Latest news with #Rukmini
Pink Villa
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Latest Tamil movies to watch on OTT this week (May 26 - June 1): Retro to Seeran
This week, Tamil cinema delivers another round of stories on OTT. These films may not have created the noise like big-screen releases, but their stories hit just as hard. Perfect for those late evenings or lazy weekends, these picks are all about strong storytelling. So, settle in, scroll less, and let the screen take over. This week's Tamil releases are worth your time. Tamil movies to watch on OTT this week 1. Retro Cast: Suriya, Pooja Hegde, Jayaram, Nassar, Joju George, Prakash Raj Where to watch: Netflix Release date: May 30, 2025 Retro follows the story of Paari, a man burdened by his father's rejection. After his mother's death, he meets Rukmini and falls in love. On the other hand, he becomes part of her criminal empire but is treated as just a henchman. Wanting a better life, he plans to marry Rukmini and leave crime. However, a fallout lands him in prison and the film then follows his fight to reclaim his identity and abandon violence forever. 2. Nizharkudai Nizharkudai revolves around the lives of Lancy and Niranjan, an interfaith couple planning to move to the US. Their daughter, Nila, suffers from a rare condition that triggers seizures when she cries. Due to work pressure, they hired Jyoti as her caregiver. One day, Nila goes missing. As the mystery unfolds, secrets surface and lead to the shocking truth behind the child's disappearance. 3. Seeran Cast: James Karthik, Soniya Agarwal, Aajeedh Where to watch: Tentkotta Release date: May 30, 2025 Seeran tells the story of a young man from a caste-divided village. His family faces constant shame due to their lower caste. Tired of the mistreatment, he leaves for the city to build a better life. Through determination, he finds success and returns to his village to fight the injustice his family endured. 4. Virunnu The bilingual film, titled Virundhu, features dialogues in both Malayalam and Tamil. The story begins with the mysterious death of businessman John Kalathil. Soon after, his wife, Elizabeth, dies in a car accident. Before dying, she pleads with Hemanth to find a man named Balan. As he follows the trail, he gets pulled into a series of unexpected events. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more such stories!
Pink Villa
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
POLL: HIT 3 or Retro, which movie are you planning to watch on Netflix this week? VOTE
Two powerful stories. Two intense heroes. One big decision. This week on Netflix, two South Indian blockbusters will arrive. On one side, there is the Telugu thriller HIT: The Third and then we have the Tamil action drama Retro. Both films made waves at the box office. And now, they are ready to create buzz on OTT. So which one will you pick? Before you vote, let's dive into what each film offers. Directed by Sailesh Kolanu, HIT 3 features Nani in the lead role and Srinidhi Shetty playing the female lead. The story follows Arjun Sarkaar, a relentless cop who takes over as the head of HIT Visakhapatnam. The film begins with Arjun in prison for a serious crime. While speaking to a fellow inmate, he starts to narrate how he landed there. His tale takes us into a past filled with gruesome murders. Slowly, the audience learns that Arjun's actions were all part of a deeper plan. He was working to infiltrate a dark web cult. His goal? To destroy it from within. The cast also includes Ravindra Vijay, Prateik Babbar, Surya Srinivas, Adivi Sesh and Karthi in special roles. Meanwhile, HIT 3 will begin streaming on Netflix from May 29, 2025. On the other hand, Retro stars Suriya and is directed by Karthik Subbaraj. The film is a romantic action drama and tells the story of Paari, a man who has carried anger towards his father for years. After his mother's death, he meets Rukmini and slowly he falls for her. Following that, he wishes to leave crime behind and marry Rukmini to build a peaceful future. However, things go wrong and he lands in jail. The film follows his path of redemption as he uncovers truths and reconnects with his roots. Retro features Pooja Hegde, Joju George, Prakash Raj, and others in key roles. The movie will be available on Netflix from May 31, 2025. Now the question is, which one are you planning to watch? HIT 3 or Retro? Cast your vote now!
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Ace' movie review: Vijay Sethupathi, Yogi Babu cannot save this middling comedy-thriller
Imagine an ordinary person, poor, lonely and single, naively daydreaming about situations as follows. What if I could fly to a foreign country, preferably with a large Tamil diaspora, like Malaysia, and meet a stunningly gorgeous woman, like that actress from Sapta Saagardaache Ello? It would be a bummer if our paths don't cross often, and so what if she lives opposite my house and we take the same train to reach our day jobs? Also, what if she needs a lot of money, and I become a prince charming with godly luck at Poker, or, say, rob a bank? After all, it's a dream, so I get to decide how outlandish my story can be. This is largely how the story of Ace pans out. If convenient writing is a game of poker, Ace is a royal flush. Yet despite a ridiculous storyline, this is a surprisingly entertaining film till a point (far better than what the trailer suggested). Four things work well in its favour. First, it features Yogi Babu at his comedic best. As Arivukarasan, the actor is riotous throughout the film, and nine out of 10 jokes land with impeccable timing. Then comes the lead romantic pair, Vijay Sethupathi and Rukmini Vasanth, who are adorably cute as 'Bolt' Kannan and Rukmini. They charm their way through the film with the smallest expressions — watch how hesitantly Vijay grins when Rukmini first waves at him from her balcony — and somehow make you forgive scenes with lazy writing. Indeed, their playful banter throughout the 'Urugudhu Urugudhu' song makes you crave a rom-com. Speaking of songs, Justin Prabhakaran's music plays a vital role in elevating the film's mood. He sticks to his assignment, and the background score makes its presence felt without seeking much attention. Finally, writer-director Arumugakumar does show occasional flair in scene writing, and a knack for suspense that could have come in handy in a better film. Ace (Tamil) Director: Arumugakumar Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Rukmini Vasanth, Yogi Babu, BS Avinash Runtime: 156 minutes Storyline: To save his girlfriend from her abusive stepfather and to save himself from a loan shark, a man attempts to steal money from a bank in Malaysia, only to land in trouble Though all this keeps the film afloat until intermission, they fail to sustain a material so thin, and, at times, even tedious. Interesting ideas are introduced without much follow-up, like Kannan's top-tier Poker skills. Arivu's employment as a sanitation worker, the restaurant their friend and well-wisher, Kalpana (Divya Pillai), owns, or the drug cartel run by Dharma (BS Avinash; as a kingpin who traps Kannan and Arivu in a huge debt), are all settings we are introduced to but with no roles to play in the larger scheme of things. A sub-plot about Rajadurai (Babloo Prithviraj; as Rukmini's obnoxious stepfather and police officer) blackmailing a young girl with her sex tape takes up so much space, only to become conspicuously unnecessary. Everything derails when the film takes itself too seriously by attempting to be a suspenseful heist thriller. In fact, Ace has all the necessary ingredients to become a good romantic caper, but it never finds its tone. A serious thriller with an innovative heist is one thing, and an out-and-out comedy where the plan goes hilariously wrong is another. Ace is neither. Its flaws are evident in two central action sequences. One happens when Kannan and Arivu are chased by Durai's men, while the other is an elaborate escape plan. You either laugh at everything silly Yogi Babu does or utters, or you miss him whenever Arumugakumar attempts to conjure a Mission: Impossible out of thin air. At one point, Arivu, distressed by Kannan persistently asking him to trust his hush-hush plans, quips, 'ennada plan'u plan'u nutu, enna maati vidradhu dhana da unnoda plan'u?' This, and how Ace wishes to reveal information about its mysterious protagonist, pretty much sums up the film as well — it keeps its cards close to the chest, reveals some, throws away the rest, and declares itself a winner. Ace is currently running in theatres
Pink Villa
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Deepika Padukone out, Rukmini Vasanth in? Meet Sapta Sagaradaache Ello actress who is in talks for Prabhas' Spirit
Today, we're talking about an Indian actress who began her career in the Kannada film industry and is gradually expanding her presence in Tamil and Telugu cinema. Yes, she is none other than Rukmini Vasanth. Currently, she's making headlines not only for her Tamil debut alongside Vijay Sethupathi in Ace but also for being in talks to feature in Prabhas' Spirit. Before diving into these exciting projects, let's first get to know who Rukmini is. Who is Rukmini Vasanth? Rukmini Vasanth hails from Bangalore. Her father, Colonel Vasanth Venugopal, was the first recipient from Karnataka to be awarded the Ashoka Chakra. He sacrificed his life in 2007 while stopping infiltrators at the India-Pakistan border in Uri. She began her career with a minor role in the Hindi film Upstarts in 2019. Rukmini gained major recognition in 2023 for her role as Priya in Sapta Saagaradaache Ello—Side A and Side B, alongside Rakshit Shetty. Her performance earned widespread praise. During the same period, she was also seen in Baanadariyalli opposite Ganesh. In 2024, she played key roles in Bagheera alongside Sriimurali and Bhairathi Ranagal with Shiva Rajkumar. Rukmini also made her Telugu debut with Appudo Ippudo Eppudo alongside Nikhil Siddhartha. Rukmini Vasanth made her Tamil debut with Ace, starring opposite Vijay Sethupathi. The film released on May 23. It follows the story of Kannan, who seeks a fresh start by moving to Malaysia. However, when a heist goes wrong, he finds himself caught in a web of crime and deception. The film then unfolds as Kannan faces each challenge, using his wit to outsmart those around him and survive. Did Rukmini replace Deepika in Spirit? Deepika Padukone is reportedly no longer part of Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming action film Spirit, starring Prabhas. Although her involvement had created a buzz, multiple reports suggest the deal fell through due to creative and contractual differences. According to sources like Great Andhra, Deepika had several conditions, including an eight-hour workday limit that restricted her actual shooting time. She also reportedly demanded a high fee along with a share of the film's profits. Additionally, her reluctance to deliver dialogues in Telugu became a sticking point for the regional project. With Deepika stepping away, the makers are now considering Rukmini Vasanth for the female lead. The Aakashavaani reported that talks with her are ongoing, but no official announcement has been made yet.
Economic Times
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Prabhas' 'Spirit' could cast this Kannada actress after Deepika Padukone's exit. Who is Rukmini Vasanth?
Prabhas' upcoming action drama Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, is undergoing a major casting change after Deepika Padukone exited the project due to reported disagreements over her demands. Kannada actress Rukmini Vasanth, known for her critically acclaimed roles in Sapta Sagaradaache Ello and Bagheera, is now being considered for the lead role. While no official confirmation has been made, Rukmini's addition could mark a significant move into Telugu cinema. The film, announced in 2021, is expected to begin production soon. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Deepika's Exit Over Alleged Demands Rukmini Vasanth in the Running Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A Glance at Rukmini's Journey Prabhas' Busy Slate The much-anticipated action drama Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and headlined by Prabhas, is currently navigating a significant shift in casting. Originally set to star Deepika Padukone opposite Prabhas, the project has now seen the actress step away, reportedly due to disagreements over compensation and working conditions. With her exit, speculation is rife that Kannada actress Rukmini Vasanth may step into the lead female Padukone's departure from Spirit appears to stem from her reported list of demands. According to industry buzz, she sought a remuneration in the Rs 30-40 crore range, along with specific working conditions including a six-hour shoot day, a 28-member personal team, and a private jet for travel to filming locations. These requests allegedly led to creative and financial disagreements with director Vanga and co-producer Bhushan Kumar of none of the involved parties have officially confirmed the reasons behind her exit, the actress's choice to focus on fewer projects following her recent life changes may have played a role. Notably, Spirit had initially marked a planned reunion between Deepika and Prabhas, who star together in Kalki 2898 the wake of Deepika's departure, Rukmini Vasanth is now reportedly in talks for the female lead, as per Aakashavaani. Known for her performances in Sapta Sagaradaache Ello and Bagheera, Rukmini has built a strong reputation in Kannada cinema. If confirmed, Spirit would mark another significant step in her career, expanding her presence into Telugu are watching closely, especially as previous discussions also included names like Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan, who reportedly opted out for similar reasons. With multiple casting changes already, the pressure is on the filmmakers to finalize the lineup and proceed with production, which was announced back in Vasanth, born in Bangalore in 1996, is the daughter of the late Colonel Vasanth Venugopal, the first recipient from Karnataka of the Ashoka Chakra. Her father was martyred in 2007 while serving in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir. Raised in a military household, Rukmini pursued her education at prestigious institutions including the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in performance as Priya in the 2023 romantic drama Sapta Sagaradaache Ello received widespread critical acclaim. With recent successful projects like Bagheera and Bhairathi Ranagal, she is emerging as one of the most promising talents in South Indian cinema Meanwhile, Prabhas continues to maintain a packed schedule. Besides Spirit, he is set to appear in The Raja Saab, a romantic horror comedy where he plays dual roles. The film, which stars Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, and Riddhi Kumar, has been postponed from its original April 2025 release date. Prabhas is also involved in an untitled period drama, currently referred to as PrabhasHanu (Fauji).As Spirit remains in the early stages of production, all eyes are on the official confirmation of Rukmini Vasanth's casting.
