After delivering acclaimed hits such as Garudan and Maaman, Lark Studios has officially launched its next prestigious production, Thagappan, starring leading actor Jiiva, with a traditional pooja ceremony held today.

The grand launch event took place in Madurai, where members of the film industry joined the cast and crew to extend their best wishes to the team.

The film stars Jiiva in the lead role, alongside National Award-winning actress Rajisha Vijayan as the female lead. The fresh pairing has already generated considerable excitement among moviegoers.

Following the success of his recent film TTT, Jiiva returns with another emotionally driven story set against the rustic backdrop of Madurai. The film is written and directed by Ra. Venkat, who earned critical acclaim for his film Kida.

Set in and around Madurai, Thagappan is an emotional family drama that explores the deep bond between a father and son, the strength of family relationships, and human emotions. The screenplay has been crafted to appeal to audiences of all ages, from family viewers to youngsters.

The film is produced by K. Kumar. M. Sukumar handles cinematography, while Nagooran Ramachandran is the editor. K.B. Nandhabalan is the art director, Mahesh Mathew choreographs the action sequences, and costumes are designed by M. Selvaraj and Rithesh Selvaraj. T. Udhay Kumar is the sound designer, with still photography by Anbu. R. Balakumar serves as the executive producer, Prithiviraja Chinnasamy as the distribution head, Yuvaraj as the PRO, and Dinesh Ashok as the publicity designer. The film’s audio rights have been acquired by Think Music.

With the pooja ceremony marking the official commencement of the project, principal photography will begin shortly in and around Madurai in a single shooting schedule.

Backed by a compelling story, a talented cast, an experienced technical crew, and high production values, Thagappan is expected to become another significant milestone in Jiiva’s career and a noteworthy family drama in Tamil cinema.

At the event held yesterday, the cast and crew of Kaan City thanked the audience, theatre owners, distributors, and the media for their overwhelming support.

Choreographer Santhosh Master

“First of all, my heartfelt thanks to Harish bro. I have been a part of this journey from the day this film began. It is truly a happy moment to celebrate this success together.

Harish has a grand vision. This is only the beginning of his journey, and I strongly believe he will achieve even greater heights. From the start, he remained completely focused on his goal, and that dedication has brought us to this victory celebration today.

My sincere thanks to Arjun Das as well. Despite his hectic schedule, he attended dance rehearsals whenever he had even a small break and gave us complete support. I also thank Vadivukkarasi madam, whose energy and dedication at this age amazed all of us. She was always ready for every scene and remains an inspiration.

Thanks to R.C. bro for his constant support throughout the production. Special thanks to editor Arul Moses, who patiently accommodated countless changes, especially in the songs. We worked on this film for a year, and Harish continued working tirelessly for another year. This film has given us a wonderful experience. My heartfelt thanks to every technician, actor, and actress who worked on this project.”

Editor Arul Moses

“The tremendous response and reach that Kaan City has received are entirely because of the fans and our friends from the press and media. My heartfelt thanks to all of you.

This film became a huge success mainly through positive word of mouth. Every viewer who watched the film, appreciated it, and recommended it to others played a vital role in its success.

I also thank every technician who worked on this film. My assistants and assistant directors put in extraordinary effort, especially during the final stages of post-production, where their support was invaluable.

Finally, I sincerely thank our producer and director Harish for giving me this opportunity. I am truly happy to have been a part of this successful journey.”

Distributor Ayyappan

“The film has been made exceptionally well. Congratulations to director Harish and the entire team. I have one request for Arjun Das. Along with films like this, I hope you also act in more family-oriented films that appeal to all audiences. Such films will always receive strong support from viewers. Thank you to everyone who supported us.”

Actor Kalki Raja

“Greetings to everyone. First, I sincerely thank director Harish for giving me such a wonderful role in this film. I am truly grateful for this opportunity.

I also thank producer Ajanta sir. I had earlier worked with him in Kaithi, and now I am proud and happy to have worked with him again in the successful film Kaan City.

Acting alongside veteran actress Vadivukkarasi was an unforgettable experience. I also thank executive producer Bharath sir, who guided and supported us throughout the shoot.”

Actor Raghu

“I am extremely happy to have been a part of Kaan City. The entire shooting experience was exciting and enjoyable. Working with Arjun Das, Vadivukarasi madam, Yogi Babu anna, and the rest of the cast was a wonderful experience. Working alongside Akilan was also unforgettable. Once, he jokingly told me, ‘You keep chasing me even in my dreams,’ and I still remember that funny incident.

My thanks to all the technicians who worked on this film. Editor Arul Moses, music composer Sean Roldan, cinematographer, Mohan Raj, and everyone else have done an outstanding job.

Editing this film was an enormous challenge. Director Harish had shot more than six hours of footage, even though the final film runs for only two hours. Bringing all those scenes together into a gripping film was a difficult task. I was amazed by Harish’s dedication and the amount of work he completed every single day.

Every actor in the film, even those who appeared for just one day, was given importance and left a lasting impression. That is the greatest strength of this team. I feel proud to have worked with such an incredible group, and I sincerely wish that the success of Kaan City continues with all their future projects.”

Actor Adithya Kathir

“First of all, my heartfelt congratulations to director Harish. We know how difficult his journey has been, and today’s success is the reward for all his hard work.

Congratulations to Arjun Das as well. You began your career as a villain, and today you are successfully moving forward as a hero. I firmly believe you will achieve even greater heights because of your humble nature.

Heroes who ensure that every actor’s name appears on the poster are very rare. Your desire to give equal importance to everyone, including Anna Ben, Yogi Babu, and the entire cast, is truly admirable. Just as Superstar Rajinikanth started as a villain and rose to the very top, I wish you the same remarkable success.

Finally, I thank the press and media, who played a major role in taking this film to the people. Please continue supporting good cinema.”

Actor Imman Annachi

“It is a wonderful feeling that Kaan City has completed 25 successful days in theatres and that we are all gathered here to celebrate this achievement.

The success of this film belongs to every single person who worked on it. Director Harish deserves special appreciation for recognizing everyone’s talent and giving them the right roles to bring out their best.

This is only the beginning. I sincerely wish Harish and the entire team many more blockbuster successes in the future.

My best wishes to our hero Arjun Das as well. Many more successes are waiting for him, and I have no doubt that he will become a major star.”

Actor Satha

“This is my very first film, and the love and recognition I have received are beyond words.

After the film’s release, we visited theatres in Chennai, Salem, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Tiruppur, and Coimbatore. The love shown by audiences everywhere deeply touched me.

One mother came up to me, applied sacred ash on my forehead, and blessed me, saying, ‘May you always do well.’ Apart from my own family, no one had ever done something so heartfelt for me. That moment moved me emotionally.

People now recognize me wherever I go. They stop me, speak to me for several minutes, and appreciate my performance. Speaking today at this success celebration is even more emotional than speaking at the trailer launch.

Since this was my first film, I wanted to learn every aspect of filmmaking. Even on days when I wasn’t shooting, I spent time with every department. I observed the cinematographer, attended music sessions with Sean Roldan, and learned about dubbing, sound engineering, and sound mixing. My curiosity to understand filmmaking has already opened doors to two or three more film opportunities, for which I am extremely grateful.”

Child Artist Akilan

“Hello everyone. My name is Akilan. I sincerely thank director Harish Durairaj uncle for giving me this opportunity to act in Kaan City. My heartfelt thanks to the producer, all the technicians, and every actor and actress who worked with me. Thank you to everyone who has shown me so much love and support.”

Lyricist Mohan Raj

“First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the journalists and media friends who played a huge role in making this film a grand success. Without your support, this achievement would not have been possible. It is your responsibility to take every film to the people, and you have fulfilled that responsibility brilliantly. Today, we are happily enjoying the fruits of your efforts.

People often say that whenever music composer Sean Roldan and I work together, it becomes a winning combination. This film has once again proved that belief, and I sincerely thank him for that.

Director Harish Durairaj is my friend. I have witnessed his journey from the very beginning of this film until this victory stage. Harish, you are destined to grow into a mighty force in cinema. This is only your first step toward success, and I am confident that you will achieve many greater milestones.

Harish gave me the opportunity to write two philosophical songs for this film, and I will always remain grateful for that. Even if those songs reached the audience a little later, I believe they will continue to live on for years to come.

The song ‘Don’t Deceive… Don’t Be Deceived…’ and the lines from ‘Kanna Bro…’—

> ‘Even a plant that has tasted success may one day fall…

Those who have faced repeated failures will also have their day to rise.’

These are lines that inspire hope in life, and I thank Harish once again for giving me the opportunity to write them.

At the same time, I would like to apologize to the fans. The song ‘Fraud Payale’ was not included in the film. It was never removed because of time constraints—it had been planned from the beginning that it would not appear in the movie. However, after seeing many social media posts from people saying they came to watch the film mainly because of that song, I too felt that perhaps we should have included it. On behalf of the entire team, I sincerely apologize to everyone who loved that song.

I also want to say something about Arjun Das. Through this film and its songs, he has gained a huge fan following, especially among women. I hope he not only continues acting in action films but also stars in romantic films. I firmly believe the day will come when audiences celebrate him as a complete romantic hero. Sean Roldan and I will be happy to write many more songs for him.

Working with Sean Roldan is not just a professional collaboration—it is built on trust. Every time we work together, we strive to live up to that trust. His music combined with our efforts has created this successful partnership, and I hope it continues for many years.

Satha, Kalki Raja, Adithya Kathir, Raghu, Akilan, and everyone else have performed brilliantly. Harish had predicted that Akilan’s final scene would receive a huge response in theatres, and it happened exactly as he expected.

Imman Annachi’s subtle performances and dialogue delivery were loved by audiences. My heartfelt thanks to Action Choreographer Santhosh Master, Editor Arul Moses, and every technician who worked on this film.

Finally, I sincerely wish that Power House Pictures continues producing many more quality films. Harish’s vision is truly remarkable, and I pray that all his dreams come true.”

Music Composer Sean Roldan

“Today proves that a great artist can emerge from anywhere. All of you here have become the key that opens the doors of opportunity for such talent. On behalf of Harish, and also as his brother, I sincerely thank all of you.

I am delighted by the response that Kaan City has received. To be honest, I had expected the film to receive even more appreciation because I truly enjoyed working on it. Nevertheless, seeing Harish’s very first film become such a success gives me immense happiness. This is only the first of many victories that await him.

Harish is an exceptionally sharp filmmaker. His intelligence and the way he approaches storytelling are unique. He has the ability to turn even the smallest moments into something powerful. When he first narrated the story to me, I wondered how he could fit so many characters and events into a two-hour film. But he accomplished it beautifully.

Usually, in films with a large number of characters, not everyone remains memorable. But in Kaan City, every character—from the smallest role to the lead—had moments that stayed with the audience. Every actor received applause in theatres. That is the mark of a truly successful director. I strongly believe Harish will go on to make Pan-Indian and even global-scale films.

I always tell Harish that this is just the beginning of his journey. This is merely a warm-up. His finest works are still ahead, and I eagerly look forward to witnessing them.

I would also like to appreciate Editor Arul Moses. During the background score sessions, he carefully planned every scene’s beginning, ending, and the spaces where music should breathe. He understands the needs of a composer and works with remarkable sensitivity. His reputation in the industry is well deserved because of his dedication.

My heartfelt thanks to choreographer Santhosh Master. Working with him for the first time was unforgettable. He brought out abilities in me that I never thought I had. When I watched myself dancing on screen, I was genuinely surprised. The credit goes entirely to his talent and dedication.

The way he worked with the children, choreographed the songs, and enhanced many important moments in the film became one of its greatest strengths.

Every supporting actor in this film made an outstanding contribution. A story becomes successful only when its supporting characters feel genuine. It is not about how long they appear on screen but whether they convince the audience that they truly are those characters. Every actor in Kaan City achieved that.

Satha’s performance impressed me greatly. I told him that he has an excellent screen presence and that opportunities to play lead roles will surely come his way. He has all the qualities needed for success, and I am genuinely happy for him.

I am grateful for the wonderful bond I share with lyricist Mohan Raj. I believe this film will also receive a great response when it is released on OTT. My thanks to every member of my team who worked on this project, and to the press and media whose support made this success possible.”

Actor Arjun Das

“First of all, my heartfelt thanks to all the journalists and media friends. Those few minutes after the first show of the film, when we stood outside waiting for the audience’s reaction, felt exactly like a student waiting anxiously for examination results. We were all eager to know how the film would be received.

A little later, seeing all the journalists come out with smiling faces and praise the film became one of the most unforgettable moments of my life.

After the release, we visited several theatres. Watching families, children, youngsters, and audiences from all walks of life enjoy the film gave us immense happiness. The entire credit for this success belongs to director Harish Durairaj. My heartfelt congratulations to him.

I also thank Harish for trusting me with this character. While narrating the story, he told me that he wanted the film to feature a dream ensemble cast, and today that dream has become a reality.

It was a privilege for me to work alongside so many experienced and talented artists. Just seeing my name appear on the same poster as these legendary performers felt like a great honour and recognition.

My sincere thanks to editor Arul Moses, choreographer Santhosh Master, music composer Sean Roldan, Imman Annachi, and every technician who worked tirelessly to make this film a success.

Cinema is never the achievement of one individual. It is always the result of the collective effort of hundreds of people working together with the same dream. Kaan City is proof of that.

Finally, I thank the audience, theatre owners, distributors, journalists, and media friends who embraced this film with so much love. Your encouragement has given us the confidence to continue creating meaningful and entertaining films.

I promise that we will keep striving to deliver even better films in the future. Thank you all once again for your unwavering love and support.

The Kaan City success celebration turned into a heartfelt thanksgiving event, with every member of the cast and crew expressing gratitude to the audience, media, theatre owners, distributors, and technicians. The speakers unanimously credited director Harish Durairaj’s vision, the dedication of the entire team, and the overwhelming support of moviegoers for the film’s successful theatrical run.

The event concluded with optimism for the future, as the team expressed confidence that Kaan City would continue its successful journey in theatres and later receive an equally warm reception on OTT platforms.

Arulnithi plays the role of an honest District Collector dedicated to the welfare of tribal communities. With his mature and restrained performance, he brings authenticity to the character of Muthuvel. His calm screen presence and expressive body language add great strength to the film. Setting aside conventional heroism, he gives priority to the story and earns appreciation for his performance.

Aarav, who plays another key role, has clearly put in considerable effort to transform himself into a tribal character. Although he doesn’t completely blend into the role in a few scenes, he delivers a sincere and competent performance.

Ramya Pandian has a limited role, but she performs it effectively and leaves a positive impression.

Krithika, who plays the young tribal girl, stands out with a natural and emotionally powerful performance. She convincingly portrays her passion for education, as well as the fear, loneliness, and longing she experiences after being separated from her parents, making a significant contribution to the film.

The supporting performances by Kaali Venkat, John Vijay, and VTV Ganesh further strengthen the screenplay.

Cinematographer M. Sukumar beautifully captures both the scenic beauty of the hills and the everyday lives of the tribal people.

G. V. Prakash Kumar’s songs reflect the story and the emotional struggles of the characters, while his background score brings depth and emotion to the hardships faced by the hill communities.

Editor Lawrence Kishore keeps the narrative steady, allowing the film’s real-life inspiration and emotional impact to resonate with the audience.

Director Ganesh Vinayagam effectively highlights the harsh reality that, despite rapid technological progress, many people still lack access to education and basic necessities. He presents the lives of tribal communities honestly and without compromise.

Although the absence of commercial elements makes certain portions feel like a documentary, the fact that the story is based on real-life incidents gives the film emotional weight and leaves a lasting impact.

Overall, Ganesh Vinayagam succeeds in realistically portraying the struggle of remote tribal communities for education and basic amenities, creating a film that not only moves audiences but also encourages policymakers and authorities to reflect on these pressing issues.

After many years of waiting, Ramya finally agrees to his proposal. However, just when his long-awaited love is reciprocated, Pari suddenly becomes hesitant to accept the relationship and begins distancing himself from her. Why does he do this? What happens to their love? The film answers these questions through a light-hearted and entertaining narrative.

Pari Ilavazhagan, who plays the lead role, impresses with his simple, relatable appearance and natural performance. From portraying the confusion of finally receiving the love he had waited years for, to struggling to confess his feelings because of his strict mother, he delivers a convincing performance without any exaggeration.

Ramya Ranganathan fits perfectly into the role of an Anglo-Indian woman. She speaks Chennai Tamil mixed with English convincingly and shines in both emotional and comedic scenes. Whether she is threatening her boyfriend for trying to leave her or boldly confronting his father, she keeps the audience laughing and adds significant strength to the screenplay with her performance.

Chetan, who plays the hero’s father, delivers an outstanding performance that makes viewers wonder why he has not been seen in such roles more often. He convincingly portrays a man who fears his wife in the morning but becomes the authoritative head of the family by evening, making the character highly entertaining.

Roja, as the hero’s mother, is impressive in her appearance, dialogue delivery, and performance. Though she plays a strict family matriarch, she also shines in emotional moments where her hidden expectations are revealed and when her character realizes her mistakes and changes.

Parithabangal Gopi, as the hero’s friend from Bengaluru, provides consistent comic relief throughout the film. Though Cell Murugan appears only in a few scenes as the character Maangababu, he too succeeds in making the audience laugh.

Nikhila Shankar, who plays the hero’s cousin, Ismath Banu as his sister, Sudharshan Gandhi as his brother, and the actors portraying the heroine’s parents are all well suited to their roles and contribute effectively to the screenplay.

Cinematographer Shelly Kalist beautifully captures the Perambur locality. Although the locations are familiar, his visual treatment enhances their appeal, with particularly impressive aerial shots.

Bharath Shankar’s music is pleasant throughout, and the background score complements the natural tone of the film’s scenes.

Editor Partha M.A. has kept the film engaging and well-paced, ensuring that the screenplay moves smoothly while giving due importance to the characters and their dialogues.

Writer-director Pari Ilavazhagan, who also plays the lead role, transforms an ordinary love story into an entertaining experience through a natural screenplay filled with humor.

The film’s greatest strength lies in its well-written characters and the actors who bring them to life. Director Pari Ilavazhagan has extracted excellent performances from the cast. While the first half moves gently and leisurely—like the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway—the second half races ahead like the Vande Bharat Express, delivering nonstop laughter.

Although Anbe Diana is primarily a fun entertainer, it also carries a meaningful message. Through simple dialogues, it encourages viewers to look beyond differences of caste, religion, language, and ethnicity, emphasizing that love has the power to unite people. For successfully conveying this message in an enjoyable way, director Pari Ilavazhagan deserves applause.

Anbe Diana is a breezy romantic comedy that wins hearts with its natural performances, wholesome humor, and a heartfelt message about love beyond differences.

Using the evidence found with Prithviraj, the police identify the robbers. However, with the culprits dead, recovering the stolen money becomes nearly impossible.

As the investigation unfolds, the police discover something unusual. Prithviraj had no bank account, no financial dealings, and no family connection to the bank. More suspiciously, he had spent an unusually long time inside the bank without seeking any assistance from the staff. These unanswered questions lead investigators to suspect that he may have been involved in the robbery.

Meanwhile, sensational media reports fuel public suspicion, turning Prithviraj into the prime suspect and throwing not only his life but also the lives of his family members into turmoil.

As he desperately struggles to clear his name, every move he makes creates new complications, trapping him in an increasingly inescapable web of danger. Why was he at the bank in the first place? Where did the stolen money disappear? Who eventually finds it, despite both the police and several other parties searching for it? The answers unfold through a relentlessly suspenseful narrative that keeps audiences on edge from the opening scene to the very end.

Although a bank robbery forms the central premise, the film cleverly shifts its focus away from the criminals and instead follows an ordinary man whose life is destroyed by circumstances beyond his control. Writer Sameer Abdul and director Nizam Basheer, supported by the cinematographer, composer, editor, and cast, craft an engrossing cinematic experience filled with constant twists and unrelenting suspense.

Prithviraj Sukumaran delivers yet another outstanding performance. Whether entering the bank with a gun in the opening sequence or appearing later as a bruised and traumatized hostage, he creates an aura of mystery largely through silence and restrained expressions. His emotional conversations with his younger daughter, where he narrates the events of his life like bedtime stories, are particularly moving. As an ordinary man caught in extraordinary circumstances, he convincingly portrays fear, vulnerability, and determination. Even in the film’s larger-than-life action sequences, he maintains remarkable credibility.

Parvathy Thiruvothu, as Prithviraj’s wife, delivers a deeply natural performance. Despite appearing in an aged look, she perfectly suits the role and leaves a lasting emotional impact through subtle expressions and understated acting.

Hakkim Shahjahan impresses as the police officer investigating the missing money, bringing quiet intensity and unwavering focus to the character.

The supporting cast, including Ashokan as Jacob, Vijayaraghavan as the Chief Minister, Shankar Ramakrishnan as the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Madhupal as the Crime Branch officer leading the investigation, along with the actresses playing Prithviraj’s daughters, all contribute effectively to the film’s mounting tension through measured performances and expressive body language.

Cinematographer Dinesh Purushothaman deserves special praise for staging every action sequence with remarkable precision. From a spectacular road accident to thrilling fight scenes inside a bus, an elevator, and a confined room, each set piece is visually distinctive and expertly executed.

Editor Rameez M.P. arguably surpasses even the cinematography with his razor-sharp editing. Seamlessly weaving together scenes from multiple perspectives while reflecting the characters’ psychological states, he maintains a brisk pace throughout the film without sacrificing narrative clarity. The editing ensures that the suspense continually escalates, never allowing the audience to relax.

Composer Jakes Bejoy’s background score perfectly complements the film’s rhythm. Rather than overwhelming quieter moments, the music subtly heightens the suspense and emotional undercurrents, becoming one of the film’s greatest strengths.

The action choreography by Yannick Ben, Kalai Kingson, and Amit Jolly Bastian is another major highlight. Although much of the second half is dominated by action, each sequence is designed with a unique visual identity, preventing repetition and keeping the audience engaged.

Writer Sameer Abdul deserves immense credit for constructing such an intelligent screenplay. Taking a large-scale bank robbery as the backdrop, he focuses on the emotional struggles of an innocent common man and his family. Every time the audience feels the protagonist has escaped one problem, the screenplay immediately throws him into another, maintaining an almost unbearable level of tension until the closing moments.

While many thrillers manage to keep audiences on the edge of their seats during a handful of key scenes, director Nizam Basheer succeeds in sustaining that intensity throughout the film. The relentless suspense is so effective that even viewers who never bite their nails may find themselves doing so.

The only minor drawback is the abundance of action sequences in the second half, which occasionally feel prolonged. However, their inventive staging and impressive execution largely compensate for the excess. A slightly tighter edit could have made the screenplay even more impactful.

Audiences who celebrate complex Hollywood thrillers like Inception for their layered storytelling are likely to appreciate ‘I, Nobody’ just as much. With Sameer Abdul’s intelligent writing and Nizam Basheer’s meticulous direction, the film stands as a sophisticated, homegrown thriller that deserves widespread recognition.

Verdict: I, Nobody is an exceptionally crafted suspense thriller driven by masterful writing, outstanding performances, and edge-of-the-seat storytelling. A must-watch for fans of intelligent crime dramas.

A Gripping Edge-of-the-Seat Thriller Elevated by Brilliant Writing.

Unable to cope with the extravagant spending habits and emotionally detached attitude of his girlfriend Naga Durga, Pavish decides to end the relationship. But Naga Durga is convinced that Pavish is the right man for her and is determined to marry him.

Pavish agrees on one condition: for four years, he has done everything expected of a loving boyfriend. Now, she must do the same for him for just four months. If she succeeds, he will marry her. If she fails, she must walk away from his life forever.

Whether Naga Durga successfully navigates what Pavish describes as “a man’s world” for four months and wins his heart, or whether the couple ultimately parts ways, forms the heart of ‘Love Oh Love’, which presents the story with humour and emotional maturity.

Pavish, who plays the lead role, proves his talent once again. Though this is only his second film, he displays noticeable growth as an actor. At certain moments, his performance even carries shades of Dhanush. Be it dance, action sequences, emotional scenes, or moments of frustration directed at his lover, Pavish delivers a restrained and convincing performance, effectively portraying the struggles faced by many young men.

Debut actress Naga Durga appears natural and relatable, much like the girl next door. However, she lacks the screen presence needed to instantly captivate audiences. With limited scope in the dance sequences as well, her character doesn’t leave a strong impression.

Veteran actor K.S. Ravikumar as the hero’s father, Selvaraghavan as a police inspector, and Vanitha Vijayakumar as the president of a women’s association all provide strong supporting performances that add weight to the screenplay.

Cinematographer P.G. Muthiah presents the film with colourful and visually pleasing frames. Despite featuring only one major action sequence, he stages it realistically, showing the protagonist rolling in the dust rather than resorting to exaggerated heroics. His balanced use of lighting and colours lends authenticity to the characters and setting, while the vibrant visuals in the songs bring a commercial flavour to the film.

Composer Baxxan’s songs carry commercial appeal but fail to leave a lasting impression or become memorable enough for repeated listening. The background score, however, adequately supports the narrative.

Although director Mahesh Rajendran occasionally struggles with the chronological flow of the story, editor N.B. Srikanth skillfully assembles the film, ensuring the narrative remains easy for audiences to follow.

Having previously worked as an assistant director on ‘Romeo Juliet’ starring Jayam Ravi and Hansika Motwani, Mahesh Rajendran’s inspiration from that film is evident in his directorial debut. Nevertheless, he successfully transforms those influences into an engaging commercial entertainer without making them feel derivative.

The director begins by exploring the meaning of love in a light-hearted and entertaining manner before gradually touching the emotional core of relationships. While the story primarily targets today’s younger generation, he skillfully weaves family values into the screenplay, making it an enjoyable romantic drama suitable for audiences of all ages.

One of the film’s fresh narrative choices is that it focuses less on how the couple fell in love and more on the problems within their relationship. However, the film misses the magical moments that usually make audiences experience the excitement and butterflies of falling in love. The heroine, despite her popularity on YouTube, doesn’t possess the charisma needed to fully engage audiences on the big screen, and the songs lack emotionally memorable lyrics that effectively convey romantic feelings.

Despite these shortcomings, Mahesh Rajendran’s honest treatment of the screenplay, combined with entertaining, heartwarming, and emotional moments, along with its emphasis on healthy family relationships, makes ‘Love Oh Love’ an enjoyable romantic entertainer that appeals not only to couples but also to family audiences.

What is this lingering doubt? What secrets lie hidden in his past? How did his love story and marriage with Deepa Thomas unfold? And why does he harbor such deep resentment toward his younger son?

These questions form the foundation of ‘Rao Bahadur’, which is far more than a conventional period drama. It is an engrossing psychological thriller and a hard-hitting commentary against caste discrimination, colour prejudice, and the arrogance associated with royal heritage.

Director Venkatesh Maha delivers an unconventional period film with an innovative narrative structure and layered storytelling, creating a cinematic experience rarely seen in Telugu cinema.

Sathya Dev carries the entire film on his shoulders with an exceptional performance as Rampa Rao Bahadur. Effortlessly portraying both the younger and older versions of his character, he distinguishes the two not only through makeup and costumes but also through subtle changes in body language, facial expressions, and dialogue delivery. His portrayal of anger, guilt, emotional turmoil, hatred, and psychological conflict is remarkable, making his performance the film’s greatest strength.

Vikas Muppala, playing the protagonist’s friend and doctor, delivers a convincing performance while effectively supporting the screenplay’s psychological twists. Deepa Thomas also performs her role with sincerity and surprises the audience with a revelation in the climax that significantly alters the emotional impact of the story.

The supporting cast, including Bala Parasur, Anand Bharathi, Pranay Vega, and Master Kiran, fit their respective characters perfectly and leave a lasting impression.

Cinematographer Karthik Parmar avoids the visual clichés typically associated with period films. Instead, he employs a distinctive palette of colours and creative lighting techniques that create a fresh and immersive visual experience. His camera work also effectively reflects the protagonist’s evolving psychological state throughout the narrative.

Composer Smaran Sai’s background score is one of the film’s major highlights. The music often conveys emotions that remain unspoken by the characters, while the use of traditional instruments complements the period setting and enhances the dramatic impact of several scenes.

Production designer Rohan Singh deserves special appreciation for meticulously recreating the grandeur of an old palace. His careful use of colours in both the palace interiors and the protagonist’s costumes creates strong visual symbolism and immerses viewers in the film’s world.

Apart from writing and directing the film, Venkatesh Maha also serves as the editor. Rather than presenting a routine historical drama, he crafts a psychologically driven thriller that boldly attacks casteism, colourism, and the pride of aristocratic lineage. His storytelling remains engaging throughout and steadily unveils one surprise after another.

Although the film’s running time and the extended duration of a few sequences occasionally affect its pace, Sathya Dev’s outstanding performance more than compensates for these minor shortcomings.

The film opens with an eerie sequence involving a mysterious young boy threatening the protagonist, giving the impression of a horror film. However, it gradually transforms into an emotionally rich psychological mystery, revealing unexpected twists until the very end. By completely avoiding the commercial formula often associated with mainstream Telugu cinema, Venkatesh Maha delivers a sophisticated film that feels closer to world cinema than a conventional commercial entertainer.

Yogi Babu plays the lead role in the film alongside actress Anamika Mahi. The supporting cast includes Kali Venkat, Aruldoss, Lenin Bharathi, Subramania Siva, Mynaa Nandhini, Madhan Dakshinamurthy, Sendrayan, Hello Kandasamy, M. Soundarya Saravanan, Ranjan Kumar, and several others.

The film features music by D. Imman, cinematography by Pradeep Kaliraja, editing by M. Kasi Viswanathan, lyrics by Karthik Netha, dialogues by M.R. Arun Chander, production design by P. Sekar, and action choreography by Om Prakash. The audio rights have been acquired by Lahari Music.

The audio and trailer launch of ‘Arjunan Per Pathu’, which is scheduled to hit theatres on July 17, was held at Prasad Lab in Chennai on Thursday evening. The event was attended by the cast, crew, and several prominent personalities from the Tamil film industry.

Speaking at the event, Yogi Babu thanked the producers and director for giving him the opportunity to headline the film. Referring to it as his 300th movie, he said he never intended to celebrate milestones based on numbers.

“I don’t know how they identified this as my 300th film. But I don’t want to define my career by numbers. Three hundred films are not enough for me. As actors, we shouldn’t glorify ourselves based on the number of films we’ve acted in. Legends like Nagesh sir and Manorama amma acted in so many films. I want to grow to that level and continue acting in many more films.”

He thanked his co-stars, including Sendrayan, Mynaa Nandhini, Anamika Mahi, and Kali Venkat, calling Kali Venkat one of his closest friends.

Speaking about music composer D. Imman, Yogi Babu said he has always admired his work and expressed his wish to have Imman compose music for more of his films as a lead actor.

He also recalled his long association with director R. Rajmohan, revealing that the project began after he contacted the filmmaker three years ago and invited him to develop the script into a feature film.

“I’m always ready to support assistant directors. Come to me with a good story and execute it well. I’ll continue to encourage talented filmmakers.”

Yogi Babu also reflected on his own struggles before becoming a successful actor.

“People know the Yogi Babu who appeared after 2009. But before that, I worked in television shows, including Lollu Sabha, assisted art directors, and did several other jobs. Whether you’re from Chennai or another city, cinema is difficult for everyone. I’ve experienced that struggle for 24 years.”

During an interaction with reporters after the event, Yogi Babu was asked which actor he still wishes to work with.

“The only person I haven’t acted with yet is Kamal Haasan sir. I hope to share the screen with him soon.”

He also credited his spiritual faith for his journey to 300 films.

“My devotion to Lord Murugan is the reason I’ve reached this milestone. I have immense faith in Murugan. Audiences still see me as a comedian, and comedy roles are what have given me a livelihood. I will never stop doing them. Some films cast me in lead roles, but fundamentally, I remain a comedian. I’m grateful to the audience for their continued support, and I will keep entertaining them through my films.”

Producer Thangapandi welcomed the guests at the event. Directors Suseenthiran, Nithilan, Shaun, director R. Rajmohan, composer D. Imman, cinematographer Pradeep Kaliraja, actress Anamika Mahi, Mynaa Nandhini, Aruldoss, Kali Venkat, Lenin Bharathi, Subramania Siva, Sendrayan, and several others also addressed the gathering.

The event concluded with the launch of the film’s trailer and songs. To commemorate Yogi Babu’s 300th film, the producers honoured him with a giant ceremonial garland, followed by a cake-cutting celebration with the entire team.

8th July, 2026 : The makers of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups have finally unveiled the much-anticipated official music video for Tabaahi, the film’s first song, which became an instant fan favourite following its audio release. Along with the film’s official music partner, Zee Music Company, the visual spectacle now brings audiences the immersive experience they have been eagerly awaiting, offering the first glimpse into one of Indian cinema’s most anticipated films.

Featuring Rocking Star Yash alongside Kiara Advani in a captivating new on-screen pairing, Tabaahi celebrates an unforgettable romance brought to life through their undeniable chemistry and emotionally resonant performances. As the world around them fades away, Tabaahi captures love in its rawest and purest form, intimate, unwavering, and all-consuming. Set against a grand cinematic canvas with breathtaking visuals, evocative storytelling, electrifying guitar arrangements, and a soaring orchestral score, the music video serves as a stirring introduction to the enigmatic and visually distinctive world of Toxic.

Building anticipation ahead of the launch, the makers treated fans to a playful social media exchange on 7th July. The official Toxic handle posted, “What do you call a forbidden love that only exists in stolen time?”, tagging Kiara Advani. Kiara responded with a single word — “Tabaahi.” Shortly after, Zee Music Company joined the conversation by quoting her reply with a simple, “Stay Tuned…”, setting the stage for the official music video premiere and sending fans into a frenzy ahead of the release.

Composed, sung by musician Vishal Mishra and written by Raj Shekhar in Hindi, Tabaahi has been released in Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam. The song has been adapted across languages by some of the finest lyricists in Indian cinema—Yogaraj Bhat (Kannada), Ramajogayya Sastry (Telugu), Vignesh Shivan (Tamil), and Rafeeq Ahammed (Malayalam)—reflecting the film’s truly pan-Indian creative collaboration. The multilingual launch reinforces Toxic’s vision of connecting with audiences across languages and geographies, with Zee Music Company leading the nationwide music rollout as the film’s official music partner. The film stars Yash, Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth, and Huma Qureshi in a powerhouse ensemble cast.

Opening up about the song, Vishal Mishra Added, “Tabaahi isn’t a love song in the conventional sense, it’s love as wreckage, as surrender, as fire that doesn’t ask permission. Toxic demanded music that could hold that intensity: epic and intimate at once. Yash Bhai brings a rare conviction to the screen that I tried to match note for note. Tabaahi, for me, was about chasing that raw, unfiltered pulse of love, the kind that consumes before it comforts.”

Written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas, and directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film is shot in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and other languages — reinforcing its global ambitions and expansive cinematic vision. Produced by KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, Toxic is scheduled to hit theatres on August,26 2026.

The first-look poster recreates one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history—Sourav Ganguly waving his jersey from the Lord’s balcony after India’s memorable NatWest Trophy triumph over England in 2002. Actor Rajkummar Rao steps into Ganguly’s shoes, bringing the celebrated moment to life on screen. The image, which symbolized a fearless new era in Indian cricket under Ganguly’s leadership, remains an enduring emblem of confidence, defiance, and belief.

The film chronicles the extraordinary journey of Sourav Ganguly, a man who not only played the game but transformed it. It traces his rise from a promising young cricketer to one of India’s most influential captains, celebrating the grit, resilience, determination, and leadership that redefined Indian cricket and inspired an entire generation.

Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the film stars Rajkummar Rao as Sourav Ganguly. Produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg, the film is presented by Gulshan Kumar, Bhushan Kumar, T-Series, and DBL, and is a Luv Films production. ‘Dada – The Sourav Ganguly Story’ is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on May 14, 2027.

If you’d like, I can also make it read more like a Hollywood-style entertainment news article or a formal press release.