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Tag: Sathyaraj

  • 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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  • Annapoorani shines through Zee Tamil’s creative campaign

    Annapoorani shines through Zee Tamil’s creative campaign

    Mumbai: Zee Tamil, a major entertainment channel, is known for its popular fiction and reality shows that receive strong viewer support. The channel has presented several world television premieres, offering a mix of entertainment that has been well-received. In addition, Zee Tamil has organized various activities related to some of their key programs, demonstrating their commitment to making a positive societal impact.

    The channel recently premiered Nilesh Krishna’s epic directorial, Annapoorani. Aired last month on 23 July, the movie garnered a massive viewership, marking a significant turnaround for the movie which previously faced considerable negative criticism. Featuring a stellar ensemble including lady superstar Nayanthara, Jai, Poornima, Karthik Kumar, Sathyaraj, Losliya, and Redin Kingsleym the movie which follows the inspiring story of a young woman – Annapoorani – did not get great reviews.

    Annapoorani follows the titular character’s struggle as she pursues hotel management while facing family pressure for an arranged marriage, encountering various challenges along the way. Despite its engaging narrative and strong performances, the film received significant criticism during its theatrical and OTT releases. To shift the conversation and highlight the film’s culinary theme, Zee Tamil launched the ‘Parthal Pasi Theerum’ campaign ahead of its world television premiere.

    This initiative invited viewers to support a cause by giving a missed call to a dedicated number during the film’s broadcast. For every 10 unique missed calls received, Zee Tamil committed to sponsoring a meal for those in need through a partnership with the NGO Thagam Foundation. The campaign was promoted through press releases and engagement with food bloggers and influencers on social media, generating positive attention for the film. The strategy was well-received and contributed to a strong rating for the premiere. Additionally, Zee Tamil sponsored meals for 5,000 people through their partners.

    Zee Tamil’s initiative with Annapoorani highlights the effectiveness of integrating social causes with entertainment, turning a challenging situation into a meaningful engagement with viewers and presenting the film positively.

    Zee Tamil chief channel officer Ramanagiri Vasan commented on the success of the campaign, stating, “We recognized the inherent potential of Annapoorani and were committed to reintroducing the film in a manner that would resonate with our audience. The Parthal Pasi Theerum campaign was our endeavor to ensure we transform the negative perception around the film into a constructive and meaningful discourse. The tremendous feedback from viewers, along with the strong TRP performance, reflects the success of our campaign. We are proud to have turned the conversation around ‘Annapoorani’ into something that could make a real difference.”

    Director Nilesh Krishna also expressed his gratitude, saying, “During the initial release of Annapoorani, we encountered several unforeseen challenges. However, Zee Tamil’s approach with the Parthal Pasi Theerum campaign was exemplary. Their initiative was instrumental in not only altering the narrative surrounding the film but also fostering a deeper connection between it and the audience and I must commend their effort, which is reflected in the ratings and audience response we’ve got.”

    Zee Tamil’s approach to rebranding Annapoorani demonstrates how strategic marketing and community engagement can shift public perception, turning the film into a positive topic of discussion and reinforcing the channel’s commitment to meaningful entertainment.

  • Join Zee Thirai and Zee Tamil in celebrating the nation: enjoy an exciting line up of movies this Independence Day

    Join Zee Thirai and Zee Tamil in celebrating the nation: enjoy an exciting line up of movies this Independence Day

    This Independence Day, Zee Thirai and Zee Tamil present a marathon of blockbuster hits to mark the 73rd year of Indian Independence. In line with their shared mission to entertain their viewers, the channels have curated a compelling set of movies for viewers to raise their spirits and enjoy the day with their families at home. This Independence Day, reaffirm and celebrate your love for the nation with Zee Thirai and Zee Tamil.  

    ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ is a 2019 Hindi language military action film written and directed in his debut by Aditya Dhar and produced by Ronnie Screwvala. The film features Vicky Kaushal in the leading role along with Yami Gautam, Paresh Rawal and Kriti Kulhari in pivotal roles. This movie is a dramatized retelling of the retaliation to the Uri attacks that took place in 2016 undertaken by the Indian army against the Pakistani forces. Ranked among one of India’s highest grossing films, it was well received by both critical and popular quarters. 

    The Sivakarthikeyan, Sathyaraj and Aishwarya Rajesh starrer, ‘Kanaa’ is a sports drama, written and directed in his debuy by Arunraja Kamaraj. Kanaa is the story of Kowsi (Aishwarya Rajesh) and Murugesan (Sathyaraj) and their journey towards the Indian women’s cricket team, a shared dream for the father and daughter. The story reveals how Kowsi does the nation proud as she not only becomes a part of the playing 11 for the T-20 World Cup but ultimately takes the team to victory. 

    ‘Mersal’ is a 2017 Tamil action blockbuster directed and co-written by veteran Atlee and is the 100th production of Thendandal Studio Limited. The movie stars ‘Ilayathalapathy’ Vijay in three roles, alongside the very popular Kajal Aggarwal, Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Nithya Menen. Revolving around two estranged twin brothers (Vijay), a magician (Vettri) and a reputed doctor (Maaran), this is a story of them avenging the murder of their parents (Vijay; Nithya Menen). It is an action-packed story full of unexpected twists and turns, while also shedding light on some important social issues. 

    Veteran superstar Mammootty starrer ‘Madhuraraja’ is a 2019 Malayalam action film directed by Vysakh and written by Udayakrishna. The film also features senior actor Nedumudi Venu, Anusree, Jagapathi Babu and Siddique among others in pivotal roles. An out and out entertainer with socio-political overtones, this movie is marked with the dedicated and praise-worthy performance of Mammootty. This is a story of Madhuraraja, who has taken it upon himself to save Pambinthuruth from Nadeshan, a liquor baron who has made this town the headquarters of his multiple criminal activities. 

    ‘Shivalinga’ is a 2017 Tamil horror comedy film directed by P.Vasu, starring Raghava Lawrence, Ritika Singh and the stalwart of comedy- Vadivelu – in lead roles. This is a remake of Vasu's earlier 2016 Kannada film, also named Shivalinga. This is the story of a cop investigating the death of a Muslim man, as he finds out that his wife is herself possessed by the ghost of the same young man. 

    ‘Dhilluku Dhuddu 2’ is a 2019 Indian Tamil horror comedy film written and directed by Rambhala. The film features comedian Santhanam and Shritha Sivadas in lead roles along with Rajendran and Urvashi in supportive roles. This is the story of Viji (Santhanam), an auto driver, who’s antics has been the bane of his neighbours. In a ploy to get rid of him, his neighbour hatches a plan to get him to fall in love with his colleague Maya, who he finds to have an eerie aura around her and a mysterious family background. 

    ‘Jaada’ is a 2019 Tamil language movie in the sports-horror genre. The film features Kathir and Roshini Prakash in the lead roles and Kishore and Yogi Babu in supporting roles. This is the story of Jaada (Kathir), a fearless and talented football player well on his way to playing professionally. However, contrary to his coach’s wishes, he has other plans – to avenge the death of his childhood football hero Sethu (Kishore), who died in a ‘Violent 7s’ football game. Zee Tamil will be airing the World Television Premier of Jaada on 15th August. 

    Kennedy Club is a 2019 Tamil language sports film written and directed by Suseenthiran. Produced by D. N. Thaisaravanan under the banner of Nallusamy Pictures, the film features Sasikumar, Bharathiraja and Meenakshi Govindarajan in lead roles. This is a story of a women’s Kabaddi team, whose coach Savarimuthu (Bharathiraja), an ex-soldier, falls sick, to be replaced by his former student Muruganandham (Sasikumar). 

    ‘Dabangg 3’, the third of the Dabangg franchise movies, is directed by the dancing sensation, Prabhu Deva. The movie stars superstar Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha and Arbaaz Khan in lead roles. This is the story of Chulbul Pandey (Salman Khan), the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), who is faced yet again, with his nemesis Balli Singh, whose activities have wreaked havoc in the lives of the people. Zee Tamil will be airing the World Television Premier of Dabangg 3 on 15th August. 

    Don’t forget to catch some exciting movies on Zee Thirai and Zee Tamil this 15th August. Schedule below: 

    Zee Thirai

    Uri: The Surgical Strike – 7:00 pm-10:00 am 

    Kanaa – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm 

    Mersal – 1:oo pm – 4:30 pm 

    Madhuraraja – 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm

    Shivalinga – 7:30 pm – 11:0 pm 

    Zee Tamil

    Dhilluku Dhuddu 2 – 8:00 am – 10:00 am

    WTP: Jaada – 10:30 am – 1:00 pm

    Kennedy Club – 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

    WTP – Dabangg 3 – 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm 

    Sit back with your family and enjoy some of your favourite movies only on Zee Thirai and Zee Tamil on 15th August 2020. 

  • Chennai Express: This train can be boarded just once

    Chennai Express: This train can be boarded just once

    MUMBAI: Shah Rukh Khan, most preferred in romantic films, of which he may have done only a few, is finding it hard to find a slot lately. He has tried his hand at multiple genres recently: Ra.One, a super hero film; Don 2, an action-for-action’s-sake film; Jab Tak Hai Jaan, where he plays a larger than life bomb expert. Somehow, he does not seem to have found the right fit. Chennai Express is the outcome of this confusing situation as the film can’t define its genre even after it has run through 143 minutes. Is it a comedy, a road movie, an action movie or a romance? And is it a Hindi or a Tamil movie?

    Shah Rukh Khan’s halwai grandfather has passed away and his last wish is that his grandson should immerse his ashes in the sea at Rameshwaram. However, Khan and his friends had plans to holiday in Goa. This assignment comes as a hurdle in their plans. However, Khan’s friends convince him that even if he immersed the ashes at Goa, they would finally end up reaching the sea at Rameshwaram! This is the first warning of what is to come. Since the grandmother plans to see off Khan at the station, he plans to take a south bound train, get off at the first station nearby and join his friends for a road trip to Goa.

    Khan spots Deepika Padukone running to catch the train which has started moving and helps her in. He also helps four mean and scary looking guys board the running train. It turns out that Deepika, who is running away from her father who is in a village near Chennai, catches a train going towards her father. The four goons Khan helped board the train are her father’s henchmen, chasing her to take her back to her village. Her father, who is the local don, plans to marry her off to a strongman from another village, Nikitin Dheer against her wishes. That would help him extend his power further.

    Producers: Gauri Khan, Karim Morani, Ronnie Screwvala, Siddharth Roy Kapoor.

    Director: Rohit Shetty.
    Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Nikitin Dheer, Sathyaraj, Manorama, Kamini Kaushal, Lekh Tandon.

    Deepika blames Khan for her problem. He decides to help her but his attempts are thwarted by the foursome. They are a dangerous lot which they demonstrate first by throwing away Khan’s costly cell phone from the train and later by throwing out the TC. Deepika and Khan communicate through Hindi film songs as if they are singing a duet; the goons couldn’t care less since the things are very much under their control.

    Finally, they arrive at her village. But since it is not a scheduled stop, the goons pull the chain and out there, to welcome the boss’ daughter, is a crowd of hundreds. Khan could have continued with his journey but, for whatever reason, he also decides to tag along! Since Deepika does not want to marry Dheer, she introduces Khan as the guy she loves and plans to marry. The son-in-law to be is cheered by the villagers. But Dheer is not the kind to give in so easily. He challenges Khan to a fight the next morning. This is one giant problem for Khan for that is how Dheer compares to Khan in physique. The only way to survive is to escape.

    Khan and Deepika plan to escape before the duel starts, but Khan spoils the plan by getting drunk. Still, he steals a bike and manages to get away, only to crash near a police station. The Sikh cop, Mukesh Trivedi, hides him in a safe place which, when he wakes up, turns out to be a smugglers’ dhow heading towards Sri Lanka. Soon the dhow is raided and Khan taken back to the village he had run from.

    It is her wedding day when, once again, Khan and Deepika escape, this time to fall in love for real. Khan wants to take her honourably and comes back to her village, to the don, the mob and Dheer. In a sudden burst of enthusiasm he beats up all the goons, armed as well as unarmed and, finally, also takes on Dheer!

    Chennai Express is a poor story idea badly developed. The script has no substance and a lot of footage is filled with nothing happening or, in second half, by crowding the footage with three songs almost back-to-back. Except at two or three places, the comedy is pathetic and the jokes are all decades-old PJs. The music score is generally no help and the only well tuned song is Titli… In fact, some songs sound like they have been dubbed from Tamil songs.

    The Rohit Shetty touch is missing here; there is not much entertainment to be found, even of the mindless variety. Photography is good. Dialogue is uninspiring. A lot of Tamil is used in dialogue without sub titles which is very curious: there is not much to understand in this film but this shows a disregard for the audience. Editing is slack.

    Deepika shines and is the only worthy performer in the film. Khan, sad to say, resorts to buffoonery when not overacting; his fans expect better. Dheer is aptly sinister.

    Chennai Express may not generate good word of mouth but, thanks to the Eid weekend release at 3500 screens with multiplexes running 12 to 16 shows, it is sure to amass bumper weekend collections and help avoid a big setback.