The film opened to mixed to negative reviews upon release. It was majorly criticised for some scenes that enabled voyeurism and the time it took to unveil the plot

Days after director Bala’s Vanangaan, starring Arun Vijay, opened to mixed response, Merku Thodarchi Malai director Lenin Bharathi has come out strongly against the film’s theme, which he alleges to be misogynistic and male chauvinistic.

On his X handle, the director wrote, “Bala, in the guise of empathy towards physically challenged people, has peddled ideas of male chauvinism and deep-seated perversions.” He charged the director with dumbing down society’s drive to fight against sexual crimes against women and minors.

The film opened to mixed to negative reviews upon release. It was majorly criticised for some scenes that enabled voyeurism and the time it took to unveil the plot. The CE review of the film reads, “With a plethora of problematic takes and half-baked ideas, Vanangaan’s biggest issue remains its complete disinterest in giving us a cohesive story. Scenes to introduce the protagonist and his ill-temper are followed by scenes introducing his love interest, which is again followed by the director’s isolated rants about society, religion, and more, packaged as conversations between characters, none of the above contribute anything substantial to the central conflict that arrives just before the interval mark. Arguably, sexual assault as a crucial plot point, has become an easy writing choice in recent times.”

The film has Roshni Prakash as the female lead, with Samuthirakani and Mysskin in pivotal roles. The rest of the cast include Ridha, Chaya Devi, Bala Sivaji, Shanmugarajan, Dr Yohan Chacko, Kavitha Gopi, Brindha Sarathy, Mai Pa Narayanan, Aruldass, and Munish Sivagurunath, among others.

The film has cinematography by RB Gurudev and editing by Sathish Suriya. Silva has choreographed the stunts in the film. GV Prakash handles the music, with Sam CS working on the background score. Vanangaan is produced by Suresh Kamatchi’s V House Productions along with Bala’s home banner, B Studios.

News Credits: Cinema Express

Synopsis

Vicky Kaushal’s film ‘Chhaava’ faces backlash for its portrayal of the Shirke family ancestors as traitors. Deepak Raje Shirke has accused the filmmakers of historical inaccuracy and demanded corrections. The family has threatened a Rs 100 crore lawsuit and statewide protests if their concerns are not addressed.

No film can become a blockbuster without ruffling some feathers. Vicky Kaushal’s film ‘Chhaava’ ran into troubled waters after a descendant of the historic Shirke family accused the makers of the movie of historical inaccuracy. On Monday, Deepak Raje Shirke alleged that the film incorrectly portrays their ancestors, Maratha commanders Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke, as traitors who played a role in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s capture by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

“Our reputation has been deeply affected. The whole of India thinks of us as gaddar (traitors). If the filmmakers continue to ignore us, we will take to the streets in protest. The Shirke family numbers are in lakhs in Maharashtra,” said Deepak.

He added that “Chhava was, otherwise, a good film and the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj should come before audiences. Only the few controversial parts must be removed.”

The family also threatened a Rs 100 crore lawsuit against the producers of the movie.

On February 20, the Shirke family formally issued a notice to Laxman Utekar, seeking clarification on the film’s depiction of their ancestors and urging him to make the necessary corrections.

According to reports, Utekar later reached out personally to Bhushan Shirke, a descendant, to apologize for any unintended distress caused to the family. He also clarified that the film does not explicitly mention the last names or village names of Ganoji and Kanhoji.

“We have only mentioned the names of Ganoji and Kanhoji in Chhaava without referring to their surname. We’ve also made sure to not disclose the village they belonged to. Our intention was not to hurt the sentiments of the Shirke family. I sincerely apologise if Chhaava caused any discomfort,” Utekar reportedly told Shirke.

Meanwhile, the Shirke family has stated that if their concerns are not addressed and their demands remain unmet, they will escalate the issue with statewide protests.

‘Chhaava’ Creates Box Office History
As per reports by box-office tracking portal Sacnilk.com, the magnum opus has earned Rs 465 crore worldwide.

‘Chhaava’ features a stellar cast. Led by Vicky Kaushal, the cast includes Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Neil Bhoopalam, Ashutosh Rana etc. ‘Chhaava’ tells the story of Sambhaji, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire.

News Credits: Times of India

Telugu filmmaker Trinadha Rao Nakkina made some shocking comments about actor Anshu Ambani’s appearance, which caught the attention of social media. Anshu Ambani is making a comeback after two decades with the film, Mazaka.

In Short

• Filmmaker Trinadha Rao Nakkina made derogatory comments against actor Anshu Ambani
• The incident happened at the teaser launch of Mazaka
• Mazaka is a Telugu film starring Sundeep Kishan, Ritu Varma and Anshu Ambani

Telugu filmmaker Trinadha Rao Nakkina, known for his film Dhamaka, found himself at the centre of controversy following his inappropriate remarks about actor Anshu Ambani’s appearance. The incident took place at the teaser launch event of his upcoming film Mazaka, starring Sundeep Kishan, Ritu Varma, and Anshu Ambani. The clip quickly went viral, and Nakkina received widespread backlash for his unparliamentary behavior.

News Credits: India Today

Producer Deepak Mukut asserted that the rights to Sanam Teri Kasam belong to him and that a sequel cannot be produced without his involvement.

The 2016 film Sanam Teri Kasam, starring Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane in the lead roles, was re-released in theaters on February 7, nine years after its original debut. In its second run, the film has been performing exceptionally well at the box office. Following the positive response to the re-release, directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru announced a sequel. However, Sanam Teri Kasam producer Deepak Mukut is not pleased with the announcement of Sanam Teri Kasam 2.

Deepak asserted that the rights to Sanam Teri Kasam belong to him and that a sequel cannot be produced without his involvement. During an interview with Bollywood Hungama, the producer said, “The IP of Sanam Teri Kasam belongs to me since I am its producer. So, the right to make a sequel or even a prequel or a remake rests with me. I announced the sequel in September 2024 with Harshvardhan Rane in the lead. As for the directors (Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru), I haven’t had any discussion with them. They haven’t met and spoken to me about it. I have not finalized any director.”

He added, “It is their duty to reach out to me rather than the other way round, especially since they are giving interviews about making the sequel. I just want to reiterate that the rights belong to me.”

Deepak Mukut also mentioned that the sequel of Sanam Teri Kasam is currently in the writing stage. Sanam Teri Kasam marked Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane’s debut in Bollywood. However, the leading lady for the sequel is yet to be announced.

News Credits: The Indian Express