Veteran Malayalam cinema stalwart Sreenivasan passed away at the age of 69, leaving the film fraternity and his admirers in deep mourning. A multifaceted talent known for his sharp wit, socially conscious storytelling, and memorable performances, Sreenivasan’s demise marks the end of an era in Malayalam cinema. Sreenivasan's mortal remains to be kept at Ernakulam Town Hall The legendary actor, screenwriter, director, and producer breathed his last in Kochi after battling prolonged health issues. Following his death, his mortal remains were brought to his residence in Kandanad, Ernakulam, where family members, close friends, and colleagues gathered to pay their respects. Later, his body was kept at the Ernakulam Town Hall, allowing members of the public to offer their final tributes to the beloved artist who touched millions through his work. Veteran actor to receive Police Honours In recognition of his immense contribution to art and culture, the Kerala government announced that Sreenivasan would be accorded police honours during his final rites. The ceremonial tribute reflects the respect and admiration he commanded across generations, both as a creative force and as a voice of the common man. His funeral is scheduled to take place on December 21 at his residence, with full state honours. Tributes poured in from across the film industry and political circles, with many remembering Sreenivasan as a rare artist who seamlessly blended humour with hard-hitting social commentary. Over a career spanning nearly five decades, he acted in over 200 films and penned some of Malayalam cinema’s most iconic scripts. His writing often highlighted social hypocrisy, political satire, and the everyday struggles of ordinary people, making his work both entertaining and thought-provoking. Sreenivasan also made a mark as a director, earning critical acclaim and national recognition for films that explored human relationships with sensitivity and depth. His influence extended beyond cinema, shaping the narrative style of Malayalam films and inspiring generations of filmmakers and writers. He is survived by his wife, Vimala Sreenivasan, and sons Vineeth and Dhyan Sreenivasan, both of whom have successfully carved their own paths in the film industry. As Kerala bids farewell to one of its most cherished cultural icons, Sreenivasan’s legacy lives on through his timeless films, unforgettable characters, and fearless storytelling that will continue to resonate for years to come.
20 December,2025 05:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRaashii Khanna recently offered fans a serene behind-the-scenes glimpse from the sets of Ustad Bhagat Singh, revealing the quieter moments that unfold away from the intensity of a large-scale film shoot. Captured mid-pause with a cup in hand on the sets of the Pawan Kalyan starrer, the still reflects a sense of calm and contemplation, an unspoken contrast to the film’s high-energy scale and dramatic promise. What added depth to the post was Raashii’s thoughtful caption, where she wrote, “Between action and cut, there’s stillness. And sometimes, laughter.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Raashii Khanna (@raashiikhanna) As anticipation around Ustad Bhagat Singh continues to build, Raashii Khanna’s BTS moment adds a human layer to the project. By sharing the image and its sentiment, she gently reminds audiences that beyond spectacle and scale, it is often these small pauses that stay with artists long after the final cut. More about Ustaad Bhagat Singh In what is being claimed as a first-of-its-kind move, the makers of director Harish Shankar's action entertainer Ustaad Bhagat Singh, featuring actor Pawan Kalyan in the lead, announced that one lakh fans of the actor would release the lyric sheet of Dekhlenge Saala, the first single from the film, which was released on 13 December evening. Sreeleela plays the female lead in this film, while Rashii plays the second lead, Shloka, a powerful and pivotal character. Her first look had been unveiled by the makers in July. The film is being produced on a grand scale by Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar under the Mythri Movie Makers banner. It may be recalled that on July 29 this year, the makers of the film had announced that the unit had completed shooting the film's climax. Rashii Khanna's upcoming projects Closing 2025 on a strong note with Telusu Kada and 120 Bahadur, Raashii Khanna finds herself in a confident and thriving phase of her career. With an exciting 2026 lineup that includes Bridge, Farzi 2, and an upcoming Amazon series, the year ahead promises to further strengthen her creative momentum and reaffirm her growing stature across industries. She is also set to make waves in Bollywood opposite Vikrant Massey in the upcoming film Talakhon Mein Ek, which will mark her reunion with the actor after The Sabarmati Report.
20 December,2025 02:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVeteran Malayalam actor, screenwriter, director and producer Sreenivasan passed away on Saturday at the age of 69, leaving behind a prolific body of work that shaped Malayalam cinema’s social and comic sensibility for over four decades. He is survived by his wife, Vimala Sreenivasan, and sons Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan. Malayalam actor Sreenivasan passes away Sreenivasan died at a private hospital near here on Saturday morning, film industry sources said. He was admitted to a hospital in Tripunithura on Friday night due to prolonged illness and breathed his last this morning. As soon as the news came out, fans mourned the great loss, with condolences pouring in for the veteran star. Well-known actor Prithviraj, in his brief but powerful condolence message on Instagram, said, “Adieu to one of the greatest ever writer/director/actor! Thank you for the laughs and the thoughts! Rest in peace, legend!” Actor Dileep was among the first to express grief over the demise of filmmaker Sreenivasan. “The emptiness in my life and in Malayalam cinema without Sreeniyettan’s presence will be huge. Rest in peace,” the actor wrote in Malayalam on his Instagram page. Well-known singer K S Chithra, on her X timeline, expressed her condolences. She wrote, “I am deeply saddened to hear about Sreenivasan sir’s passing. I was fortunate enough to sing for so many of his movies. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.” About Sreenivasan Born on April 6, 1956, in Patyam near Thalassery in Kerala’s Kannur district, Sreenivasan emerged as one of the most influential voices in Malayalam cinema, known for blending sharp social satire with accessible storytelling. Over a career spanning nearly five decades, he acted in more than 225 films and wrote several landmark screenplays. He made his acting debut in P A Backer’s Manimuzhakkam in 1976, with his first lead role in Sanghaganam (1979). He was formally trained at the Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu in Chennai. Beyond cinema, Sreenivasan was also a producer and co-produced Katha Parayumpol and Thattathin Marayathu under the Lumiere Film Company with actor Mukesh. His writing credits include classics such as Odaruthammava Aalariyam, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, Gandhinagar 2nd Street, Katha Parayumpol and Njan Prakashan, with the latter ranking among the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time. Sreenivasan also received several honours during his career, including a National Film Award, two Filmfare Awards South and six Kerala State Film Awards.
20 December,2025 11:38 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian film industry has witnessed a significant change in the past few years, with language barriers being broken and pan-India releases becoming common. mid-day has learnt that recognising this, the Producers Guild of India is set to launch the Indian National Cine Academy (INCA) Awards, aimed at honouring movies and talents across India’s diverse film industries. According to sources, the inaugural edition will be held in Mumbai on March 8, 2026. The idea to establish the awards came from producer and Guild member Vishnu Vardhan Induri. A source shared, “He is the founder of the South Indian International Movie Awards [SIIMA], which was launched in 2012 to celebrate South Indian cinema. He felt that in keeping with the changing times, a pan-India awards platform was required, and suggested the idea to the Guild about six months ago. The final meeting took place between Induri and Manish Goswami, Vice-President of the Guild, on December 17. The Guild has entered into a five-year agreement to back the INCA Awards, which will reflect the breadth of India’s film ecosystem.” The awards will also ensure cost-free revenue for the body by way of sponsorship and broadcast rights. Another source revealed that members including producers Madhu Bhojwani, Amit Khanna, Ashim Samanta, and Sharad Patel were involved in setting up the financial framework. A member of the Guild, on condition of anonymity, said, “The idea is to build the awards into a credible institution rather than a one-off event.” Mid-day contacted Guild President Shibasish Sarkar, and Goswami repeatedly for further details. Both didn’t respond till press time.
20 December,2025 08:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuAs the much-anticipated grand finale of Bigg Boss Telugu 9 inches closer, an unexpected and shocking update from the house has surfaced, leaving the fans concerned. According to reports, finalist Kalyan Padala has suffered a severe head injury during one of the tasks inside the Bigg Boss house. His injury just two days before the grand finale has raised questions about his participation in the finale. Kalyan Padala injured days before Bigg Boss Telugu 8 grand finale According to a report by Deccan Chronicle, the contestant's injury was serious enough that he required immediate medical attention. He was then rushed to the medical room in the house. The unfortunate incident has led to speculation about whether Kalyan will be able to continue competing until the very end, which is just two days away. Despite this knock, Kalyan has been dominating the unofficial online voting trends. The audience is closely watching him and finalist Thanuja Puttaswamy, as they will likely be the top contenders. Many fans are rooting for Kalyan to emerge as the season’s champion. Many fans are even calling him the ultimate winner of the season. However, the official announcement on the last day will reveal who will win the ninth season of the popular reality show hosted by Nagarjuna. Bigg Boss Telugu 8 grand finale Bigg Boss Telugu 9 grand finale is scheduled to air on Sunday, December 21, 2025, and will bring the season to a thrilling conclusion. The finale episode will start at 7 pm IST and can be watched live on Star Maa. It will also be streamed online on Jio Hotstar, which means the fans will have both television and digital viewing options. With only a select few contestants left in the race, fans of the show across India and abroad are on the edge of their seats for an exciting finale filled with performances, emotional moments, and the crowning of the winner. The Top 5 finalists of Bigg Boss Telugu 9 are Kalyan Padala, Thanuja Puttaswamy, Sanjjanaa Galrani, Demon Pavan, and Emamanuel. Kalyan Padala is reportedly an Indian Army officer. Born in middle class family and brought up in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India, he was interested in acting and the entertainment field.
19 December,2025 08:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAndhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor Pawan Kalyan recently gifted his director, Sujeeth a brand new Land Rover Defender. Sujeeth directed Pawan Kalyan's recent hit They Call Him OG. Many considered that the gift was a token of appreciation following the success. However, the actor had planned to gift the car to the director irrespective of the film's outcome. Why Pawan Kalyan bought Sujeeth a car? According to a report in Hindustan Times, a source revealed that Sujeeth wanted to film a portion of OG in Japan. This was during the last leg of the film's shoot. Despite budget constraints, Sujeeth felt that the shoot in the East Asian country was essential. He then sold his Land Rover Defender to bring his vision for the film to life. Pawan was not aware of this and was informed about Sujeeth's Japan trip during the dubbing of OG after the film shoot was wrapped. Impressed by his dedication to the film, Pawan decided to buy him a car of the same make and model. Reportedly, Pawan will be paying the EMI on the car. Sujeeth thanks Pawan Kalyan Earlier, expressing his gratitude to actor Pawan Kalyan, an overwhelmed director Sujeeth wrote, "Best gift ever. Overwhelmed and grateful beyond words. The love and encouragement from my dearest OG, Kalyan garu, means everything to me. From being a childhood fan to this special moment. Forever indebted." The director also posted pictures of himself with Pawan Kalyan and the new vehicle. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sujeeth (@sujeethsign) For the unaware, They call him OG, which featured Pawan Kalyan in the lead, also featured actors Emraan Hashmi, Priyanka Arul Mohan, Prakash Raj, and Sriya Reddy in key roles. Produced by DVV Danayya and Kalyan Dasari under the DVV Entertainment banner — the same powerhouse behind global phenomenon RRR — OG was being hailed as the biggest cinematic event of 2025. Cinematography for the film was by Ravi K Chandran ISC and Manoj Paramahamsa ISC, and editing was by Navin Nooli. Titled after its cryptic lead, and carrying the tagline They Call Him OG, the film presented a full-blown assault of mass, mystique, and madness. The film was originally slated to hit screens worldwide on September 27 last year. However, its release was delayed and it hit screens almost a year later on September 25 this year.
19 December,2025 08:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDespite facing sustained online backlash, Malayalam film actor Dileep has registered the biggest opening of his career with Bha Bha Bha. The Malayalam film released in theatres on Thursday, December 18, marking Dileep’s first release following his acquittal in the 2017 actress assault case. Backed by producer Gokulam Gopalan, the film also stars Mohanlal in a pivotal role. Despite strong criticism and calls for boycott on social media, the film has opened to record-breaking numbers at the box office. Bha Bha Bha box office collection According to trade analyst AB George, Bha Bha Bha collected Rs 7.2 crore gross in Kerala on its opening day. The film had a massive release across 450 screens in the state. With this, the film has become the second highest opener in Kerala after Empuraan. The film is reportedly doing well in the Middle East as well. In comparison, Dileep’s previous releases had significantly lower openings—Prince and Family earned Rs 90 lakh, Pavi Caretaker Rs 1.05 crore, while the crime thriller Thankamani managed only Rs 40 lakh on day one. Dileep’s controversy after acquittal Days after his acquittal, controversy surrounding Dileep resurfaced when an argument reportedly broke out on a KSRTC bus over the screening of one of his older films. While several female passengers objected to the screening, others defended it. Protests demanding complete justice for the survivor were also witnessed at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). Reports also suggest that Dileep withdrew from a temple event in Ernakulam, where he was scheduled to inaugurate the distribution of festival coupons. Sources claim that objections were raised by members of the temple committee and the Devaswom Board regarding his participation. Dileep’s last blockbuster While the continuing controversy may impact Bha Bha Bha’s long-term box office performance, the film appears to be off to a strong start. Its eventual fate will depend on audience response and word of mouth. Dileep’s last blockbuster was Ramaleela, which released in September 2017, months after his arrest in the actress assault case. Despite the controversy at the time, the film went on to perform strongly at the box office, largely driven by positive audience reception.
19 December,2025 08:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPadayappa has completed one week since its theatrical re-release, and unsurprisingly, the Rajinikanth-starrer shows no signs of slowing down at the box office or its buzz among the fans. A video has now emerged on social media that captures his fans celebrating in the theatre, underlining the film's charm and iconic status among his followers. Rajinikanth fans sing to a muted song in the theatre Although the exact location of the theatre is unknown, the audience is seen dancing in the aisles, clapping in harmony, and finishing the lyrics of one of Rajinikanth's iconic songs as it flashed on the big screen in the now viral video. To highlight the celebratory environment, the theatre briefly mutes the track at one point, and the crowd seamlessly takes over, singing each word without missing a beat. #Padayappa Movie or Concert ❤️🙌His dialogues, songs and the man himself @rajinikanth are etched in our hearts forever ❤️✨️🔥🔥🔥🔥#HBDSuperstarRajinikanth #Thalaivar pic.twitter.com/EjfsKt29os — Achilles (@Searching4ligh1) December 12, 2025 The clip has since been widely shared on social media, once again highlighting the unmatched cultural influence of Rajinikanth, even five decades into his career. Talking of the box office, within days of its return to the silver screen, Padayappa has emerged as the fifth highest-grossing Indian re-release. About Padayappa Padayappa is directed by KS Ravikumar, and became the biggest hit of its year during its original release. The film is remembered for Rajinikanth's swaggering central performance and Ramya Krishnan's iconic arch as Neelambari, which to date remains one of the most enduring female antagonists in Indian cinema. The popularity of the characters has only grown with time. Especially, Ramya's performance, which is often considered as a benchmark for powerful, unapologetic villainy. Earlier, while announcing the re-release, Rajinikanth also revealed that a sequel to Padayappa is currently in the works. The upcoming film will reportedly revolve around Neelambari's story. Padayappa, which was released in 1999, is widely regarded as one of the defining "mass" films of Tamil cinema. The film also further cemented Rajinikanth's superstardom. The film was re-released on December 12 to mark the superstar's 75th birthday this year. Interestingly, it also coincides with Rajinikanth completing 50 years in cinema. Clearly, the rel-release has tapped into collective memory, bringing back nostalgia, which is now turning screenings into events and generating box office numbers.
19 December,2025 06:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe survivor in the 2017 actress assault case took to Instagram to pen a second statement after the verdict was delivered by a Kerala court earlier this month. She shared an emotional note addressing the online chatter surrounding her and the case. The post was also a response to the relentless victim-blaming she continues to face. Survivor pens emotional note The actress wrote the note in Malayalam, which can be translated as, “My fault was reporting the assault to the police immediately and proceeding with legal action. I should have accepted the incident as fate and kept quiet. If and when the video comes out, and when I have no answer to the question of why I complained to the police right away, I should have killed myself.” The note further read, “I saw the video posted online by the second accused, who was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment, before he surrendered to serve his sentence. He should have said that it was I who took the nude videos. To those who say such perverse things and spread them, may it never happen to you or your family. Not a victim, not a survivor, just a human being. Let me live.” Survivor's first reaction to court verdict The Kerala court passed a verdict in which the first six accused were found guilty of the crime. Actor Dileep, who was the eighth accused and alleged mastermind, was acquitted in the case. Following the verdict, the survivor had earlier penned a post reflecting on the long legal battle she has fought since 2017, when the incident occurred. She said the verdict “did not surprise” her but described it as a “small ray of light” after what she called a “very long and painful journey.” Her Instagram post read, “December 12, 2025… After 8 years, 9 months, and 23 days, I finally saw a small ray of light at the end of a very long and painful journey. Six of the accused have been convicted, and for that, I am GRATEFUL!! This moment is dedicated to those who chose to call my pain a lie and this case a made-up story. I hope you are at peace with yourselves today!!” A portion of her post also read, “Over the years, I approached the High Court and the Supreme Court multiple times, clearly stating that I did not trust this court. Every request to move this case away from the same judge was dismissed. I will share those details in the next slide. After years of pain, tears, and emotional struggle, I have come to a painful realisation: ‘NOT EVERY CITIZEN IN THIS COUNTRY IS TREATED EQUALLY BEFORE THE LAW’…”
19 December,2025 05:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmid much debate and discussion, Malayalam actor Dileep’s film Bha Bha Bha was released in theatres on December 18. The film marks Dileep’s first release after his acquittal in the actress assault case, which was under investigation for nearly nine years. Dileep’s alleged involvement in the case came to light in mid-2017. While there continues to be considerable social media backlash against the actor even after the acquittal, discussions have now shifted to the content of Bha Bha Bha, which also features superstar Mohanlal in a cameo. About Bha Bha Bha kidnapping scene The actress assault case pertains to the abduction and sexual assault of a Malayalam film actress in a moving car, which Dileep was accused of masterminding for personal vendetta. The plot of Bha Bha Bha also revolves around the kidnapping of a central character by Radar (Dileep) in his car. A particular scene from the film has now come under criticism for poor taste and for allegedly mocking the real-life case. In the scene, Dhyan Sreenivasan’s character, Godson Ancharakandy, refers to Radar as a “professional kidnapper,” stating that it is not the first time he has kidnapped someone. The scene then cuts to a flashback showing Radar kidnapping Ramani. A woman is seen on screen as Radar approaches her in his car, while a voiceover says, “He kidnapped and milked her,” followed by a pause that allows the sexually coloured joke to sink in. It is then revealed that Ramani was a cow. The scene drew the ire of audiences, many of whom could not help but link it to the actress assault case. Several users took to social media to criticise the poorly written scene, especially given the case involving the lead actor. Chinmayi Sripaada reacts to controversial scene Singer Chinmayi Sripaada reacted strongly to the scene and wrote on X, “People have come to a point where they are actually making a joke about a real-life sexual assault case in a film whose ‘quotation giver’ has still not been found. Hell is probably better than here.” People have come to a point where they are actually making a joke about a real life sexual assault case in a film whose ‘quotation giver’ has still not been found.Hell is probably better than here. pic.twitter.com/Kuv2iXar8x — Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) December 19, 2025 Meanwhile, there are other scenes in the film where Radar is portrayed as a victim seeking revenge against his naysayers. He speaks about settling scores with the media and press who have “ruined his life,” regardless of how influential they are. At one point, he asks, “Should I not do at least this much to those who spoiled my life?” The moment appeared like a breaking of the fourth wall, with Dileep seemingly responding to events from the past nine years.
19 December,2025 01:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Hindi teaser of the much-awaited bilingual action film Dacoit, starring Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur, has finally been revealed. The teaser delivers a hard-hitting glimpse into a world charged with intense action, suspense, and raw emotion. Featuring Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur in lead roles, with Anurag Kashyap playing a pivotal character, the film promises striking performances and an electrifying narrative. Dacoit Hindi teaser revealed To mark the teaser launch on Thursday, the makers hosted a special two-city event on the same day. The Telugu teaser was unveiled in Hyderabad in the morning, followed by the Hindi version launched at a grand event in Mumbai in the evening. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sesh Adivi (@adivisesh) The film is gearing up for a grand pan-India theatrical release on 19th March 2026, making a special occasion of Gudi Padwa and the extended Eid weekend. Interestingly, it will be clashing at the box office with Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar 2 and Yash's Toxic. The teaser then shows both Mrunal and Adivi Sesh dressed as dacoits and embarking on their mission. It assumes a lighter tone with Adivi Sesh's character occasionally flirting with Mrunal. The teaser turns fun as we are given a glimpse of the intense chase sequences, confrontations and gun fights that happen in the film, even as the hit number 'Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast' from the Akshay Kumar and Ranveer Tandon starrer Mohra plays in the background. On the whole, the teaser gives the impression that Dacoit will be an action-packed, fun-filled, romantic entertainer. About Dacoi Apart from Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur, the film also stars director and actor Anurag Kashyap in a powerful role. It will also feature Prakash Raj, Sunil, Atul Kulkarni, Zayn Marie Khan, and Kamakshi Bhaskarla, among others. The film has been produced by Supriya Yarlagadda, and Sunil Narang has taken on the responsibility of being its co-producer with Annapurna Studios presenting it. Danush Bhaskar is the cinematographer for the film, which has music by Bheems Ceciroleo and editing by Kodati Pavan Kalyan. Marking Shaneil Deo’s directorial debut, the film has been shot simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu. Its story and screenplay have been jointly crafted by Adivi Sesh and Shaneil Deo. Notably the film was earlier scheduled to release on Christmas 2025, however, it was postponed. It will now release in March 2026. (With inputs from IANS)
18 December,2025 08:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
