Shobana as Mother of Ravana played by Yash / All about Ranbir - Sai Ramayana INTRO

Shobana has joned the Ramayana cast and plays Kaikasi, the mother of Ravana. Yash plays Ravana.
ON instagram ; Honoured to be part of a story that has shaped generations. Welcome to the world of Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana, the immortal story of Rama vs Ravana.

Grateful to walk this path, and to share it with all of you. Let’s celebrate this moment and together, step into the @worldoframayana.

Our Truth. Our History.

• Role in the Ramayana:

  Kaikasi is depicted as a woman of intelligence and kindness. She is shown supporting her daughter-in-law Mandodari in her protests against Ravana's actions. In some versions, she even urges Vibhishana to seek refuge with Rama after he is banished by Ravana. 
• Feminist Perspective:

  Some interpretations of the Ramayana, particularly those from a feminist perspective, focus on Kaikasi's role and agency, exploring her motivations and actions within the patriarchal framework of the epic. 
• Different names:

  Kaikasi is also known as Nikasha or Malini in some texts. 
• Her father's influence:

  Sumali, her father, wanted her to marry Vishrava to gain powerful grandsons who could help him reclaim Lanka. 
• She married sage Vishrava:

  According to the Sundara Kanda of the Krittibasi Ramayana, Kaikasi approached Vishrava at the behest of her father and married him. 
• Her son Ravana:

  According to some accounts, Kaikasi supported her son Ravana in his actions, but also advised him to return Sita to Rama. 
• Her death:

  It is believed that Kaikasi died in Lanka, and Ravana was heartbroken by her death. 
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Yash has been roped in to play the role of Ravana. Lara Dutta will be seen asKaikeyi and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. Ramayana stars Ranbir and Sai Pallavi in the lead roles of Ram and Sita

 The epic will unfold in two parts—Part 1 is scheduled for release on Diwali 2026, followed by Part 2 on Diwali 2027. Supporting this powerful cast is an extraordinary crew, marking a first-time collaboration of legends. Oscar-winning composers Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman join forces to craft a new cinematic symphony. Hollywood’s top stunt directors— Terry Notary (Avengers, Planet of the Apes) and Guy Norris (Mad Max: Fury Road, Furiosa) — are choreographing the epic battles between gods and demons. The visual grandeur of ancient India is being reimagined by renowned production designers Ravi Bansal (Dune 2, Aladdin) and Ramsey Avery (Captain America, Tomorrowland), promising an immersi

Thodarum brings new baddie to screen - Prakash Varma

 After a spate of trolls post Empuran in theatres and now on OTT, Mohanlal is receiving bouquets for Thodarum released Friday and the actor expressed his thanks for the compliements. Everyone who saw Thodarum is now busy searching to who is this Prakash Varma who played the baddie in the film. Read on: Advertising legend Prakash Varma, known for Vodafone’s Zoozoo and Hutch pug ads, makes a striking acting debut as a memorable villain in Tharun Moorthy’s Thudarum. Discover his journey from adman to scene-stealer.

It’s hard not to be captivated by Prakash Varma from the moment he walks up to Mohanlal’s chrachter. Prakash Varma is primarily known for his work behind the camera, having made a name for himself in the advertising world. He is the mastermind behind several iconic ad campaigns, including the memorable Vodafone ZooZoo commercials. Born into a Malayali family, Varma has a strong connection to the culture of the region, which perhaps influences his nuanced approach to roles like George in Thudarum. Despite being recognized for his work in the industry, this marks one of Varma's rare ventures into acting, and he has been met with a positive reception for his portrayal of the shrewd and menacing police officer.

In Thudarum, Varma's character George plays a pivotal role, adding tension and intrigue to the narrative. While the film is driven by Mohanlal's performance as Shanmughan, a taxi driver in the town of Ranni, George's presence as the antagonist provides a contrasting dynamic that elevates the tension within the storyline. The film is set in the scenic hill town of Pathanamthitta and revolves around Shanmughan's deep attachment to his aging Ambassador car, with the plot reflecting his struggles and personal sacrifices.

In Thudarum, Varma's character George plays a pivotal role, adding tension and intrigue to the narrative. While the film is driven by Mohanlal's performance as Shanmughan, a taxi driver in the town of Ranni, George's presence as the antagonist provides a contrasting dynamic that elevates the tension within the storyline. The film is set in the scenic hill town of Pathanamthitta and revolves around Shanmughan's deep attachment to his aging Ambassador car, with the plot reflecting his struggles and personal sacrifices.
Viewers about his ads:
The vodafone one with the pugs and the ice cream one with fafa and srk dubai ones are the ones i know from the top of my head

And the titan one with nithya and fafa, diary milk ad with the umbrella-shadow and the list goes on..

He made the legendary We Live Young, We Live Free ad for Mahindra.

Kamal Haasan B'Day wishes to Shobana / Yash TOXIC Release Date/ Keerthy in Nithin film

Kamal Haasan after wishing Shobana on her 55th birthday has left for an unknown destination abroad and will be back on April 1st. Meanwhile Madras Talkies has announced that first single from Thug Life will be out Shobana and Mohanlal are working together in Thudarum the Malayalam film.

We had reported that Sai Pallavi does not have dates for Nithin’s Yellamma ( read; https://southfilmy.blogspot.com/2025/03/mahesh-babu-allu-arjun-shifts-to-dubai.html. Now Keerthy Suresh has stepped in. Yellamma will go on sets this May. The film will be made on a remarkable budget by Dil Raju

Dil Raju and Marcos Director Haneef Adani for a Telugu film. As everybody is saying that Dil Raju is planning a Pan India film and we don’t know whether Adani is the guy. Taran Adarsh wrote, "MARCO DIRECTOR HANEEF ADENI TO DIRECT DHARMA'S HIGH-OCTANE ACTION ENTERTAINER... #HaneefAdeni - the director of the recent commercial and critical #Malayalam smash hit #Marco - will direct #DharmaProductions' next film [untitled]. A high-impact action spectacle, the film will be made in #Hindi and multiple other languages.". Raju has bought the two Telugu States distribution of Empuran and he has posted that first day shows have al been booked.

Yash took to social media to announce the new release date of his upcoming action thriller Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, directed by Geetu Mohandas. The film is set to release on March 19, 2026. Yash Announces Toxic's NEW Release Date; Film To Clash With SLB's Love And War Ft Ranbir, Alia, Vicky KGF star Yash is gearing up to set the screen on fire with Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, is an intense action thriller directed by Geetu Mohandas. Shot in Kannada and English, the film is designed for a global audience. Initially set for April 2025, Toxic will now hit screens on March 19, 2026 - confirmed by Yash himself with a power-packed poster drop on Instagram. The announcement of Yash's upcoming film Toxic release date implies that the film will almost clash with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming film Love And War featuring Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. The film dives into Goa’s drug underworld, with Yash leading the charge. Kiara Advani plays his love interest, Nayanthara his sister, and Huma Qureshi the villain. An insider close to the project said to journalist Subhash K Jha, “Kiara is certainly not being paid Rs 15 crores. It’s ridiculous to even suggest such a figure.”

Vintage Lal- Shobana Thudarum for April 14 OTT / Allu Arjun adds Atlee to future project

Thudarum on Disney HotStar for Vishu ( April 14). The Ott platform had agreed to take the film as Vishu attraction and going by this the producers will release it in March. Initially it seems that Rajputra the Producers were in talks to release it directly on OTT. As the film skipped the January 30th release date, many speculated that OTT deal was not confirmed. The idea to release directly on OTT and forego the theatre collection was mooted as Disney was willing to offer a good price. Thudarum is marketed as a family drama and as the pair Lal and Shobana appearing as middle class strata of people. It looked like the ones that the pair ‘s hit films in late nineties. Insiders say that Director Tharun of Saudi Vellkaakka has woven in a suspense drama in the family entertainer. Lal has given the Producers the confidence to take the theatre route and then go for OTT. Fans are hoping to see the vintage Lal and Shobana.

Now Atlee moves to Allu Arjun as Salman Khan film will take time. Salman Khan is very much impressed with his cameo in Baby John a remake of Atlee After Pushpa 2, Arjun as made it clear that he was not going to stick to one project like Pushpa and was going to do multiple projects and that means he was open to hearing many Directors. In that category comes Atlee. Now Sun Pictures had committed to do a JV with Atlee and it was then Salman and now they are okay with Arjun. Arjun on his part is clear that he would not do a straight Hindi film and instead a Telugu film that would travel Pan India like Pushpa. Sukumar has taken a break from Pushpa franchise and next is Ram Charan. If the project comes through, this will be Sun Pictures first foray into Tollywood. About Atlee 6 with Salaman, source shared with Bollywood Hungama, “A6 is a period drama with reincarnation elements, and Atlee is planning to create a unique world. Salman is also excited to explore something fresh with Atlee and is all charged up to lose the weight too, as A6 requires him to have a certain kind of physique.” Thudarum on Disney HotStar for Vishu ( April 14). The Ott platform had agreed to take the film as Vishu attraction and going by this the producers will release it in March. Initially it seems that Rajputra the Producers were in talks to release it directly on OTT. As the film skipped the January 30th release date, many speculated that OTT deal was not confirmed. The idea to release directly on OTT and forego the theatre collection was mooted as Disney was willing to offer a good price. Thudarum is marketed as a family drama and as the pair Lal and Shobana appearing as middle class strata of people. It looked like the ones that the pair ‘s hit films in late nineties.

Rakul Preet Indian 2 cameo - Anirudh - SRK again- Jeethu- Fahadh - Lal- Shobana - Suriya- Pooja Hegde team up

Kamal Haasan trackers inform us that Rakul Preet Singh plays an IPS officer in Indian 2 and that her role comes into play in second half. That does not mean that she is just another cameo but something important like that of Alia Bhatt in RRR. The other day Kamal was Chief Guest at an event to mark 100th anniversary of D Ramanujam, Known as DR , the man who headed the State Exhibitors Associations for decades along with Chithamani Murugesan of Distributors Association were one time the undisputed trade leaders. Most striking factor was Kalaipuli Thanu was the event organizer and he was seen welcoming Kamal at the event. So What ? After Aalvaandhan , Producer Thanu and Kamal parted ways. It was a welcome scene to see both on same platform. The function was organized by Exhibitors Association represented by Paneerselvam of which Thanu is a member and also owns a multiplex. I as Screen weekly ‘s Special correspondent in Chennai had to keep a regular line to DR as he was not only the general secretary for a record 20 times of South Film Chamber of Commerce and so many times in film trade unions apex body FFI. At that time, Screen was the only trade weekly that was a common link to all film trade bodies across the country. He piloted an amendment to Copyright Act to curb video piracy. Later on he was struck with Parkinsons and still was at the helm. I live a few streets from Late DR home and I think of the days when plush latest cars of film producers lined in the street as the owners were inside grappling with release issues.

Will Anirudh do the mistake that A R Rahman did at the peak of his career ?. The news that Anirudh is on board for KING starring Shah Rukh Khan directed by Sujoy Gosh. It marks SRK daughter Suhana Khan debut. ARR at peak of his career with Tamil films shifted to Bollywood as bucks were big. Even his regular Directors and Producers in Kollywood were given a raw deal. After the Oscar, the Madras Mozart offers from Bollywood dried up. By that time, Anirush- D Imman- Haris Jayraj – G V Prakash had become Tamil music lovers favourites. It is with great difficulty that ARR picked up his Kollywood libks and got back with big banners. However, Anirudh is far ahead in terms of popularity charts and renumeration. If Anirudh balances work between Bollywood and Tamil- Telugu industries, he will not face plight of ARR who put the blame on the caucus that control Bollywood.

Yesterday we told about Ram film directed by Jeethu getting ready after the problems with producers solved, today we have a news – E4 is bankrolling a film with Jeethu and Fahadh Faasil. Fahadh already has signed a action film with S J Suryah as co- actor for a Vipin Das film. Meanwhile we learn that Shobana is pairing with Mohanlal after 15 years in Tharun Moorthy Directorial, The hit pair was last seen in Jackie Alias Sagar. Shobana is said to be in Rajini- Lokesh film. Now Director- actor Lal Jose posted a photo with Lokesh Kanagaraj. Is he acting in Rajinikanth’s Coolie ?. Yet another report is that Pooja Hegde is coming back to Tamil with Suriya – Karthik Subburaj film.

Dravidian parties made Kerala Actor Padma Award winners - Why Mammootty is still with Padma Shri ?

It was the two Dravidian politucak parties that gave Kerala's filmdom's big names the Padma Awards says a report with details. Mammootty's Left winger status has left him holding a Padma Shri since 1998. Read on to know that if it was not for Karunanidhi or Jayalalithaa and in another words a Sukumari or Cochin Haneefa that made Mallu actors and Gana Gardhavan tenure in Madrasi fruitful. According to a report, Mammootty and Mohanlal got their Padma Shri and Yesudas his Vibhushan after Tamil Nadu State Government recommended them. K S Chitra ( 2021)and Mohanlal (2009) received the Padma Bhushan awards after the practice of State Government recommending the names was stopped. It was Narendra Modi ministry that gave Chitra her Padma Bhushan and the first Manmohan Singh ministry with A K Antony and Vayalar Ravi from Kerala that got Lalettan his second honor and also was made Honorary Lt Col of Territorial Army. His name figured in Ram Ayodhya temple invitee list and he did not accept it and hence got dropped while drawing up Vibhushan list is what many feel. In 1998 Mammootty received the Padma Shri and in 2001 the same honour was bestowed on Mohanlal and much earlier in 1975 singer Yesudas got Padma Shri award and he got his Padma Vibhushan in 2017. All this was due to Tamil Nadu State Government. Kerala's Nayanar ministry in 1998 did not name Mammootty n their list. The Padma Vibhushan award is third highest civilian awards and Padama Vibhushan the second highest. The report surfaced after the names of Chiranjeevi for Padma Vibhushan and Mithun Chakraborty for Padma Bhushan was declared by Union Government. Kerala Opposition leader Satheesan attacked Union Government for not including Mammooty in the Padma list. Mammooty stayed with Padma Shri all this while while Mohanlal moved forward with Padma Bhushan. Mammootty is a left sympathizer and heads CPM TV Channel Kairali. Whenever Left has come to power in State, Congress ruled the Central Government . Yet another disclosure is that Malayali actors Sukumari (2003), Shobana( 2006) and Jayram in 2011 and singer Chithra in 2005 got the Padma Shri awards thanks to Tamil Nadu Government including them in their list. It was during the Governor’s rule in Tamil Nadu that Mammootty name got recommended and it means during a de-facto Congress Central Ministry. Ironically in Kerala it was a Left ministry led by E K Nayanar If Nayanar ministry had put up his name then Mammootty would have got dropped Yesudas was recommended by Karunanidhi ministry. Karunanidhi too was instrumental in Mohanlal getting his first Padma Award. Jayalalithaa put Sukumari, Chitra and Shobana in Padma Award lists. At that time it was widely known that Sukumari like Manorama had a close friendship with AMMA. It was Karunanidhi that put Jayram in Padma list and Cochin Haneefa was part of DMK’s Murosoli Movies. Yesudas name was included by Jayalalaithaa for Padma Bhushan in 2002 and Vibhushan in 2017 by then CM EPS who is today’s Opposition Leader.