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Tag: Rajinikanth

  • IMDb drops its 2025 mid-year movie chartbusters

    IMDb drops its 2025 mid-year movie chartbusters

    MUMBAI: IMDb has rolled out its mid-year honour roll of Indian cinema, and the results are a spicy mix of box-office bangers, buzzy reunions, and high-octane sequels. Topping the Most Popular Indian Movies of 2025 So Far is ‘Chhaava’, directed by Laxman Utekar, with Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna winning over audiences and racking up serious page views from IMDb’s 250 million monthly global users.

    On the flip side of the calendar, it’s Rajinikanth who’s still ruling hearts and headlines, as ‘Coolie’, helmed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and reuniting the superstar with Sathyaraj after nearly four decades, tops IMDb’s Most Anticipated Indian Movies (July–December 2025) list.

    “We’re honored that Chhaava has topped the IMDb Most Popular Indian Movies of 2025 So Far list,” said Chhaava director Laxman Utekar. “What makes this recognition truly special is that it comes directly from the fans. Their overwhelming love and positive reception for this Maddock film and performances, led by Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna, have been incredibly heartening. This inspires our entire cast and crew to continue creating stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.”

    “This recognition from IMDb reflects the incredible excitement our fans have shown worldwide,” said Coolie director Lokesh Kanagaraj. “The reunion of legends Rajinikanth and Sathyaraj after 38 years has created magic on screen, and we hope what we’ve created will resonate with audiences and match their expectations.”

    IMDb’s most popular Indian movies of 2025 (so far):

    1.   Chhaava

    2.   Dragon

    3.   Deva

    4.   Raid 2

    5.   Retro

    6.   The Diplomat

    7.   L2: Empuraan

    8.   Sitaare Zameen Par

    9.   Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh

    10.   VidaaMuyarchi

    Most anticipated Indian movies (July–December 2025):

    1.   Coolie

    2.   War 2

    3.   The Raja Saab

    4.   Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan

    5.   Saiyaara

    6.   Baaghi 4

    7.   Son of Sardaar 2

    8.   Hridayapoorvam

    9.   Mahavatar Narsimha

    10.   Alpha

    A notable crossover emerges as Mohanlal, Ajay Devgn, and Pooja Hegde each feature in films listed in both charts – doubling their screen mileage and their fanbase buzz.

    While Hindi films dominate both rankings, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema flex their star power too with ‘Mahavatar Narsimha’ expected to release in five languages, proving that pan-Indian storytelling is no longer just a buzzword, but a blockbuster reality.

    IMDb’s rankings are based on actual page views of movies with at least a 6.0 rating and 10,000 votes, solidifying the platform’s role as a fan-driven pulse-check on global cinema appetite.

    To view the full list, watch trailers, or add these titles to your watchlist, head to IMDb.com — because, clearly, everyone’s watching.

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  • For the love of cinema, DocuBay unveils Fanatics by Studio 9

    For the love of cinema, DocuBay unveils Fanatics by Studio 9

    MUMBAI: What drives a fan to worship their cinematic idols with the fervor of a devotee? Is it the larger-than-life stories, the charisma of the stars, or something deeper – a bond that transcends the screen? For South Indian cinema lovers, it’s all of this and more. Come 7 December 2024, DocuBay, the global documentary streaming platform from IN10 Media Network, invites you on an exhilarating journey with Fanatics – a stirring original feature that peels back the curtain on the extraordinary world of South Indian film devotion.

    From Tollywood to Sandalwood, this documentary delves into the heartfelt, and sometimes overwhelming, passion of fans who turn theaters into temples and actors into deities. Fanatics isn’t just a film; it’s a celebration of an emotion that millions live and breathe – a spectacle that promises to move, inspire, and leave you in awe. Mark your calendars, because this is one cinematic story you won’t want to miss.

    Through in-depth storytelling, Fanatics journeys into the cultural heartlands of south India to showcase the acts of devotion and reverence that redefine fandom. From building temples in honour of their idols to life-altering sacrifices, the documentary portrays not only the admiration fans hold but also the darker consequences of such passion. Beginning with Tamil actor-politician MG Ramachandran’s era, the film traces the evolution of fan culture to the present day, including figures like Rajinikanth and Allu Arjun.

    The documentary features candid interviews with Indian cinema icons such as Allu Arjun, Kichcha Sudeep, and Vijay Sethupathi, highlighting their perspectives on fan loyalty and the influence it wields on society. The film also examines the risks of fanaticism, including violent rivalries between fan groups.

    Arjun reflects in the documentary, “Cinema has become a very strong, integral part of the culture—it’s no longer just a source of entertainment. Stars are highly idolised in the South, more than anywhere else I have seen in the world. Many fans do wonderful charity work, and that is great energy being put to the right cause.”

    Sudeep shares his perspective, saying, “When I see people building temples for me or getting tattoos, it honestly scares me because I am a man of flaws. Over time, you begin to understand the purity of their emotions and the immense love they have for you. It teaches you responsibility and makes you a better human.”

    IN10 Media Network, managing director, Aditya Pittie expressed the vision behind Fanatics, “At DocuBay, our mission is to curate and deliver intriguing narratives that resonate with global audiences. With Fanatics, we aim to provide an in-depth look at the unparalleled devotion of South Indian cinema fans. This first-of-its-kind documentary reflects our commitment to diverse and impactful storytelling that drives engagement worldwide.”

    Fanatics delves into the symbiotic relationship between fan loyalty and the business of cinema, highlighting how this devotion directly influences the box-office success of south Indian films. By presenting stories of fans piercing their tongues, tattooing their bodies, and dedicating their lives to their idols, the documentary balances the awe-inspiring and cautionary tales of fandom.

    Produced by Studio 9, Fanatics offers an unfiltered view into the world of extraordinary devotion. The documentary premiered exclusively on DocuBay on 7 December 2024.

  • Neeta Lulla: 40 years in fashion industry hasn’t been a cakewalk, been quite a struggle

    Neeta Lulla: 40 years in fashion industry hasn’t been a cakewalk, been quite a struggle

    Mumbai: Neeta Lulla has recently celebrated a significant milestone – 40 years of relentless dedication to her craft. However, behind the glitz and glamour lies a tale of perseverance, challenges, and remarkable achievements.

    In a candid conversation, Lulla reflected on her journey, acknowledging the hurdles she faced along the way. “40 years in the industry has not been a cakewalk, it has been quite a struggle. Apart from being a fashion designer, I am also a costume designer, a housewife, and a mother. Being able to juggle these roles and seamlessly transition from one role to another was quite a task”.

    The designer, who has worked on over 300 films and has been designing wedding dresses since 1985, said that “ time management and good organisational skills can be an asset.”

    “Luckily for me, my workplace was my home in the beginning, and later on, it was closer to home, so it was a huge advantage, and it helped me manage both my roles at work and home,” added Lulla.

    Check out the video from Neeta Lulla’s 40 years in Fashion celebration party,

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Neeta Lulla (@neeta_lulla)

     

    The designer, who has been feted with the National Film Award for Best Costume Design in 2009 for ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ and 2012 for the Marathi language film ‘Balgandharva’, talked about being a female designer in the industry.

    Lulla said that “gender inclusivity has always been a norm in our industry.”

    “Back when I started working, we had many stalwarts, who were working in the films and the industry – and they were women. We had a good space in those times, where there were no restrictions to only men. At that point, many women were managing the creative aspect of costume and fashion design, for female actors.”

    For male actors, it was a male designer, said Lulla, who crafted an unforgettable pearl-encrusted lehenga for actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s mehendi ceremony.

    “But today, there is a lot more room and inclusivity where male designers design for women and female designers design for men have gotten in the scene and it has always been a common aspect of the industry from that time,” she added.

    Over her 40 years run in the industry as a fashion stylist and a costume designer, Lulla has created the look for leading Bollywood personalities including Late star Sridevi, Juhi Chawla, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shilpa Shetty, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Rajinikanth, Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan.

    How is it working with the Indian film industry?

    “It has been a beautiful journey working with the Indian Film Industry. This year marks my 40th year in the fashion industry and in 2026, it will be my 40th year in films. This journey is filled with many joy rides, speed breakers, and challenges but if I had to do this all over again, I would happily do it,” said the 59-year-old designer.

    She describes the journey as “very fulfilling” and has helped her “evolve as a person and as a creative talent”.

    There’s no stopping her, as Lulla is currently working on five films.

    Without sharing much details, Lulla said: “As of now, my plate is filled with five films, a five-film project that is in the pipeline, and a musical in the works. And also, I am working on the new couture collection, which will be out soon.”

    As Neeta Lulla embarks on the next chapter of her illustrious career, her unwavering dedication to her craft serves as an inspiration to aspiring designers everywhere. With her remarkable talent, resilience, and visionary approach, she continues to leave an indelible mark on the fashion industry, shaping its future with her creative ingenuity and timeless elegance.

  • ‘Rajini The Jailer’ to have its world TV premiere on Star Gold this Diwali

    ‘Rajini The Jailer’ to have its world TV premiere on Star Gold this Diwali

    Mumbai: This Diwali, fans of the legendary actor Rajinikanth are in for a spectacular treat as Star Gold presents the world TV premiere of the mega-hit movie ‘Rajini The Jailer’. This action-packed extravaganza, which set the box office on fire with a staggering box office collection will be aired on Star Gold on 11 November at 8 pm.

    “Rajinikanth is a true sensation and each of his movies transform into a national event eagerly anticipated by the entire country. We are elated to announce the premiere of Rajini The Jailer on Star Gold this Diwali, a time when families come together. Our commitment lies in bringing the biggest blockbusters and iconic cinematic experiences to our viewers on Star Gold. As a part of this unwavering commitment, we are proud to bring in yet another sensational hit that our viewers can enjoy from the comfort of their homes,” said a Star Gold spokesperson.

    Rajini The Jailer, a 2023 Indian action thriller directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and produced by Kalanithi Maran of Sun Pictures boasts a star-studded cast led by the iconic Rajinikanth. The ensemble includes Vinayakan, Ramya Krishnan, Vasanth Ravi, Tamannaah Bhatia, Sunil, Mirnaa Menon, and Yogi Babu, with special guest appearances by the eminent Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar, and Jackie Shroff. The film’s captivating soundtrack was composed by the brilliant Anirudh Ravichander.

    Upon its theatrical release on 10 August 2023, ‘Rajini The Jailer’ received widespread acclaim from critics who lauded its exceptional screenwriting, dynamic direction, outstanding performances by the cast, well-defined characterizations, and gripping background score. The film swiftly climbed the ranks to become one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 2023, both domestically and internationally. Rajini The Jailer follows the journey of Muthuvel Pandian, a retired police officer who stands up to a perilous smuggling gang to protect his family.

    Get ready to make this Diwali truly memorable as Star Gold presents the world television premiere of ‘Rajni The Jailer’ on 11 November 2023, at 8 pm. Brace yourself for a cinematic journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

  • Discovery to feature Rajinikanth in first episode of ‘Into The Wild with Bear Grylls’

    Discovery to feature Rajinikanth in first episode of ‘Into The Wild with Bear Grylls’

    MUMBAI: Discovery, after featuring PM Modi in the first episode of Man Vs Wild, which was shot in India, has now signed Superstar Rajinikanth, to feature in the first episode of a new format series called ‘Into The Wild with Bear Grylls’ produced by The Natural Studios and Banijay Asia. The show marks the television debut for Rajinikanth, admiringly addressed as Thailavia, who has gained a cult status for being a Humane Superstar – simple, humble, generously loved – and adored by millions for more than four decades.  Rajinikanth will join the world's most recognizable face of survival and outdoor adventure, Bear Grylls.

    Into The Wild with Bear Grylls is an innovative new format inspired by Man Vs Wild, which is one of the most watched wilderness survival television series in the world. Last year, ‘Man Vs Wild with Bear Grylls & PM Modi’ episode disrupted the Indian media landscape, establishing itself as the TV event of the year. Beyond Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bear Grylls has also hosted prominent celebrities in the past such as then sitting American President Barack Obama, Kate Winslet, Roger Federer, Julia Roberts and many more.

    “Into The Wild is a truly unique show – at one level it offers adrenaline pumping action, while at another, the show lends itself beautifully to driving a specific purpose for the larger good of society. So, when, officials from Discovery, a brand globally respected for offering inspiring real-life entertainment, approached me, I agreed to finally make my debut on TV after more than four decades of Cinema. Kavithalayaa, the iconic Production house founded by my guru, K. Balachander also played a significant role,” said, Rajinikanth. “Bear Grylls has tested the survival skills of multiple celebrity guests, pushing them to their limits; I look forward to the survival challenge in the mesmerizing wilderness of India.”

    Talking about raising awareness about water conservation, Rajinikanth, said, “Every Indian will need to come forward and contribute in conserving water; this war has to be led at all levels including government, community as well as on the individual front. I believe this show on Discovery is a perfect platform to take the message of conserving water to every home across the country.”

    “Our team is all very excited to work closely with Thalaiva! Much more than a cine star, Rajinikanth is a phenomenon who has captivated audiences across the world with his on-screen and off-screen work,” said, Bear Grylls. “He has always shown such energy and flair in all he does and he will need that courage and determination again on our journey into the beautiful wilds of India.”

    “The combination of Rajinikanth in a never seen before avatar and Bear Grylls’ edge of the seat challenges, will make the show a must watch for every Indian,” said, Discovery South Asia managing director Megha Tata. “We have decided to give a layer of purpose to each episode of the newly commissioned series, Into The Wild with Bear Grylls, as we aim to contribute to humanity in our unique way. Last year, the show featuring PM Modi, generated much desired attention on conservation of Wildlife; we are confident that the forthcoming episode featuring Rajinikanth will sensitize each one of us about conservation of water.”

    Into The Wild with Bear Grylls is produced for Discovery Communications India by The Natural Studios and Banijay Asia, where Bear Grylls, Delbert Shoopman and Deepak Dhar are Executive Producers.

  • Rajinikanth forum files for TV channel trademark

    Rajinikanth forum files for TV channel trademark

    MUMBAI: Things are getting interesting as India’s general elections loom ahead next year and as film stars poise to join the political bandwagon. Ahead of the launch of superstar Rajinikanth's political party, efforts are underway for starting a television channel by a forum floated by him.

    The actor has authorised the use of his name and photograph in the proposed TV channel’s logo. 

    In a letter to the Registrar of Trademarks, Rajinikanth has stated that an application made by the forum chief for trademarks be processed and he had no objection to the use of his name and photo in the logo of the proposed channel.

    The matter came to light after the letter went viral on social media and sources close to the Tamil actor Friday confirmed its veracity, a PTI report from Chennai said.

    Administrator of the Rajini Makkal Mandram, seen as a precursor to his party, V M Sudhakar applied for the trademarks  SUPERSTAR TV, RAJINI TV, THALAIVAR TV, which all have references to the actor.

    The move is seen as keeping in line with the tradition of political parties in Tamil Nadu having their own TV channels to effectively propagate their policies and programmes.

    Indiantelevision.com could not independently confirm whether the superstar’s colleagues, managing the forum backed by him, have also applied for necessary permissions to the government. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting sources refused to comment on the issue.

    Meanwhile, the PTI report stated while the ruling AIADMK had recently launched 'News J' to propagate its views, a bouquet of channels under the Kalaignar TV and the Maran family-owned Sun TV are said to be backing the opposition DMK.

    Jaya TV, managed by the relatives of jailed aide of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, V K Sasikala, was originally a mouthpiece of the AIADMK. But now the channel backs sidelined party leader T T V Dhinakaran since his fallout with current Chief Minister K Palaniswami last year.

    In his letter to the Trademarks Registrar, Rajinikanth said he had "no objection to use my name, photo on the logo and label", adding the applications may be processed to the "next level". 

    The 68-year old actor had announced taking the political plunge in December 2017 while interacting with his fans here.

    Broadcast carriage regulator TRAI in an earlier recommendation made several years ago, gathering dust at MIB, had stated that government entities, political parties and/or active politicians should not be allowed direct entry into broadcasting space.

  • Brand Street sets up fourth branch in Chennai

    MUMBAI: Brand Street India , an integrated marketing agency, continues geographic expansion with the opening of it’s branch in Chennai. This will be the brand’s fourth office in India and second office in southern India after Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. The Chennai branch will be headed by Sreeram Bhaskar, who will be responsible for spearheading growth of the company in the south and managing client expectations.

    The Chennai division will provide end-to-end experiential marketing to its clientele with the help of Sreeram’s nine years’ experience in sales &marketing. Sreeram has worked with some of the leading brands like IBM, McAfee & Reliance prior to joining Brand Street India’s Chennai office. His leadership qualities and his zeal for innovation will help scale the branch to new heights. Apart from exploring new horizons in experiential marketing the branch will also provide add on’s to their existing list of clients. Sreeram is originally from Bangalore and will be travelling to Chennai frequently to oversee the business and operations.

    Brand Street India’s business head (south) Rajinikanth will assist Sreeram in expanding his operations and efforts in the client base and managing campaigns. Rajnikanth also comes with over 15 years of experience and with prior leadership experience organizations like Hungama.com; JWT and Dentsu Aegis Network in the field of experiential marketing.

    Bhaskar said, “We are on the way to bolsterinng our presence in southern India which will help us reach new heights in the experiential marketing segment. ”

    Rajinikanth said, “Sreeram’s experience of working with industry bigwigs has lent him a certain roundness which is similar to the ethos we at BSI believe in.” Brand Street India national head Surendra Singh says “We look forward to scaling greater heights on this journey together.”

  • Zee buys Rajini 2.0’s three-language satellite rights for Rs 110 cr

    MUMBAI: Zee Network has acquired the satellite TV rights for superstar Rajinikanth’s sci-fi thriller “2.0” directed by S Shankar for Rs 110 crore. The film will grace the global theaters on 18 October during Diwali.

    Starring Bollywood star Akshay Kumar in the role of an antagonist, the film is a sequel to the 2010 blockbuster “Enthiran”. Sudanshu Pandey, Amy Jackson, Adil Hussain and Kalabhavan Shajohn are in the supporting cast.

    Lyca Productions creative head Raju Mahalingam told PTI that it was an unprecedented deal and that they were glad to associate with Zee Network. The price is for combined Indian satellite rights for the film for all the languages (Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu).

    A R Rahman, the Academy award-winning composer, has given the music for the project, which is said to be India’s most expensive film at a budget of Rs 450 crore.

    Also Read:

    Zee signs four TV-series deal with Eccho Rights

     

     

  • Pongal: Amazon Prime to premiere ‘Kaashmora’; stream ‘Kabali’ & ‘Theri’

    Pongal: Amazon Prime to premiere ‘Kaashmora’; stream ‘Kabali’ & ‘Theri’

    MUMBAI: The festival of Pongal brings families and loved ones together for grand celebrations which involve shopping and gorging on yummylicious food. But now, Amazon Prime Video gives you another reason to celebrate Pongal with your entire family.

    Amazon Prime Video has invited all with family to experience the best in Tamil entertainment by watching the latest Tamil movie blockbusters exclusively on its platform. The platform will air the world digital premiere of Kaashmora starring Karthi and Nayantara, before its TV release. Also watch political satire Joker, Rajinikanth starrer Kabali and Theri starring Vijay and Amy Jackson.

    Kaashmora is a Tamil supernatural comedy fantasy film written and directed by Gokul. It revolves around Kaashmora and his family who live by cheating people in the name of black magic and dark spirits. One day, a PhD research student Yamini joins Kaashmora, only to gather evidence and expose him to the public.

    Joker is a political satire which criticizes the present political absurdities. Mannar (protagonist), a villager, who declares himself as the Indian president protests against the government for absurdities. On a trial, he reveals his past. Everyone sees him as a joker, and the audience is questioned at the end.

    Kabali, a revolutionary who fights for the betterment of his people in a foreign land, is falsely implicated and thrown behind bars. When he returns after his prison term, he starts a search for his wife and ends up confronting those who were the reason behind his miseries. What follows is a tale of revenge, emotion and payback. As a movie mounted on a huge scale, it truly brings a larger-than-life and much loved superstar to the streaming audiences.

    In Theri, when an honest cop, Vijay Kumar’s family is ruthlessly slaughtered by a politician and his aides, he decides to change his identity and commits his life to bringing up his daughter in a serene atmosphere. But, when some events compromise his identity, he does what he must to save his daughter and avenge the death of his family.

    Amazon Prime already offers unlimited free one-day and two-day delivery to over 100 cities on eligible items from India’s largest selection of products, 30 minutes early access for members on top deals and more benefits for an unparalleled shopping experience.

  • Pongal: Amazon Prime to premiere ‘Kaashmora’; stream ‘Kabali’ & ‘Theri’

    Pongal: Amazon Prime to premiere ‘Kaashmora’; stream ‘Kabali’ & ‘Theri’

    MUMBAI: The festival of Pongal brings families and loved ones together for grand celebrations which involve shopping and gorging on yummylicious food. But now, Amazon Prime Video gives you another reason to celebrate Pongal with your entire family.

    Amazon Prime Video has invited all with family to experience the best in Tamil entertainment by watching the latest Tamil movie blockbusters exclusively on its platform. The platform will air the world digital premiere of Kaashmora starring Karthi and Nayantara, before its TV release. Also watch political satire Joker, Rajinikanth starrer Kabali and Theri starring Vijay and Amy Jackson.

    Kaashmora is a Tamil supernatural comedy fantasy film written and directed by Gokul. It revolves around Kaashmora and his family who live by cheating people in the name of black magic and dark spirits. One day, a PhD research student Yamini joins Kaashmora, only to gather evidence and expose him to the public.

    Joker is a political satire which criticizes the present political absurdities. Mannar (protagonist), a villager, who declares himself as the Indian president protests against the government for absurdities. On a trial, he reveals his past. Everyone sees him as a joker, and the audience is questioned at the end.

    Kabali, a revolutionary who fights for the betterment of his people in a foreign land, is falsely implicated and thrown behind bars. When he returns after his prison term, he starts a search for his wife and ends up confronting those who were the reason behind his miseries. What follows is a tale of revenge, emotion and payback. As a movie mounted on a huge scale, it truly brings a larger-than-life and much loved superstar to the streaming audiences.

    In Theri, when an honest cop, Vijay Kumar’s family is ruthlessly slaughtered by a politician and his aides, he decides to change his identity and commits his life to bringing up his daughter in a serene atmosphere. But, when some events compromise his identity, he does what he must to save his daughter and avenge the death of his family.

    Amazon Prime already offers unlimited free one-day and two-day delivery to over 100 cities on eligible items from India’s largest selection of products, 30 minutes early access for members on top deals and more benefits for an unparalleled shopping experience.