While the DMK depends on a 'silver sieve' of welfare schemes to stay in power, its support is slowly draining away under the weight of poor governance, corruption, and voters who are no longer satisfied with benefits alone and now want basic administration to work, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.
TVK cadres are worried, the leadership looks weak, and the party is not fully prepared for the 2026 elections, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.
The gangster saga Nayakan not only earned Mani Ratnam's reputation as a great director, the dubbed version of the film also did well in Mumbai, so much so that Feroz Khan's Hindi remake, Dayavan, starring Vinod Khanna, could not compare, recalls Deepa Gahlot.
Kamal Haasan's torrid smooch with his co-star Abhirami Gopikumar will be removed after the widespread outrage.
'Expect an emotional dramatic film with action. Expect a world within the crime world.'
Where does Kamal Haasan stand on the issue of imposition of Hindi in the south? "I stand with Punjab. I stand with Karnataka. I stand with Andhra," is his quick reply.
June's OTT line-up looks entertaining. There's a lot coming up in theatres this month too.
The edge-of-the-seat action is interspersed with moments of intense, raw emotions of romance, trust and betrayal, and keeps you entertained and waiting for the next big reveal, observes Divya Nair.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday came down heavily on the Karnataka government over actor Kamal Haasan's film "Thug Life" not being released in the state, saying mob and vigilantes cannot be allowed to take to the streets.
After all, she was working with three legends -- Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam and A R Rahman.
Trisha Krishnan and Abhirami on sharing screen space with Kamal Haasan and working with Mani Ratnam.
Indrajith talks about his upcoming Malayalam film Nayakan.
Kamal has a crisp pen when it comes to writing short and yet powerful film dialogues. But while speaking ex tempore -- and that has been his style -- he looks every bit a confused man, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.
This Malayalam film not only grabs your attention by its originality of premise or treatment but by its sincerity as well.
'With passage of time, Kamal did move away from the humdrum of commercial cinema, using it only as a peg to launch a new concept or new technology, as no other actor/film-maker has done in Indian cinema.' N Sathiya Moorthy assesses the career and politics of movie legend Kamal Haasan on his 70th brthday.
'It was my job to read out their lines to the actors and make sure they spoke them with the right diction, accent and pronunciation. If you look at my photographs from the Sadma set, you will always find me with a file in hand, even when I am in my costume. While Kamal and Sridevi were diligent about their Hindi dialogue, Silk Smitha, while always respectful, was not too interested in her lines or my instructions.'
Kamal Haasan, turned 69 on Tuesday, hosted a grand birthday party for his friends and family.
His elegant body of work, LIVE and recordings, is a tuneful treasure whose melody and memory lives on. Fondly remembering the late singer and 10 of his superhit songs.
'I wasn't motivated to begin with because how do you outdo the biggest encounter?' 'Then, we came across this story about the first-ever encounter.'
Bambai Meri Jaan features horrific massacres and violence so brutal that it ought not to be seen on a home entertainment platform, warns Deepa Gahlot..
Deepa Gahlot lists 10 gangster thrillers on OTT for those who have the stomach for gaalis and gore.
'This novel, even after 1,000 years, is still relevant.' 'The politics and psychology is still relevant.' 'It is as contemporary as you can get.'
'Whenever Mani sir says Ash, I am like, 'Do I die in the end? Do I get her?'
It is by no means a perfect list and I might have missed out some important films but these are films that have entertained me, taught me how to be compassionate, to view the world, and understand people, their histories, behaviors and customs.
Deepa Gahlot lists 10 popular Mani Ratnam films that you can watch on streaming platforms.
Hopefully, Hindi and non-Tamil audiences that have been patronising gangster movies from the South will give this fabulous looking historical a chance, says Deepa Gahlot.
Does the "story" of a Mani Ratnam film come first or does its "spirit" asks Sreehari Nair.
A gangster's recollections, a tennis champ's triumph and a two-timing teenager -- Sukanya Verma gives you OTT recommendations for the week.
Lovingly made, heartfelt stories that speak the truths about our lives.
'My film will not only be a reminder for all of us who have gone through these hellish two years, but also a reference point for future generations and for the four-five year olds who would have forgotten everything by the time they grow up.'
Mani Ratnam is experimenting with a real-life historical in Ponniyin Selvan, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.
The film also stars Swathi and is produced by Whitesands Media.
The film has an intelligent story, a multi-layered screenplay, excellent cinematography and powerful performances.
Chekavar, written and directed by newcomer Sajeevan is an effort to project Indrajith as a typical action hero. Watch it only if you hero worship Indrajith.
Their Malayalam movies Thanthonni and Nayakan are releasing this Friday.
Here is a look at the winners during the first half of the year.
Jagame Thandhiram is a failure alright, but it is certainly an interesting one, given that both the ideas that it was borne out (twin seeds, if you may) were sure-shot movie ideas on their own, observes Rohit Sathish Nair.
The very timing of the Phalke Award on Rajini now, days ahead of Tamil Nadu voting in the assembly election, may have taken away the seriousness and credibility attaching to the Centre's decision, making it sound every bit political, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.
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