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Sandeep Reddy Vanga rejected Prabhas's Hollywood remake request for Spirit

Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga has opened up about his creative journey behind Arjun Reddy, Kabir Singh, and Animal, while also revealing an interesting behind-the-scenes detail about how his much-anticipated collaboration with Prabhas, Spirit, came into being. In a candid conversation with Galatta India, the director spoke at length about writing struggles, the impact of the pandemic, and why he chose originality over a Hollywood remake. On long gaps between his scripts Reflecting on his past films, Vanga explained how long gaps and interruptions shaped his writing process. “I think that’s what happened with Arjun Reddy, Kabir Singh was a remake, and then the pandemic happened. Even Animal, I took one to one-and-a-half years to write. I took a lot of time because right after Arjun, I started Kabir, and even during Kabir, the thought of Animal was there,” he shared. He added that he never consciously thought of another story during that phase, but the pandemic created unexpected pauses. “We got breaks, so many breaks,” he said. How did Prabhas bag Spirit? During one such break, Vanga revealed that Prabhas had approached him with a project that did not eventually materialise. “In between one of the breaks, I was offered a film from Prabhas garu. This was before Animal,” he said, adding that the actor suggested a Hollywood remake. However, Vanga was clear about his creative preference. “He asked me, ‘If at all you are interested, there’s a Hollywood remake, let’s do it.’ I said it’s not working for me. An original thought will be great on you rather than doing a Hollywood remake,” he recalled. The idea that would eventually become Spirit emerged organically during this phase. “I told him, ‘Anna, if something great strikes me, I’ll come and narrate it.’ Suddenly, something literally struck, and I called him, met him, and told him this is the title, this is the arena of the story, this is the character. He said, ‘That’s it, let’s do it,’” Vanga revealed. He further explained how he retains creative ideas over long periods, even after immersing himself in other projects like Animal. “Me and my brother have one common group, and me and my wife have another. I keep sending ideas there, sometimes I email them to myself,” he said. But for Vanga, notes are secondary to character. “More than all this, what holds you is the character power. When you think about that guy in Spirit, that draws me more than the plot,” he explained. Emphasising his storytelling philosophy, Vanga concluded, “For me, it’s always the character that drives the plot, not the plot that drives the character.” This consistent focus on intense, character-driven narratives continues to define his films, and sets expectations high for Spirit.

19 January,2026 09:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Nayanthara and Trisha

Nayanthara and Trisha enjoy a yacht ride, their pictures leave netizens in shock

Nayanthara and Trisha have left everyone in shock with their latest social media posts. On Monday, the two actresses, who rule Tamil cinema, shared pictures of themselves enjoying a yacht ride. They posted candid photos of themselves sitting together and laughing, surprising fans who did not expect to see the two stars spending time together, especially amid long-standing rumours of a fallout between them. Nayanthara and Trisha pose together On Monday, Nayanthara and Trisha shared a joint post on Instagram in which they were seen enjoying a relaxing evening on a yacht. The candid moments were captured against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset. While Nayanthara was seen wearing a V-neck black top paired with jeans, Trisha opted for a black T-shirt with a matching jacket and jeans. While on Instagram, Nayanthara dropped red heart emojis as the caption. She got a little more playful and creative with her caption on X. Sharing the picture, Nayanthara wrote on X, "Mustafa mustafa don’t worry mustafa. Kaalam nam thozhan Mustafa".  Mustafa mustafa don’t worry mustafaKaalam nam thozhan Mustafa❤️ @trishtrashers pic.twitter.com/poEzuYKbtD — Nayanthara✨ (@NayantharaU) January 19, 2026 Fans were clearly amused by this unexpected turn of events, as the two actresses were reportedly not on good terms in the past. However, when Trisha was earlier asked about their rumoured fallout, she had said that there were no issues between her and Nayanthara. On X, a user commented, "Is this AI?" unable to believe that the two stars had posed together. Some users also rechecked whether it was indeed Nayanthara’s official account. A netizen commented, "In which parallel universe are they friends???" "Bro what whyyy howwww! Omg. Womanhood is healing the world," another person wrote. OMG this reunion not on my list at all "The most unexpected post," wrote another person. Nayanthara and Vignesh attend Ajith's race Actress Nayanthara and her director husband, Vignesh Shivan, on Saturday arrived at the Dubai Autodrome to cheer for actor Ajith, who is to take part in the popular Dubai 24H Series event. For the unaware, Ajith, along with his team Ajith Kumar Racing, will be participating in the intensely contested car racing event that is to happen on Saturday evening. A video clip that showed the actress and her husband being greeted by Ajith Kumar at the Dubai Autodrome is now going viral on the Internet. The actor is also seen introducing both Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan to other members in his team and exchanging pleasantries with them. 

19 January,2026 09:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
AR Rahman

AR Rahman controversy: Singer's daugters speak up in his support

A R Rahman's daughter Raheema and Khatija have shared a post in support of their music composer father after he courted controversy for his comments about declining work from Bollywood. He had said that his work in the industry has reduced and attributed it to a power shift and also hinted at communal bias.  The remarks sparked a debate online and across entertainment circles, with critics questioning the basis of Rahman's observation, following which the composer issued a clarification, saying his comments were misunderstood and that he never intended to "cause pain. AR Rahman's daughter support him Raheema and Khatija on Monday shared a post by music composer Kailas who said that people can disagree with Rahman "but you cannot deny him the freedom to express his experience". "Disagree, don't disgrace. People blaming A R Rahman for speaking his mind are missing a basic point. He spoke about how he felt. That is his right. You may disagree with him, but you cannot deny him the freedom to express his experience. What followed, however, has gone far beyond disagreement and entered the space of abuse and character assassination," Kailas said. He praised Rahman as a person who carried Indian music to the world, represented the country with dignity, and shaped generations through his work. "Calling a globally respected artist a 'disgrace', questioning his faith, mocking his recent works, and reducing his lived experience to a 'victim card' is not criticism. It's hate speech presented as opinion. "Decades of contribution to Tamil culture, Indian cinema, and global music do not disappear because an artist expresses a personal view. You may debate his opinion on a film. You may disagree with his interpretation. That's fair. What is not fair is public humiliation or attacking his integrity to silence what he said," Kailas added.  AR Rahman clarifies his remarks Rahman took to Instagram to share a video statement. He began by calling India his teacher and home, saying, “Music has always been my way of connecting, celebrating and honouring our culture. India is my inspiration, my teacher and my home. I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood. But my purpose has always been to uplift, honour and serve through music. I have never wished to cause pain, and I hope my sincerity is felt.” He further cited examples of how he has strived to use music to uplift India, saying, “I feel blessed to be Indian, which enables me to create a space which always allows freedom of expression and celebrates multicultural voices. From nurturing Jhalaa, presented at the WAVES summit in front of the honourable Prime Minister and Rooh-e-Noor, to collaborating with the young Naga musicians, to creating a string orchestra, to mentoring the Sunshine orchestra, also building Secret Mountain, India’s first multicultural virtual band and the honour of scoring Ramayana, alongside Hans Zimmer. Each journey has strengthened my purpose.” He concluded his statement saying, “I remain grateful to this nation and committed to music that honours the past,” and ended the video with footage of his song Maa Tujhe Salaam/Vande Mataram being played during a cricket match with  a stadium full of people singing along

19 January,2026 08:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Thalapathy Vijay

Vijay grilled for 6 hours by CBI in second round of questioning, greets fans

TVK chief and actor Vijay appeared for the second round of questioning at the CBI office in New Delhi in connection with the Karur stampede.  The actor turned politician arrived at the agency headquarters on Lodhi Road in a fleet of luxury SUVs at around 10:20 am. He left at about 5 pm, the officials said. What was Vijay asked during second round of questioning Vijay was questioned during the day by a team of officials led by a deputy superintendent rank officer drawn from the agency's anti-corruption wing, the officials said. Several questions related to decision-making about the rally, reasons for his delay, continuation of the speech, his knowledge about the ongoing chaos, turnout and mismanagement of the crowd were put forth to him, they said. The call on attributing the role of individuals in the chargesheet will be taken only after a thorough analysis of the statements of the actor, senior political officials of his party, and police and district administration officials involved in the process of giving clearance and managing the rally, they said. Thalapathy Vijay greets fans, supporters and the media gathered outside the CBI office 🙏 pic.twitter.com/mbKP3eFWNq — Vijay Fans Trends (@VijayFansTrends) January 19, 2026 About Karur Stampede case The federal agency took over the case from an SIT following a Supreme Court order and has been gathering evidence related to the September 27 stampede, which claimed 41 lives and left more than 60 injured in Tamil Nadu's Karur. In October last year, the apex court had asked the CBI director to appoint a senior officer to take over the investigation and also constituted a supervisory committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi to monitor the agency's investigation. About Jana Nayagan  Meanwhile, Thalapathy Vijay's last film Jana Nayagan is also struggling to get a release date. The film's release has been stalled as the censor board has raised objections to the film's content. The case is currently being heard by the Madras High Court.  KVN productions had filed a plea challenging the stay on film's release and CBFC certification by the division bench of Madras High Court. The Supreme Court refused to entertain the plea and asked the Madras HC to make the decision on January 20, 2026.  ana Nayagan, which is widely publicised as Vijay's final film before his full-fledged entry into politics, was slated for a Pongal release on January 9. However, the film ran into last-minute hurdles after the CBFC did not issue certification in time.

19 January,2026 07:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pooja Hegde

Pooja Hegde reveals she slapped co-star who crossed boundaries on film set

Actor Pooja Hegde has opened up about a disturbing incident from the early days of her career, revealing that she was forced to confront a male co-star who crossed professional boundaries on a film set. In a candid interview, the actress shared how what began as a dream opportunity on a big pan-India project turned into an uncomfortable and upsetting experience. Pooja Hegde recalls a harrowing incident Recalling the incident, Pooja said she was initially thrilled to be part of a large-scale film alongside a star hero. However, things took an unexpected turn when the actor entered her caravan without her consent. “A few years ago, while working on a big pan-India film, a star hero entered my caravan without permission and tried to touch me inappropriately,” she revealed, describing the moment as shocking and distressing. Pooja admitted that she froze initially, struggling to process what was happening. “I didn’t understand how to react at first. I was extremely uncomfortable,” she said. But as the situation escalated, she decided to stand up for herself. “I immediately slapped him,” Pooja stated, adding that the actor left her caravan right after the incident. According to her, the two never worked together again following the confrontation. She further shared that the production team had to make changes to complete the shoot. “After that, my scenes were done using a body double. I made it clear that I wouldn’t tolerate such behaviour,” she said. Pooja chose not to reveal the identity of the actor involved, explaining that naming him was not her intention. Her focus, she said, was on highlighting the importance of personal boundaries and safety at the workplace. On the professional front The actress’s revelation has sparked widespread discussion about the treatment of women in the film industry and the power dynamics that often silence uncomfortable truths. Many have praised Pooja for speaking up and taking a firm stand, especially as a newcomer at the time. “Respect on set is non-negotiable,” she emphasised, adding that no professional environment should make anyone feel unsafe. On the professional front, Pooja Hegde continues to stay busy with multiple projects across industries. She is currently awaiting the release of her upcoming film Jana Nayagan opposite Thalapathy Vijay, while continuing to explore diverse roles in her career. Her candid account has once again brought attention to the need for stricter boundaries, accountability and safer working environments within the entertainment industry.

19 January,2026 06:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Arjun Ashokan

Arjun Ashokan reveals he gained six kilos for his role in Chatha Pacha

Actor Arjun Ashokan, who is best known for his brilliant performance in the Mammootty-starrer Brahmayugam, has disclosed to IANS that he had to put on six kilos for his role as Savio in director Adhvaith Nayar's eagerly awaited action entertainer, Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies. Since its announcement, Chatha Pacha has generated strong buzz for its distinctive WWF-inspired wrestling backdrop, bold visual language, and larger-than-life treatment. The film channels the raw pulse of Kerala street life and blends it with the flamboyant energy of wrestling culture.  Arjun Ashokan on his prep for Chatha Pacha Talking to IANS, Arjun Ashokan says, "I had to start preparation long before the others. If the shoot was done in June, I started my preparations from November the previous year." When asked why he had to start earlier than the others, Arjun replies, "The thing was that I was doing a movie named Thalavara before Chatha Pacha, for which I had to tone down all my muscles. I had to appear lean for that character. So, right after that film, I had Chatha Pacha lined up. So, I started my work before even the movie's sessions started." Arjun adds, "I guess I was 62 kilos when I did Thalavara, and I had to go all the way to 68. So, it was pretty good. It felt good after changing." Point out to him that for most people, putting on weight is easy, but losing weight is difficult, and he replies, "Actually, for me, it's easy to lose and gain weight. I don't know. I can easily do that. But actually being fit is really hard." Giving an idea of the kind of training he underwent to keep himself fit to play a wrestler, Arjun Ashokan says, "We had basic Parkour training. Actually, the preparation was just for us to prevent injuries while doing fights." His co-actor Roshan Matthews had also opened up about the training he underwent. Roshan stated, "All of us began training three-four months before the shoot. We had three training sessions every day. One was with Davis Thomas, who worked on injury-proofing our body, strengthening our muscles, and making sure that the body could recover. The second trainer was Shravan, who guided us in stunts and acrobatics. Plus, we had our personal training." Mammootty to have cameo in Chatha Pacha? The release date poster of Chatha Pacha, dominated by raw gold tones, flying currency, roaring crowds, and a wrestler frozen mid-air, captures a moment of controlled chaos. Amid all this spectacle, what truly commands attention is the phrase “IN CINE‘M’AS,” where the “M” stands tall, deliberately highlighted. This visual emphasis alludes to the unmistakable aura of actor extraordinaire Mammootty, a name synonymous with towering screen presence and cinematic gravitas. Set against a wrestling ring that celebrates strength, authority, and mass appeal, the suggestion of Mammootty’s presence feels instinctively right. Though unconfirmed, buzz has been building around Mammootty's cameo in the movie. Produced under the banner of Reel World Entertainment, Chatha Pacha is backed by Creative Producer Shihan Shoukath, along with producers Ritesh, Ramesh S Ramakrishnan and Shoukath Ali. The film is all set to hit theatres on January 22, 2026.

19 January,2026 05:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Tovino Thomas

Tovino Thomas introduces his character from upcoming Malayalam film Athiradi

Tovino Thomas will next be seen in the film Athiradi directed by Arun Anirudhan. The actor will be seen playing the role of Sreekuttan Sreenivasan, a character unlike any of his previous films. On Monday, the Malayalam star took to social media to share his first look from the film that also stars his frequent collaborator Basil Joseph. Tovino Thomas introduces his character  After dropping a poster introducing his character's name, Tovino later dropped a clearer image of his character. He seems to be essaying the role of a musician who plays the veena. He is seen wearing a green shirt and grey lungi and sitting on a mat with a veena. He also sports salt-and-pepper hair and rectangular glasses, giving him a mature look.  Sharing the poster, Tovino wrote, "Meet Sreekuttan Vellayani(New house in the middle of the light,Vivekananda nagar,Vellayani,TC - 55/2250,TrivandrumPincode : 695522) from ‘Athiradi’"           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Tovino⚡️Thomas (@tovinothomas) More about Athiradi Athiradi has triggered huge excitement among fans and film buffs as it will be the first film to bring together Basil Joseph, Tovino Thomas, and Vineeth Sreenivasan on screen. A teaser released by the makers some days ago opens with the introduction of Vineeth Sreenivasan’s character. It is followed by the introduction of the characters of Basil Joseph and Tovino Thomas. The teaser hints at 'Athiradi' being a mass action entertainer. The punchline, of the teaser, gives the impression that the team is gearing up to deliver a power-packed theatrical experience. The teaser also indicates that the trio will portray distinctly different characters, both in appearance and personality. Already, the makers have revealed that Basil Joseph plays a character called Sam Kutty aka Sam boy in the film. Athiradi, which is being made as a complete entertainer, is being directed by debutant filmmaker Arun Anirudhan, who was one of the screenwriters of the first Malayalam superhero film, Minnal Murali, which was directed by Basil Joseph. The script has been co-written by Paulson Skaria and Arun Anirudhan. The film’s co-producers are Sameer Thahir and Tovino Thomas. After 'Minnal Murali', 'Athiradi' will mark the reunion of Tovino Thomas, Basil Joseph, Sameer Thahir, and Arun Anirudhan. On the technical front, the film has cinematography by Samuel Henry and music by Vishnu Vijay. Editing for the film is by Chaman Chacko while costume design is by Mashar Hamsa. (with inputs from IANS)

19 January,2026 05:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Picture Courtesy/Akshay Kumar's Instagram account

Korean Kanakaraju teaser: Varun Tej embodies power in fierce first look

Mega Prince Varun Tej’s much-awaited crazy entertainer VT15, directed by the talented Merlapaka Gandhi and backed by UV Creations and First Frame Entertainment, is being mounted on a prestigious scale with grand visuals and world-class production values. Extending birthday wishes to Varun Teja, the makers unveiled the film’s title through a glimpse that offers fun-chilled thrills.  Korean Kanakaraju title announcement teaser The teaser opens with Korean cops savagely beating Satya, grilling him about a mysterious figure. He gasps out his identity- a professional photographer from Penukonda, Ananthapur. Enter Ritika Naik, who steps in to clarify him- they're hunting Kanakaraju. Tension builds with a spine-chilling vibe- bats swarm under a blood-red full moon, and a dragon atop a vessel hisses eerie sounds. Then, the protagonist explodes onto the scene as Kanakaraju, with a knife gleaming in hand. Rocking a rugged lungi, long wild hair, and Trident-Damaruk tattoos snaking up his arm, he embodies raw menace.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Varun Tej Konidela (@varunkonidela7) Satya urges Ritika, "Whistle for him." What follows is a brutal knife massacre, the blade etched with Korean script. Kanakaraju perches atop the table amid the carnage, flashing a chilling smile and stern glare. "I'm back," he growls in Korean. The screen erupts with the title- Korean Kanakaraju (KOKA). Merlapaka Gandhi proves his unique storytelling knack once again, masterfully blending fun, pulse-pounding action, and eerie chills into a first-of-its-kind glimpse that hooks viewers instantly. Varun Tej doesn't just transform, but he reinvents himself. Those piercing blue eyes amp up the menace, delivering a rugged, never-before-seen intensity that's utterly commanding. Ritika Naik pairs as the leading lady, while Satya nails yet another hilarious supporting turn. More about Korean Kanakaraju Blending horror and comedy with a cross-cultural twist, VT15 unfolds across Indian and Korean settings. With its inventive premise, stylish production, and a narrative that swings seamlessly between spooky and funny, the film is gearing up to deliver a genre experience unlike anything Varun Tej has attempted before. This glimpse teases a wildly unique ride, building massive hype. Apart from Varun Tej, the film stars Ritika Naik and Satya in the lead. The production values are super solid because of a talented and acclaimed technical crew. The cinematographer is Manoj Reddy Katasan, who delivered polished, grand visuals in the teaser. This was elevated by music director S. Thaman's thumping BGM. Satyaa G's crisp editing, as seen in the teaser, will keep the film's energy razor-sharp.  The makers have announced a summer 2026 theatrical release.

19 January,2026 12:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Picture Courtesy/Ram Charan's Instagram account

Ram Charan shares bulked-up look for Peddi, fans call him "Indian Hulk"

Actor Ram Charan seems to be leaving no stone unturned for his role in his much-awaited film Peddi. The RRR star, who is busy shooting for the rural sports drama, has given fans a glimpse of how hard he is working to get into shape for the film. On Sunday, Charan took to his Instagram account to share a picture from his intense workout session. In the picture, the actor is seen flaunting a stronger and bulked-up look, which suits the tough character he plays in Peddi. The post quickly garnered attention on social media.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Ram Charan (@alwaysramcharan) Along with the photo, Ram Charan wrote a short line about his focus and hard work. In the caption, he said, "Fired up, working in silence! Ready for the next challenge." Soon after the post went live, fans flooded the comment section with excitement. One fan praised his look and energy, writing, "Beast Mode On! You're looking superb RamCharan Anna." Another fan called him "Indian Hulk," impressed by his strong new avatar. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi is said to be a rustic emotional drama. The music for the film is composed by AR Rahman. Earlier this year, a teaser titled Peddi First Shot was released on Ram Navami. It featured Ram Charan in a rugged avatar, walking into a dusty field, lighting a beedi, and delivering the line: "I have only one life to live, and I want to make the most of it." The film features Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, Jagapathi Babu, Shiva Rajkumar, and Divyendu Sharma. Veteran actor Boman Irani has also joined the project. Peddi is presented by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings under the banner Vriddhi Cinemas. The film is slated for a theatrical release on March 27, 2026. 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

19 January,2026 11:14 AM IST | Mumbai | ANI
Sudha Kongara and Vijay in Jana Nayagan

Parasakthi director Sudha Kongara reacts to Vijay's Jana Nayagan CBFC row

Sivakarthikeyan and Sreeleela's Parasakthi is currently enjoying a decent run in cinemas. The film, which was released on January 10, was initially set for a box office clash with Vijay's final film, Jana Nayagan. However, the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) played the spoilsport. The Vijay-starrer faced a delay with its theatrical release still hanging in the balance. Now, Parasakthi director Sudha Kongana has reacted to the controversy.  Sudha Kongara reacts to Jana Nayagan CBFC row In an interview with India Today, Sudha acknowledged she is a huge fan of Vijay and that she was waiting for Jana Nayagan's release. The filmmaker further added that what happened with Vijay's project, should not happen with other films. "Now all this that is happening, where his film was supposed to come with us… at the audio launch the first thing I said that my film I will watch 200 times but FDFS I will go watch Vijay's film," she said, before further expressing, "I wanted the film to release so badly. What happened to Jana Nayagan, where just two days before release, the censors hold you back… it should not happen to any film. It was never our intention to compete with his film, how do you compete with the biggest star in the country? You cannot." In the interview, Sudha also revealed that she is Vijay's biggest fan and has even expressed her admiration to the actor. The director further shared that she was supposed to do a film with him. However, things did not fall in place due to various reasons. About Parsakthi For the unversed, Sudha's directorial, Parasakthi, was also released in theatres on January 10, after it received certification from the CBFC at the last minute. Parasakthi too faced the wrath of the censor board. The CBFC allegedly passed the film after making as many as 25 cuts to it. Apart from Sivakarthikeyan and Sreeleela in lead roles, the movie stars Ravi Mohan and Atharvaa in key roles. As far as Vijay's final film, Jana Nayagan, is concerned, there's no official update on its new release date yet.

19 January,2026 10:59 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Picture Courtesy/Rashmika Mandanna's Instagram account

Rashmika Mandanna revisits Japan memories after Pushpa 2 premiere

Actor Rashmika Mandanna recently paid a visit to Japan for the premiere of her film Pushpa 2: The Rule. She was accompanied by her co-star Allu Arjun. Taking to her Instagram handle, Rashmika shared a heartfelt note, penning down her thoughts on the event. She also included a picture, going through fan letters and gifts. "So I was in Japan for a day and all the love I received there in just one day was so so sooooo wholesome!!! I got so many letters and so many gifts and I read them all and I got back home all the gifts and I can't tell you how emo I become seeing all of this!! Thankyou so so so much for all this love always Japan!! I love you! And I can't wait to come back again but next time it'll be for a longer duration!! I promise! and I promise you I'll try learning more of Japanese for the next time visit!! Bigggggest hugs!!" At the event, Rashmika spoke to her fans before personally meeting them at the event. Allu Arjun, who also enjoys a major fanbase in Japan, delighted the audience by delivering a popular Pushpa 2 dialogue in Japanese. Konnichiwa, Japan 🇯🇵 Icon Star @alluarjun stuns the audience by delivering his #Pushpa2 Japanese dialogue at the Tokyo premiere 🔥Receiving huge cheers and thunderous applause from the crowd 👏Grand release in Japan on January 16th 💥💥#Pushpa2#WildFirePushpa… pic.twitter.com/dm5kEECMT7 — Pushpa (@PushpaMovie) January 15, 2026 The makers shared videos from the event, showing fans turned up in large numbers, with many holding posters and sporting masks inspired by Allu Arjun's iconic character Pushpa Raj. "PUSHPA MANIA AT THE SPECIAL PREMIERE IN JAPAN. The Japanese audience is showering their love and admiration for Icon Star alluarjun at the grand premiere," they wrote in the caption. 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. 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

19 January,2026 09:50 AM IST | Hyderabad | ANI
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