Hindi

‘Kabali’… For loyal fans only

Published

10 years ago

July 22, 2016

MUMBAI: One might wonder what exactly does ‘Kabali’ mean? But who cares what it means literally—as long as Rajinikanth portrays the role of Kabali, that itself gives the word and the film a meaning. A Rajini film has to have action. It must make him look infallible, a larger than life human being. It must project him as a family loving and caring man. The film should also project his philanthropic side and as a man who is always ready to do his bit for the downtrodden and suppressed.

While Kabali makes sure to incorporate all these (from what could be gathered from its Hindi dubbed version), it also has to keep in mind that Rajini is in his mid-60s and his action has to be so designed as to not show his age. The makers also need to keep in mind the fact that the recent Rajini films have not quite met with the expectations of his fans and, hence, of the box office. To give the film a more universally acceptable look and feel, the story and all the action takes place in Malayasia.

As the film opens, Rajini is being set free from a jail after serving a 25-year sentence. And, you lose half the confidence in your super hero for as far as you are concerned, he is not the kind to be locked up behind cell doors!

There was a gang war where a huge massacre was taking place but, when the police arrive, Rajini is caught red-handed while his opponents vanished from the scene just in time to avoid being caught. Now that Rajini is coming out, it is time to resume the gang wars. Rajini has made it to this status from a union leader at a rubber plantation where circumstances made him take to crime. Mainly, he had to safeguard his own Dalit people. He starts with breaking taboos by dressing up in a smart suit and shoes. That is his idea of defiance.

Rajini’s mentor, Naser, is killed by the Chinese gangsters because while the Chinese indulged in drugs and flesh trade, Naser was against it. Rajini takes over his place to continue the crusade. Meanwhile, Rajini also wants to avenge the deaths of his wife, Radhika Apte, and daughter, Dhansika who was yet to born.

The first half of the film passes with little happening save for a couple of gang shootouts as both parties take turns to raid their opponent. It is at the close of first half that Rajini meets the daughter he presumed dead. She is a grown up lady now who has been shadowing her father with an intent to protect him if need be.

As the second half starts, most parts are devoted to reuniting the family after which, the Chinese gang resumes its attacks. Each time, Rajini either manages to survive or outsmart the enemy. This goes on till the final showdown where, at a terrace party, Rajini is caught unarmed and alone. But, as it turns out, he is not alone and most of those around pretending to be the catering staff at the party are his men! The crossfire starts and you can’t make out who is shooting who, nor do you care. The last duel between the Chinese villain, Winston Chao (a Taiwanese actor) and Rajini also avoids hand to hand which used to be the hero’s forte. After all, you can’t challenge age. Our audience love Pakistan-bashing and, with this movie, it seems they will also come to love some Chinese bashing!

Kabali is all about Rajinikanth and nothing else. The script is routine while the direction is patchy. Dialogue loses much of its appeal and claps in Hindi as do songs. Photography is good. Performances are okay.

Kabali created hype and expectations being a Rajinikanth movie. The Hindi audience has never cared much for his stardom even if the media keeps painting him on par with top actors in Hindi. Kabali will go down as just another dubbed South movie after a couple of days’ curious watchers, mainly the South Indian pockets in rest of India.

Producer: Kalaipuli S. Thanu.
Director: Pa. Ranjith.
Cast: Rajinikanth, Winston Chao, Radhika Apte, Dhansika.

Related Topics:Dhansika Kabali Kalaipuli S. Thanu Pa. Ranjith Radhika Apte Rajinikanth Winston Chao

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Hindi

Fans Take Centre Stage as Zee Cine Awards Turns the Spotlight Around

Published

1 day ago

February 7, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: When the applause gets louder than the dialogue, you know the fans have taken over. That was the unmistakable mood as Zee formally announced the Zee Cine Awards 2026, flipping the script to celebrate not just cinema’s stars, but the people who cheer them on the loudest.

The 24th edition of the awards marks a fresh chapter in Zee’s long-standing relationship with Hindi cinema, anchored in its fan-first philosophy, Fantertainment. This year’s theme, ‘Yeh Pal Hai Fans Ka’, reinforces a simple idea: cinema’s most powerful moments are shaped as much by audiences as by actors on screen. Presented by Maruti Suzuki, the awards aim to turn fandom into the main event.

The announcement, held in Mumbai, was anything but a routine press conference. Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar, Tamannaah Bhatia, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Aparshakti Khurana, composer Mithoon and singer Palak Muchhal joined fans to kick off the celebrations, turning the launch into a high-voltage, participative spectacle.

Staying true to the theme, fans didn’t just watch the announcement, they drove it. Akshay Kumar took the lead, pulling fellow stars on stage and energising the room, before the unveiling of a live LED Fan Meter. Powered purely by audience cheers, the rising meter culminated in the reveal of the Zee Cine Awards 2026 ground event date, announced in unison with fans, blurring the line between performer and spectator.

The momentum continued as Tamannaah Bhatia, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa and Aparshakti Khurana recreated iconic hook steps, joined by Mithoon and Palak Muchhal for music-led interactions. Games, spontaneous performances and playful banter kept the focus firmly on shared moments, underscoring the evolving bond between cinema and its audience.

Beyond the launch, the awards will roll out as a multi-platform journey across television, digital, print and fan-led experiences. The aim is sustained engagement from the first announcement to awards night cementing fandom as a cultural force rather than a footnote.

Commenting on the milestone edition Zee head of advertisement revenue, broadcast & digital Laxmi Shetty said the 24th Zee Cine Awards continue to draw strength from the network’s omni-channel ecosystem, reflecting how audiences consume content today across TV, digital and social platforms. She noted that long-standing brand associations, including Maruti Suzuki’s three-year partnership and support from brands such as Hell Energy, underline the platform’s scale, trust and cultural relevance.

As Zee Cine Awards 2026 gathers pace, one thing is clear: this year, the loudest cheers won’t just echo in the auditorium, they’ll shape the show itself.

Hindi

Prime Video to stream Don’t Be Shy, produced by Alia Bhatt

Published

1 week ago

January 30, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: Prime Video has found its next feel-good original, and it comes with a healthy dose of heart, humour and youthful chaos. The streaming platform has announced Don’t Be Shy, a coming-of-age romantic comedy produced by Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt under their banner, Eternal Sunshine Productions.

Written and directed by Sreeti Mukerji, the film follows Shyamili ‘Shy’ Das, a 20-year-old who believes her life is neatly mapped out until it suddenly is not. What follows is a relatable tumble through friendship, love and the awkward art of growing up, when plans unravel and certainty gives way to self-discovery.

The project is co-produced by Grishma Shah and Vikesh Bhutani, with music composed by Ram Sampath, adding to the film’s promise of warmth and energy. Prime Video describes the story as light-hearted yet emotionally grounded, with a strong female-led narrative at its core.

Prime Video India director and head of originals Nikhil Madhok, said the platform was delighted to collaborate with Eternal Sunshine on a story that blends sincerity with humour. He noted that the film’s fresh writing, earnest characters and infectious music make it an easy, engaging watch for audiences well beyond its young adult setting.

For Alia Bhatt, Don’t Be Shy reflects the kind of storytelling Eternal Sunshine set out to champion. She said the film stood out for its honesty, its coming-of-age perspective and Mukerji’s passion, which she felt was deeply woven into the narrative. Bhatt also praised Prime Video for supporting distinctive voices and bold creative choices.

With its breezy tone and familiar emotional beats, Don’t Be Shy aims to charm viewers whether they are rom-com regulars or simply in the mood for a warm, unpretentious story about life refusing to stick to the plan.

Hindi

Tips Films reports Rs 286.87 lakh quarterly loss in Q3 FY26

Published

2 weeks ago

January 27, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: Tips Films struggled to find its rhythm in the final quarter of 2025, as a spike in production costs and a new regulatory burden pushed the Mumbai-based outfit deeper into the red. According to results released on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the company posted a net loss of Rs 286.87 lakh for the quarter ended 31 December, despite a modest bump in total income to Rs 456.29 lakh.

The bottom line was hit by the introduction of India’s New Labour Codes, which forced a Rs 37.37 lakh catch-up payment for employee benefits. Production costs also proved a heavy lift, gobbling up Rs 318.48 lakh during the period. On a nine-month basis, the picture looks even bleaker; the company has racked up losses of Rs 1,237.61 lakh, a sharp reversal from the Rs 1,269.17 lakh profit it managed in the same period last year.

Investors will be looking for a script change as the company enters the final stretch of the financial year, with basic earnings per share now languishing at minus Rs 6.64. For now, Tips Films remains a single-segment player, pinning its hopes entirely on the volatile world of film production and distribution.