Filmmaker Vignesh Shivan and Dhanush are no longer on good terms following the latter’s fallout with Nayanthara over a clip from her Netflix docuseries, Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale. Opening up about their strained bond, Vignesh admitted he regrets losing the friendship, calling Dhanush an important figure in his life and reflecting on their past equation. Vignesh Shivan on bond with Dhanush During a recent interview, Vignesh said in Tamil, “I like Dhanush sir a lot. His birthday is on July 28… and on that same day, my father passed away. I feel a fatherly presence in him; I identify him that way. My biggest loss is losing that relationship. That is also something I feel ashamed about. There must have been a mistake somewhere at some point. For the life I’m living now, Dhanush sir is a very important person to me.” He added, “I was with him for two years during the VIP shoot. I used to eat only after he ate. Sometimes, we don’t even understand the situation when something happens between people.” About Nayanthara and Dhanush fallout In November 2024, Dhanush filed a civil suit against Nayanthara, her husband Vignesh Shivan, and their production house, Rowdy Pictures Private Limited. The suit alleges that the filmmakers used visuals from Dhanush’s film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in the Netflix original Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale. Following this, Dhanush sent a Rs 10 crore legal notice to the actress. On November 16, Nayanthara lashed out at Dhanush for sending her a legal notice. A part of her note read, “It’s almost been 10 years since the release of the film, and it is a long time for someone to continue to be this vile while wearing a mask in front of the world. I have not forgotten all the horrible things that you said about the film that was one of your biggest hits as a producer and a film that is loved by all even today. The words you said pre-release have left some unhealable scars for us already. I learnt through film circles that your ego was supremely hurt after the film became a blockbuster.” Workwise, Nayanthara will be seen next in Patriot and Toxic: A Fairytale for GrownUps. Dhanush will next be seen in the action thriller Kara. Meanwhile, Vignesh is helming Love Insurance Kompany (LIK), starring Pradeep Ranganathan and Krithi Shetty, which is scheduled for release on April 10, 2026.
05 April,2026 08:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFive days before its grand release, the makers of actor Tovino Thomas's upcoming film Pallichattambi dropped the trailer of the film. The film directed by Dijo Jose Antony marks the second Malayalam film of Dragon fame actress Kayadu Lohar. The newly released trailer give a glimpse into the world of the film. Pallichattambi trailer Taking to his X timeline to share the trailer, actor Tovino Thomas wrote, "Much-awaited Pallichattambi Official Trailer Out Now! In cinemas worldwide from April 10, 2026. A Film by Dijo Jose Antony." The just released trailer begins with a voice-over saying, "He will come to burn that ground to ashes. He will come to cut the nerves of this nation and throw it out. The true master of this place (will come)!" We then see one of the villagers saying, "Very soon, we must find an intelligent fighter -- no matter where he is and how much it costs -- and bring him and bestow on him the title 'Christopher'." "But where can we find such a person," asks another person. It is then that Tovino Thomas's character in the film is introduced. A glimpse of his romantic sequences with Kayadu Lohar follow. She is seen telling him, "You seem to have mesmerised my entire village." Tovino's character, while speaking to an elderly villager, says in the trailer, "It is only the village that is different. The people and the soil are the same everywhere." We are also introduced to a ruthless cop, who is vicious and bloodthirsty in the trailer, that shows Tovino's character training the villagers in martial arts. Needless to say, the trailer has added to the excitement of fans. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pallichattambi (@pallichattambi_movie) What Tovino said about the film It may be recalled that actor Tovino Thomas, had in an exclusive interview to IANS, disclosed for the first time the basic plot of his eagerly awaited period action entertainer. Tovino had said, "What I can tell about the movie is, this movie is set in 1957-58 -- a time period when the socio-political scenario in Kerala was very different. New reformations came into existence. There were resistances against that. So, that is the premise, not the story. So, in this premise, there is a story happening and this story is completely fictional."
05 April,2026 02:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe makers of director Rahul Sankrityan's eagerly awaited period film, 'Ranabaali, featuring actors Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead, have now announced that the unit had wrapped up a crucial schedule of the film at Rayalaseema. Mythri Movie Makers, the production house producing the film, took to its X timeline to make the announcement. It also released a video that showed the actors being accorded a warm welcome in the region. Mythri Movie Makers wrote, "'MAA SEEMA RAAYALASEEMA' Rayalaseema showered all its love for the #Ranabaali couple. The team wrapped up a key schedule in the region. #Ranabaali Grand release worldwide on September 11th." In the video clip released, Vijay Deverakonda is seen addressing a gathering of fans. He says, "It feels like coming back to my own village. When I was here for the shoot, Anantapur feels like my second hometown. I always have a seema feeling inside me." For the unaware, Vijay Deverakonda essays the role of Ranabaali, while Rashmika Mandanna plays his wife Jayamma in the film. Arnold Vosloo, best known for his work in 'The Mummy', plays the antagonist Sir Theodore Hector. 'Ranabaali' is being produced on a grand scale by Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar, with T-Series presenting the film. The movie is set against a British-era backdrop and is being made as a period action drama. Set in the 19th century, the film is based on real historical events that took place between 1854 and 1878, and is being mounted as a massive pan-India project. Sources claim 'Ranabaali' is inspired by real incidents from the 1850s that never found space in mainstream history books. They say it will be based on real incidents in the time period of 1850-1900 and that the film will look to showcase incidents that the British misrepresented in history. Sources claim that Ranabaali will not be a biopic, and not a textbook retelling but will be a cinematic reconstruction of an era built from multiple real accounts, oral histories, and suppressed records. After 'Geetha Govindam' and 'Dear Comrade', 'Ranabaali' will be the third film in which Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda will be seen appearing together as a pair.
05 April,2026 02:33 PM IST | Hyderabad | IANSActor Prabhas is currently shooting for his upcoming film titled Fauzi. The film, directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, also stars Imanvi and will be released in two parts. Now, the makers have issued a strict warning after visuals from the sets of the film were leaked online. They warned of strict action against social media accounts that are sharing pictures from the sets. Fauzi makers react to pictures leaking online Taking to their official X account, the makers of Fauzi said, “It has come to our attention that certain accounts are circulating leaked images from the sets of #Fauzi. Please treat this as a strict warning, any such content will be reported, and necessary action will be taken against those involved.” The statement continued, “These leaks compromise the experience we are carefully building. What’s coming on the big screen will be far bigger and worth the wait. We urge everyone to refrain from sharing or engaging with leaked content.” Resharing the post, director Hanu Raghavapudi wrote, “We’ve poured our hearts into #Fauzi to give you something truly special. Humbly requesting everyone, please don’t spoil the magic with leaks. Let’s experience it the way it’s meant to be, together in theatres.” We’ve poured our hearts into #Fauzi to give you something truly special.Humbly requesting everyone, please don’t spoil the magic with leaks.Let’s experience it the way it’s meant to be… together in theatres. ππ»ππ»ππ» https://t.co/n4w3xDi8Fm — Hanu Raghavapudi (@hanurpudi) April 4, 2026 Fauzi to be made in two parts Fauzi marks Prabhas’ grand return to the world of epic period dramas after Baahubali, promising a visually stunning and emotionally charged experience. Touted as Mythri Movie Makers’ most ambitious film, it unites Prabhas, the Pushpa makers, and Sita Ramam director Hanu Raghavapudi in what’s hailed as “a union of generations.” With the tagline “The bravest tale of a soldier,” Fauzi unravels a forgotten legend of courage and heroism. Interestingly, Fauzi has a vast world waiting to be explored, with the director confirming that the film will be released in two parts. In a statement released in 2025, the filmmaker shared, “We’re portraying one world of Prabhas in this movie, and the second installment will explore another dimension. There’s abundant material from our colonial past—stories that ended tragically but could’ve been fairy tales in another reality. I’ve also woven in a few real-life experiences that inspired me personally.”
05 April,2026 10:45 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe makers of director Vignesh Shivan's long-awaited romantic drama 'Love Insurance Kompany (LIK)', featuring Pradeep Ranganathan and Krithi Shetty in the lead, have now released a trailer of the romantic entertainer, much to the delight of fans and film buffs. The trailer introduces a futuristic world where relationships are validated not by instinct, but by an algorithm. Pradeep plays a spirited youngster who crosses paths with Dheena at a rehab centre, only to realise she is completely glued to her phone. She values digital judgement more than human connection. What follows is the hero’s heartfelt mission to prove that real love doesn’t need tech approval. The trailer presents Pradeep in an energetic avatar. Krithi Shetty brings freshness to the role of Dheena. SJ Suryah, with his signature flair, adds intrigue, and the supporting cast- Yogi Babu, Seeman, and Gouri Kishan, promise solid entertainment. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Seven Screen Studio (@7_screenstudio) Ravi Varman’s visuals give the narrative a crisp futuristic sheen, and Anirudh Ravichander’s lively score adds both rhythm and emotional resonance. Vignesh Shivan appears to blend humour, youthfulness, and a relevant message with ease. The production values look grand. The film, which is slated to hit screens on April 10 this year, has been produced by actress Nayanthara along with Seven Screen Studio Lalit Kumar. It may be recalled that the makers of the film have had to postpone its release quite a few times. The film was originally scheduled to hit screens on September 18 last year. However, the makers then chose to push the film's release to October 17 for Deepavali. Just when it looked like the film would hits screens for Deepavali, the makers had to take the tough call of postponing the film again as Pradeep Ranganathan-starrer 'Dude' also picked the same day for release. Seeking to avoid a release day clash between two films of actor Pradeep Ranganathan, the makers of director Vignesh Shivan's 'Love Insurance Kompany (LIK)' decided to postpone their film's release to December 18 last year. However, the makers again decided to postpone their film's release to February this year. Sources in the industry had said that the makers were looking to release the film during the Valentine's Day weekend. However, that did not happen. Finally, director Vignesh Shivan announced last week that his film would release on April 3 this year. However, now, it looks that might also not happen. The film has triggered a lot of excitement among fans as it features Pradeep Ranganthan, who until now, has a 100 per cent success record in the Tamil film industry. Every single film of his until now has emerged a success, with his most recent film 'Dude' going on to emerge a major blockbuster. 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,2026 09:17 AM IST | Chennai | IANSActor-turned-politician Vijay grabbed attention during a recent campaign rally in Puducherry after a video showed him losing his cool at a member of his security team for pushing an elderly man in the crowd. Vijay steps down from the van The incident took place during a roadshow held as part of his political campaign. Large crowds had gathered to catch a glimpse of the actor, who was seen standing atop his vehicle and waving to supporters. Amid the tightly packed surroundings, security personnel were trying to manage the crowd and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle. However, things took a turn when an elderly man, seemingly eager to greet Vijay, came too close to the convoy. A security guard quickly pushed the man aside in an attempt to clear the path. The act did not go unnoticed by Vijay, who immediately reacted. Eyewitness videos circulating online show Vijay visibly upset as he pointed towards the guard and reprimanded him for his behaviour. He appeared to signal that such treatment, especially towards senior citizens, was unacceptable. The moment was brief, but it stood out during the otherwise energetic rally. Vijay scolds the guard for his behaviour After expressing his displeasure, Vijay regained composure and continued interacting with the crowd, waving at supporters as his vehicle moved forward. The rally itself witnessed a massive turnout, reflecting his growing political presence ahead of upcoming elections. The video quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread reactions from users. Many praised Vijay for stepping in and defending the elderly man, calling it a sign of empathy and strong leadership. Comments highlighting his “care for people” and “leader-like qualities” flooded online platforms soon after the clip surfaced. The incident has also reignited conversations around crowd control and the conduct of security personnel during large political gatherings. Managing enthusiastic crowds remains a significant challenge, especially when public figures attract massive turnouts during campaigns. Vijay, who recently launched his political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, has been actively engaging with supporters across regions as part of his campaign efforts. Moments like these continue to shape public perception of him—not just as a film star, but as a leader navigating the complexities of public life. While the rally moved on without further disruption, the viral clip has ensured that the brief exchange remains a talking point, highlighting the delicate balance between security and sensitivity in high-profile public events.
04 April,2026 10:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSuperstar Rajinikanth recently interacted with the media in Chennai, where he addressed questions about his upcoming film Jailer 2 but chose to remain silent on the ongoing Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. His brief yet measured response has once again highlighted his consistent stance of staying away from political commentary despite frequent public curiosity. Rajinikanth skips political questions When approached by reporters at the airport, Rajinikanth greeted them warmly and answered select questions about his work. Speaking about Jailer 2, the actor confirmed that the film’s shooting has been completed and that it is currently in its final stages of post-production. He added that the makers will soon make an official announcement regarding the film’s release date, sparking excitement among fans eagerly awaiting the sequel. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, Jailer 2 is one of the most anticipated Tamil films in the pipeline. The sequel follows the massive success of the 2023 blockbuster Jailer, with Rajinikanth reprising his popular role as Tiger Muthuvel Pandian. The film is expected to deliver high-octane action along with the signature style that made its predecessor a hit. However, when questions shifted towards the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections, the veteran actor politely declined to comment. With a simple smile and a courteous “Vanakkam,” he avoided engaging in any political discussion. This response aligns with his earlier decisions to distance himself from electoral politics, even after once expressing intentions to enter the political arena. Rajinikanth’s relationship with politics has often been a topic of public interest. In the past, he had announced plans to launch a political party but later stepped back, citing health concerns and personal reasons. Since then, he has maintained that he prefers to serve people in other ways rather than through active political participation. Rajinikanth updates about Jailer 2 Meanwhile, the focus remains firmly on his film career. Apart from Jailer 2, Rajinikanth also has other projects lined up, including a collaboration with Kamal Haasan, further adding to the anticipation surrounding his upcoming slate. As fans await an official release date for Jailer 2, Rajinikanth’s latest appearance reinforces his priority: cinema over politics, even amid ongoing public and media speculation.
04 April,2026 09:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe much-anticipated trailer of Patriot has finally heightened excitement among fans, marking the grand reunion of Malayalam cinema legends Mammootty and Mohanlal after nearly two decades. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, the film promises a gripping blend of espionage, action, and political intrigue. Trailer leaves the fans impressed The trailer offers a glimpse into a high-stakes spy drama where national security and personal loyalties collide. Both Mammootty and Mohanlal appear in intense, layered roles, hinting at a narrative driven by secrecy, surveillance, and power struggles. Packed with slick visuals and fast-paced sequences, the film positions itself as a large-scale action thriller with global appeal. One of the biggest highlights of Patriot is the reunion of the two iconic actors, who last shared screen space years ago. Their return together has sparked nostalgia among fans while also raising expectations for a powerful on-screen dynamic. The trailer teases moments of confrontation and collaboration, suggesting a complex relationship between their characters. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mohanlal (@mohanlal) Beyond its leading stars, the film boasts a strong ensemble cast, including Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, and Revathy. Their presence adds depth to the narrative, hinting at multiple intersecting storylines within the espionage framework. The storyline is believed to explore contemporary themes such as surveillance, data privacy, and dissent, making it both relevant and thought-provoking. The trailer reflects this tone through its gritty atmosphere and morally complex characters, indicating that the film will go beyond conventional action tropes. With high production values, international locations, and a compelling narrative, Patriot is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Malayalam films in recent times. The film is slated for a theatrical release in 2026, further adding to the anticipation. All about the reunion and film Overall, the trailer sets the stage for an intense cinematic experience, combining star power, storytelling, and scale. As expectations soar, Patriot is already being viewed as a landmark project that could redefine the spy thriller genre in Malayalam cinema. Despite all the delays and road blocks, the trailer has left the fans in anticipation for a stellar film. The reunion is set to have a grand footfall in theatres to see the film.
04 April,2026 07:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMalayalam filmmaker Ranjith has been remanded to three days of police custody in connection with a sexual assault case that has sent shockwaves through the film industry. The development comes after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) took over the probe to examine serious allegations made against the director-producer. Ranjith remanded to three days of police custody According to reports, the complainant has accused Ranjith of sexual misconduct during a professional interaction. The alleged incident is said to have taken place under the pretext of work, raising concerns about misuse of power and authority within the industry. Following the complaint, authorities initiated a detailed inquiry, eventually leading to his custody for further questioning. The SIT is now actively investigating the claims, collecting evidence, and recording statements from individuals who may have been associated with the case. Officials are reportedly focusing on verifying the sequence of events, as well as examining any supporting material that could substantiate the allegations. The custody period is expected to play a crucial role in helping investigators piece together the facts. SIT probe deepens in the case investigation Ranjith, a prominent name in Malayalam cinema known for his contributions as both a director and producer, has denied the accusations. His legal team has maintained that the claims are baseless and that he will fully cooperate with the investigation. Despite the denial, the case has intensified scrutiny on the functioning of the film industry, particularly regarding workplace safety and accountability. The controversy has also reignited conversations around the need for stronger mechanisms to address harassment and abuse in the entertainment sector. Several voices within the industry have called for a fair and transparent probe, emphasizing the importance of justice for the complainant while ensuring due process for the accused. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on the SIT’s findings, which are expected to determine the next course of action. The case continues to develop, with further updates likely as authorities proceed with questioning and evidence gathering.
04 April,2026 05:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMalayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan, who continues to be in police custody, has faced a setback in his sexual assault case after his lawyer, Mohammed Siyad, quit the case. Siyad will no longer represent him in the ongoing sexual assault case, and has also informed Ranjith's family to look for a new counsel. Ranjith's lawyer quits the case Notably, Mohammed Siyad faced criticism for also being a member of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) for the film, on which the incident occurred. Siyad announced his decision to quit the case and revealed that he has asked the filmmaker’s family to hire another lawyer ahead of the upcoming bail proceedings. The lawyer reportedly told OnManorama, “As the legal advisor to numerous production houses, I have been a member of several Internal Complaints Committees, including the ICC for the film cited in this case. It is important to note that the complainant never raised any allegations of harassment during the shooting, nor did she ever approach the ICC." Siyad’s resignation came hours after he filed a bail plea on Ranjit’s behalf. The plea reportedly claims that the actress filed a harassment case because of disagreements between her and the filmmaker during the shoot. About sexual assault allegations against Ranjith Earlier this week, Ranjith was taken into police custody after a woman actor accused the filmmaker of attempting to sexually assault her on a film set. According to police, a complaint was filed with Kochi City Police. The woman claimed that Ranjith lured her into a caravan during a shoot and tried to sexually assault her, encouraging immediate action from authorities. Talking about the case, Kochi City Police Commissioner S Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar shared that a Special Investigation Team was formed after the actress filed a complaint. He also revealed that the allegations were discreetly verified before Ranjith was arrested. “It should not happen to any woman, especially at the workplace," he said. Following the complaint, Ranjith was arrested and then sent to 14-day police custody. Recently, the WCC also issued a long statement calling the allegations against Ranjith ‘grave’. They also questioned the industry’s power structures and criticised the showbiz world.
04 April,2026 10:19 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSouth superstar Allu Arjun took to his social media account to wish his little son Allu Ayaan on his birthday and shared an adorable picture. Sharing a heartwarming post, he wrote, “Many happy returns of the day to the love of my life. Happy Birthday, my chinni babu. HBDAlluAyaan AyaanisaVibe”. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Allu Arjun (@alluarjunonline) In the picture, Allu Arjun is seen dressed in a maroon traditional kurta, smiling as he holds Ayaan close. The young boy, also dressed in an ethnic outfit, is seen striking a playful pose. For the uninitiated, Allu Ayaan, the elder son of Allu Arjun and Sneha Reddy, was born on April 3, 2014, and turned 12 this year. The young boy often features in his father’s social media posts, and Ayaan has become a familiar face among fans. Talking about South star Allu Arjun, on the professional front, has achieved massive success with the blockbuster franchise Pushpa: The Rise, where he starred opposite Rashmika Mandanna. The actor has delivered several memorable hits over the years, including the popular dance number ‘A Ante Amalapuram’. On the personal front, Allu Arjun tied the knot with Sneha Reddy in March 2011 after reportedly meeting through mutual friends. They initially were good friends, and their love story soon blossomed, leading to marriage. On March 6, the actor celebrated his wedding anniversary with wife Sneha Reddy by sharing a heartfelt message and romantic pictures on his social media account. Marking 15 years of togetherness, the actor posted a couple of stunning photographs of the two and wrote, “Happy Anniversary, Cutie. 15 years of togetherness. The journey could not have been this without you.” In another post, he shared a monochrome picture with Sneha and wrote, “15th anniversary . Life of Laughter & companionship @allusnehareddy.” They are parents to two children, son Allu Ayaan and daughter Allu Arha. 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 April,2026 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
