Veteran Tamil Cinema Stunt Choreographer N Kothandaraman Passes Away at 65

Stunt choreographer N Kothandaraman, a stalwart in Tamil cinema with over 25 years of experience, passed away on Thursday at the age of 65. According to a report by Thanthi TV, he breathed his last at his residence in Perambur due to health complications.

Kothandaraman’s contribution to Tamil cinema remains unparalleled, with his remarkable work in the film Kalakalappu standing out as one of his most celebrated achievements. Over the years, he gained immense respect in the industry for his expertise in crafting action sequences that captivated audiences.

The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through the Tamil film industry, with celebrities and fans alike expressing their heartfelt condolences. Many have taken to social media to share their memories of the veteran and to honor his invaluable contributions to Tamil cinema.

Kothandaraman’s legacy as a stunt choreographer who shaped the action genre in Tamil films will be cherished for years to come.

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Director Shankar Discusses Challenges of Indian 2, Confident About Game Changer and Indian 3

Filmmaker Shankar is gearing up for the release of his much-anticipated political action drama Game Changer, starring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani in lead roles. Ahead of the film’s release on January 10, 2025, Shankar shared his thoughts on recent challenges and his vision for upcoming projects in an interview with Vikatan.

Indian 2 and the Road Ahead
Addressing the reception of Indian 2, the sequel to the 1996 cult classic Indian starring Kamal Haasan, Shankar said,

“I didn’t expect so much negative feedback for Indian 2, but that’s okay. I’m now focused on delivering better work with Game Changer and Indian 3.”

Despite the hurdles, Shankar remains optimistic about the future, confirming that Indian 3—the third installment of the iconic franchise—will follow a traditional theatrical release. This clarification comes amidst rumors suggesting that Indian 3 might skip theaters for an OTT debut.

For those unfamiliar, Indian 2 follows the return of the aged vigilante Senapathy, a freedom fighter committed to eradicating corruption in India. The film attempted to revisit the powerful themes of its predecessor but received mixed reviews, sparking conversations about its storytelling and execution.

The Promise of Game Changer
Shifting focus to Game Changer, Shankar expressed confidence in the project, stating, “I am completely satisfied with the way Game Changer has turned out. This is a lifetime character for Charan. It will be a racy movie filled with a brilliant screenplay.”

The film, based on a story by Karthik Subbaraj, revolves around the rivalry between a righteous IAS officer, portrayed by Ram Charan, and a corrupt politician, played by SJ Suryah. Shankar described the movie as a commercial entertainer with a gripping narrative.

Star-Studded Cast and Musical Highlights
Apart from Ram Charan and Kiara Advani, Game Changer features an ensemble cast, including SJ Suryah, Srikanth, Anjali, Samuthirakani, and Jayaram in pivotal roles. The makers are leaving no stone unturned to amp up the excitement for the film’s Sankranti release.

Adding to the buzz, the film’s fourth single, titled Dhop, is set to be unveiled on December 22, 2024, at 8 am. With music playing a significant role in the film’s appeal, fans are eagerly awaiting the new track.

Shankar’s Vision for the Future
As Shankar navigates the challenges of delivering back-to-back big-budget films, he remains committed to creating cinema that resonates with audiences. While Game Changer promises a blend of entertainment and social commentary, Indian 3 is expected to further explore the themes of justice and reform, staying true to the legacy of the franchise.

With Game Changer poised for release and Indian 3 in development, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the celebrated director.

Keerthy Suresh Shines in Red Midi Dress for 'Baby John' Promotions, Blending Modern Style with Traditional Elegance

image credit: viral bhayani

As she prepares for the release of her much-awaited movie Baby John, Keerthy Suresh is back in the spotlight with her impeccable fashion choices. The newlywed actress, who recently tied the knot with her long-time boyfriend in a beautiful Goa wedding, is making waves not only with her acting but also with her stunning promotional looks. Keerthy’s recent appearance at a promotional event for Baby John, where she stars alongside Varun Dhawan, was a perfect example of how to blend contemporary trends with traditional elements, and it’s safe to say that her red midi dress truly stole the show.

The Red Midi Dress: Elegant, Chic, and Comfortable

At the event, Keerthy turned heads in a striking red midi dress that exuded sophistication and effortless charm. The dress featured delicate spaghetti straps, a square neckline, and a flattering silhouette that perfectly accentuated her figure. Cinched at the waist and flowing slightly at the bottom, the dress offered a beautiful balance of structure and ease. Its simplicity was its strength—offering just the right amount of elegance without feeling overly fussy or overdone.

image credit: dear.keerthysuresh ( Insta )

The versatile red hue of the dress made it an ideal choice for any promotional event or even a chic evening out. Whether for a dinner date or a night on the town, this dress would easily fit into any modern wardrobe. Keerthy’s choice of outfit radiated both confidence and grace, making it clear that she is effortlessly able to embrace the latest trends while staying true to her roots.

A Touch of Tradition: The South Indian Mangalsutra

While her outfit was undeniably stylish, it was the details that truly made Keerthy’s look unforgettable. One such detail was her choice of accessories, which beautifully balanced the contemporary with the traditional. Instead of opting for bold or statement jewelry, the actress kept things minimal with a pair of delicate stud earrings and a multi-layered bracelet. However, the standout accessory was undoubtedly her South Indian mangalsutra—worn with grace around her neck.

The mangalsutra, a symbol of her newlywed status, added a beautiful traditional touch to her modern ensemble. Paired with the red dress, it was an elegant nod to Keerthy’s cultural heritage, making her appearance even more memorable and meaningful.

Flawless Makeup and Elegant Hair

Keerthy’s makeup and hair perfectly complemented her stunning outfit. Her makeup was polished yet subtle, enhancing her natural features while keeping the focus on her striking red dress. She wore a flawless base, with foundation and concealer that created a smooth canvas, while a touch of blush added a natural glow to her complexion. Her eyes were defined with kohl, making them appear larger and more expressive, and she opted for a nude lipstick to keep the overall look balanced and fresh.

For her hair, Keerthy kept it simple yet elegant. Styled in loose waves with a side parting, her hair framed her face beautifully, giving her an effortlessly polished look. The soft waves added volume and texture, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe that perfectly suited her style.

The Finishing Touches: Classic Black Heels

To complete her ensemble, Keerthy opted for a pair of sleek black pointed heels. The footwear not only added height but also brought the entire look together with its understated elegance. The combination of the dress and heels enhanced her posture, giving her an aura of confidence and poise.

image credit: India Forums

A Fashionable Inspiration

Keerthy Suresh’s promotional look in the bold red midi dress is the perfect style inspiration for anyone looking to combine modern trends with traditional elegance. Whether you're dressing for a special occasion, a night out, or a chic evening event, this outfit offers the perfect balance of comfort, sophistication, and cultural flair.

Keerthy's stunning appearance proves that fashion is all about embracing what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and true to your identity. With her mix of modern elegance and traditional elements, Keerthy once again establishes herself as one of the most stylish actresses in the industry.

In this ensemble, she’s not just promoting a movie—she’s setting a new standard for how to wear classic styles with confidence, and we can’t wait to see what she’ll wear next.

Keerthy Suresh posts pictures of her 'dream icon' Thalapathy Vijay from her wedding.

Keerthy Suresh recently tied the knot with Antony Thattil in Goa and shared some lovely pictures from her wedding ceremony. One special moment captured in the photos was the presence of superstar Thalapathy Vijay, who attended the ceremony and blessed the newlyweds.

Keerthy, who had a traditional Iyengar wedding with Antony, posted these pictures on Instagram, expressing her excitement. She referred to Thalapathy Vijay as her "dream icon" in the caption, writing, "When our dream icon blessed us at our dream weddinggg! @actorvijay sir With love, Your Nanbi and Nanban (sic)." In the photos, Keerthy looked beautiful in a yellow and green madisar (a type of traditional drape), paired with the Aandal Kondai hairstyle.

Keerthy Suresh and Thalapathy Vijay have previously worked together in the films Bairavaa (2017) and Sarkar (2018). Antony Thattil, Keerthy's husband, is a Dubai-based businessman originally from Kochi, who owns a chain of resorts. The couple had been in a relationship for 15 years before getting married. They had two ceremonies: the traditional Iyengar wedding and a Christian ceremony. Their wedding took place on December 12, 2024.

On the work front, Keerthy Suresh is preparing for the release of her Bollywood debut Baby John, which stars Varun Dhawan and is set to hit theaters on December 25, 2024, for Christmas.

Major Breakthrough: Russia Creates Cancer Vaccine, to Be Offered for Free Starting in 2025

Russia has created an mRNA vaccine for cancer, which will be given for free to cancer patients. The vaccine was developed with help from different research centers and is expected to be available to the public by early 2025.

Preliminary tests of the vaccine showed that it can stop tumors from growing and prevent them from spreading, according to Alexander Gintsburg, Director of the Gamaleya National Research Center. {alertSuccess}

An mRNA vaccine works by using parts of a virus, like its protein, to teach our cells how to make a similar protein. This triggers an immune response in the body. AI may help speed up the creation of personalized cancer vaccines. Gintsburg mentioned that using AI can reduce the time needed to design a customized vaccine to about 30 minutes to one hour.

Tamil Stars Bring Life to MUFASA’s World with Their Iconic Voices

The magic of MUFASA’s epic tale comes alive like never before as some of Tamil cinema’s finest lend their voices to bring these beloved characters to life. With their unique styles and unmistakable charisma, these talented artists infuse their essence into the iconic roles, making the Tamil version a true cinematic treat.

Meet the Tamil Voice Cast:

• Arjun Das as MUFASA - Known for his deep, commanding voice, Arjun Das captures the strength and nobility of Mufasa, the wise and courageous king.

• Ashok Selvan as TAKA - Ashok Selvan brilliantly portrays Taka, blending charm and cunning to showcase the complexity of this pivotal character.

• Nasser as KIROS - Veteran actor Nasser takes on the role of Kiros, adding gravitas and depth to this integral character in MUFASA’s world.

• VTV Ganesh as YOUNG RAFIKI - VTV Ganesh’s comedic timing and distinctive voice make Young Rafiki an unforgettable character, full of life and mischief.

• Singam Puli as TIMON - Puli’s energetic and lively voice perfectly matches Timon’s cheeky personality, bringing humor and warmth to the story.

• Robo Shankar as PUMBAA - Robo Shankar’s voice work as Pumbaa promises to delight audiences, adding his signature humor and charm to the lovable warthog.

This stellar cast ensures that the Tamil version of MUFASA delivers an immersive experience that will resonate with fans of all ages. Each actor brings their own unique flavor, making the beloved characters even more relatable and memorable.

Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey with MUFASA and his world, now brought to life in Tamil like never before!

Zakir Hussain, Legendary Tabla Maestro, Dies at 73

Zakir Hussain, the renowned Indian tabla virtuoso, has passed away at the age of 73. Widely regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation, Hussain died on Sunday in San Francisco due to complications from a chronic lung disease, according to a statement from his family.

Born in Mumbai, Hussain's artistry with the tabla—India's signature percussion instrument—made him an international ambassador of Indian classical music. His family described him as a prolific teacher and mentor who deeply impacted generations of musicians, stating that he had dedicated his life to inspiring the next wave of tabla players.

Hussain's musical journey began at the age of 12, when he started learning the tabla from his father, the legendary Ustad Alla Rakha, one of India's greatest tabla maestros. Zakir Hussain often recounted a unique and intimate moment from his birth, when his father welcomed him into the world by reciting tabla rhythms into his ear. "The tradition was that the father is supposed to recite a prayer in the baby's ear... So he takes me in his arms, puts his lips to my ear, and recites the tabla rhythms into my ears," Hussain once shared, reflecting on his deep connection to the instrument from the very beginning of his life.

By the age of 12, Hussain was already touring, performing alongside some of India's finest classical musicians. His rise to global fame was swift, and by the age of 18, he was earning critical acclaim for his mesmerizing solo performances. His virtuosity soon caught the attention of Western musicians, leading to collaborations with giants such as former Beatle George Harrison, jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, and the celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma. {alertInfo}

In 1973, Hussain co-founded the Indian jazz fusion group "Shakti" with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin. The band's groundbreaking fusion of Indian classical music with jazz elements helped introduce a new sound to the Western world, garnering widespread appreciation for the rhythmic intricacies of Indian music.

Hussain's influence was not confined to performances. He was a passionate educator and a powerful voice for Indian music across the globe. His commitment to blending tradition with innovation earned him numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards in 2024, making him the first musician from India to win three Grammys in a single year. He had previously won a Grammy in 2009.

In 2023, Hussain was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in recognition of his immense contribution to music and culture. {alertSuccess}

Hussain leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire tabla players and musicians worldwide. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Zakir Hussain’s passing marks the end of an era in the world of Indian classical music, but his unparalleled mastery of the tabla and his efforts to bridge cultures through music will ensure his influence endures for generations to come.

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