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Indo-Asian News Service or IANS is a private Indian news agency. The IANS was founded by Indian American publisher Gopal Raju as the India Abroad News Service. It was later renamed the Indo-Asian News Service. The IANS has its main offices located in Noida.

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Malayalam actor Kalinga Sasi passes away
2255 days ago
Kollywood

Malayalam actor Kalinga Sasi passes away

Kozhikode (Kerala) April 7 (IANS) Popular drama artiste and in recent times a film star who did cameo roles -- Kalinga Sasi alias V. Chandrakumar passed away at a private hospital, here, in the wee hours of Tuesday, said family sources.## The 59-year-old artiste's first screen appearance was in 2009 in "Kerala Cafe" movie and since then he has acted in about 30 Malayalam films. One of his best performances was in the superstar Mammootty film, "Pranchiettan and the Saint' in 2010.## Sasi had a brief but eventful film career.## The artiste began his acting career early in his life and was a regular in a few drama troupes based here.## The last rites would be held here, later in the day.## Stay tuned...

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Kamal Haasan pens open letter criticizing PM Modi's lockdown decision
2256 days ago
Kollywood

Kamal Haasan pens open letter criticizing PM Modi's lockdown decision

Chennai, April 6 (IANS) Actor-filmmaker-politician Kamal Haasan has written an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that the decision to impose a 21-day national lockdown, in a bid to battle the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, was a wrong one.## In his letter, Kamal Haasan, founder of the political party Makkal Needhi Maiam, wrote: "Respected Sir, I pen this letter as a responsible but dismayed citizen of our country. In my first letter to you dated 23rd March, I had urged the government to not lose sight of the plight of the unsung heroes of our society, the most downtrodden, the weak and the dependent. The very next day, the nation heard the announcement of a strict and immediate lockdown, almost demonetization style. I was taken aback but I chose to trust you, my elected leader, the one we would like to believe knows best. I had chosen to trust you even when you announced demonetization but time proved I was wrong. Time proved you too were wrong sir."## Praising the mass following that PM Modi enjoys as no other world leader, he added: "My biggest fear is that the same mistake of demonetization is being repeated albeit at a much bigger scale. While demonetization led to the loss of savings and livelihood of the poorest, this ill-planned lockdown is leading us to a fatal combination of loss of both life and livelihood. The poor have nobody to look up to except you sir. On one hand, you are asking the more privileged people to put up a spectacle of lights while on the other hand, the poor man's plight is itself becoming a shameful spectacle. While your world lit up oil days in their balconies, the poor are struggling to gather enough oil to bake their next roti."## "Your last two addresses to the nation had you trying to calm the people which is necessary in these trying times but there is something more urgent as well as important than that. These psychotherapy techniques can address the first world anxiety problems of the ‘haves' who have a balcony to cheer. But what about those who don't even have a roof on their heads? I am sure you don't want to be a balcony government only for the balcony people by completely ignoring the poor who are the biggest constituent of our society, our support system and the foundation on which the middle-class, the well-to-do and the rich build their lives. The poor man never makes it to the front page news but his contribution to nation-building both in spirit and in GDP cannot be ignored. He has a majority stake in the nation. History has proven that any efforts to destroy the bottom has led to the toppling of the top. Even science will agree here!" Kamal Haasan wrote.## He further stated: "This is the first crisis, the first epidemic that the top of the society has inflicted upon the bottom. And the topmost, i.e, you sir seem interested in bailing out everybody but those at the bottom. As millions of daily wage laborers, house-helps, street-cart vendors, auto-rickshaw & taxi drivers and helpless migrant workers struggle to see light at the end of the tunnel, we seem to be securing only an already well-built middle-class fortress. Don't get me, wrong sir, I am not suggesting we ignore the middle-class or any one segment. In fact, I am suggesting the exact opposite. I would like to see you doing more to secure everybody's fortress and ensure that nobody goes to bed hungry. COVID-19 will continue to find more victims but we are creating a fertile playground for Hunger(H), Exhaustion(E) and Deprivation(D) of the poor. HED '20 is a malady that is smaller in profile but far deadlier compared to COVID-19. Its impact will be felt long after COVID-19 has vanished.## "Every time there is a feeling that we have a chance to arrest the slide, you seem to be sliding into your comfort zone of unleashing a spirited election-style campaign idea. It seems you are comfortable outsourcing responsible behavior to the common people and transparency to the State governments. This is the perception you are creating, especially amongst those who spend enough time working toward and intellectualizing for a great today and tomorrow for India. I am sorry if I have offended you with the use of the word intellectual here, for I know that you and your government does not like that word. But I am a follower of Periyar and Gandhi and I know they were intellectuals first. It's the intellect that guides one into choosing a path of righteousness, equality, and prosperity for all.## "The focus on merely keeping people's spirits alive through warm and fuzzy campaigning is probably leading your establishment into ignoring certainly actionable that could actually save lives. Long into the epidemic, when the entire country's law and order system had been primed, your system failed to stop congregations of ignorant and foolish people in different parts of the country. These have become the biggest hubs for the spread of the epidemic in India. Who is responsible for all the lives lost due to this negligence?## "As per the Chinese government's official statement to the WHO, the first confirmed case was reported on 8th December. Even if you concede the fact that the world took a lot of time to understand the gravity of the situation, by early February, the entire world knew that this is going to wreak havoc of an unprecedented kind. India's first case was reported on the 30th of January. We had seen what happened to Italy. Yet, we did not learn our lessons early enough. When we eventually woke out of our slumber, you ordered an entire nation of 1.4 bn people to shut down within 4 hours. A mere 4 hour notice period for the people when you had a 4 month notice period! Visionary leaders are ones who work on solutions long before problems become big.## "I am sorry to say that sir, this time your vision failed. Furthermore, your government and its appointees seem to be expending all their energies on a combative response to any feedback or constructive criticism. Sane, well-wishing voices with national interests in mind get quickly, intentionally and clinically drowned by the trolls of your army and are dubbed anti-national.## "I dare anyone to call me an anti-national this time. The common populace cannot be blamed for being ill-prepared for a crisis of this magnitude but you can be and shall be blamed for this. The government is appointed and paid by the people to keep their lives normal and safe.## "Events of this magnitude get etched in history for two reasons, one being the devastation (illness and death) that they cause due to their core nature. The second being the long term impact of what they teach humans to prioritize and the kind of socio-cultural changes they bring about. I am extremely saddened to see our society plagued by an outbreak that is far more dangerous and longer-lasting than any virus that nature has ever hurled at us.## Sir, this is the time to listen to voices who truly care. I do care. It's the time to smudge all boundaries and give a clarion call to everyone to come on to your side and help. India's biggest potential is its human potential and we have tided over bigger crises in the past. We will overcome this too but it must be done in a way that brings everyone together and doesn't become yet another reason to choose sides."## Kamal Haasan ended the letter saying that although angry, he is on the Prime Minister's side.## Stay tuned...

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Tamil film 'Mafia Chapter 1' under scanner for using pics of serial killer victims
2260 days ago
Kollywood

Tamil film 'Mafia Chapter 1' under scanner for using pics of serial killer victims

Chennai, 2 April (IANS) Director Karthik Naren's Tamil film "Mafia: Chapter 1", which released earlier in February, has come under the scanner for using photos of five of the eight men who were murdered by Canadian serial killer Bruce McArthur.## The film starring Arun Vijay, Prasanna, and Priya Bhavani Shankar features a scene that has the criminal photos pinned to the police investigation board. The scene was meant to indicate the background of the characters who have connections with a drug kingpin.## According to a report on CBS, the relatives of one of the victims said: "Why are these people putting [the families] through hell again? It's completely disrespectful."## "How irresponsible is it of someone in the Tamil community, putting out a Tamil movie, that highlighted these two individuals, plus three other people, who died in such a tragic way?".## In 2019, Bruce McArthur, a landscaper in Toronto, was charged with first-degree murder charges. He took the lives of his victims between 2010 and 2017. He was sentenced to life imprisonment.## The film, which was available to stream on Amazon Prime Canada, has been taken down.## "We were concerned to learn that the movie uses pictures of the victims of the Toronto serial homicides and immediately took action," Amazon Prime Video told CBC.## However, the film was still available for streaming on Amazon Prime India at the time this report went live.## A representative of the film's production house Lyca has told CBC that they will issue an unconditional apology to the families, and will surely blur the images of victims once the coronavirus lockdown in India is over. They further added that they downloaded the images randomly.## For more and latest news about Kollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Tamil actor-doctor Sethuraman dies of cardiac arrest at 36
2266 days ago
Kollywood

Tamil actor-doctor Sethuraman dies of cardiac arrest at 36

Chennai, 27 March (IANS) ‘Kanna Laddu Thina Aasaiya star and doctor Sethuraman passed away due to a cardiac arrest in the late hours last night at his residence here. He was 36.## The actor's demise comes to a shock to his friends, family, and colleagues in the film industry.## A dermatologist by profession, Sethuraman was introduced in Tamil films by his friend actor Santhanam. After his first film, he went on to star in films such as "Vaaliba Raja", "Sakka Podu Podu Raja'' and ''50/50''.## Actor Santhanam took to his Twitter account to say: "Totally shocked and depressed on the demise of my dear friend Dr.Sethu. May his soul rest in peace".## The young doctor married Uma on February 12, 2016, and the couple has a child. He had suffered a spine injury and underwent surgery in 2017. It is said that he went through serious mental and physical stress due to the same.## Sethuraman is the owner Z clinic -- a chain of skincare and cosmetology clinics in Chennai.## For more and latest news about Kollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Kamal Haasan, Sarika, Shruti, Akshara stay in 4 houses amid lockdown
2268 days ago
Kollywood

Kamal Haasan, Sarika, Shruti, Akshara stay in 4 houses amid lockdown

Mumbai, March 24 (IANS) South superstar Kamal Haasan and his entire family are under self-isolation in different cities and houses. His wife Sarika and elder daughter Shruti are currently residing in separate apartments in Mumbai while the actor-politician himself and younger daughter Akshara are in Chennai in different houses. ## "I am used to being by myself. The difficult part is not having the option to go out and the looming fear of what all of this means for us. People have started taking it seriously in the last few days. Thankfully, by the time I returned, the shoots were also getting cancelled. My entire family has self-isolated. Mum (actress Sarika) is in Mumbai as well but in another apartment, Dad (Kamal Haasan) and Akshara (sister) are in Chennai but in separate houses. All of us had different travelling schedules and it didn't make sense for us to isolate together. That's the decision I feel people should make," Shruti told Mumbai Mirror. ## Shruti has returned from London just 10 days ago and is under home quarantine since then. ## The actress took to Instagram on Monday to share: "I hope everyone's ok ? I'm learning a lot about myself and im super glad I'm someone who enjoys my own company so much. It's good to use this time to introspect and ease into ourselves in silence. stay home , stay positive, take care and sending everyone lots of love and light. #stayhome #selfcare #selfiesnonstop #stayfit." ## Meanwhile, on Tuesday evening Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide complete lockdown for 21 days. ## For more and the latest news about Kollywood, stay tuned to us.

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Rajini, Suriya, Karthi, Vijay Sethupathi donate for daily wage workers
2269 days ago
Kollywood

Rajini, Suriya, Karthi, Vijay Sethupathi donate for daily wage workers

Chennai, March 24 (IANS) Superstar Rajinikanth has donated Rs 50 lakh for the wellbeing of daily wage workers of South Indian film industry in the time of complete shutdown owing to the coronavirus pandemic, according to reports. Several other top star of southern cinema including Suriya, Karthi and Vijay Sethupati, besides many filmmakers have pitched in, too. ## Given the recent outbreak of COVID-19, theatres across Tamil Nadu have been closed, and shoot of films, television serials and advertisements are on hold as well. The Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) president RK Selvamani earlierissued an appeal through a press release requesting the South Indian film fraternity to provide financial help to the daily wage members of the federation who don't have an income right now. ## Within a few hours Suriya, Karthi along with their father Sivakumar donated Rs 10 lakh. It was later reported that actor Sivakarthikeyan too donated Rs 10 lakh. ## Now, it is said that superstar Rajinikanth has donated 50 lakhs, while Vijay Sethupathi has donated 10 lakhs for the welfare of FEFSI members. ## Actors Parthipan and Prakash Raj have provided several rice bags weighing 25 kg each. Ever since RK Selvamani had put a request, Kollywood celebrities are leaving no stone unturned to help FEFSI members in need. In fact, it is these members who worked incredibly hard for the success of their films. ## Due to the lockdown, the shooting of Rajinikanth's ''Annaatthe'', which is directed by Siruthai Siva, has been put on hold. The film was reportedly scheduled to release in Diwali 2020, given the delay in shooting we are unsure if films will stick to their stipulated release dates. ## For more and the latest news about Kollywood, stay tuned to us.

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COVID-19: Suriya tweets video on importance of social distancing
2270 days ago
Kollywood

COVID-19: Suriya tweets video on importance of social distancing

Chennai, March 23 (IANS) Tamil superstar Suriya has taken to social media to explain to fans the importance and necessity of social distancing.## In a brief video that the actor has posted on Twitter, Suriya says the coronavirus is spreading faster than we thought, and we can spread awareness about it. Referencing the Jallikattu and Marina protests, he asked people to stay indoors and take part in this war against Corona. He also said that the death toll in Italy is higher than in China because of the ignorance of people living outside. The actor insisted that we should follow the precautions such as keeping a safe distance from one another and washing hands so that India doesn't become another Italy.## He also explained that when a person, who carries the virus, travels by train or goes to a public event instead of isolating himself, he passes the virus to everyone around, and they suffer. He added that doctors, government officials have been risking their lives, so we have to be at home to stay healthy.## Suriya then quoted a few words from Valluvar's classic Tamil Language text, "The Thirukkural", which says: "Anjuvathu anjamai pethamai (It is foolish to say no to fear)."## Meanwhile, Suriya will team up with director Hari for the sixth time. Titled "Aruvaa", the film was slated to release in Diwali 2020.## The actor recently completed the shoot of his film ''Soorarai Pottru''.## For more and latest news about Kollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Tamil actor-director Visu dead
2270 days ago
Kollywood

Tamil actor-director Visu dead

Chennai, March 22 (IANS) Tamil movie director, producer, actor, play writer Visu, 74, on Sunday died here due to old age ailments.## Tamil Nadu BJP leaders condoled the death.## Born as M.R. Viswanathan and popularly known as Visu is noted for his family-centric movies.## He began his career as an Assistant Director under ace Director late K.Balachandar and later branched off on his own. He also hosted a couple of television shows.## Most of the movies directed by him revolved around joint families and the issues faced by them.## Some of Visu's popular movies are 'Samsaram Adhu Minsaram', 'Manal Kayaru', 'Dowry Kalyanam'.## In his condolence message, Tamil Nadu BJP President L. Murugan said Visu's death is a great loss for his family and for the art world.## Visu had joined BJP in 2016.## Former Union Minister and BJP leader Pon Radhakrishnan also condoled Visu's death.## For more and latest news about Kollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Rajinikanth urges all to observe Janata Curfew
2272 days ago
Kollywood

Rajinikanth urges all to observe Janata Curfew

Chennai, March 21 (IANS) Superstar Rajinikanth on Saturday urged citizens to stay indoors on March 22 and follow 'Janata Curfew', as advised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.## In the tweet and video posted on social media, Rajinikanth said India is preparing to prevent the crucial Stage 3 community transmission of coronavirus across the country.## "Right now, India is in the second stage of battling the coronavirus and we can't let it go to the next level. If we can prevent the spread of the COVID-19 in public spaces for 12 to 14 hours, that itself is enough to stop it from progressing to the third stage."## "Italy tried implementing similar nationwide curfew to prevent Stage 3, but due to lack of support from the citizens, the efforts failed, resulting in the death of thousands of people to the pandemic," he wrote, adding: "We don't want such a crisis in India and I urge everyone to rise to the occasion and participate in the Janata curfew by strictly staying indoors and practicing social distancing."## Rajinikanth also asked people to appreciate the selfless service of the medical personnel by participating in the nationwide appreciation applause and prayers at 5 pm on Sunday.## "Let's praise them, pray for them and their families and support them wholeheartedly by cooperating with the government's request," he said.## Recently, Rajinikanth praised the efforts of Tamil Nadu government to contain COVID-19. However, he also suggested that the government announce financial assistance to the needy to help them overcome the situation. "We have to appreciate the precautionary steps being taken by the Tamil Nadu government to prevent the spread of coronavirus. As people, we all too should join hands with the government to help prevent the spread of the virus," he wrote.## The actor-politician's new film "Annatthe" has been put on hold, following the shutdown of all film and TV production in India. His television debut on "Into The Wild With Bear Grylls" will however air as scheduled on Monday on Discovery India.## For more and latest news about Kollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Superstar Rajinikanth opens up on how he stays grounded
2272 days ago
Kollywood

Superstar Rajinikanth opens up on how he stays grounded

Mumbai, March 20 (IANS) Despite his fame and success, superstar Rajinikanth is believed to be a down-to-earth person. ## The screen icon has now opened on how he keeps himself grounded. ## "Once you've acted, it's finished, I forget Rajinikanth. I go back to Shivaji Rao. That's just work life for me. When somebody reminds me 'you are Rajinikanth' then I'll be like, oh yes! I am Rajinikanth," the 69-year-old Tamil superstar will be seen revealing on an upcoming episode of Discovery's "Into The Wild With Bear Grylls". ## The show will mark Rajinikanth's TV debut and will witness the actor's adventurous side. From crossing a ravine while balancing off an iron bridge suspended 50 to spreading awareness about wildlife, the veteran actor has tried out many things in the episode, shot in Bandipur National Park of Karnataka. ## "My whole life has been a miracle. It's a miracle! Even consider this show for example, I never thought of this, not even in my dreams that one day I will do a show like this," Rajinikanth added. ## For more and the latest news about Kollywood, stay tuned to us.

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Dhanush's 'Karnan' to feature three heroines
2273 days ago
Kollywood

Dhanush's 'Karnan' to feature three heroines

Chennai, 19 March (IANS) Tamil star Dhanush stars with not one but three heroines in his upcoming film "Karnan". ## Malayalam actress Rajisha Vijayan, "96" fame Gouri G. Kishan and "Maya" actress Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli have been signed up for the film, directed by Mari Selvaraj. ## Pictures from the film's set show Rajisha looking unrecognisable donning the look of a rural woman. The actress has had a dream run in Malayalam films last year with releases such as "June", "Finals" and "Stand Up", and "Karnan" marks her Tamil film debut. ## Gouri took to social media to talk about the film, which was known as D41 before it got an official title. "I am deeply humbled to announce that I am on-board D41 with the phenomenal Mari Selvaraj sir," wrote Gouri. She is also a part of actor Vijay's new film "Master", where she is said to be playing a student. ## Lakshmi, who has starred in films such as "Richie" and "Sivaranjiyum Innum Sila Pengalum", tweeted, on the auspicios occasion of Tamil New Year: "I am very happy to announce that I have joined the sets of #D41 #Karnan directed by the brilliant @mari_selvaraj sir. Very happy and excited to work with this amazing cast and crew." ## Last month, "Karnan" was embroiled in controversy when rumours flew that the film is based on the 1995 Kodiyankulam Maniyachi communal clash. The makers reportedly received threats to stop shooting that was underway in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi. Members of the political party Mukkulathor Pulipadai demanded that the shoot be cancelled. The party's leader, actor-turned-politician Karunas, even went on to say that the film is critical of a particular community, and its portrayal of history might create unrest in the region. Party members also urged the police to arrest the director. ## Dhanush's other much-awaited film right now is Karthik Subbaraj's "Jagame Thandhiram". The film is likely to release on May 1. The first look poster of the film resembles the 15th-century mural painting "The Last Supper" by Italian master Leonardo da Vinci. ## For more and the latest news about Kollywood, stay tuned to us.

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Discovery launches streaming app 'Discovery Plus'
2277 days ago
Kollywood

Discovery launches streaming app 'Discovery Plus'

Mumbai, March 16 (IANS) Discovery channel has entered the OTT market with the launch of a streaming app 'Discovery Plus'. Superstar Rajinikanth's episode of "Into The Wild With Bear Grylls" will be launched first on Discovery Plus.## Discovery Plus, being touted as India's first aggregated real-life entertainment streaming app, will offer over 40 genres including science, adventure, food, and lifestyle, in eight languages including Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali and Marathi.## The much-anticipated Rajinikanth's TV debut show "Into The Wild With Bear Grylls" will be launched first on Discovery Plus at 6:00 a.m. on March 23 before the television premiere which is at 8:00 p.m. Discovery Plus will also stream exclusive videos including Behind The Scenes from the episode.## For the app, the content will be curated from brands such as Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, BBC, TLC, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, ID, Food Network, HGTV, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel, DIY Network, Motortrend and VICE.## Talking about the app, Simon Robinson, President APAC & CFO International, Discovery, Inc., said: "Globally, we are observing healthy trends from direct-to-consumer businesses and Discovery Plus, with its India focused strategy, is a valued addition. The launch of Discovery Plus is a significant development for our business in India and reflects our commitment to this critical market."## "The consumer is spoilt for choice in the scripted content space but doesn't have a dedicated offering in the unscripted space - a place we intend to fill with the launch of Discovery Plus," said, Megha Tata, Managing Director - South Asia, Discovery, adding: "Our large global library of 3,00,000 hours of premium content and expertise in owning passionate communities will give us a huge competitive advantage in the digital domain."## With an introductory offer of Rs 299 per annum, the app has been developed and curated specifically for India. In the initial phase, the company will reach out to 25 million strong bases of core TV infotainment consumers across Tier I and Tier II towns.## On the content, Issac John, Business Head - Digital (South Asia), Discovery, said: "Over the next 12 months, the lineup includes premium content across all our key genres such as 'Into the Wild' with Rajnikanth, 'Expedition Unknown', 'Coronavirus: The Silent Killer', 'Food Factory', 'Mythbusters', 'Wild Karnataka' and 'Project Runway' among many others.## For more and latest news about Kollywood, stay tuned with us.

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