Latest news with #Vijayakanth
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Captain Prabhakaran' returns: Vijayakanth's iconic 100th film to re-release in 4K, RK Selvamani recalls his fond memories
'Captain Prabhakaran', a hugely successful film starring Vijayakanth in the lead role, was released in 1991 and directed by R.K. Selvamani. The film featured Rupini, Mansoor Ali Khan , Livingston, and others in crucial roles. Ramya Krishnan and Sarathkumar made special appearances. Ilaiyaraaja 's music featured only two songs, 'Pasamulla Pandiyare' and 'Aatama Therotama'. The film, which was Vijayakanth's 100th film, became a mega hit and earned him the title of 'Captain'. The film crew was planning to re-release it in theaters, 34 years after its release in April 2025. The film has been converted to 4K quality using modern technology, catering to the new generation and nostalgic old fans. A cult classic turns timeless The official announcement regarding the film's re-release has now been made. The film will return to theaters on Friday, August 22, 2025, to mark Vijayakanth's birthday. Since his birthday falls on Monday, August 25th, it has been decided to release the film three days early. This re-release will be released in more than 500 theaters across Tamil Nadu. Not only Vijayakanth fans, but everyone is eagerly waiting for the return of 'Captain' Veli. This announcement has created great anticipation among fans, adding to the nostalgia and celebration. Director RK Selvamani recalls Vijayakanth's dedication Speaking with the Press and Media, director R.K. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Embark on a 2-night Chennai–high seas–Chennai adventure. Cordelia Cruises Book Now Undo Selvamani talks about 'Captain Prabhakaran' with fond memories. "Even after 34 years, the film still looks like a new film, even when you watch it today. I was skeptical whether people would watch it if it was re-released. But the stunt sequences performed by Vijayakanth sir were so elegant and meticulous that they could not be captured even with the technology available today. He endured the beatings and continued working," he said. He says that this has created high expectations for the film, not only among fans but also among cinema lovers. Vijayakanth's son Vijaya Prabhakaran leads the film's re-release RK Selvamani further added that, 'Now some people are selling the films with great fanfare. But as soon as the news of this film being re-released came out, distributors started contacting them enthusiastically asking them to buy the license. This shows the respect for Vijayakanth sir. Also, it is very special that Vijayakanth's son Vijaya Prabhakaran, who was born during the shooting of the film, is going to re-release the film with his own hands today,' he said happily.
Pink Villa
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Not Netflix or Prime Video, Shanmugha Pandian's action film Padai Thalaivan is releasing on this OTT platform
Padai Thalaivan hit the big screens on June 13, 2025. The film is based on a true story and celebrates the unique bonding between a man and an elephant, against the rural backdrop of Odisha. In fact, the film featured a very special AI-generated cameo of the late actor Captain Vijayakanth. The movie is now all set for an OTT release soon. When and where to watch Padai Thalaivan Padai Thalaivan will begin streaming on Tentkotta from July 18. However, it won't be available for viewing by audiences in India and only accessible to those outside the country. The OTT giant confirmed the same with a post on their X handle. They wrote 'One bond. One battle. One wild ride!#ShanmugaPandian's #Padaithalaivan storms in July 18 — with action, heart & Captain #Vijayakanth in a powerful AI cameo!.' Official trailer and plot of Padai Thalaivan The storyline of Padai Thalaivan narrates the life of Velu, a mahout renowned for his extreme love and affection for his elephant. One day, a corrupt priest and his men hatch a plan and steal Velu's elephant, leaving him in dismay. Things begin to turn upside down in Velu's life, as he already has a lot of debt to his name and used to rent out his pet elephant for various events to earn some money and clear his name. As Velu begins an uprooting search for his elephant named Manian, he is led to Odisha, where he discovers that the latter is being prepared for a ritual sacrifice by a tribal cult. He decides to transform himself from being just an innocent and naive villager to a brave hero and devises the best way to rescue Manian. In the process, he also takes it upon himself to rescue the other oppressed villagers who are under the tyrannical rule of the powerful. Cast and crew of Padai Thalaivan The film stars Shanmugha Pandian, Kasthuri Raja, Yamini Chander, Munishkanth, Karudan Ram, Rishi Rithvik, A Venkatesh, Yugi Sethu, and others in key roles. The late actor Captain Vijayakanth is featured in a special cameo appearance in the movie, made possible with the help of AI. Padai Thalaivan is written by Parthiban Desingu, while it is directed by U Anbu. Ilaiyaraja has composed the musical score of the movie.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vijayakanth's son Shanmuga Pandian's 'Padai Thalaivan' to release on THIS date
Actor Shanmuga Pandian , son of the late Captain Vijayakanth , takes on a refreshing and intense role in the upcoming film 'Padai Thalaivan,' directed by U. Anbu . The film is set against the backdrop of wild elephants and the communities living in deep forest regions. It offers a compelling look into their lives, challenges, and relationship with nature. The film has been constructed as a gripping drama rooted in realism and raw emotion. The makers have now announced the film's release date, and the film is scheduled to release on June 13. "A worldwide visual treat arriving on 13th June...!", captioned the makers by sharing a new poster of 'Padai Thalaivan' featuring Shanmuga Pandian. — lksudhish (@lksudhish) Gripping screenplay unfolds entirely within the forest. The screenplay of 'Padai Thalaivan' is distinctive, unfolding entirely within forest settings and featuring several suspenseful twists. Cinematographer S.R. Sathish Kumar has authentically captured the raw and untamed beauty of the wilderness, adding depth and atmosphere to the storytelling. The film's editing is handled by Aghamad, ensuring a tightly knit narrative. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's A List Of Cheapest Steel Suppliers (See List) Steel Suppliers | search ads Search Now Undo Recently released songs and the trailer have created a strong buzz among fans and critics alike. Shanmuga Pandian in a bold new look after Madura Veeran After the success of 'Madura Veeran,' Shanmuga Pandian returns with a bold transformation, portraying a completely different character in 'Padai Thalaivan.' His performance is expected to highlight his growth and versatility as an actor. The supporting cast includes Yamini Chander, Kasthuri Raja , Munishkanth, Karunaas, Aruldoss, Sreejith Ravi , A. Venkatesh, S.S. Stanley, and Logu NPKS, each contributing to the film's immersive and diverse narrative. The major highlight of the film is going to be the late actor Vijayakanth's appearance through AI, and fans are super excited to see him back on big screens. Ilaiyaraaja's soundtrack heightens the emotional impact. The music of the film is composed by Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja, whose soulful score adds emotional depth and cultural resonance to the story. All the songs from the film have received an overwhelmingly positive response and have added to the anticipation for the film's release. With a powerful subject, a unique forest setting, and strong technical backing, 'Padai Thalaivan' is poised to be a memorable addition to Tamil cinema. 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
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
All except DMK and Congress are in touch with me… both Dravidian parties are enemies of our ethnicity: NTK Chief Seeman
In an interview, says he was invited to align with parties every election but chose an independent path. He also says should decide on joining hands with him. "When ideology takes the lead, there is nothing wrong with cinema coming into it." Excerpts: The Election Commission of India recently recognised NTK as a state party and assigned it a symbol. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Recognition for our efforts was overdue. It's a long journey driven by the dreams of our ancestors, fuelled by persistence. I spoke with my leader (late LTTE Chief Velupillai Prabhakaran) about the journey, and its true purpose emerged only after the war. If I am standing alone, it is because I am a person who has a principle that permanent victory should not be lost for temporary defeats; permanent defeat should not be accepted for temporary victories. NTK is one of the few parties to receive recognition without cash for votes or in an alliance. Prior to this, it was Vijayakanth, and the reason for that was he was a famous actor. Getting 36 lakh votes is encouraging for NTK. What's your strategy for the 2026 assembly election? Given the lack of financial strength, the only way to win is hard work. NTK has been discussing issues related to language and natural resources for 15 years. The party's candidate selection includes a mix of demographics: Our 234 candidates will be the best; 117 women and 117 men, including 134 youths. Our strategy is to telecast our plan for governance. There is corruption, bribery, cash for votes, mis-governance, looting of resources, hooch tragedies, sexual offences, and illegal mining of resources. Why contest alone after repeated electoral defeats? Why should I float my own party if the plan is to simply align with the established ones? I could have been in the . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It negates the idea of being an alternative. I must carry my dream on my shoulders. If I leave it and trust you to go to Tirupathur, what will I do if you go to Tirupati? I aspire for increased job opportunities, environmental protection, and corruption eradication through a self-dependent economy. We sow the seeds. If we cannot harvest them, let another generation come and harvest them. Your recent birthday wishes to AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami have sparked speculation about you softening your stance towards the party. DMK, AIADMK, BJP, and are considered equal adversaries of NTK. Both Dravidian parties are enemies of our ethnicity. The flag colours of the two parties might be different, but their policies and practices of liquor, bribery, corruption, and cash for votes remain. When it comes to BJP and Congress, one will demolish a mosque, and the other will allow it. One party will lay the foundation for a temple, and the other will extend wishes. Did AIADMK approach you before reaching out to Vijay to explore an alliance? These attempts began when former chief minister J Jayalalithaa was alive. She extended an invitation in 2016. Barring DMK and Congress, all parties are in touch with me. They call me every election, though I tell them I don't want to be bothered. There were reports that you were working to unite the AIADMK groups. I discussed the split when V K Sasikala came out of jail. She said Palaniswami did not agree to the unification. Palaniswami's decision to align with BJP is not universally supported within AIADMK. An alliance with BJP will be beneficial in deciding who should rule India. What is the benefit in determining who should rule Tamil Nadu? BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran has spoken about the party being keen on aligning. Everyone before him talked to us. I cannot align with national or Dravidian parties. National parties will destroy the language and prioritise religion over humanity. There is a lack of differentiation between the policies of Congress and BJP, be it external affairs, security, or economy. Examples are NEET and GST. I met everyone and refused to align with them. Your shift from admiring Periyar to criticising him is viewed by some as aligning with BJP's stance against Dravidian politics. Do the views align because both of us speak Tamil and worship the same God, Murugan? They believe Periyar's ideology is against religion, while I view him as an "enemy of our own race". He spoke disparagingly of my mother tongue, saying it's a barbaric language. Tamil is the oldest language, and several languages were born out of Tamil. Opponents credit Tamil Nadu's accomplishments to the Dravidian movement's social justice principles. What does social justice have to do with them? Why are we seeking a caste-wise census? TN has significant resources, which Nobel laureate Amartya Sen noted could position it as a major economic force. Still, our mothers are left to ask for `1,000. Vijay's approach combines Dravidam and Tamil nationalism, while NTK has an anti-Dravidam stance. He does not know how Dravidam and Tamil nationalism cannot become one. Tamil nationalism arose to combat the negative aspects of Dravidam. His understanding is incomplete. Is Vijay a threat to NTK? I don't see him as one. TN faces a dangerous phenomenon of 'screen charm', which is not as prevalent in other states. People are focused on entertainment and fun, hindering readiness for societal change. The state has been dealing with this for four decades from the days of M G Ramachandran. There will be consequences if it continues to overshadow good politics, leadership, and commitment to people. You earlier said you may team up with Vijay. What happened? He should be the one to decide. When ideology takes the lead, there is nothing wrong with "cinema" coming into it. If someone who carries an ideology turns around and surrenders to "cinema," it won't work out. He accepts Periyar as a guiding force while we see Periyar as a historical enemy of our race. That is why it is difficult to join hands. Has BJP approached Vijay? I am told they have. Wouldn't the two of you make a powerful combo? Vijay can join me if he thinks my policies are beneficial. I don't need an alliance. I have announced candidates for more than 100 constituencies, and work is on for another 70 seats. Is there a chance of seeing NTK, TVK, and AIADMK joining hands closer to the election? We cannot join hands with any party. Will others listen to me if I reflect on the words of our leader, Prabhakaran? I will put up a picture of the leader and have a tiger flag; will they align with me? My ideology differs from others. I see confusion in the guidance given to Vijay. He should consider altering the underlying ideology or the person crafting it. Isn't going against every party a disadvantage? Anura Kumara Dissanayake got only 3% of the votes initially, but now governs Sri Lanka with 53%. The BJP's victory in Tripura saw its vote share jump from 2% to 44%. My vote share increased from 1% to 5% and then to 8%. If former BJP President K Annamalai had not formed an alliance, I would have gained an additional 5%-6% of votes. Wouldn't a split in anti-DMK votes benefit the DMK alliance? People vote for me because they believe it will benefit the state and people. I want to change the fundamental structure of politics, not displace DMK and install AIADMK, or the reverse. Will anti-corruption be an important plank in 2026? Corruption will cease if someone honest like me assumes office. Can DMK, AIADMK, BJP, or Congress genuinely address corruption? The BJP received most of its funding through electoral bonds. Do DMK and AIADMK have the moral high ground to discuss the issue? How do you view Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership? BJP has been in power for 12 years. What are the significant developments during this period? The Clean India initiative and promise to provide two crore jobs a year are empty statements. We waged a war, but why should we justify our actions to other countries? Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, while in the USA, said one country shouldn't dictate another's defence policies. That is an example of leadership.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shanmuga Pandian reveals the reason behind 'Padai Thalaivan' delay
Shanmuga Pandian , son of the late Tamil cinema legend Vijayakanth , is making waves with his latest film 'Padai Thalaivan.' Directed by U Anbu, the movie features music composed by the legendary Ilaiyaraaja . The film blends action and emotion against a rich tribal backdrop, telling the poignant story of the bond between an elephant and its mahout. This unique storyline has already attracted attention, especially after the release of the trailer, which gave fans a glimpse into the film's dramatic and heartfelt moments. Vijayakanth brought back to screens using AI technology One of the most talked-about aspects of the 'Padai Thalaivan' trailer is the use of AI technology to recreate Vijayakanth's face, bringing a nostalgic touch to the film. Coupled with the playing of his iconic song 'Nee Pottu Vacha Thanga Kudam...' the trailer resonated deeply with Vijayakanth's fan base, generating high anticipation for the film's release. The recent music launch event added to the buzz, where Shanmuga Pandian actively engaged with fans and media as part of the film's promotional activities. Reason for film's release being postponed Originally, 'Padai Thalaivan' was slated to hit theatres on May 23, 2025. However, in a recent update shared on his Instagram story, Shanmuga Pandian announced that the release has been temporarily postponed due to difficulties in securing theatre slots. 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 He expressed regret over the delay, thanking fans for their unwavering support and promising to announce a new release date soon. This transparency has helped maintain fan interest despite the setbacks. A strong comeback It is important to note that this is not the first time the film's release has been delayed. 'Padai Thalaivan' had previously been postponed twice after earlier announcements, which has led to some frustration among eager viewers. Nonetheless, with a strong cast, an emotional storyline, and a legacy connection to Vijayakanth, the film continues to hold promise and anticipation as it awaits a fresh release date. 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 .
