Manoj Kumar R began writing for The Indian Express in 2016. He writes reviews and opinion pieces about movies and TV shows. His main focus is everything that happens in South India's vibrant pop cultural scene. He speaks Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam and writes in English. Before joining us, he worked with other publications such as The Week and Deccan Herald. Follow Manoj on Twitter: @ImMKR
November 06, 2017 20:08 IST
Director B Unnikrishnan has accused the media of willingly berating his new film, Villian, starring Mohanlal, as it is biased against him. He said Villian would have been celebrated as a "classic" if the film had some other director's name on it.
Mon, Nov 06, 2017November 06, 2017 15:50 IST
Karthi and Rakul Preet are sharing the screen space for the first time in the upcoming cop thriller, Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru. The onscreen couple seems to have brought a refreshing chemistry and passion to the characters. Mostly shot at a beach, the song promises to be a visual treat for the audience.
Mon, Nov 06, 2017November 03, 2017 19:48 IST
Yogesh dated Sahitya, an IT professional for over a decade before taking his relationship to the next level. Their love story looks straight out of one his romantic flicks as it was love at first sight for Yogesh. Sahitya and Yogesh lived in the same neighbourhood for a long time.
Fri, Nov 03, 2017November 03, 2017 07:15 IST
Aval movie review: Judging by the standards of horror films made in the Tamil film industry, Aval has set a new benchmark. It doesn't unwantedly exploit religious beliefs or use sub-standard special effects or melodrama.
Fri, Oct 16, 2020November 02, 2017 12:33 IST
Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar's next film SRK was launched on Wednesday amid a lot of fanfare in Bengaluru. He is one of the busiest actors in Kannada cinema as he does an average of five films a year even at 56. The film, which is directed by Prem, also has actor Amy Jackson as the female lead and is being made on a lavish budget.
Thu, Nov 02, 2017November 01, 2017 20:24 IST
The theatrical trailer of Tamil actor Nayanthara's upcoming film Aramm dropped on Wednesday just a week before its theatrical release. The film also stars Ramesh and Vignesh of Kakka Muttai fame in supporting roles. Aramm is gearing up to release on November 10.
Wed, Nov 01, 2017November 01, 2017 17:59 IST
Mammootty on Wednesday announced his next big-ticket period film Kunjali Marakkar, while unveiling the first look of the film with details of main cast and crew. It comes hours after a section of media reports claimed that Malayalam superstar Mohanlal will be playing the role of Kunjali Marakkar in a period film.
Wed, Nov 01, 2017October 31, 2017 17:03 IST
Bigg Boss Tamil Season 1 contestants Raiza and Harish Kalyan will be sharing screen space in a romantic comedy, which will be directed by Elan. The project will be co-produced by Rajarajan of K Productions, and it will have music by hit composer Yuvan Shankar Raja.
Tue, Oct 31, 2017October 31, 2017 15:40 IST
If voted to power, Upendra said, he would create a people-centric administration.
Tue, Oct 31, 2017October 27, 2017 14:20 IST
Villain review: Villain, starring Mohanlal as the protagonist, has some well written and well-shot scenes that establish the mood of the character. Mohanlal is convincing as a dejected copy, who is stuck in the past and looking for a reason to continue living.
Fri, Oct 27, 2017October 26, 2017 20:30 IST
Superstar Rajinikanth is in Dubai, along with his co-stars Akshay Kumar and Amy Jackson for the audio release event of 2.0, He attended the press conference on Thursday, where he thanked director Shankar for this film.
Thu, Oct 26, 2017October 26, 2017 16:30 IST
Director Shankar reveals as to why Hollywood superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger refused to sign the film even as he liked the script of 2.0. The upcoming sci-fi film has Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar in lead roles.
Thu, Oct 26, 2017October 25, 2017 18:06 IST
Vihay's Mersal, which is directed by Atlee, has collected around Rs 170 crore from the ticket sales across the world in just a week. Trade pundits have pegged the first-week collection of Mersat in Tamil Nadu between Rs 80 crore and 90 crore.
Wed, Oct 25, 2017October 25, 2017 17:02 IST
Vijay's Mersal struck gold at the box office even as it has stirred a national debate on several fronts. The BJP leaders in Tamil Nadu opposed to certain dialogues mouthed by Vijay, which they said has shown the Modi government's pet projects like GST and Digital India in poor light.
Wed, Oct 25, 2017October 25, 2017 11:54 IST
The latest poster of 2.0 suggests a romance between Chitti (Rajinikanth) and the character played by Amy Jackson. 2.0 is being made three times the budget of Enthiran. Shankar has promised to deliver a one-of-its-kind cinematic experience on the Indian celluloid with this film.
Wed, Oct 25, 2017October 24, 2017 12:03 IST
In five days, Vijay's Mersal has approximately collected Rs 6.90 crore at Chennai box office, beating the records set by previous blockbusters of Vijay. Not just in the capital, the film is doing a tremendous job in districts of the state as well. The film is expected to collect Rs 200 crore by end of the second week.
Tue, Oct 24, 2017October 23, 2017 18:43 IST
It is widely believed that the family members of NTR and Megastar pursue some sort of a professional rivalry. The young stars from both the clan, however, have displayed the warm relationship between each other debunking the popular belief.Pawan showing up at the 'NTR 28' event is just the icing on the cake.
Mon, Oct 23, 2017October 23, 2017 18:33 IST
Actor Trisha has walked out of 'Saamy Square, starring Vikram in lead role. It remains to be seen who will replace her in the sequel, that also stars Keerty Suresh as another female lead.Vikram also has a few exciting upcoming projects, including 'Dhruva Natchathiram' and 'Sketch'.
Mon, Oct 23, 2017October 23, 2017 04:07 IST
Happy Birthday Prabhas: After Why did Kattapa kill Baahubali?, the new billion dollar question is when will Prabhas get married, and to whom? Here the popular rumours about Prabhas' romantic life that made headlines.
Mon, Oct 23, 2017October 23, 2017 03:34 IST
In Mersal, the filmmakers have made references to Narendra Modi government's pet projects such as Goods and Service Tax and Digital India. The BJP leaders in Tamil Nadu took an exception to the scenes in question and demanded to mute them.
Mon, Oct 23, 2017October 21, 2017 19:44 IST
The producers of Vijay starrer Mersal on Saturday offered to remove scenes referring to GST and Digital India if required. It comes a day after the BJP's objection to references to Goods and Service Tax in Mersal became a full-blown political slugfest across the country.
Sat, Oct 21, 2017October 21, 2017 18:32 IST
A slew of BJP leaders in Tamil Nadu has joined the chorus of demanding the filmmakers of Mersal to mute the lines related to the Goods and Service Tax regime and Digital India. The Tamil film industry has also thrown its weight behind Mersal and Vijay.
Sat, Oct 21, 2017October 21, 2017 17:08 IST
Bollywood star Disha Patani replaces actor Shruti Haasan, who was the filmmakers' first choice to play the coveted role in Sangamithra. After promoting the film at Cannes earlier this year, Shruti walked out of the project citing differences with the filmmaker.
Sat, Oct 21, 2017October 21, 2017 14:37 IST
Vijay's Mersal has sparked a major political controversy. In one scene in Mersal, Vadivelu's character tells robbers that he has no money in hand, courtesy demonetisation and "Digital India." In another scene, Vijay's character makes an impassioned speech ruing the government charging 28 percent GST.
Sat, Oct 21, 2017October 21, 2017 13:10 IST
Mersal is not as good as Aboorva Sagotharargal. And it is far from perfect. (I found it far better than Vijay's previous two films Theri and Bairavaa) But, it was entertaining as hell.
Tue, Sep 21, 2021