The character posters for the four lead roles in the upcoming Malayalam action comedy 

 have been unveiled, sparking online discussion around the characters and their possible impact on the film’s narrative. Along with revealing their first looks, the posters also introduce the character names they will be known by in the film.

Tovino Thomas is introduced as Sreekuttan Vellayani. In his poster, he is seen sporting a pair of glasses and singing on stage while holding a microphone. Basil Joseph, meanwhile, appears to be playing a much younger character named Sam Kutty. His look features braces, long hair, and a backpack, hinting at a distinctly youthful persona.

'Athiradi' Character Posters Unveil First Looks of Basil Joseph, Tovino Thomas, Vineeth Sreenivasan and Riya Shibu

As per multiple reports across social media, the promo shoot of the Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan movie began on the outskirts of Chennai on Saturday, the 7th of February. The shoot is reportedly being planned and executed by director Nelson, and it is taking place in what is reportedly the set of a hotel. Apart from the director Nelson, Anirudh too could feature in this promo, playing the roles of two makeup artistes, reports suggest. Titled #Thalaivar173 for now, the film is Superstar Rajinikanth’s first full-fledged film with Kamal Haasan in over 46 years. The new film is also going to be produced by Kamal Haasan’s Raj Kamal Film International. 

Nelson is at least the third director to have been associated with this high-profile reunion. Before him, reports had suggested that Lokesh Kanagaraj would be making the film. Nelson, who is currently completing 

with Rajinikanth, is expected to make his first film with Kamal Haasan when the project goes on floors. 

The promo shoot has long been a staple for big-budget Tamil productions. The trend is said to have become popular with Lokesh Kanagaraj's promo before the release of his Kamal Haasan film 

. Although from the same universe, the scenes that are shot for promos often do not make it into the final version of the film. The hit dialogue, “Arambikalama (let it begin)” became popular from 

's promo video. A similar video, featuring director Nelson and music director Anirudh, had been made to announce the release of 

 was looking at a release for Pongal next year. But with delays and postponements, including Nelson’s commitments, this release date looks unlikely. The reunion will also commemorate 44 years in the business for Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International. In an earlier interview, Haasan had said, “We’ve been itching to work together for a long time. Like how a biscuit was being split into two, we had then demanded that we each be given a whole biscuit each. Now we’ve found the joy again to realise that we are both happy with just that half biscuit again. So we’ll come together.”

Promo Shoot Of Rajinikanth And Kamal Haasan Reunion Film Begins In Chennai: Reports

Weeks after hit music composer Anirudh visited Ajith Kumar at one of his races, it’s now Tamil star Sivakarthikeyan's turn.  The actor posted a series of photos along with the racer-superstar from the sidelines of a race. Sivakarthikeyan had visited him at Yas Circuit in Abu Dhabi. His Pongal release, 

, had just hit OTT screens last week. Sivakarthikeyan also posted the note, “Pure passion, commitment, dedication and resilience—experienced it live, felt the adrenaline rush. An inspiring day spent with an inspiring person. Always look up to you, my dear #AK sir.” 

Ajith Kumar had opened up about how his participation in racing and his popularity as a movie star would attract a new audience towards motorsport. The attendance of figures like Anirudh and Sivakarthikeyan can be seen as the sport attracting a new set of viewers by inspiring curiosity. Tamil star Silambarasan TR too had visited the circuit a few weeks ago. 

Among the clips posted on social media, we see Sivakarthikeyan speaking to Ajith Kumar as they both look at the racing car. Sivakarthikeyan was also seen sporting a jumpsuit with the Ajith Kumar Racing logo on it. Apart from several sponsors, SDAT, the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, is also among the supporters of his racing team. Ajith Kumar, whose last hit was 

 directed by Adhik Ravichandran, will soon join the sets of another film with the same director after his racing commitments for the year are complete. 

Director Vijay also recently confirmed that he would be directing a documentary on the motorsports career of Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar. Vijay, best known for directing films like 

 that he is currently documenting Ajith Kumar’s racing life. The project was initiated at the request of the actor and his manager, Suresh Chandra.  Vijay said the filming process offered an insight into the world of motorsports. Recalling his first day on set, he quoted Ajith Kumar as saying, “Welcome to my world.”

Sivakarthikeyan Meets Ajith Kumar On Race Day 


In a record-setting acquisition for the South industries, Yash-fronted 

 has secured a cushy distribution deal with Sri Venkateswara Creations (SVC) in the Telugu-speaking states for the film’s theatrical release. 

Headed by veteran producer Dil Raju, SVC has acquired the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana distribution rights for ₹120 crore on an advance commission basis, making it the biggest-ever acquisition for a non-Telugu origin film in the region.

The deal was closed between SVC and the film’s producers, KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, after multiple major players competed for the AP–TG rights. Trade sources view the acquisition as a strong marker of the film’s box-office potential and Yash’s stardom following the success of KGF films. The deal cements 

s place among the biggest pan-Indian releases currently in production.

Commenting on the association, Dil Raju said, “Yash stands as a formidable titan of Indian cinema, and post 

, his market has only grown stronger across the world. The audience’s anticipation for his next after 

 has been building for a while now. With a four-year wait, the buzz and expectations around this film are massive. We at SVC are stoked to present this prestigious project and hope to continue collaborating with Yash on many more films.”

Written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas and directed by Mohandas, 

is being simultaneously in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions planned across major Indian languages. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 19 March 2026, coinciding with Eid, Ugadi, and Gudi Padwa and clashing with the marquee Hindi release 

. A racy and highly stylized teaser for the period gangster drama was earlier released by the makers, court controversy over its use of matured visuals.

Yash’s 'Toxic' Secures Record-Setting ₹120 Crore Distribution Deal in Telugu-Speaking States with Sri Venkateswara Creations

Veteran actor Suniel Shetty has publicly addressed persistent rumours suggesting his son Ahan Shetty was responsible for the postponement of Sajid Nadiadwala’s 

, due to his allegedly exorbitant entourage costs. In a recent interview with 

, Shetty dismissed such claims, asserting that they are entirely baseless.

, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, he was positioned as a promising action lead. 

, meant to mark a reunion with the same producer, has since been put on hold, with speculation around entourage costs clouding the narrative around the delay.

Setting the record straight, his father said: "Ahan has never gone overboard with his entourage. These are all rumours. This gossip was circulated as per the producer’s convenience. If the producer says that he can show a bill, then I will see.” He adds that he will defend his son against such unfounded rumours, saying, “There, the father steps in and will step in, very, very clearly. Don’t spread lies to hide your weaknesses, because it’s not fair on Ahan."

Shetty maintained that both father and son maintain strict personal accountability for expenses when working on film sets. He underscored his point by sharing an example of his own on-set policy: he personally brings his food and water from home while filming, and has instructed his staff to ensure producers are not billed for unnecessary costs. The implication, he said, is that his son’s team operates with the same discipline. “Ahan is very, very careful with his entourage. And if it’s his entourage, he will pay for it. He is aware of that,” he said.

He challenged the narrative of his son causing issues for producers by emphasising his newcomer status, saying that there is no room for him to make unreasonable demands on-set. “Ahan has just arrived, this is his time to settle into the industry, so there are no tantrums. 

Suniel Shetty Dismisses Rumours on Ahan Shetty’s Entourage Costs

For Adarsh Gourav, who has nurtured a musical career alongside acting, 

 became a project where both his crafts converged. In conversation with 

, the actor and singer spoke about how his track, 

, was spontaneously selected for the film, despite being incomplete at the time. “I have been working on my EP for the last year, and writing some music on the side,” he explains, adding: “Aditya N. and I had written [

 began, he found himself in director Bejoy Nambiar’s office, where he casually played the track for the filmmaker upon request. He shares, “I just played this track, 

for [Nambiar], and his first reaction after listening to this track was, ‘Can I have this in the film?’”

The moment carried particular weight for the actor-singer, who has always tried to integrate his music into his screen work. “I have been trying to pitch myself as a singer in every project that I’m part of,” he says, laughing. “I secretly slide it in somewhere… but it’s never worked out.” 

This time, it did, much to his surprise. “I had never imagined that this is how it would eventually happen,” he admits. “Just casually playing a song—the thought didn’t even cross my head.”

Gourav saw the opportunity as a no-brainer. “There can’t be a better platform for a musician like me to put out my music,” he says, pointing to the difference in reach. “The reach that a commercial film will have over you releasing your music independently, which 10,000 people will listen to, are two completely different things.”

The response to his music has been overwhelming. “We have had over 500,000 hits on Spotify in three days, which is absolutely insane to me,” he says. Expressing his gratitude, Gourav adds: “I’ll forever be grateful to Bejoy for making this happen.”

The actor-singer has also collaborated on another track for the film, 

, with artists Sez on the Beat and 7Bantai’Z. In the past, he has delivered tracks like 

 with artists RUUH and JOH, and has also collaborated on 

Adarsh Gourav on Singing and Composing 'Jee Liya' for ‘Tu Yaa Main’: ‘I’ll Forever Be Grateful to Bejoy’

Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey has issued an official statement addressing the controversy surrounding the title of his latest production, 

, confirming that all promotional material for the film has been taken down amid backlash. The film stars Manoj Bajpayee in the titular role.

The controversy erupted after the teaser was unveiled at a Netflix event a few days ago, with a section of viewers alleging that the title was defamatory to the Brahmin community. The backlash reportedly led a Mumbai-based lawyer to issue a legal notice to the filmmakers and the streamer over the use of the title.

Billed as a gritty thriller, the film also stars Nushrat Bharuccha, Saqib Saleem, Akshay Oberoi, Divya Dutta and Shraddha Das. 

Reacting to the controversy, Pandey shared an official statement and said, "Our film is a fictional cop drama, and the term “Pandat” is used simply as a colloquial name for a fictional character. The story focuses on an individual’s actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion, or community."

Pandey said as a filmmaker, he approaches his work with a "deep sense of responsibility - to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful" and added that 

was made with "sincere intent and solely to entertain audiences." 

"We understand that the title of the film has caused hurt to some viewers, and we genuinely acknowledge those feelings. In light of these concerns, we have decided to take down all promotional materials for the time being, as we believe the film should be experienced in its entirety and understood in the context of the story we intended to tell, rather than judged on partial glimpses. I look forward to sharing the film with audiences soon," the statement read.

 is a one-night thriller that follows the corrupt and morally bankrupt police officer Ajay Dikshit, as an unexpected encounter disrupts his plans and draws him into a chain of events far larger than anticipated.

‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ Row: Neeraj Pandey Takes Down Netflix Film Teaser, Says He ‘Genuinely Acknowledges the Hurt’

 have finally put an end to weeks of anticipation, officially confirming that the high-profile Telugu action entertainer starring 

 will hit cinemas worldwide on March 26, 2026.

The announcement, shared via the film’s official social media channels alongside a striking new poster, has already sparked a fresh wave of excitement among fans and industry observers alike. In the shared message, 

 teased a summer box-office “on fire” with the “duo of Power Star & Cult Captain,” setting the tone for what could be one of Telugu cinema’s most electrifying releases of the year.

 reunites the actor-politician with the filmmaker behind their earlier blockbuster 

, raising expectations that this collaboration will deliver the same larger-than-life entertainment. The film co-stars Sreeleela and Raashii Khanna, and has been in advanced stages following the wrap of principal photography.

 to avoid a crowded clash and enjoy an extended solo run during the lucrative early summer holidays.

Beyond the date reveal, the film has maintained steady promotional momentum. The film’s first single, 

, sung by Vishal Dadlani and choreographed by Dinesh Master, has already elicited a record-breaking response, with over 29 million views within 24 hours of its release.

Alongside Pawan Kalyan in the lead, the cast boasts notable names from South Indian cinema. Sreeleela and Raashii Khanna play key characters, with seasoned performers also part of the ensemble. 

The film’s music is composed by the prolific Devi Sri Prasad, whose score is eagerly awaited. The cinematography is handled by Ayananka Bose, the editing by Karthika Srinivas, and the production design by Anand Sai. The screenplay and writing credits include K. Dasharath and Ramesh Reddy, with additional writing contributions from Praveen Varma and C. Chandra Mohan.

Pawan Kalyan's 'Ustaad Bhagat Singh' Locks Release Date

How do you act out fear? Sometimes by living it. That was the case for 

 during the shoot of her survival thriller 

, a film that pushed her to confront some of her deepest anxieties. Co-starring Adarsh Gourav, the project required its actors to inhabit moments of genuine distress, rather than merely simulate them for the camera.

For filmmaker Bejoy Nambiar, “creating discomfort” was central to his film’s survival-thriller narrative, quite literally throwing his cast in the deep end. 

The approach proved especially demanding for Kapoor, who was navigating multiple personal fears while filming.

“She has a fear of heights and closed spaces, being underwater, and she had to [experience] all those things for extended periods of time,” Nambiar tells 

. “She had to really overcome all of that, and not once did she complain.”

That resolve held until the final day of the shoot, when director Bejoy Nambiar says Kapoor "broke down" and filming was immediately halted. 

Recalling the sequence, Kapoor describes an underwater scene that pushed her to a breaking point after her leg got stuck. Enclosed beneath the water, surrounded by darkness, she says she felt unable to surface on the third take, with Gourav and the camera positioned behind her.

"Those two seconds underwater felt like two minutes. I couldn't exit; I felt trapped. So when I came out, I just started crying!" Kapoor said.

The physical demands of the film weren’t limited to a single sequence. Both actors spent long hours in freezing cold water, with little reprieve. “We had to be submerged in the water for long hours,” Gourav says, adding that they would only get out of the pool for lunch breaks. 

is an official adaptation of the Thai film, The Pool. The film is scheduled to release on February 13.

Shanaya Kapoor Recalls Breaking Down During a Claustrophobic Underwater Shoot for 'Tu Yaa Main': 'I Felt Trapped'

Born at the evergreen DC-10 Ibiza as an after-party property that rewired the way the Island partied on Mondays over two decades ago, Circoloco has evolved into one of the most popular institutions in global underground music. Its red insignia signals a certain promise: long sets along with uncompromising curation.

After several successful stops outside of Ibiza, namely Amsterdam, Thailand, London and NYC, to name a few, the party is set to land in Mumbai at the Jio World Garden on 19th April 2026. Presented by Kingfisher Ultra and produced by Sound Simplify in collaboration with Xora and District, the show marks yet another entry of a global marquee festival in India. Circoloco’s expansions tend to be deliberate, landing only in markets where there is already a developed audience for underground house and techno. Its presence in Mumbai further signals confidence in the city’s scale and the growing maturity of its listeners.

The lineup underlines the intent. Marco Carola, a long-time Circoloco regular, anchors the bill with his signature groovy tech sound that helped define Ibiza’s modern club scene. He’s joined by Michael Bibi, whose Solid Grooves movement has become one of the most influential forces in modern-house music, along with Chris Stussy, part of the new guard pushing stripped-back, club-focused house music. Mau P adds to the bill, bringing commercial appeal, while Jamback adds a younger name to the lineup. 

Over the last few years, India’s electronic music market has matured quickly, arguably the fastest out of other genres, considering the roots have always settled in India. International properties such as Boiler Room, DGTL and Zamna have established recurring footprints here, drawing consistent crowds and signalling demand that extends well beyond metro nightlife. For global promoters and booking agencies, India is increasingly being routed into touring calendars rather than treated as an add-on.

While the lineup looks exciting, hosting an outdoor event of this scale in the middle of the scorching summer heat is going to be a challenge of its own. But the entry of Circoloco in India signals a definite belief in the country’s ability to show up for global IPs.

Circoloco Announces Lineup for Debut India Edition

Ahead of its release, the upcoming thriller and “creature feature” 

—starring Adarsh Gourav and Shanaya Kapoor—continues to build momentum, particularly for its distinct premise.  But the film has also attracted speculation about its origins—specifically, questions around whether the plot draws from the 2018 Thai thriller 

follows two influencers—Maruti, played by Gourav, and Avani Shah (Miss Vanity), played by Kapoor—who find themselves trapped in a deadly fight for survival when a crocodile shows up in a pool. In a conversation with 

, director Bejoy Nambiar addresses these concerns head-on, dismissing lazy claims that the film is a "copy".

“It’s an official adaptation of the Thai film, 

, which came out in 2018,” Nambiar says, in response to the chatter. Despite rumours suggesting otherwise, the director reiterates that the adaptation has been formally acknowledged. “We have mentioned it everywhere, but I don’t know how people don’t read the credit slate,” he adds.

credits Himanshu Sharma for the story, with screenplay and dialogues by Abhishek Arun Bandekar. The makers have also credited the original helmer, Ping Lumpraploeng, for the film's official adaptation. 

is far from a scene-by-scene remake, Nambiar stresses, and adds that the writing team has “completely reimagined it,” calling the Hindi version “poles apart” from its source material. 

"I don't know why people don't read the credit slate. They just bashed us by claiming we were copying stuff, but we didn't!" the filmmaker says. In fact, in a move that feels almost radical in an age of frame-by-frame remakes, Nambiar chose to keep his distance from the original film altogether. 

“I made it a point not to watch the original,” he says. The same rule applied to his cast. Adarsh Gourav and Shanaya Kapoor both stepped into physically and emotionally demanding roles without having watched the film as well. Nambiar says the team was more inclined to  “come up with something new, since they don’t know the source material.”

"The basic idea of two people stuck in a pool and a crocodile is, of course, from the Thai film. But everything else that happens with the two characters when they are trying to survive is our original. Which is why I am sure our version will stand on its own," the filmmaker adds.

The film is set for a theatrical release on February 13.

Bejoy Nambiar on Adarsh Gourav and Shanaya Kapoor’s 'Tu Yaa Main': ‘It’s an Official Adaptation, Not a Copy’

Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment have announced that 

 will release in theatres on September 4, 2026. The film marks the first theatrical release for the Mirzapur franchise, which began as a streaming series and went on to become one of India’s most popular and widely discussed OTT properties.

 premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2018 and is set in the lawless town of Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh. The series follows the power struggles, crime networks, and political control surrounding the region’s illegal arms and carpet trade. Across its seasons, the show built a strong following for its violence-driven narrative, ensemble cast, and characters that became widely referenced in popular culture. Subsequent seasons expanded the scale of the conflict while maintaining a focus on revenge, succession, and criminal politics.

The feature film is positioned as an untold chapter from the Mirzapur universe and is intended to expand the story beyond the streaming format. It is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under the Excel Entertainment banner, with Kassim Jagmagia and Vishal Ramchandani as co-producers. The film is directed by Gurmmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna, who also served as the creator and head writer of the series.

Several central characters from the series return in the film. Pankaj Tripathi reprises his role as Kaleen Bhaiya, the mafia leader of Mirzapur, while Ali Fazal returns as Guddu Pandit. The film also marks the return of Divyenndu as Munna Bhaiya, a character whose arc in the series drew strong audience attention.

The ensemble cast includes Jitendra Kumar, Ravi Kishan, Abhishek Banerjee, Rasika Duggal, Shweta Tripathi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Harshita Gaur, Sushant Singh, Mohit Malik, Sheeba Chadha, Rajesh Tailang, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Sonal Chauhan, Pramod Pathak, and Anangsha Biswas.

, the franchise moves from a streaming-first format to a theatrical release. The film is presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment and is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on September 4, 2026.

'Mirzapur: The Movie' Set for September 4, 2026 Theatrical Release

is gearing up to go on floors next year, four years after they delievred a blockbuster with the first installment, 

which stars Prabhas. "We'll start in the mid-2027 to shoot," the filmmaker said during a virtual press meet to mark the Japan premiere of 

"There will be more animals in the film because Aziz is another animal. So, keeping that in mind it's a war between the two brothers now to look alike so I thought 

would be the right title," Vanga added. The filmmaker was joined by Kapoor on the virtual press meet, who said he was thrilled to play dual role in 

That of Rannvijay Singh and the antagonist, Aziz.

"I can't wait to get back on set with Sandeep and to play this character and now another character. Because it's a continuing story, he had the story of part two very clear in his mind while filming part one itself. So, it's very inspiring for me as an actor. Sandeep and I keep chatting with each other through the week or month and keep discussing different ideas. I really can't wait to get back to playing Ranvijay and Aziz," Kapoor added.

. The film is eying a 2027 release. Meanwhile Kapoor has a packed slate of three films lined up to release in the next one year. 

He will be seen on screen in the upcoming epic 

which is scheduled to release this diwali, followed by 

next year. In 2027, Kapoor will also be seen in

Ranbir Kapoor, Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 'Animal Park' Eyes Mid-2027 Shoot

gets a new release date. The film, which was earlier scheduled to land in theatres on March 27, will now be released on April 30. The makers announced the news on X with a new poster. "

 will see you on 30th APRIL, 2026," Ram Charan's post on X read.

The newly unveiled poster showcases Ram Charan in an intense, long-haired, heavily bearded look, sporting a rugged, bloodied face and a dust-covered avatar. Featuring Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, Jagapathi Babu, Shiva Rajkumar, and Divyendu Sharma, 

 is directed by Buchi Babu Sana and has music by AR Rahman.

The news also comes on the heels of several high-profile release announcements in March, including 

Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Kamineni also recently welcomed twins

, a boy and a girl, on February 1, in Hyderabad. The couple already share a daughter, Klin Kaara, born in 2023.

“Happy to share that we have been blessed with a baby boy and girl. Having two daughters and a son fills us with immense gratitude. The women in our lives have been our greatest strength. I’m very thankful to all our fans, family, and well-wishers who have stood by us through every moment," the actor wrote on Instagram.

Addressing the press at the hospital, Telugu screen icon Chiranjeevi, the father of Ram Charan, thanked fans for their wishes. "Thank you all for your warm wishes. I am taking this opportunity to share some joyful news from our home with our well-wishers, fans, and everyone who roots for us. We are incredibly happy. Both the Konidela and Kamineni families wish to express our shared joy through the media," he said.

Ram Charan was last seen in Shankar's political drama 

Ram Charan's 'Peddi' Gets A New Release Date

 has been swirling online in recent weeks, prompting intense curiosity about whether the two are more than friends. In an exclusive conversation with 

, the singer-musician addressed the dating rumours head-on, speaking with rare candour about the attention, the assumptions, and why he is choosing not to be pressured into defining the equation.

The speculation reached a fever pitch just last week after the two were seen walking hand-in-hand at Lollapalooza in Mumbai, following his surprise performance alongside international artist Kehlani. 

This public appearance came on the heels of a leaked video of the two at the wedding of Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben, which revealed Talwiinder’s face without his usual disguise—an identity he has guarded since 2018 to ensure the focus remains on his craft. 

The artist, known for being fiercely protective of his personal life, addressed the dating speculation by explaining that the attention took him by surprise. “We had only just met each other right before the (Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben) wedding, so all of this attention caught us off guard,” he said.

Talwiinder stressed that neither he nor Patani wants to be pushed into defining anything under public scrutiny, adding that both are currently in a phase of self-discovery. 

“We don’t want to give in to the pressure or the rumours. It is what it is. We’re still discovering ourselves, still figuring ourselves. I’ll just leave it at that.  Because if they are trying to spread the rumours, I'm going to let the rumours be rumours."

Talwiinder also reflected on an earlier comment, in which he had said that he could think about love and relationships if he weren't the musician he is for the audience.  Asked whether that stance had evolved, Talwiinder laughed and said, “If you remember, I’d also said that I fall in love every day. So I guess I’m falling in love right now.”

Exclusive | Talwiinder Addresses Disha Patani Dating Rumours: ‘We Don’t Want to Give In to the Pressure’

 has lived a double life by design. The singer, known for hits like 

 has built a career behind his signature mask, an attempt to maintain the sanctity of his craft, and protect his identity. However, that carefully guarded privacy was recently violated. Recently, a leaked video from Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben’s wedding, showing Talwiinder unmasked, went viral, risking the very persona he has spent nearly a decade building.

, he didn’t hide his disappointment. "I woke up to the video, I saw my face everywhere," he says. "I was not in the right state of mind when I saw it, I felt like [my face] was snatched away from me. My world turned upside down." The leak resulted in an onslaught of comments, shares, and posts, with his face spreading across the Internet like wildfire. "You're seeing people making content on it," he adds. To the person responsible, his message is blunt: "For the person who gave the video to the media, for, what, for ₹5,000, ₹10,000, ₹20,000, ₹50,000? You literally just killed someone’s dream."

Talwiinder maintains that his music is “made for the ears, not the eyes,” and he does not wish to detract from his audience’s experience. “I’m making music for people to feel,” he says. “Sometimes the visual can distract the audience from getting the message.” To him, the mask is a meticulously devised facet of his persona, one that spares him the constant pressure of "always looking fly" or being identified in public. It allows him the privilege of choosing when to face the world, and when to simply exist.

However, it is clear that Talwiinder isn't interested in playing the victim or rejecting the spotlight. He is acutely aware of his privilege, despite this breach. “What kind of artist complains about getting this much attention?” he asks, expressing a deep gratitude for the platform he has built. Addressing a media cycle that “hasn’t been kind”, he says he's finally made his peace with it all. "

(Everyone has to run their house)," he laughs. "It’s okay if I’m getting used in the process. As long as somebody’s getting views, they’re happy, I’m happy,” he says.

The artist is confident that those who follow him for his music are here to stay, despite the noise. “There’s so much love, I don’t even focus on the hate,” he smiles.

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