Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu has been rumoured to be in a relationship with Citadel: Honey Bunny director Raj Nidimoru, but she has been tight-lipped about such speculation. Now, while these rumours still manage to grab headlines, Samantha has taken to her social media to drop a series of pictures—and what caught attention was Raj's presence in some of the photographs. In a series of pictures that Samantha shared on her social media, Raj Nidimoru made two appearances. In one picture, he can be cutely seen playing with a pup, while another snap shows Samantha smiling brightly as she clicks a selfie with Raj. Sharing the photos, Samantha wrote, "It’s been a long road, but here we are. New beginnings @tralalamovingpictures #Subham releases on May 9th." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Samantha (@samantharuthprabhuoffl) Earlier, Samantha and Raj were snapped visiting Tirupati Balaji Temple to seek blessings. While Samantha opted for a pink traditional salwar kameez, Raj complemented her in a blue shirt and lungi. The duo has also partnered up on the pickleball team, Chennai Super Champs. While sharing pictures from the pickleball ground, she wrote a long caption that reads, "My first venture into the world of sports — pickleball, of all things — has been so transformative!” She further wrote, "I couldn’t have asked for better teammates than Raj and Himank on this rollercoaster journey. This is just the beginning!!" Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s divorce In 2021, days before their fourth wedding anniversary, the duo took to their respective Instagram handles and announced their separation in a joint statement penned to their fans. In it, they asked for privacy and support during these difficult times. Samantha and Chaitanya maintained that they will always "hold a special bond" between them. Samantha’s work front Meanwhile, the actress was last seen in the Prime Video series Citadel: Honey Bunny, alongside Varun Dhawan. It is the Indian spin-off of the American television series Citadel on Amazon Prime Video, which starred Priyanka Chopra in the lead role. Packed with adrenaline-pumping action sequences and emotional drama, cinema enthusiasts appreciated the chemistry between Samantha and Varun as they navigated a world of espionage, betrayal, and danger. She will reunite with Raj and DK for Rakt Bramhand, a fantasy action series with Ali Fazal and Wamiqa Gabbi. Apart from this, Samantha will star in Bangaram, a film she announced on her birthday. This project is especially significant for her as it marks her debut as a producer.
08 May,2025 01:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA piece of tragic news has come from the sets of Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1. Reportedly, a junior artist has passed away by drowning in the Kollur Souparnika River on Tuesday afternoon due to the river's strong current. While the Kantara team is yet to confirm this news, it has been said that a case has been registered and Kollur Police is investigating the matter. India Today, in their report, stated that a junior artist named MF Kapor, who hails from Kerala, went to swim in the Kollur Souparnika River but due to its strong current, he was swept away. The local authorities and fire department immediately started the search and rescue operation, and by Tuesday evening, they recovered Kapor's body. This is not the first accident on Kantara’s set. Earlier, news came out that a bus carrying junior artists met with an accident. After this, a source close to the production confirmed, “A minor accident occurred 20 kilometers away from the shooting location, involving a local bus carrying some members of the Kantara team. However, no injuries were reported.” Kantara: Chapter 1 release date It was recently announced that the makers revealed the release date of the prequel to the award-winning 2022 film Kantara: A Legend. Kantara: Chapter 1 , a prequel to the National Award-winning Kannada film, is set to arrive in cinemas on October 2, 2025. About Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Kantara, written and directed by Rishab Shettyand produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films, starred Rishab Shetty in dual roles. The film is set in, and was filmed in, Keradi in coastal Karnataka. Principal photography began in August 2021. The film turned out to be a major commercial success, emerging as the second-highest-grossing Kannada film of all time after K.G.F: Chapter 2, which was released the same year, just a few months apart. It was also 2022's fourth-highest-grossing film in India. The film has been a favorite not just among audiences but also authorities, as it was featured in the 54th IFFI Indian Panorama section, where it won the Silver Peacock - Special Jury Award. For the upcoming film, Rishab has undergone rigorous training in Kalaripayattu, one of the oldest martial art forms originating from Kerala. Kantara: Chapter 1 introduced the richness of Konkan folklore to the world.
08 May,2025 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDirected by the brilliant Venky Kudumula, the action-packed Telugu thriller Robinhood features the dynamic Nithiin in the lead role, alongside the talented Sreeleela. Packed with suspense, jaw-dropping twists, and edge-of-your-seat drama, Robinhood takes you deep into a world of crime, power, and high-stakes danger. With a star-studded cast and a gripping storyline that will keep you guessing, this film is a must-watch for anyone craving a thrilling, high-voltage ride! Robinhood promises to be a must-watch experience, streaming exclusively on Zee Telugu and ZEE5 Telugu from May 10th. About Robinhood Robinhood is a thrill ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat! The story follows Ram (Nithiin), a clever and fearless orphan who becomes a modern-day Robinhood, stealing from the rich to help the needy. But when he crosses paths with a ruthless drug kingpin and a shady international crime syndicate, Ram’s world takes a dangerous turn. Teaming up with the quick-witted Neera (Sreeleela), they dive headfirst into a web of deception, high-stakes heists, and life-threatening challenges. But just when they think they’re in control, the biggest twist of all is about to hit—who can they really trust, and will they make it out alive? The shocking truth is just around the corner, and the clock is ticking... Director Venky Kudumula said, “Bringing Robinhood to life has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and it feels great to have the film reaching a global audience through ZEE5. My vision was to create a story that blends intense action, suspense, and emotional depth, all while following a character on a mission to make a difference. Nithiin has completely nailed the role of Ram, bringing exactly what I envisioned to the screen with his energy and commitment. It’s been amazing collaborating with ZEE5, and I look forward to more such partnerships in the future. What makes Robinhood stand out is its unique storyline—it's not just about heists and high-stakes drama, but about a man driven by a greater purpose, trying to right the wrongs in society. I’m excited for audiences to dive into this thrilling journey and see how it unfolds!" Nithiin and Sreeleela about Robinhood Nithiin expressed, "Playing Ram in Robinhood was an absolute blast! He’s not your typical hero—he’s clever, fearless, and willing to go to any lengths to right the wrongs in society. I loved getting into the mindset of a modern-day Robinhood, stealing from the rich to help the poor, and the journey has been nothing short of thrilling. The love I received from fans during the theatrical release was truly heartwarming, and I can’t wait to see how they react when Robinhood hits ZEE5! This film is packed with action, drama, and plenty of twists, and trust me, it’s a rollercoaster you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re watching from your couch or on the go, I hope Robinhood keeps you at the edge of your seat. Get ready for the ride of a lifetime!” Sreeleela mentioned, "My character Neera is a strong, intelligent, and courageous character who isn’t afraid to take on challenges, and I loved how dynamic her journey is throughout the film. Working alongside Nithiin was amazing—his energy and dedication to the role made every scene so much fun to be a part of. And, of course, collaborating with Director Venky Kudumula was a dream! His vision brought out the best in all of us, and the way he balanced action, emotion, and humor really brought the film to life. I’m so excited about the love Robinhood has already received and can’t wait for it to reach even more viewers on ZEE5. It’s such an engaging, fast-paced ride with plenty of twists and surprises that I know audiences will enjoy. The success of this film has been so rewarding, and I’m truly grateful to be part of this incredible journey!" Stay tuned and get ready to experience the madness—Robinhood is coming to ZEE5 on May 10, and it’s a ride you won’t want to miss!
07 May,2025 10:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSuperstar Rajinikanth has been an icon of Indian cinema for more than four decades. Even today, his name and face are enough to pull audiences to the theatre. Currently, the actor is gearing up for the release of Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. Marking the 100-day countdown to the film's release, the makers released a teaser. Coolie 100 day countdown One moment highlighted in the teaser by fans was the recreation of an iconic frame from the 1991 film Thalapathi. In the scene, Rajinikanth can be seen standing tall against the backdrop of a setting sun. Fans were elated to watch this due to its connection with the superstar’s most popular film, which also earned him the title Thalapathi. Some fans called it a “34-year challenge” that proves he is still standing tall in the industry as an icon. Arangam Adhirattume, Whistle Parakkattume!🔥💥 #CoolieIn100Days ⏳#Coolie worldwide from August 14th 😎@rajinikanth @Dir_Lokesh @anirudhofficial @iamnagarjuna @nimmaupendra #SathyaRaj #SoubinShahir @shrutihaasan @hegdepooja @anbariv @girishganges @philoedit @ArtSathees… pic.twitter.com/M8tqGkNIrJ — Sun Pictures (@sunpictures) May 6, 2025 Thalapathi is a gangster drama written and directed by Mani Ratnam and produced by G. Venkateswaran. The film stars Rajinikanth and Mammootty, with Arvind Swamy in his feature-film debut, and Jaishankar, Amrish Puri, Srividya, Bhanupriya, Shobana, and Geetha in supporting roles. Coolie to release on August 14 Recently, Sun Pictures, the production house backing the film, took to X to announce the release date. They wrote, “Sound-ah yethu! Deva Varraaru. #Coolie worldwide from August 14th.” Sound-ah yethu! 📢 Deva Varraaru🔥 #Coolie worldwide from August 14th 😎 @rajinikanth @Dir_Lokesh @anirudhofficial @iamnagarjuna @nimmaupendra #SathyaRaj #SoubinShahir @shrutihaasan @hegdepooja @anbariv @girishganges @philoedit @ArtSathees @iamSandy_Off @Dir_Chandhru… pic.twitter.com/KU0rH8kBH7 — Sun Pictures (@sunpictures) April 4, 2025 The film has triggered huge expectations for several reasons. It may be recalled that director Lokesh Kanagaraj, who wrapped up shooting the much-awaited action entertainer earlier this year, had said upon completion that he would cherish the amazing experience of making this film forever. Coolie, which is expected to be an action thriller, will feature several top stars in addition to Rajinikanth, including Telugu star Nagarjuna, Kannada star Upendra, Malayalam star Soubin Shahir, and Tamil star Sathyaraj. Bollywood actor Aamir Khan is also believed to be playing a cameo in the film. The film also features actors Shruti Haasan, Reba Monica John, and Junior MGR in pivotal roles. Music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, cinematography is by Girish Gangadharan, and editing is by Philomin Raj. The film is produced by Kalanithi Maran’s Sun Pictures. Coolie, Rajinikanth's 171st film, will revolve around gold smuggling. Interestingly, director Lokesh Kanagaraj has disclosed that Coolie will be a standalone film and not part of his Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU).
07 May,2025 08:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMotherhood has always held a sacred and emotionally resonant place in cinema. Over the years, the emotion of motherhood has been portrayed in different ways. Across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films, mothers are not just caregivers—they are warriors, nurturers, and the emotional backbone of families, often driving the heart of the narrative with their powerful presence. Ahead of Mother's Day, we bring to you a few films that beautifully explore the theme of motherhood and will make for a great watch with your mother. Amma I Love You (2018, Kannada) Directed by K.M. Chaitanya, the film is a remake of the Tamil film Pichaikkaran. The film narrates the story of a rich man living as a beggar to save his mother. Thayi Saheba (1997, Kannada) This is a critically acclaimed film directed by Girish Kasaravalli. A critically acclaimed film showing a woman's transformation into a mother figure in turbulent times. Kannathil Muthamittal (2002, Tamil) The film has been directed by the ace filmmaker Mani Ratnam and stars R Madhavan, Simran and Nandita Das. The film narrates the story of a young girl adopted during the Sri Lankan civil war, and her search for her birth mother. Simran’s performance as the adoptive mother is unforgettable. How Old Are You (2014, Malayalam) This film marked the comeback of actress Manju Warrier and was directed by Rosshan Andrrews. Manju Warrier plays a woman who rediscovers her identity and dreams after years of putting her family first. She also struggles to form a bond with her daughter who is seemingly embarrassed by her. All of it changes, after she meets the President of the country. It is a beautiful story about self-empowerment that also reflects how a mother’s love can coexist with her individual aspirations. Achuvinte Amma (2005, Malayalam) Directed by Sathyan Anthikad, it is a strong emotional drama about the deep bond between a single mother (played by Urvashi) and her daughter (Meera Jasmine). The story takes a turn when the daughter discovers a long-held secret about her parentage. It's a heartwarming and realistic portrayal of maternal love and sacrifice. Chatrapathi (2005, Telugu) Chatrapathi narrates the story of a mom who loves both her sons equally is forced to evacuate the place where they are living. The evacuation separates her from kids, and one of them grows up on tales of revenge as he hates his adopted brother, who later becomes a leader of the city. How she reunites with his elder son forms the crux of the story. Chatrapathi is a movie that's kind of about everything. But at its core, it has a painful mother-son story. Pan-Indian actor Prabhas really steals the show and leaves you feeling on edge.
07 May,2025 06:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLast year, Janhvi Kapoor made her Telugu film debut with Devara: Part 1 opposite NTR Jr, following it up by signing Peddi opposite Ram Charan. Now, it looks like the actor has bagged her third Telugu offering. Sources tell us that Kapoor will play one of the female leads in Allu Arjun’s next, the working title of which is AA22xA6, helmed by Atlee. Having an Atlee film on her résumé is a big boost for Kapoor. An insider shares, “Allu and Atlee are a dream combination. With his next, the filmmaker is mounting an ambitious sci-fi film. Naturally, Janhvi is excited to be part of something that could potentially set new standards in Indian cinema’s sci-fi genre.” In April, mid-day had reported that Arjun and Atlee had conducted look tests and a concept shoot in Mumbai (Beginning of another blockbuster, April 21). The team is apparently planning to take the project on floors in October. Another source reveals that casting is underway for two more female characters in the film. The source shares, “The makers are in talks with Mrunal Thakur for one of the parts. After Sita Ramam [2022] and Hi Nanna [2023], she has a huge fan base in South, and the makers are keen to bring her on board.”
07 May,2025 07:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaActors Varun Tej Konidela and Lavanyaa Tripathhi are expecting their first child. The couple took to ther Instagram handle on Tuesday and shared the news with their followers on the social media handle. The couple shared a cute picture to make the announcement. Varun Tej and Lavanyaa expect first baby In a collaborative post Varun and Lavanyaa shared a picture of their intertwined fingers holding a pair of baby shoes. Sharing the picture, Varun wrote, "Life’s most beautiful role yet -Coming soon". View this post on Instagram A post shared by Varun Tej Konidela (@varunkonidela7) Soon after the announcement, congratulatory messages poured in for the couple from fans, friends and colleagues in the film industry. Kajal Aggarwal wrote, "Big congratulations! Lots of love to all three of you" Aditi Rao Hydari wrote, "Congratulations!!!!! Big hug to you both" Rakul Preet Singh, Ritu Varma, Sushanth, Upasana Kamineni Konidela also congratulated the couple About Varun and Lavanyaa The couple's romance had reportedly been stewing for several years. Tej and Tripathi have shared screen space in two films so far. It was on one of the sets of these films (‘Mister’, 2015) that the Telugu heartthrob and Tollywood resident beauty met for the first time. However, it was only during the shooting of their second film, ‘Antariksham 9000 KMPH’, when rumours about their relationship started making the rounds. Although the couple remained tight-lipped about whether or not they were together, they were subsequently spotted at various parties and events together, including the wedding of Tej’s sister Niharika Konidela in 2020. Tripathi’s presence piqued further about their relationship but the couple claimed that they are “just friends”. On June 9th 2023, the couple finally took to Instagram to publicly announce their union and share the first pictures of the ceremony. Speaking to Indianexpress.com, Varun expressed the challenges of maintaining secrecy, stating, "Initially, when I wanted to keep it under wraps, it was difficult to balance." Despite skepticism about the feasibility of concealing a celebrity relationship, Varun pointed out, "It did work! I am a sitting example." "It did work but it has its difficulties. Sometimes you just want to break this pressure off, go out and chill,” he said.
06 May,2025 05:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Thalapathy Vijay is currently juggling the shoot of his final film and his political commitments. He has joined active politics and is the leader of his political party, Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The actor was returning from a film shoot in Kodaikanal and was spotted with tight security at the airport. In a dramatic moment, one of his security guards pulled out a gun and pointed it at a fan who tried to get too close. Vijay's security guard points gun at fan Videos of the incident are circulating on social media. In the video, Vijay can be seen stepping out of his vehicle, surrounded by security personnel. Fans were gathered nearby, eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite star. However, one fan broke through the security cordon and rushed toward the actor with a shawl in hand. This caused a commotion, prompting the security team to hold the man back while one of the guards briefly pointed a gun at him. Reportedly, Vijay appeared unaware of the scuffle happening behind him and walked into the airport without reacting. The fan later told News18, “I didn’t know the gun was there; the bouncers did it for security reasons. I don't think they did anything wrong.” SHOCKING: Joseph Vijay's security points firearm🔫 on a person. pic.twitter.com/CA2A2aBXl6 — Manobala Vijayabalan (@ManobalaV) May 5, 2025 About Thalapathy Vijay's last film The actor will conclude his acting career with Thalapathy 69. Despite being at the peak of his film career, he has chosen to step away to focus on politics and lead his party, Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam. During his first political speech as the head of TVK, Vijay said, “At the absolute height of my career, I am throwing it away — throwing away the salary I was drawing — and I am coming to you as your Vijay. I am placing all my trust in you.” He also addressed the criticism he has faced in the film industry: “They first said my face wasn’t good. Then, they said my personality wasn’t good. Then, they shamed me for my style, my hair, my walk, etc. What really kept me going during those times was your (fans’) support. It is that love and trust that has brought me into politics today.” After years of speculation, Vijay officially launched TVK on February 2, 2024, and unveiled the party’s flag and symbol on August 22 at the party headquarters in Chennai. He assured the public that TVK is not a front for any other political party. “I have not entered politics for personal gain but out of social commitment. I may be a newcomer in politics, but my commitment remains undaunted. Our party’s core enemies are corruption and communalism,” Vijay stated.
06 May,2025 03:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIs there a formula to make a blockbuster pan-India film? Superstar Nagarjuna feels there is only one ingredient of success: Stay rooted to your native language, and the honesty will transcend language barriers. Nagarjuna, who has headlined some of the biggest Indian blockbusters over the decades, says the pan-India success of Telugu films like Pushpa and Baahubali, as well as Kannada actioner KGF, points to the fact that the Indian audience wants their heroes to be larger than life. Nagarjuna at WAVES 2025 At the WAVES Summit 2025, Nagarjuna said there is a reason why Allu Arjun's Pushpa franchise earned more in Hindi than Telugu, as the audience in the North was craving to see stars in a tentpole movie set-up, like the Sukumar directorial or Yash's blockbuster KGF series. "Both the Pushpa films made more money in the North than in Telugu. We have seen similar stories in Telugu before, like Pushpa, which has larger-than-life heroes. Whereas in the North—in Bihar, UP, and Punjab—they wanted to see their heroes like Pushpa Raj, Yash in KGF, or Baahubali. They wanted to see larger-than-life heroes. For Indian people and culture, just living day to day is difficult, and when they want to overcome the stress by watching films, they want to see magic on screen.” "That's what the larger-than-life stories are doing, without losing the fundamentals of Indian storytelling. They are not going away from that, which is why they have been successful. Rajamouli shot Baahubali frame to frame, thinking it is a Telugu film. He was very proud of his roots and language, and he shot it like a Telugu film, and people loved it across the world! If you are rooted to your storytelling, it will resonate," Nagarjuna said. Nagarjuna on what makes Indian films unique Nagarjuna was speaking on the panel discussion 'Pan-Indian cinema; myth or momentum?' and was joined by actors Anupam Kher, Khusbhu, and Karthi. The superstar said Indian films have their own, unique storytelling DNA, which one must be proud of. "You might say, 'A guy raises his fist and 20 people fall, it looks abnormal!' But if you like Marvel or DC films, Superman does the same thing, but they give the logic of them having 'super powers'. But we don't need those special powers! The common man, the ticket-paying audience, including me, wants to watch my heroes larger than life. When I see Prabhas, Allu Arjun, and others going on screen and doing what they do, I clap and whistle." The actor, who has two biggies lined up for release, including Kuberaa with Dhanush and Lokesh Kanagaraj's Coolie, said both the films have been "rooted" in their storytelling. Coolie, which is releasing in August, also stars Rajinikanth, Upendra, and Shruti Haasan among others. When asked how he handles the pressure of having a pan-India blockbuster with every film, Nagarjuna said, "I don't know about others, but first and foremost, I want my film to work in Telugu, and then organically it will work everywhere. I have Kuberaa with Dhanush as well as Lokesh's next Coolie, which has Rajini sir, Aamir Khan, Upendra, Shruti, it is a huge film. Lokesh made it thinking it is a Tamil film. So, if it works in your language, it will work everywhere."
02 May,2025 04:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe makers of director Prasanth Pandiyaraj's upcoming family entertainer 'Maaman', featuring Soori and Aishwarya Lekshmi in the lead, on Thursday released the trailer of the film. Soori, who shared the link to the trailer on his timeline on X, said, "The #Maaman trailer is here—perfect for a full-on family celebration! Don’t miss the fun! Directed by @p_santh. A @HeshamAWmusic Musical. Produced by @kumarkarupannan @larkstudios1" Ellam shivamayam 🙏 https://t.co/DqfT1GH3ni #MaamanTrailer #MaamanFromMay16 pic.twitter.com/PrRhkzTdkk — prasanth.P (@p_santh) May 1, 2025 He then went on to express his May Day wishes and thank audiences for their wishes and love for their film's trailer. The trailer opens with Soori coming and telling his pregnant sister that her unborn child had now developed ears and could listen to what people were speaking. From that time on, he says, "I will be the one to talk to him." He begins to tell the unborn child, "The first face you will see when you are born in this world is that of your uncle. From bathing you to ensuring that you are not bitten by ants and insects, I will be the one to take care of you." The trailer then goes onto show that Soori's family is a huge family with Rajkiran playing his dad and Aishwarya Lekshmi playing his wife. He goes on to tell the child that his uncle (referring to himself) would move mountains, if he asked and then lists all that he will do for the child. Life, the trailer shows, is a celebration for the child and his uncle (Soori) for a while. However, a fight breaks out between Soori's sister's family and his and the elders part ways. However, the uncle is unable to forget his love for his nephew... The film is scheduled to hit screens worldwide on May 16 this year. Apart from Soori, Jayaprakash, Rajkiran and Aishwarya Lekshmi, the film will also feature Bala Saravanan, Viji Chandrashekar, Baba Baskar, Nikhila Shankar and Master Prakeeth Shivan among others. Expectations for the film are high for a number of reasons. Firstly, the film is being directed by Prasanth Pandiyaraj, who is best known for having directed the popular hit series, ‘Vilangu’. Next, Soori has again teamed up with producer K Kumar, the man who produced the actor’s earlier superhit film ‘Garudan’ as well. 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 May,2025 12:00 PM IST | Chennai | IANSSuperstar Allu Arjun on Thursday said the Indian cinema is growing from strength to strength and will soon have a serious impact on the "global box office". Speaking at the session "Talent Beyond Borders" at the first World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) here, the "Pushpa" star said he wants to take Indian cinema to a global level by pushing boundaries. "With all due respect to every other film industry in the world, whether it is Hollywood films, Korean films, Iranian films, or Chinese films, everybody has had an impact on global box office. "We have such a big film industry and we've been there for so many decades. But we never had a serious impact on the global box office. I feel it's just about time... India is getting there. We, as a country, are growing and in the coming years, Indian film industry will make a global mark," Arjun said. The Telugu star, also known for movies such as "Arya", "Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo" and "Vedam", said the entertainment industry needed an initiative like the WAVES summit. "I'm very glad it's happening now. I've seen it in other fields, medical and other expos... many conventions. I was always expecting that it has to happen for entertainment industry and it's actually happening," he added. Arjun, whose last release "Pushpa 2: The Rise" broke many box office records, said the key to reaching a wider audience is by telling authentic stories. "Everything has a significant impact on me, everything is changing so fast in the world. K-Pop, K-dramas, Hollywood films, regional films, everything has got a significant impact. The only way to reach a global level is by telling local stories," he added. He said he was once a "regional actor" but that has changed after the success of "Pushpa" franchise. "At least everybody knows my face now... I used to work in Telugu films with quite a popularity in other states in the South but now, because of 'Pushpa' and the grace of the entire Indian audience, I've become more familiar. So it's a long journey, and I'm glad to have started this journey." What matters to him the most is that his movies should be unique, he added. "Every movie should not repeat itself. Unknowingly, we all have our own patterns. All of us have it. We all have our patterns, but consciously, we should try to remove those patterns and try to come up with something new every single time. "And in such a competitive world, you have to present the best to the audience at every given point. That inspiration to serve people has made me versatile. I think versatile is a byproduct." Arjun said that in today's world, an actor can't be limited to just acting. "You need to have multiple skill sets. You need to have a great script sense, technical sense. You need to understand markets and marketing. You need to understand distribution. "There are so many wonderful actors in this country from all over, in Hindi cinema, in Malayalam, in Tamil, in Canada, all over industries. To be successful, you need to have these seven-eight attributes," he added. Considered among the most prolific dancers, not just in Telugu cinema but across industries, Arjun said dance feels like "second nature". "It comes with a lot of ease... I've never trained for dance. I'm a natural dancer. Maybe now that age is catching up, I feel like training even more to have the skill sharpened," he added. The actor also opened up about the most fearful point in his life when he suffered an accident that required him to take a break for six months. "I was banking so much of my career on physical fitness and then that's when it struck me that physical strength, agility and all this will deteriorate by age and what grows with you is actually the artistic skills and the performance. "And ever since that, I started concentrating on giving my best performance, and by my 20th film, with all humility, I was the first Telugu actor to win a national award in 69 years. I thought that breaking my hand was like the biggest low of my life, but that, in fact, is the biggest gift of my life." His next film is with "Jawan" director Atlee. "I like his aspirations, I felt we are like minded at many levels. We hope to bring a very new visual spectacle film to Indian cinema. It will be an international presentation film with total Indian sensibilities," Arjun added. 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 May,2025 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | PTIADVERTISEMENT
