Thalapathy Vijay for Madurai West / Parasakthi about Brothers not anti - Hindi - Sudha

 Thalapathy Vijay is eyeing the Madurai West constituency for being elected to Tamil Nadu Assembly in the coming polls. From this constituency MGR was first elected to the Assembly. Currently the seat is represented by AIADMK’s Sellur Raja. Popularly known as Termocol Raja, he won twice from Madurai West, considered an AIADMK bastion. However, Seemans NTK garnered 9 % of total votes polled and played spoilsport for DMK. Raja promises to turn Madurai into Sydney on becoming Minister in AIADMK ministry still remains unfulfilled.

It seems Revathi who played sister to Vijay in Thamizhan is now Mother to him in his last film Jana Nayagan. Bollywood – Hollywood actress Priyanka Chopra’s first Tamil film was Thamizhan.

Sudha Kongara Director Parasakthi the Sivakarthikeyan film has debuked media reports and first one is that the film is about Hindi imposition in Tamil Nadu. We never said it. It’s about two brothers. So we assume that the brothers are Sivakarthikeyan and Ravi Mohan. About L2 Empuran, Prithviraj saaaaaaaaid that politics is in the background but nothing political in it. Similarly the Hindi imposition agitation is in the background and the two brothers are having their feud at that time. So the leaked photos are justified. Second media report debunked. After Dwan Pictures Akash got raided by ED, Parasakthi is shelved. No. Heaar Sudha - There are about 40 more days of shoot left for Parasakthi. We're currently waiting for Sivakarthikeyan's schedule. He is shooting for Madhrasi in Sri Lanka. Once that wraps up, we’ll resume the remaining schedule for Parashakti.” .

Now Madharasi was completed and waiting for release and after Sikandar’s historic drubbing at Hindi box office, SK wanted a relook and so that is why fresh shooting in SL. Now third report- it is releasing opposite Thalapathy Vijay Jana Nayagan. Sudha says - We haven’t officially announced our release date yet. That decision is with the producer.”

Background info on Parasakthi - Parasakthi stars Sivakarthikeyan, Ravi Mohan (formerly known as Jayam Ravi), Atharvaa and Sreeleela. The music composed by GV Prakash.The film has garnered attention not only for its solid star cast but also for its title. Since the name Parasakthi was first associated with the iconic Sivaji Ganesan classic film, its reuse sparked controversy,

STR- Mani combo with LYCA - Sudha Kongara to film Vettai Naigal book

LYCA big time film is with STR- Mani Ratnam and another one with Sudha Kongara based on VettaiNaigal ; Read on:

STR52 - Mani Ratnam & Lyca:

• This script has been in discussions with STR and Ratnam even before Thug Life, and they plan on launching it in mid-2026.
• The film is an out and out Love Story. Rahman has been roped in no surprise here.
• Ratnam is going to do a Tamil-Telugu bilingual love story film with Naveen Pollishetty, while Simbu wraps up his commitments.
• They plan on releasing this film in late 2027. It is not a big budget film.
• 

Along with these films, STR53 has also been signed with Sudha Kongara and Hombale. This movie is a rooted one which takes place in North Madras- inspired by Vettai Naigal novel. Sudha about the book;

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Naran’s Vettai Naaigal.
A world rich and rooted in the seas and shores of Thoothukudi.

Having bought the rights to this marvellous story, I’m now Very very excited and eager to start on the screenplay of the novel…a journey that’s usually excruciating but exhilarating too.

I get to live a life through this film that I haven’t experienced before - a Film maker’s greatest reward!

And then the cherry on top will be the CASTING. Who will bring this to life ? 😊

STR53 is to be done with Jude Joesph, which is a massive scale film.

Also STR60 will be written, directed, and performed by Simbu- likely a spiritual sequel to Manmadhan. Script is finished. Yuvan has been roped in, and it looks like AGS wants to do it but STR first wants to lock in a deal with them for STR50.

Confirmed STR Projects

STR49 - Ramkumar Balakrishnan & Dawn:

• Shoot begins from June 16th, primarily happening inside a college.
• Simbu plays a college rowdy, and Santhanam has been roped in as the second lead. STR will be sporting shorter hair and a clean shave.
• The shoot stretches for 60 days and the film will get wrapped up with this.
• All songs are completed but vocals need to be recorded.
• They have locked in the Christmas 2025 date and are working towards it.

STR50 - Ashwath Marimuthu & AGS:

• Shoot begins from early September this year, and updates will flow in from August.
• The screenplay and dialogue work is in full flow and will be completed in Late July.
• The story is not a remake/adaptation, and Ashwath has made sure that it doesn’t have any similarities in terms of arcs and beats to his previous films.
• The heroine has been locked along with a few other cast members. Mrunal Thakur seems to be their choice, but this could also be false.
• The film will be released in June 2026; STR wants to release it on the 6th, as then all parts of the date align with the number 6- his Manmadhan number.

STR51 - Desingh Periyasamy & STR:

• The pilot promotional shoot for this film has been happening since the start of May, and it likely that it has almost been finished.
• They are looking to release this promotional video in early July to space it away from Thug Life release. It has also a lot of VFX and musical work towards it.
• This project has been pitched to AGS to co-produce with Simbu, and they have struck the following deal. If the STR51 team shows the completed pilot video to Netflix and they agree to buy the film, AGS will join in. If not they will discuss another plan.
• Shooting for this film is likely to begin in the first quarter of 2026. Simbu will grow his long hair again for this, so wig rumors aren’t true.
• Simbu plays the hero and villain in this periodic film. It will be different from other period films, it is purely character driven and features unique dance and action. He has been personally trained for these segments.
• The team is planning for a Pongal 2027 release, which they plan to announce in the promotional video in July.

 

 

 

Sikandar puts Sivakarthikeyan Madharasi under a cloud / Empuran replace Sikandar in INOX screens

We hear Salman has okayed Harish Shankar for his next but his current release Sikandar’s content has set Kollywood talking that the legendary ARM, (A R Murugadoss) has lost the game totally. Now this has cast a shadow on the film Madharasi that has Sivakarthikeyan known as SK. If ARM has done SK film like Sikandar, then SKK will lose his new found Tier 1 status post Amaran. Also if you dive back into the SK film career graph, he gives one hit and on an average two flops. This time, maybe Sudha Kongara might restrict it to one flop as she kind of gets all right commercial elements to keep the guys rooting in Parasakthi SK’s action films have failed like Velaikaran, Seema Raja, Hero. Also SK from Remo usually has the 1 hit 1 flop record. Like he gives a hit like Remo then gives 2 flops with Velaikaran and Seema Raja, gave another hit with Kanaa and again gave the ultra disaster Mr. Local, he hit the bullseye with the profitable Namma Veetu Pillai then Hero’s disastrous performance spoiled his mojo, he then came back in his strong comedy genre with the super hits Doctor and Don, then struck by the horrible performance of Prince. Finally he gave a profitable film with an unique superhero movie in Maaveeran and then got hit by the long delayed Ayalaan which flopped at the box office. Now he have an all time blockbuster Amaran so IDK what will happen to Madarasi. I have very less hope on that as the producers are not even concerned to give updates for the film. I have moved to Parasakthi which is looking very promising. (AROK’s comments on SK post Sikandar ) If SK puts Madharasi in the cold storage and makes Parasakthi the next release , he can escape the disaster in the making.

Mohanlal fans take cheer as Bollywood boxoffice worldwide says about Salman Khan Sikandar in Mumbai - PVR Orion Mall Panvel swapped Sikandar with the Malayalam film L2 Empuraan, starring Mohanlal. This film has been doing well in several locations. In South Mumbai, the John Abraham-starrer The Diplomat has taken over the 8:00 pm and 8:30 pm slots at Metro Inox and Inox Nariman Point. Yet another Bollywood record broken : The film has collected 175 Cr gross worldwide on the opening weekend, and it broke Chhaava’s record [155 Cr] and became the biggest weekend for Indian cinema this year.

Why Sudha Kongara wanted Parasakthi title ?

Reason for Sudha Kongara to go after title Parasakthi owned by AVM was that the film is centered on the anti Brahmin part of the anti- Hindi- Sanskrit imposition on Tamil Nadu Take the case of AVM using title Parasakthi ; aarguments for AVM's choice: • Symbolic Power: "Parasakthi" is a name with strong connotations of divine feminine power and can be interpreted as representing the fight against injustice and oppression, which aligns with the film's themes of social reform. • Artistic Expression: AVM may have chosen the title to highlight the film's bold and critical stance on societal issues, even if it was likely to generate controversy. Arguments against AVM's choice: • Misrepresentation Concerns: Critics argued that the film used the title "Parasakthi" while portraying certain aspects of the Brahmin community in a negative light, which could be seen as disrespectful to the deity. • Social Backlash: The film faced significant protests and calls for a ban due to its portrayal of societal issues, leading to accusations of misusing the title "Parasakthi".

Overall: • Historical Context: It's important to understand the socio-political climate of the time when the film was released, as the portrayal of certain communities in "Parasakthi" sparked intense debate. Sivakarthikeyan Parasakthi too has the anti- Brahminism thread. The agitation was marked by anti-Brahmin sentiments as the protesters believed Brahmins were attempting to impose Hindi and Sanskrit over Tamil. Despite the general anti-Brahminism of the agitation, a few Brahmins like Kanchi Rajagopalachari also participated in the movement. Could this be the reason for Suriya to back out ?. Meanwhile some have attacked Suriya for not accepting Sudha film, there is a news that Mammootty is going to produce the next Suriya film as a super hero and directed by Malayalam director Basil Joseph. We had reported that Basil is to direct a film in Hindi. he Sudha Kongara directional consists of 5 amazing songs, and the interesting thing is, that 2 of them are already shot. The first schedule of shooting happened in Chennai, the second schedule at Puducherry, third schedule at Chidambaram. The entire shoot is planned to be wrapped by July 2025. AVM has officially given sanction for the title but Vijay Antony says that he has the title registered with South Indian Film chamber. In that case the title has not been renewed by AVM. Is the bust of Sivaji in AVM still at the place where the Tamil hilm was first launched ?

Bad Girls produced by Vetrimaaran continues to be targeted by pro Brahmin group. .

Imagine Manju Warrier as Janu in 96 - Shane Nigam in Tamil- S J Suryah in SRK film - Sudha to Produce SRK film

If Manju Warrier was reachable to Director Prem, would we have got our Janu of 96 ? Even Manju thinks that she could not think of anyone else but Trisha in the role of Janu in the iconic 96. It was a recall by Manju at Footage film promo . She said that Prem Kumar and his team tried to contact her for Janu role and they could not and also they were facing date issues and finally decided to go in for Trisha as Janu. When she was cast for Viduthalai, Prem Kumar had messaged her about the lost effort to get her on board.

In fact Janu and her yellow churidhar became a rage and It was a hit during Diwali. This costume was designed by Subhasree who is a NID Ahmedabad product and it was her first for a movie and that too as the Director was her friend. Manju said that offers are coming more from Tamil. She is playing wife to Rajinikanth in Vettaiyan and said working with Jai Bhim Director T J Gaananvel was an altogether a big excitement. She finished Vetrimaran Viduthalai 2.

Shane Nigam debut Tamil film Madraskarran teaser is out. The film has Kalaiarasan and Niharika in the lead and Vali Mohandas directs it with Sam C S music.

Yet another cross-industry actor is S J Suryah and he is on board for SRK’s King, is latest news. Not only for South actors who play villain in Bollywood get paid huge amounts but see Sanjay Dutt. He got Rs 9 crores for KGF 2 , Rs 8 crores for Vijay’s Leo and Rs 15 crores for Telugu Double iSmart. He is now in Kannada’s Dhruv Sarja KD The DEVIL and we have no clue what his fees are .

Sudha Kongara is co- producing her film with Sivakarthikeyan as hero under the banner of Meenakshi Cinemas and KVN Productions is other producer. KVN is producer of Dhruv Sarjja KD The Devil. AGS was to produce this film. The film subject was written with Suriya and as he did not agree with the content, it has changed the hero. Film is about a real life character who was in forefront of anti – Hindi agitation in 60’s.

Rajamouli son produces two Fahadh Faasil films

When S S Rajamouli son wants to turn Producer m he plumps for a Fahad Faazil film and not one but two films. Dad Rajamouli also gives a few details of his film with Mahesh Babu. Back home, Suriya and Sudha Kongara film gets delayed. Illaiyaraaja biopic is finally ready for take off. Karthikeya before signing Faazil had just now struck gold with Telugu dubbed version of Premalu. Buoyed by the confidence gained from the blockbuster success of Premalu, SS Karthikeya is venturing into production and has announced two of his upcoming projects in association with Arka Media Works, the famed producers of India's pride and joy, the Baahubali franchise. The phenomenal producer Shobu Yarlagadda will be joining hands with SS Karthikeya to produce these exciting projects, with global sensation SS Rajamouli presenting these films. The versatile actor Fahadh Faasil, one of the key producers of Premalu, will be playing the lead role in both films. One of them, an inspiring friendship subject titled "Oxygen," will be directed by debutant Siddharth Nadella, and the other, a thrilling fantasy story titled "Don't Trouble the Trouble," will be helmed by debutant Shashank Yeleti. Both of these projects are unique and content-rich films. Arka Media have delivered movies in varied genres including ‘Vedam’, ‘Maryada Ramana’, ‘Anagana Oka Dheerudu’ and Panjaa before ‘Baahubali’ catapulted them onto the world stage and popularized the banner all over. SS Karthikeya revealed the news about the upcoming projects while writing a heartfelt gratitude note to the Telugu audience for making Premalu a blockbuster hit. He wrote, "Premalu! Thank you MY Telugu Audience for the endless love you all have given my first film as a distributor!! It has reassured my belief that good cinema knows no language barriers! Loved every aspect of distributing this film, checking footfalls, celebrating the sale of every ticket and the feeling of a house full theatre. This was the exact high I experienced during the Oscars around the same time last year." He also wrote, "Two years ago, while working on an inspiring friendship subject with debutant Siddharth Nadella, another thrilling fantasy story suddenly came to light from debutant Shashank Yeleti, which equally excited us. However, we never thought both would go to the same actor for both scripts, and he would agree during the first narration itself. The man I have adored for so long, the epitome of versatility, the unmatched Fahadh Faasil. I love you so much, sir. This is our #Premalu to you. Thank you Shobu garu, for all the encouragement and for joining hands with me on this journey." Officially;;y Sudha Kongara has announced that her film with Suriya is not happening now as she says a lot more needs to be done. We know that the film title is Purananooru. Now we are told that His next that Surita 43 will be with R Ravikumar who directed Netru Naalai and it is crime thriller, backed by Dram Warrior. Before this Suriya will move to Vetriimaaran Vaadivaasal. Kanguva trailor release is over and ready for Tamil New Year release.

Suriya - Sudha film story line - Lal Salaam - Ayalaan deserts Pongal

The revelation of Suriya 43 title by 2D Entertainments and Meenakshi Cinemas to mark the coming together of Sudha Kongara and Suriya and music director G V Prakash’s 100th film has confirmed that the film is about the anti Hindi riots that rocked Madurai in particular during the 1965 January 25th when students and Congress workers clashed and sparked of a State wide agitation. Present Tamil Nadu CM Stalin and DMK Youth wing were in the forefront and it also included actor Vijaykant who was then a student. What we get to see is a partially masked title – Purananooru and it is said that the masked words are 1965. Purananooru is an anthology of poems about the rulers of Sangam ages. The most popular of them is Yaadum Oore Yaavarum Kelir. Tamil poem from Purnanooru, Undaal Amma Ivvulagam, written by he ancient king of the Sangam era, Kadalul Maaindha Ilamperuvazhudhi. The poem உண்டால் அம்ம, இவ்வுலகம் – இந்திரர்; Translated in English : There are people … Who don’t partake anything alone – even Ambrosia from the Gods, Who feel neither feel anger nor resentment Who fear evils that the other men fear but never mull over them or sleep over them Who embrace martyrdom for honour Who do not accept the choicest gifts of the world- if tarnished Who are tireless in working for the welfare of others without a care for personal glory And – it is because of people like this that this world lives and flourishes. The fall out of the riots and agitation was that Kamaraj who is even considered as a model CM lost the 1967 polls to a revolutionary student leader Seenivasan. Seenivasan defeated Kamaraj in his home town Virudhunagar and was three times MLA and also Deputy Speaker. If Sudha’s film is about this leader, then there is interesting aspect. Seenivasan defeated Ayyappan the Congress candidate and known to us as screen Diva Sridevi’s father. Seenivasan ended up from DMK to Congress and when he died , he was AIADMK man. According to historians, the constituency had Kamaraj caste members Nadars and equal number of Naidus. Nadras were divided lot with Daily Dhinathanthi supporting DMK. We will have to wait to hear from Sudha on this. Source of translation : https://myanasworth.wordpress.com/tag/purananooru-english-translation/

More films seem to be deserting Pongal 2024 as far as Kollywood is concerned. Latest we hear is that Lal Salaam with Rajinikanth in a cameo is shifting to January 26th and Sivakarthikeyan’s Ayalaan is moving to March. Ayalaan producer is facing a court case over financial dues and Lal Salaam is moving as they cannot find any decent number of screens in two Telugu speaking States. Captain Miller too is likely to bow out for same reason. In all probability, Sundar C Aramananai sequel might come on Pongal if the biggies drop out. March will see Thangalaan too as they too are feeling the AP/ TS theatre crunch.

Dato Malik arrest scare Tamil filmdom - Kamal Haasan MNM selects areas to contest and Dulquer in Suriya film

Tamil filmdom especially actors and production houses are worried after Dato Malik was areested by Malaysian Police for money laundering and funding terror groups.

Red Giant bags Jawan - Body double and CG for Vivek and Nedumudi - Suriya B' Day gift

Red Giant Movies' upcoming release is "Rajikanth Jailer," set to hit theaters in August. Additionally, they have acquired the Tamil and Hindi theatrical rights for "Jawan," a film starring Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, and Vijay Sethupathu, for Tamil Nadu. The company's most recent release, "Maaveeran," featuring Sivakarthikeyan, achieved significant success, earning Rs 50 crores worldwide in just five days, with Rs 34 crores coming from India alone. Some of Red Giant Movies' past blockbuster releases include "Thunivu" starring Ajith, "Dada" starring Kavin, "PS 2," and "Mammannan." The founder and owner of the company, Udhaynidhi, who is also a State minister, has decided to pass the baton to his successor and has announced his departure from the film industry. Vijay Sethupathi was offered a staggering sum of Rs 21 crore for his role in the movie "Jawan" alongside Shah Rukh Khan. When asked about his payment for the film "Jawan," Vijay Sethupathi revealed that he would have done it for free as it was his lifelong dream to act with SRK. He also lent his voice to Sivakarthikyan's film "Maaveeran," where the producers, Arun Vishwa, expressed their gratitude by prominently featuring his name, and it's said that Vijay Sethupathi refused any payment, considering it a favor for his friend SK. Vijay Sethupathi has an exciting lineup of films, which includes "Merry Christmas," "Gandhi Talks," "Maharaja," "VJS 51," and "Viduthalai 2," among others. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions for him to take up significant roles in "KH 233," "Sardar 2," and "RC 16."

During the one-year hiatus in shooting Indian 2, unfortunate events occurred as both Vivek and Nedumudi Venu passed away. To preserve their contributions to the film, some crucial scenes featuring these late actors had already been captured. However, Director Shankar faced the challenge of potentially burdening the team with reshooting these scenes with different actors. Therefore, he made the decision to incorporate Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) to portray Vivek and Nedumudi in the movie. Through the magic of CGI, both actors will be seen in certain scenes, allowing their presence to be preserved. For Nedumudi Venu, a body double resembling him in physique and gait from the Malayalam film industry has been used. The actor is Nandu Poduval.

On July 23, actor Suriya will celebrate his 48th birthday, and on this occasion, an announcement will be made regarding his next project with director Sudha Kongara. This collaboration comes after their successful venture "Soorai Pottru" (SP). Additionally, Suriya will once again team up with G V Prakash for this gangster drama, which is reportedly based on real-life incidents. The movie will be produced under the banner of 2D Entertainment, the actor's home production company. Presently, Sudha Kongara is occupied with the shooting of the Hindi remake of "Soorai Pottru" with Akshay Kumar, while Suriya's upcoming commitments include the film directed by Veterimaaran after he wraps up filming for "Ganguvaa."

No stay on Hindi remake of Suriya's Soorarai Pottru - Madras High Court

  

Suriya's 2D Entertainment  stance that it had no agreement to remake the film with erstwhile partners Sikhya Entertainment and it was limited to procuring the rights of the novel from them to do the film was accepted by the Madras High Court who had issued a stay on the Hindi remake. Sikhya had filed for a stay saying that the film cannot be remade without their permission as they are partners.  2D had paid Rs 3 crores for the rights held by Sikhya .

According to sources, 2D Entertainment had pleaded that it had paid Sikhya Entertainment a huge sum for facilitating the acquisition of the rights of the book “Simply Fly” from Captain Gopinath, apart from the actual rights money paid by 2D Entertainment.

Soorarai Pottru, directed by Sudha Kongara, emerged as a blockbuster. It was screened at the 78th Golden Globe Awards and the Academy awards 2020. It also went on to become the most watched regional language film in the history of Amazon Prime Video in India. The film is also currently the third highest rated film on IMDb and has a rating of 9.1, only behind The Shawshank Redemption and The Godfather. The film won the best film and best actor awards at the IFF Melbourne recently.

The highly acclaimed film's Hindi version is to be directed by Sudha Kongara who also helmed the original. In July this year, 2D Entertainment had announced its partnership with Abundantia Entertainment to produce the film’s remake in Hindi, work on which will resume in full swing now.

'Soorarai Pottru' ( Udaan on Amazon Prime) remade in Hindi for Big Screen

2D Entertainment and Abundantia Entertainment ( Vidya Balan's Sherni)  today announced joining hands to remake the globally applauded ‘Soorarai Pottru’ (Praise the brave). Soorarai Pottru is an emotional and impactful story of Nedumaaran Rajangam or “Maara”, played by Suriya, The film already a massive hit in Amazon Prime ( Premiere) and dubbed in various languages, it is titled Udaan in the Hindi dubbed version on OTT. The film was partly inspired by events from the life of Air Deccan founder Capt. G.R. Gopinath. It was among the ten Indian films to be screened under the Best Foreign Film category at the 78th Golden Globe Awards and was also sent for screening at the 93^rd Academy Awards. ‘Soorarai Pottru’ made history by being the only Indian film to be ranked third on IMDb highest rated films list, with a rating of 9.1, only behind two legendary films – Shawshank Redemption (1994) and The Godfather (1972). While the casting for the Hindi remake is yet to be finalised, the director of the original, Sudha Kongara, will be directing the Hindi remake as well. Vikram Malhotra-led Abundantia Entertainment and 2D Entertainment led by Suriya, Jyotika Sadanah and Rajsekar Pandian will be partnering on the Hindi film.

Abundantia  recently released Vidya Balan starrer Sherni, Shakuntala Devi, Airlift or Toilet: Ek Prem Katha have always chosen realistic themes.