
Exploring the Tamil man's obsession with the question 'Saaptiya?'
In India, texting has always carried a certain cultural weight, especially when it comes to flirting. Back in the Nokia 1100 days, where love bloomed over missed calls and thumb stamina (remember pressing 4 three times to type I, 5 three times to type L, and so on?), texting was the safest way to express love without actually saying it. Now the tradition, for Gen Z and Millennials, lives on — with emojis, voice notes, and carefully crafted replies. Yet, one thing hasn't changed for Tamil men sliding into chats. The opener is almost always the same: 'Saaptiya?' (Did you eat?) or the respectful 'saapteengala?'
Memes, centering around Tamil men's apparent inability to go past the ritualistic 'saaptiya?' and its follow-up 'enna saapta?', while speaking with their love interests, often flood our social media feeds. Some of them take it a step further, jokingly labelling them 'saaptiyasexuals' for their undying loyalty to this one phrase. Gen Z has even made it their own by adding their slang to it, calling it the 'Saaptiya Rizz'. Rizz, a slang in popular culture, is short for 'charisma' and is often used to describe a person's ability to flirt or charm others in romantic contexts.

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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Big-budget clash with south films to test Bollywood mettle
Bollywood's theatrical revival faces a crucial test in the latter half of 2025 as big-budget Hindi films clash with highly anticipated southern releases. With films like 'War 2' and 'Coolie' vying for audience attention, the box office battle could significantly impact revenue, potentially costing each film ₹20-40 crore in North India alone. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Mumbai: A clash for box office share between big-budget Hindi and southern films in the next few months will put the theatrical revival of Bollywood to the test, say producers and trade big southern films-Coolie (Tamil), Kantara: Chapter 1 (Kannada) and The Raja Saab (Telugu)-are scheduled for release in the second half of 2025. Their release dates clash directly with Bollywood movies War 2, Ikkis, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari and each of these films having an estimated budget of ₹150-400 crore, the stakes are second half of 2025 began on a promising note for Bollywood with the unexpected success of the mid-budget Saiyaara, which has raked in ₹175 crore in box-office collections since its July 18 release. But the market dynamics will be different for the upcoming releases. This is the first time since the pandemic when the release dates of big southern films are clashing with Hindi films of similar scale."Post-pandemic, the lines between regional and Hindi films have blurred," said producer and film business expert Girish Johar. "Today, audiences want the best content. So, if there is a formidable southern film aimed at a pan-India audience ... it does impact the box office potential of the competing Hindi film."Bollywood producers often avoid clashes with southern films, as loyal audiences of southern films shun Hindi movies to watch their favourite stars on screen. A blockbuster pan-India film form the south could reduce the box office potential of a competing Hindi film by 10-20%, according to trade experts."When tentpole films clash, the impact at the box office is far deeper than just opening-day collections," said Suniel Wadhwa, co-founder and director of Karmic Films. "Screens are shared. Show timings are compromised. In north India alone, a high-stakes clash can mean a ₹20-40 crore loss in revenues for each film."Revenue from digital, satellite and overseas rights will also take a hit, say distributors. They suggest a solo release of a big-budget Hindi or southern film as a practical solution."A well-timed solo release can improve legs at the box office, optimise holdover weeks and elevate a film from a ₹300 crore hit to a ₹500 crore blockbuster," said Wadhwa of Karmic Films."Clashes are always bad for business," said Rajesh R Nair, the producer of Hindi films such as Kaminey and Adipurush. Southern films are tracking well, especially Kantara: Chapter 1, one of the most awaited sequels, he said. He also expects strong competition to the upcoming Bollywood movies from Rajinikanth's Coolie and the Prabhas-starrer horror-comedy: The Raja trade analysts believe that the timing of these releases may work in their favour, as these will be released on public holidays when footfalls are usually high in theatres."Also, the genres of these competing films are different. These films will be accommodated," said Girish Wankhede, a movie trade analyst. But in the long run, he said "only the content of these films will work".While the success of Saiyaara was encouraging, theatres also recorded noteworthy contributions from Hollywood films such as Superman, Jurassic World: Rebirth and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Apart from Indian films, Hollywood movies such as Zootopia 2 and Avatar: Fire and Ash are also scheduled for release in the second half of to media and entertainment research firm Ormax Media, the second half of 2025 is likely to contribute 52% to the all-India box office revenue of ₹13,500 crore estimated for 2025.


Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Why Centre banned 25 OTT platforms
New Delhi: The government has blocked 25 over-the-top entertainment platforms for hosting obscene, vulgar and pornographic content, in a sweeping crackdown on unlawful digital entertainment that officials say violates multiple laws and degrades women. The blocking order, passed on July 23 by the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB), targets both established and emerging platforms including Ullu, ALTT, Big Shots App, Desiflix and 21 others. The blocking order, passed on July 23 by the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB), targets both established and emerging platforms including Ullu, ALTT, Big Shots App, Desiflix and 21 others. The action covers 26 websites and 14 mobile applications, with nine apps removed from the Google Play Store and five from the Apple App Store. The ministry acted under section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, which empowers the government to direct intermediaries to remove access to unlawful content when they fail to respond to official notices, two MIB officials told HT. 'The legal provision under which this ban was issued assumes importance, since the Government's reliance upon Section 79(3)(b) for ordering online content takedowns is currently under challenge. A petition filed by X (formerly Twitter) before the Bangalore High Court earlier this year argues that issuing content banning orders through Section 79(3)(b) bypasses legal protections available under the IT Act, 2000,' said Vikram Jeet Singh, partner at BTG Advaya and a specialist in Internet regulation laws. 'Depending on the procedure that has been followed to issue these recent bans, the affected OTT players may consider a challenge on the same grounds as X, arguing that a ban on content cannot be issued under Section 79(3)(b),' Singh added. The crackdown followed extensive consultations with the ministries of home affairs, women and child development, electronics and IT, the department of legal affairs, industry bodies FICCI and CII, and experts in women's and child rights, according to a document shared by an MIB official. According to ministry document, the flagged content contained 'sexual innuendos', extended scenes involving nudity, and depictions of sex in inappropriate contexts, including family relationships. Officials noted that much of the content lacked meaningful storylines or social messages and was largely 'obscene and vulgar'. The ministry had issued warnings to all 25 platforms in September 2024, but several ignored the notices and some resumed publishing objectionable content using alternate domains. Five platforms previously blocked in March 2024 began publishing obscene content on new website domains, officials said. Actor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ravi Kishan welcomed the government's move. 'Both licensed and unlicensed OTT platforms have been pushing soft porn and unlawful content. This decision reflects the sentiment of the people, who have repeatedly flagged such concerns on X,' he told PTI. 'Entertainment should have its limits, a 'Lakshman Rekha', and this step will help restore that balance.' The ministry said the content violated sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act, which prohibit publishing or transmitting obscene and sexually explicit material in electronic form, as well as section 292 of the Indian Penal Code related to sale and circulation of obscene content, and section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. The action follows multiple public complaints and references from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights in July and August 2024, particularly naming Ullu and ALTT. The ministry issued advisories and notices to OTT platforms, including a February 2025 reminder to adhere to the Code of Ethics under the IT Rules, 2021. The Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council, a self-regulatory body comprising around 40 OTT members including ALTT and Ullu, had previously ordered edits to certain shows on ALTT, citing scenes that were 'distasteful and bizarre' and featured sex and nudity without contextual justification. On Ullu, over 100 web series were taken down, but investigations found that some were quietly re-uploaded in their original form to evade oversight. Ullu's web series 'House Arrest' was pulled down in May 2025 after government intervention. 'Any depiction that degrades or objectifies women, through media, is a basis to ban platforms, especially for obscene portrayal of women. The law criminalises distribution or performance of obscene content in public places, and, by extension, digital media does not escape public morality standards,' said Gaurav Sahay, founding partner, Arthashastra Legal. The ministry is expected to take further action if violations continue. In all, the following have been blocked by the latest order: Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, NeonX VIP, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, ShowHit, Jalva App, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Fugi, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, ALTT, HotX VIP, Hulchul App, MoodX, Triflicks, Ullu, and Mojflix.


India.com
4 hours ago
- India.com
Is He Legally Divorced? Netizens Question As Actor Madhampatty Rangaraj Announces Pregnancy Hours After Second Wedding Reveal
New Delhi: Actor and celebrity chef Madhampatty Rangaraj surprised fans over the weekend by announcing his wedding to stylist Joy Crizildaa, and just hours later, revealing that the couple is expecting their first child together. Joy shared photos of their intimate temple wedding on Instagram, captioned, "Mr and Mrs Rangaraj." Shortly after, they posted another update that read: "Baby loading 2025. We are pregnant. 6th month of pregnancy." View this post on Instagram A post shared by J Joy (@joycrizildaa) Baby loading 2025 We are pregnant 6th month of pregnancy #madhampattyrangaraj #MrandMrsRangaraj #chefmadhampattyrangaraj — Joy Crizildaa (@joy_stylist) July 27, 2025 While many fans flooded the comments with congratulations, the announcement also sparked widespread debate, primarily because of lingering questions surrounding Rangaraj's first marriage. Madhampatty Rangaraj's First Wife Shruthi's Instagram account, still public, displays numerous photos with Rangaraj and their two children. Her profile bio continues to identify her as 'Madhampatty Rangaraj's wife,' fueling speculation that their divorce may not be finalised. Despite this, Shruthi has remained silent and has not made any official statement regarding the recent events. Social Media Reacts Several users questioned whether Rangaraj is legally divorced and criticized the lack of transparency. One user wrote, 'Is he legally divorced ??? Would celebrities still call him for their home marriage catering???' Is he legally divorced ??? Would celebrities still call him for their home marriage catering??? — Devi Yogha (@DeviYogha) July 27, 2025 Another comment read, 'Hope you both are legally married after the divorce. People will start defaming you without knowing the full story. You should've issued a clear press statement to avoid confusion. Hope u guys are married legally,post divorce. adhukula defame pana vandhuruvanga, edhuvumey theriyama,speaking against u 2....u should have give a clear press statement to get much best wishes to u Joy... — Dumil - True Vijay Fanatic (@Thalapathy4yo) July 27, 2025 Despite the backlash, some users offered Joy and Rangaraj well-wishes, while also calling for clarity. Who Is Madhampatty Rangaraj? For those unfamiliar, Madhampatty Rangaraj is a well-known chef-turned-actor. He began his culinary career in 1999 and later launched a restaurant in Bengaluru. Eventually, he returned to his hometown to expand his family's catering business, Madhampatty Thangavelu Catering, which has catered over 400 weddings, including high-profile events like actor Karthi's wedding. He made his acting debut in Mehandi Circus and has since appeared in various Tamil films and reality shows, including Cooku with Comali. As of now, neither Rangaraj nor Joy has responded to the online speculation, and Shruthi remains silent on the matter.