Haryanvi actor Anjali Raghav has withdrawn her complaint against Bhojpuri actor-singer Pawan Singh before the Haryana State Women's Commission, officials said on Thursday.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 correspondentMalayalam film actor Tovino Thomas is currently awaiting the release of his film Pallichattambi. Ahead of its April 10 release, the actor has been on press tours to promote the movie. During promotions, he was asked about the recently released film The Kerala Story 2. Tovino had previously been vocal about The Kerala Story when it released in 2023, strongly opposing the details presented in the film and calling out factual inaccuracies. Tovino about promoting The Kerala Story 2 While promoting his film in Hyderabad, he was asked why he had not posted anything about The Kerala Story 2. Responding to this, Tovino explained, “Last time when I put out a post, when part one released, I realised that it also became a promotion for them. So I decided not to. So it went ignored. I don’t think anyone watched it in Kerala.” In 2023, Tovino’s comments on The Kerala Story had sparked widespread discussion. He had said, “See, I haven’t watched that movie yet, and I haven’t spoken to anyone who has watched it. I saw the trailer. Its description said ‘32,000 women…’ and then they themselves changed it from 32,000 to 3. What does that mean? As far as I know, there are 35 million people in Kerala, and with these three incidents, nobody can generalise it. I won’t deny that such incidents may have happened, but three out of 35 million cannot be generalised. Giving misinformation is very bad.” The Kerala Story 2 is helmed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah under the banner Sunshine Pictures. The film revolves around the story of three women who become victims of an abusive plot after marrying men from a different religion. Tovino on Pallichattambi In an interview with IANS, Tovino Thomas was asked about the basic plot of the film, Pallichattambi. He replied, "I was very excited when I listened to the script. But the thing is, I don't think I should give away much about the storyline and all. Because it might affect the audience's movie-going experience." He then very reluctantly explained, "What I can tell about the movie is, this movie is set in 1957-58 -- a time period when the socio-political scenario in Kerala was very different. New reformations came into existence. There were resistances against that. So, that is the premise, not the story. So, in this premise, there is a story happening and this story is completely fictional."
02 April,2026 08:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe arrest of filmmaker Ranjith in an alleged sexual assault case has taken a crucial turn, with investigators recovering a caravan believed to have been used during the incident. Officials say the vehicle could provide key evidence as they continue to piece together the events surrounding the complaint. Case adds twist with Caravan being found The case originated after an actress accused Ranjith of attempting sexual assault inside the caravan during a film shoot. Following the complaint, police initiated an investigation and later arrested the director after identifying what they described as preliminary evidence supporting the allegations. The incident has since drawn significant attention within the Malayalam film industry and beyond. As part of the probe, authorities tracked down and seized the caravan that was reportedly stationed at the filming location. The vehicle will now undergo detailed forensic analysis to establish whether it contains material evidence that can corroborate the survivor’s account. Investigators believe this step is vital in strengthening the case and ensuring a thorough examination of all claims. Bobby Kurian to be investigated Meanwhile, actor Bobby Kurian, known for his role in the film Pani, has also come under the scanner. Police are expected to question him to understand his potential connection to the incident. While his exact involvement remains unclear, officials are seeking statements from all individuals who may have been present or aware of the circumstances. The developments have sparked fresh debate about safety and accountability within the film industry, particularly on sets where power dynamics can often leave individuals vulnerable. Several voices from within the industry have called for stronger safeguards and more transparent mechanisms to address complaints of misconduct. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to conducting a fair and unbiased investigation. They have stressed that no one will be above the law and that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure justice for the survivor. As the case continues to unfold, the recovery of the caravan and the questioning of key individuals are expected to play a decisive role. Investigators are likely to gather further evidence in the coming days, which could significantly influence the direction and outcome of the case.
02 April,2026 07:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor-politician Vijay stirred controversy after alleging a conspiracy surrounding both the delay of his film Jana Nayagan and the tragic Karur stampede, while addressing supporters in Tiruchirappalli following his nomination filing. Vijay addresses the controversy around his film and stampede Speaking to a large gathering, Vijay claimed that multiple forces had come together against him ahead of the Tamil Nadu elections. He suggested that the delay in the release of his much-anticipated film was not merely a procedural issue but part of a larger, deliberate attempt to weaken his political momentum. The film, widely regarded as his final project before fully transitioning into politics, has faced certification hurdles, leading to repeated postponements. Vijay further linked the delay to the broader political climate, hinting that the film’s release could have strengthened his connection with the public and possibly influenced the electoral landscape. He questioned whether its impact as a “powerful weapon” in the elections was the reason behind the obstruction, framing the issue as one that demanded justice not just for him, but for his supporters. In the same speech, Vijay also revisited the Karur stampede tragedy, which claimed over 40 lives during one of his political rallies in 2025. Calling the incident part of a conspiracy, he implied that there were deeper forces at play beyond what had been officially presented. The stampede had already sparked widespread debate, investigations, and political accusations, with multiple parties trading blame over lapses in crowd management and accountability. Vijay is set to contest elections Vijay’s remarks have added a fresh layer of tension to an already charged political atmosphere in Tamil Nadu. His statements are likely to invite strong reactions from rival parties, especially as the state gears up for crucial Vidhan Sabha elections. While his supporters view his claims as a bold stand against alleged political targeting, critics argue that such assertions risk politicising sensitive issues, including a tragic loss of life. As Vijay continues his transition from cinema to full-time politics, his speeches and public positioning are drawing significant attention. With both the fate of Jana Nayagan and the ongoing investigations into the Karur incident still unresolved, the coming weeks are expected to be critical in shaping both his political journey and public perception.
02 April,2026 06:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe makers of Bhole Baba Par Karega have finally broken their silence following the tragic death of actor Rahul Banerjee, offering their version of events and addressing growing concerns around the circumstances of his passing. In an official statement, the production house expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing it as a heartbreaking moment for the entire cast and crew. They clarified that, contrary to some earlier reports, Banerjee was rescued alive after the drowning incident during the shoot at Talsari beach in Odisha. According to the makers, the actor was conscious and even attempted to communicate shortly after being pulled out of the water. Rahul Banerjee's show makers issue a statement However, what followed has raised serious questions. The statement revealed that Banerjee was initially rushed to a nearby clinic for urgent medical attention, but no doctor was available at the facility at that critical time. This lack of immediate medical assistance allegedly delayed treatment, forcing the team to transfer him to Digha State General Hospital, where he was eventually declared dead. The production team has urged the public and media to refrain from speculation, stating that several circulating claims may be inaccurate. They emphasised that they need time to gather detailed accounts from everyone present during the incident to establish a clear and factual sequence of events. In a move aimed at ensuring transparency, the makers have invited a representative from Banerjee’s family, friends, or industry bodies to be part of the inquiry process. This, they say, will help maintain fairness and credibility while reviewing testimonies and evidence. Details on Rahul's passing The incident, which occurred on March 29 during the show’s shoot, has sparked widespread outrage within the entertainment industry. Questions have been raised about on-set safety measures and the availability of emergency medical support, with several industry bodies demanding a thorough investigation and accountability. As scrutiny intensifies, the production house has assured full cooperation with authorities and reiterated its commitment to uncovering the truth. With multiple stakeholders seeking answers, the case continues to unfold, highlighting larger concerns about safety protocols in television productions.
02 April,2026 05:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor-turned-politician Vijay drew massive public attention as he filed his nomination for the Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) East constituency in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Thousands of supporters gathered along the route, creating a charged atmosphere as fans and party workers followed his vehicle through the city. Crowd gathers at Trichy nominations The overwhelming turnout reflected Vijay’s strong popularity as he formally stepped into electoral politics with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. Despite prior advisories urging people to avoid crowding due to safety concerns, large numbers turned up to catch a glimpse of the actor, turning the nomination filing into a high-energy public spectacle. Amid the sea of supporters, an unexpected moment stood out. Vijay briefly halted his convoy after noticing a couple who had fallen during the rush. Concerned about their well-being, he stepped out of his vehicle to check on them, ensuring they received attention before continuing his journey. The gesture quickly gained attention, with many praising his responsiveness and concern for public safety during such a chaotic situation. A simple moment that speaks volumes ❤️Noticing a couple who fell off their bike, Thalapathy stepped down from his van to check on them personally. pic.twitter.com/2ceRR3Qs2I — Actor Vijay Team (@ActorVijayTeam) April 2, 2026 The incident also highlighted the challenges of managing large crowds during political campaigns. With enthusiastic supporters attempting to get close to the star, movement became difficult, and authorities had to remain alert to avoid any mishaps. Past concerns around crowd control at Vijay’s events have already led to stricter safety measures and advisories for attendees. All about Vijay's political career Vijay’s nomination marks a significant milestone in his political journey as he prepares to contest his first Assembly election. His decision to enter politics has generated widespread interest across Tamil Nadu, with both supporters and critics closely watching his campaign. His dual identity as a film superstar and a new political entrant has made him one of the most talked-about candidates in the election season. As campaigning intensifies, Vijay’s ability to convert his massive fan following into electoral success remains a key question. However, the scenes witnessed in Trichy underline his strong grassroots appeal and the emotional connect he shares with his supporters, which could play a crucial role in shaping his political debut.
02 April,2026 04:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actress Genelia D'Souza got emotional after her Masti co-star Vivek Oberoi praised her and called her “Maharani Saheba” and also the pillar of strength behind husband Riteish Deshmukh’s ambitious film on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Taking to her social media account, Genelia reshared Vivek’s heartfelt note and wrote, “Touched my heart vivekoberoi Thank you so much.” Vivek shared the trailer of Ritesh and Genelia’s upcoming movie Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and penned a note. It read, “Whenever anything about Raja Shivaji shows up, it moves something deep inside me, and not just because it is the brainchild of my bhau riteishd. We all have grown up with a deep-rooted admiration and respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj!” “But my bhau, kudos to you, because as the son of a stalwart, a great leader like Vilasrao Deshmukh ji, your commitment to the epic of Shivaji Maharaj is a combination of legacy and duty.” Hello further added, “Through your own stage, you continue to carry your legendary father’s devotion to Maharashtra’s soil forward. Watching you on-screen and knowing the man behind this magnum opus is an honour I cherish every day, my brother.” Praising Genelia, Vivek write, “And geneliad, Maharani Sahiba, you are the pillar of strength behind the scenes to bring this ‘70mm’ vision of Swarajya to life. Wishing the cast and crew of Raja Shivaji all the best for the release!” Talking about the upcoming film on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, helmed by Riteish Deshmukh, has been generating significant buzz. The movie is set to release on the 1st of May. The project is based to be a grand historical spectacle based on the life and legacy of the Maratha warrior king. Talking about Vivek, Genelia and Riteish, the trio share a long-standing association, having starred together in the 2004 comedy film Masti. The movie also featured actors like Aftab Shivdasani, Lara Dutta, Amrita Rao and Tara Sharma. 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
02 April,2026 10:58 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSWell known producer, actor and singer S P B Charan, who is also the son of one of India's greatest singers, the legendary S P Balasubrahmanyam, has now penned a note of gratitude to SAMAM (Singers Association Malayalam Movies) for honouring his dad by unveiling a statue of his dad and inaugurating his memorial in Palakkad, Kerala. Taking to his Instagram page to pen a post of gratitude, the well known producer and actor wrote, "Legends came together… for one legend. Appa’s statue unveiling & SPB Memorial inauguration in Palakkad — a moment we will cherish forever (folded hands image). 'Some voices never fade… they become eternal.' Yesterday was not just an event… it was a moment our family will carry forever." SPB Charan further said, "In Palakkad, Appa’s statue was unveiled by Padma Shri M M Keeravani, and the SPB Memorial Park was inaugurated by Padma Bhushan K S Chithra and Padma Shri Hariharan. Seeing thousands gather with love, respect, and emotion… it truly felt like Appa is still living through every heart he touched." View this post on Instagram A post shared by S.P.Charan (@spbcharan) S P B Charan, who is also a good singer himself, further went on to say, "Grateful to have singers Mano, Sujatha Mohan, Srinivas, Unni Menon, Madhu Balakrishnan, along with so many wonderful souls with us on this special day." Charan thanked Vijay Yesudas, the son of another legendary singer K J Yesudas, for putting the event together. He wrote, "A very special thanks to VijayYesudas for coordinating with everyone and bringing together such incredible artists — it truly meant a lot to us. Thank you to the samamofficially organisation and everyone who made this tribute possible. Also have to mention the great work of Sri. unnikanayi shilpi." He concluded the post saying, "Appa may be missed every day... but yesterday reminded us — he will never be forgotten. SPB SPBalasubrahmanyam #SPBliveson (LegendLivesOn, IndianMusic, MusicLegends, PlaybackSinger, EvergreenVoice, Palakkad, Kerala Events, Kerala Music, South Indian Music, Gratitude, Emotional Moment, Respect, LegacyLivesOn). 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
02 April,2026 10:46 AM IST | Chennai | IANSMohanlal and Mammootty’s much-awaited film Patriot has a new release date. The makers of the upcoming film announced on Tuesday that it will no longer be released on its earlier scheduled date of April 23. While they did not reveal the new date immediately, the team has now confirmed May 1 as the release date. The Mahesh Narayanan directorial has been pushed by a week from its earlier announced date. Patriot gets a new release date Lead actors Mohanlal and Mammootty took to their social media handles to share the update. On Wednesday, they posted a new poster revealing that Patriot will hit screens on May 1. With this, Mohanlal will have two releases in May, as his film Drishyam 3 directed by director Jeethu Joseph is also scheduled for May 21. Drishyam 3 was also earlier scheduled for release on April 2 but was postponed due to the West Asia conflict. #Patriot In Cinemas Worldwide from May 01, 2026 pic.twitter.com/MR7sq8qU9I — Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) April 1, 2026 Reason for Patriot's delay On Tuesday, the makers shared a statement on Instagram explaining the delay, stating they are working to present the film with the “highest possible quality.” The statement read, “We are working hard to bring Patriot to you at the highest possible quality. However, due to a combination of unforeseen circumstances, it has become necessary to postpone the film’s release from the previously scheduled date of April 23 by a few days.” More about the film The teaser of Patriot was released on October 2 last year. It opens with a mysterious voiceover talking about leaders who control people through faith. The teaser then introduces Mammootty's character, who seems to be on a secret mission. Mohanlal appears as a soldier, and Fahadh Faasil adds more tension to the story with his entry. The teaser indicates that the film will explore strong conflicts and power struggles. Patriot is written and directed by Mahesh Narayanan, known for his work in Malayalam cinema. Apart from Mammootty and Mohanlal, the film also features Fahadh Faasil, Nayanthara, Rajeev Menon, Revathy, Grace Antony, Zarin Shihab, Sreeparvathy, Geethi Sangeetha, Jinu Joseph, Danish Husain, Shaheen Siddique, Sanal Aman, and Prakash Belawadi in key roles.
01 April,2026 06:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMonths after revealing the release date, the makers of the Malayalam film Patriot have announced a postponement in the release date of the highly anticipated espionage thriller. Anto Joseph Film Company issued an official statement dated March 31, confirming the delay. The film was expected to be released on April 23, 2026. Patriot release postponed According to the statement, the makers decided to postpone the release due to unforeseen circumstances. The producers assured fans that they were working diligently to ensure the film meets the highest quality standards before it reaches the audience. The statement, shared on the official social media handles of superstars Mohanlal and Mammootty, also said that a new release date will be revealed on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 6 PM. The production house, Anto Joseph Film Company, also expressed gratitude to fans for their continued support while requesting patience as the final arrangements are completed before its anticipated release. The statement read, "We are working tirelessly to bring 'Patriot' to your screens at its highest quality. However, due to some unforeseen circumstances, the release of the film, which was previously set for April 23, is inevitably being postponed by a few days. The new release date for the film will be shared tomorrow at 6:00 PM through the official social media pages of our dear Mammukka (Mammootty) and Lalettan (Mohanlal). We look forward to your continued love and support (sic)." About Patriot Patriot stars two of Malayalam cinema's biggest names, Mammootty and Mohanlal. The news of them sharing the screen has generated significant excitement among audiences. The film is believed to be an espionage thriller, further raising expectations regarding its performance at the box office. Notably, before the announcement of postponement, there had been ongoing discussions between the film’s producers and theatre associations regarding revenue sharing. These talks had earlier contributed to uncertainty over the original release date. Apart from Mammootty and Mohanlal, the film includes an ensemble cast of Fahadh Faasil, Nayanthara, Rajeev Menon, Revathy, Grace Antony, Zarin Shihab, Sreeparvathy, Geethi Sangeetha, Jinu Joseph, Danish Husain, Shaheen Siddique, Sanal Aman and Prakash Belawadi in key roles.
01 April,2026 09:58 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe teaser of the upcoming Marathi film Raja Shivaji was unveiled on Tuesday. It was released alongside Dhurandhar: The Revenge and tells the story of one of the world’s greatest warrior kings. The film stars Riteish Deshmukh in the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who has also helmed the film. At its core is a powerful story of vision, courage, and conviction, of a son who took a sacred vow and changed the course of history. The teaser offers a glimpse into this stirring journey, combining intensity, emotion, and heroism that resonates across generations. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Riteish Deshmukh (@riteishd) The film brings to life the extraordinary legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on a scale rarely seen before in Marathi cinema, mounted as a truly pan-India spectacle. The film blends visual grandeur with a deeply emotional and inspiring narrative rooted in the birth of Swarajya. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the founder of the Maratha Empire in western India. He established an independent kingdom by challenging the Deccan Sultanates and the Mughal Empire. In 1663, Shivaji led a successful raid on Pune, targeting Mughal general Shaista Khan, which weakened Mughal control in the region. In 1664, Shivaji conducted the first sack of Surat, a major Mughal port city, disrupting imperial trade. In 1666, he was detained in Agra by Aurangzeb and later escaped, returning to the Deccan to rebuild his power. Shivaji was formally crowned as Chhatrapati in 1674 at Raigad, marking the establishment of a sovereign Maratha state. His later campaigns included southern expeditions in Karnataka, expanding territorial control. He developed a strong navy to protect coastal regions and fortified numerous hill forts. Maharaj passed away in 1680, leaving behind a structured administration and a resilient military system that continued to challenge Mughal authority. Complementing the narrative is a formidable, never-seen-before ensemble cast, bringing together celebrated names from Hindi and Marathi cinema. The film also stars Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Boman Irani, Amol Gupte and Genelia Deshmukh. Mounted on a grand cinematic canvas, the film features high-octane action, rich world-building, and top technical excellence. With music by the celebrated duo Ajay–Atul and cinematography by internationally acclaimed Santosh Sivan, Raja Shivaji is set to deliver a visual spectacle with strong emotional resonance. 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 worldwide 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
01 April,2026 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
