Apoorva Arora is making a strong statement on the deeply ingrained entitlement in male behavior while supporting Netflix’s latest limited series, Adolescence. The actor took to social media to share her thoughts on the way society often normalizes problematic attitudes, urging people to reflect on how low the bar has been set for basic human decency.

“I hope at least some of us realise how serious the problem is when it’s normal for a boy to say things like ‘I could’ve touched her, most other boys would’ and assume he’s better than the rest because he CHOSE not to assault someone because he could,” she wrote.

Her words highlight an uncomfortable reality—where men are praised for simply not committing harm, rather than being held to a higher standard of respect and accountability. Apoorva went on to stress that in an ideal world, the question of whether or not to violate someone’s consent shouldn’t even exist.

“In an ideal world, doing what most other boys would’ve done shouldn’t have been a choice. But this is not an ideal world, and this piece of art reflects just that,” she added.

With Adolescence sparking crucial conversations about morality and power dynamics, Apoorva’s take brings focus to the urgent need for change in societal conditioning. She concluded with a call to action, urging people to stop glorifying men for showing basic decency:

“I hope we take note and encourage more than the bare minimum and stop reveling in the ‘greatness’ of men who, despite their sense of entitlement to her body, chose to let her be.”

Apoorva’s words serve as a wake-up call, challenging the way we perceive and discuss male behavior, and reinforcing the need for a cultural shift beyond just passive awareness.

இயக்குனர் பா.இரஞ்சித்தின் நீலம் பண்பாட்டு மையம் புரட்சியாளர் அம்பேத்கர் பிறந்த மாதமான ஏப்ரல் மாதம் தலித் வரலாற்று மாதமாக கொண்டாடிவருகின்றனர்.
கலை மக்களுக்கானது, கவனிக்கப்படாத கலைஞர்கள் கலைகளை கவனப்படுத்துவதும், அங்கீகாரம் கொடுப்பதும் நம் கடமை என்கிற முனைப்போடு
கலை மற்றும் இலக்கிய விழாவாக முன்னெடுத்து வெற்றிகரமாக நடத்திவருகின்றனர் பா.இரஞ்சித் மற்றும் நீலம் குழுவினர்.

இந்த வருடம் ஏப்ரல் 1 ம் தேதி துவக்கவிழா சென்னை எழும்பூர் நீலம் புத்தக அரங்கில் துவங்குகிறது.
ஏப்ரல் 2 ம் தேதி முதல் 6 ம் தேதிவரை
பி கே ரோசி திரைப்படவிழா நடைபெறுகிறது, இதில் உலகத்திரைப்படங்கள் திரையிடப்பட இருக்கின்றன.
திரையிடல் நடைபெறும் இடம் –
பிரசாத் லேப் தியேட்டர் சாலிகிராமம்.
சென்னை.

ஏப்ரல் – 3 முதல் 6 வரை பி கே ரோசி ஆவணப்படம் மற்றும் குறும்படங்கள் திரையிடலும் நடைபெறவிருக்கின்றன.
நடைபெறும் இடம் – மேக்ஸ் முல்லர் பவன், நுங்கம்பாக்கம். சென்னை.

ஏப்ரல் 12 , 13 வேர்ச்சொல் தலித் இலக்கியக்கூடுகை, நடைபெறும் இடம் முத்தமிழ் பேரவை. சென்னை,

ஏப்ரல் 18 தம்மா நாடகத்திருவிழா
இடம்- எழும்பூர் அருங்காட்சியகம். சென்னை,

ஏப்ரல் – 23 முதல் 29 வரை புகைப்படக்கண்காட்சியும், ஓவியக்கண்காட்சியும் நடைபெறுகிறது.
இடம் – லலித் கலா அகாடமி இரண்டாம் தளம் ,சென்னை

A Blood-Soaked Tale of Love, Revenge, and Redemption

Review:

Vettu is a high-octane emotional action drama that thrives on intense emotions, gripping action, and a deep-rooted mother-son bond. With a mix of love, betrayal, and vengeance, the film takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride filled with blood-soaked action sequences and unexpected twists.

Plot Summary:

Ragin Raj, the protagonist, is a devoted son whose world revolves around his mother. When she falls critically ill, she reveals a shocking truth—his estranged father left them years ago, and she wishes to seek his forgiveness before her final moments. Determined to fulfill her last wish, Ragin embarks on a journey to Uttar Pradesh to find his father, only to discover that he has remarried and built a new life.

Ragin, unwilling to return empty-handed, infiltrates his father’s family by pretending to be an orphan and starts working for him. As he bonds with the family, an unforeseen crisis threatens their very existence. What follows is a violent battle where Ragin must fight to save the very people he despised while staying true to his mother’s wish. Will he succeed in bringing his father back? Can love triumph over years of separation and resentment?

Performance Analysis:

Ragin Raj (Lead Actor) – Making his debut, Ragin Raj impresses with his dual-layered performance. His innocent, soft-spoken persona in the emotional scenes contrasts sharply with his brutal transformation during the action sequences. His evolution from a loving son to a ruthless warrior is one of the film’s strongest aspects.

Ankita (Heroine) – Playing a girl-next-door, Ankita brings a sense of realism with her natural acting. While her character doesn’t hold much weight in the narrative, her transition from a playful romantic interest to a tragic love figure adds an unexpected emotional depth.

Rohit & Esther (Father and Stepmother) – The couple adds comic relief with their ‘chicken shop’ humor, but their desperate struggle to survive later in the film brings tension and urgency to the story.

Mukku Avinash (Comedy) – Avinash’s comic timing works well, offering much-needed lighter moments in an otherwise intense film.

Viji Chandrasekhar (Mother’s Role) – As a mother seeking justice for her deceased son, she delivers a power-packed performance.

Radha (Hero’s Mother) – The emotional core of the story, she sets the film’s primary conflict in motion with her heartbreaking revelation.

Salem Vengai Ayyanar (Villain) – With a terrifying physical presence and a unique black-body-painted look, he delivers an eerie and menacing performance.

Technical Brilliance:

Music (S. S. Thaman) – The soundtrack is a mix of energetic and soulful melodies that complement the film’s highs and lows. The background score elevates tension in crucial moments.

Cinematography (Shyam K. Naidu) – The visuals are striking, especially in action sequences, which are shot with grand scale and impact. The vibrant color palette in songs balances the otherwise dark, violent tone.

Action Sequences (Stunt Silva & Stunt Kevin) – The fight choreography is intense and brutal, sometimes excessively so, with blood splattering at every turn. The sheer rawness of the combat adds authenticity but might be overwhelming for sensitive viewers.

Direction & Screenplay (Amma Rajasekhar) – The film blends action, emotions, and a subtle political backdrop effectively. The pacing remains brisk, ensuring audience engagement throughout.

Social & Political Undertones:

Set in Uttar Pradesh, the film subtly critiques the religious and political climate without directly naming any party or group. The use of saffron imagery as a symbolic reference to contemporary issues is bold, adding layers of depth beyond the surface-level action drama.

Final Verdict:

“Vettu is a gripping action drama that excels in performances and emotional depth but is marred by excessive violence. If the bloodshed were toned down, it could appeal to a wider audience.”

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)

A Fiery Gangster Drama with Explosive Storytelling

Introduction

Chiyaan Vikram’s Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 is a film that brings together action, intensity, and emotional depth in a gripping gangster drama. Directed by S.U. Arunkumar, the film is a mix of raw realism and commercial mass moments, taking the audience on a thrilling ride through Madurai’s dark underbelly. With a strong cast, brilliant performances, and powerful storytelling, the movie stands out as one of Vikram’s most impactful films in recent times.

Plot Summary

Set in Madurai, Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 follows Kaali (Vikram), a former gangster who has left his violent past behind to lead a peaceful life as a grocery store owner. However, when his ex-boss Ravi a.k.a Periyavar (Prudhvi Raj) pleads with him to eliminate a ruthless police officer, Arunagiri (SJ Suryah), Kaali is dragged back into the world he tried to escape. The conflict quickly escalates into a night of bloodshed, betrayal, and explosive confrontations, where Kaali’s past and present collide in unexpected ways.

Performances & Characters

Vikram as Kaali – A Powerhouse Performance

Vikram delivers an intense and layered performance as Kaali. His eyes speak volumes, his body language oozes power, and his ability to switch between emotional vulnerability and raw aggression is nothing short of mesmerizing. He embodies the role with a mix of grit and charisma, making Kaali one of his most memorable characters.

SJ Suryah as Arunagiri – The Perfect Antagonist

SJ Suryah once again proves why he is one of Tamil cinema’s finest performers. His portrayal of the cunning and ruthless police officer Arunagiri is both chilling and fascinating. His mind games and manipulative tactics make him a formidable foe for Kaali, keeping the tension high throughout the film.

Prudhvi Raj & Suraj Venjaramoodu – Solid Supporting Cast

Prudhvi Raj, as the desperate Periyavar, adds weight to the narrative, while Suraj Venjaramoodu impresses as Kannan, despite his Malayalam accent occasionally slipping through the Madurai dialect.

Dushara Vijayan as Kalaivani – The Emotional Core

Dushara Vijayan, playing Kaali’s wife Kalaivani, adds emotional depth to the film. Her subtle yet powerful performance showcases the struggles of a woman trying to protect her family while being caught in the chaos of violence.

Direction & Storytelling

S.U. Arunkumar masterfully blends raw action with strong emotional beats. His storytelling is layered, using small details like tattoos, a moped sticker, and an unfinished house to build depth in relationships and conflicts. He keeps the audience engaged with unexpected twists, explosive action, and deeply personal moments.

Screenplay & Pacing

The film is set over one intense night, maintaining a gripping pace. However, the flashback sequence in the second half slightly slows down the momentum. While it provides backstory, it also over-explains certain aspects, diluting the mystery that made the first half so intriguing.

Action & Cinematography

The action sequences are brutal and well-choreographed, making excellent use of Madurai’s rustic backdrop. Explosions, gunfights, and high-stakes chases keep the adrenaline pumping. Cinematographer Balasubramaniam captures the tension beautifully, using shadows and close-ups to amplify emotions.

Music & Background Score

Yuvan Shankar Raja’s background score elevates the film, adding intensity to every scene. The music blends seamlessly with the storytelling, enhancing the action and emotional beats.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

✔️ Vikram’s Outstanding Performance – A perfect mix of style and substance.
✔️ Gripping Storyline – Keeps the audience on edge.
✔️ Explosive Action Sequences – High-adrenaline fights and chase scenes.
✔️ Strong Villains – SJ Suryah adds depth and menace to the conflict.
✔️ Emotional Core – The family dynamics make the stakes feel real.

Weaknesses

❌ Flashback Overload – Slows down the pacing in the second half.
❌ Plot Armor for the Hero – Some scenes feel designed just for fan service.
❌ Uneven Third Act – The climax could have been tighter.

Final Verdict

Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 is a fiery and gripping gangster drama that delivers on action, emotion, and stellar performances. While it slightly falters in pacing, the film’s high-intensity storytelling and Vikram’s commanding presence make it a must-watch.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5) – “A Mass Entertainer with a Gritty Edge”

Verdict: “A visually stunning sequel that thrives on Mohanlal’s commanding presence but struggles with depth in storytelling.”

Introduction

L2: Empuraan, the much-anticipated sequel to Lucifer (2019), directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, brings back the enigmatic Khureshi Ab’raam (Mohanlal) in a larger-than-life action thriller. While the film successfully delivers a grand visual spectacle, it lacks the layered storytelling that made Lucifer a fan favorite. Despite some flaws, Mohanlal’s screen presence and Prithviraj’s technical finesse keep the film engaging.

Storyline & Themes

Set five years after Lucifer, the film explores the political and criminal turmoil in Kerala. Jathin (Tovino Thomas), now the Chief Minister, succumbs to power and corruption, aligning with a far-right national party and its leader Balraj Patel (Abhimanyu Singh). Their actions threaten Kerala’s socio-political fabric, particularly targeting Stephen’s Nedumpally constituency. As chaos unfolds, the only hope lies in the return of Stephen Nedumpally, now known as the powerful crime lord Khureshi Ab’raam.

Unlike Lucifer, which focused on political intrigue, Empuraan expands its scope globally, delving into international crime syndicates and intelligence agencies like MI6. The film also introduces an emotional backstory for Zayed Masood (Prithviraj), adding depth to his character but somewhat overshadowing the main narrative.

Performances

Mohanlal as Khureshi Ab’raam: A magnetic presence, his delayed yet impactful entry builds anticipation. His transformation into the feared mafia don is executed with brilliance, though the screenplay doesn’t fully explore his complexity.

Prithviraj as Zayed Masood: His backstory is compelling, but it takes too much focus away from the central conflict.

Tovino Thomas as Jathin: A nuanced performance, but his character’s downfall into corruption could have been more layered.

Abhimanyu Singh as Balraj Patel: A menacing antagonist, though the script dilutes the political depth of his character.

Manju Warrier as Priyadarshini: Despite potential, her role remains underdeveloped, reinforcing the male-dominated narrative.

Technical Brilliance

Cinematography (Sujith Vaassudev): Stunning visuals, especially in action sequences, though some color grading appears artificial.

Direction (Prithviraj Sukumaran): A master of spectacle, but the storytelling lacks the sharpness of Lucifer.

Editing (Akhilesh Mohan): The film feels stretched at times, with some sequences unnecessarily prolonged.

Action Sequences: Well-executed but lack the fluidity seen in high-quality international action films.

Background Score (Deepak Dev): One of the film’s major drawbacks; lacks the intensity needed for key moments.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Pros:

✅ Mohanlal’s commanding presence elevates the film.
✅ High production value and impressive cinematography.
✅ A fresh approach to world-building beyond conventional pan-Indian action films.
✅ Prithviraj’s meticulous direction in large-scale sequences.

Cons:

❌ Overextended runtime, making some scenes feel sluggish.
❌ Weak screenplay that fails to match Lucifer’s depth.
❌ Underdeveloped supporting characters, particularly the female leads.
❌ Background score lacks the impact needed for a high-octane thriller.

Final Verdict

L2: Empuraan is an ambitious sequel that dazzles with its visuals but falls short in its storytelling. While Mohanlal ensures a gripping watch, the film’s excessive focus on spectacle over substance makes it less compelling than Lucifer. For fans of stylish action thrillers, it’s worth watching, but a tighter script could have made it a truly unforgettable experience.

L2 Empuran Cast & Crew Details

Cast

Mohanlal as Khureshi Ab’raam / Stephen Nedumpally

Pranav Mohanlal as Young Khureshi Abr’aam / Stephen Nedumpally

Prithviraj Sukumaran as Zayed Masood

Karthikeyaa Dev as Young Zayed

Abhimanyu Singh as Balraj

Tovino Thomas as Jathin Ramdas

Manju Warrier as Priyadarshini Ramdas

Andrea Tivadar as Michele Menuhin

Jerome Flynn as Boris Oliver

Indrajith Sukumaran as Govardhan

Karthikeya Dev as Young Zayed

Kishore as Karthik

Sukant Goel as Munna

Suraj Venjaramoodu as Sajanachandran

Eriq Ebouaney as Kabuga

Nikhat Khan as Subhadra Ben

Fazil as Father Nedumpally

Sachin Khedekar as Perunjeri Kesava Ramdas / “PKR”

Saikumar as Mahesha Varma

Baiju Santhosh as Murukan

Nandhu as P. S. Peethambaran

Saniya Iyappan as Jhanvi

Satyajit Sharma as Masood

Oziel Jivani as Zaheer Masood

Aishwarya Ohja as Haniya

Nayan Bhatt as Suraiya Bibi

Shubhangi Latkar as Bahija Begum

Alexx O’Nell as Robert McCarthy

Mikhail Novikov as Sergei Leonov

Murugan Martin as Muthu

Shivaji Guruvayoor as Medayil Rajan

Manikuttan as Mani

Nyla Usha as Arundathi Sanjeev

Giju John as Sanjeev Kumar

Behzaad Khan as Salabath Hamza

Aneesh G. Menon as Sumesh

Sshivada as Sreelekha

Jaise Jose as Xavier

Crew

Director – Prithviraj Sukumaran
Producer – Antony Perumbavoor
Producer – Gokulam Gopalan
Production – Sree Gokulam Movies , Aashirvad Cinemas Pvt Ltd
Writer – Murali Gopy
DOP – Sujith Vaassudev
Music – Deepak Dev
Editor – Akhilesh Mohan
Executive Producers – Suresh Balaje, George Pius
Project Design – Prithviraj Productions
Production Controller – Sidhu Panakkal
Art Director – Mohandas
Trailer Cuts – Don Max
Chief Associate Director- Vava
Creative Director – Nirmal Sahadev
Sound Design – M R Rajakrishnan
Finance Controller – Manoharan K Payyannur
Action – Stunt Silva
Costume – Sujith Sudhakaran
Makeup – Sreejith Guruvayoor
VFX Supervisor – Praveen Ghanta
VFX – YFX Studios, Labyrinth Studios- Mumbai, Binary Circus, Paperplane, Ident, DTM
YFX Producer – Huseini Barodawala
SFX – Vishal Tyagi
First Associate Director – Renith Ravindran
Production Executives – Saji Joseph, Sethu Adoor
Finance Manager – Basil M Babu
Production Manager – Sasidharan Kandanassery
Multilingual Dubbing Director -RP Bala
DI – Annapurna Studios
Colorist – Vivek Anand
Still – Sinat Savier
Design – Anand Rajendran (Illuminartist)
Promotions – Poffactio

Verdict: “A spine-tingling horror-thriller that masterfully blends psychological depth with supernatural chills!”

Introduction

Horror films often rely on jump scares and eerie visuals, but The Door goes beyond that, offering a gripping psychological experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. Directed by Jaiiddev, this Tamil horror-thriller pushes the boundaries of fear, questioning the fine line between reality and the supernatural. With a chilling atmosphere, haunting cinematography, and intense performances, The Door is a must-watch for fans of intelligent, slow-burning horror.

Plot & Narrative

The story revolves around a woman (Bhavana) who finds herself entangled in a series of unsettling events that shake her understanding of life and death. As she delves deeper into the mystery surrounding an enigmatic door, the film takes audiences on an eerie journey filled with suspense, paranoia, and existential dread.

Unlike conventional horror flicks that rely on clichés, The Door offers a layered narrative, making viewers question whether the horror is external or a manifestation of the protagonist’s own fears. The screenplay is crafted with precision, ensuring that every twist adds depth to the overarching mystery.

Performances that Elevate the Suspense

Bhavana delivers a stellar performance, portraying a woman caught between fear and determination. Her expressions, body language, and emotional depth make her character’s journey intensely gripping.

Varun Unni brings an aura of unpredictability to the film. His layered performance keeps audiences guessing, adding to the intrigue.

Jaya Prakash & Nandha Kumar provide strong supporting roles, enhancing the film’s overall tension with their nuanced acting. Their screen presence adds weight to key moments, making the suspense more immersive.

Technical Brilliance

Direction & Screenplay

Jaiiddev’s direction is meticulous, ensuring that every scene contributes to the eerie ambiance. He effectively blends psychological horror with supernatural elements, making the film stand out in the Tamil horror genre. The screenplay is taut, keeping audiences engaged as the mystery unfolds.

Cinematography & Sound Design

The film’s cinematography plays a crucial role in building suspense. Dark corridors, flickering lights, and unsettling camera angles create a sense of unease that lingers throughout.

The sound design is equally haunting. The eerie background score, combined with well-placed silences, enhances the film’s unsettling atmosphere, ensuring that every moment feels immersive and chilling.

Themes & Symbolism

Beyond being a horror film, The Door explores profound themes of fate, fear, and the unknown. The film subtly questions human perception—whether our fears are real or constructs of the mind. This psychological depth makes it more than just a ghost story; it’s an experience that forces audiences to introspect.

Final Thoughts

With its engaging storyline, outstanding performances, and masterful execution, The Door is a game-changer in Tamil horror cinema. It successfully delivers both psychological terror and supernatural thrills, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer. If you enjoy horror that goes beyond cheap scares and instead builds a haunting atmosphere with a strong narrative, The Door is a must-watch!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

SS Thaman’s chartbusters turn IPL 2025 Hyderabad ceremony into a musical extravaganza

The buzz around IPL 2025 just got bigger as SS Thaman took over the stage at the opening ceremony in Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. With his signature high-energy beats and chart-topping hits, Thaman delivered a performance that had the crowd cheering and singing along from start to finish.

He set the perfect mood for the night with Kurchi Madathapetti from Guntur Kaaram, instantly igniting the stadium’s energy. Thaman seamlessly transitioned through a mix of massy anthems, including Dabidi Dibidi from Daaku Maharaj, Ra macha macha from Game changer , Bhagavanth Kesari’s title track, and the fan-favorite Jai Balayya. The stadium echoed with cheers as he performed Hungry Cheetah from the movie OG, backed by vibrant visuals and an electrifying atmosphere.

Sharing his thoughts on the experience, Thaman said, “I’ve always been a huge cricket fan, so getting to perform at the IPL 2025 opening ceremony in Hyderabad was nothing short of amazing! The energy from the crowd was unreal, and it’s an experience I’ll never forget. I’m truly grateful to have shared my music on such a grand stage”.

With thousands of fans singing along and the adrenaline pumping, his performance set the perfect tone for the season ahead. The IPL 2025 opening ceremony was already a spectacle and Thaman made sure his performance would be remembered for a lifetime.

Colombo: Acclaimed director Rasaiya Kannan is set to produce the upcoming Tamil film Baila under his Kala Theatres banner. The film features Samuthirakani in the lead role, with Ramya Nambeesan playing the female lead. Notably, popular Sri Lankan actress Michelle Dilhara will make her Tamil cinema debut through this project.

The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Rajkumar, Yogi Babu, Ilavarasu, Singampuli, and Madhumitha in pivotal roles. K. Veerakumar, known for his directorial work in Chasing, has written and directed the film, while dialogues are penned by Viji.

The music for Baila is composed by Sanuka Wickramasinghe, famed for Ayyo Saami, with lyrics written by renowned Sri Lankan poet Pottuvil Asmin. Cinematography is handled by A.S. Senthilkumar. The film is jointly produced by Neelgiris Murugan of Dream Entertainment and K.R. Muruganandham of KRM Movies.