Latest news with #TVK
India Today
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Karnataka High Court judge acted as Kannadiga: Tamil Nadu MLA backs Kamal Haasan
Tamizhaga Vaazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) leader and Banrutti MLA T Velmurugan on Tuesday came out strongly in support of actor Kamal Haasan and criticised the Karnataka High Court for its observations during the hearing on Haasan's film Thug to Justice M Nagaprasanna's remarks criticising the actor's stance and remark, Velmurugan alleged that 'even the judge acted as a Kannadiga.' He accused the court of being partial and said that 'along with water, now justice is also denied in Karnataka.'advertisementThe MLA said that if Thug Life is banned in Karnataka, then 'no Kannada movie will be allowed to be screened in Tamil Nadu.' He also urged Tamil cinema associations to take a stand on the issue. 'Tamil cinema unions must not employ Kannada actors or technicians until the issue is resolved,' Velmurugan comments come after the Karnataka High Court criticised Haasan over his recent remark that 'Kannada language was born out of Tamil" during a film promotion event in Chennai. His remarks drew sharp criticism from pro-Kannada groups, with protests demanding an apology from the actor and a ban on the release of his court questioned Haasan's refusal to apologise and asked, 'Are you a historian? Or a linguist?' Justice Nagaprasanna observed, 'Water, land and language — Jala, Nila, Bashe — are important to citizens,' and added, 'No citizen has the right to hurt sentiments.'advertisementVelmurugan, however, accused the judiciary of failing to remain neutral in the matter and expressed full support for Life producers informed the High Court on Tuesday that the movie will not be released in Karnataka on June 5, the scheduled date for the pan-India InMust Watch
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Could Vijay's party be the draw as polls stir TN's crowded political space?
AS THE countdown to the Assembly elections sets off a chain of alignments and realignments in Tamil Nadu, the one party that is steadily consolidating its position is Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). The political outfit floated by Tamil cinema icon Vijay is seeking to emerge as the fulcrum of a third front, and could attract smaller parties which feel neglected by the DMK and AIADMK. Vijay is quietly laying the groundwork for the TVK, with a search reportedly on for an Assembly constituency for the star beginning with the letter 'V', just like his name – a suggestion reportedly by a well-wisher. Sources said the hunt may narrow down to Virudhachalam, a backward constituency in northern Tamil Nadu, ahead of the TVK's state-wide tour starting in August. By then, the picture could also be clearer on the PMK (Pattali Makkal Katchi) and DMDK (Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam), both of which are struggling. While the PMK holds considerable influence due to its support among the OBC-Vanniyar community, the DMDK (founded by another matinee idol, the late Vijayakanth) has a solid vote bank in certain rural pockets. The vote banks of both parties complement the TVK's appeal among Dalits and OBCs in rural and semi-urban areas. The DMDK, led now by Vijayakanth's Premalatha, is unhappy about ally AIADMK not giving a ticket to it for the coming bypolls, and has said it expects the AIADMK to keep a Rajya Sabha berth promise to it. In an unusually direct statement Sunday, Premalatha reminded the AIADMK about a 'written commitment' to allot five Lok Sabha constituencies and one Rajya Sabha seat to the DMDK ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami ducked the question when asked about this, deputy general secretary K P Munusamy insisted the alliance with the DMDK was intact. Premalatha, however, has said her options are open. The PMK, on the other hand, is caught in a public power struggle between founder S Ramadoss and his son and party president Anbumani Ramadoss. The elder Ramadoss reportedly prefers direct talks and an alliance with the AIADMK, but Anbumani, who was a Union minister in the NDA government at the Centre, favours an arrangement through the BJP. If the dispute persists, the PMK too could drift toward Vijay. 'Both the DMDK and PMK are unhappy satellites of the AIADMK-NDA alliance, caught in loops of postponed promises and internal confusion. Vijay may be a clean slate for them,' said a source close to Vijay. Should either the PMK or the DMDK align with the TVK, the impact could be significant, especially in north Tamil Nadu. As per TVK calculations, such an electoral bloc may swing at least 10 key districts. The damage may not be restricted to the AIADMK alone, as such an alliance could hurt the DMK too by weaning away the Dalit base of DMK ally VCK (Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi). Another force multiplier for the TVK may be Vijay's next movie Jana Nayagan, which is in post-production and expected to wrap up by mid-July – its release coinciding with his roadshow, which is expected to cover all the constituencies in the state over three months. 'The tour will demonstrate Vijay's ground strength. He will meet local community leaders, student groups, and fisherfolk,' a top TVK source said. While Virudhachalam leads among the constituencies Vijay may pick – as he considers seats with a significant OBC-Vanniyar population, Dalits, fishermen and Christians (Vijay is Christian by faith) – others that have a chance are Virugambakkam, Virudhunagar, Villupuram, Vedaranyam, and Vellore. One of the most backward constituencies in Tamil Nadu, Virudhachalam incidentally was the seat from where the DMDK's Vijayakanth made his electoral debut in 2006. Vikravandi, with a high proportion of backward classes, is the second choice. Virugambakkam is also on the list as it was where Vijay once resided in Chennai, but it is a largely urban constituency. 'Virudhachalam fits the narrative of the character Vijay plays in his films, of an underdog and the man of the people. Otherwise, it may be Vikravandi,' said a TVK source. The TVK is also close to finalising its symbol, which is set to be 'TV', an image familiar as well as easily associable with the party's name. The party is set to go then with the slogan 'Ungal vote TV-ku (Your vote is for TV-K)'. About whether the TVK itself would consider aligning with either the AIADMK or DMK, a top associate said: 'It will only damage him. Look at what happened to leaders like O Panneerselvam or Vaiko and G K Moopanar, when they made tactical compromises. You can't join hands with the very enemy you have built your political grammar against,' he said. Aides point out that this stance also helps Vijay stand out in a crowded political landscape filled with parties with shifting loyalties. Vaiko, once DMK chief M Karunanidhi's protégé, was expelled from the party in 1993 and formed the MDMK. It later aligned with the DMK, inviting charges of political opportunism. Panneerselvam, a Jayalalithaa loyalist, lost influence after her death, and since then has been jostling around for friends. Moopanar was a senior Congress leader before he left the party in 1996 to form the Tamil Maanila Congress.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Stalin, Palaniswami extend birthday wishes to Ilaiyaraaja; TN gears up for maestro's symphony concert
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami extended heartfelt birthday wishes to music maestro Ilaiyaraaja , who turns 82 on June 3. In his message, Stalin described himself as "one among the crores of Ilaiyaraaja's fans," and expressed his anticipation for the veteran composer's much-awaited symphony performance scheduled in Tamil Nadu on August 2. நாட்டுப்புற இசை, மெல்லிசை, துள்ளலிசை, மரபிசை, தமிழிசை, மேற்கத்திய இசை என அனைத்திலும் கரைகண்டு தமிழர்களின் பெருமைமிகு அடையாளமாகத் திகழும் இசைஞானி திரு. @ilaiyaraaja அவர்களுக்கு என் நெஞ்சம் நிறைந்த பிறந்தநாள் வாழ்த்துகள்! தங்களின் #Symphony இசை தமிழ்நாட்டில் ஒலிக்கவுள்ள ஆகஸ்ட்… — (@mkstalin) June 2, 2025 "Ilaiyaraaja's music has no boundaries. It has inspired generations, and I, like millions of others, eagerly await his upcoming concert," he said. Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami also lauded Ilaiyaraaja's contributions to Tamil music and cinema. "His music is intertwined with the emotions of every Tamil. His melodies have stood the test of time and continue to touch our hearts," he said in his birthday greeting. Actor Nasser speaks at Ilaiyaraja75 ticket launch TVK leader Vijay, in his tribute, hailed Ilaiyaraaja as "a musical treasure of Tamil Nadu and a global cultural icon." He added, "Ilaiyaraaja's compositions have accompanied us in joy and sorrow. His genius has elevated Tamil identity through music. We are proud to honour him today." Born in Pannaipuram on June 3, 1943, Ilaiyaraaja redefined Indian film music with a unique fusion of folk, Carnatic, Western classical, and electronic styles. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pistol de sudură laser multifuncțional siginificant Află mai multe Undo His debut in Tamil cinema came with Annakili (1976), which marked the beginning of a revolutionary era in film music. Since then, he has composed music for over 1,000 films across multiple Indian languages. Ilaiyaraaja holds the distinction of being the first Asian composer to score a full symphony with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London. His iconic songs, such as 'Ilaya Nila', 'Thenpandi Cheemaiyile', and 'Janani Janani' remain embedded in Tamil cultural memory. Honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2010 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2018, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 2022, further acknowledging his stature as a national figure in arts and culture. As Tamil Nadu prepares for his landmark symphony concert this August, his 82nd birthday stands as a celebration not only of a legendary artist but also of a musical era that shaped generations. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
TVK, PMK pay respects to Anjalai Ammal
Chennai: Actor and TVK president and PMK president paid respects to freedom fighter Anjalai Ammal on her 135th birth anniversary on Sunday. Vijay garlanded the statue of Anjalai Ammal at his party headquarters in Panayur. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Vijay on X said, "Anjalai Ammal loved this land and served the people fearlessly throughout her life. His fearless struggle for freedom is highly commendable," Vijay said. Vijay had declared Anjalai Ammal as one of the five ideological mentors of TVK. Anbumani praised Anjalai Ammal for her contribution to the freedom struggle and urged state to introduce a chapter on her in school books. "Anjalai Ammal made an immense contribution to the Indian freedom struggle and was appreciated by Gandhi for her courage. DMK did not recognise her contribution but after only the PMK pointed it out, she was included in the 2022 Republic Day float. Still my demand of naming the Cuddalore port and collectorate after Anjalai Ammal remains unfulfilled," he said on X. tnn
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Keep your mind democratic, TVK leader Vijay gives school toppers NEET advice
CHENNAI: Showing the youth a neat path to their future, actor-turned Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay urged them to keep their mind democratic. 'Only with democracy can every field flourish. If democracy functions properly, everyone can access opportunities equally,' the actor said while encouraging the students to vote wisely. 'Elect those who are clean, not those who've been tainted by corruption. Don't support the culture of buying votes,' he said. Referring to the 2026 Assembly election, Vijay said, 'Next year, you will see them (politicians) coming in droves to lure you. But you know what's right.' Honouring a group of students from 88 constituencies across 16 districts in TN and Puducherry who excelled in class 10 and 12 board examinations with certificates and cash prizes at Mamallapuram, Vijay also touched upon the contentious issue of National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). 'Yes, academics do matter. There's no need to overstress about one thing over and over,' he said. Cautioning against the narrow focus on NEET, Vijay asked, 'Is NEET the whole world? The world is much bigger than NEET.' The actor also appealed to parents not to pressurise their wards (on NEET), and instead allow them the freedom to pursue their interests.
