Allu Arjun starrer 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' has won big at the 70th Filmfare Awards South, clinching the leading awards of the night. Allu Arjun, who won the Best Actor trophy at the Filmfare Awards, took to his Instagram and expressed his gratitude for the honour. "Thank you, Filmfare, for this wonderful honour. It's my absolute pleasure to receive it in a land where I am loved in such a unique way. I'm humbled by everyone's blessings, and I dedicate this award to all my fans for their infinite love," he wrote. Thank you, Filmfare, for this wonderful honour. It’s my absolute pleasure to receive it in a land where I am loved in such a unique way. I’m humbled by everyone’s blessings, and I dedicate this award to all my fans for their infinite love. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/EYPdC9BJl9 — Allu Arjun (@alluarjun) February 22, 2026 Allu also shared a picture of himself from the Filmfare Awards, holding the Best Actor trophy. The actor looked dapper in an all-black ensemble, which he accessorised with a few jewellery pieces. In other milestones, 'Pushpa 2' won the Best Director (Sukumar), Best Film (Naveen Yerneni, Y Ravi Shankar), Best Music Director (Devi Sri Prasad), and Best Production Design (Ramakrishna and Monika). Directed by Sukumar B, 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' was released in 2024, emerging as a big hit at the box office. A sequel to 2021's 'Pushpa: The Rise', the film featured Allu Arjun in the lead, alongside Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, Sunil and Rao Ramesh. The team is expected to return for the third instalment of 'Pushpa'. Earlier this year, the makers held a grand premiere of the 'Pushpa' sequel in Japan, where both Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna delighted the fans with their arrival. Allu Arjun shared a picture of himself from the event and wrote, "#Pushpa2TheRule releases in Japan today. Grateful for the immense love and warmth from Japanese fans. Hope you all enjoy experiencing this film on the big screen." In a key highlight, Allu surprised the audience by recreating a 'Pushpa 2' dialogue in Japanese, instantly prompting a rousing response from the crowd. 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.
22 February,2026 10:23 PM IST | Mumbai | ANIRashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda have made it official! Amid the growing speculations and rumours about their upcoming wedding, the couple shared a heartfelt announcement, making it one of the most celebrated weddings of the year in showbiz. Additionally, the couple also revealed that their wedding will officially be known as 'The Wedding of VIROSH.' Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda announce their wedding The couple took to social media, Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda shared a personal note explaining the meaning behind the name. They said that the name wasn’t inspired by planners or family traditions, but by their fans, who years ago lovingly combined their names into 'VIROSH.' In the note, they wrote, “Our Dearest loves, Before we made any plans, before we chose anything for ourselves, you were already there. With so much love,you gave us a name. You called us ‘VIROSH’. So today — with full hearts, we name our coming together in your honour. We would like to name it — ‘The Wedding of VIROSH’. Thank you for holding us with so much love. You are a part of us — always. Biggest hugs and full love!” About Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda's wedding Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna's wedding card recently surfaced on social media a few days ago. According to the wedding card that is circulating on the internet, the 'Geetha Govindam' co-stars will tie the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony on February 26. Following the wedding, the couple is also allegedly planning a grand reception on March 4 in Hyderabad. The text on the speculated wedding card of Rashmika and Vijay went like this, "I'm writing to share some special news and to invite you to be part of a huge moment in our lives. With the love and blessings of our families, Rashmika and I will be getting married on 26.02.26 in a small and intimate ceremony." "As we begin this new chapter-celebrating and creating memories around our union-it would truly mean a lot to us to celebrate with those who have been a part of our journeys. Your presence and blessings would make this occasion even more special for us," it further read. The rumour mills have been stating for some time now that Vijay and Rashmika will be getting married in a lavish ceremony in Udaipur. (With inputs from IANS)
22 February,2026 09:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who is all set to return to the screen with another powerful role in her forthcoming Telugu drama Maa Inti Bangaaram, has got her fans excited with her upcoming film. Amid this, the makers have now announced the release date for her Telugu drama. Maa Inti Bangaaram to release on May 15 The makers recently released a brand new poster of the much-talked-about Tollywood flick, along with its release date. The makers announced that the film is set to reach the audience on May 15 this year. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Samantha (@samantharuthprabhuoffl) Earlier on Sunday, Samantha updated her fans about the release date of her next project with a special social media post. The announcement poster showed Samantha peeping through the door, with a curious expression on her face. "See you in theatres this summer, Bangaraalu...MaaIntiBangaaram Grand Release worldwide on 15th May, 2026 MiBonMay15th MiB (sic)," she captioned the post. In January, the makers unveiled the gripping first look poster from BV Nandini Reddy's directorial on social media. The photo featured Samantha standing inside a bus in a simple brown saree. From the looks of it, she seems all geared up to pick a fight with intensity palpable in her eyes. Dropping the poster on her IG, Samantha penned, "You just keep watching... MaaintiBangaaram will be connecting with y'all." About Maa Inti Bangaaram Talking about her next, Samantha shared that the world of Maa Inti Bangaaram is rooted and emotional with a narrative dedicated to being family first."Maa Inti Bangaaram tells the story of a woman whose strength comes as much from her vulnerability as from her courage. Playing this character and nurturing this film as a producer has been an incredibly fulfilling journey for me," she said. Samantha added, "The world of this film is rooted and emotional with a narrative style dedicated to being family first and slice of life whilst maintaining its quirky, edgy energy. I'm truly excited for audiences to experience this story and connect with its spirit when it reaches them." "Maa Inti Bangaaram has been backed by Samantha, under her home banner Tralala Moving Pictures, along with husband Raj Nidimoru and Himank Duvurruu. (With inputs from IANS)
22 February,2026 07:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a landmark collaboration expanding their footprint across India, producer Bhushan Kumar (T-Series), along with producers Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar of Mythri Movie Makers, actor Rishab Shetty, director Prasanth Varma, and Shiv Chanana of T-Series came together for the upcoming mythological epic Jai Hanuman. The film’s muhurat puja was held at Anjanadri Betta, widely recognised as the birthplace of Anjaneya (Hanuman), the son of Anjana Devi. It is located in Hampi, Karnataka. About Jai Hanuman Rooted deeply in Indian heritage and spiritual tradition, the National Award-winning actor Rishab Shetty will play Lord Hanuman in a pivotal role. Actor Teja Sajja, who previously starred in Hanu-Man, was also present on the auspicious occasion. With Bhushan Kumar collaborating closely with Mythri Movie Makers, Jai Hanuman is envisioned as a large-scale cinematic spectacle. The film is being mounted with expansive production values and advanced technology to do justice to the scale and reverence the story demands. Jai Hanuman aims to serve as a tribute to one of the most revered figures in Indian culture, celebrating faith, courage, and strength in a way that resonates with audiences across the country. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Is Teja Sajja part of Jai Hanuman? Earlier there were several reports suggesting that Teja was no longer associated with Jai Hanuman. According to these claims, the actor had walked out of the project citing reasons such as limited screen time, creative differences, and a desire to distance himself from the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU). Some reports even hinted that Teja had become cautious about the roles he was choosing post the success of HanuMan. However, Teja later firmly denied these rumours. Speaking to Hindustan Times, the actor clarified that the reports were “false news” and stressed that he has not stepped away from Jai Hanuman or the PVCU. By addressing the speculation directly, Teja put to rest claims that he was severing ties with the cinematic universe that played a major role in shaping his recent success. Jai Hanuman serves as a follow-up to HanuMan, but with a different narrative focus. While HanuMan revolved around Teja’s superhero character inspired by Lord Hanuman, the sequel will centre on the deity himself, portrayed by Rishab Shetty. Teja had earlier expressed excitement about being part of the sequel and working on a story rooted deeply in Indian mythology. Presented by Gulshan Kumar, Bhushan Kumar, and T-Series, the pan-India mythological spectacle Jai Hanuman, starring Rishab Shetty and produced by Mythri Movie Makers, has now officially gone on floors.
22 February,2026 02:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTelugu star Nani on Saturday released the trailer of Saraswathi, which marks actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar's debut as a director in the film industry. Saraswathi trailer Taking to his X timeline, Nani wrote, "Some journeys are special because of the people behind them. Super proud to launch the trailer of Saraswathi, directed by dear friend varusarath5. I’ve seen the hard work she’s poured into this, and it truly deserves all your love. Wishing the entire team nothing but success. Saraswathi Produced by poojasarathkumar varalaxmisarathkumar. Under the banner Dosadiariesoffl. A MusicThaman Musical." Some journeys are special because of the people behind them.Super proud to launch the trailer of #Saraswathi, directed by dear friend @varusarath5I’ve seen the hard work she’s poured into this, and it truly deserves all your love.Wishing the entire team nothing but success ❤️… pic.twitter.com/dd283PMC9t — Nani (@NameisNani) February 21, 2026 The trailer begins with Varalaxmi waiting at a police station. We find out that her daughter Saraswathi has gone missing. "I dropped her at school myself, but when I went to pick her up, they say that she is not there," we hear the actress say. Meanwhile, Priyamani and Kishore too find themselves in the same predicament. Priyamani asks the school's watchman if her child hasn't come yet. The watchman replies that everybody has left and that there is nobody in school. We then see both Priyamani and Kishore frantically searching for their child inside the school. The cops soon swing into action and begin to make inquiries, accusing Varalaxmi of being guilty, though she insists that her daughter will not go anywhere without informing her. Anxiously, she then approaches Prakash Raj, who plays advocate Ramanunajam in the film. Initially reluctant to take her case due to a lack of proof, we see him appearing on her behalf in court. We realise that a crime has occurred and that even after a long drawn legal battle, Varalaxmi will be unable to get justice. The trailer ends with Varalaxmi procuring a gun and learning to fire it. "Not every woman will be a Saraswathi. If there is a need, she will even turn into a Kali," she says. About Saraswathi The film, apart from featuring Varalaxmi herself, features a host of actors, including Prakash Raj, Priyamani, Radhikaa Sarathkumar and Naveen Chandra. Taking to its Instagram account, Dosa Diaries, the production house producing the film, a few days ago released a promo containing BTS clips of Prakash Raj on the sets of the film and wrote, "Thank you Prakash Raj sir for being our RAMANUJAM. Saraswathi First Look out now." Varalaxmi too thanked the veteran actor for being a part of their film. She said, "Thank you so much sir..!!! It was a pleasure having you with us." Saraswathi also boasts of a sound technical team. The film has music by one of Tamil and Telugu film industries' top music director, Thaman. Cinematography for the film has been handled by Edwin Sakay, while editing for the film is by Venkat Raajen. Art direction is by Sudheer and dance choreography is by Brinda.
21 February,2026 04:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndian cinema is set to witness a historic moment as two of its most iconic legends - Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth - reunite after 47 years for a prestigious, once-in-a-lifetime cinematic collaboration, tentatively titled KHxRK. The two screen icons last worked together in the late 1970s, and their reunion marks one of the most significant events in contemporary Indian film history. Their coming together represents the convergence of two extraordinary legacies that have shaped generations of audiences across India and globally. KHxRK promo View this post on Instagram A post shared by Red Giant Movies (@redgiantmovies_) The promo begins with director Nelson standing in the passageway of a hotel, wondering whose room he has to enter first, when music director Anirudh comes along. Holding out two fingers, he tells Nelson, "Touch one. Shanmughapriya or Kokilapriya?" Nelson, in his innocent style, asks, "Heroines?" Anirudh, with a condescending look, replies, "They are raagas." Anirudh then tells himself, "Let's go with Karagarapriya itself as my voice is not alright," and begins to walk away, even as Nelson says, "The two-finger technique is good. Let me follow it as well." He picks one finger and then enters a room bearing the number 7, which belongs to Kamal Haasan. Although the actor is not visible, we see him making a choice with regard to his blazer. When Nelson says, "Super sir, Rajini sir too has selected only this." He puts down the blazer he initially picked and picks the alternative. Nelson enters Rajini's room next, and when it comes to picking shoes, Rajini changes his choice as soon as he hears Nelson say that the same shoes looked good on Kamal as well. Eventually, the two stars get inside a car, with Nelson and Anirudh in the backseat. Anirudh says, "Sirs, there is a theme music that sounds like a Beethoven mixed with a Bappi Lahiri that is ready. Shall we listen to it?" To this, Kamal Haasan replies, "We'll listen to all that later. First, we need to ask something. Who is the hero?" Rajinikanth reiterates the question, asking, "Isn't he asking? Tell who is the hero?" Even as Nelson sports a perplexed look, the car zooms away. About KHxRK The project is being produced by Red Giant Movies, who have successfully brought these two cinematic giants together for this landmark collaboration. The production house has envisioned this film as a celebration of scale, legacy, and storytelling at its finest. A spokesperson from Red Giant Movies said: "Bringing together Kamal Haasan sir and Rajinikanth sir for this film is truly a dream come true for all of us at Red Giant Movies. We feel deeply honoured, grateful, and incredibly excited to facilitate this reunion after 47 years. This is a historic and emotional moment for Indian cinema, and we embark on this journey with immense gratitude and responsibility. We are committed to creating a cinematic experience that celebrates their legacy in the most powerful way." The film will be helmed by Nelson Dilipkumar, who delivered the blockbuster success Jailer and has established himself as one of the most dynamic commercial filmmakers in the country. Music for the film will be composed by Anirudh Ravichander, whose powerful soundscapes have consistently elevated large-scale cinematic experiences. The film is set to release in three languages — Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. Further details regarding the film remain under wraps and will be announced in due course.
21 February,2026 02:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMalayalam actor Nivin Pauly has now penned a note of gratitude to both Suriya and his wife Jyothika for sending him a gift hamper accompanied by a warm, congratulatory message for the success of his recently-released film Sarvam Maya. Taking to his X timeline to post a picture of the gift and the message that Suriya and Jyothika had sent, Nivin Pauly wrote, "Such a loving gesture from you both...Thankyou so much Suriya_offl sir and Jyotika ma'am." The note read, "Dear Nivin, Heartfelt congratulations on the success of Sarvam Maya. Your performance was truly special - honest, effortless and deeply engaging to watch. So happy to see the love the film is receiving. Wishing you many more memorable roles and milestones ahead. With love, Jo & Suriya." Such a loving gesture from you both...Thankyou so much @Suriya_offl sir and #Jyotika ma'am...❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/s8E3SLWXnK — Nivin Pauly (@NivinOfficial) February 20, 2026 It may be recalled that Suriya and Jyothika had sent similar gifts to some other members of the film's unit, including actress Riya Shibu, whose performance in director Akhil Sathyan's blockbuster film had come in for a lot of critical acclaim. In fact, Riya Shibu had on Wednesday disclosed that she was over the moon after receiving the gift hamper along with a congratulatory note from actor Suriya and his wife Jyothika for her performance in the Malayalam film. Taking to her social media timelines to share images of the hamper and the congratulatory note, the actress had said, "Simply over the moon!!!! Thank you so so much Suriya_offl sir jyothika maa!! To take the time and effort to send me this hamper as a token of appreciation for my performance really means a lot to me. Accepting this on behalf of the entire team of SarvamMaya." In the congratulatory note, the couple had said, "Loved your performance in Sarvam Maya, Riya! So natural, impactful and a joy to watch. Big congratulations and wishing you continued success and many more memorable roles ahead." For the unaware, Akhil Sathyan's Sarvam Maya has emerged as a huge blockbuster at the box office, garnering over Rs 150 crores worldwide. Interestingly, the film was still having a strong theatrical run even after its release on the OTT platform. The horror comedy, apart from Nivin Pauly and Riya Shibu, also featured Aju Varghese in a pivotal role. Akhil Sathyan, the director of the film, is the son of one of India's legendary filmmakers, Sathyan Anthikad and has delivered critically acclaimed films like Paachuvum Albhuthavilakkum. Music for Sarvam Maya was by Justin Prabhakaran, and art direction was by the very experienced Rajeevan. Cinematography for the film was by Sharan Velayudhan Nair, who was also the cameraman for the critically acclaimed Sookshmadarshini.
21 February,2026 01:28 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSIf sources are to be believed, pop sensation and actor Harrdy Sandhu is all set to return to his roots as a leading actor. After his last successful stint in Bollywood, Sandhu is set to headline an upcoming Punjabi feature film. The female lead being considered opposite him is Simrat Kaur. According to sources, the film promises a fresh pairing and a story like never before, making it one of the most anticipated Punjabi films of the year. Harrdy Sandhu to return to Punjabi cinema While Harrdy has dominated global music charts, his return to Punjabi cinema marks a significant milestone. His film journey has spanned high-octane dramas and sports biopics, and he is now expected to be seen in a softer, more romantic avatar — something fans are excited about. Harrdy’s return to the Punjabi screen marks his first lead role in the regional industry since Mahi NRI (2017). In the intervening years, he made a notable impact in Bollywood, earning widespread acclaim for portraying legendary cricketer Madan Lal in 83, co-starring Ranveer Singh. He most recently delivered an intense performance opposite Parineeti Chopra in Code Name: Tiranga (2022). Notably, Harrdy Sandhu is also a former cricketer. He had played Under-19 for India and Ranji Trophy matches for Punjab. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, he had to end his cricketing career. The untitled project, backed by producer Siddhant Pilania, promises to bring a fresh cinematic flavour to audiences, with the new pairing further adding to the excitement among fans. While plot details are currently under wraps, the film is expected to leverage Harrdy’s massive star appeal while maintaining high production values. With the deal reportedly finalised, expectations are sky-high for this significant project. Harrdy Sandhu's personal life Meanwhile, the singer celebrated a personal milestone last year when he and his wife Zenith Sidhu welcomed their second child. He shared the news with his followers through Instagram. He shared a picture showing the tiny hands of the newborn, beautifully framed by his hands, his wife's hands, and those of his firstborn, making it look like a perfect family portrait. Harrdy Sandhu is best known for his songs Soch, Joker, Backbone, Naah Goriye and Bijlee Bijlee among others.
20 February,2026 06:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMahesh Babu is gearing up for director SS Rajamouli's upcoming magnum opus, Varanasi. The actor will be playing the role of Lord Ram in a key portion of the film. While Rajamouli himself has revealed the same, a poster featuring Mahesh Babu as Lord Ram was recently spotted at a cinema hall in Andhra Pradesh. Interestingly, the makers have not officially revealed a poster, which has led to speculations among the fans. Mahesh Babu as Lord Ram in Varanasi poster Mythri Cinemas in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur recently put up a Varanasi poster digitally, and the poster has since gone viral. The digital hoarding shows Mahesh Babu dressed as Lord Ram, holding the bow and overlooking the sea. It also has the words, "Mahesh Babu as Sri Ram" along with the Varanasi film's logo. Although the makers haven't officially released this version of Mahesh Babu's look or visual, the Lord Ram poster with the title being displayed in theatres has sparked a buzz. Mahesh Babu's role in Varanasi During the title and film launch of Varanasi, on November 15, 2025, SS Rajamouli had revealed that Mahesh Babu will play Lord Ram in the film. He added that they have also shot a Ramayana episode for 60 days. "On the first day, when Mahesh came in Lord Rama's get-up for the photoshoot, I got goosebumps. I was torn. Mahesh has the charm of Krishna, but the calmness of Rama. Still, I was confident. I even set that photo as my wallpaper and then removed it," he shared. Similarly, while speaking to Screen Rant Plus, Mahesh Babu revealed that Rajamouli had demanded precision from him to play Lord Ram. He recalled undergoing an intense training schedule to perfect the posture, gait and the slightest detail. He also opened up about learning Kalari, the ancient martial art form from Kerala, for three months. Directed by SS Rajamouli, Varanasi features Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra,and Prithviraj Sukumaran in lead roles. It also stars Prakash Raj in pivotal role. The film, which reportedly spans different timelines and continents, is scheduled to hit theatres on April 7, 2027.
20 February,2026 05:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPan-Indian star Prabhas, who was born in Chennai and who stayed in the coastal city before migrating to Hyderabad, has now opened up on his love for Chennai, saying he still misses the city sometimes. The actor, who was seen interacting with the core team of the superhit Telugu film Couple Friendly, featuring actors Santosh Soban and Manasa Varanasi in the lead, told director Ashwin Chandrasekar about his love for Chennai. Prabhas shares fond memories of Chennai Ashwin Chandrasekar asked Prabhas, "I heard you shifted here from Chennai. What is there inside you about Chennai?" To this, Prabhas replied, "I was born there. I studied at Don Bosco School in Chennai. Even now, I feel Chennai. After shifting here, I forgot Tamil, but Raju Master and Prabhu master are very close friends. Also, a lot of technicians are Tamil. Be it Rajasekhar master, a lot of technicians, even in the Telugu film industry, are Tamil. By speaking with them in Tamil, my Tamil has become better; otherwise, I almost forgot the language after coming here." The actor further said, "Still, when I go to Chennai, I see Don Bosco school. I miss Chennai sometimes. I like the place a lot. In school, I used to speak correct Tamil. Now, it is there, but occasionally, I will miss the right words." For the unaware, a good portion of the Telugu film Couple Friendly is set in Chennai. Director Ashwin Chandrasekar made the coastal city one of the characters in his film. The story revolves around Mithra (Manasa Varanasi), who moves in with Shiva( Santosh Soban) because of certain circumstances. With time, both of them fall in love, and they have a live-in relationship. As things begin to fall in place, Mithra tells Shiva that they should get married. But what happens then is what the film is all about. Did Prabhas quit the mythological film Baka? According to a recent Gulte report, Prabhas and Prasanth Varma were set to collaborate on a mythological project tentatively titled Baka. In the film, Prabhas was reportedly set to play Bakasura. The film was said to be produced by Mythri Movie Makers. A test shoot with Prabhas also allegedly took place a few months ago. However, according to the latest reports, Prabhas was not fully convinced after the shoot and hence is believed to have stepped away from the project. Although there has been no official confirmation from the makers, industry buzz suggests that the film may not move forward. If Prabhas' exit is confirmed, this would mark another setback for Prasanth Varma. For the unversed, similar reports regarding projects involving Ranveer Singh’s Brahma Rakshasa and Nandamuri Mokshagna’s debut have emerged earlier.
20 February,2026 04:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActors Vijay and Ajith Kumar are two of the biggest stars of Tamil cinema. The two enjoy a massive fan following, and there has been a public perception of rivalry between them. Fan wars among admirers of the two have often made headlines as well. They are also not known to give many interviews and believe in letting their work speak. Recently, Ajith's wife and former actress Shalini revealed that the two actors share a good relationship despite their films competing at the box office. Shalini on Ajith and Vijay's equation Shalini was speaking about her husband Ajith and his equation with actor-politician Vijay at the JFW Movie Awards in Chennai. Talking about their equation, she shared, “It’s a good relationship; they both are very happy for each other’s success and everything. It’s beautiful.” Director Venkat Prabhu has worked with both Ajith and Vijay. He directed Ajith's 2011 hit Mankatha and Vijay’s 2024 hit film The Greatest of All Time (GOAT). In 2024, Prabhu revealed that Ajith had wished him well for The Greatest of All Time and even asked him to make it 100 times better than Mankatha. At the time, it was believed that the film would be Vijay's farewell project. During the film’s release, Venkat posted an old picture with both actors and thanked Ajith for his wishes. Last year, Ajith's team also quashed rumours of bad blood between the two actors. Ajith received the Padma Bhushan honour last year, during which it was rumoured that Vijay did not congratulate him. However, Ajith's team released a statement clarifying that Vijay was among the first to congratulate him, both on his racing victory and on receiving the Padma Bhushan, reaffirming their genuine friendship. In November last year, Ajith once again reiterated that there is no rivalry between him and Vijay. In an interview with Rangaraj Pandey, addressing the rivalry, he said that some people were creating misconceptions leading to fan clashes and that he has always wished Vijay well. On the work front Vijay will be contesting his first election in April this year as part of the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls. His farewell film Jana Nayagan was supposed to release in theatres in January but got delayed due to CBFC issues. Since the model code of conduct has come into place, the film cannot be released before April 30, 2026. Ajith, on the other hand, is yet to announce his next film. He is currently busy pursuing his racing ambitions.
20 February,2026 04:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1771777252238_d.png "Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda")
