Latest news with #Shanmugham
The Hindu
06-08-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
‘Ungaludan Stalin' scheme: Supreme Court dismisses AIADMK MP's challenge to nomenclature as ‘misconceived' and an ‘abuse of law'
The Supreme Court on Wednesday (August 6, 2025) dismissed a challenge raised by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) Member of Parliament Shanmugam to naming a Tamil Nadu Government outreach programme, 'Ungaludan Stalin', after the Chief Minister as 'misconceived' and an 'abuse of law'. A three-Judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai dismissed the pending case instituted by Mr. Shanmugham in the Madras High Court with costs of ₹10 lakh, which he has to pay the Tamil Nadu Government for the purpose of use in the State's welfare programmes. The Bench set aside a Madras High Court order, passed in Mr. Shanmugham's petition, imposing 'sweeping restrictions' on the Tamil Nadu Government from naming State welfare schemes after 'any living personality'. The DMK party had appealed the High Court's July 31 restraining order in the Supreme Court. Senior advocates A.M. Singhvi, Mukul Rohatgi and P. Wilson, appearing for the DMK, argued the High Court order had operated as a 'de facto injunction' on the elected government in Tamil Nadu from formulating and implementing public welfare schemes. Mr. Shanmugam's side, represented by senior advocate Maninder Singh and advocate Balaji Srinivasan, challenged the implementation and publicity of 'Ungaludan Stalin' (With You, Stalin), an outreach programme notified on June 19. Mr. Shanmugham had urged the High Court to direct the Election Commission of India to take action against the DMK under Paragraph 16A of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order of 1968. It had also wanted the Content Regulation Committee on Government Advertising (CCRGA) to interdict the Tamil Nadu government from using the name 'Stalin' in the programme. The Supreme Court did not agree with both submissions. It questioned why the petitioner had focussed on one particular political party, DMK, and not challenged the actions of other political outfits using their leaders' names to brand programmes. 'Time and again, we have observed that political battles should be settled before the electoral roll and courts should not be used for this... Schemes in the name of political leaders is a phenomenon followed across the country. When such schemes are floated in the name of all leaders of political parties, we do not appreciate the anxiety of the petitioner to choose only one political party and one political leader. If the petitioner was so concerned about the misuse of political funds, the petitioner could have made a challenge to all such schemes. However, singling out only one political leader shows the intentions of the petitioner,' the court observed. 'Ungaludan Stalin': Madras HC bars naming schemes after living persons The DMK had submitted that the Union government itself had, in recent years, launched several schemes incorporating the political nickname 'NaMo'. 'During the tenure of the AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu between 2011 and 2021, an overwhelming number of schemes were named using the political moniker 'Amma', in reference to the former general secretary of the AIADMK, J. Jayalalithaa,' the DMK petition had submitted. Mr. Wilson submitted the 'Ungaludan Stalin' initiative was not a publicity vehicle for political mileage, but rather a citizen-centric outreach programme. He contended that the High Court order was not only unsustainable in law but caused irreparable harm to the public at large by impeding the delivery of essential government services to vulnerable populations.
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Business Standard
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Thudarum to Hit: The Third Case: Top 6 OTT releases to watch this weekend
Are you wondering what to watch this weekend? OTT platforms are packed with fresh films and series across genres. From gripping thrillers to emotional dramas, there's something for everyone. Here are the top OTT releases this weekend to add to your watchlist—perfect for a relaxing binge session! Top six OTT releases this weekend Here is the list of the top six OTT releases to watch this weekend: Thudarum Set in the peaceful hill town of Ranni, Thudarum follows Shanmugham (played by Mohanlal), a kind taxi driver who treasures his old Ambassador car. But when life takes an unexpected turn, he must decide how far he's willing to go to protect what he loves most. This emotional story has touched many hearts thanks to its simple yet powerful storytelling. Where to watch: JioHotstar Release Date: May 30 Retro As the name suggests, Retro takes you back in time. Suriya plays Paarimel, the adopted son of a gangster (played by Joju George). Paarimel is torn between his troubled past and his dream of a quiet life with his love, Rukmini (played by Pooja Hegde). With a gripping story and strong performances, this one's worth a watch. Where to watch: Netflix Release Date: May 31 KanKhajura KanKhajura is a tense psychological crime drama starring Roshan Mathew and Mohit Raina. It's based on the hit Israeli series Magpie and explores themes like trauma, broken relationships, and moral dilemmas. Expect twists and deep character moments. Where to watch: Sony LIV Release Date: May 30 A Complete Unknown This film tells the early life story of music legend Bob Dylan. Timothée Chalamet stars in this biopic, showing how Dylan rose to fame and changed the world of music forever. Directed by James Mangold, it's perfect for music and history lovers. Where to watch: JioHotstar Release Date: May 31 Hit: The Third Case The third film in the HIT crime thriller series features Nani as Arjun Sarkaar, a determined police officer. He's on a mission to solve a series of brutal murders using his own unique methods. As he digs deeper, the line between right and wrong becomes blurred. Where to watch: Netflix Release Date: May 29 Criminal Justice Season 4 Madhav Mishra is back in the courtroom for his most difficult case yet. This season dives deep into a complex legal battle full of emotions, secrets, and tough choices. A must-watch for fans of courtroom dramas. Where to watch: JioHotstar Release Date: May 29
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Criminal Justice Season 4 to Captain America: Brave New World: Dramas and series to watch on OTT this week
After a long week filled with deadlines, assignments, meetings, and classes, the weekend becomes our much-needed escape. Whether you're a working professional looking to unwind or a student recovering from a hectic academic schedule, weekends are the perfect time to relax, recharge, and indulge in some screen time. And what better way to do that than diving into the diverse world of OTT platforms ? From binge-worthy series to feel-good movies and gripping documentaries, there's something for everyone. Here's your weekend watch list to make your downtime truly worth it. Criminal Justice Season 4 Pankaj Tripathi in 'Criminal Justice' In 'Criminal Justice Season 4', viewers are treated to a compelling family drama that weaves together themes of love, betrayal, mental health challenges, and a chilling murder mystery. The story follows Dr. Raj Nagpal, a well-respected surgeon, whose life takes a drastic turn when the nurse of his daughter, Roshni, is found dead, and he becomes the main suspect. As his wife Anju also gets arrested, hidden secrets start to come to light, while their daughter Ira, who has Asperger's, plays a pivotal yet quiet role in the drama. Pankaj Tripathi returns as advocate Madhav Mishra, showcasing his signature wit and intelligence, now supported by his own law firm, 'Madhav Mishra & Associates'. With his wife Ratna by his side, this season promises an engaging blend of suspense, emotional richness, and lighthearted moments. Captain America: Brave New World 'Captain America: Brave New World' is now streaming—don't miss out on the latest Marvel action! The iconic shield returns in a brand-new avatar as 'Captain America: Brave New World' makes its digital debut. The film, which first hit theaters on February 14, 2025, is now available for streaming, bringing action-packed patriotism straight to your screen. This latest chapter sees Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie, officially step into the role of Captain America. But his journey is far from easy. As new political threats emerge, a deadly plot involving gamma radiation unravels, introducing the dangerous force known as the Red Hulk. With high stakes and heavy responsibilities, Wilson must redefine what it means to be a hero in today's complex world. The ensemble cast adds weight to the story, with Harrison Ford portraying President Thaddeus Ross, Danny Ramirez returning as the new Falcon, and Giancarlo Esposito joining the universe in a mysterious role. 'Captain America: Brave New World' is available in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Thudarum Directed by Tharun Moorthy, 'Thudarum,' headlined by Mohanlal, is a story of Shanmugham, affectionately known as "Benz," a humble taxi driver in the serene town of Ranni, Pathanamthitta. This taxi driver's life is all about his cherished vintage Ambassador car and his family. Thus, when his car is unjustly seized by corrupt police officers on fabricated drug charges, Shanmugham's peaceful existence takes a 360-degree turn. As he strives to reclaim his vehicle and dignity, he uncovers deeper injustices, leading to a gripping narrative of personal vengeance and societal critique. HIT: The Third Case Picture Credit: X This third installment of the HIT series, directed by Sailesh Kolanu, shows Nani as Arjun Sarkaar, a formidable officer in the Homicide Intervention Team. His mission is to investigate a series of gruesome murders, and Arjun's methods are as unorthodox as they are effective. As he delves deeper, the line between law enforcer and lawbreaker blurs, revealing a complex character study amidst a tense thriller. A Complete Unknown Directed by James Mangold, 'A Complete Unknown' is a biographical musical drama chronicling the early years of Bob Dylan, portrayed by Timothée Chalamet. Set in the early 1960s, the film follows Dylan's journey from a young folk singer in New York City to a music icon who challenges and transforms the American music scene. The narrative highlights his relationships with figures like Woody Guthrie and Joan Baez, culminating in his controversial electric performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival.
Pink Villa
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Thudarum OTT Release: When and where to watch Mohanlal's crime thriller film as it crosses Rs 200 crore mark globally
Thudarum is a Malayalam crime thriller that hit the big screens on April 25, 2025. Directed by Tharun Moorthy, the film turned out to be a mega blockbuster, grossing around Rs 225 crore worldwide. While fans had long been waiting for an update on its OTT release, it is finally here. When and where to watch Thudarum Thudarum will start streaming on JioHotstar from May 30, 2025. The announcement post on the OTT giant's X account read, "Thudarum will be streaming from 30 May only on JioHotstar." Check out the official announcement of Thudarum OTT release below: Official trailer and plot of Thudarum The story of Thudarum revolves around Shanmugham, also known as Benz. He enjoys a simple life as a taxi driver. Once a stuntman, he quit films after losing his friend Anbu in a tragic accident. Benz's world revolves around his wife Lalitha, their two children, and his cherished Ambassador car. But everything changes when his car gets seized after being used unknowingly in a drug smuggling case. In a shocking twist, the police had hidden someone's body in his vehicle and forced him to help dispose of it. Later, Benz finds out that the body was his missing son, Pavi. The police had murdered his kid and framed Benz to cover up their heinous crime. Devastated and enraged, Benz fights back. Cast and crew of Thudarum Thudarum features Mohanlal as Shanmugham. Shobana plays his wife, while Thomas Mathew takes on the role of their only son. Amritha Varshini appears as Pavithra, Benz's daughter. Prakash Varma plays the powerful and corrupt CI George Mathan, and Binu Pappu essays the role of SI Benny C. Kurian. Farhaan Faasil portrays CPO Sudheesh. Supporting roles include Maniyanpilla Raju as Kuttichan, Irshad as Shaji, Aarsha Chandini Baiju as Mary, George's daughter, and Sangeeth Prathap as Pavi's friend Kiran. The film's visuals are captured by cinematographer Shaji Kumar, while editing duties are handled by Nishadh Yusuf and Shafeeque V. B. On the other hand, the score is composed by Jakes Bejoy. Disclaimer: The box office figures are compiled from various sources and our research. The figures can be approximate, and Pinkvilla does not make any claims about the authenticity of the data. However, they are adequately indicative of the box-office performance of the films in question.
New Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Mohanlal's 'Thudarum' becomes 'Thodarum' for Tamil fans - In cinemas from May 9
Following huge success in Kerala, Mohanlal's intense crime drama Thudarum is all set to hit theatres across Tamil Nadu under the title Thodarum. Releasing on 9 May 2025, the film brings a powerful mix of action, family emotion, and suspense to Tamil audiences. Directed by Operation Java filmmaker Tharun Moorthy, Thodarum tells the story of Shanmugham fondly called 'Benz' because of his beloved black Ambassador Mark 1 car. A former film stunt assistant turned taxi driver, Benz lives a quiet life with his family in the hill town of Pathanamthitta. But when his car becomes involved in a police investigation, his peaceful world is turned upside down. What follows is a gripping tale of justice, resilience, and heartbreak, as Shanmugham is forced to fight against a corrupt system. The trailer, already a hit online, promises a grounded and emotional story that fans have come to expect from Tharun Moorthy.
