Allu Arjun's next film will have an exciting Tamil connection. In a fabulous collision of worlds, Tamil filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj will direct the Telugu star's next film. The announcement was made on January 14, marking the occasion of Pongal. "

SAY 23 Goin on a spree  Low-Key G Locked in mentally That’s a guarantee ! Excited about the new journey with the Maverick

  garu," wrote Allu Arjun on X, along with a small announcement video. 

'AA 23': Allu Arjun's Next Will Be Directed By Lokesh Kanagaraj

Sivakarthikeyan and Ravi Mohan, and composer GV Prakash, among others, were part of the team that attended the Pongal event hosted at Union Minister L Murugan’s residence in Delhi. The stars met Prime Minister Narendra Modi who was present at the celebrations too.

Sivakarthikeyan said, "Happy Pongal to everyone. Tamil people across the world are celebrating. Let positivity spread among us. There is no controversy (surrounding 

). People are understanding it and taking it in the right way, and what we intended is reaching the people. If they watch the film completely, they will understand (what the film is about)."

's stalled release, he said, "I have no propaganda. I wished Vijay for his political journey personally, and on social media too. His film will release soon and it will be a hit."

Answering another question on fans of Vijay bringing down 

's performance, Sivakarthikeyan stated, "We don't have to worry about a few people... let's not generalise it. We (Vijay and I) are always like brothers; it'll remain the same."

, Ravi Mohan said, "It was a beautiful event here in Delhi. Attending Pongal here in the heart of Delhi is a great honour for all Tamil people. I am glad that I was invited here. I met the PM, and his aura is great. He greeted us with a smiling face, and it feels great to be here."

He added, "People will say whatever they think they want to say, but as far as cinema is concerned, it is a medium of entertainment, so let us leave it at that. Leave the politics out of it. The audience wants entertainment after all the stress they go through. Let us not put this film through stress, it is just for entertainment. As a Vijay fan, I have always prayed for his success everywhere possible. In every stage, I have shown that I am an ardent fan of him."

'Parasakthi' Stars Sivakarthikeyan, Ravi Mohan Meet PM Modi in Delhi; Address 'Jana Nayagan' Release Controversy 

John Mayer’s highly anticipated debut show in India has been postponed “due to unforeseen circumstances”, announced BookMyShow Live in a social media post on Wednesday. The Mumbai concert date has been postponed from January 22, 2026, to February 11, 2026. Although the organisers mentioned that all existing tickets will remain valid, fans expressed their frustration in the comment section, citing travel and boarding expenses they would have to forfeit.

In an official statement, BookMyShow Live addressed the date change: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the John Mayer concert scheduled for January 22nd has been postponed to February 11th, 2026, at Malaxmi Race Course, Mumbai. All existing tickets purchased on BookMyShow will remain valid for the rescheduled date. For any ticket-related inquiries, please contact our customer service team at 

. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you soon."

In recent years, India has seen a significant boom in concerts, with global stars headlining shows that have redefined the country's position on the global touring map. Following the record-breaking success of Coldplay’s residency and the rising popularity of Lollapalooza India, Mayer’s debut was positioned as the next major milestone in the nation's emerging "concert economy."

For many Indian fans, the wait for this "one-night-only" experience has spanned over two decades. Since his 2001 breakthrough with Room for Squares, Mayer has conquered various genres, from the acoustic pop of "Your Body Is a Wonderland" to the blues-rock mastery of his 2006 masterpiece, Continuum. His discography, including hits like "Gravity," "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room," and "Waiting on the World to Change", has made him a key influence for the subcontinent’s independent music scene. 

Despite the anticipation for the seven-time Grammy winner, the 20-day delay has created a logistical hurdle for fans travelling from across the country. With the new date falling on a midweek Wednesday, fans now face the challenge of re-negotiating work leaves and forfeited travel bookings.

John Mayer Concert in Mumbai Postponed to February Due to 'Unforeseen Circumstances’

Ahead of the release of Kishor Pandurang Belekar’s silent film 

, Aditi Rao Hydari shares her excitement at collaborating with co-star Vijay Sethupathi. 

, Aditi Rao Hydari opened up about the long road to this project. She revealed that 

 wasn't the first time the duo was slated to share the big screen. 

“There have been three or four films that we have almost done together, but something or the other happened, and it didn’t work out,” she said, referring to previous projects that never took off. “This jinx had to be broken,” she added with a smile, explaining that this collaboration was one of the motivators for her to take on the film.

For years, fans have anticipated a collaboration between the two. Prior to 

, Hydari was set to join Sethupathi on the cast of 

 as of 2019. However, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and consequent date clashes, she opted to bow out of the film, with Raashi Khanna taking her place in 2020. She announced her departure from the film on X, saying: "Raashi Khanna over to you! All the very best and I hope you enjoy making the film!"

, a silent dark comedy, she plays the role of the mysterious Liar, opposite Sethupathi as Mahadev, a young unemployed graduate at odds with his values. This one-of-a-kind project was equal parts challenging, and exhilarating, shares Hydari. “You just get to be, and breathe, and feel,” she says, talking about the beauty of acting without using dialogue as a crutch.

Aditi Rao Hydari has a history of selecting her roles with intention, with an emphasis on artistry and integrity. “The five-year-old inside of me is always alive, always dreaming, always believing, and making it happen,” she says, continuing on her path despite projects falling through. Her relentless optimism is what has pushed her to continue pursuing scripts that truly resonate. “Those scripts are few and far between… but I can’t complain, because they are there,” she smiles, hinting at an upcoming project with a beloved director.

Hydari was most recently seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Netflix series 

as Bibbo Jaan. Meanwhile, Sethupathi was last seen in Pandiraj’s romantic action-comedy 

 as Aagasaveeran. He is also set to star in Mysskin’s 

 alongside Shruti Hassan, which is in post-production, and is currently filming for Vetrimaaran’s 

Aditi Rao Hydari On Finally Working With Vijay Sethupathi in ‘Gandhi Talks’: 'The Jinx Had To Be Broken'


Chiranjeevi has stormed the box-office with his latest 

clocking in a solid opening day figure as well as a good day two hold. The comedy drama, also starring Nayanthara and Venkatesh, has already crossed ₹100 crore worldwide.

netted a whopping ₹9 crore with paid previews on Sunday, followed by the opening day on Monday, where the film collected over ₹32 crore all-India, reported 

According to the industry tracker, the film then registered a strong hold on day two, where it netted over ₹19 crore. The two-day total of 

Meanwhile, the film's worldwide gross is over ₹100 crore, and will only increase over the next few days, coupled with the holiday week in India due to Pongal/Makara Sankranti, which would lead to a bumper weekend. The film has given Telugu cinema a bumper start to the year.

is expected to trend well at the box-office, the same can't be said about 

Fronted by Prabhas, the horror-comedy has completely crashed following its opening weekend, with collections dipping across the board.

The film netted  ₹108 crore all-India in its opening weekend and then witnessed a fall on Monday, when it clocked over ₹6 crore, followed by a Tuesday of over ₹4 crore, reported 

It's pretty much lights out for the film, as even the holiday period won't benefit it much now.

also stars Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar and Zarina Wahab. 

starring Ravi Teja, Dimple Hayati and Ashika Ranganath. The domestic opening day collection of the film stands at ₹2.5 crore.

Chiranjeevi's 'Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu’ Crosses ₹100 Crore Globally; Prabhas' 'The Raja Saab' Crashes at Box-Office

“Being bad is so good,” says actor Vijay Sethupathi in a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, sitting with his 

Known for his striking performances as the antagonist in films like 

, and more, the actor has never shied away from the dark side of human nature. 

“I play villains who excite me, because I enjoy villain roles, there is a lot of freedom in them,” he explains, talking about the thrill of playing the ‘bad guy’. Despite this, he says that he is making an effort to move away from the ‘villain’ typecast. “They [filmmakers] are bringing me regular, typical villain roles, which I don’t want to do,” he explains. Sethupathi does not care for two-dimensional villains written purely to support the hero’s storyline, he explains. Rather, he seeks out layered, complex characters who push the plot forward. 

Sethupathi is known for his diverse array of characters. In 

 he portrayed a transgender woman, a role that earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. The sheer scope of his filmography has led to him being dubbed as a ‘versatile’ actor, a tag that he has mixed feelings about. 

 “I don’t have the intention of portraying myself as versatile,” he says, in response. “I listen to the script, and if I like it, I do it… Extra tags will [weigh me down] and I don’t want that,” he adds. Sethupathi handpicks his roles with care, purely for the love of the story. It is his deep understanding of his characters and devotion to his craft that allow him to portray them with such ease. “It may look [effortless], but I work too hard for each and every character. To make it look easy, I work very hard,” he says. 

, Sethupathi plays Mahadev, a young, unemployed graduate at odds with his values. This character is unlike any he has portrayed in the past and reflects his desire to push himself further with each role. “The beauty of our work is the learning, the experience,” he emphasises, and it is clear that he embodies those values in every project. 

Starring Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddarth Jadhav alongside Vijay Sethupathi, 

Watch the full conversation dropping soon on 

The Hollywood Reporter India's YouTube channel

Vijay Sethupathi on 'Gandhi Talks' And Versatile Script Choices: 'To Make It Look Easy, I Work Very Hard '

This week’s slate spans nostalgia-driven theatrics, star-powered comebacks and familiar genre pleasures, whether you’re heading to the cinema or staying in. Vir Das makes his directorial debut with 

, which also marks Imran Khan’s long-awaited return to films, 

arrives after multiple delays, and Netflix rolls out a mix of crime and classic mystery, including a new Agatha Christie adaptation and a Damon–Affleck reunion. Here’s what to watch this week in theatres and on OTT.

Produced by Aamir Khan, this spy comedy signals Imran Khan’s return to the big screen after nearly a decade. Directed by Vir Das, the film follows a hapless detective drawn into an international conspiracy, leaning into offbeat humour and irreverence reminiscent of 

After a prolonged wait, Karthi’s action-comedy finally releases in theatres. The film centres on a devoted MGR fan who raises his grandson as the ideological heir to his cinematic idol, blending political nostalgia, mass entertainment and sentiment in equal measure.

 continues director Mohan G’s exploration of social conflict and ideological fault lines. This chapter shifts focus to courtroom battles and public confrontations, driven by deeply held personal convictions.

 plays a sharp customs officer at Mumbai International Airport investigating a sprawling international drug racket. The series combines procedural detail with heightened tension, positioning itself as a contemporary smuggling thriller.

Starring Mia McKenna-Bruce, Helena Bonham Carter and Martin Freeman, this adaptation of Christie’s 1929 novel is set in 1925, where a seemingly harmless country-house prank spirals into a web of secrets, conspiracies and murder. A classic whodunnit with a brisk, modern sensibility.

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reunite for this Miami-set crime thriller. When a group of police officers stumbles upon millions in untraceable cash, trust fractures and loyalties are tested, setting off a tense moral reckoning.

What to Watch This Week: ‘Vaa Vaathiyaar’, ‘Happy Patel’ and ‘Taskaree’

Academy Award-winning composers AR Rahman

 and Hans Zimmer have come together to create the sound behind Nitesh Tiwari’s two-part epic 

, one of the most anticipated films in recent years. Fans got a glimpse of their creative partnership in a teaser that was released last year. But what is it like for the two legends to collaborate on the epic?

"It’s terrifying for both of us, scoring something so iconic and so important in the world,” Rahman tells 

, Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, 

 will open in cinemas this Diwali, followed by the sequel in 2027.

When asked how the two of them create, Rahman explained, "In the teaser, he had a soundscape, then I took that and added the Sanskrit verse and everything. What is complicated is that we’re taking something so epic, something that every Indian knows, and we’re giving them something new, from India to the world,” he adds. 

As he continues to build the score alongside Zimmer, Rahman says that there was much he had to unlearn, casting aside conventional ideas of what 

 means, to create something unique. "While also absorbing a certain timeless quality that's there in the culture. That's our process, we are having fun."

It is precisely this constant drive for evolution that has buoyed the composer through his decades-long career, boasting a rich and diverse discography. He is always looking to “jump into new territories," he says, never resting on his laurels, remaining in pursuit of the next creative challenge.

It is no wonder, then, that Rahman would take on the invitation to score for 

a silent film starring Aditi Rao Hydari, Vijay Sethupathi, and Siddharth Jadhav. “I wanted to create something people would remember,” he says about his work for the upcoming Kishor Pandurang Belekar directorial, scheduled to hit cinemas on January 30.

Sethupathi, who was also part of the conversation, lauded Rahman's work in the film and added, "The music speaks better than us."

AR Rahman on Collaborating with Hans Zimmer for ‘Ramayana’: 'It Is Terrifying'

 shared a new poster from the upcoming debut film of his daughter, 

 (The Beginning). The poster reveals Vismaya's look in the film, who is seated next to the window of a moving bus. In the background, one can see Ashish Joe Anthony (son of producer Anthony Perumbavoor) seated at the back. His face also reveals a dark intensity, suggesting a negative character. 

 is said to be an action entertainer. A halo-like presence of Mohanlal, too, can be observed towards the left side of the poster. The misty windows almost hint at a hill station setting for the film. The poster reveals that the film will be released for Onam this year. The other big release during that festive window could be 

, a film which will interestingly co-star Mohanlal. 

Mohanlal will portray the character of Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali in the upcoming action thriller.

Thudakkam began its shoot in mid-November of last year on a set located in Kuttikanam, Kerala. The high-profile launch film is being directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, who had previously made 

, produced by Antony Perumbavoor of Aashirvad Cinemas, was first announced when Mohanlal posted this on X. “Dear Mayakutty, may your "Thudakkam" be just the first step in a lifelong love affair with cinema. #Thudakkam Written and Directed by Jude Anthany Joseph and Produced by Antony Perumbavoor, Aashirvad Cinemas #VismayaMohanlal @antonyperumbavoor @aashirvadcine #JudeAnthanyJoseph,” the actor wrote.

The film's screenplay is written by Linish Nellikkal, Akhil Krishna and Jude. Its technical crew comprises cinematographer Jomon T John, editor Chaman Chakko, composer Jakes Bejoy, sound designer Vishnu Govind and stunt choreographers Yannick Ben and Stunt Silva.

Mahesh Narayanan's star-studded action thriller 

Vismaya Mohanlal’s 'Thudakkam' To Be An Onam 2026 Release

featuring Yash has landed in trouble after the Aam Aadmi Party’s Women’s Wing filed a complaint with the Karnataka State Commission for Women. In their complaint, the party's representatives have alleged that the teaser features ‘obscene and explicit’ visuals that could ‘adversely impact the social well-being of women and children'. 

In a letter addressed to the state Women’s Commission, AAP State Secretary Usha Mohan demanded intervention to ban the teaser and remove it from social media platforms. She also held that the teaser was released without any age-related warning, and that the visuals featured in it “degrade the dignity of women” and insult the culture of Karnataka, reports stated. 

was released on January 8 and has amassed over 85 million views on YouTube. The action-packed, highly stylised teaser introduces Yash’s character, Raya, while featuring contentious scenes of aggressive lovemaking inside a car. 

In response to the complaint, the Karnataka State Commission for Women has written to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to examine the allegations and take ‘appropriate action’.

. While the teaser drew criticism for allegedly objectifying women, Mohandas had defended the scenes with  a cryptic response on Instagram, writing, “Chilling while people figure out female pleasure, consent, women playing systems, etc etc.” 

Earlier, veteran filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma had praised Mohandas' filmmaking chops after watching the 

 teaser. He called Mohandas the 'ultimate symbol of Women Empowerment' and said that no male director could match her vision. 

 is scheduled for release on March 19, 2026. The upcoming action thriller will be the first film of Yash since he found nationwide popularity with the blockbuster 

franchise. Produced by Venkat K Narayana and Yash, 

Yash's 'Toxic' Teaser: Karnataka Women's Commission Urges CBFC To Take 'Appropriate Action' After Complaint 

 was said to join, right before the megastar went on a health-related sabbatical from cinema, was the film he was expected to do with director Nithish Sahadev. Due to the delay, the project was put on hold, and Nithish went to Tamil to do a comedy film with Jiiva titled 

, which translates to ‘Under the leadership of our brotherly leader’. Speaking at a press conference in Kerala, the director of the 2023 hit comedy 

 opened up about his delayed project with Mammootty. When asked about the project’s status and how Mammootty came onboard, he said, “He (Mammootty) liked the story. After hearing our first narration, he soon asked for another sitting to discuss the film in detail. Within the genre, we are trying to do a few new things with it. And I’m guessing it will be different. It’s going to be an action entertainer.” 

The filmmaker will try his hand at action, even as he is known for comedies. 

 is said to be a comedy with satirical elements in it. Like 

, this subject too was brought to him by his co-writer Sanjo Joseph. The Jiiva film is expected to be released later this week on January 15. Apart from Jiiva, the film stars Prathana Nathan, Thambi Ramaiah, Anuraj, Ilavarasu, Jenson Dhivakar, Sarjin Kumar and others. It is being produced by Kannan Ravi, and the film’s music is by Vishnu Vijay (of 

Actor Jiiva was recently in the news when he was asked to comment on the censorship faced by the two major Pongal releases in Tamil, J

. He joked, “Am I not the brand ambassador for censorship in Tamil cinema? My film 

 underwent 48 cuts before its release. Its release also coincided with COVID. So, both these ‘Cs’ affected our film very badly.”

Mammootty’s Next With 'Falimy' Director Said To Be An Action Entertainer 

 have approached the Supreme Court in their ongoing legal battle against the CBFC. On Monday, the producers of the Tamil-language film — positioned as Vijay's last screen outing before venturing into full-time politics — moved the Supreme Court challenging an interim order of the Madras High Court. The interim order, passed on January 9, had stayed an earlier direction to the CBFC to issue a certificate to the film immediately.

The legal tug-of-war between the CBFC and 

makers has thrown in the film's future into uncertainty. Hyped as the first big Tamil release of 2026,

was pushed from its Pongal release date of January 9 after failing to obtain a censor certificate in time. The makers approached the Madras High Court alleging that the CBFC chairman referred their film to a revising committee despite its examining committee recommending a U/A 16+ certificate. The referral was reportedly based on a single member's complaint. The board felt that the film's portrayal of the armed forces as well as certain other scenes required reexamination.

The producers of the film had invested about ₹500 crore and planned a worldwide release on January 9, but the release was pushed because the CBFC informed them on January 5 that it would not accept the examining committee’s recommendation. 

On January 9, The Madras High Court directed the CBFC to grant the film a U/A certificate. However, the same day, the High Court stayed the direction passed by a single bench of the court following an appeal by the CBFC. Currently, the film's release is held up at least until January 21. However, it may avail some relief if the Supreme Court intervenes in time.  

in Hindi) is one of the most anticipated films of the year, especially considering it marks Vijay's final screen appearance. The film, a charged, big-canvas political thriller, also features Bobby Deol, Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju and Priyamani.

Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan': Makers Approach Supreme Court In Ongoing Censorship Row

 was recently launched. The poster features Pauly’s character sporting a white uniform in what could be read as the costume of a male nurse. The movie is also said to be set within a hospital. The badge of “Good Shepherd Hospital” can be seen on his right and in his arms, he’s seen holding on to a baby with its face covered. The intense look on his actor's face suggests that the film will have a serious tone, perhaps dealing with complex issues in the medical field.

 had unveiled the film’s motion poster during Onam last year. It introduced Abhimanyu Thilakan as a police officer, joined by Jai Bhim actor Lijomol Jose and Premalu breakout star Sangeeth Prathap. Towards its conclusion, Nivin Pauly appears, hinting at an intense narrative that intertwines the lives of these central characters. The brief but atmospheric teaser suggests that

 will explore themes of conflict, morality and human frailty in a taut thriller format.

Directed by Arun Varma, who made his feature debut with 

(2023), the film has been scripted by the acclaimed screenwriting duo Bobby and Sanjay. Known for redefining 

’s approach to thrillers with titles such as 

(2012), the pair’s involvement has set high expectations for 

The supporting cast includes Azees Nedumangad and Aswanth Lal in pivotal roles. The technical crew brings together a strong line-up: cinematography is by Faiz Siddik, editing by Shyjith Kumaran and music by Jakes Bejoy. Together, they promise to deliver the cinematic texture and intensity that have become hallmarks of contemporary Malayalam thrillers.

Produced by Listin Stephen under the banner of Magic Frames, 

 continues his longstanding collaboration with Nivin Pauly. The producer has backed several of Pauly’s projects, including 

 is still continuing to hold strong in theatres even in its third week.

'Baby Girl': Nivin Pauly’s Next To Release Soon, First-Look Out 

has locked January 30 as its new release date. Backed by 

, the makers also dropped the film's trailer, which features Mukerji as a cop.

Produced by Aditya Chopra, the film is directed by Abhiraj Minawala and written by Aayush Gupta of 

will see Mukerji reprising the role of a daredevil cop, Shivani Shivaji Roy, who is in a race against time to rescue scores of unaccounted for missing girls.

The third instalment will see Mukerji take on a merciless, evil, powerful woman as the antagonist, played by Mallika Prasad. Janki Bodiwala of 

franchise. The first film tackled the grim realities of human trafficking, while the sequel explored the chilling mind of a psychotic serial rapist.

Celebrating three decades in Hindi cinema, Mukerji took to Instagram on Monday, and shared a heartfelt note, writing, "To have 

releasing on my 30th year is a sign for me to keep working, doing good work!"

in 1996, reflected on the landmark moments and films of her career, including 

Saathiya, Black, Bunty Aur Babli, No One Killed Jessica

Mukerji also spoke about her personal life and added, "Marriage and motherhood changed me, not by slowing me down, but by sharpening my focus. I became more selective, more protective of my energy, and more aware of the kind of legacy I wanted to build and the films that I want to lend my voice to.”

The actor also thanked her fans for their continued love, which she said has enabled her carry on for three decades. "Today, I’m still feeling like a newcomer, wanting to excel, to work harder, to take on new cinematic challenges and write a totally new chapter of my life starting right now. To my fans and audiences who have always rooted for me, stood beside me, and cheered for this girl who has become a woman, I bow down with respect and love. I would not have been here without you. I would have been no one without you.”

'Mardaani 3' Trailer: Rani Mukerji's Daredevil Cop Returns as Film Locks January 30 Release

, directed by Nalan Kumarasamy, may finally see the light of day on January 14 after facing several postponements. The film was first set to release on December 5 and the makers decided to back out and push its release. The new date then was slotted for December 12, 2025.  The film missed that deadline too after a court battle. The producers were expected to pay undue bills amounting to ₹21 crore to ensure a smooth release of the film. The film’s new release date is a result of 

pushing its release owing to censorship troubles.

Nalan Kumarasamy's last directorial feature 

 released in 2016. Karthi’s last theatrical release was 2024’s 

. The posters of the film depict Karthi in the attire of a police officer and the songs from the film have become popular. The music is by Santosh Narayanan. The film’s first single ‘Uyir Pathikaama’ was released over six months ago.

On December 6, 2025, a 140-second trailer of 

 was unveiled by its makers. The trailer is filled with MGR references, and it even begins by stating that the film has the blessings of the Tamil matinee idol. In the trailer, Karthi is introduced as Rameshwaran J, a police officer who is said to have grown up as a fan of MG Ramachandran. His father, played by Raj Kiran, may have influenced this trait in him.

The trailer has the tone and texture of a political satire, as we hear talk of a political conspiracy, and Rameshwaran may be asked to investigate. His style of getting involved in the conspiracy shows several mannerisms and costume styling seen by MGR in his classic films. One look of Karthi, with him sporting an eye mask and a whip, is straight out of the ex-Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s iconic looks.

'Vaa Vaathiyar': Long-Delayed Karthi-Starrer May Finally Release On January 14

Actor-politician and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan

 has added a rare international distinction to his public life, becoming the first Telugu-speaking individual to be formally inducted into Kenjutsu, the classical Japanese art of swordsmanship, outside Japan. The honour, conferred under the lineage of the Takeda Shingen Clan, places him among a small global cohort recognised for sustained engagement with traditional Japanese martial philosophy rather than ceremonial practice alone.

Kenjutsu, which predates modern Kendo, is rooted in the battlefield disciplines of the samurai and is governed by strict codes of physical precision, mental discipline and ethical conduct. Induction into its senior lineages is uncommon, particularly for non-Japanese practitioners. Kalyan’s recognition signals not just technical proficiency but long-term immersion in the history and spiritual framework of the art.

His journey into martial disciplines began decades before his emergence as a screen star or political figure.

During his formative years in Chennai, Kalyan trained intensively in karate and allied combat forms, developing a foundation that later deepened into a sustained study of Japanese budo traditions. Over the years, his practice evolved beyond physical training into scholarly research, mentorship and philosophical engagement with samurai systems of thought.

This lifelong commitment has now been formally acknowledged through multiple international honours. Kalyan has been awarded the Fifth Dan (5th Dan) by the Sogo Budo Kanri Kai, one of the most respected custodians of traditional Japanese martial arts. He has also been inducted into the Takeda Shingen Clan under the lineage of Soke Muramatsu Sensei, an honour rarely extended beyond Japanese practitioners. Adding to this recognition, the Golden Dragons organisation has conferred upon him the title “Tiger of Martial Arts”, citing his sustained contribution to the preservation and popular understanding of classical disciplines.

Kalyan’s martial grounding has also shaped his cinematic work. Across films such as 

, his performances have frequently foregrounded disciplined physicality and combat authenticity, helping introduce traditional martial forms to mainstream Indian cinema.

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'AA 23': Allu Arjun's Next Will Be Directed By Lokesh Kanagaraj

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