Not HouseFull 5 but Sivaji's Vasantha Maligai and Mammootty- Mohanlal Harikrishnan had TWO ENDINGS

Housefull 5A and 5B: Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh starrer hit the theatres on June 6. During the trailer launch, producer Sajid Nadiadwala claimed that this approach of two endings is unprecedented, but netizens quickly debunked this by referencing the 1998 Malayalam film Harikrishnan, which also offered two endings, 27 years ago. Similarly Vasantha Maligai the Sivaji Ganesan film released in September 1972 had two endings.

Many netizens are pointing out Harikrishnans as the first to try two endings but it was not so. As a Sivaji Rasikar Manram fan club member in Thiruvanthapuram, I remember waiting for the print to come. As the custom, Sivaji film opened in two theatres within a one km radius. We felt very sad to see the Thespian die in the climax – heartbroken. Soon in two days we got news that a new ending has been shot and it is coming. In the happy ending- Sivaji is hospitalized and is welcomed back by his lover and ends with the hit song -Mayakkamenna.

Now fan club members were divided and so one theatre showed the sad ending and other the happy ending. The reason was that Tamil Nadu Sivaji fans could not digest the sad ending. Later as a journalist when I met Sivaji , I told him that I was his official fan club member, He asked me which film  I liked most- without waiting to think I told him Vasantha Maligai. He shot back – Kudikara payal- Drunkard boy. I seen it atleast 14 times in first run and fun was alternating between sad and happy. Years later the film got released in Manadeveli Theatres – Kabali. I saw it there too.

Coming to Malayalam , the two endings for Harikrishnan was that single heroine Juhi Chawla in the climax chooses Mohanlal over Mammootty. It was said that  forNorthern Kerala, climax was changed to please Mammootty fans. I also heard that  the film was a commercial success, the two endings also led to some controversy. According to Wikipedia, only the Mohanlal version was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for censorship approval, and the board sent a notice to the producer after both versions were released Director was Fazil and he only discovered Mohanlal and at same time close to Mammootty.

However, Mammootty gave  a different version. He said that the idea was to screen the film with two endings in two theatres in same city and have both run housefull. When the prints got coming to Kerala, the Mammootty getting girl went to theatres from Ernakulam to North Kerala and Lal climax to South and Central Kerala. Hde was trying to play down the North- South divide. IF two prints  for two  theatre were marker per city and one print was playing , then where did other print go ? It was the print box film reel era and not the Qube
 

Nag's son love story with older woman and marriage / Assam Actress and Martial Arts expert in Prithviraj film

 

Akhil Nagarjuna ‘s marriage to Zainab Ravdjee

 Who is 9 years older than him has send many searching to know who is this girl and how did this happen ?

Who is Zainab Ravdjee?

Zainab Ravdjee is far from just a celebrity bride. A celebrated contemporary artist and self-taught perfumer, she has steadily carved her path, independent of the film world. Known for her abstract and vividly expressive artwork, Zainab has exhibited in both domestic and international art spaces.

Her father, Zulfi Ravdjee, is a leading industrialist known for his pioneering work in the construction sector. Her brother, Zain Ravdjee, heads ZR Renewable Energy Pvt Ltd, a rising name in sustainable energy solutions. Zainab is widely recognised for her abstract and vibrant paintings, drawing inspiration from her time living in Dubai, London, and India. Her multicultural exposure has shaped a distinct artistic voice, one that blends traditional techniques with digital design and modern elements. Her work has been showcased in several exhibitions, including her acclaimed solo show titled Reflections in Hyderabad. Her creative journey even includes a brief but notable foray into acting. Zainab appeared in MF Hussain’s art-house film Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities, a rare experience that bridged her art with cinema.

Zainab's blog about skincare and wellness

Zainab’s creativity extends into the world of skincare and wellness. She runs a lifestyle blog and Instagram account under the name @onceupontheskin, where she shares beauty tips, product reviews, and skin nourishment advice. While she maintains a low personal profile online, her blog has become a quiet favourite among skincare enthusiasts who appreciate her thoughtful, results-driven recommendations.

4. Akhil and Zainab's love story

Zainab and Akhil Akkineni are known to have been in a relationship for a few years before getting engaged. Their bond is said to be grounded in mutual respect and shared values. When the couple got engaged, Akhil announced it with a heartfelt post on Instagram, saying, “Found my forever. Happy to announce that Zainab Ravdjee and I are happily engaged.”

Assam Martial artist & Actor Nabanita Chowdhary Joined in Nobody! Starring Prithviraj. Prithviraj Sukumaran and Parvathy Thiruvothu are starring in a new Malayalam film titled "Nobody," directed by Nissam Basheer and written by Sameer Abdul. The film, which started filming on April 9th in Ernakulam, is described as an emotionally charged narrative with mystery, according to a Times of India report. The cast also includes Ashokan, Madhupal, and others. 

Key Details about the Film:

• Title: Nobody
• Director: Nissam Basheer
• Writer: Sameer Abdul
• Stars: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Ashokan, Madhupal, and others
• Production: Prithviraj Productions and E4 Entertainment
• Music: Harshavardhan Rameshwar
• Other Details: The film was launched with a pooja ceremony in Ernakulam. It is described as a mix of suspense and strong character arcs.
• Filming Start: April 9, 2025, in Kochi. 

 

 

 

Thug Life reviews hit at Mani Ratnam Direction - As Producers Duo are SAFE

 

Even Influencers who were celeberated as Thugfluencers  by Kamal- Mani combo ,seem to have washed their hands after seeing Thug Life. The box office collection from theatres goes direct into the pockets of Mani Ratnam and Kamal , as the entire cost of Rs 200 crores has been got from non theatrical rights. In short, Madras Talkies and RajKamal will have nothing to worry. The opening day gross is Rs 8 crores from Tamil Nadu. In all other areas the film has been given on a distribution basis – an amount has been collected as advance and if the distributor share falls below it , shortfall will be returned. The only loss is Mani’s reputation as a Director while Kamal the Actor esteem is untouched. Biggest beneficiary is STR as his acting skills have been showcased.

As a critic based in Chennai for decades , I have never seen Mani being so brutally attacked by reviewers online . When Indian 2 was heavily trolled, I saw it as a disappointment as it was a poor sequel to a iconic film. Shankar too was hit badly. Mani ,ost films that were not blockbusters and just about average was not subjected to such harsh criticism. The general consensus in reviews is that Mani has lot the plot and that it is too outdated and very confusing. From not fleshing out characters and extending out scenes, all that a Director should not do has been attributed to him.

In contrast Bollywood sites have been generous with their praise of the film and talking about goosebump moments.  The Chennai based The Hindu wrote : Despite an excellent Kamal Haasan, a restrained Silambarasan TR, great production design and superb cinematography, Mani Ratnam’s film is a generic gangster drama that makes you grope in the dark for its beating heart

Thug Life is a gangster crime drama with stretches so generic and cold that you might wonder if it was really the filmmaker at the helm.

Most happiest person is Khushbu Sundar. Her daughter Ananditha name figured in list of Mani;s Assistants in the film credits. It seems Khushbu’s daughter worked for a few days and left as she sprained her ankle. Ananditha was photographed with Kamal and Mani at film pooja and it was speculated that she was appearing on screen but now it seems that it was AD to Mani.

 

Soori 's Maaman Rs 14.10 Crore or almost 115% Profit :/ Deepika role cut in Kalki 2

 

Budget:-

Salaries - ₹6.81 Crore

Soori - ₹ 3 Crore plus Story Remake Rights

Aishwarya Lekshmi -₹ 1 Crore (₹ 4 Lakh a day for 27 days )

Swasika - ₹ 26 Lakh

Raj Kiran - ₹ 60 Lakh

Other Salaries - ₹ 65 Lakh

Technician Salaries - ₹ 90 Lakh

Director Salary - ₹ 10 Lakh

Music Director Salary - ₹ 30 Lakh Expenses plus 25% Audio Rights

Production - ₹5.60 Crore

Production Costs - ₹ 4.60 Crore

Print & Publicity costs - ₹ 1 Crore

Total - ₹12.41 Crore

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Pre Release Business :-

TN Theatrical Rights - ₹ 9 Crore (Flat)

ROSI Theatrical Rights - ₹ 1.90 Crore (Flat)

North India Dubbing Rights - Not Sold Yet (A/o 31 May)

OTT & Satellite Rights - ₹ 12.50 Crore Flat Rights by Zee

Music Rights - ₹ 1.75 Crore (Flat) by Think Music

FMS Rights - ₹ 1.36 Crore (Singapore, Malaysia and Oceania)

Total - ₹ 26.51 Crore

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Post Release

TN Theatrical Gross - ₹ 39.89 Crore

TN Theatrical Nett - ₹ 32.17 Crore

Theatrical Share - ₹ 16.09 Crore

Distributor Share - ₹ 16.08 Crore

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Profit to Producer = ₹26.51 Crore - ₹12.41 Crore = ₹ 14.10 Crore or almost 115% Profit

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Profit to Distributor = ₹16.08 Crore - ₹ 9 Crore = ₹ 7.08 Crore or almost 80%

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Lark Productions made a 115% Profit and Distributor made a 80% Profit in Tamilnadu

Bumper Profits!!!

So the Film is a definite Superhit

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Note :- Lark Productions is believed to be owing Soori ₹8 Crore as his share of profits for both Garudan and Maaman

This could be an extra ₹8 Crore as part of profit share or inclusive of his salaries for both films

Deepika Padukone 8 hour shift denabd that led to her exit from Prabhas Spirit is not first instance.. In Kalki too this was an issue and now in the sequel her role would be reduced. The makers of Kalki also suffered as the actress took long hours for makeup and changeovers. “The actress never really worked effectively five hours a day,” a source in the Kalki unit told us. “If taking care of the Baby is the issue, she should have asked for a Baby-Sitter of her choice. She should have asked for shooting all her portions at a stretch to avoid traveling, accomodation and travel arrangements for the Baby and the Caretaker. Curtailing work hours makes no sense, they added.

They are now worried she would impose even worse conditions for the Sequel. A reliable source to Kalki team tells us that Nag Ashwin is looking ways to curtail her character to bare minimum or even ways to avoid her completely in the Second Part by tweaking the story a bit.

Read at: https://www.m9.news/movienews/m9inside-deepika-padukone-to-lose-kalki-2/

Kamal to meet Karnataka Chamber before June 10 - No Release in Karnataka

 Thug Life will not release in Karnataka on June 5^th as Kamal Haasan will meet Karnataka Film Chamber office bearers on June 10^th. Earlier in the day, Kamal wrote a letter to KFCC, clarifying his remark, where he said that he did not mean to "diminish Kannada in any way" and only wanted to convey that everyone is from one family. However, since Kamal did not express an apology through the letter, the court has decided to put a pause on the Mani Ratnam directorial release, and a legal representative of the production banner Raaj Kamal Films International did not insist on it either until Kamal's meeting with KFCC next week.

  Kamal Haasan's production house, Raaj Kamal Films International, told the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday that the actor is keen on entering into a dialogue with Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) to explain his recent controversial comment about Kannada, which had triggered calls to boycott his upcoming film Thug Life in Karnataka [Raajkamal Films International v. State of Karnataka].

Appearing before a Bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna, the counsel representing Raaj Kamal Films said that it would not be insisting on the release of Thug Life in Karnataka until then.

It was also argued that since Haasan has not said anything bad about the Kannada, there is nothing to apologise for.

However, earlier today, the Court criticised Haasan's comment, and added that he should ideally apologise to put the controversy to rest. Haasan's counsel, Senior Advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, was asked to take instructions on whether the actor would like to apologise.

When the matter was heard again this afternoon, Chinnappa replied that the actor's statements were not borne out of malice and that he had already written a letter to the KFCC's chairman earlier today to explain that he has high regard for the Kannada language.

Haasan has made a sincere statement on the matter to the KFCC and would like to enter into a dialogue with KFCC to explain his stance and put the issue to rest, Chinnappa told the Court.

He added that there was nothing in Haasan's statement for him to apologise for and that he should not be compelled to make such a statement.

"Not compulsion, that is the grace that he should have. Why beating around the bush? ... There are many ways of clarifying, but only one way of seeking apology," Justice Nagaprasanna remarked, in turn.

"It was his stand that he has the utmost respect for the language," Chinnappa replied.

"We will accept it, you have written so (in the letter to KFCC)," the judge noted.

"Then there is nothing more to be done," Chinnappa said.

The Court, however, questioned if this has become a matter of ego.

"It may be Kamal Haasan. But sentiments of masses of State has been undermined. You should understand the magnitude of the problem. Your statement can solve everything," Justice Nagaprasanna remarked.

Chinnappa disagreed, saying it is not a matter of ego. He went on to submit that even if the country is divided on linguistic lines, India remains one and that India's unity is more important than a film's release.

"Languages may be many, country is still one," Justice Nagaprasanna agreed.

However, the judge also observed that the entire controversy can be resolved if the actor apologises for any sentiment he may have hurt with this statement.

Chinnappa eventually said that he is not pressing for the petition's prayer of police protection for the film's release today. Rather, Chinnappa said that Haasan is looking to have a dialogue with KFCC on the issue first.

"He (Haasan) said, the art can wait, the film release also can wait... Lordship may adjourn by one week," Chinnappa urged.

Manjumel Boys unbeatable by Thudarum / Kamal moves High Court for Karnataka screening

Thudarum enjoyed a historic run at the Indian box office and even crossed the 100 crore net collection in the Malayalam version alone. However, it failed to beat the all-time blockbuster Manjummel Boys. For those who don’t know, Manjummel Boys amassed 130.25 crore net in the Malayalam version, becoming the film with the highest net collection in Malayalam.

Thudarum had an opportunity to surpass it, but it couldn’t get there. Currently, the Mohanlal starrer’s Malayalam collection stands at 118.06 crore net. From here, it won’t cover much of a distance, heading to close its run below or around 120 crores.

Crosses 237 crore gross at the worldwide box office

In India, the crime thriller has earned 143.31 crore gross so far. In the overseas market, it has earned 93.80 crore gross. Combining the Indian and overseas gross, the 37-day worldwide box office collection stands at a whopping 237.11 crore gross.

Worldwide collection breakdown:

• India net – 121.45 crores
• India gross – 143.31 crores
• Overseas gross – 93.80 crores
• Worldwide gross – 237.11 crores
• As Thudarum nears the end of its theatrical run and makes its streaming debut, it has also earned a coveted spot on Letterboxd’s Top 50 list. It’s a rare feat for an Indian film to find a place in the Auckland-based film platform’s global rankings. Thudarum is not the only Indian film to make it to the Letterboxd Top 50 list. The list includes two more Indian titles: the Marathi-language romantic drama Cactus Pears (Rank 41) and the widely acclaimed Tamil comedy drama Tourist Family (Rank 6).

   As Karnataka Distributor of Thug Life promised Film Chamber that Kamal on arriving in India from Dubai where the film promotion is going on would issue a statement that will pacify Kannada groups Kamal Haasan on Monday moved to the Karnataka High Court, seeking release of his upcoming movie Thug Life in the state on June 5.This came after the actor's upcoming film, Thug Life directed by Mani Ratnam, faced trouble in Karnataka after the actor's recent remark on the Kannada language sparked anger among local groups, including the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), which has banned the film's release until the actor issues a public apology.

Kamal Haasan appealed to the court to restrain the government, police department and Film Chamber of Commerce from stopping the screening of the movie and petitioned to provide proper security for the movie screening.Meanwhile, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Kamal Haasan to apologise, stating that failure to comply will result in his movie being banned from release in Karnataka.

As Karnataka Distributor of Thug Life promised Film Chamber that Kamal on arriving in India from Dubai where the film promotion is going on would issue a statement that will pacify Kannada groups Kamal Haasan on Monday moved to the Karnataka High Court, seeking release of his upcoming movie Thug Life in the state on June 5.This came after the actor's upcoming film, Thug Life directed by Mani Ratnam, faced trouble in Karnataka after the actor's recent remark on the Kannada language sparked anger among local groups, including the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), which has banned the film's release until the actor issues a public apology.

Kamal Haasan to move CCI on Karnataka BAN ?

 Will Kamal Hasan move the Competetive Comission of India CCI against the Kernataka Film Chamber banning Thug Life ? A similar ban was issued by Tamil Nadu exhibitors against Viswaroopam as Kamal was planning to release the film on DTH along with Theatres.

In 2013, Kamal Haasan's film Vishwaroopam was the subject of a complaint filed with the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The issue stemmed from the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association opposing the film's planned release on a DTH platform before theatrical release. This opposition was seen as potentially anti-competitive, as it could limit the choice of release methods for filmmakers. 

Elaboration:

• The Complaint:

Kamal Haasan's production company, Rajkamal Films International, filed a complaint with the CCI against the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association. 

• The Issue:

The association threatened not to screen Vishwaroopam if it was released on DTH before theatrical release. 

• CCI Investigation:

The CCI found a prima facie case of potential anti-competitive practices and referred it for investigation by its Director General. The DG was ordered to complete the investigation within 60 days. 

• Potential Impact:

The CCI noted that the association's decision, if implemented, could stifle innovation in film release methods and hurt both producers and consumers. 

• Final Outcome:

The case was eventually resolved through a compromise/settlement between the parties, with the parties filing the memorandum of compromise with the CCI. The CCI then had the opportunity to consider the compromise and make appropriate orders, which could include accepting it, modifying it, or rejecting it. 

Thug Life ticket bookings opened in India/Overseas: Except Karnataka

The film is getting released this Thursday in theatres, and the overseas advance bookings opened a few days back, and today all India advance bookings opened for the film. Even in Telugu, the movie’s advance bookings have opened.

But Karnataka is still waiting, as Thug Life Tickets/Bookings did not start there. As said above, the ongoing issue because of Kamal’s statement has affected the film. We need to see how this issue will resolve.

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) clearly said that without an apology from Kamal, the film will not be screened in their state.