, the release date has been pushed further. Taking to social media, the Peddi team shared a note with the audience, announcing the postponement of the release date. The note read, "The talkie part of the film is complete, and we have only one song left to be shot. We've seen the edit of the film and we're extremely happy about the output. We feel it's important to give our technicians and post-production team a little more time to bring out their best with absolute perfection." View this post on Instagram A post shared by PEDDI (@peddimovie) They wrote in the caption: "We want to give our audience nothing but the best. PEDDI in cinemas this June." The new release date will be revealed soon! About Peddi The very first teaser took the internet by storm, offering a gripping glimpse into a power-packed narrative and setting the tone for the film perfectly. Since then, every content drop has worked phenomenally, be it the songs or the posters. Each element has drawn audiences deeper into the world of Peddi. Peddi’s first single, Chikiri Chikiri, created a strong buzz right after its release, with audiences loving its fresh vibe and the signature touch of A. R. Rahman. The track quickly connected with listeners and has already crossed over 200 million views across platforms, reflecting the rising excitement around the film’s music. Taking that momentum forward, the makers dropped the second track, Rai Rai Raa Raa, a high-energy song that instantly grabbed attention online. The track has already surpassed 47 million views on YouTube, further building anticipation among fans for the film’s release. Written and directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi also stars Shiva Rajkumar and Divyendu Sharma. It is produced by Venkata Satish Kilaru under his banner, Vriddhi Cinemas, and in collaboration with the leading production house Mythri Movie Makers.
15 April,2026 06:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1776324305660_d.png "Vijay Deverekonda and Rashmika Mandanna")
