Latest news with #Santhanam
India Today
01-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Still breaking out? What Indian women need to know about acne
If you thought acne was just a teenage problem, the mirror might say otherwise. For many Indian women, breakouts continue long after high school is over, into their 20s, and even 30s. Despite following skincare routines, eating healthy, and avoiding makeup on bad skin days, the pimples persist. So why is adult acne so common in Indian women—and why don't generic skincare products always work?advertisementIndia Today spoke with Dr Aparna Santhanam, skin expert and dermatologist at ITC Dermafique, to understand why Indian skin experiences acne differently, and what truly works when it comes to managing INDIAN SKIN IS UNIQUELY ACNE-PRONE'Indian skin tends to have larger pores and more active sebaceous glands,' explains Dr Santhanam. This combination means more sebum (oil) production—especially in hot, humid weather—which clogs pores and creates an ideal environment for acne. This physiological trait makes Indian skin more vulnerable to recurring breakouts, even when hormonal acne from the teenage years NUMBERS SHOW ACNE ISN'T JUST A TEEN ISSUEAccording to the Indian Skin Health Report, acne remains a top concern for 68% of Indian women. Among women aged 20–25, a striking 94% still experience breakouts. 'This tells us that adult acne in India isn't the exception—it's almost the norm,' says Dr women try over-the-counter spot treatments or harsh cleansers, but these often provide only temporary relief—or worse, worsen IN INDIAN SKIN OFTEN LEAVES BEHIND DARK MARKSFor Indian skin tones, acne comes with a double challenge: pigmentation. 'Even after the acne heals, it often leaves behind post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation—dark marks that can take weeks or months to fade,' explains Dr leads to a frustrating cycle of active acne and scars, which affects both skin health and TO LOOK FOR IN ACNE CARE FOR INDIAN SKINEffective acne care for Indian skin should be gentle, targeted, and tailored to our unique needs. Dr Santhanam recommendsGo non-comedogenic: Choose skincare products (moisturisers, sunscreen, and makeup) that don't clog oil without overdrying: Use cleansers with ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide to regulate oil without stripping the strategically: Even oily skin needs hydration. Go for lightweight, gel-based moisturisers that support your skin against sun damage: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day to prevent darkening of acne scars and SKINCARE TESTED ON INDIAN SKIN'What works for Western skin may not suit Indian skin,' she explains. Look for products that are clinically tested on Indian skin for better results and reduced chances of BOTTOM LINE: ADDRESS ACNE HOLISTICALLYadvertisementAcne in Indian women is more than a passing phase—it's a skin condition influenced by biology, climate, lifestyle, and more. 'We need to move away from one-size-fits-all solutions,' says Dr Santhanam. The best approach? Understand your skin's needs, listen to its signals, and choose treatments that target both the breakout and the skin isn't about harsher routines—it's about smarter, science-backed care made for Indian skin.- Ends
Hindustan Times
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Best OTT movies and series to stream in each Indian language this week: Alappuzha Gymkhana to DD Next Level
The OTT space is buzzing with major releases, from across languages. Malayalam cinema leads the way with a buddy sports comedy, titled Alappuzha Gymkhana, starring Naslen. On the other hand, Santhanam takes us to a spooky world with DD Next Level. Thrillers and murder mysteries have also found their way to the list with the likes of Chhal Kapat - The Deception, Bohurupi and Agnyathavasi entering the digital space recently. From Alappuzha Gymkhana to DD Next Level, here are the best OTT movies and series to stream in each Indian language this week on OTTplay Premium. From Alappuzha Gymkhana to DD Next Level and Eleven, catch all the latest digital releases on OTTplay Premium Premalu star Naslen is back with yet another charming film, Alappuzha Gymkhana. The Khalid Rahman directorial follows a bunch of plus-two students who fail the exams and decide to try their hand at a state-level boxing competition, confident that this will win them grace marks and secure college admissions. Apart from Naslen, the film also features Lukman Avaran, Ganapathi S Poduval, Sandeep Pradeep, and Anagha Ravi. The Malayalam sports comedy, with its vibrant cast and amusing storyline with witty dialogues, deserves to be on your weekend watch list. This Tamil horror comedy film, the fourth instalment in the Dhilluku Dhuddu series, stars Santhanam in the lead role of Krishnamoorthy "Kissa", a movie reviewer. The twist begins when Kissa gets pulled into a film during a movie screening. Now, the YouTube reviewer has to save himself and even his family before the film ends. Apart from Santhanam, Selvaraghavan and filmmaker-actor Gautham Vasudev Menon appear in other key roles in this meta horror-comedy. Sunny Sanjay's film revolves around school teacher Vysas, who challenges the conventional style of teaching and opts for alternative methods. However, he finds himself in a spot when his own son and some other students fail to clear the exams. Sumanth stars in the lead role in this film, which takes a close look at today's educational system. Kajal Choudhary plays a key role in the film. This thriller web series takes us to a destination wedding at a village in Madhya Pradesh. Even as the guests revel in the wedding celebrations, influencer Shalu is found dead and SP Devika is tasked with the police investigation. Shriya Pilgaonkar leads the series and the probe as SP Devika as she delves into the case, revealing past conflicts and other issues between the guests at the wedding. Nandita Roy's film depicts the predicament of Bikram, who is falsely accused of murder and imprisoned. Dejected, the once honest jute mill worker now walks down the path of crime, robbing banks. Shiboprosad Mukherjee, and Abir Chatterjee play the lead roles in the thriller film, which is sure to keep you hooked till the very end. Janardhan Chikkanna's movie takes us to a remote village in Karnataka which hardly has witnessed any crimes in the recent past. But the landlord's death leads to an investigation with the inspector convinced that it is a case of murder. Rangayana Raghu appears as Inspector Govindu in this mystery drama which promises an engaging watch and deserves to be on this list. Set during the 1980s, this Punjabi romantic-comedy revolves around Amar Singh Sitaara, who aspires to be a singer but struggles to find the right opportunity. He then decides to collaborate with another artist Kamaljot, determined to pave their own path to success. Diljit Dosanjh stars in the lead role of Amar Singh Sitaara, while Nimrat Khaira is seen as Kamaljot.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From Rana Naidu Season 2 to Eleven to DD Next Level: Check out these Tamil OTT releases on Netflix, JioHotstar, Prime Video
This weekend, Tamil OTT platforms are pulling out all the stops. From horror comedies and dark thrillers to supernatural fantasies and gritty crime sagas, there's something for every kind of viewer. Whether you're in the mood for a laugh laced with fear or a mystery that digs deep into the psyche, these new releases on Zee5 , AhaTamil, Prime Video, and Netflix deserve a place on your binge list. DD Next Level Streaming on: Zee5 Santhanam returns to his signature horror-comedy territory with Devil's Double Next Level , the fourth instalment in the Dhilluku Dhuddu franchise. Directed by Prem Anand, the film follows Krishnamoorthy aka "Kissa 47", a film critic notorious for mocking horror movies, who finds himself trapped in a cursed film set on a haunted cruise ship. What starts off as a private screening turns into a terrifying reality as Kissa and the attendees must survive the twisted tropes they once ridiculed. With appearances by Selvaraghavan, Gautham Vasudev Menon, and Yashika Aannand, and production backing from Arya's The Show People, the film leans heavily into meta-humour, genre parody, and supernatural chaos. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search ads Learn More Undo Eleven Streaming on: AhaTamil, Prime Video Eleven is a gripping crime thriller that walks the razor's edge between psychological horror and investigative drama. Directed by Lokkesh Ajls, the story revolves around Inspector Aravind (Naveen Chandra), who delves into a series of murders that all lead back to a mysterious school named Twin Bird—an elite academy that only admits twins. The deeper he investigates, the darker the secrets he uncovers. Strong performances by Abhirami, Reyaa, Ravi Varma, and Aadukalam Naren lend weight to the narrative, which blends strong visuals with a chilling premise. Released theatrically in May, it now arrives on OTT to reach a wider audience. Jinn - The Pet SunNXT/ OTTplay Premium June 20 A whimsical yet haunting tale, Jinn - The Pet offers a fantastical spin on supernatural folklore. Written and directed by debutant T.R. Bala, the story follows a man whose fascination with jinns leads him to trap and domesticate one, only to unleash chaos in his own life. The film features Mugen Rao and Bhavya Trikha in lead roles, with a supporting cast that includes Bala Saravanan, Imman Annachi, and Nizhalgal Ravi. Set against a fantastical backdrop, the narrative mixes comedy, emotion, and cautionary allegory, questioning human greed and the price of tampering with the unknown. It's a fresh addition to Tamil fantasy cinema. Rana Naidu Season 2 Streaming on: Netflix Rana Naidu returns with Season 2, and the stakes are higher than ever. The gritty Netflix series dives back into the murky world of celebrity cover-ups, crime, and family betrayal. Rana Daggubati reprises his role as the no-nonsense fixer who manages the messes of India's elite, while Venkatesh Daggubati returns as his morally complex and volatile father, Naga Naidu. Directed by Karan Anshuman and Suparn S Varma, the second season offers eight intense episodes of power struggles, dark secrets, and emotional battles. Now streaming in multiple languages, including Tamil, it's a must-watch for fans of layered, high-stakes drama.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When are where to watch Santhanam and Selvaraghavan's ‘Devil's Double: Next Level'
The wait is finally over for fans of supernatural comedy! Devil's Double: Next Level, also known as DD Next Level, is all set for OTT premiere exclusively on ZEE5 on June 13. The film will be available for streaming in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, bringing its unique brand of horror-comedy to a wide South Indian audience. Directed by S. Prem Anand, the film marks the fourth instalment in the cult-favorite Dhilluku Dhuddu franchise. Known for its signature mix of horror, slapstick, and satire, the series continues to be a fan favourite, with Santhanam once again taking center stage in his iconic comedic style. He is joined by an unexpected ensemble cast that includes Selvaraghavan , Gautham Vasudev Menon , and Geethika Tiwary. The story follows Kissa (Santhanam), a caustic film reviewer who receives an exclusive invite from eccentric filmmaker Hitchcock Irudhayaraj (Selvaraghavan) for a private screening. However, the evening takes a bizarre turn when Kissa gets literally pulled into the movie, a haunted, ghost-infested cruise ship with sinister secrets. Trapped inside a cursed cinematic world, Kissa must navigate through eerie encounters, decode clues from a magical diary, and face off against spectral versions of his girlfriend and rival critics all while delivering his trademark sarcasm. The result is a madcap, meta-horror comedy that parodies everything from film criticism to genre clichés. With its clever twists, rib-tickling gags, and references for movie buffs, Devil's Double: Next Level promises a next-level ride for fans of experimental storytelling and genre mashups.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Devil's Double Next Level OTT release date confirmed: Where and when to watch Santhanam's latest horror-comedy?
Santhanam's latest horror-comedy, Devil's Double Next Level, is gearing up for its digital debut. The film, which hit theaters on May 16, will begin streaming on ZEE5 starting June 13. The platform confirmed the news through a social media post, teasing the film as a meta-horror experience with a comedic twist. Directed by Prem Anand, the movie marks Santhanam's return after a year-long gap and serves as the fourth installment in the popular Dhilluku Dhuddu franchise. Despite a strong opening, the film faced criticism for its inconsistent humor and lack of cohesive storytelling, leading to a disappointing box office performance. Devil's Double Next Level Plot Overview The story follows Krishnamoorthy, nicknamed "Kissa 47" (Santhanam), a sarcastic film critic known for tearing apart horror movies. His life takes an unexpected turn when he is invited to a private screening by an enigmatic filmmaker, Hitchcock Irudhayaraj (Selvaraghavan). What begins as a promotional event quickly spirals into chaos as Kissa and other attendees find themselves trapped inside the movie—a cursed horror flick set on a haunted cruise ship. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dental Implant Gauripur Cost Might Be More Affordable Than Ever! Dental implant | Search Ads Learn More Undo Forced to navigate supernatural threats and absurd cinematic tropes, Kissa must rely on his wit to survive. The narrative blends self-aware humor with horror elements, parodying genre clichés while exploring themes of artistic criticism and accountability. Cast and Production Details Produced by Arya's The Show People and Niharika Entertainment, the film boasts a star-studded supporting cast, including Gautham Vasudev Menon, Geethika Tiwary, Yashika Aannand, and Nizhalgal Ravi. The technical crew features music by OfRo, cinematography by Deepak Kumar Padhy, and editing by Bharath Vikraman. Santhanam shared insights into Arya's involvement, recalling how the producer initially hesitated upon learning the film's supernatural premise. Despite creative disagreements and budget concerns, Arya backed the project fully, making it the highest-budget film in Santhanam's career. Multilingual Streaming and Reception Devil's Double Next Level will be available in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, catering to a wider audience. While the film attempts a fresh take on horror-comedy with meta-commentary, its theatrical run was marred by mixed reviews. Critics noted its uneven tone, torn between satire and slapstick, ultimately failing to satisfy either genre entirely.
