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News18
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Kamal Haasan Meets Friend Rajinikanth Ahead Of His Rajya Sabha Oath Ceremony
Last Updated: Kamal Haasan was last seen in Thug Life. Helmed by the renowned director Mani Ratnam, the film did an overall business of Rs 48 crore Veteran actor and politician Kamal Haasan reunited with his longtime friend and fellow superstar Rajinikanth ahead of his official Rajya Sabha oath-taking ceremony. The photos of the meeting of the two legends quickly captured fans' attention across social media platforms. Taking to his X handle, Kamal Haasan shared photos with Rajinikanth and also wrote a note for him. In no time, it went viral, and fans were seen commenting. One of the fans wrote, 'It's always heartening to see your friendship. There won't be another duo like u two, fierce competitors….BTW, MP post is an honor, but your contributions to cinema are priceless. Congratulations, Kamal Sir…" Another fan wrote, 'True friends…happy to c u both in a frame…kamal sir congratulations. Voice out in the parliament on behalf of our state…i am very sure u will definitely going to rock." Take a look here: புதிய பயணத்தை நண்பர் @rajinikanth உடன் பகிர்ந்தேன். மகிழ்ந்தேன். — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) July 16, 2025 In June, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) President and famed actor Kamal Haasan filed nomination papers to contest for the biennial polls to Rajya Sabha from Tamil Nadu which are scheduled for June 19. Haasan signed and presented the papers to officials at the State Secretariat in Chennai in the presence of Chief Minister MK Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and senior leaders from his party. He will take oath as a member of Rajya Sabha on July 25. The actor was elected unopposed as a Rajya Sabha member after a DMK-led alliance in June. 'We are pleased to inform you that Kamal Haasan will take the oath of office and assume his duties in Parliament on July 25," said a release from MNM headquarters. Kamal Haasan was last seen in Thug Life. Helmed by the renowned director Mani Ratnam, the film did an overall business of Rs 48 crore across all languages in India, as per Following a disappointing run at the theatres, the film has now arrived on the digital platform, and fans can watch it from the comfort of their home. The film is now streaming on the OTT giant Netflix in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam languages. Sharing a poster of the film on Instagram, the streamer wrote in the caption, 'It is a battle between Death and Rangaraya Sakthivel, want to see who wins the game? Watch Thug Life, now on Netflix in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam." The film, released on June 5, marks the reunion of Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan nearly four decades after their 1987 collaboration, Nayakan. Co-written by Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam, the film also features an ensemble cast including Trisha Krishnan, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nasser, Abhirami and Aishwarya Lekshmi in pivotal roles. Music maestro A.R. Rahman has composed the music of the film. view comments First Published: July 16, 2025, 13:48 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Kamal Haasan meets friend Rajinikanth ahead of Rajya Sabha oath taking ceremony
Actor and politician Kamal Haasan met his dear friend and colleague, Rajinikanth, at his Poes Garden house in Chennai on Wednesday. Sharing a series of photos with him, the 'Thug Life' actor said that he met his friend days before his oath-taking ceremony at Rajya Sabha. Time and again, the two prove that their friendship stands tall, even above their Wednesday, Kamal Haasan shared photos with Rajinikanth. While he shared his Member of Parliament appointment with him, the 'Jailer' actor gifted him a bouquet and congratulated him with all his heart. The two embraced each other in the Haasan's X post in Tamil is loosely translated as saying, "I shared my joy with my friend Rajinikanth before embarking on my new journey. I am happy and delighted." Here are some photos: Photo credit: X/ikamalhaasan Photo credit: X/ikamalhaasan Kamal Haasan was elected unapposed as a Rajya Sabha member with the support of the DMK-led alliance in June.A press statement from his political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), read, "We are pleased to inform you that Kamal Haasan will take the oath of office and assume his duties in Parliament on July 25."On the work front, Kamal Haasan was last seen in director Mani Ratnam's 'Thug Life'. The film received a lukewarm response at the box office and mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. The actor has a couple of projects lined up at different stages of upcoming film will be an action film with stunt choreographer-turned-director duo, Anbariv (Anbu and Arivu).- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Kamal Haasan to take oath as MP on July 25
Kamal Haasan CHENNAI: Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder and actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan will take oath as a member of Rajya Sabha on July 25. He was elected unopposed as a Rajya Sabha member with the support of the DMK-led alliance in June. 'We are pleased to inform you that Kamal Haasan will take the oath of office and assume his duties in Parliament on July 25,' said a release from MNM headquarters. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai MNM, which contested the 2021 assembly polls alone, drew a blank. The party, however, extended support to the DMK-led alliance for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls but was not offered a seat. MNM was promised a Rajya Sabha seat. The DMK alliance won all 39 seats in the state.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ram Gopal Varma reveals he does not like Mani Ratnam's films: 'He didn't listen to one idea of mine and doesn't like my films'
Filmmakers Mani Ratnam and Ram Gopal Varma are some of the well-known filmmakers in the South, and the duo have also made their mark in Bollywood. In a recent interview, Ram Gopal revealed that he does not like Mani Ratnam's movies, and the 'Ponniyin Selvan' director also does not like Ram Gopal's films. He also shared that there is no chance of them collaborating in the future. Ram Gopal Varma and Mani Ratnam do not like each other's movies In a candid conversation on the MPower podcast, Ram Gopal said, 'I'm not really a fan of Nayakan. Actually, Mani doesn't like any of my films. I don't like Mani's films. That's like our relationship,' he stated. Actor Kamal Haasan Loses Cool Over Sword Gift Stunt at MNM Meet Amid Language Row Fallout Varma shared that Kamal Haasan 's performance in Nayakan stood out, but the film as a whole didn't resonate with him. The filmmaker added that it might have happened due to his keen knowledge about Kamal's character in the movie, Varadarajan Mudaliar. Ram had already explored a lot about Varadarajan, the Mumbai underworld don, on his own. Ram Gopal Varma about creative differences with Mani Ratnam Varma credits the late veteran filmmaker K. Balachander as a source of cinematic inspiration. Balachander, who also produced Ratnam's Roja, left a lasting impression on Varma's approach to storytelling and editing. 'In fact, recently, I was watching a Tamil/Telugu film of his, I don't remember. I was surprised to see how similar my cuts are. Obviously, because I learnt from him,' Varma noted. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo Varma and Mani Ratnam worked together on Gaayam and Thiruda Thiruda as co-writers. In 1998, they teamed up as co-producers on 'Dil Se'. 'We like each other as people. I think we both wanted to make our own films. He didn't listen to one idea of mine, and I didn't listen to one idea of his. So we made our own films,' Varma shared. He further noted that they are both very song-minded people with a unique way of filmmaking. Ram was certain about the impracticality of 'two strong-minded creative people collaborating'. Mani Ratnam's Thug Life Mani Ratnam's recent release Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan, struggled to leave a mark at the box office and among critics and fans alike.
The Hindu
18-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
The third, non-political players in Tamil Nadu's electoral battlefield dominated by Dravidian majors
The support taken by the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM)'s founder-leader Kamal Haasan from the ruling Dravidia Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in getting himself elected to the Rajya Sabha recently has not only reinforced the durability of the Dravidian majors in the politics of Tamil Nadu but also demonstrated yet again that the space for a third player or an independent force is extremely limited. Ever since the State politics began having duopoly in 1977 with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) being the other force, numerous parties and individuals had attempted to forge a viable alternative to the principal players. So far, success has eluded them. The list of the parties that had tried their luck is quite long. The Congress, both in 1977 and 1989, had tied up with smaller parties including the Communist Party of India (CPI), a faction of the Muslim League and the Christian Democratic Front. But, on both occasions, it had the satisfaction of getting votes to the extent of 17.5% to 20%, grabbing 27-26 seats. The Janata, largely the remnant of the Congress (O), too went alone in 1977 but it could get 10 seats with a vote share of 16.67%. The Pattali Makkal Katchi (1991, 1996 and 2016); Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, with an electoral deal with CPI (Marxist) and the Janata Dal in 1996 and without allies in 2001; Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam in 2006; Bharatiya Janata Party in 2006, 2011 and 2016; the People's Welfare Front (PWF), comprising CPI, CPI-M, DMDK, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the TMC (Moopanar), in 2016; Naam Tamilar Katchi in 2016 and 2021; Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) and the MNM in 2021 form part of the list of failed experiments. Apart from such political experiments, individuals accomplished in their respective fields, have also tried their luck in electoral politics. Veteran Tamil writer, D. Jayakanthan, was one of those who had wanted to enter the Assembly on their own. He contested in assembly constituency in 1977, a seat that was perceived to be a haven of the educated middle class and literary buffs. Even by then, he had bagged the Sahitya Akademi's award. But, that was not enough. When the results were out, it was quite evident that he was nowhere in the electoral race. He could net 481 votes. The contest was between the DMK and the AIADMK. In 1984, former IAS officer, entered the electoral fray of the Vellore as an independent. As the Collector of the undivided North Arcot district during June 1980-May 1981, he was in limelight for facilitating the installation of a deity in 'a temple without God' (Jalakanteswarar temple) in March 1981 within the Vellore Fort amidst opposition from the Archaeological Survey of India. Notwithstanding his reputation as a popular Collector, Gangappa could gather only 37,312 votes with a vote share of about 6.9%. The AIADMK's nominee, who was backed by the Congress, romped home. But, in the same year, the Padmanabhapuram assembly constituency in the deep-south Kanniyakumari district proved an exception to the general trend of the State. V. Balachandran, an independent who was from the Hindu Munnani (Hindu Front), defeated the AIADMK's M. Vincent and the Janata's P.D.S. Mony, who was supported by the DMK and its allies including the CPI (M). A long-standing member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh recalls that the success of the Hindu Munnani's nominee was a backlash against the Mandaikadu riots during March 1982 in the district. Twelve years later, it was through the constituency that the BJP first entered the Tamil Nadu Assembly. In the 1989 Assembly polls, Mylapore saw an interesting battle, apart from what was witnessed among candidates of the major parties. There were three independents – former Finance Minister V.R. Nedunchezhian, who was briefly out of the AIADMK; former Sattankulam legislator 'Nellai' R. Jebamani, who was in the Janata earlier and a bitter critic of the DMK, and film actor Shekher, who was an independent then. While Jebamani secured 2,575 votes, Nedunchezhian, with 596 votes, was behind Mr Shekher, who got 1,018 votes. Needless to say, the DMK was the winner. Seventeen years later, Mr Shekher, as the AIADMK's nominee, was elected from the constituency. Later that year, it was the turn of former Foreign Secretary A. P. Venkateswaran, to jump into the fray in Madras South parliamentary seat. In the early 1987, he exited from the government service under controversial circumstances two years earlier. Along with him, former Director General of Police, K. Radhakrishnan, was in the race. While Venkateswaran finished third with 24,967 votes, the former DGP secured 3,029 votes. The point of comfort for the former diplomat was that he was ahead of the PMK's nominee by about 2,700 votes. There was no surprise element about the winner - the sitting parliamentarian and veteran film artiste-Bharatanatyam danseuse, Vyjayanthimala Bali of the Congress – who was backed by the AIADMK. Seven years later, the same constituency saw the entry of another film actress, Revathi whose maiden film was Mann Vasanai (1983) under the direction of Bharathiraja. Though she finished third with 42,906 votes, she had pushed down the candidates of parties such as the BJP, MDMK and the PMK. In 2006 Assembly polls, the DMDK founder Vijayakant and independent, T. Ramachandran, who was earlier in the CPI (M) and presently in the CPI, demonstrated that they could win on their own from Vridhachalam and Thalli, as accomplished by M. Appavu, now in the DMK, in 2001. A couple of former civil servants – P. Sivakami of the 1980 batch of the Tamil Nadu cadre of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and L.V. Saptarishi of the 1969 batch of the West Bengal cadre of the IAS – were fielded by the Bahujan Samaj Party from Kanniyakumari and Mayiladuthurai during the 2009 Lok Sabha polls. In the constituency where the battle was intense with the presence of the DMK, BJP, CPI (M) and DMDK, Ms Sivakami could get only 6,400 votes. In Mayliaduthurai, her colleague netted 5,554 votes. Two years later, she tried her luck from Gangavalli, an Assembly constituency reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC), as the nominee of the Indiya Jananayaka Katchi (IJK) but received only 4,048 votes. During the 2016 Assembly polls, two-term Vice-Chancellor of the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University and former Chairperson of the State Commission for Women V. Vasanthi Devi, as the Vidhuthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (backed by People's Welfare Front) candidate, took on the then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in R.K. Nagar. She netted a mere 4,195 votes. Following Jayalalithaa's death in December 2016, T.T.V. Dhinakaran, who was originally in the AIADMK, was elected from the seat as an independent in late 2017. Later, he founded the AMMK. Mindless of the State's tradition and the eventual outcome, the NTK, led by film actor-director Seeman, fielded its nominees both in the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls nearly in the last 10 years on its own. The recent entrant to the State politics, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), headed by Vijay, appears to be readying itself to face the 2026 Assembly poll without depending upon either of the Dravidian majors, even though Mr Vijay has expressed keenness to align his party with smaller parties.
