Kaantha ; DQ Next Blockbuster After Lokah

 Kaantha, the film is directed by Selvamani Selvaraj and is set in 1950s Madras as a period drama. Bhagyashri Borse takes on the role of the female lead, while P. Samuthirakani appears in a prominent role. Rumours about the film’s plot have been circulating online, and we have taken a closer look at them to compile this article. Basically, the film is an ego clash between a director and a lead actor. Director Ayya, played by Samuthirakani, was once a close friend of Chandran, played by Dulquer Salmaan. Ayya helped, motivated, trained, and believed in Chandran’s abilities when he was a nobody, and thus played a prominent role in Chandran’s later success. However, once Chandran became a prominent star, their relationship began to falter.

At this point, the first horror film in Tamil was set to begin production. The film, initially titled Shaantha, was a female-centric project in which Chandran was also cast. But differences between Ayya and Chandran spilled into the production. Chandran seemingly took over the director’s duties, sidelining Ayya and altering the plot in the process. Even the film’s title was changed to Kaantha. What will be the final outcome of this project? And what happens along the way?

Real-life Connections and Inspiration

As mentioned before, several social media users have been promoting the idea that this film is inspired by the real-life incidents of M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar. A Reddit thread even goes a step further, claiming it was “prepared through research and family interactions.” However, there is no official confirmation of this.

What Really Happened with M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar?

It all began with a blackmailer disguised as a journalist, C. N. Lakshmikanthan. He extorted money from the rich and powerful by threatening to expose their secrets. If someone on his list refused to pay, he would publish damaging stories about them, at least according to Reflections. In November 1944, Lakshmikanthan was attacked by unknown assailants. Before his death, he gave a dying declaration to the police in the presence of his lawyer.

Those targeted by Lakshmikanthan included Bhagavathar and comedian N.S. Krishnan. As a result, they and others were accused of conspiracy and arrested for the murder. Both Bhagavathar and Krishnan were initially sentenced to life imprisonment in 1945. However, in 1947, the Privy Council in London acquitted them of all charges. Despite being released, Bhagavathar was unable to regain his lost stardom.

Is Kaantha inspired by this real-life incident?

From the looks of the teaser and plot synopsis, it is highly unlikely that the film has any direct connection to this particular event or character. At best, certain elements might have been inspired by this story, but Kaantha is certainly not a full-fledged adaptation of these real-life events.

Release Date and Rumours of Postponement

As of now, Kaantha is officially scheduled to release on 12th September 2025. However, a rumour reported by 123 Telugu claims that the film’s release might be pushed to October, specifically the third week, to coincide with the Diwali festival

 

Sivakarthikeyan v/s Dulquer / Sruthi Hariharan awaited Kannada film.

 Last year Dulquer Salmaan’s Lucky Baskhar and Sivakarthikeyan’s Amaran were released on the same day on the occasion of Deepavali, and both films scored success. Now, Dulquer Salmaan and Sivakarthikeyan are ready for another face-off.

As said above, last October saw these two talented actors competing, and though both films impressed the audiences, Amaran was a sensational blockbuster, and Lucky Baskhar emerged as a decent success.

So, box office-wise, Amaran emerged as the winner. The latest news is that Dulquer Salmaan and Sivakarthikeyan are ready for another face-off this year with Madharasi and Kaantha.

Siva Karthikeyan’s next film, directed by Murugadoss and titled Madharasi, has been announced for a 5th September release.

Dulquer’s Kaantha is also said to be planning to arrive on the same date. Both films will be released in Telugu too.

But both films may not find a big screen count, as at that time Raviteja’s Mass Jathara will come on 27th August, and Teja Sajja’s big-budget film Mirai is set to release on 5th September.

 Currently OTT viewers are familiar with Sruthi Hariharan's Verdict. Director Mansore’s upcoming Kannada film Doora Theera Yaana will release in theatres across Karnataka on July 11. The film has generated a buzz with two hit songs. The makers have now begun introducing other key characters— Gauri, played by Sruthi Hariharan.

This character will be familiar to audiences who have seen Nathicharami, a 2018 film also directed by Mansore. In that film, Sruthi’s portrayal of Gauri earned widespread appreciation for its depth and restraint.

Nathicharami went on to receive five National Film Awards, with appreciation for its sensitive exploration of personal and societal themes. While the full context of Gauri’s presence in this new narrative remains under wraps, her reappearance suggests a thematic continuity that could connect the emotional worlds of the two films.

The return of a well-recognised character has sparked interest among viewers, particularly those familiar with Nathicharami. With Mansore known for his grounded storytelling, Gauri’s role in Doora Theera Yaana adds a thoughtful layer to the film’s anticipation—hinting at a story rooted in human experiences, once again brought to life by Sruthi Hariharan’s understated screen presence.