Ajith Kumar’s 2011 film Mankatha has been re-released in theatres, and fans flocked in large numbers to witness the superstar. However, things turned ugly as massive chaos erupted at Pandian Cinemas in Karaikudi. Fans were misbehaving, bursting crackers, and even fighting inside the theatre, damaging property and assaulting a Thalapathy Vijay supporter. After the incident, theatre management slammed Ajith Kumar fans. Theatre owner slams Ajith Kumar fans Pandian Cinemas in Karaikudi, while calling out fans of the actor, expressed deep concern about their behaviour inside the theatre. Taking to their official Instagram page, they wrote, “We are always committed to giving our audience the best cinematic experience possible at our theatres. Our goal has always been to create an atmosphere where fans can celebrate cinema, enjoy freely, dance, cheer, and express their love for films in a joyful and positive way. We truly value and appreciate the passion and enthusiasm of our fans; it is what makes cinema celebrations special." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pandian Cinemas_Karaikudi (@pandiancinemas_karaikudi) “However, it is with deep concern that we inform you that our theatre screen was damaged yesterday due to unacceptable behaviour inside the premises. While celebrations are welcome, damaging the theatre screen or any theatre property is strictly unacceptable. Such incidents lead to show disruptions, financial loss, and inconvenience to fellow moviegoers," the note further added. They concluded the note by writing, “NO MORE mashups & ‘Once More’ celebrations during the Mankatha re-release. Cinema is an emotion; respect is a responsibility…” Ajith Kumar fans beat Vijay’s fan In another incident, Ajith Kumar fans allegedly beat up a Thalapathy Vijay fan at the screening after the person was spotted with a flag of the Tamil star's political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). After a while, the mob tore his shirt off and shoved him out of the theatre as others cheered. Due to their massive popularity, the stars are often pitted against each other, resulting in nasty fan wars. About Mankatha Alongside Ajith, the film also stars Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Raai Laxmi, Anjali, Andrea Jeremiah, Vaibhav, Ashwin Kakumanu, and Premji Amaren in pivotal roles. Mankatha was released worldwide on 31 August 2011 to critical acclaim and became the second-biggest opening Tamil film after Enthiran. Ajith is focusing on his racing career and is yet to announce his upcoming projects.
25 January,2026 07:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThalapathy Vijay has been in the news for several reasons over the past few months. His last film, Jana Nayagan’s release, faced a major roadblock due to a CBFC issue, and he was also interrogated in the Karur stampede case. Amid this, he remained unfazed and took part in a massive party event in Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), where he addressed the TVK cadre. Thalapathy Vijay says he won’t bow down TVK chief Vijay on Sunday characterised the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections as a high-stakes “democratic battle” rather than a mere electoral contest, asserting his party's unique position to challenge established political powers. He stated, “We do not bow down to any pressure. Does this face look like it would succumb to pressure?” Vijay referenced a well-known line from his 2019 film Bigil, stating, “Cup mukkiyam Bigil (The cup is important, Bigil),” a remark seen as a signal of his focus on electoral success. During the meeting, Vijay officially unveiled the party symbol, a whistle, allocated by the Election Commission. Vijay further energised the gathering by whistling himself, which drew an even louder response from the assembled cadres. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vijay (@actorvijay) Addressing his supporters, Vijay spoke about his journey from film to politics and the perception of established political parties toward him. He said, “For 30 years, these parties have underestimated us, but the people have given me this position at the peak of my career.” About Jana Nayagan row Touted as Vijay’s swansong before his full-fledged political entry, Jana Nayagan was supposed to hit the screens on January 9, coinciding with Pongal. However, it failed to get an official nod from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). KVN Productions had filed a plea challenging the stay on the film's release and CBFC certification before the division bench of the Madras High Court. The Supreme Court refused to entertain the plea and asked the Madras HC to make the decision on January 20, 2026. The High Court is now set to pronounce its verdict on January 27. Vijay appeared before the CBI for a second round of questioning in the Karur stampede case. Investigators questioned him on rally decisions, crowd management, and his awareness of the unfolding chaos. The stampede on September 27 claimed 41 lives and left more than 60 injured in Tamil Nadu's Karur.
25 January,2026 06:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPopular Odia music composer and singer Abhijit Majumdar died on Sunday while undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, hospital authorities said. He was 54. Majumdar was admitted to the hospital on September 4 last year with hypertension, hypothyroidism and chronic liver disease. After prolonged treatment in the ICU, he was shifted back to the medicine ward on November 10 for continuity of his care, AIIMS said in a statement.He developed a new onset of fever (infection) on January 23, which was managed as per standard protocol, but he did not respond to treatment and developed refractory septic shock, it said."The Odia singer suffered a cardiac arrest this morning at 7.43 am and CPR was started as per ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) protocol. However, despite all the resuscitation efforts, he was clinically declared dead at 9.02 am," the hospital bulletin said. Majumdar, who composed music for numerous blockbuster Odia films and gave voice to several hit songs, has a fan following across Odisha.Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik and several other leaders from the state expressed grief over the demise of Majumdar. "I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of renowned vocalist and music director Abhijit Majumdar. His demise is an irreparable loss to our music, cinema, and culture. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and pray to Lord Jagannath for the peace of the departed soul," Majhi wrote on X.Pradhan, in a social media post, said he was deeply saddened and heartbroken after hearing about Majumdar's demise. Through his unique musical style, Majumdar had, over many decades, carved out a special place in the hearts of Odia music listeners, Pradhan said. "His untimely departure is an irreparable loss for the Odia artiste fraternity. While praying for the eternal peace of his soul, I extend my condolences to the bereaved family members," the Union minister said.Patnaik said Majumdar's contributions to the Odia music world will always remain memorable. He also extended deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. According to Majumdar's family, the mortal remains of the singer will be taken to his home in Cuttack, where the last rites will be performed.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
25 January,2026 02:12 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIActor Tovino Thomas’s upcoming Malayalam film Pallichattambi has landed in controversy over the alleged dumping of waste material from the film set into a river. A set was constructed near the Malankara Reservoir for the shoot. After filming was completed, the set was dismantled, and the waste was reportedly dumped along the banks of the reservoir. Pallichattambi team accused of dumping waste in river According to a report by Reporter, the incident occurred at Kudayathoor in Idukki district, where the film set was constructed. Locals noticed waste lying near the water body and raised a complaint, alleging that debris from the shoot had been dumped into the river. Visuals of the waste near the reservoir soon went viral on social media. Idukki, known for its green hills and abundant water resources, is a popular film-shooting destination. However, there has been growing concern over debris from film shoots littering the scenic district. The Malankara Reservoir, part of the Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project (MVIP), is a major source of drinking water for lakhs of people in the Thodupuzha and Muvattupuzha regions. Reports claim that tonnes of shooting-related waste- including asbestos sheets, cement debris, thermocol, gypsum, plastic, and iron—were dumped along its banks. There are also allegations that some of the waste had earlier been set on fire. Fine imposed on film's team The Kudayathoor Panchayat took up the complaints by locals and conducted an inspection. Upon learning who was responsible for the debris, the panchayat imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the producers of Pallichattambi. The move was aimed at sending a strong message about protecting nature and public spaces. After receiving the order, the Pallichattambi team swung into action and cleared the waste from the area. Producers respond Following the order, the film's producer issued a clarification. They stated that they had issued a contract to clear the debris after the shoot. According to them, the issue occurred due to a lapse on the contractor’s part. They added that they took responsibility and began removing the waste immediately after the matter was raised. The production team initiated the cleanup using heavy machinery, and the debris was gradually cleared from the riverbank.
24 January,2026 05:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHorror-comedy The Raja Saab, starring Prabhas, Sanjay Dutt, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan and Riddhi Kumar, was released in theatres earlier this month ahead of Sankranthi. Despite the hype around the film, the Maruthi directorial opened to lukewarm reviews and collected just Rs 200 crore worldwide. The film also faced heavy trolling on the internet. Now, producer SKN has filed a police complaint against ‘derogatory remarks’. The RajaSaaProducer SKN files complaint against trolls In a statement released to the press, producer SKN stated that he had lodged a complaint at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Hyderabad on Friday. The press note mentions that the complaint has been filed against social media handles that were ‘impersonating him and posting derogatory and misleading remarks targeting the film and its actors’. It also reads, “Such malicious acts are intended to create confusion and spread negativity. Strict legal action will be taken against those involved, and the matter is currently under investigation." SKN, who worked as the creative producer on The Raja Saab, had praised his friend Maruthi ahead of the film on several occassions. He also said at the film’s teaser launch, “I am well aware of how a producer tried to negatively campaign on this film when they began shooting. Now see how the same producer will talk positively about the film tomorrow. This film was only made possible because Prabhas gave his best without believing those campaigns.” Following the film’s release, SKN was among the team members targeted by trolls, mocking the film. It remains to be seen what action will be taken against anybody. About The RajaSaab The RajaSaab marked director Maruthi’s first film following a 2022 commercial. It is produced by People Media Factory and IVY Entertainment. The film revolves around the story of a man who searches for his missing grandfather. Eventually, he finds himself in a mansion haunted by a sinister presence. The film was made on a budget of Rs 400 crore and locked horns with Chiranjeevi’s Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, Ravi Teja's Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapathi, Naveen Polishetty's Anaganaga Oka Raju, and Sharwanand's Nari Nari Naduma Murari upcon release.
24 January,2026 02:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThere have been reports about Dhanush and Mrunal Thakur being romantically involved. Amid their dating rumours, recently, there were other reports which claimed that the couple is all set to tie the knot on February 14, 2026. Although a source close to Mrunal had earlier denied the reports, a video has gone viral on social media in which Dhanush and Mrunal are seen getting married in a traditional South Indian wedding ceremony. While some users believed that the wedding must have happened secretly, the truth was soon revealed behind the viral video. Dhanush and Mrunal Thakur's wedding video In the viral video, Dhanush and Mrunal Thakur are getting married in a traditional South Indian ceremony. Dhanush is spotted sporting a white-coloured veshti (dhoti) with a gold border, with a matching shirt, while Mrunal looks pretty in a maroon saree. The clip also shows superstars Thalapathy Vijay, Dulquer Salmaan and Ajith Kumar, along with music composer Anirudh Ravichander and actresses Trisha and Shruti Haasan, attending the wedding ceremony. The video shared on social media also claimed that Dhanush and Mrunal Thakur tied the knot on January 22 in Chennai. Interestingly, a closer look at the video shows that it is not real and that it is rather AI-generated. Reacting to the clip, one of the users in the comment section claimed that Ajith was in Dubai on the said date. Dhanush, Mrunal's marriage rumours Earlier this month, a Free Press Journal report claimed that the couple is planning to tie the knot on Valentine’s Day, February 14, this year. The report also claimed that Dhanush and Mrunal’s rumoured wedding would be a private ceremony, attended only by close family members and friends. However, later a source close to the stars dismissed wedding rumours and told HT City, “Mrunal is not getting married next month. This is a rumour that has caught wind for no reason." On the work front, Mrunal has an interesting line-up of films such as Do Deewane Seher Mein, Dacoit: A Love Story, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, Pooja Meri Jaan, and even Allu Arjun's next with Atlee, according to reports. On the other hand, Dhanush will next be seen in a film titled Kara, which will be directed by Vignesh Raja.
24 January,2026 12:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTollywood heartthrob Mahesh Babu couldn't help but shower praises on Global star Priyanka Chopra after witnessing the recently released trailer of her forthcoming swashbuckler action thriller The Bluff. Re-sharing the gripping trailer on social media, Mahesh Babu called his Varanasi co-star 'uncompromising and formidable'. Wishing the entire team behind The Bluff, Mahesh Babu penned, "Loved the trailer…PriyankaChopra is uncompromising and formidable yet again (collision emojis) Wishing the entire team of TheBluff the very best for Feb 25th…(sic)," followed by hug emojis. The Bluff is set in the 1800s, and Priyanka will be seen essaying the role of Ercell Bodden, a fierce pirate known by the name of “Bloody Mary.” The trailer shows Priyanka as a wounded yet resilient woman who is ready to go to any lengths to protect her child. Sharing the trailer with the netizens, PeeCee penned, “This only ends with the sand soaked in blood. The Bluff is coming to Prime Video February 25.” Backed by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO Studios along with Amazon MGM Studios, the movie also stars Temuera Morrison as Quartermaster Lee, Captain Connor’s gold-hungry consigliere, along with Ismael Cruz Córdova, Safia Oakley-Green, Zach Morris, David Field, and Vedanten Naidoo in significant roles. Meanwhile, Mahesh Babu and Priyanka will be seen sharing the screen space for the first time in SS Rajamouli's highly anticipated next, Varanasi. In November, Priyanka called working with Tollywood heartthrobs Mahesh Babu, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and filmmaker SS Rajamouli 'a privilege'. She posted a string of photos with Mahesh Babu, Rajamouli, and Prithviraj on her Instagram and penned, "Working with these two legends of the Telugu and Malayalam industries, and coming together for an SS Rajamouli film, is such a privilege." 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
24 January,2026 11:53 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSNivin Pauly’s heartfelt comedy-drama Sarvam Maya was released in theatres on December 25, 2025. The film was widely seen as Nivin’s comeback after a series of box office disappointments. One of the biggest Malayalam stars, the actor had not delivered a solo hit in nearly six years. However, Sarvam Maya broke that streak and emerged as Nivin Pauly’s biggest blockbuster, earning Rs 150 crore worldwide. Sarvam Maya OTT release The Akhil Sathyan directorial is set to release on JioHotstar from January 30, 2026. The news was shared by actress Riya Shibu, who made her acting debut with the film. She played the role of the friendly and loving ghost Delulu and was widely appreciated for her performance, becoming a Gen-Z favourite overnight. The film also reunites Aju Varghese with Nivin Pauly. The duo has collaborated on several films earlier, and their comic timing has been consistently loved by audiences. Apart from the trio, Sarvam Maya also stars Janardhanan, Preity Mukhundhan, Raghunath Paleri, Madhu Wariar, Arun Ajikumar, Vineeth, and Methil Devika in pivotal roles. The film is written, co-edited, and directed by Akhil Sathyan and produced by Ajayya Kumar and Rajeev Menon under Firefly Productions. Music is composed by Justin Prabhakaran, while Sharan Velayudhan handled cinematography. Rathin Radhakrishnan served as the co-editor. Nivin Pauly on his flop streak Sarvam Maya marks a potential turning point in Nivin Pauly’s career. Known for iconic films like Thattathin Marayathu, Om Shanti Oshana, Bangalore Days, and Premam, the actor had struggled to deliver a major box office success in recent years. Apart from a memorable cameo in the 2024 film Varshangalkku Shesham, his recent projects failed to make an impact. In a conversation with Pearle Maaney on her YouTube channel, Nivin reflected on his career choices and the advice he received. Speaking in Malayalam, he said, “There was a point in my life when I was confused. My friends and people close to me kept telling me that I shouldn’t just do entertainer films and that, as an actor, I should improve like others.” He added, “They advised me to explore thrillers and other genres instead of sticking only to comedy. They felt I would become forgettable otherwise. But after I changed my choices, the same people told me how much they missed my comedy films. I was like, ‘Weren’t you the ones who asked me to change?’”
23 January,2026 07:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMalayalam superstar Mammootty who recently made a cameo appearance in the film Chatha Pacha has announced his next. The actor is all set to reunite with iconic Malayalam film director Adoor Gopalakrishna. On Friday, the actor shared the title poster of the film. Mammootty announces his next Mammootty took to his social media handle to announce that his next film will be titled Padayaatra. It will be directed by Adoor Balakrishna. Taking to his social media timelines, Mammootty wrote, "My Next #Padayaatra." My Next #Padayaatra pic.twitter.com/pMJgJNE2ZY — Mammootty (@mammukka) January 23, 2026 The film has triggered huge interest among fans and film buffs as both icons of Malayalam cinema are coming together for a film after almost three decades. Padayaatra will be the fourth film in which Mammotty will be working with Adoor Gopalakrishnan. Apart from Mammootty, the film will also feature actors Indrans, Grace Antony, Sreeshma Chandran and Zeenath among others. Actress Grace Antony, who was visibly excited about being a part of the film, took to her Instagram page to express gratitude. She wrote, "Sometimes life gives you the biggest surprises. Forever grateful for this one. Proof that dreams really do come true. Nothing more an actor can ask for..!! Proudly Presenting The Title Poster of mammoottykampany's Production No.8 Padayaatra Directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan." The team of Padayaatra The film, which is being produced by Mammootty's production house Mammootty Kampany along with Dulquer Salmaan's Wayfarer Films, has its story, screenplay and dialogues penned by Adoor Gopalakrishnan himself along with K V Mohan Kumar. The film will have the talented Shehnad Jalal as its cinematographer. Music for the film is to be composed by Mujeeb Majeed and editing is to be done by Praveen Prabhakar. Shajie Naduvil will serve as the production designer of this film, the make up of whose artistes will be taken care of by Ronex Xavier and George Sebastian. Costumes for the artistes in the film will be by S B Satheesan and sound design by Kishan Mohan. George Sebastian is the executive producer of this film, which has Meera Sahib serving as its associate director. Meanwhile, rumours doing the rounds in the industry suggest that Mammootty's eagerly awaited other film, 'Patriot', in which actor Mohanalal too plays a role, is likely to hit screens on April 23 this year.
23 January,2026 06:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFilmmaker SS Rajamouli is all praise for actress Priyanka Chopra as he reviewed the trailer of The Bluff. Taking to Instagram Story, Rajamouli wrote, "Priyanka is unstoppable and always surprises....what a commanding presence and fiery performance. Looking forward to The Bluff." Picture Courtesy/SS Rajamouli's Instagram account Priyanka thanked Rajamouli for his heartfelt words. In an Instagram post, she wrote, "Thank you for your kind words sir." Notably, Priyanka is the leading lady of Rajamouli's next directorial Varanasi. In the film, Priyanka will be seen playing Mandakini. Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran are also a part of Varanasi, which is set to release during Sankranti 2027. The film's title was officially announced at the grand GlobeTrotter event, held at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, last year in November. The teaser was also shown on a huge screen, which gave a sneak peek into the film. Coming back to The Bluff, the film is directed by Frank E Flowers with a script he co-wrote with Joe Ballarini. The film brings an epic period thriller to life, set in the uniquely historical and culturally rich Cayman Islands, featuring stunning real-world locations, including the Skull Cave and the iconic bluff. 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
23 January,2026 10:30 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIActor Prakash Raj met National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut Sunita Williams at the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode on Thursday. Taking to his official X handle, Prakash Raj shared glimpses from the meeting, cherishing his conversation with Williams. "What a moment to cherish .... to meet .. to have conversed with such a courageous woman of our times .. SunithaWilliams at KLF ... sharing with you all my over the moon memories," the actor wrote in his caption. What a moment to cherish …. to meet .. to have conversed with such a courageous woman of our times .. #SunithaWilliams at #KLF … sharing with you all my over the moon memories ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/YN5JfyP9Tt — Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) January 22, 2026 In the post, a cheerful Prakash Raj could be seen posing for pictures while also enthusiastically showing his phone to Williams. Speaking at the event, Sunita Williams spoke about the importance of technology. "Dreams are only as big as their imaginations, and particularly in this environment today, things are changing so rapidly, and people are coming up with ideas and actually making them come true. In the past, inventions were potentially hindered by technology, and now technology is racing up to the inventions people are having. Imagination is really the only limitation," she told ANI. She further emphasised how the cultural ties have played a significant role in shaping her identity, adding, "In both countries, it's pretty amazing. I'm really happy and honoured to be here in India with everyone." Speaking on India's space aspirations, Williams expressed excitement about the country's growing space program, saying, "I'm excited for the Indian Space program. Any ideas are becoming reality. I think as they get more and more involved internationally, as well as on that with their own program, standing on their own two feet, they're going to go to space before too long." Held annually in Kozhikode, India's first UNESCO City of Literature, the Kerala Literature Festival has emerged as one of the world's largest literary gatherings. The previous edition recorded over 6.5 lakh visitors and featured more than 600 speakers. 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
23 January,2026 10:03 AM IST | Kozhikode (Kerala) | ANIADVERTISEMENT
-1769242706132_d.png "The RajaSaab")
