Amid the ongoing legal row and release delay, the producer of Vijay's Jana Nayagan has now filed a plea to withdraw the case against the Central Borad of Film Certification. The hearing for the same is scheduled for February 10, 2026. Jana Nayagan makers to withdraw case According to reports, the producer of Jana Nayagan has officially moved the court to withdraw its writ petition against the CBFC. The producer submitted a letter submitted to the Madras High Court Registry, wherein he confirmed they have opted to take the film before a revising committee instead of continuing the legal battle. Legal sources suggest that the petition is scheduled to appear before Justice P.T. Asha on Tuesday, February 10, specifically for withdrawal. This comes after KVN Productions LLP’s counsel, Vijayan Subramanian, formally communicated that his client did not wish to move forward with the lawsuit anymore. Jana Nayagan censor row Jana Nayagan was initially scheduled for a January 9, 2026, release. However, after the CBFC’s five-member panel screened the film on December 19, 2025, the production house was later reportedly notified on December 22 that the board was prepared to grant a U/A 16+ certificate if certain requested cuts were made. Instead of challenging the board for a ‘U’ certificate through the revising committee, KVN chose to accept the recommendations and completed all the requested cuts. Likewise, they resubmitted the edited version of the movie on December 24, 2025. However, they faced a roadblock when a member of the monitoring committee filed a complaint with CBFC Chairman Prasoon Joshi in Mumbai. The letter of complaint read, "Dear Sir, It has come to my attention that the upcoming movie Jana Nayagan received approval from the Chennai board despite procedural lapses. The film portrays foreign powers fueling significant religious conflict in India—content that I believe could disturb the social and religious peace of our country." "There are many Army related references in the film but no defence expert has been included in the Examining Committee to address these issues. There are procedural lapses during examination of the film which is gross violation of the Cinematograph Act and Rules. I am an APM (Advisory Panel Member) member and I have watched the film on December 19, 2025 but my objections were not considered during examination of the film. So, we humbly request you to intervene in the procedure and direct the competent authority to re-examine the film," the complaint added. Acting on the complaint, the CBFC took action on December 29, 2025, ordering its Chennai Regional Office to halt the certification of Jana Nayagan. On January 5, 2026, the production team was notified that the chairman had semt the film to a revising committee for a secondary review. KVN Productions filed a writ petition with the Madras High Court, seeking a court order to compel the CBFC to issue the U/A 16+ certificate within a 24-hour window.
09 February,2026 07:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFahadh Faasil is among the busiest actors in South cinema, seamlessly juggling projects across Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu industries, with ongoing rumours of a possible Bollywood debut. The acclaimed actor will next be seen in the much-anticipated Malayalam film Patriot, which brings together the legendary duo Mohanlal and Mammootty. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, the film boasts a rich ensemble cast and has been generating immense buzz since its announcement. Fahadh Faasil confirms Aavesham 2 Recently, at an event, Fahadh Faasil made a major revelation about his role in the film. The actor confirmed that he will be playing the antagonist in Patriot, a detail that was previously under wraps. “I play the villain in Patriot,” Fahadh said, instantly sending fans into a frenzy, given the scale of the project and the presence of the two biggest superstars of Mollywood. The actor was also asked for an update on the much-loved Aavesham sequel. Responding with excitement, Fahadh confirmed its development and shared a tentative timeline. “Aavesham 2 is there. Hopefully, in 2027 or 2028,” he said. About Patriot Patriot has triggered massive expectations ever since it was announced. In addition to Mohanlal and Mammootty, the film also stars Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara and Revathy in pivotal roles. A teaser released last year further amplified the excitement among fans and film buffs. It opens with a voiceover stating, “I remember there was a time when this nation was controlled by the two of them. Together. Over these years, what they earned wasn’t just followers. Faith. Trust.” The teaser then cuts to a series of intense visuals, with Mammootty’s voice saying, “They are going to bring social score to people.” Mohanlal, who appears to play an army general, follows up with the line, “There are three of us. Do you think you can stop us?” Viewers are introduced to a mysterious programme called Periscope, with Kunchacko Boban playing a character named Daniel. Nayanthara’s character questions whether a student laptop scheme is connected to Periscope, while another voice asks, “Is this programme watching them secretly?” The teaser concludes with Mammootty posing a chilling question: “Great Indian traitor… or patriot?” Overall, the teaser suggests that Patriot will revolve around a group of socially responsible individuals attempting to thwart an illegal government surveillance programme, setting the stage for a gripping political thriller. The film will be released in theatres on April 23, 2026.
09 February,2026 06:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDirector Prem has reportedly filed a complaint against senior film producer Kanakapura Srinivas at the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. Prem alleged that the producer used derogatory remarks at a recent film-related event. The controversy has attracted attention within the Kannada film industry, as Prem alleged the comments targeted him, director AP Arjun, actor Darshan, and other producers, while also including disrespectful language about late actor Puneeth Rajkumar. Filmmaker Prem files a complaint against Kanakapura Srinivas According to Prem, the remarks crossed personal and professional boundaries, which led him to take both legal and industry-level action. He mentioned that he set up an office, formed a team, and began working on the script in 2004; however, repeated attempts to contact the producer yielded no response. According to Deccan Herald, the complaint read, "In 2004, producer Srinivas approached me to direct a film by giving an amount advance of Rs 9 lakh (Rs 5 lakh in cash and rest in cheque). After this, I set up an office for him, formed a team and started working on the pre-production of the film. However, when I contacted him again, I did not receive any response. He wasted my time and that of my team". Prem met Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president Jayamala, to whom he submitted his complaint, claiming that Srinivas made highly derogatory statements. The director confirmed that he had already approached the police before escalating the issue to the Film Chamber. In his complaint, Prem explained his professional association with Srinivas, noting that he has served the Kannada film industry for 25 years and has maintained a clean professional record. Prem reacts Prem told the media that he chose to respond because Srinivas allegedly made extremely offensive remarks, including comments about mothers. Prem shared that while platforms like the Film Chamber exist to discuss and resolve disputes, he would not stoop to the same level of language or behaviour. “He has spoken disrespectfully about several people, including AP Arjun, Appu (Puneeth Rajkumar), Darshan and me. To question my capability, he must first have credibility himself. One must speak responsibly,” Prem said. The dispute is being reviewed by the police as well as the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. On the other hand, Srinivas has reportedly issued a counterstatement, in which he challenged Prem to confront him directly. The controversy escalated at a recent film event where the producer allegedly verbally abused several known celebrities of the Kannada film industry for allegedly cheating the producer over the years.
09 February,2026 05:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs Vijay's Jana Nayagan continues to struggle to find a release amid the censor certificate delay the legal row that followed, there could finally be some relief for the makers and fans. The film has reportedly been sent to the revising committee by the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Vijay's Jana Nayagan sent to revising committe A source reportedly told India Today that the film was sent to the committee on Monday. This comes when the film is currently fighting a legal battle in the Madras High Court for its impending censor certificate. The source also informed that the move will likely lead the production house to withdraw its petition from the court once the certificate is issued. Notably, KVN Productions, the production banner which has produced the film, has yet to confirm the news. CBFC had earlier informed the court that they had taken the decision to refer Jana Nayagan to the revising committee after a member of the examining committee lodged a complaint alleging his objections had not been duly considered. According to the CBFC, the complaint had raised concerns regarding certain scenes in the film that could potentially hurt religious sentiments while also inaccurately depicting the armed forces. Jana Nayagan was originally planned for release on January 9. However, due to the delays, the film has still not found a release date. According to multiple reports, the film might face further delay due to the impending Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, which are likely to take place in April-May this year. About Jana Nayagan-CBFC row On January 27, the Madras High Court set aside the earlier single-judge order directing the censor board to issue a censor certificate to Vijay's Jana Nayagan. It also remitted the matter for a fresh hearing. The decision was overturned the previous ruling that was in favour of the film's producers. The dispute started after the CBFC delayed the certification process and consequently subjected the film to further review, driving the makers to move the court as the release was halted. The court also directed the single bench to give the censor board an opportunity to respond in the case. The producer, KVN Productions, was asked to amend the writ petition.
09 February,2026 05:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA Marathi television actor and social media content creator has been arrested by Mumbai Police in connection with a Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle theft case, leading to the recovery of five stolen bikes. The arrest has sent shockwaves through regional entertainment circles, as the accused had appeared in small roles on Marathi television and films. Case filed against the marathi actor The case came to light after a resident of Kurla West reported the theft of his Royal Enfield motorcycle from near the Tilak Nagar railway station earlier this month. Following the complaint, the Tilak Nagar police registered a case and launched an investigation, closely examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and tracking suspicious movements linked to the stolen vehicle. Based on technical surveillance and ground intelligence, police zeroed in on the accused, who was traced to Badlapur East, where he was living with his wife. A special team was formed under the guidance of senior officers, and after sustained monitoring, the actor was taken into custody. During interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed to stealing motorcycles, primarily targeting Royal Enfield Bullets. Acting on his disclosure, police recovered five stolen motorcycles, all suspected to be linked to different theft cases registered across Mumbai and nearby areas. Investigators believe the accused may be connected to multiple motorcycle thefts, with some estimates suggesting his involvement in several similar cases over the past few months. All about the case Originally from Jalgaon district, the accused had been trying to build a career in the entertainment industry while also gaining visibility as a reels creator on social media. His arrest has surprised many followers, as his public persona contrasted sharply with the allegations now levelled against him. Police officials stated that the investigation is still ongoing. They are probing whether the accused acted alone or was part of a larger theft network involved in stealing and reselling high-end motorcycles. Authorities are also checking if more stolen vehicles can be recovered based on further leads. The incident has once again drawn attention to the rising number of two-wheeler thefts in Mumbai, particularly of premium motorcycles that are often stolen for quick resale. Law enforcement officials have urged citizens to remain vigilant and take additional precautions to safeguard their vehicles. The accused has been produced before a court, and further action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.
09 February,2026 04:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPopular South actor Prakash Raj never believes in mincing his words, and his firm opinions prove it. The actor was all set to enthral audiences with his stint in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s anticipated film Spirit. Even the audio teaser of the film had sent fans into a frenzy. However, reports are now rife that the actor is no longer a part of the project due to a feud with the director. Prakash Raj exits Spirit? According to a report in OTT Play, National Award-winning actor Prakash Raj, who was initially announced as a key member of the cast, has allegedly been dropped from the project. The chatter suggests that things took a bitter turn on set following a heated exchange between Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Prakash Raj over the script and execution of a particular scene. The situation is said to have escalated, leading to friction between the actor and the makers. Further fuelling the speculation are claims that certain behavioural issues on set did not go down well with the production team, eventually leading to the decision to part ways with the veteran actor. However, neither Prakash Raj nor the filmmakers have issued an official statement yet. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sandeep Reddy Vanga (@sandeepreddy.vanga) It may be recalled that the makers had initially considered Deepika Padukone for the role of the female lead in the film. However, with disagreements erupting over pay and working hours, the makers chose to cast Triptii Dimri as the female lead. However, the actor later refuted the reports and said that he is yet to work on his scenes. "To all the toxic #Fakenews peddlers…. On #Spirit the movie . We have not even started shooting for my scenes .. and you whatsup factories speculate stories . Grow up and have a life". To all the toxic #Fakenews peddlers…. On #Spirit the movie . We have not even started shooting for my scenes .. and you whatsup factories speculate stories . Grow up and have a life 😂😂😂😂. #justasking — Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) February 9, 2026 More about Spirit Starring Prabhas and Triptii Dimri as the lead pair, Spirit will be reaching cinema halls on March 5, 2027. The makers treated netizens to the first-look poster of the film at midnight on January 1, 2026. The gripping poster shows a wounded Prabhas standing by a window, while Triptii lights his cigarette. Along with Prabhas and Triptii, the drama will also see Vivek Oberoi and Kanchana as part of the supporting cast. Prakash Raj’s upcoming movies Workwise, the actor will star in Mrunal Thakur and Adivi Sesh’s Dacoit. He is also part of Thalapathy Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, which is in legal soup over CBFC issues. If reports are to be believed, Prakash will also play a pivotal role in SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra.
09 February,2026 02:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Adivi Sesh has confirmed a very exciting collaboration with Bhojpuri music powerhouse Pawan Singh for his upcoming film Dacoit, instantly sparking curiosity around what the two are working on together. The unlikely duo coming together sparks a very exciting collaboration between the Telugu and Bhojpuri industry. Adivi Sesh collaborates with Pawan Singh While there are rumours that the two are joining forces for a high-energy dance number, details of the collaboration are being kept under wraps. Sesh has hinted that the association could take more than one form, whether it’s a musical element or Pawan Singh’s presence within the film itself, remains to be officially announced. The makers are deliberately staying tight-lipped, letting the intrigue build ahead of the film’s release. Pawan Singh took to his official Instagram account to share a photo of himself with Sesh, both smiling for the camera. He is seen holding a bouquet. Sharing his excitement about the collaboration, Singh captioned the post, as “भाई (red heart emoji) भोजपुरी और तेलगू जिंदाबाद,” celebrating the moment when both the industries come together and leaving fans curious. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pawan Singh (@singhpawan999) Reacting to the buzz around the collaboration, Adivi Sesh said briefly, “Collaborating with Pawan Singh on Dacoit has definitely got people excited, and rightly so. It’s a very unique association. What exactly we’re doing together is something audiences will have to wait and watch for”. About Dacoit Marking Shaneil Deo’s directorial debut, Dacoit is produced by Supriya Yarlagadda, co-produced by Suniel Narang, and presented by Annapurna Studios. Shot simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu, the film’s story and screenplay have been jointly crafted by Adivi Sesh and Shaneil Deo. The film features Mrunal Thakur and Anurag Kashyap in key roles and is positioned as an intense, character-driven action drama with a strong pan-India appeal. Kashyap will also be making his Tollywood debut. With Thakur completing her portions of the shoot and Sesh announcing the film’s wrap last month, Dacoit has been steadily shaping up to be one of the most anticipated high-octane action dramas of the year. With its ambitious scale, compelling storytelling and a high-voltage musical addition, Dacoit is gearing up for a grand pan-India theatrical release.
09 February,2026 01:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe makers of director Abhishek Nama's much-awaited mythological action drama 'Nagabandham', featuring actor Virat Karrna in the lead, on Friday released actor Rishabh Sawhney's look as the powerful Abdali in the film, much to the delight of fans and film buffs. Sources close to the unit of the film say that Rishabh Sawhney, known for his commanding presence in Bollywood’s 'Fighter', has delivered a remarkable performance in 'Nagabandham', where he takes on the role of the infamous Afghan Sultan Abdali. Set in 1750, the film recounts Abdali's conquest in India, detailing his notorious acts of looting temples and his relentless pursuit of vast wealth. The first-look poster is a striking visual set against a storm-lashed, snow-covered battlefield. Rishabh appears in mid-charge, brandishing a giant, blood-soaked battle axe with fierce resolve. Behind him surges a massive army, green war flags tearing through the icy winds, accompanied by archers, warriors, and towering war elephants- building an intense, high-voltage war canvas. Adding to the menace, a pack of wolves with glowing eyes closes in around him, amplifying the aura of danger, power, and impending doom. In 'Nagabandham', Abdali is depicted as a figure driven by ambition and cruelty, willing to sacrifice the lives of many, including Brahmins and children, in his quest to uncover the mythical Naga Bandham hidden in the Himalayas. The character remains a significant and dark part of history, known for his extreme ruthlessness. Director Abhishek Nama praised Rishabh’s portrayal, noting that his performance is so convincing that it feels as if the historical figure of Abdali had come to life on screen. "Rishabh has transformed into this complex character, bringing depth and intensity to the role," he stated. "I am honored to portray a character as challenging as Abdali," Rishabh shared. "I aimed to reflect the complexities and motives of this historical figure while remaining true to the story's essence." The film features Nabha Natesh and Iswarya Menon as the female leads, with seasoned performers Jagapathi Babu, Jayaprakash, Murali Sharma, and BS Avinash anchoring the narrative with impactful roles. Backed by the technical brilliance of Soundar Rajan S behind the camera, RC Pranav handling the editing, and Ashok Kumar shaping the grand production design, 'Nagabandham', sources say, will seek to present an arresting visual experience on the big screen. Bankrolled by Kishore Annapureddy and Nishitha Nagireddy, the film is now entering the final leg of its production journey, steadily moving towards completion.
07 February,2026 04:37 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSArchana Puran Singh, a longtime fixture on The Great Indian Kapil Show, recently addressed a question that often intrigues fans, who is the highest-paid star on the popular comedy programme. Speaking candidly in a vlog featuring her son, Archana clarified that despite being one of the most recognisable faces on the show, she is not the top earner. According to her, that title clearly belongs to comedian and host Kapil Sharma. Archana Puran Singh spills the beans Known for her signature laughter and lively reactions, Archana has played a key role in shaping the show’s entertaining atmosphere. Her chemistry with Kapil and the rest of the cast has remained a highlight for viewers over the years. However, she openly acknowledged that the financial structure of the show places Kapil at the top, largely because he is not only the host but also the driving creative force behind the programme. The Great Indian Kapil Show, currently streaming on a major platform, continues to enjoy strong popularity and has built a loyal audience across seasons. While several talented comedians and celebrity guests contribute to its success, Kapil’s central presence and brand value reportedly make him the highest-paid member of the team. Industry buzz has long suggested that his per-episode fee is significantly higher than that of his co-stars, reinforcing his status as one of India’s most successful television comedians. All about The Great Indian Kapil Show Archana, meanwhile, remains an essential part of the show and is believed to earn a substantial amount per episode, even if it does not match Kapil’s paycheck. Her consistent presence and ability to engage with guests and performers ensure she remains among the important contributors to the series. The revelation came in a lighthearted setting, reflecting Archana’s trademark humour and straightforward personality. Rather than framing the pay difference as a concern, she appeared comfortable acknowledging the hierarchy, understanding the scale of Kapil’s responsibilities and popularity. Fans have responded positively to her honesty, with many appreciating her grounded attitude. The conversation has once again highlighted the strong dynamic between Archana and Kapil, a partnership that continues to entertain audiences and play a major role in the enduring success of the comedy show.
06 February,2026 09:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, actor-turned-politician Vijay is drawing massive public attention, but the surge in supporters has created unrest in his otherwise quiet and upscale neighbourhood in Panaiyur. Residents living near the office of his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), have complained about losing their peace due to the constant influx of volunteers, fans, and party workers gathering in the area. Neighbours file a complaint The situation escalated recently when thousands reportedly assembled outside the party office to collect nomination forms and take part in pre-election activities. Streets along the busy East Coast Road (ECR) were heavily congested, with vehicles stuck in long queues and pedestrians struggling to move freely. Residents say daily life has been significantly disrupted, with noise, traffic jams, and heavy police presence becoming a regular occurrence. Several locals expressed frustration, stating that they chose the neighbourhood for its calm environment but now feel overwhelmed by the crowds and barricades. Some claimed they are unable to step out comfortably or carry on with routine activities due to the constant commotion. Visuals shared with regional media reportedly showed packed streets and authorities attempting to manage the swelling gatherings. Concerned residents have indicated that if the situation continues, the local welfare association may step in to raise the matter more formally with authorities. Their primary demand is better crowd control and planning to ensure that political mobilisation does not come at the cost of residents’ quality of life. Vijay's political debut Vijay’s political debut has generated enormous curiosity across Tamil Nadu. After years of commanding a loyal fan base through his film career, his transition into politics has naturally attracted supporters eager to be part of the movement. Large turnouts at party-related events reflect this enthusiasm, though whether it will translate into electoral success remains to be seen. The developments in Panaiyur highlight the challenges that often accompany celebrity-led political campaigns. While the growing support underscores Vijay’s popularity, it also raises questions about infrastructure, security, and civic balance in residential zones. As election season gathers momentum, effectively managing crowds while respecting community spaces is likely to become an important test for both the party and local authorities.
06 February,2026 09:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSuperstar Rajinikanth recently won hearts by his generous act of meeting a Chennai sanitation worker, Padma and gifting her a gold chain for her honesty. As the news spread, many praised the actor for his gesture; however, it looks like the act has not gone well with director Lenin Bharathi, who sharply criticised the Coolie actor and called him a ‘fake philanthropist.' Lenin Bharathi calls out Rajinikanth Lenin took to X and shared one of the pictures shared by Rajinikanth’s team, in which the superstar is seen hugging Padma, dressed in her worker uniform. Along with the picture, he wrote in Tamil, “Where were you, rajinikanth, all those times when the sanitation workers were protesting for their rights at the entrance of the Ripon Building? Will you identify them only by their uniforms to showcase your so-called generosity, you fake philanthropist?” Lenin was referring to the 2025 protests outside Ripon Building, which is the seat and headquarters of the Greater Chennai Corporation in Chennai. துப்பரவு தொழிலாளர்கள் தங்கள் உரிமைகளுக்காக ரிப்பன் பில்டிங் வாசலில் போராடிக்கொண்டிருந்த போதெல்லாம் எங்கு இருந்தீர்கள் @rajinikanth அவர்களே.. உங்கள் பெருதன்மை வெங்காயத்தைக் காட்ட அவர்களை சீருடையோடுதான் அடையாளப்படுத்துவீர்களா போலி கொடை வள்ளல்களே.. pic.twitter.com/hi79coMVIh — leninbharathi (@leninbharathi1) February 3, 2026 For the unversed, Rajinikanth met Padma at his Poes Garden home on Tuesday and gifted her a gold chain. Padma reportedly works as a sanitation worker in T Nagar, where she discovered an unclaimed pouch containing 45 sovereigns of gold ornaments. She instantly informed her superiors, followed by handing the gold over to the police station, and ensuring it reached the rightful owners. Rajinikanth had invited her to his home to laud her for her honesty. Netizens react Lenin’s post left the internet divided. While many Rajinikanth’s fans came to the superstar's defence, others acknowledged that the filmmaker was right. A fan on X wrote, “Trying too hard to find mistakes on others, is not a great habit sir.” Similarly, another fan defended him, saying, “That should be done by the government or politicians. It's not his job.” Meanwhile, another user noted, “As always, we are expecting a movie star to be a saviour and beacon of hope.” On the other hand, many backed Lenin. A Redditor wrote, “Bro Lenin is not asking Rajini to call out the government. He's just exposing his fakeness as a philanthropist,” while another criticised Rajinikanth, saying, “Bro made a photoshoot with the context of showing his generosity to a sanitary worker, where actual sanitary workers' rights are at question.” Lenin has directed the 2018 film Merku Thodarchi Malai, which was produced by Vijay Sethupathi. The film circles around the life and times of a group of landless workers living along the foothills of the Western Ghats in India.
06 February,2026 08:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
