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Time of India
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mohanraj's death at 'Vettuvam' shoot: Pa. Ranjith granted bail after court appearance, shoot progresses
The filing of a case against director Pa. Ranjith caused a huge stir in Tamil cinema. The shooting of the film 'Vettuvam', which was taking place in Keezhayur, Nagapattinam district, has come to a standstill. Stunt artist Mohanraj fell and died while filming a fight scene. Subsequently, the police have registered a case against director Pa. Ranjith and three members of the film crew for not taking proper security measures during the shoot. Alleged negligence sparks legal action As per Sun News, it was reported that Mohanraj passed away due to heart attack after falling while filming the scene where he jumped out of the car. He was rushed to a nearby hospital immediately after the incident, but he succumbed to his injuries. The film is being produced by Pa. Ranjith's 'Neelam Productions.' As a result, allegations of negligence against Pa Ranjith intensified after the incident. Pa. Ranjith appears in court, gets bail While the Keezhayur police station has registered a case, charges have been framed against all four, namely Pa. Ranjith, Rajkamal, Vinoth, and Prabhakaran. All three of them, other than Pa Ranjith, were granted anticipatory bail earlier and have obtained a court order. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is this legal? Access all TV channels without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Today (July 31), Pa Ranjith appeared in person at the Keezhayur court to submit his statement on the accident and was released on bail. 'Vettuvam' resumes shooting Meanwhile, 'Vettuvam' shooting has resumed recently after the stuntman Mohanraj's demise on the sets. Arya and 'Gethu' Dinesh play the main roles in the film, and it is said to have several popular faces in crucial roles. Pa Ranjith provided Rs. 20 lakhs as financial assistance to Mohanraj's family following the stuntman's untimely demise, while several Kollywood stars have also extended a supporting hand to the late stuntman's family.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SC city spent nearly $500 thousand on decorations to lure tourists. Did it work?
Editor's note: This story is being updated to correct the headline. (Updated 8:40 a.m. July 21, 2025). Reality Check is a new Sun News series holding those in power accountable, shining a light on local issues, and answering readers' essential questions. Have a question or concern we can answer? Email online@ The city of Conway is known for elaborate decorations that cover its streets each time a holiday rolls around. However, each year, those festivities come with a hefty bill. Conway takes its celebrations seriously, even changing its name to City of Halloween for the month of October, when pumpkins and skeletons loom around every corner. Come Christmas time, the city becomes a twinkling beacon straight out of a Hallmark movie. And the decorating doesn't stop at these major holidays — if there's cause for celebration, Conway dresses itself up accordingly. In the past three years alone, the city has spent more than half a million dollars on its decorations. These holiday expenses, which have increased in recent years, are an effort to attract more visitors to the city, but has it worked? Year after year, putting up festive decorations requires a healthy dose of planning, effort and money. But the city believes it's all worth it for the tourists it brings to town, and the joy it brings its year-round residents. 'Holiday decorations and events offer extra value to the quality of life our residents,' city spokesperson June Wood said in an email to The Sun News. 'Over the last several years, the increased decor has correlated to increased foot traffic and in return more revenue for businesses.' According to city expense reports shared by Wood, Conway has spent more than $100,000 in each of the past three fiscal years to make its holiday makeovers possible. In the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the city spent $116,391 on decorations. The following year, it spent $198,264 on decorations. In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the grand decoration total came out to just over $229,712. The holiday decorations are funded through the city's 'hospitality funds,' according to Wood. These funds are collected from city businesses rather than through taxes from residents. Conway's holiday decorating as it's known today kicked off in 2019, when plastic jack-o'-lanterns were hung from the trees along Main Street. The festivities have continued to grow since then. 'I think that in 2019 it really started as more of a community-focused event,' Wood said in an interview. But in the first few years of decorating, Wood said she saw interest in holidays spent in Conway expand to a regional, and then a national scale. According to the city's seasonal visitation data, foot traffic has also grown over the years, particularly around Halloween and Christmas. In 2019, Conway welcomed just under 150,000 visitors in October. In the past few years, the city has seen more than double that amount of tourists during the Halloween month, with more than 225,000 people stopping by in October 2024. In December 2019, an average of 4,000 visitors strolled the streets of Conway each day, and about 8,000 visitors came to the city on average each weekend day. As of 2024, an average of just over 6,000 visitors came to town each day in December, with the weekend daily average jumping to almost 12,000. Wood said in an email that the decorations have been a worthwhile endeavor for the city because they give people more reasons to visit the city, bringing in more business. Wood said in a later interview that the city has seen increases in its hospitality funds and city revenue since the decorating started, which opens up more possibilities, as these are the funds used to pay for the decor. She also said that businesses have expressed that it has been a benefit to them as well. In the past few years, Wood explained that the city has also started 'dabbling' in other holidays, such as Valentine's Day. 'We have found that with every new season our residents are excited for the next seasonal celebration and plan family events and vacations that will offer them additional activities,' she wrote. Before decorating for holidays, Wood said that the city didn't bring in much tourism. Aside from some people taking day trips to stroll along the Riverwalk, or families visiting Coastal Carolina University students, Conway didn't experience much outside traffic. While Wood said the city's goal is not generating tourism, but rather making it a better place for residents to live, she noted that decorating the city has brought about a noticeable change in the number of out-of-town visitors. For Conway, the community spirit and new revenue streams generated by decorating has been worth the cost, Wood said. The city has no plans to stop its festivities any time soon. Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tamil actor Srikanth arrested by Chennai police in drugs case. How he was caught?
Tamil actor Srikanth , also known as Sriram in Telugu cinema, has been arrested by the Chennai police, reported Sun News on Monday. The arrest comes in connection with a developing drug case that has already roped in several individuals, including a former AIADMK functionary. As per a report by News18, the arrest followed the actor's questioning at the Nungambakkam police station, where his name reportedly came up during the interrogation of Prasad—an expelled AIADMK IT Wing member from Mylapore. Prasad had earlier been taken into custody following a brawl at a private bar, an incident which also involved other party associates and local rowdy Tsunami Sethupathi. During his interrogation, Prasad admitted to supplying drugs, including cocaine, to Srikanth. This led the police to summon the actor for further questioning. Prasad claimed that Srikanth bought one gram of cocaine for Rs 12,000, according to the report. He further alleged that Srikanth had used drugs at private parties and clubs in Chennai. These revelations have prompted a broader probe into potential drug use within the film industry, with other names such as actor Krishna also being investigated based on the same confession. Medical Tests Ordered, Legal Action to Follow As part of the inquiry, the police collected blood samples from Srikanth to test for drug usage. The results of these tests will determine the legal course of action against the actor. Officials have maintained that no final conclusions will be drawn until the forensic analysis and additional investigation are completed. While Srikanth has not publicly addressed the allegations, neither he nor his legal representatives have issued an official statement. The actor has not been formally charged yet, and the police have reiterated that proceedings will remain evidence-based. Srikanth's Career and Background Srikanth began his acting journey with the television serial Jannal – Marabu Kavithaigal in 1999, before transitioning to cinema with his Tamil debut Roja Kootam in 2002. He gained popularity with several Tamil and Telugu films including Manasellam, Kana Kandein, and Nanban. His most recent appearances include the Tamil film Konjam Kadhal Konjam Modhal and the Telugu project Erracheera, alongside the web series Harikatha on JioHotstar. The case forms part of a larger crackdown on drug use within the Tamil film industry. Chennai Police are believed to be widening their net to investigate other celebrities and individuals possibly linked to narcotic procurement and distribution.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Suriya 46' : Venky Atluri's big-budget drama with Suriya kicks off
After the success of 'Retro', Suriya is back in action with his upcoming ambitious project, 'Suriya 46'. Directed by Venky Atluri , the film has generated high expectations, especially after the director's previous hit 'Lucky Baskhar'. The shooting began on 11 June after a formal puja ceremony. The production house confirmed the update on X, and shared a stylish poster, which gave fans a glimpse of Surya's new form. He captioned it, "The first step towards celebration, spirit, and entertainment starts #Suriya 46 shoot!" Massive ₹300+ crore budget and a fresh team Reportedly, 'Suriya 46' is being made on a large scale of Rs 300 crore on a budget, which is one of the most expensive projects in the actor's career. It marks the first cooperation between Suriya and director Venki Atluri, which increases further curiosity among fans. Adding freshness to the artists is Mamita Baiju, the fame of 'Premlu', who plays the role of the female lead. The pair is the first and is expected to bring an emotionally rich dynamic into the story, which is operated by deep emotions and powerful moments. Vijay Deverakonda rumored to appear in a key cameo role Adding the buzz, the earlier reports claimed that Vijay Devarakonda will be making a special presence in the film. His appearance at the 'Retro' Hyderabad pre-release event fueled the buzz, while a report from Sun News indicated that the actor of the 'Kingdom' would have an important cameo in Suria 46. If confirmed, it can be a major attraction for fans who are ready for an explosive artist contingent on the screen. With large names, high emotions, and top-level production, 'Suriya 46' is taking shape as a film to watch. 'Suriya 45' gears up for grand festival release Suriya is gearing up for his next release, 'Suriya 45,' directed by RJ Balaji . The film has now reached its final leg of production. Marking a nostalgic reunion, Trisha stars as the female lead opposite Suriya after nearly two decades. Reportedly titled 'Vettai Karuppu,' the much-awaited film is eyeing a grand release this Diwali.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Dinesh Master accused of misusing ₹35 lakh in 'Leo'; dancers demand action
A major controversy has erupted in the Tamil film industry, with Dinesh Master , the president of the Choreographers' Union, facing serious allegations of financial misconduct. According to union members from their chat with Sun News, Dinesh is accused of misappropriating ₹35 lakh during the production of 'Leo,' a film starring Vijay. It's claimed he used his position to divert funds meant for choreographic work, and in a surprising move, he allegedly took on the role of a fightmaster, bypassing established norms. These charges have sparked intense debate and unrest among industry insiders. Assault allegations and industry backlash intensify Reports suggest that Dinesh Master's actions have triggered discontent among fellow union members. Some have even accused him of physically assaulting a Canadian dance artist. This, combined with the financial irregularities, has led to public backlash on social media, particularly on platform X. Several choreographers believe that his misuse of power denied other professionals their rightful share in the film's work and compensation. They claim to possess strong evidence of the misdeeds and are now preparing for legal action to bring accountability. Role shift to stunt master adds fuel to the fire Another layer to the controversy is Dinesh's abrupt transition from choreography to stunt choreography, a move that many view as unethical. Choreographers argue that he bypassed the Fight Masters' Union and used his influence to take up a role that wasn't his. This act is seen as a violation of professional boundaries, leading to friction between choreographers and stunt professionals. Many union members believe this sets a dangerous precedent for others in the industry. Demands for removal and formal investigation grow Union members have united in demanding Dinesh Master's removal from his leadership role. They are also calling for a detailed inquiry into the Leo Fund misuse and insist on disciplinary action against those involved. The incident has sparked widespread calls for transparency and ethical leadership within the film industry's technician unions. 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 .
