In news that is bound to delight fans of actor Dhanush, Tamizharasan Pachamuthu, who is now directing actor Dhanush's upcoming film, tentatively titled D56, has dropped an important update about the film. Dhanush's film D56 begins pre-production The director, on Wednesday, announced that he had begun the recce for the film. Taking to his X timeline, the director posted a monochrome picture of himself seated in a temple and wrote in Tamil," Kelambiyaachu (Have started) Recce D56." கெளம்பியாச்சு 🙏#Recce #D56 pic.twitter.com/zaDW7gFruk — Tamizharasan Pachamuthu (@tamizh018) March 4, 2026 Well-known production house Dawn Pictures, which is producing the film, was quick to show its admiration for the industrious nature of the director. It quoted the tweet of the director and added fire symbols to indicate it was both impressed and excited. Rumours doing the rounds in the industry earlier had suggested that the unit was to begin work on the film in the months of March/April this year. Now, with the director's commencement of recce, it is evident that pre-production work on the film has begun and that shooting will soon follow. For the unaware, director Tamizharasan Pachamuthu is best known for his critically acclaimed superhit film Lubber Pandhu, which featured Harish Kalyan, Attakathi Dinesh, Swaswika and Sanjana Krishnamoorthy in the lead. Lubber Pandhu, which started off as just a simple sports drama that revolved around the egos of two cricket lovers playing gully cricket in a small town, silently evolved into something much more significant and showed how sport could help people overcome the deep-rooted differences and oppression that caste and wealth brought. Dhanush's upcoming projects Dhanush will next be seen in the upcoming film Kara, which is scheduled for theatrical release on April 30. It may be recalled that the makers of the film had announced the title of the film on Pongal this year. The makers had also released a poster of the film in which Dhanush was seen sporting an intense look. The poster read, "Sometimes, staying dangerous is the only way to stay alive." He also has an untitled film, referred to as D55, with director Rajkumar Periasamy. It also stars Malayalam superstar Mammootty.
04 March,2026 04:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentKantara actress Sapthami Gowda took to social media on March 3 to call out paparazzi for “deliberate zoom-ins and inappropriate angles" of women in the industry. She has now found support in fellow actresses Rukmini Vasanth, Ashika Ranganath, and Divya Spandana, who reshared her note calling out the paparazzi practices. Rukmini Vasanth and others support Saphtami Gowda Kannada actor Rukmini Vasanth, who was seen in Kantara Chapter 1 and Divya Spandana re-posted Sapthami's statement on their respective Instagram stories, backing her. Reposting the same note, Ashika Ranganath wrote, “Let’s normalise respect – not violation. Deliberate zoom-ins and inappropriate angles are disrespectful and unacceptable." Sapthami Gowda slams inappropriate camera angles In her slamming note earlier, Sapthami called out the ‘unacceptable’ behaviour by the paparazzi. The actress opened up about how the paparazzi often shoot female actors from inappropriate video angles at public events. In her note, she even asked the paps to focus on the work and not the bodies. Taking to her Instagram Story on Tuesday, March 2, Sapthami wrote, “As women in the film industry, we stand together in addressing a recurring issue. Repeatedly, videos and photographs of female actors at public events are shot and circulated from inappropriate angles, with unnecessary zooms that focus on our bodies rather than our work. This behaviour, carried out by a few individuals, is disrespectful and unacceptable.” She further added, “We are here for our craft. We are here for our cinema. We unequivocally condemn deliberate zoom-ins and inappropriate angles. They are clear violations of dignity and will not be normalised or tolerated. We expect those covering events to maintain professionalism, basic respect, and decency.” “We stand united in setting this boundary. We stand in solidarity with every woman who has experienced this, and we will continue to support one another in demanding respect,” the Kantara actress concluded, highlighting the collective responsibility to resolve the issue. Unfortunately, Sapthami Gowda is not the first actor to raise this issue. In the past, actresses like Janhvi Kapoor, Mrunal Thakur, Zareen Khan, Nora Fatehi, and Ayesha Khan have spoken about being objectified by paparazzi earlier.
04 March,2026 03:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe makers of Boong, the first-ever Indian film to win a BAFTA honour, have unveiled its trailer, offering a moving glimpse into a heartfelt story that is putting Indian cinema on the global stage. The film returns to cinemas on March 6, inviting audiences to experience its magic once again on the big screen. Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures' Boong created history after winning the BAFTA honour in the Best Children’s & Family Film category at the 79th British Academy Film Awards. Boong trailer Written and directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, the film follows the story of a little boy, Boong, who plans to surprise his mother with a gift. In his innocence, he believes that bringing his absentee father back home would be the most special gift. Boong’s search for his father disintegrates his world but culminates in an unexpected gift. The newly released trailer offers a touching glimpse into this tender narrative, blending the innocence of childhood with emotionally resonant storytelling. Rooted in regional Indian storytelling yet universal in its themes, the film celebrates family, resilience and hope. Boong has travelled across prestigious global platforms and earned widespread acclaim. Boong secured the BAFTA honour while competing alongside major international titles such as Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch, and Arco, further underscoring its global appeal. It became the first Indian film to achieve this prestigious recognition, marking a landmark moment for Indian cinema worldwide. Boong co-producers recall filming in Manipur Producers Shujaat Saudagar and Vikesh Bhutani recalled Lakshmipriya Devi’s first narration of the coming-of-age drama. The project rolled in 2023, and the unit was unaware of the conflicts that would follow soon in the state. “We brought some talent from Mumbai, who could bring an international quality to the production. We went on floors in 2023 and faced a lot of logistical issues. We shot over 45 odd days, spread over two months. A week after the shoot got over, the clashes started erupting,” recalled Bhutani. The conflict that began in Manipur in May 2023 has continued since, leaving the state devastated and its people displaced. In her acceptance speech at the BAFTA Awards, Devi called for peace in the state. Echoing her sentiment, Saudagar insisted that at such times, stories of innocence and resilience are a must. “There’s no dearth of hate in this world. The least we can do is use our craft and platform to spread love.” The BAFTA-winning film returns to cinemas on March 6.
04 March,2026 02:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda recently hosted a meet and greet with their fans in Hyderabad ahead of their grand wedding reception on March 4. This marked their first meet-and-greet since tying the knot on February 26. The couple was seen serving food to their fans and indulging in a warm conversation about their relationship. Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Devrakonda at fan meet and greet On Tuesday, Rashmika and Vijay interacted with fans in Hyderabad at a meet and greet. The venue was decorated with floral décor and also featured a board that read, “Welcome to our extended family. With love, VIROSH” at the entrance. The event was organised to mark the ongoing celebrations following their union. The couple personally shook hands with each attendee. Rashmika was even seen hugging one fan. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kamlesh Nand (work) (@artistrybuzz_) The couple also gave autographs before personally serving food and joining them for lunch. One of the videos from the meet-and-greet shows Rashmika feeding her husband, Vijay Deverakonda, with her hand as fans hooted and cheered. Rashmika wore a simple saree and dressed as a newlywed, completed with a mangalsutra and sindoor. Vijay, on the other hand, opted for a floral kurta. The visuals from the event impressed fans. Praising their gesture, one user wrote, “Really sweet of them to put so much effort in for their fans. Their fans must be over the moon. Lovely gesture." Another comment read, “Omg this was adorable. This is an amazing way to treat your fans. I mean, imagine them literally calling you to their wedding, feeding you and serving you." Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda's wedding Rashmika and Vijay had long been rumoured to be dating; however, they did not publicly confirm their relationship until days before their wedding in February this year. The couple tied the knot in an intimate yet grand ceremony in Udaipur on February 26 in the presence of close friends and family. Their wedding pictures on social media, broke records, garnering 24 million likes. The couple are set to host a grand reception to celebrate their wedding with industry friends on March 4 in Hyderabad. The event will be strictly invite-only, as announced by Rashmika and Vijay.
04 March,2026 12:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Raiza Wilson's next film, a sci-fi supernatural fantasy thriller called Nova: Phase One - The Arrival, is now in its last stage of post-production. Sources close to the unit of the film say that Royal Fortuna Creations, the production house that had earlier produced the Aadhi, Hansika Motwani-starrer Partner, was producing this film. They add that the makers want to enthrall audiences with a first-of-its-kind theatrical experience with Nova. Director Milo, who has directed over 20 commercial advertisements, is to make his directorial debut with this film. The film features Raiza Wilson of Pyar Prema Kadhal fame as the protagonist. Apart from Raiza Wilson, the film will also feature actors Aanmai Thavarel, Dhruva, Advithi Shetty, Bengali Actress Hridika Biswas, Malayalam actor Joe John Chacko, Sendrayan, Swathika and Krishna in pivotal roles. On the technical front, the film has music by Yuvaraj Chandran, who had earlier worked with top music director SS Thaman, and cinematography by Christo Bob, who had earlier assisted ace cinematographer K.V. Guhan. Editing of the film is being done by Prem B, and art direction has been handled by Devendran. Rambo Vimal has choreographed the action sequences in this movie. Interestingly, Raiza Wilson will mark her return to the big screen after two years with this film. The director points out, "We have brought together a unique multi-lingual cast, featuring one actor each from Kannada, Malayalam, and Bengali cinema, for this film. Adding to the excitement, Joe John Chacko, brother of renowned Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko, is making his Tamil debut with this film.” The director says that the film is in its final stage of post-production. "The film’s audio and trailer launch is scheduled to happen soon,” the director said, informing, "The entire film has been shot across the exotic locales of the Western Ghats in Kerala. After watching the film, a leading production-distribution house has acquired the Telugu theatrical release of this film. Significantly, the Telugu dubbing process is briskly progressing." 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
04 March,2026 10:57 AM IST | Chennai | IANSThe makers of Yash-starrer Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Ups, KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, announced that they have decided to reschedule the global theatrical release for the highly anticipated action-drama. The film was originally slated for a worldwide premiere on March 19, 2026; however, the film’s release has now been moved to 4th June, 2026. The makers cited the ongoing volatile escalation and regional instability in West Asia as the reason for the delay. Interestingly, that now means Dhurandhar 2, which was expected to lock horns with the film on March 19, will now enjoy a solo release. Toxic postponed The makers of Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Ups, KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations released an official statement that read, "Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups is a film we conceptualised with the vision to create cinema for a global audience. Filmed in Kannada and English, it is built with the conviction to connect with viewers both at home and across the world. After years of dedicated labour, we were excited to share our film with you all on the 19th of March. However, the current uncertainty, especially in the Middle East, has created a situation that impacts our goal to reach and connect with the widest possible audience." The note further stated, "Therefore, in the interest of our partners and our audience, we have made the difficult but carefully considered decision to reschedule our release. We thank you for your understanding and patience and look forward to your continued love and support." Toxic : A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups - in Cinemas Worldwide on 4 June 2026 pic.twitter.com/TlLgyzrKsF — Yash (@TheNameIsYash) March 4, 2026 Announcing the new release date, the makers noted, "Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups will now be released in cinemas across the globe in English and Indian languages on 4th June 2026. See you at the movies." The decision to reschedule was reportedly made after being advised by one of their major distribution partner Phars Films, in the wake of the escalating tensions and the resulting disruptions to cinema operations across the Gulf region, which stands as a key market for the film’s multi-language global release. Notably, the announcement comes at a time when the makers were preparing for a grand trailer launch on March 8 in Bangalore. The poster of the film’s first single, Tabaahi, was released earlier. Despite being scheduled debut on 2nd March, the makers chose to hold the music video and momentarily pause the promotional rollout. About Toxic Toxic stars Yash, Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth, and Tara Sutaria in pivotal roles. The film is written by Yash and directed by Geetu Mohandas, and has been shot simultaneously in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.
04 March,2026 10:51 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Manchu Manoj, who is the son of well known actor and producer Mohan Babu, has now penned an adorable post to his wife on the occasion of their third wedding anniversary. Taking to his Instagram page to share the post, the actor wrote, "There was a time I had no direction, energy and purpose. I was moving but not arriving anywhere. Then YOU walked into my life and without noise you became my clarity. You did not change who I was. You reminded me of who I could be. You gave me back my belief when I had quietly given up on myself." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manoj Manchu (@manojkmanchu) The actor went on to credit his wife for every bold decision he was making in life. He wrote, "Today, every bold decision I take, every step toward success carries your faith within it." He went on to observe, "The family we built... the home filled with warmth. Our two beautiful children are living proof of the light you brought into my world. Watching you be their mother pushes me to be a stronger man. A better father. A more grounded soul." He went on to thank his wife for bringing purpose to his life. He wrote, "This journey is not mine. It is OURS! Thank you for giving me back to myself and turning my life into purpose." He finally concluded the post saying, "To US... to these 3 beautiful years of being US and to the infinite years ahead as long as I breathe..! Happy Wedding Anniversary 3YearsOfUs ThisJourneyIsOurs SheIsMyWhy." On the work front, the actor will next be seen in the historical action drama David Reddy. Manchu Manoj had announced the title of the film in August last year when he completed 21 years in the film industry. Taking to his social media timelines to pen a lengthy post to express gratitude to all those who had supported him and enabled him to reach this milestone in his film career, Manchu Manoj had said, "With a heart full of gratitude… Today marks 21 years of my journey in cinema. I feel truly blessed to be still doing what I love. And with the same love and hope, sharing my 21st film titled DavidReddy." "A raw, intense, high-octane historical action drama set between 1897 to 1922, brought to life by the visionary Hanuma Reddy Yakkanti garu, and supported by Velvet Soul Motion Pictures. Thank you for standing by me all these years. Humbled and excited for what’s ahead. MM21 MM," he had said. 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
04 March,2026 09:46 AM IST | Hyderabad | IANSThe US and Israel’s attacks on Iran, and its retaliation, intensified over the past four days as Iran launched strikes in parts of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, and Bahrain. With West Asia gripped in a wave of conflict, there is concern among the Indian film trade about upcoming movies’ overseas business being affected by it. The UAE and Qatar, after all, are among the most crucial international markets for Indian movies. (L-R) Atlee with Allu Arjun Yash’s Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups, which is slated to hit theatres on March 19, will be the first litmus test. Following the strikes in the UAE, rumours were rife that theatres in the region may shut temporarily. But an insider from Vox Cinema, a multiplex chain in the UAE, told mid-day, “There was panic over the weekend, but there has been no directive to shut theatres. Toxic is releasing as planned, across 150 screens in the UAE.” (L-R) Prashanth Neel and Jr NTR On the production front, makers are practising precaution. Atlee had planned a patch shoot in Abu Dhabi for his next, the working title of which is AA22xA6. It was to be an extension of what the filmmaker and Allu Arjun had shot in the emirate last December. But insiders from the crew said, “The team may drop that plan. We are currently filming in Mumbai’s Chitrakoot Grounds.” Dragon, Prashanth Neel’s film starring Jr NTR, completed its Jordan schedule on February 25. A source shared, “The unit, which began shooting there from February 15, was aware that the geopolitical scene could change fast. They wrapped up the international leg and returned safely last week,” said an insider
04 March,2026 07:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuCelebs and paparazzi often share a complex relationship. While some happily get clicked, others express disappointment at being objectified. Kannada actress Sapthami Gowda has strongly spoken out against the circulation of videos and photographs of female actors shot from inappropriate angles at public events. Calling the practice disrespectful and unacceptable, the Kannada actress emphasised that women in the film industry are united in demanding dignity. Sapthami Gowda calls out paparazzi The Kannada actress called out the circulation of videos and photos of female actors shot from inappropriate angles at public events, terming the practice disrespectful. Taking to her Instagram Story on Tuesday, March 2, Sapthami wrote, “As women in the film industry, we stand together in addressing a recurring issue. Repeatedly, videos and photographs of female actors at public events are shot and circulated from inappropriate angles, with unnecessary zooms that focus on our bodies rather than our work. This behavior, carried out by a few individuals, is disrespectful and unacceptable.” She added, “We are here for our craft. We are here for our cinema. We unequivocally condemn deliberate zoom-ins and inappropriate angles. They are clear violations of dignity and will not be normalized or tolerated. We expect those covering events to maintain professionalism, basic respect, and decency.” “We stand united in setting this boundary. We stand in solidarity with every woman who has experienced this, and we will continue to support one another in demanding respect,” Gowda concluded, highlighting the collective responsibility to resolve the issue. She is not the first actor to raise this issue. In the past, actors Janhvi Kapoor, Mrunal Thakur, Zareen Khan, Nora Fatehi, and Ayesha Khan have spoken about being objectified by paparazzi. More about Sapthami Gowda Sapthami Gowda rose to fame with her stint in Kantara. The film went on to shatter several box office records and garnered critical acclaim. The actor also starred in The Vaccine War and the Kannada film Yuva. She was last seen in The Rise of Ashoka, opposite Sathish Ninasam. Apart from the lead pair, the film also features B. Suresh, Sampath Maithreya, Gopal Krishna Deshapande, Yash Shetty, Jagappa, Ravishankar (Armugha), Dragon Manju, and Devanuru Chandru.
03 March,2026 05:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmid the ongoing unrest in East Asia, Marathi actress Vishakha Subhedar, on Tuesday, shared a video on Instagram making an emotional appeal to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She revealed that her son was travelling to London, and got down at Kuwait for a layover, but is now stuck there due to the ongoing situation. Vishakha Subhedar urges the government to get her son back In the video, Vishakha can be seen crying and requesting Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help her to get her son back to India. She captioned the post in Marathi, "Please help me. My son Abhinay is stuck in Kuwait. IndiaGovernment NarendraModi DevendraFadnavis Devendra Fadnavis Saheb, Eknath Shinde Saheb, Raj Saheb. Please help." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vishakha Subhedar (@subhedarvishakha) In the video, she revealed that due to flights being cancelled, her son has been stuck in Kuwait for the past four days, and the situation there is quite serious. She added that the airline has currently given him accommodation at a hotel. She also requested that there should be an arrangement be made to get her son back to India just like how people from Dubai were brought back. She added that, like her, many families are waiting for their loved ones to come back. Israel-Iran conflict caused major flight disruptions Passengers across India faced major inconvenience due to flight disruptions and cancellations following the US-Israel attack on Iran. In Maharashtra, travellers complained of long waiting hours and cancelled flights. Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport saw nearly 98 flights cancelled as airlines pulled services over safety fears. Meanwhile, Chandigarh airport authorities confirmed disruptions in air traffic management. On Saturday, only one Dubai-bound departure was cancelled, but on Sunday, both arrival and departure flights to Dubai have been affected. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport also saw a significant impact, with 17 arrival flights and as many departure flights cancelled, leaving many passengers stranded. The cancellations are part of a broader regional disruption triggered by a joint US-Israel attack on Iran, which led to retaliatory strikes by Tehran on Israeli and US military bases across several Gulf nations, forcing multiple countries in the region to close their airspace and halt civilian air traffic. The widespread cancellations left many passengers stranded, creating overcrowding in terminals as travellers awaited further updates. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and advise passengers to check flight schedules before heading to airports. (With inputs from IANS)
03 March,2026 04:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPeddi is one of the most anticipated and trending films of 2026, starring global star Ram Charan in the lead role. Directed by the visionary Buchi Babu Sana, the film also features Janhvi Kapoor and Jagapathi Babu in pivotal roles. Ever since its announcement, the project has generated immense buzz and excitement worldwide. The first single, Chikiri Chikiri, took the internet by storm and quickly became a fan favorite. Crossing over 200 million views across platforms, it emerged as one of the biggest songs of the year. Peddi new song unveiled Following the phenomenal success of Chikiri Chikiri, the makers have now unveiled the second single, Rai Rai Raa Raa. The track is another high-energy anthem, with Ram Charan once again showcasing his effortless dance moves, style, and undeniable swag, reminding everyone why he is considered one of the finest dancers in Indian cinema. Adding to the magic is the music by A. R. Rahman, whose vibrant composition elevates the song into a pulsating and upbeat number. Megastar Chiranjeevi is a proud father after witnessing Ram Charan's swift moves in the Rai Rai Raa Raa track from the upcoming movie "Peddi". In an appreciation post uploaded by Chiranjeevi on social media, he pointed out that watching the 'RRR' actor tap a foot on the peppy number is a joy to watch. Sharing the "Rai Rai Raa Raa" track on his official X (Previously known as Twitter) handle, he wrote, "RaiRaiRaaRaa from Peddi is sheer fire on screen, a stunning blend of energy, emotion, and cinematic brilliance. Watching Ram Charan light up the screen with effortless grace and electrifying speed fills me with immense pride. The way he moves is a joy to watch! (sic)." Giving a shout out to Peddi director Buchi Babu Sana, Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman, and all the others responsible for bringing Rai Rai Raa Raa to life, the Megastar went on to add, "Kudos to BuchiBabuSana for the brilliant picturization, arrahman for the magical composition and vocals, and AlwaysJani for the power-packed choreography." "Compliments to RathnaveluDop for the magnificent visuals, IananthaSriram for the meaningful lyrics, and producer venkataskilaru for backing this spectacular vision", he further shared. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ram Charan (@alwaysramcharan) Peddi runtime rumours The team of Peddi has now urged fans not to believe any rumours doing the rounds on social media on the film's final run time. Publicist Vamsi Sekhar took to his X timeline to say, "Don’t believe any rumours circulating online about the final runtime of Peddi. Only the first half of 'Peddi' has been locked and the RR too (is) in the completion stage by A.R.Rahman. The second half is currently in the final shooting stage, with editing progressing simultaneously at a brisk pace. It will be completed very soon. Everything is right on track for the grand release on April 30, 2026."
03 March,2026 03:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
