Mani Ratnam to unveil the teaser of Magazhi Thingal

On Tuesday, the makers of Margazhi Thingal announced that the film's teaser will be released by director Mani Ratnam on September 6 at 5 pm. The film marks the directorial debut of Manoj Bharathiraja. 

Starring his father and veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja in the lead role, the film also stars debutants Rakshana and Shyam Selvan in prominent roles. 

The makers previously released a first-look poster of Margazhi Thingal featuring Bharathiraja standing with a stick at the backdrop of a village. And a silhouette of a couple is superimposed in the background. 

While the film is backed by director Suseenthiran under the Vennila Productions banner, Ilaiyaraaja will score the music. Margazhi Thingal will have cinematography by AR Suriya and editing by Thiyagu.

 It is to be noted that Manoj made his acting debut with Taj Mahal, which was helmed by Bharathiraja.

Happy Teacher's Day: John Kokken wishes his “guiding light” Ajith 

On the occasion of the Teacher's Day on Tuesday,  actor John Kokken conveys his wishes to actor Ajith Kumar by penning an emotional note on his X handle ( formerly Twitter).

By mentioning Ajith as a guiding light, Kokken wrote," God couldn't be everywhere, so he gave us teachers, someone to guide us in the right direction so that we may grow in life. Thank you, Ajith Kumar Sir, for being that guiding light not just for me but for millions. Thank you for coming into my life and making my life better."

Further reflecting the gratitude and love for Ajith, Kokken added," Thank you, Ajith Kumar Sir, for always pushing me to go beyond my limits. I love you a lot, Sir and will eternally be grateful to you for your love and kindness. May God be with you always and bless you abundantly. Lots of love, John Kokken."

 

It is to be noted that John Kokken acted along with Ajith in the 2014 film Veeram and Ajith's last outing, Thunivu, directed by H Vinoth. 

Meanwhile, on the work front, John Kokken is currently seen in the action thriller series The Freelancer for Disney+ Hotstar. The actor will next be seen in Dhanush- starrer Captain Miller, helmed by Arun Mathesawaran. 

Raveena Ravi dubs for Deepika Padukone for Tamil and Telugu versions of Jawan

The most happening film of the week is undoubtedly the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Jawan helmed by Tamil director Atlee. The film, which is all set to hit theatres on September 7, also stars Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi in prominent roles. 

On Monday, dubbing artist and actor Raveena Ravi took to her official X handle to reveal that she has dubbed for Jawan. The artist has lent her voice for Deepika Padukone, for the Tamil and Telugu versions. Deepika is set to be seen in a cameo role in the upcoming film.  

Jawan also stars Priyamani, Ridhi Dogra and Sanya Malhotra in important roles. With music by Anirudh Ravichander, the film also features cinematography by GK Vishnu and editing by Ruben. The film is backed by Red Chillies Entertainment.

Always a pleasure working with @Atlee_dir !! Happy and excited to be the voice of highly talented @deepikapadukone , my most fav actor !! Tamil & Telugu versions of #jawan ! @iamsrk @NayantharaU @VijaySethuOffl pic.twitter.com/pGbFCvy1KW

Madhurr Mittal-starrer 800 trailer out 

The trailer of 800, the upcoming biopic of Srilankan cricketer Muthiah Muralitharan, was unveiled by cricketer Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday. The film features Madhurr Mittal in the lead role.

Directed by MS Sripathy, 800 also stars Mahima Nambiar, Naren, Naaser, Vela Ramamurthy, Riythvika, Arul Das, Hari Krishnan, and Sharath Lohithaswa. 800 is co-written by Booker Prize laureate Shehan Karunatilaka. The film, originally shot in Tamil, will be released in Telugu, Hindi and English as well.

The trailer of 800 begins with a young Muthiah being displaced in a war-torn Sri Lanka. As we catch glimpses of him becoming a cricketer, the country's political environment also tenses. Soon, Muthiah becomes bowler, playing for the Sri Lanka team. The trailer also throws light on the infamous chucking controversy against several matches, alleged on the cricketer. There is also a significant portion onMuthiah's relationship with the Tamil community amid the Civil War and the controversies he courted.

“Cricket will serve as a background and the story will more about the person himself. Throughout his life, he has been someone struggling to prove who he is. Even in the games, he had to prove that his actions are genuine,” the director had earlier said to CE.

800 was extensively shot in domestic locations like Chennai, Chandigarh and Kochi, in addition to international locations like Sri Lanka, England and Australia. Ghibran is the music director of the film, and it has cinematography by RD Rajasekhar and editing by Praveen KL.

Sudha Kongara pens note on struggles encountered during Irudhi Suttru making 

Director Sudha Kongara, one of the established directors from the south, penned a long note on social media, reflecting her journey filled with ups and downs.

In a series of posts on X, and remembering her first Tamil directorial Drohi, she wrote, "Remembering the journey of this film…My first film Drohi tanked. Badly written, decently directed, but just not enough. I am not ashamed of the film but was truly ashamed of myself at not having performed better in that opportunity. Of course, I wanted to quit cinema."

The director then detailed how her first success happened with Irudhi Suttru, starring Madhavan. Recalling the day she went and narrated the film which was then titled Zara, Sudha said how Madhavan encouraged her to pursue it soon, which in turn gave her motivation to work more. After seven months of working, Sudha revealed, “Thereon began the battles. No producer to back us, no actress willing to do this with us, and we were struggling. In those 4 years I remember telling you, get a etter director Maddy, a successful one and I'll give you this story. I told you I’m your white elephant. I had personal issues and needed to take off for a few months and I said you go ahead. And you said, “if you don’t do this I’m not doing it with anyone. This film is YOU.”

Sudha also talked about enduring "countless opinions and criticisms" and hearing discouraging words on her choices, the director revealed how Madhavan was the one encouraging her and supported to chase after her choices and dreams. She also mentioned her producer, Sashikanth of YNOT Studios for the support as well.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Sudha is working on the Hindi remake of her Tamil National Film Award winning film Soorarai Pottru. The remake features Akshay Kumar reprising Suriya’s role.

Sachin Tendulkar to unveil the trailer of 800

We earlier reported that Slumdog Millionaire-fame Madhur Mittal was headlining 800, a Tamil film based on the life and career of cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan. On Monday, the makers announced that the film's trailer will be unveiled by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, in Mumbai on September 5. 

Directed by MS Sripathy, 800 also stars Mahima Nambiar, Naren, Naaser, Vela Ramamurthy, Riythvika, Arul Das, Hari Krishnan, and Sharath Lohithaswa. 800 is co-written by Booker Prize laureate Shehan Karunatilaka. The film, originally shot in Tamil, will be released in Telugu, Hindi and English as well.

800 was extensively shot in domestic locations like Chennai, Chandigarh and Kochi, in addition to international locations like Sri Lanka, England and Australia. 

800 is currently in post-production. The film's makers plan to release the film in October. Ghibran is the music director of the film, and it has cinematography by RD Rajasekhar and editing by Praveen KL.

 

Sudha Raghunathan croons a Gaana number for Chimbudevan's Boat

Previously, we reported that Chimbudevan's next starring Yogi Babu in the lead role is titled Boat. On Monday, the makers announced that Carnatic singer Sudha Raghunathan has crooned a Gaana song for the film. 

The music for Boat is composed by Ghibran. The film is backed by Maali and Maanvi Movie Makers and Chimbudeven Entertainment banners. Maali and Maanvi Makers just saw the release of their first production, Adiyae. Chimbudevan, who started his directorial career with Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei, is known for Irumbukkottai Murattu Singam, and Puli among other films. 

With cinematography by Madhesh Manickam, the film features editing by Mani Maran and production design by T Santhanam. The makers are yet to reveal additional details of the film including other cast members, genre and release date.
 

Mark Antony trailer: An eccentric blend of time travel and gangster elements 

On Sunday, Vishal and SJ Suryah'h Mark Antony's trailer was released online. Directed by Adhik Ravichandran, the upcoming film will hit the theatres on September 15. 

The trailer promises a wild concoction of time travel and gangster themes with a retro feel. There are a lot of things going on in the trailer. Vishal and SJ Suryah are shown in different appearances amidst flashing lights and firearms in the background of GV Prakash's tapping rhythm. From time travel via a phone to gunfire to bloodshed to beating and fighting to even at an instant, the late yesteryear actor Sill Smitha is also making an entry. The trailer promises that the film will perfectly blend style and substance. 

Here is the trailer 

Mark Antony is bankrolled by S Vinod Kumar, marking his second collaboration with Vishal after Enemy. Apart from Vishal and SJ Suryah, the film features an ensemble cast, including Sunil, Selvaraghavan, Ritu Varma, Abhinaya, Kingsley, and Y G Mahendran, among others. 

The technical crew of Mark Antony comprises music composer GV Prakash Kumar, cinematographer Abhinandan Ramanujam and editor Vijay Velukutty. The film, slated to hit theatres on Vinayaga Chathurthi, will be released in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.

Kalanithi Maran gifts Porsche to Anirudh Ravichander

Kalanithi Maran continues giving gifts to the key players of Jailer. Following Rajinikanth and Nelson, the Sun Group's chairman and founder has now gifted a cheque and a brand new Porsche to the film's music director, Anirudh Ravichander. 

 

Earlier, the head of the media conglomerate gave the BMW X7 and Porsche to Rajinikanth and Nelson, respectively, along with cheques. 

Jailer hit theatres on August 10, and it has minted a sum of more than Rs 500 crores at the worldwide box office. Apart from Rajinikanth, the cast also features Ramya Krishnan, Vasanth Ravi, Vinayak, Yogi Babu, Mirnaa, Sunil, and Tamannaah.

Jailer hit the theatres on August 10, and it has minted a humongous sum of more than Rs 500 crores at the worldwide box office even before it entered the fourth week of the theatrical release.  

Featuring Rajinikanth as Muthuvel Pandian, a former jailer, the film revolves around the character tackling an idol smuggler who imprisoned his son. 

Jailer features cameo appearances by stalwarts of the Indian film industries, including Mohanlal, Shivrajkumar, and Jackie Shroff. Others in the cast include Ramya Krishnan, Vasanth Ravi, Vinayak, Yogi Babu, Mirnaa, Sunil, and Tamannaah, among others. 

Chandramukhi 2 trailer promises an eerie ride 

The makers of  Chandramukhi 2  unveiled the much-awaited trailer of the film on Sunday. Starring Raghava Lawrence and Kangna Ranaut in the lead roles, the film will hit the theatres on September 15.

Here is the trailer 

 Chandramukhi 2 is the sequel to the 2005 film Chandramukhi. P Vasu, who helmed the former, is also directing the sequel. The upcoming film features Raghava Lawrence as King Vettaiyan Raja while Kangna Ranaut plays the titular character Chandramukhi.

Chandramukhi 2 is backed by Lyca Productions. Apart from Raghava Lawrence and Kangana Ranaut, Chandramukhi 2 features an ensemble cast including Vadivelu, Radhika Sarathkumar, Mahima Nambiar, Lakshmi Menon, Ravi Maria, and Shrushti Dange, among others. 

\The film has cinematography by RD Rajasekar and editing by Lewellyn Gonsalvez.