Latest news with #Hindi-speaking
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Are Character Actors Disappearing from Tamil Cinema?
Manorama in the 1990 film 'Nadigan'. Pic credit: Stills Gnanam Thirty-five years after the hit film's release, Khusbhu, who was hailed the star of P Vasu's 'Nadigan', still believes Manorama was the real hero. 'As the strict aunt, she had the audience eating out of her hand. She outshined the rest of us on screen.' That was the time, says Khushbu, when Tamil cinema was defined not just by its stars, but by its unforgettable character actors, a glaring void in present-day scripts. In the 1960s it was S V Ranga Rao, V S Raghavan, S V Subbaiah and T S Balaiah who were remembered for their memorable roles as father, father-in-law and sometimes playing characters for period films. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai Then came Thengai Srinivasan as Sri Ramachandramurthy, the opinionated eccentric boss in 'Thillu Mullu' (1981), Poornam Viswanathan, the loyal village officer Shankara Sastri in 'Ore Oru Gramathiley' (1987) and Delhi Ganesh as the educated Hindi-speaking sidekick Iyer in 'Nayagan' (1987) who didn't just support the story but gave it depth and meaning. Scripts were tailor-made to showcase their talent and they approached roles with precision, which made their innings longer across industries. In today's films, there's a hero who occupies most of the screen space, a blood-thirsty villain, and a heroine who is often reduced to nothing more than eye candy. Although actors such as Saranya Ponvanan, Urvashi and M S Bhaskar have managed to get screen space, their potential remains untapped. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola Urvashi and Saranya aced it in 'J Baby' (2024) and 'Conjuring Kannappan' (2023), while Bhaskar stole the show in the 2023 film 'Parking'. Travelling with the script throughout is a challenge, says film critic Balu. 'Malayalam director I V Sasi had a huge cast in his films. Now, films have a limited cast and space has shrunk for character roles,' he says. 'Until a couple of decades ago, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan would recommend involving veterans such as Nagesh, Ravichandran and Pandari Bai. But that was just a phase. Today's filmmakers work with barely six characters as movie making is a costly affair with inflated salaries,' says Balu. In between intense or violent scenes, it was the character actors that provided humour, relief or reassurance to the audience that all was well. 'Now, weapons have replaced people,' says filmmaker Chitra Lakshmanan. 'When was the last time one noticed who played the parents? Only recently, films such as 'Tourist Family' and 'Thalaivan Thalaivii', both of which released this year, and 'Once More' (in the pipeline) have given importance to character roles. 'When we watch a movie, we should be able to carry good memories. If we want the industry to grow, our movies need to touch the soul,' says Chitra Lakshmanan. But some in the industry don't agree that supporting roles are fading. 'Character actors such as Thambi Ramaiah, Kali Venkat, Munishkanth, Mottai Rajendran and Anand Raj are busy doing films,' says producer G Dhananjayan. 'The audience is spoiled for choice. As for actresses, Simran, Devadarshini, Deepa Shankar, Sriranjani and Vinodhini Vaidynathan have made a world of difference in terms of taking the storyline forward and making films feel complete.' Sarath Kumar's 'Por Thozil' (2023) got him well-deserved recognition, says Dhananjayan. 'He is not the hero in '3 BHK' (2025) either but his screen presence left an impact. Sathyaraj and Radhikaa too are taking up projects that give them character roles.' He believes that versatile actors attract directors. 'Decades ago, Simran was one of the top actors. In 'Tourist Family', it was her role as a mother that stood out. Directors today are looking for character artists. But in the end, faces in posters are what attract audiences. Our biggest issue now is getting people to step out of their homes and watch movies in theatres,' says Dhananjayan. Film critic Vamanan says the answer lies in emotion-based content. 'Family-based scripts are passe. Crime-based content dominates. There's no time to build on a person's character and emotions. This generation has no time. Sensationalising violence has taken prominence because it gives instant gratification.' When Manorama changed the formula When her days of being a comedy queen started to diminish in the late 1980s, Manorama transformed her image to play a mother, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt and grandmother. Director K Balanchander gave her a unique and difficult task in 'Unnal Mudiyum Thambi Angayarkanni' (1988) where she played Kamal Haasan's sister-in-law. It is said the director asked her not to be Manorama, emphasising that 'not a shred of her old formula acting' should peep into her role as Angaryarkanni, who had to pacify a judgmental father-in-law (Bilahari Marthandam Pillai) played by Gemini Ganesan against Kamal as (Udhayamoorthi) for his playful attitude Email your feedback with name and address to
Hans India
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
‘Coolie' team comes with innovative promotional campaign
With just two weeks left for release, the promotional engine for Coolie—starring Superstar Rajinikanth and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj—is in full throttle. Slated for a grand worldwide release on August 14, the Sun Pictures-backed film is being touted as a pan-India spectacle with a multi-language release strategy and an ensemble cast. What's creating waves now is Coolie's unique partnership with Amazon India, which marks a first-of-its-kind publicity campaign in Indian cinema. Parcels shipped across the country are now arriving at doorsteps wrapped in specially designed Coolie posters—customised for each region. This direct-to-home promotion reflects a smart blend of visibility and localisation, signalling a new trend in film marketing. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, packages feature posters of Rajinikanth alongside Nagarjuna, who plays the main antagonist. In Hindi-speaking regions, it's Rajini with Aamir Khan, another key cast member. Upendra is highlighted in Karnataka-bound parcels, while Soubin Shahir features on those delivered in Kerala. This region-specific approach taps into local fan bases by spotlighting familiar faces alongside the superstar. The film also features Shruti Haasan, Pooja Hegde, and Sathyaraj, with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander. So far, three songs have been released, with the much-anticipated trailer expected to drop soon. By embedding itself in daily routines through Amazon parcels, Coolie is pushing the boundaries of how films engage with audiences. The campaign draws comparisons to the Kabali promotion, where Air Asia unveiled a Rajini-themed aircraft. With advance bookings expected to open shortly, Coolie's smart marketing play could be a game-changer in connecting with diverse language markets across India.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Mahavatar Narsimha' box office collection day 6: Ashwin Kumar's animated film picks up pace; mints Rs 37.05 crore
What started as a slow-paced release has now turned into one of the most surprising box office stories of the year. Ashwin Kumar 's animated spiritual drama 'Mahavatar Narsimha' has raked in an impressive Rs 37.05crore in just six days, as reported by Sacnilk. Despite limited expectations during its initial release, the film has gained traction steadily across languages, particularly in Hindi and Telugu belts. Word-of-mouth, coupled with curiosity around its mythological subject, has worked in its favour, pushing the collections higher each day. What's most remarkable is how a film with humble regional collections early on has managed to go national, and now global. Hindi and Telugu versions lead the charge The real push has come from the Hindi-speaking belt, where the film has collected a staggering Rs 20.9 crore net by Day 6. Day-by-day growth has been consistent. Reportedly, the figures jumped from Rs 1.75 crore on opening day to Rs 7.50 crore on Day 6. The Telugu version has also shown strong performance, earning Rs 7.62 crore so far. These two languages have contributed the lion's share of the total earnings. These collections have helped 'Mahavatar Narsimha' stand tall despite lower figures in other versions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pirates Climb Aboard Cargo Ship - Watch What The Captain Did Next Tips and Tricks Undo Kannada, Tamil, and Malayalam releases have seen modest responses, with combined regional numbers below Rs 2 crore, but still showing gradual growth. Ashwin Kumar's vision finds unexpected success Directed by Ashwin Kumar, 'Mahavatar Narsimha' is turning out to be a breakthrough for Indian animation cinema. The animation, backed by emotional storytelling and a sense of cultural depth, has clicked with family audiences and young viewers alike. With zero overseas contribution so far, the entire Rs 37.05 crore collection has come from domestic screens, making its success even more commendable. If current trends hold, the film could well cross Rs 40 crore in its first week. Mahavatar Narsimha - Official Hindi Teaser
Mint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Regional influencers struggle with transition to web shows, movies; retain dependence on brand collaborations
Starry-eyed regional-language influencers who dream about lead roles in movies aren't having it as easy as their counterparts in the Hindi-speaking belt in making a smooth transition to films and web shows. According to experts, there's a bias and stigma in areas such as the south, where creators aren't considered actors and, at best, get relegated to supporting roles. It's also quite hard to break into a field that thrives on star power. In such cases, influencers and experts say the reliance on brand collaborations remains because it offers a more stable source of income. 'Most digital creators and influencers are yet to get to roles that drive the main storyline in movie industries such as the south. Even though times are slowly changing, there is a general perception and stigma that influencers can't really act. The transition isn't happening at the same pace as say, the Hindi industry," said Jithin Chandra, associate vice-president at Kalakaaar, an influencer and talent management agency. In the Hindi-speaking belt, creators such as Bhuvan Bam, Kusha Kapila and Prajakta Koli feature regularly in film and web shows. Chandra added that companies like Confluencr regularly reach out to casting agencies, directors and producers to see if they are interested. Movie or web show projects are definitely not a consistent source of income for creators at this point, he agreed. Sanjana Tiwari, a Chennai-based actor and creator, said one of the challenges for regional creators is to be seen beyond image and language stereotypes. 'There can sometimes be a perception that regional means limited, which is not true at all. That said, OTT platforms and casting directors are opening up more to diverse backgrounds and voices. The transition is gaining momentum. It's slow but moving in a good direction," Tiwari said. Steady income While opportunities to act may be less frequent in the beginning, it helps in building long-term credibility and a distinct identity. In terms of money, social media collaborations can often be a steadier source of income, especially for regional creators with a strong online presence, Tiwari said. Acting gigs in regional cinema do offer credibility and visibility as long as you're doing lead roles, agreed Sakshi Agarwal, an actor and fitness and lifestyle influencer. 'But they don't translate into massive income consistently because there is a gap between pay cheques. Social media collaborations, on the other hand, offer faster monetisation and revenue, especially if you're able to build a loyal community," she added. There is hope for creators from smaller towns and in regional languages who are now seen as cultural leaders. Their reels, songs and skits travel beyond their native states and filmmakers are slowly taking notice. 'The shift is very real. It may not have been as amplified yet, but regional creators are carving out their space in mainstream storytelling," said Suyog Kiran Jadhav, co-founder of BigMediaCo, which launched Native, a talent vertical for regional creators. 'Some of the most exciting regional voices are already showing up in writers' rooms, acting workshops and on sets. Platforms are now noticing. Production houses are paying attention. The entry points are opening up, and this is just the beginning."
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Before Vijay Deverakonda, THIS Actor Was The Original Choice For Kingdom
1/10 The trailer, which was unveiled at a launch event in Tirupati and shared by Vijay on social media soon after, sets the tone for a gritty spy thriller. In the film, Vijay plays Surya, a secret agent thrown deep into a covert mission that completely alters the course of his life. (Image: Instagram) Directed by Jersey filmmaker Gowtam Tinnanuri, Kingdom promises a mix of high-octane action and emotional weight. It's not just explosions and chase scenes — the trailer also hints at the personal cost Surya faces, backed by a gripping score from Anirudh Ravichander. (Image: Instagram) While we cannot wait to see Vijay transforming into Surya, did you know that he was not the first choice to play the character? Yes, you heard it right! (Image: Instagram) In fact, the film was officially announced on October 15, 2021. Ram Charan even took to X (formerly Twitter) to make the announcement. (Image: X) However, in November 2022, it was officially confirmed that the film has been shelved for good. Reportedly, director Gowtam Tinnanuri later narrated the script to Vijay Deverakonda, who liked the script. The rest, as they say, is history. (Image: Instagram) The film's official title as Kingdom was announced on February 12, 2025. The makers also informed that there would be two parts. (Image: Instagram) Alongside Vijay Deverakonda, the film stars Bhagyashri Borse, Satyadev, and Manish Chaudhary. Kingdom will also be released for Hindi-speaking audiences under the title Saamrajya; the Hindi version features a voice-over by Ranbir Kapoor. (Image: Instagram)
