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
October 20, 2017 22:29 IST
As reports about the Mersal filmmakers contemplating to edit out scenes that discuss GST made headlines, the public has come out in large numbers in support of the film. It has led to trolling of the Modi government.
Sat, Oct 21, 2017October 20, 2017 13:12 IST
In Mersal, Vetri, the character played by Vijay, remarks that while a country like Singapore charges just 7 per cent GST and provides free healthcare, India, which has high GST rates, can't afford to do the same.
Fri, Oct 20, 2017October 18, 2017 12:38 IST
You don't go to watch a Ravi Teja film, which is directed by Anil Ravipudi, expecting a Nayakan. It's only fair that we judge his latest offering, Raja The Great, by the standards of mindless entertainers.
Thu, Oct 19, 2017October 18, 2017 06:00 IST
Mersal movie review: Atlee has not just exploited Vijay's stardom to deliver a flamboyant crowd-pleaser (which he did in Theri already) but has fleshed out an interesting script that plays up the best onscreen traits of the actor.
Thu, Oct 19, 2017October 16, 2017 14:46 IST
When Prithviraj entered the showbiz as an actor in 2002, he was perceived as the future of Malayalam cinema. He went on to cement his position by delivering some memorable performances. But, soon several controversies started threatening his film career.
Mon, Oct 16, 2017October 16, 2017 12:05 IST
The season 5 of Bigg Boss Kannada began on Sunday. Kannada movie star Sudeep has returned as the host for the brand new season, where commoners will be rubbing shoulders with the celebrities. 17 contestants will be locked up for 100 days, cut off from the world and technology.
Mon, Oct 16, 2017October 15, 2017 17:07 IST
Vijay was expected to have discussed a few pressing issues related to Mersal with the chief minister, to ensure a smooth release for his much-awaited film this Deepavali. Mersal has a big star cast, including Nithya Menen, Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Kajal Aggarwal.
Sun, Oct 15, 2017October 14, 2017 13:52 IST
Going by the trailer, Santhanam's Sakka Podu Podu Raja is a romantic potboiler that has trendy music, gravity-defying fight sequences, punch lines and the lead couple dancing in exotic locations. It also promises to be a laugh riot given that it has many leading comedy actors.
Sat, Oct 14, 2017October 13, 2017 17:55 IST
The strike over double taxation affected a few new films, including Dulquer Salmaan’s Solo. And it was also threatening to stall the release of Vijay's much-awaited film Mersal. The Tamil Nadu Producers Council on Monday reached a compromise with the Tamil Nadu government and lifted the ban on the releases of new Tamil films.
Fri, Oct 13, 2017October 13, 2017 06:00 IST
Raja Gari Gadhi 2 movie review: The director, Ohmkar had a very good opportunity to make a strong statement against online voyeurism but he has just used it only to create a hopeless situation for the victim to live.
Sat, Oct 14, 2017October 09, 2017 18:59 IST
Directed by Milind Rau, the film stars Siddharth, Andrea and Atul Kulkarni. Produced by Siddharth’s Etaki cinemas and Viacom, Aval is likely to hit the screens on November 3. The film will also release in Hindi as The House Next Door and Gruham in Telugu.
Mon, Oct 09, 2017October 06, 2017 10:59 IST
The bride-to-be, Samantha Ruth Prabhu shared a picture of Chaitanya, who can be seen engrossed in writing his wedding vows. Presumably, the Premam actor was writing vows for his upcoming Church wedding that will happen on Saturday.
Fri, Oct 06, 2017October 05, 2017 19:00 IST
Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya are all set to tie the knot in a grand wedding ceremony in Goa. While Samantha has been giving her fans wedding-goals through her social media posts, Chaitanya has been keeping a low profile. Here are more details of Samantha-Naga's wedding.
Fri, Oct 06, 2017October 05, 2017 12:37 IST
Dileep is slowly regaining the grounds that he lost in the aftermath of his arrest in connection with the kidnapping and sexual assault of a Malayalam actress. Also he is reinstated as the president of the Film Exhibitors' United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK).
Thu, Oct 05, 2017October 04, 2017 16:55 IST
Kamal Haasan has been testing grounds for his political entry in Tamil Nadu via his social media handles following the death of former J Jayalalithaa. He has been creating waves with his bold statements about the state which is currently reeling under infighting of ruling AIADMK party.
Wed, Oct 04, 2017October 04, 2017 13:06 IST
Actor-politician KB Ganesh Kumar has alleged that Mammootty was under pressure, from Prithviraj and the media, to cancel the members of Dileep in AMMA following his arrest in connection with the abduction and sexual assault of a popular Malayalam actress.
Wed, Oct 04, 2017October 03, 2017 18:11 IST
Actor Dileep was released on a condiction bail on Tuesday in Malayalam actress abduction and sexual assault case. He walked of the Aluva Sub Jail, where he had been locked in for about 85 days, amid huge fanfare. Dileep was arrested in July in connection with the abduction and sexual assault of an actress that happened on February 17 this year.
Tue, Oct 03, 2017October 03, 2017 17:50 IST
Malayalam actor Dileep secured bail in the Malayalam actress abduction and alleged sexual assault case on Tuesday. The Kerala High Court has ordered the actor to surrender his passport and produce a bond of Rs 1 lakh along with two personal sureties to secure bail.
Tue, Oct 03, 2017October 02, 2017 19:44 IST
Actor Prakash Raj has slammed the Modi government for its silence on assassination of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh. While Prakash Raj is a household name down south, many people in the other parts of the country may not be fully aware of this one of the finest actors of the country.
Mon, Oct 02, 2017October 01, 2017 18:50 IST
Chiyaan Vikram is all set to launch his son Dhruv's acting career with the Tamil remake of Telugu blockbuster Arjun Reddy. The film, which was written and directed by Sandeep Vanga, achieved a cult status among film lovers for its raw and immersive storytelling. It gave a big break to its lead actors Vijay Deverakonda and Shalini Pandey.
Sun, Oct 01, 2017October 01, 2017 14:44 IST
Tamil cinema superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan shared the dais at the inauguration event of Sivaji Ganesan’s memorial in Chennai. Rajinikanth also talked about politics and his changing relationship equations with Kamal. Kamal and Rajinikanth have displayed a great off-screen friendship for nearly 50 years.
Sun, Oct 01, 2017October 01, 2017 08:52 IST
Shankar made a brief appearance along with Tollywood filmmaker Dil Raju at the grand finale of Bigg Boss Tamil on Saturday to announce a very important news for the fans of South Indian cinema. Dil Raju said he will be helming Indian 2 with Kamal Haasan in the lead role
Sun, Oct 01, 2017October 01, 2017 00:57 IST
After making an impassioned speech about his much-awaited political debut, Kamal Haasan handed the trophy to Aarav and a cheque of Rs 50 lakh. Snehan is the runner-up, while Ganesh Venkatraman is the third runner-up. Aarav made a winner's speech thanking his parents, school teachers and fans.
Sun, Oct 01, 2017September 30, 2017 20:09 IST
The most-awaited grand finale of the first season of Bigg Boss Tamil began at 8:30 pm. Snehan, Aarav, Ganesh Venkatraman and Harish Kalyan are the final four contestants competing for the title in the first season of Bigg Boss Tamil, which is hosted by Kamal Haasan.
Sun, Oct 01, 2017September 30, 2017 10:09 IST
Kamal Haasan is expected to announce his next project with Indian 2, which will be directed by Shankar. The director is currently finishing up his mega-budget film 2.0 with Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar in the lead roles. Indian 2 might go on the floors following the release of 2.0 in January next year.
Sat, Sep 30, 2017