Rajinikanth’s Coolie was one of the most anticipated releases of 2025. It also delivered strong box office numbers; however, it received a varied reception ranging from underwhelming to decent. The film was heavily criticised on social media. Now, former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has come out in support of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s film. R Ashwin reacts to Coolie's negative social media reviews Speaking to Galatta Plus, Ashwin mentioned that he disagrees with the opinion that Coolie is not a good film. He shared, “There were many opinions on social media saying that Coolie was not a good movie. I have an issue with that opinion. I watched it when it came to OTT. I watched the film in one stretch without any distraction, and that’s my criterion for watching any film on OTT." The cricketer went on to add that while reviewers may have pointed out several flaws in the film, his personal viewing experience was different. He noted, “As a reviewer, you might find 10 mistakes, but I didn’t find many mistakes in Coolie." Ashwin also reflected on the negative word that influenced his decision to skip the film during its theatrical run, saying, "After watching it, I asked myself whether I had allowed my opinion to be influenced by online comments.” When Lokesh Kanagraj defended Coolie Notably, before Ashwin, director Lokesh Kanagaraj had addressed the mixed reactions and noted that audience expectations played a key role. While talking at the SSVM Transforming India Conclave 2025 in Coimbatore, Lokesh explained that Coolie was never intended to be a time-travel film or even part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU). He further added that he intentionally avoided releasing a trailer of Coolie to keep details under wraps. Coolie was headlined by Rajinikanth along with Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Aamir Khan, Rachitha Ram and Pooja Hegde. The music was composed by acclaimed music director Anirudh. It was produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures. According to reports, it was made on a budget of Rs 350–400 crore. Talking of its box office run, the film grossed Rs 507.75 crore worldwide.
16 December,2025 09:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter Malayalam actor Dileep was acquitted in the 2017 actress assault case, the directors of his next film Bha Bha Ba (short for Bhayam Bhakthi Bahumanam) released the trailer. The film, which will be released on December 18, also includes a cameo appearance by Mohanlal. Bhagyalakshmi, an actor and dubbing artist, addressed the press on the sidelines of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) and lambasted Mohanlal. This is what she said. Bhagyalakshmi calls Mohanlal insensitive Bhagyalakshmi talked at a session titled Patriarchy in Indian Cinema: Power, Gender, Politics, about how the survivor of the 2017 assault case received little to no assistance from the Malayalam cinema industry and was forced to fight the battle alone. She then addressed the media, calling Mohanlal 'insensitive' and 'thoughtless' for distributing Bha Bha Ba's poster and advertising materials. She said, “Did Mohanlal even pause for a moment before sharing that poster right after the verdict? We heard him repeatedly say, I pray for her (the survivor). When someone with that kind of influence does this, what message is being sent to survivors?” She further added, “This is not about cinema alone anymore. This is about ethics. It is about what we choose to endorse publicly.” Bhagyalakshmi also criticised Dileep's actions upon his acquittal, saying, "He appeared jubilant, addressing the media and attacking his former wife, Manju Warrier, who had supported the investigation." She also said that Manju would have suffered if the survivor hadn't come forward with her story when she did. The actor reportedly stated that the survivor faced more 'humiliation' in court than she did during the assault, but remained strong. All about the controversy This comes after the actor resigned from the Film Employees' Kerala Association (FEFKA), citing the organisation's decision to welcome Dileep back after the verdict and the 'double standards' displayed. In 2017, a prominent actress was kidnapped and raped in a moving vehicle. Dileep was caught a few months after the assault, after authorities discovered links to the primary perpetrator, Pulsar Suni. He was granted bail and continued to work in the Malayalam film business after that. The case led to the foundation of the Women in Cinema Collective and the Hema Committee. The trial began in a sessions court in Ernakulam in 2018 and lasted eight years. On December 8, 2025, Dileep and three others were acquitted in the case, while six others were convicted. Dileep's acquittal has fractured the cinema industry. The Kerala administration declared plans to challenge the ruling in higher courts.
16 December,2025 06:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentReel World Entertainment raises the pulse of its much-anticipated pan-Indian spectacle Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies as the film’s first song makes its arrival, marking a landmark moment in Malayalam cinema. With its first track, Chatha Pacha makes a bold statement. The song carries added significance as it marks the Malayalam cinema debut of the legendary trio Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, whose sound has defined generations of Indian cinema. Their entry into the Malayalam space signals a powerful creative crossover and stands as one of the most awaited milestones surrounding the film. Earthy, playful, and sharp, the title track carries a lived-in authenticity that feels straight out of Kochi's lanes. It’s the kind of track audiences don’t just listen to, but pick up and sing along to, cementing its potential as a crowd favourite and a repeat-play anthem. View this post on Instagram A post shared by T-Series South Official (@tseriessouthofficial) Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy on their Malayalam debut Reflecting on their first Malayalam outing, Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy shared their excitement about the collaboration. “Malayalam is such a beautiful language, and we truly enjoyed composing, singing, and producing music for this film,” the trio said. “Working on the soundtrack has been great fun. We’ve experimented with different genres and tried to bring a little bit of everything into the songs. It’s been a blast, literally. This is our first Malayalam film with Reel World Entertainment, and the energy on the project has been incredible. Young minds, great spirit, and a room full of creative vibes. That excitement really reflects in the music," they further added. The track brings together a tone that mirrors the film’s contemporary energy. The title track features the voice of Shankar Mahadevan himself, along with Siddharth Mahadevan, known for his popular numbers from movies Dhoom 3 and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, joining hands with Fejo, whose breakout hit Aayiram Aura became a cultural phenomenon. A major talking point is the lyrics by Vinayak Sasikumar, which lean unapologetically into Kochi’s street slang and rhythm, aligning seamlessly with the style of Chatha Pacha. About Chatha Pacha The teaser of the film offers a power-packed glimpse into the vibrant, chaotic world of Kerala’s wrestling culture, driven by chaos and combat at its core. It promises a bold and innovative spectacle that channels the raw pulse of Kerala street life and blends it with the flamboyant energy of wrestling culture. The film stars a powerhouse ensemble, including Arjun Ashokan, Roshan Mathew, Vishak Nair, and Ishan Shoukath and is produced by Cannes-winning filmmaker Shihan Shoukath and Ritesh S Ramakrishnan under the Reel World Entertainment banner. It is directed by debut filmmaker Adhvaith Nayar, has cinematography by Anend C Chandran, action choreography by Kalai Kingson, lyrics by Vinayak Sasikumar, and a background score by Mujeeb Majeed. With powerhouse distribution support from Dharma Productions, Mythri Movie Makers, Wayfarer Films, PVR INOX, and The Plot Pictures, Chatha Pacha is positioning itself as one of the most keenly watched releases on the horizon. Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies is set for a January 2026 theatrical release.
16 December,2025 05:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) is in the center of a controversy after 19 films scheduled to screen at the festival did not get clearance from the censor. However, latest development is that the festival has decided to screen all films as scheduled despite the denial of the central government clearance, confirmed Kerala Chalachitra Academy Chairman Resul Pookutty. The festival, which began on December 12 will be concluded on December 19. IFFK to screen all films "I am happy to let you know, dousing all the fire on the controversies regarding film screening in the IFFK, we are going ahead with all the screenings of the film as scheduled as per the notification issued by the Kerala government and long live cinema," he said in a video message. Sources said the academy took the decision, after the Left government in Kerala decided to defend freedom of expression following delays in obtaining official censor exemptions to screen around 15 films, including some related to the Palestine conflict and Sergei Eisenstein's 100-year-old classic Battleship Potemkin. Earlier in the day, four of the 19 movies awaiting the Centre's approval for screening were granted official censor exemptions. They said discussions were held with the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to obtain permission to screen these films at the 30th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). The movies granted permission for screening are Beef, Eagles of The Republic, Heart of The Wolf and Once Upon A Time In Gaza, the sources said.'Beef' follows Lati, a young woman from the outskirts of Barcelona, who turns to freestyle rap to confront grief, prejudice, and gender barriers after her father's death, sources said. The remaining 15 films awaiting clearance include Sergei Eisenstein's 100-year-old classic Battleship Potemkin and several films related to the Palestine conflict. Shashi Tharoor crictises denial to screen films Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and Kerala Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian on Tuesday criticised the denial of clearance to the films at the IFFK being held in Thiruvananthapuram from December 12 to 19. Tharoor termed it as "cinematic illiteracy" and "bureaucratic over-cautiousness" and claimed that he has urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Union Minister Vaishnaw to ensure approval for screening of the films.
16 December,2025 05:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMalayalam actor Dileep, who was acquitted by a Kerala court in the 2017 actress assault case, is now gearing up for his big-screen comeback with Bha Bha Bha. The Malayalam film, backed by producer Gokulam Gopalan, also stars Mohanlal in a pivotal role. However, the timing of Dileep’s release soon after his acquittal, along with the survivor’s response to the verdict, has left public sentiment sharply divided. Dileep's controversy after acquittal Days after the acquittal, a heated argument reportedly broke out on a KSRTC bus when an old Dileep film was screened. While several female passengers opposed the screening, others defended it. Protests and calls for complete justice for the survivor were also seen at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). Reports indicate that Dileep also withdrew from a temple event in Ernakulam, where he was scheduled to inaugurate the temple festival’s coupon distribution. Sources say there were objections from the temple committee and the Devaswom Board regarding his participation. Amid this, Bha Bha Bha, which also stars Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan, is set for a massive release on December 18. The film will hit around 450 screens across Kerala, marking one of the widest releases in the state this year. Massive opening expected for Bha Bha Bha Advance bookings for the film opened on Monday morning and have seen strong traction. Speaking to mid-day, trade analyst AB George predicts an opening of Rs 6-7 crore at the Kerala box office based on early trends. The overall India collection is expected to be around Rs 7-8 crores. A significant portion of the film’s opening-day momentum is being attributed to Mohanlal’s superstar presence. “Mohanlal has been at his peak this year with box-office successes like L2: Empuraan, Thudarum, Hridayapoorvam. Bha Bha Bha also has the potential to become the second-highest opener of the year in Kerala, overtaking Thudarum,” George shares. The film, directed by Dhananjay Shankar, is also expected to perform well overseas. However, Malayalam cinema, which usually enjoys good footfall in international markets, will face stiff competition from Hollywood’s Avatar: Fire and Ash, releasing on December 19, and the rising popularity of the Hindi film Dhurandhar. Despite this, George predicts an approximate worldwide opening of Rs 17 crore for Bha Bha Bha. Meanwhile, producer Gokulam Gopalan, one of the biggest names in Malayalam cinema today and the man behind L2: Empuraan earlier this year, is backing the film with full force despite the divided sentiment surrounding Dileep. While the court acquitted the actor, public opinion on the matter remains split, with continued social media backlash against him. Dileep's last blockbuster was in 2017 While the noise around Dileep and his former involvement with the case may have some impact on the film’s box office, the film appears to be headed for a stellar opening. The rest of the film’s fate will depend on how good the movie is and the word-of-mouth response it receives. Dileep’s last blockbuster was Ramaleela in 2017. The film was released in theatres in September 2017, months after Dileep was arrested in the actress assault case in July that year. However, despite his involvement in the case coming to light, the film performed strongly at the box office, largely driven by positive word of mouth.
16 December,2025 05:30 PM IST | Mumbai | Athulya NambiarAndhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor Pawan Kalyan recently gifted his film They Call Him OG's director, Sujeeth, a brand new Land Rover Defender. Sharing the news, the overwhelmed filmmaker expressed his gratitude to the actor on social media. Pawa Kalyan's gift for They Call Him OG director Sujeeth shared pictures of his new car, gifted by Pawan, along with pictures of the two on social media and expressed his gratitude to the actor. He wrote, "Best gift ever. Overwhelmed and grateful beyond words. The love and encouragement from my dearest OG, Kalyan garu, means everything to me. From being a childhood fan to this special moment. Forever indebted." Earlier, Sujeeth had penned a note expressing his gratitude to his entire team just before the release of They Call Him OG. He had said, "'They call him OG' will be all yours in just few more hours... Excited, thrilled and at the same time a little sad that this journey of so many years is finally coming to an end and won't be the same from tomorrow." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sujeeth (@sujeethsign) "My deepest gratitude to my family and to everyone who stood by me at every step constantly pushing me forward. To my AD team and my technicians, I won't say more but I love you all. You stayed with me through every hurdle and every hiccup along the way," he added. Naming everyone he said, "Thanks to Danayya garu and Kalyan Dasari for always being a pillar of strength and for trusting me throughout this journey. To Thaman anna, for always being supportive and giving everything he has for this film. Navin Nooli bro, can't wait for the audience to witness your magic on screen. Ravi K. Chandran sir and Manoj sir your brilliance in the making has elevated everything. Raghav bro and Neel Darshan thank you for bringing in all the magic. and Sachin for the amazing work." He concluded the statement saying, "Today, I can feel the euphoria around and the madness you are showing is beyond surreal. Watch it, celebrate it, enjoy it. And remember this is only the beginning. With the right things falling into place, this world will only grow bigger from here. Love you my Powerstar" About They Call Him OG For the unaware, They Call Him OG, which featured Pawan Kalyan in the lead, also featured actors Emraan Hashmi, Priyanka Arul Mohan, Prakash Raj, and Sriya Reddy in key roles. Produced by DVV Danayya and Kalyan Dasari under the DVV Entertainment banner - the same powerhouse behind global phenomenon RRR - OG was being hailed as the biggest cinematic event of 2025. Cinematography for the film was by Ravi K Chandran ISC and Manoj Paramahamsa ISC, and editing was by Navin Nooli. Titled after its cryptic lead, and carrying the tagline They Call Him OG, the film presented a full-blown assault of mass, mystique, and madness. The film was originally slated to hit screens worldwide on September 27 last year. However, its release was delayed, and it hit screens almost a year later on September 25 this year. (With inputs from IANS)
16 December,2025 04:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn what might be one of the biggest casting whispers of the season, a highly placed industry source has revealed that Global Star Nora Fatehi is all set to appear in a major song in Rajinikanth’s mega sequel, Jailer 2. The source shares that Nora is currently in Chennai, shooting an outdoor, high-energy dance number — described as an upbeat South-style track that’s expected to become one of the standout moments of the film. The song is reportedly composed by Anirudh Ravichender and is scheduled to release in 2026 with more details being kept tightly under wraps. “Nora is shooting for eight days alongside Rajinikanth, which says everything about the scale of this track,” the source adds. Given her proven track record with smash hits and her unmatched screen presence, fans are already predicting that this could be the next big dance anthem from the Nora Fatehi era. This comes right after Nora’s string of massive successes this past year — from viral international hits to chart-topping Bollywood numbers and her rise as a global pop-culture face. With her recent performances gaining global momentum and going viral across continents, insiders are already saying this Jailer 2 track could be yet another explosive addition to Nora’s list of blockbuster songs. Nora Fatehi makes US television debut Global star Nora Fatehi made history once again as she took the stage on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, delivering a high-voltage performance of What Do I Know (Just A Girl) with her powerhouse collaborator Shenseea. In a landmark moment, Nora appeared on the same episode as global superstar Ed Sheeran, who headlined the night with his own performance. The episode also featured the brilliant Cynthia Erivo, making it an epic collaboration. Nora and Shenseea performed on their latest track What Do I Know. The energetic track, released under 5 Junction Records/Warner Records. In 2019, she collaborated with Tanzanian musician and songwriter Rayvanny to release her first international English debut song Pepeta. In October 2022, she was chosen to feature in Light The Sky, a song for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. About Jailer 2 Rajinikanth will be seen reprising his iconic role as Tiger Muthuvel Pandian in Jailer 2. For the unversed, his character in Jailer struck a chord across generations. The sequel promises to raise the bar considerably, with Muthuvel facing far greater threats and navigating bloodier, more intense conflicts than before. Ramya Krishnan plays the character of Vijaya Pandian a.k.a Viji, the wife of Rajinikanth’s character. Sources say that actress Mirnaa, who plays Swetha Pandian, Rajinikanth’s daughter-in –law in the film, too will have a pivotal role in the sequel. Recently, a source close to the production told Pink Villa that Vidya Balan was approached with the script and was immediately drawn to it and the complexity of her character. This will mark her return to a high-profile commercial entertainer and add significant weight to the sequel’s narrative. Her coming on board is expected to elevate the sequel beyond spectacle.
16 December,2025 02:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBhutanese actor Sangay Tsheltrim has become the talk of the town among audiences after his thrilling performance in Akhanda 2 Thaandavam. The film is emerging as a blockbuster, having grossed over 50 crores worldwide on its opening night. The actor essayed the role of the primary antagonist, Chinese army general Xiang Le. In an exclusive chat with Mid-day, he opens up about his experience working in the Telugu industry, what he hopes to learn from Nandamuri Balakrishna, and how Salman Khan gave him his first break in Indian films. Sangay, who has previously worked in Bollywood action films like Radhe and Jawan, as well as the action-thriller series Freelancer, says that action is his comfort zone. Owing to his background as a captain in the Royal Bodyguard of the Royal Bhutan Army, he tends to gravitate towards the genre. Sangay shared: "I love to do action movies, even in my own country; all my home productions are action movies. It is because of the training I have received as a soldier. I am also a martial artist; I was a boxer earlier. I have a good physique, so it's easier for me to deliver. I can just be myself; I don't have to put in much effort to act." Sangay Tsheltrim praises Balayya's dedication Sangay recalls how inspired he was by Nandamuri Balakrishna's work ethic and discipline. Stating how the legend would use astrology to determine when to arrive on set, oftentimes arriving hours before shooting would begin, he shared: "He follows astrology, and he has been doing this throughout. If astrology says he has to be on set at 4 am, he'll be there at 3 am, even though the camera rolls at 10 am. He added, "Following this kind of consistency is very difficult." Further commending the actor's dedication and endurance, he relates an incident from their shooting spell in Georgia. Sangay mentions, "We were shooting in the mountains in Georgia, there was snow all over, the temperature was -5°, and there he is wearing a half sleeve shirt with slippers! Meanwhile, we couldn't bear the cold despite wearing thick jackets and several layers underneath. Showering the ultimate praise on the legend, Sangay couldn't help but remark with awe, "I am a soldier, I am a commando, and yet, at age 65, his energy level is higher than mine!" The two formed a close bond during filming, and Sangay recalled how Balayya would frequently talk to him about his late father, NT Rama Rao, and show him his old photos and movie clips. No difference between Hindi and Telugu industries Since he hails from Bhutan, Sangay admits he finds the Hindi and Telugu film industries to be extremely similar. However, he feels that his perspective as an outsider is more beneficial because it allows him to focus on the positives of each region, instead of the unnecessary rifts and divisions people are trying to create between them. He goes on to assert that both films and actors are becoming Pan-India now, quoting the massive success of Dhurandhar in the South and the appearance of Junior NTR in War 2 alongside Hrithik Roshan. He concedes that the only minute difference he has noticed is that South movies are louder and want to appeal to the masses. He says, "The delivery of my dialogues is quite loud, my expressions are more exaggerated, for instance, my eyes were opening wider. Akhanda 2 was made like that, with a bigger production value and VFX, because that's what fans want," he concluded. "I am here because of Salman Khan" Reflecting on Akhanda 2 Thaandavam's extraordinary journey, the actor recalled his not-so-humble beginning in Indian films, crediting Salman Khan for launching his career with Radhe, and calling him his 'godfather'. Explaining how he fortuitously bagged his role in Radhe, he said, "I didn't give any audition, nor did I have any ambition to be in Bollywood; I was just handpicked by him (Salman Khan) when I met him as a fan, and he gave me a break in Radhe. He saw potential in me and thought I could become an actor. Because of that, I'm here in Bollywood, I'm here in the Telugu industry," he exclaims with gratitude.
16 December,2025 10:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini ShahRishab Shetty is riding high on the phenomenal success of Kantara: Chapter 1. While the film was rooted in its cultural representation, Shetty’s climax scene stole the show. Heaping praise on him, Ranveer Singh mimicked the Chaundi scene, after which he faced flak. Now, Shetty shared his perspective on the incident for the first time at a Behindwoods event in Chennai. Rishab Shetty on Daiva mimicry Rishab Shetty addressed the tendency of people to imitate cinematic portrayals of sacred traditions, stating, “That makes me uncomfortable. While much of the film is cinema and performance, the Daiva element is sensitive and sacred. Wherever I go, I request people not to perform it on stage or mock it. It is emotionally deeply connected to us.” Shetty further explained the efforts made during the production of Kantara to ensure authenticity and respect for local practices. He also noted that it is important for audiences to understand the emotional depth and significance associated with these rituals. While he didn’t name anyone, this statement comes days after the Dhurandhar actor received backlash. About Ranveer Singh’s controversy The controversy began earlier this month at the International Film Festival of India in Goa. During an interaction with Rishab Shetty, Ranveer Singh mimicked Daiva movements while praising Kantara, despite Rishab refusing him to do so. Many people online felt the gesture crossed a line and called it disrespectful. The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) filed an official complaint against the actor, which exacerbated the situation even more. Responding to the backlash, Ranveer later wrote on Instagram: “My intention was to highlight Rishab’s incredible performance in the film. Actor to actor, I know how much it would take to perform that particular scene in the way that he did, for which he has my utmost admiration.” He further added, “I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition, and belief in our country. If I’ve hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologise.” Meanwhile, Rishab’s Kantara (2022) and Kantara: Chapter 1 (2025) rank among the highest-grossing Kannada films after KGF: Chapter 2. On the work front, Ranveer is currently being praised for Dhurandhar. The film, also starring Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal, is receiving a rave response.
16 December,2025 09:35 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNandamuri Balakrishna's recent release, Akhanda 2: Thaandavam, had a strong domestic opening weekend. While the film grossed Rs 60 crore nett (gross minus taxes) in India in three days, it quickly surpassed the Rs 100 crore mark overseas and is still going strong. The film's long theatrical run will be determined by its performance in theatres during the weekdays. A woman faints in the theatre watching Shiv Tandav sequence in Akhanda 2 Balayya's movies have often gotten rave reactions in the movie theatres, and yet again, the movie scenes have been garnering some shocking reactions from the audience. A fan was seen getting possessed after watching Balakrishna's Shiva Tandav in the film. The fan left the audience around her tensed as she constantly kept shivering and shaking while the tandav sequence was on. A woman gets possessed and emotionally overwhelmed during the Shiva Tandava climax sequence in Akhanda 2.#Akhanda2 #NBK pic.twitter.com/tqLoW70fEP — Milagro Movies (@MilagroMovies) December 14, 2025 However, netizens called it a fake stunt or a paid promotion, seeing the lady in the video. A user wrote, "A woman gets possessed and emotionally overwhelmed during the Shiva Tandava climax sequence in Akhanda 2." While one fan even compared it to the recent hit, Kantara, "Kantara ki chusam le Same ala cheste extra PR anukuntunnaremo, Worst movie idi." A user was concerned about the fan's mental health after seeing the video, "I hope people who care for her sent her to a good mental health doctor." While sarcastic comments had to flood the comments section, a user penned, "Got Possession even after seeing Balayya's acting??? Seriously?? Wishing her a speedy recovery. Attention-seeking and promotional dramas. What is there in it so much to possess?" Fans even slammed them for the overacting, "Cinema goers should be charged double entertainment tax, one for onscreen and the other for off…" One added, "Thoda zyada hi hogaya yeh nautanki." Box office collection of Akhanda 2 On December 14, the Telugu version of Akhanda 2: Thaandavam had an overall occupancy rate of 51.77 percent, with the highest turnout during the afternoon and evening presentations. Akhanda 2: Thaandavam, directed by Boyapati Sreenu, is a fantasy action thriller in which Nandamuri Balakrishna plays numerous roles. The film also stars Samyuktha, Aadhi Pinisetty, and Harshaali Malhotra in key parts. The film is a sequel to the 2021 film of the same name, with Thaman S composing the soundtrack and C Ramprasad and Tammiraju handling the cinematography and editing.
15 December,2025 05:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA brawl erupted on a KSRTC bus running from Thiruvananthapuram to Kalpetta, after a group of women passengers protested against the screening of a film starring actor Dileep during the journey on Saturday. This comes amid the court verdict wherein the actor, accused in the 2017 Kerala actress assault case, was recently acquitted. Women passengers stops screening of Dileep's film on Kerala bus A group of women passengers reportedly protested against the screening of Dileep's film, citing the actor's association with the actress's assault case. Following the objection, the bus staff stopped showing the film. However, the situation soon escalated when some male passengers intervened and spoke in support of the actor. This led to a heated argument on the bus. Lekshmi R Shekhar, a passenger on the bus, shared details of the incident with ANI, saying, "Yesterday, I was travelling from Kesavadasapuram to Adoor. My son and husband were with me. On that KSRTC bus, the film Parakkum Thalika, starring Dileep, was being played. The movie was played at a very loud volume. Watching and listening to that film, in the present circumstances, and having to endure it for a 2.5-hour journey on a KSRTC bus was extremely uncomfortable for me." She added, "So I raised this issue with the conductor and asked that the movie be switched off. I also told him that otherwise I would get off at the next stop. Accordingly, I decided to get down at Vattappara. When we say we stand with the survivor, this is how we must act in practice. I asked all the passengers on the bus whether they were interested in watching this movie. Except for two people, all the women clearly said they were not interested in watching it." Although Lekshmi's objection was supported by the other passengers, a couple of people opposed it. The opposers cited the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court verdict in the case. Lekshmi shared, "Not only that, they all stood with me and told the conductor that the movie should be switched off. They said they were not interested in being forced to watch it, and therefore, it must be turned off. All of us said we stand with the survivor. Respecting the opinion of the majority, the conductor switched off the TV. After that, one or two people who appeared to be travelling after consuming alcohol created an issue, saying that the case has already been settled in court. But only a lower court has given a verdict in this matter; the case is still pending in higher courts. Until the survivor gets justice, every self-respecting woman must stand with her." The incident was captured by a passenger, and the video has since gone viral on social media. About Dileep's 2017 sexual assault case For the unversed, the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court acquitted Dileep and three others, while the court found six accused guilty, including prime accused Sunil NS, also known as Pulsar Suni, who directly carried out the assault. The six were sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment in the 2017 actress assault case. The case was regarding an actress who worked in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films, who was allegedly abducted and molested inside her car by a group of men on the night of February 17, 2017.
15 December,2025 01:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
