after the screen legend passed away on Monday, just weeks before what would have been his 90th birthday.

The actor was cremated in Mumbai in the presence of his family and close industry colleagues. Remembering his beloved 

co-star, Bachchan — who played Jai opposite Dharmendra’s Veeru — said the star remained “unsoiled” by fame even as he rose to the top of Indian cinema.

Dharmendra | Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Shah Rukh Khan Pay Tributes: 'A Valiant Giant Has Left Us'

"I am in blood / stepped in so far..,” confesses Macbeth in Shakespeare’s play. 

 is no different in his shocking first-look from 

. The highly-anticipated fourth collaboration between the duo—after 

is a crime action drama slated for release on February 13, on the eve of Valentine's Day.

The makers dropped a graphic poster while announcing that the film’s teaser will be out on January 10. In the poster, a blood-soaked Kapoor laughs gleefully against a stark red backdrop. He has intricate, elaborate tattoos across his chest and arms. According to an official note, the look hints at “a character that is both menacing and quirky,” promising “depth, drama, and passion” in the film’s central performance.

have not been officially disclosed. The film is reportedly set in an older era of the Mumbai underworld and also stars 

 and Nana Patekar in key roles. In a recent Instagram video, Kapoor described the film as “a love story with a lot of action.” Alluding to its Shakespearean undertones, he added, “This is 

, so well, there might just be a Juliet in there too,” referring to Dimri’s character.

 marks Bhardwaj’s first theatrical release as director in eight years. His recent outings, such as 

Charlie Chopra & The Mystery of Solang Valley

 (2023), were all streaming releases. However, he co-wrote and produced 

, a theatrical film directed by his son Aasmaan Bhardwaj.

, an action thriller released in 2025 and following his appearance in 

(2023), a major blockbuster, and is best regarded for her performances in 

'O'Romeo': Shahid Kapoor Debuts Feral First-look From Vishal Bhardwaj's Film; Teaser Out Tomorrow

Imagine an unlikely collaboration turning into a strange nightmare because of... a crocodile. That's how filmmaker Bejoy Nambiar sets up his latest survival thriller 

in the film's debut teaser, headlined by Adarsh Gourav and 

Scheduled to hit cinemas on February 13, 

world of two content creators from completely different backgrounds who come together for a collaboration driven by curiosity, clout and chemistry. 

"What starts off as a fun, high-energy adventure quickly takes a dark turn, turning into a pulse-pounding fight for survival as they come face to face with a menacing crocodile. Will they manage to escape, or will the croc turn their collaboration into a nightmare?" reads a note from the makers.

is produced by Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma under the banner of Colour Yellow, along with Vinod Bhanushali and Kamlesh Bhanushali of Bhanushali Studios Limited. The project is the first collaboration between  Rai and Nambiar, who is best known for the 2011 cult-thriller 

When the film was announced last year, Nambiar had said that the team was "pushing the boundaries of romance and survival" with the film.

"It is both emotionally charged and intensely terrifying. Adarsh and Shanaya’s chemistry and their contrasting energies are what will make 

a wild ride. It’s a unique canvas that allows us to explore complex characters against the backdrop of an unforgiving wilderness.”

while Kapoor made her big screen debut with the 2025 

. The film opened to poor reviews and was a box-office failure. Kapoor will also be seen this year in Dharma Productions' series 

'Tu Yaa Main' Teaser: Adarsh Gourav and Shanaya Kapoor Fight To Survive a Crocodile Attack

 was postponed from its scheduled January 9, 2026 date

 owing to the Central Board of Film Certification’s failure to issue a censor certificate, the Madras High Court on Monday allowed a writ petition filed by KVN Productions LLP and directed the CBFC to grant the film a U/A 16+ certificate.

 the CBFC then made an immediate mention before the Chief Justice’s Bench for an urgent hearing of a writ appeal to be filed against the order.

The report further added that a request had been considered for an urgent hearing of the CBFC’s writ appeal against the order passed by Justice P.T. Asha, who had directed the board to issue the certificate, so that 

It also stated that he production company approached the court after the CBFC chairman referred their film to a revising committee despite the examining committee recommending a U/A 16+ certificate. The producers had invested about ₹500 crore and planned a worldwide release on January 9, but the release was pushed because the CBFC informed them only on January 5 that it would not accept the examining committee’s recommendation. 

in Hindi) was one of the most anticipated films of the year, especially considering it marks Vijay's final screen appearance before he enters politics full-time.

"It is with a heavy heart that we share this update with our valued stakeholders and audiences. The release of 

, eagerly awaited on January 9, has been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances beyond our control," KVN Productions had officially confirmed in a statement earlier this week.

The production house assured audiences that a new release date will be announced once finalised and added, "We deeply understand the anticipation, excitement, and emotions surrounding this film, and this decision has not been an easy one for any of us. The new release date will be announced at the earliest. Until then, we humbly request your patience and continued love. Your unwavering support is our greatest strength and means everything to the entire 

‘Jana Nayagan’ Release: Madras High Court Orders Grant of U/A Certificate to Film; CBFC Challenges Decision

has officially dropped, offering a powerful look at Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s latest venture into both headlining a project and producing it. Directed by Nandini Reddy, the teaser promises a cinematic experience that seamlessly weaves electric action with the warmth of a slice-of-life. 

The teaser hints at a protagonist who is both a "girl next door" and a formidable force to be reckoned with. While the footage showcases intense, high-scale action sequences, it remains rooted in family dynamics, suggesting a balance between a gritty thriller and a heartfelt family drama. 

tells the story of a woman whose strength comes as much from her vulnerability as from her courage,” Samantha said in a statement. “Playing this character and nurturing this film as a producer has been an incredibly fulfilling journey for me… I’m truly excited for audiences to experience this story and connect with its spirit.” 

The film is a significant creative reunion for Samantha and Nandini Reddy, who previously struck gold with the 2019 hit 

. Known for her emotionally intuitive storytelling and her ability to craft nuanced, strong female protagonists, Reddy appears to be pushing the envelope further with 

The film is set against a raw, grounded backdrop, framing its protagonist as a fierce protector within a narrative that is as quirky as it is personal. Adding significant industry weight to the project is the production team.

is backed by Himank Duvvuru, Samantha, and her filmmaker-husband Raj Nidimoru, one half of the powerhouse duo Raj & DK. Raj also serves as a key creative force on the film, bringing the edge that has become signature to his collaborations with Samantha, including 

Samantha and Raj tied the knot last month.

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The Tamil film industry witnessed an outpouring of support after actor-politician Vijay’s final film outing was held back from release. 

, Vijay’s last screen appearance before entering full-time politics, 

missed its intended release date of January 9 following a delay in censor clearance

. Earlier this week, the Madras High Court reserved its order on a plea filed by the makers challenging the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) decision to withhold a censor certificate. 

Madras High Court allowed a writ petition filed by KVN Productions LLP and ordered the issuance of U/A 16+ certificate to the film. However, the CBFC then made an immediate mention before the Chief Justice’s Bench for an urgent hearing of a writ appeal to be filed against the order.

As audiences await a new release date from the makers, several of Vijay’s colleagues and contemporaries have voiced their solidarity.

Taking to X on January 8, actor Jiiva expressed his support for the Tamil superstar. “When the wait gets longer, the impact gets bigger. Always beside you, today and every day #Thalapathy @actorvijay na. You are truly our Janangalin Nayagan. We are coming – Delayed but not defeated! #JanaNayagan,” he wrote.

Silambarasan TR, popularly known as Simbu or STR, extended his support, emphasising that the real celebration would begin only with the film’s release. “Dear Vijay anna, setbacks have never stopped you. You’ve crossed bigger storms than this. This too shall pass. Real Thiruvizha (festival) begins on the day Jana Nayagan releases,” he wrote.

 is slated to release this week, wrote, “You don’t need a date.. you are the opening. Whenever that date is.. Pongal only starts then.”

Filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj, meanwhile, penned a detailed note expressing frustration over what he described as a difficult period for the film industry, highlighting how both big-budget and independent films are being affected.

“Some Thoughts just as a Lover of CINEMA!! No theatres for a Low budget Indie film #Salliyargal. Censor delay causing postponement of a Big budget Big Star like Vijay Sir’s film #JanaNayagan slated to release tomorrow… Bookings are yet to open in many centres due to issue of certificate for other Big budget film #Parasakthi slated to release day after tomorrow… Tough times for Cinema!!” he wrote.

Subbaraj stressed the central role theatres play in sustaining independent cinema, particularly at a time when satellite and OTT platforms are reluctant to acquire low-budget films. “Theatres need to be more supportive for indie low budget films … Coz Big Satellite & OTT players are not so keen to buy indie films leaving Theatres as only source for revenue for Low budget films…. Not giving theatres for low budget films literally means Killing Cinema !!”

Addressing the impact of censorship timelines on large productions, he added that rigid certification schedules place immense pressure on filmmakers during post-production. 

“For Big budget films… The strict timeline rules for Censors (India & Overseas) is really hard to follow and puts lot of pressure on Filmmakers creative space during Post Production especially when ur doing a Big budget film with release date already announced… With current timeline rules for both Indian and overseas censors, the ideal time for a film to be fully completed is 3 months before release date… Which is Highly impossible for many reasons.…”

Calling for collective action, Subbaraj urged industry stakeholders and the censor board to work towards a more streamlined process. “This has to be streamlined and shud be made bit easy for Filmmakers… Both from the board the producers and the Stars… Otherwise postponement of Big films on festivals dates will eventually Kill Industry!!”

 is directed by H Vinoth and also features Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol and Mamitha Baiju. 

'Jana Nayagan': STR, Jiiva, Ravi Mohan Lead Support for Vijay Film's Release From Tamil Industry


 is kicking off the year on a global stage. The actor will join Hollywood heavyweights Ana de Armas, George Clooney and Julia Roberts as a presenter at the upcoming Golden Globes, set to take place this Sunday.

The 83rd edition of the prestigious ceremony, unfolding this weekend in the US, will also feature appearances by Mila Kunis, Jennifer Garner, Amanda Seyfried, Chris Pine, and Kevin Hart, among others.

The official Golden Globes Instagram account posted a series of images of the presenters, including Chopra, reflecting a dynamic blend of industry legends, fan favourites, and global icons and wrote, "More #GoldenGlobes presenters just dropped! 👀"

Other names who will also be presenters for the ceremony include Miley Cyrus, Orlando Bloom, Pamela Anderson, Macaulay Culkin, Melissa McCarthy, Snoop Dogg, Queen Latifah, and others.

Chopra's high-profile appearance at the Golden Globes this weekend will be followed by the release of her latest Hollywood film, 

, billed as a high-octane pirate action drama.

The Prime Video feature, which releases on February 25, is directed by Frank E. Flowers and backed by Joe Russo and Anthony Russo. Set in the late 19th-century Caribbean, 

aims to be a gritty and nail-biting actioner on the lives pirates lived, with Chopra playing a

former female pirate—Ercell 'Bloody Mary' Bodden—who must protect her family when her past catches up to her.

The makers of the film had dropped the first look on Thursday, teasing the gritty world of the actioner. Describing the "brutal" tone of the film, Chopra had said, "I did not know anything about females who were pirates. I didn’t know that was a concept that actually happened or that women had captained their own ships at a time where piracy—real piracy—was not the Disney version of it. It was scary, it was bloody, it was brutal.”

Chopra will also be making a comeback to Indian films with 

Golden Globes 2026: Priyanka Chopra Jonas To Be a Presenter Alongside Ana de Armas, George Clooney and Julia Roberts 

 will now release on May 15, 2026, moving away from its earlier slot of April 2. The production company shared the update on social media, writing, "Bangle se ek khabar aayi hai!” followed by the new release date: "The doors open on 15th May 2026." 

The decision to delay the film is widely seen as a strategic move to avoid the massive "

." Following the record-breaking success of 

, its sequel is set to release on March 19, 2026. It is expected that the new release date for 

 will allow the film a clear window to perform, giving it a fair shot at the box office and avoiding significant overlap.

 has generated considerable buzz as it marks the reunion of director Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar after 14 years. Their legendary partnership has previously yielded cult classics like 

. Notably, their upcoming film will also feature the late veteran actor Asrani in one of his last on-screen appearances. A fixture throughout Priyadarshan’s filmography, the veteran actor passed away in 2025. 

By avoiding major clashes and leveraging the nostalgic magic of the Priyadarshan-Akshay duo, 

 is well-positioned to emerge as a family entertainer at the box office. 

Priyadarshan and Kumar are also collaborating on 

. The film brings back the of actors after a gap of 17 years. Their last film together was Yash Raj Films' action-drama 

 remains their most iconic outing together. 

is reportedly a Hindi remake of the 2016 Malayalam thriller 

, which originally starred Mohanlal. While details remain under wraps, Kumar is expected to play the antagonist, while Khan takes on the lead role.

Akshay Kumar's ‘Bhooth Bangla’ Locks New Release Date, Avoids ‘Dhurandhar 2’ Clash

introduced their newborn son to the world

, revealing his name as Vihaan Kaushal. The couple, who welcomed their first child on November 7, 2025, shared the joyful news through a joint Instagram post that quickly went viral, drawing an outpouring of love from fans and colleagues across the film industry.

Sharing their emotions, the couple wrote, “Our ray of light ❤️ Vihaan Kaushal. Prayers are answered. Life is beautiful. Our world is changed in an instant. Gratitude beyond words.” The heartfelt message marked the first public glimpse into the couple’s new chapter as parents, following months of privacy around Katrina’s pregnancy.

The name Vihaan carries special resonance, echoing Vicky Kaushal’s career-defining role as Major Vihaan Singh Shergill in the 2019 blockbuster 

. The National Award-winning film proved to be a turning point in Kaushal’s career, firmly establishing him as a leading actor in Hindi cinema. 

, noted the meaningful parallel in a message that struck an emotional chord online.

“From bringing Major Vihaan Shergill to life on screen to now holding little Vihaan in your arms, life really has come full circle,” Dhar wrote. “All my love and blessings to the three of you.”

Since their intimate wedding in Rajasthan in 2021, Katrina and Vicky have been notably guarded about their personal lives, choosing to share only select moments with the public. Katrina, in particular, maintained a very low profile throughout her pregnancy, making few public appearances and largely staying away from the media spotlight. The couple’s decision to reveal their son’s name on their own terms has been widely appreciated by fans.

On the professional front, both actors continue to remain busy. Vicky Kaushal was last seen in the 

 and is currently preparing for his role in 

. Katrina Kaif was last seen in the 2024 mystery thriller 

. Beyond cinema, she has increasingly focused on her entrepreneurial venture, Kay Beauty, which continues to expand its presence in the Indian beauty market.

As congratulatory messages continue to pour in, the couple’s announcement has been celebrated as a rare, tender glimpse into a closely guarded personal milestone—one that marks the beginning of a new chapter for Katrina, Vicky, and their son, Vihaan Kaushal.

Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal Introduce Their Son, Vihaan

Prime Video has announced a January 23 global release for 

, its latest Telugu-language original film, positioning the crime suspense drama as a key addition to its growing slate of South Indian originals.

Directed by Sharan Kopishetty and produced by veteran filmmaker D. Suresh Babu under the Suresh Productions banner, 

 is set in Hyderabad and centres on Sandhya, a true-crime podcaster played by Sobhita Dhulipala. The story follows Sandhya’s investigation into the mysterious death of her intern, an inquiry that gradually exposes a network of violent crimes and long-buried secrets within the city.

The screenplay has been written by Chandra Pemmaraju and Kopishetty, with Viswadev Rachakonda co-starring alongside Dhulipala. The supporting cast includes Chaitanya Visalakshmi, Esha Chawla, Jhansi, Aamani and Vadlamani Srinivas.

While crime thrillers have become a familiar presence on streaming platforms, 

 attempts to frame its narrative through contemporary storytelling devices, most notably the rise of true-crime podcasts as both investigative tools and cultural phenomena. The film places particular emphasis on the emotional cost of pursuing truth, as well as themes of resilience and moral accountability.

Nikhil Madhok, director and head of Originals at Prime Video India, said the platform was keen to back regionally rooted stories that balance genre storytelling with emotional complexity. He pointed to the success of earlier Telugu originals such as 

 as evidence of audience appetite for darker, character-driven narratives.

 as an exploration of confronting uncomfortable truths, adding that the project continues his long-standing collaboration with Prime Video. He noted that the film’s focus on courage and justice was central to its appeal.

 will stream exclusively on Prime Video in India and more than 240 countries and territories worldwide when it premieres later this month. Dhulipala had featured in the Prime Video Series 

Sobhita Dhulipala's Telugu Crime Thriller 'Cheekatilo' Sets Premiere Date 

, has landed her next project. Switching up tones from her last outing, Dhar will reportedly headline a horror-comedy film titled 

's Colour Yellow Productions, the upcoming film will be directed by Tamil filmmaker Balaji Mohan, known for films like 

. The film will mark his Hindi directorial debut. 

 will enter production in February this year. The film combines elements from Indian folklore and mythology, offering a blend of humour, fright and emotions. The script is written by Divy Nidhi Sharma (

An industry insider told the publication, "The humour is atypical of Aanand L Rai's slice-of-life productions. After 

, Yami was looking to do something in a lighter zone, but with substance. 

is that perfect combination because while it's a funny film, it's not without elements that offer intrigue and emotionality. It is being envisioned on a big scale." 

 (2021), which also featured Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez. Her last comedy outing was the romantic caper 

, released in theatres in November last year, was a courtroom drama inspired by the landmark 1985 Shah Bano verdict by the Supreme Court. In the film, Dhar plays ‘Shazia Bano’, a character modelled on the real-life Shah Bano Begum, who fights for maintenance and rights in the face of social and legal opposition. Co-starring Emraan Hashmi, the film enjoyed a modest success and recently started streaming on Netflix. 

, an angsty romance with Dhanush and Kriti Sanon

Yami Gautam Dhar's Next is Horror-Comedy 'Nayi Naveli' Backed by Aanand L Rai

has run into certification delays after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly sought significant changes to the film ahead of its proposed release. According to reports, the Chennai regional office of the board has asked the makers to implement 23 cuts following a screening held on 7 January.

The film, directed by Sudha Kongara, is a socio-political drama set in 1960s Madras and centres on the anti-Hindi agitations that shaped Tamil Nadu’s political and cultural identity during the period. Sivakarthikeyan plays a college student drawn into the movement, with the narrative unfolding against a backdrop of student activism and ideological conflict.

Reports suggest that the CBFC objected to several sequences depicting the anti-Hindi protests, recommending their removal or modification. Kongara subsequently approached the board’s revising committee in Mumbai, arguing that the suggested cuts would substantially alter the film’s narrative and dilute its historical context. As of now, neither the director nor the production team has issued an official statement on the matter.

Despite the impasse, the film is expected to receive certification shortly, though the final version may differ from the one originally submitted. 

 was initially slated for release on 10 January 2026, but the certification delay has forced the makers to postpone the theatrical opening. A revised release date has not yet been announced.

Also starring Ravi Mohan, Atharvaa and Sreeleela — who makes her Tamil debut with the project — 

 features music by GV Prakash Kumar and is reportedly mounted on a budget of ₹150 crores. The film marks Sivakarthikeyan’s 25th outing as a lead actor, adding to the scrutiny surrounding its release.

The postponement also averts a high-profile box-office 

, which is scheduled for the Pongal window. For now, 

 remains caught between its political subject matter and the regulatory process, with its final shape dependent on the outcome of certification negotiations.

'Parasakthi': CBFC Seeks Multiple Cuts to Sivakarthikeyan Film Ahead of Planned Release

Bloodier, grittier, and fearless: That's how 

is in the first look from her upcoming high-octane pirate epic

Chopra shared several images from the upcoming Prime Video feature, which marks her first Hollywood film of the year.

introduces Chopra as Ercell 'Bloody Mary' Bodden—a fierce, battle-worn and unflinching character rooted in survival, rage and strength. 

Featuring as an ex-pirate, Chopra plays a woman who has escaped her violent past and settled on an island, becoming a prominent member of the community and building a family. The film's synopsis reads, "In the late 19th century Caribbean, a former female pirate must protect her family when her past catches up to her."

Chopra took to Instagram and shared images from the film, writing, “Mother. Protector. Pirate. Meet Bloody Mary #TheBluff. February 25. 2026 Only on @primevideo @KarlUrban @primemovies." One of the images sees her locked in brutal combat alongside Urban.

Directed by Frank E. Flowers and backed by Joe Russo and Anthony Russo, 

is set to release on 25 February. In a statement to 

, Chopra said, "I did not know anything about females who were pirates. I didn’t know that was a concept that actually happened or that women had captained their own ships at a time where piracy—real piracy—was not the Disney version of it. It was scary, it was bloody, it was brutal.”

aims to be a gritty and nail-biting actioner on the lives pirates lived, with Urban playing the role of Captain Connor.

, starring Idris Elba and John Cena. She will also be seen making a comeback to Indian films with SS Rajamouli's ambitious Varanasi, co-starring Mahesh Babu. The film is eyeing a 2027 release.

Priyanka Chopra Unleashes Her Fierce Side in Russo Brothers’ Pirate Epic ‘The Bluff’; Prime Video Sets Release Date

Following a series of character announcements, including 

 will be playing Raya in Geetu Mohandas's enigmatic drama. The actor is seen wielding a gun, seen against the backdrop of a swarm of men doing the same in the poster. The makers also released a brief teaser showcasing Raya's presence in the world of 

The video begins at a burial ground, where the father of a deceased son wonders whether Raya will attend the funeral. "I don't think so. Nobody is so insane," he is told. This is cut to the arrival of a group, which can only mean one thing. 

Raya descends with a gun and announces his arrival with a "Daddy's home"—though not before bombing the venue, following a car rendezvous (we’ll let you watch the teaser to connect the dots). "

Get a good look at your danger - Introducing Rocking Star Yash as RAYA. Toxic - A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups in cinemas worldwide on 19-03-2026," the video's caption reads.

The film marks a significant step for Kannada cinema on the global stage. Written by Mohandas and Yash, 

 is being shot simultaneously in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions planned in multiple Indian languages. Yash, who rose to pan-Indian prominence with the 

 films, leads the project both as actor and co-writer.

Backed by KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, 

 a technical team that includes cinematographer Rajeev Ravi, composer Ravi Basrur, and action director J.J. Perry. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on 19 March 2026, timed to coincide with a major festive holiday window.

'Toxic': Yash Is Introduced As Raya In The Geetu Mohandas Film

has been pushed from its planned January 9 release after the Madras High Court reserved its order on a plea filed by the makers challenging the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) decision to withhold a censor certificate.

in Hindi) was one of the most anticipated films of the year, especially considering it marks Vijay's final screen appearance before he deep dives into politics. 

, eagerly awaited on January 9, has been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances beyond our control," KVN Productions officially confirmed in a statement.

The reason for the delay was almost entirely based on how the film failed to obtain censorship certification, even when the film had less than 40 hours to release. In India, a film cannot be exhibited in theatres without first posting a copy of the film’s censor certificate before each screening. 

A case that was filed by the production house with the Madras High Court, contesting the delay in obtaining the censorship certificate, was being heard until the evening of the 7th of January. When the hearing ended, the Judge stated that the judgment would be reserved for a later day. The court is expected to pronounce its decision on January 9, the day the mega film was gearing up for a wide-scale global release, thereby denting its smooth and timely release. 

As soon as the news was out, the film began to be pulled down from online ticket booking applications. On Thursday, all shows allotted for 

will be given to other films, especially Sivakarthikeyan’s 

On Monday, the Judge, upon hearing a petition, had asked the additional solicitor general representing the CBFC (Central Board for Film Certification) to submit all the records of the movie, including any complaints filed against it, on Wednesday.

According to several news outlets, KVN Productions’ decision not to announce a new release date may be linked to the fact that there is still room for the CBFC to appeal the decision made by the High Court. A Division bench with two judges may be called to hear the case and it may even be appealed at the Supreme Court, further delaying the film’s release.

During the hearing on Wednesday, it was brought to the court’s notice that the production house had applied for a censor certificate as early as December 18, after the film completed production on December 15. According to a report in 

, the CBFC had recommended a U/A 16+ certificate subject to certain excisions and modifications. These cuts were made, and the newer version was submitted on December 24. But there was no response from the board for nearly 10 days, despite many reminders, the report stated.

The same report added that the petitioner was surprised when the board had sent a notice stating that the film needed to be referred to a revising committee as late as January 5, just days before release. This delay was attributed to how the film had received a complaint due to its content that could potentially hurt religious sentiments and the portrayal of armed forces in certain scenes.

During the film’s audio launch, which took place last week in Malaysia, Vijay had foreseen a possible delay in the film’s release. Addressing the film’s primary producer, Vijay had asked if, during the initial stage of the film’s discussions, the former was sure about associating with the superstar. He had said, “I asked him (producer Venkat K. Narayana) if he was sure to make a film with me. My films have to deal with obstacles at every stage, even during normal circumstances. But now that I’ve decided to take a different path after this (his political entry), there are sure to be even bigger challenges. But when I asked him this, he was the one who smiled and spread all his positivity into this project.” 

had faced several postponements on its way to release. The film’s tagline, “Born To Lead,” had apparently ruffled the feathers of the ruling party of the time. It had to be removed from the film before it found a release date.

A controversy had also erupted in 2017 during the release of his film 

. This controversy surrounded a dialogue in the film, which criticised India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Digital India initiative. It grew backlash from the ruling BJP party and the AIADMK, with demands to cut such scenes. 

In his home state of Tamil Nadu, the film was earlier set to take on Sivakarthikeyan’s 

which is on track to release on January 10 and will be the solo release in Tamil during this lucrative release window. 

The only other film that might get a large share of theatres in the state appears to be Prabhas’ horror comedy 

, which will now release on January 9. Earlier, when 

release window, Vijay fans were seen tearing posters of the Sivakarthikeyan film during a trailer launch event in Madurai. 

Explaining his stand on why his film needed to be released on the same period, Sivakarthikeyan had explained, “A lot of people are reading too much into my film’s clash with Vijay sir’s final film. When the release date was advanced, I was surprised, and I even asked producer Akash Bhaskaran if we should rethink the date. When we first thought of an October release, we decided to push it only because that was when 

 was scheduled. Then we later had to move it to January because if we lose these days, we will be forced to delay the release by several months.” He added that the investors had already been informed of a Pongal release and that a summer release may cause unwanted issues for the film.

 on YouTube stands at 53 million views, trumping 

’s 42 million, with fans reading further into the legitimacy of these numbers. 

trailer also includes several dialogues underlining Vijay's entry into full-fledged politics, with the clip ending with the line, “I am coming,” hinting at his political entry and how it will change things in his home state of Tamil Nadu. 

, which also comes with its share of politics, as it is set in the 50’s and 60’s and has themes that relate to Hindi imposition.

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Dharmendra | Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Shah Rukh Khan Pay Tributes: 'A Valiant Giant Has Left Us'

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