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India Today
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Shiva Rajkumar to Kamal Haasan's critics: What have you done for Kannada cinema?
Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar defended Kamal Haasan amid the Kannada language row. The popular Kannada actor called himself a fan of Haasan at a public event in Bengaluru, and added that he's a big inspiration to the asked those criticising Haasan and demanding his boycott to understand that actions speak louder than words. He asked them if they had done anything for the Kannada film industry or had provided new opportunities for young began by saying, "Kamal sir has always spoken highly of Kannada and has expressed great admiration for Bengaluru. He speaks with pride about our city. We've grown up watching him, and I've been a die-hard fan of Kamal sir for years." Shiva appreciated Haasan for truly understanding what the audiences want in cinema. "Some might say, 'How can you call yourself a fan of Kamal Haasan and not your father?' Father is Family. But Kamal sir is different. He's not just a star, he's been a true inspiration to me. Like each of you may have a favourite actor. For me, it's always been Kamal sir. He understands exactly what the audience needs, and I truly believe he always delivers," he explained."Why did people remain silent in front of him?"advertisementThe popular Kannada actor further questioned why people didn't express their disappointment with Haasan's statement at the event itself. "It's a matter of pride for all of us that he invited me as the chief guest for his event. He was here just yesterday, among us. If anyone had concerns, they could have asked him directly - but no one did. I don't know why people chose to remain silent then," he went on to talk about the media's role in blowing the issue out of proportion. The 62-year-old said, "Love for Kannada shouldn't just appear when someone speaks up. It should be consistent - from the heart, always. I say this to all the media channels too: don't just cheer for Kannada at events. Show that same passion all the time."Shiva Rajkumar, known for his recent work in 'Jailer', 'Captain Miller, and 'Bhajarangi 2', said one's love for the language and the people of the state is internal."Our commitment to Kannada must be lifelong. If needed, I am ready to fight - even give my life - for Kannada. Speaking highly of Kannada in front of cameras isn't enough. Actions matter more than words. What have you done for Kannada cinema? Have you given opportunities to newcomers? If we truly want Kannada to grow, it's our duty to support it in every way possible," he explained. "Kamal Haasan has contributed a lot to Kannada cinema"Shiva concluded his statement by praising Haasan for everything that he's done for cinema and the Kannada film industry. "Please don't misunderstand why I am saying all this. Ask your own conscience - is what I am saying right or wrong? The answer will be clear. As for Kamal sir, I don't need to comment further - he's already contributed a lot to Kannada cinema," he Kannada actor's statement comes a day after a pro-Kannada group, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), filed a formal complaint against actor Kamal Haasan for his remarks on the Kannada language, seeking legal action against complaint stated that Haasan's statement allegedly "hurt the Kannada language and the sentiments of Kannadigas."It all began at the audio launch of 'Thug Life' in Chennai on May 24, where Haasan, while complimenting Shiva Rajkumar, who was invited as a chief guest, said "Kannada was born out of Tamil". His statement faced huge backlash. Addressing the controversy, Haasan downplayed the entire backlash and said he would not apologise for something spoken out of affection. "What I said was said out of love, and a lot of historians have taught me language history. I didn't mean anything,' he told the media in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He added that political figures often lack the expertise to comment on such matters. IN THIS STORY#Kamal Haasan
News18
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Shivarajakumar Says He 'Didn't Bathe For Three Days' After Kamal Haasan Hugged Him
Last Updated: Actor Shivarajkumar, son of Dr Rajkumar, said he didn't shower for three days after Kamal Haasan hugged him. He was a part of Thug Life's audio launch in Chennai. Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar, the son of the state's icon Dr Rajkumar and brother of late Puneeth Rajkumar, has become a favourite of Tamil cinema fans ever since he made a cameo in Rajinikanth's blockbuster film, Jailer. He was later seen in Dhanush's Captain Miller and has now become an integral part of mega events like the audio launch. He was part of Kamal Haasan's Thug Life album launch too, and he had a lot of wonderful things to say about Kamal and Mani Ratnam. Shivarajkumar, also called Shivanna, was fluent in Tamil as he said, 'It's a fan moment for me too, as it's for you all. I am one of those guys who sees the first-day-first-shows of his films. I like his style, eyes, and everything about him. A die-hard fan." He quickly narrated an incident to elaborate how big a fan he is to Kamal Haasan. 'I have shared it with many but want to tell it to the crowd. One day, Kamal came to my house and was talking to my father. I was just standing aside and admiring him. He then asked my father who I was, and I was introduced to him. He shook my hands, and I asked him if I could hug him. He did, and I didn't take a shower for three days. I wanted his smell and odour on me. That big a fan." 'My father was the one who clapped the board for Raaja Paaravai, the first film of Raaj Kamal Films International. Now, I am here. As long as we are around, this relationship will never die. In December, I underwent an operation in the US, and Kamal Sir was in Chicago. He called me and I remember him telling me that he had tears in his eyes speaking to me. It was like my father. Thank you for all that Kamal Sir," Shivarajkumar said. When Kamal started off his speech, he thanked Shivanna. 'I am like his Chithappa (Father's younger brother), but since his name itself is Shivanna (Anna means brother), I am calling my brother. He is a superstar at Kannada cinema, but he has come here as your representative. As a fan! I am grateful to all of you who have been travelling with me all these years," he said. While Shivarajkumar played a cameo in Rajinikanth's Jailer, he has yet to join hands with Kamal Haasan. When asked if they would team up, both agreed that they would collaborate soon. Meanwhile, Thug Life will be released across the world on June 5. Meanwhile, Shivanna is currently undergoing treatment for his gallbladder cancer but has a handful of films in the pipeline including Ram Charan's Peddi, Uttarkaanda, and 45. First Published:
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Aishwarya Raghupathi tears into reporter's ‘sexist' remark about her outfit; holds her ground as mediapersons try to school her: ‘Do men like you think…'
Although we live in 2025, misogyny and sexism remain deeply ingrained in the minds of many, almost inseparably. While women in general are unfortunately forced to navigate these issues on a daily or even hourly basis, the situation is often worse for female actors, who must do so under constant public scrutiny. Actor-anchor Aishwarya Raghupathi recently found herself at the receiving end of such mistreatment when a mediaperson asked a tasteless question about her attire during a press meet. Although he attempted to cover it up by claiming he was merely pointing out that cotton sarees are summer-friendly, it was more than evident to many, including Aishwarya, that he was referring to her sleeveless blouse. The incident in question reportedly happened a fortnight ago while Aishwarya was hosting a promotional event. Speaking on the occasion, she advised the audience to stay cool and hydrated to beat the intense summer heat. Seizing the moment, a male reporter crudely asked whether her attire — she was wearing a green saree and sleeveless blouse — was part of her strategy to cope with the weather. Shocked by the inappropriate question posed in front of a crowd, it took Aishwarya a moment to collect herself. When she asked why her clothes were even a topic of discussion at a film-related event, the reporter defended his comment, insisting he was simply highlighting the practicality of cotton sarees in summer seasons and demanded a 'simple yes or no' answer from her. Aishwarya, however, ended the discussion by replying that she didn't know how to respond to such a question. Also Read | Shah Rukh Khan left quietly after I told him 'nas kaat lungi', recalls Wamiqa Gabbi: 'There was pin-drop silence on the sets of Baby John' At a more recent event, she addressed the matter directly and at length. She also criticised the other media personnel present at the earlier event for their silence. 'It took me five seconds to realise you asked if I wore sleeveless to feel the breeze. I didn't know whether to respond in anger or stay calm. I may not have reacted then, but the people did.' She went on to call the reporter's subsequent Facebook post a 'crooked justification' and asked, 'Do men like you think you can overpower me because I stayed patient?' However, rather than reflect on the criticism, some members of the media at the event appeared offended and threatened by seeing a woman raising questions against a man's alleged misbehaviour. In a video that has since gone viral, a few reporters, particularly the senior ones, can be seen aggressively approaching the podium to defend their colleague. Undeterred, Aishwarya continued, 'What was the link between drinking water and my saree? Why didn't any of you question him then?' As tensions escalated, the event organisers intervened and ushered her off the stage to proceed with the event. Last week, Aishwarya, also known for her role in director Arun Matheswaran's Dhanush-starrer Captain Miller (2024), released a statement addressing the issue: 'It's disheartening that even today, many men in our society still carry a sense of male ego and chauvinism. What's even more disappointing is when such behaviour comes from someone like a reporter, who should know better.'
India Today
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Tamil actor blasts reporter for ‘sleeveless' comment, questions media silence
Aishwarya Raghupathi, Tamil actor and anchor, hit back at the media fraternity for staying silent when she was questioned about her attire. She put out a statement in connection with an incident that occurred two weeks ago when a reporter publicly questioned her outfit at a film release a promotional event for a movie, Aishwarya, who was hosting the show, urged the media to take precautions against the peak summer heat. In response, a reporter from the crowd asked her if the sleeveless blouse she was wearing was also part of her plan to beat the heat. Taken aback, Aishwarya hesitated and questioned why her attire had become a point of discussion at a movie reporter, defending his question, said he meant to highlight that cotton sarees were suitable for summer and insisted she could simply reply with a 'yes' or 'no.' Aishwarya later said she didn't know how to respond at the moment and pointed out that there's a time and place for such Monday, when she took the stage once again at another event, Aishwarya directly addressed the controversy. 'It took me five seconds to realise you asked if I wore sleeveless to feel the breeze. I didn't know whether to respond in anger or stay calm. I may not have reacted then, but the people did,' she said, referring to the online backlash the reporter also slammed the reporter's Facebook post defending his question, calling it a 'crooked justification,' and questioned the kind of values such behaviour reflects. 'Do men like you think you can overpower me because I stayed patient?' she she spoke, some reporters in the audience attempted to interrupt and defend their colleague. But Aishwarya stood her ground, calling out the silence of the media during the original incident. 'What was the link between drinking water and my saree? Why didn't any of you question him then?' she remarks were cut short when the event organisers asked her to move on to the next week, she also put out a statement on Instagram addressing the issue. "It's disheartening that even today, many men in our society still carry a sense of male ego and chauvinism. What's even more disappointing is when such behavior comes from someone like a reporter, who should know better," she wrote. This wasn't the first time she had faced uncomfortable moments on stage. At an earlier event, Aishwarya said an actor had crossed personal boundaries while trying to garland her, an incident that she said affected her mental was seen in Dhanush-starrer 2024 release, Captain Miller. IN THIS STORY#Tamil Nadu
India Today
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Retro review: Suriya, Karthik's overstuffed film stumbles between eras and ideas
What is the purpose of life? Some figure out on their own. Some people need a guiding light. Some die struggling. Director Karthik Subbaraj's 'Retro' is a story of an orphan with a Trishul (a trident) birthmark, who has a strong purpose in life. 'Retro' is Subbaraj's 'Jigarthanda Double XL' meets Arun Matheswaran's 'Captain Miller'. Is it as effective as 'Jigarthanda Double XL'? Let's find out!advertisementPaarivelkannan (Suriya) gets adopted by Sandhya (Swastika) and her gangster husband Thilagan (Joju George) after the two follow a few spiritual signs. Thilagan despises Paari as he is not his kid. His childhood drama rips off his smile and happiness, leaving him brooding all the time. When Sandhya dies, Paari is left with no one, but in a quick turn of events, Thilagan accepts Paari when he gives first-hand proof of how he can be an A-class henchman. This whole episode also brings Paari and Rukmini together - both of whom are also grieving the loss of their mother.14 years later, when Paari meets Rukmini in Coorg, sparks fly. After four years of courtship and several changes in his personality, Paari is now a transformed man, ready to leave his gangster life behind. But, is there a way out when you are neck-deep into a life that's all about gore and blood? Director Karthik Subbaraj answers this and more in over two hours and 48 'Retro' begins on a spectacular note. The 15-minute single-shot sequence, featuring the catchy 'Kanima' song, showcases varied emotions and brilliantly choreographed stunt sequences. The rollercoaster of emotions that Suriya and Joju, as son and father, go through sets the stage for bigger conflicts. The story begins in the 1960s with Paari's life coming to an abrupt halt with the death of his speech-impaired father. After the flashback, the film takes us to the 90s when Paari and Rukku are trying to live like a normal couple. The conflicts begin with Paari and Joju's characters being at loggerheads over a costly dealing with foreigners. As the story shifts to Andamans, it also treads a treacherous slope that bogs down the impressive start. It is here the film falters majorly. Absurd ideas galore with random sermons on authoritarianism and democracy. So much so that the film feels overloaded at one point – a recurring problem in Karthik's films. While the world-building, umpteen meta references and political takes add depth, the story is so redundant that none of this references to the Lord Krishna-Rukmini story, the difference between Buddha and Krishna, its take on colonialism and democracy are all factors that could have contributed to a well-rounded story about one's purpose in life. But, the quirky nature of certain characters introduced later in the story drags the excitement as Paarivelkannan, shoulders the film with his incredible range of expressions. 'Retro' is a great canvas for him to showcase who he truly is and what a director like Karthik Subbaraj could bring out from an actor like him. However, there is only so much that he can do in a film that drags on more than intended. Karthik Subbraj promoted 'Retro', calling it a love film. But, it is the love portion that has the least impact. While Pooja Hegde's Rukmini embodies Buddha, there is a lack of a character arc that makes you want to root for her. The film also introduces two quirky characters in the form of Nasser and Vidhu, who take it a little too far with their performances.'Retro's' story progresses in chapters and the first two chapters – Love and Laughter – are its weakest and there lies its biggest problem. While the film is technically sound, and composer Santhosh Narayanan's music and songs do their thing, 'Retro' suffers from schooling its audience. It not only shows but uses its characters to spell out everything to the audience.2 out 5 stars for 'Retro'.Trending Reel
