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Akshaye Khanna to join Prasanth Varma's third project, ‘Mahakali’
If sources in the industry are to be believed, Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna will be a part of director Prasanth Varma’s third project, ‘Mahakali’. The Pan-India success of the blockbuster ‘Hanu-Man’ introduced audiences to the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU). Late last year, director Prasanth Varma announced his third project, ‘Mahakali’, which promises to usher in a new chapter in the PVCU. ‘Mahakali’ is being awaited with keen interest as it will technically be the first superhero story of a woman. Prasanth Varma will be the showrunner for this film, which is to be directed by Puja Kolluru. It may be recalled that in October last year, Prasanth Varma, while announcing ‘Mahakali’ had said, “On this auspicious occasion of Navratri, I’m thrilled to share something very special. Together with @RKDStudios, we proudly present the tale of an invincible warrior, the protector of the righteous, and the ultimate destroyer of evil. From the universe of #HanuMan, prepare for the rise of #MAHAKALI. Directed by @PujaKolluru. Presented by #RKDuggal. Produced by #RiwazRameshDuggal” Responding to this announcement of his, director Puja Kolluru had said, “Here's my next directorial and it's gonna be (fire symbol).Thank you @PrasanthVarma for this wonderful opportunity with @ThePVCU and for making my dream of directing a SUPERHERO story of a woman come true! Thank you @RKDStudios for entrusting me on this incredible journey!#pvcu3” Now, sources say that Akshaye Khanna, who recently left an indelible mark with his powerful performance in superhit film ‘Chhaava’, will be among the first to join the cast of ‘Mahakali’. His role in the film is expected to add a new dimension of intrigue and depth to the growing superhero universe. The film, produced by RKD Studios, is poised to take the universe to greater heights. Mahakali, sources say, is shaping up to be a pivotal project, blending mythological themes with innovative superhero storytelling. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 April,2025 12:00 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Saqib Ayub on making Telugu debut with Hit: The Third Case alongside Nani
It took him years to break through in Bollywood, admits actor Saqib Ayub. After Farzi (2023), the actor featured in Superboys of Malegaon (2024). However, he believes that Hit: The Third Case will change his trajectory. “This film gave me the validation I had been striving for,” he says, adding that the Nani-starrer gave him the space to showcase his craft on a bigger platform. “When I got the call for the film, I had no second thoughts. I have wanted to get into the Telugu industry for quite some time. So, when the opportunity came knocking, I had to grab it.” (From left) Adarsh Gourav and Saqib Ayub on the set Having seen the success of the franchise in 2020 with Hit: The First Case, and Hit: The Second Case (2022), Ayub felt sure that the third edition “will be a hit”. “Getting my feet in the Telugu industry with Hit 3 was a golden opportunity. There was absolutely no reason for me to say no,” says the actor, who was doubly thrilled to share space with Nani. “He’s an incredible and down-to-earth person. Everything is on point on the set because he is also the producer of the film. He seemed accommodating and co-operative in the few action scenes I had with him. Nani sir ensured that I’m comfortable.” Elated at his career trajectory, Ayub shares that he learns something new about the craft and himself on every set. “Filmmaking itself is a constant learning process—every director has their own style, some structured, some fluid and limitless. Action films teach action, dramas hone emotions, and every co-actor offers something new—if you’re open to learning. There’s always something new to absorb and evolve from,” he explains.
06 April,2025 07:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu
Test movie review: Falls short of hitting the ball out of the park
The new Netflix release Test, directed by S. Sashikanth, has an intriguing concept with loads of potential. Despite a strong star cast delivering stellar performances, the film falls short of truly hitting the ball out of the park. Plot The story centers around three primary characters — Arjun (Siddharth), Nayanthara (Kumudha), and Saravanan (R. Madhavan). After a series of out-of-form games, star cricketer Arjun is forced to announce his retirement. But having built his entire life around cricket, Arjun sees this as an insult to his hard work and life’s purpose. He fights for one last chance to play in the upcoming India vs. Pakistan test match — a match that could be his final game before stepping away from the sport. Kumudha is his schoolmate and the teacher of his son Aditya. She is clinging to her last hope of becoming a mother through IVF. Saravanan, Kumudha’s husband, runs a small canteen but is also a double doctorate scientist. He dreams of working on hydrogen fuel technology to contribute positively to society. An interesting premise The first half takes its time building the world around these primary characters and establishing their interrelationships. The context sets the tone for their future decisions as life presents each of them with difficult choices. However, the narrative in this portion does take a while to reach the crux, and some crisp editing could have made it tighter and more engaging. To their credit, writers Suman and S. Sashikanth have built Test around an interesting theme. The film is about choices — and the impact those choices have on one’s life. Its true strength lies in its characters. They are thoughtfully developed in the first half, and this depth is crucial in helping the audience understand and connect with the decisions they later make. At every important juncture in life, we are often faced with two paths. What we choose sets the tone for everything that follows — and the film explores these pivotal crossroads with emotional honesty. Arjun must make a difficult choice between his son and his country; Kumudha must choose between supporting her husband and pursuing her dream of becoming a mother; and Saravanan must decide whether to prove himself to the society that once labeled him a failure by chasing his dreams, or settle for a low-risk, modest livelihood. Performances Talking about performances, Nayanthara as Kumudha delivers a restrained yet powerful portrayal of a determined working woman. Her sole focus is to become a mother — and nothing, not even her husband’s financial downfall, can deter her. In one scene, even as her husband is dragged away by pawnbrokers, she remains fixated on gathering the money required for her IVF treatment. Even when she acts out of character, the audience is able to justify her actions — thanks to the detailed world-building in the first half. Siddharth as Arjun plays a largely one-dimensional character who has devoted his entire life to cricket. As he is pressured into retirement, for the first time, he begins to reflect on the personal life he has long neglected. Even as life brings him to a critical crossroads, he tries his best to bat for his family but ends up being a soldier for the country. R Madhavan played a massive role in carrying the second half on his shoulders. The experienced actor effortlessly transitions from a man who dotes on his wife and dreams of doing better for society, to someone who, after being repeatedly let down by that very society and engaging in an intense war of words with his wife, lets go of his moral compass and does what needs to be done to achieve his dream and become a success story. His newfound confidence and lack of moral hesitation begin to scare those around him — the very people who had supported him all along. Malayalam film actress Meera Jasmine plays Siddharth's devoted wife in the film. The talented actress, however, has limited screen time as the wife of a star player. Poornima Ramaswamy and Anu Vardhan have done a fantastic job with the costumes — especially with Nayanthara's distinct saree looks, which are bound to set a trend. R. Madhavan’s evolving costume choices also don’t go unnoticed, reflecting the transformation of his character. S. Sashikanth’s directorial debut certainly highlights his potential as a filmmaker, with distinct scene transitions, a strong focus on character development, and the smart use of music to elevate the narrative. To sum up... Since the film is all about choices, watching this 2-hour-30-minute feature should be your own. Safe to say, the repercussions of watching — or skipping — it won’t be nearly as harsh as what the characters endure in the film.
05 April,2025 05:34 PM IST | Mumbai | Athulya Nambiar
Prithviraj Sukumaran receives notice from Income Tax department
A day after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on Empuraan producer Gokulam Gopalan’s offices in Chennai and Kochi, the Income Tax department has issued a notice to the film’s director and actor, Prithviraj Sukumaran. This development comes amid a raging political debate surrounding the film over its alleged portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots. Following the controversy, the film's team voluntarily incorporated 24 cuts in the criticized sequences. IT notice to Prithviraj Sukumaran Reportedly, Prithviraj Sukumaran has been served a notice by the IT department, seeking clarification on his remunerations from recent films. According to reports, the notice was issued in the last week of March, coinciding with the release of Empuraan, the sequel to his blockbuster film Lucifer. The actor-filmmaker has been asked to submit his clarification by the end of April. Prithviraj is one of the biggest movie stars of Malayalam cinema industry. He turned director in 2019 with the Mohanlal-starrer Lucifer. The film was a massive hit. The sequel to the film titled L2: Empuraan was released on March 27. The film is on the path to become the all-time highest box office grosser of Malayalam cinema. ED raids Gokulam Gopalan's Offices On Friday, the ED conducted raids at Gokulam Gopalan’s offices in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, as reported by several Malayalam-language news portals. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the investigation is related to his business dealings or his involvement in film production. Gopalan had joined as the producer of the film at a later stage, closer to its release. At a press meet for Empuraan, he confirmed that the film's budget was ₹180 crore—the highest ever for a Malayalam-language film. The Empuraan Controversy The film’s success has been accompanied by nationwide controversy. Members of the RSS and BJP have vocally opposed its depiction of the Gujarat riots. One particular scene portrays a Hindutva mob brutally murdering a group of Muslims, while another allegedly shows a man assaulting a pregnant Muslim woman. The Sangh Parivar has also accused the film of whitewashing Islamic terrorism and distorting historical facts. Post the controversy, the makers voluntarily re-edited a total of 2 minutes that was deemed offensive by many.
05 April,2025 03:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pooja Hegde shares her take on female actors getting typecast
Southern beauty Pooja Hegde opened up about having no inhibitions on auditioning. Throwing light on how filmmakers carry a certain perception about actors, and how female actors tend to get typecast easily, Hegde said, “Filmmakers have a certain perception about actors, especially female actors as we tend to get typecast easily. That’s why I feel it’s important to audition and showcase your traits that haven’t been explored yet." The diva further urged actors to audition in their home country rather than the West. She added, "It's better to be in the running for a role than to be overlooked. Some of the biggest stars audition in the West, why not here?" Work-wise, Hegde is currently gearing up for her Tamil drama 'Retro', wherein she will be seen sharing the screen space with Suriya. Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, 'Retro' is scheduled to hit the screens on May 1. Produced by Stone Bench Creations and 2D Entertainment, the film will feature music composed by Santhosh Narayanan, cinematography by Shreyaas Krishna, and editing by Shafique Mohamed Ali. The ancillary cast of the drama includes Joju George, Jayaram, Karunakaran, Nassar, Prakash Raj, Sujith Shankar, Tarak Ponnappa, Thamizh, Krishnakumar Balasubramanian, Prem Kumar, Ramachandran Durairaj, Uday Mahesh, Sandeep Raj, Murugavel, and Vidhu. Over and above this, Hegde is also working on her Bollywood film, 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai', alongside Varun Dhawan. Made under the direction of David Dhawan, the much-awaited movie is poised to blend a lighthearted narrative with romantic elements. Recently, Hegde and Varun were in Rishikesh to shoot for the drama. For the unaware, 'Hai Jawani Toh Pyaar Hona Hai' was a hit song from David Dhawan's film "Biwi No 1", featuring Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, and Sushmita Sen. Mrunal Thakur, Kubbra Sait, Maniesh Paul, Rohit Saraf, Rajeev Khandelwal, Nitish Nirmal, and Sreeleela are also likely to be a part of the film's core cast. 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
05 April,2025 11:21 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Dhanush’s 'Idly Kadai' to release on THIS DAY
The makers of director Dhanush's eagerly awaited action entertainer, 'Idly Kadai', on Friday announced that the film would hit screens worldwide on October 1 this year. Taking to its X timeline, Dhanush's Wunderbar Films, one of the production houses producing the film, on Friday wrote, "The wait is over! Experience #IdlyKadai on the big screen worldwide from October 1st! A Film by @dhanushkraja. A @gvprakash musical! Produced by @AakashBaskaran and #Dhanush." Idli kadai #oct1 pic.twitter.com/9EkllemSPt — Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) April 4, 2025 Producer Aakash Baskaran's Dawn Pictures is jointly producing the film along with Wunderbar Films. The makers of the film had earlier announced that the film would hit screens worldwide on April 10 this year. However, they chose to postpone the release, without announcing a date of release. Soon after this announcement, in an interview to a media outlet, Aakash Baskaran said the film’s release was getting postponed as another 10 per cent of the film remained to be shot. "We need to shoot this in foreign. It is a combination scene that will have Nithya Menon, Arun Vijay sir, Rajkiran sir, Parthiban sir and all the actors. We couldn’t get common dates of all the artistes and that was the reason why we couldn’t shoot this combination seqeuence. We didn’t want to rush through as the film has come out really well,” he had then said in an interview. Stating that this portion would be completed soon, Aakash Baskaran had then said that the makers would soon announce a new date of release for the film. Now, as promised, the makers have announced October 1 as the new date of release. Sources say Arun Vijay plays the antagonist in the film and that the face off between Dhanush and Arun Vijay will be something to look forward to in the film. The makers have also confirmed that Shalini Pandey will be playing a pivotal role in the film as was being speculated in some sections of the media. ‘Idly Kadai’, which will feature Dhanush and Nithya Menon in the lead, is being directed by Dhanush himself. The film, which is being jointly produced by Dhanush’s Wunderbar films along with Dawn Pictures, has cinematography by Kiran Koushik and music by G V Prakash. 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
05 April,2025 10:59 AM IST | Chennai | IANS
Good Bad Ugly trailer: Ajith Kumar amps up style in this fun mass actioner
The makers of director Adhik Ravichandran's eagerly-awaited action entertainer, 'Good Bad Ugly', featuring actor Ajith Kumar in the lead, on Friday released the trailer of the film, much to the delight of fans and film buffs. Good Bad Ugly trailer Director Adhik Ravichandran took to social media platform X to share the link to the trailer. He wrote, "#GoodBadUglyTrailer is here. Thank you dear sir #AjithKumar sir.@MythriOfficial. #GoodBadUglyTrailer is here . Thank you dear sir❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 #AjithKumar sir❤️ @MythriOfficial @SureshChandraa sir❤️🙏🏻 https://t.co/PgjbemfJHN — Adhik Ravichandran (@Adhikravi) April 4, 2025 Mythri Movie Makers, in its tweet announcing the release of the trailer, said, “Maamey!THE MASS CELEBRATION is here #GoodBadUglyTrailer out now #GoodBadUgly Grand release worldwide on April 10th, 2025 with VERA LEVEL ENTERTAINMENT.” The trailer begins with actor Arjun Das, the hep antagonist with highlighted sleek hair, dancing with foreign models to the tune of the popular Tamil folk song ‘Otha Rooba Tharen’ from the film ‘Naatupura Paatu’. Arjun Das then tells Ajith Kumar on call ,”AK sir, I just pulled out your history and took a look at it. I heard you are a big villain. But in my game, I am your villain.” Trisha is seen telling actor Prabhu, ”He (Ajith Kumar) was the one who pushed my father onto the road.” It is then that Ajith is seen uttering his first dialogue in the trailer which also sets the tone for the film with an understanding of his character. Ajith says, “I gave up smoking for my sake, I gave up drinking for my wife’s sake and I gave up violence for my son’s sake. But if my son is at risk, I would have to go back to what I have given up, wouldn’t I?” The trailer shows some really explosive action sequences involving both Ajith and Arjun Das. The film has a lot of stylised action sequences, glittery outfit, punchy dialogues. It looks like the perfect mass actioner film that one can enjoy on the big screen. About Good Bad Ugly Good Bad Ugly had promised to be a fun ride bringing to the audience a different side of Ajith. The teaser reflects of this promise made by the makers .The trailer of Good Bad Ugly sees Ajith in a fun and fashionable avatar. In fact, he seems to have three different shades to his characters. Music for the film is by National Award-winning music composer G V Prakash. Cinematography for the film is by Abinandhan Ramanujam and editing is by Vijay Velukutty. Stunts for the film have been choreographed by Supreme Sundar and Kaloian Vodenicharov. The film will be released in theatres on April 10.
05 April,2025 07:46 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Veteran Tamil and Malayalam actor Ravikumar Menon passes away
Veteran Tamil and Malayalam actor Ravikumar Menon passed away today at the age of 71 after battling lung cancer, leaving a void in the entire entertainment world. The actor, who is known for his contributions to both the television and film industry, was admitted to a hospital in Chennai, where he breathed his last. The heartbreaking news of the actor's demise was confirmed by his son. Ravikumar has contributed to over 100 Malayalam movies, along with many Tamil films and a handful of television serials. Following his debut with Indhulekha in 1967, Ravi rose to prominence by playing lead and villainous roles in the 1970s and 1980s. While he appeared in movies like Ullaasayaathra (1975), Neelasaari (1976), and Ayalkkaari (1976), it was M. Krishnan Nair’s Amma (1976) that earned him heavy praise. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Assembly Speaker A. N. Shamseer have mourned the death of the noted actor. In a statement issued by the CMO, Vijayan quoted that Ravikumar has left an "undyeable mark" on the Malayalam film industry and that his death has been a great loss for the industry. Similar sentiments were echoed by Speaker Shamseer and CPI State Secretary M. V. Govindan in their respective condolence messages. While mourning the death of "a beloved hero of the Malayali audience," Govindan shared, "We share in the grief of his loved ones and family members." Manoj Kumar passed away This news came just when the entertainment world was already grieving the loss of veteran actor Manoj Kumar. Actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar passed away at the age of 87. He breathed his last at 4:03 am on April 4, 2025, at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, after battling a long illness. After his demise, his son issued a statement. Manoj Kumar’s son issues statement Speaking to ANI, his son, Kunal Goswami, shared the news and said, "Namaskar Ji, I am Kunal Goswami. Unfortunately, my father Manoj Kumar has passed away today at around 3:30 am in Kokilaben Ambani Hospital. He was unwell for a long time, but he has overcome everything with great intensity. It is God’s grace that he passed away peacefully. He will be cremated tomorrow morning. Thank you to all of you."
04 April,2025 09:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Empuraan controversy: ED raids producer Gokulam Gopalan's offices
Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran's recently released big-budget Malayalam film Empuraan has been at the center of controversy ever since its release on March 27. The film has been criticized by a section of viewers for its portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots. Following the criticism and a raging political debate, the makers of the film voluntarily re-censored it with 24 cuts. Now, co-producer Gokulam Gopalan has come under the radar of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). ED Raids Gokulam Gopalan's Offices On Friday, the ED conducted raids at Gokulam Gopalan’s offices in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, reported several Malayalam language news portals. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the investigation is related to his business dealings or his involvement in film production activities. He had boarded as the producer of the film at a later stage, closer to the release of the film. At a press meet for Empuraan, he had also confirmed that the film's budget was Rs 180 cr, the highest for a Malayalam language film. Empuraan controversy The film's success comes amid a nationwide controversy. Members of the RSS and BJP have vocally opposed the film's depiction of the Gujarat riots. One particular scene portrays a Hindutva mob brutally murdering a group of Muslims, while another allegedly shows a man assaulting a pregnant Muslim woman. The Sangh Parivar has also accused the film of whitewashing Islamic terrorism and distorting historical facts. Producer Antony Perumbavoor on Empuraan controversy Earlier this week, co-producer Antony Perumbavoor of Ashirvad Cinemas addressed the media regarding the controversy around the film. “We didn’t make a film with bad intent. The film has been widely accepted, and there is no need for any controversy,” said Perumbavoor. He also stated that the re-edit was not the result of any external pressure but a proactive decision to address the concerns of certain sections of the audience. “After we felt that some sections of society were unhappy, we decided to take a second look and arrived at this decision collectively,” he added. Dismissing the blame directed at director Prithviraj Sukumaran—who also plays a key role in the film—Perumbavoor emphasized that the entire team, including superstar Mohanlal, was fully aware of the creative choices made. “There is no reason to single out Prithviraj,” he clarified.
04 April,2025 11:22 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rashmika and Vijay Deverakonda papped during a lunch date
The speculations of Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda being in a relationship have been going around for quite some time now. The rumored lovebirds once again made headlines as they were captured by the shutterbugs on a lunch date in Mumbai following the grand release of Rashmika's 'Sikandar'. Vijay and Rashmika's secret lunch date The 'Animal' actress looked breezy in a simple T, baggy denim, and a sports cap. Accompanying her, VD was seen in a white floral shirt with off-white trousers and a brown beanie. While Rashmika greeted the paps and even posed with her fans, Vijay entered the restaurant from the back. The video of their lunch date is doing rounds on social media. Refreshing your memory, Rashmika and VD have been romantically linked ever since the 'Geetha Govindam' days. These two are often spotted together at events and are even seen taking vacations together. Despite giving all the hints, Rashmika and Vijay have never confirmed their relationship. When Rashmika Mandanna spills the beans about her ‘partner’ In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter earlier this year, Rashmika opened up about her “happy place” stating, "Home is my happy place. It makes me feel anchored, makes me feel rooted, makes me feel like success can come and go, but it’s not a forever. But home is forever. So, I work from that space. As much as the love and this fame and the visibility that I get, I still am, just a daughter, just a sister, just a partner. I really respect that life, that personal life that I have." Rashmika's work front Rashmika has been having a great run at the box office. She started the year with Chhaava that smashed all records at the box office. The film that was fronted by Vicky Kaushal narrated the bravery of Maharatha King Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Rashmika essayed the role of Sambhaji's wife Yesubai in the Laxman Utekar directorial. Her film Sikandar was released on Sunday. Helmed by A. R. Murugadoss, 'Sikandar' also stars Salman Khan, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, and Prateik Babbar in significant roles. Additionally, Rashmika's promising lineup includes 'Thama', 'Kuberaa', and 'The Girlfriend'. On the other hand, Vijay Deverakonda is waiting for the release of his next 'Kingdom'. The highly-anticipated flick is scheduled to release on May 30.
03 April,2025 02:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Phani director VN Aditya: We spent five days auditioning snakes
The motion poster of the upcoming film 'Phani' was unveiled in Hyderabad at a press conference on Wednesday. Directed by VN Aditya, the film is a fantastical story with a social message about nature preservation. The film stars Catherine Tresa in the lead, while Mahesh Sriram plays a key role. Legendary director K. Raghavendra Rao unveiled the motion poster of the movie Phani at a press conference today in Hyderabad. K Raghavendra Rao unveils motion poster At the event, after unveiling the poster, K. Raghavendra Rao said, “Aditya means the sun. The sun rises in all countries, and thus, VN Aditya is making Phani as a global movie. Although Aditya has not worked with me, he is one of my favorites. He has the ability to make films with new faces as well as with stars. His sister Meenakshi is producing Phani. I remember Catherine from her role as MLA in Allu Arjun's Sarrainodu. I am eager to see what kind of role she will portray in this movie. I wish the entire team of Phani all the best and hope the film achieves great success.” Catherine will get a National award: Meenakshi Producer and music director Dr. Meenakshi Anipindi said, “I am happy to have the motion poster of our movie Phani released today by legend Raghavendra Rao garu. This marks the first film produced by OMG Productions. What began as a small movie has now turned into a global project. I have only seen my brother VN Aditya’s films in theaters, and this is the first time I am speaking on stage like this. I believe Catherine will receive a National Award for her performance in Phani. This is the feeling we have while watching every scene she has done. Along with Catherine, the snake will be crucial in this film. Snake was also auditioned by my brother. Mahesh Sriram is like family to us. We hope to produce many more movies under our banner and look forward to your continued support.” Director Dr. VN Aditya said at the event, “Whenever I go to the US, I stay at my sister Meenakshi and brother-in-law Sastry garu's house, from where I travel to other states. Although we’ve met many times, the idea of making a film together never came to mind. When they offered to produce a film with me under their OMG Productions banner, I was initially scared. Other producers usually prepare well and come into the industry, but they just saw me and decided to get into production. So, I did all the preparation myself. As Meenakshi mentioned, we started Phani as a small film. When Catherine garu agreed to join, it took the film to another level, and ultimately, it became a global movie. Catherine has worked very dedicatedly since she signed on for our film and even participated in workshops. Mahesh Sriram has also been very cooperative." "The snake plays a key role in the film, and we shot the entire movie in Dallas, marking it as the first Indian film completely filmed in the USA. Catherine initially had a fear of snakes, but she eventually became familiar with the one (Black Pine) used in the film. We aimed to give the snake a character of its own, so we spent five days auditioning snakes, capturing every moment with three cameras and chose Black Pine as our hero." Catherine Tresa on being part of Phani Heroine Catherine Tresa said, “When Aditya garu approached me for this movie, I was afraid of snakes and requested that all my scenes involving snakes be done with CGI. He agreed. However, at the end of the shoot, he made me do a scene with a real snake. Once the scene was completed, the snake was so close to my face. Imagine how I felt! VN Aditya is someone who constantly changes genres and tries something new. Phani will be another gem in his filmography."
03 April,2025 10:47 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent