Samantha to be a part of Simbu's 'Arasan'?

(Photo : IANS/samantharuthprabhuoffl/insta)

Chennai, (IANS) If sources in the industry are to be believed, the makers of director Vetrimaaran's much-awaited film 'Arasan', featuring actor Simbu in the lead, are considering casting actress Samantha or Keerthy Suresh as the female lead in the film.

IANS has learnt from reliable sources that the unit is currently in talks with actress Samantha for the role.

It may be recalled that it was only on Tuesday that the makers announced the title of the film as 'Arasan'.

Producer Kalaipuli S Thanu, whose V Creations is producing the film, took to his X timeline to make the announcement.

He wrote in Tamil,"Aalapirandha Arasan, Vetriyudan Silambarasan. #VetriMaaran @SilambarasanTR_ #STR49 #SilambarasanTR #VCreations47 #ARASAN. (The king who was born to rule! Victorious Silambarasan!)."

The producer also shared the poster of the film which showed a man holding a machete in his hand with his hand placed on the carrier of a bicycle.

The announcement on Tuesday put to rest rumours about the film being shelved.

It may be recalled that IANS had reported earlier that the film was definitely on and that contrary to speculation, the film had not been shelved. The announcement on Tuesday came on the heels of some news reports that had claimed that the film had been shelved because of financial trouble.

The rumours began doing the rounds after there were alleged financial hurdles and external pressure to drop the project. However, sources had told IANS that the film's shooting would definitely happen and that Silambarasan TR had opted for a profit-sharing model instead of upfront remuneration.

Vetrimaran's film with Simbu will also feature Andrea Jeremiah, Samuthirakani, and Kishore in key roles.

It may be recalled that director Vetrimaran had recently put an end to all the speculation surrounding the second part of his eagerly-awaited film 'Vada Chennai'. Vetri Maran had said that his next film would feature Simbu in the lead but that this would not be Vada Chennai 2 as was being speculated in some sections of the media. He made it clear that however, the story of this film would be set in the world of 'Vada Chennai'.

In an interview to his own YouTube channel some months ago, Vetrimaran had given details about 'Arasan' saying, "My next film is to be produced by Kalaipuli S Thanu and will feature Simbu in the lead."Dismissing the speculation that this film with Simbu was 'Vada Chennai 2', Vetri Maran had said, “There is a lot of speculation if this will be 'Vada Chennai 2'. I want to clear that speculation as well. This is not 'Vada Chennai 2'. What Dhanush acts in will be 'Vada Chennai 2'. However, this story will also be set in the world of 'Vada Chennai', which means certain aspects of that world will be there in this story as well. This story will also be in a similar timeline.” Samantha to be a part of Simbu's 'Arasan'? | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........ → October 08, 2025

Rashmika Mandanna reveals what her heart craves after a long schedule

(Source: Rashmika Mandanna/ Instagram)

Mumbai, (IANS) Actress Rashmika Mandanna is currently in Sicily, Italy, to shoot for her much-hyped sequel, "Cocktail 2", where she will be sharing the screen with Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon.

Through her latest social media post, Rashmika revealed what her heart craves the most after wrapping up a long schedule.

Taking to the Stories section of the Instagram handle, Rashmika dropped a pic of a table filled with some delicious culinary treats. The photo of the lavish spread was accompanied by the caption, "After a long schedule a big meal is a much needed!!! (red heart emoji) (sic) ".

Backed by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, the story of the sequel has been penned by Luv Ranjan. The details regarding the plot of the drama have been kept under wraps for now.

"Cocktail 2" is being made under the direction of Homi Adajania.

Being preoccupied with the "Cocktail 2" shoot, Rashmika missed the trailer launch event for the forthcoming horror comedy "Thamma", co-starring Ayushmann Khurrana.

Although she did share a heartfelt video message for all those present.

The 'Pushpa' actress was heard saying, "Hi guys, I am so sorry that I couldn't be at the trailer launch. I am shooting for 'Cocktail 2' in Sicily right now, but I really really hope that you liked the Thamma trailer and the brand new Maddok horror comedy."

Sharing what makes her character Tadaka in "Thamma" special, the 'Animal' actress added, "Tadaka is such an important and strong character, and I had the honor and the privilege of playing her. I absolutely loved playing her part on screen. I can't wait for all of you to watch Thamma in the theatre this Diwali."

The movie features Ayushmann as Alok, Rashmika as Tadaka, Nawazuddin as Yakshasan, Paresh as Ram Bajaj Goyal, and Sathyaraj as Elvis Karim Prabhakar, along with others."Thamma" is slated for a theatrical release on October 21, during Diwali this year. Rashmika Mandanna reveals what her heart craves after a long schedule | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........ → September 30, 2025

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ makers cast actors for Katniss Everdeen’s parents

(Photo: The Hunger Games/Instagram)

Los Angeles, (IANS) The upcoming instalment of the ‘The Hunger Games’ has a new cast member joining the team. The makers of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ have cast Katniss Everdeen’s parents.

The upcoming prequel movie has added Scot Greenan and Grace Ackary as Burdock Everdeen and Asterid March, respectively. They essay the role of the father and mother of Jennifer Lawrence’s iconic heroine from the original ‘Hunger Games’ films, reports ‘Female First UK’.

It has also been announced that Melody Chikakane Brown and Jefferson White have joined ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ as Hattie Meeney and Mr. McCoy, respectively. ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ will feature Joseph Zada in the lead role of Haymitch Abernathy, the character previously played by Woody Harrelson in the original tetralogy, while Whitney Peak has been cast as his girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird.

As per ‘Female First UK’, Maya Hawke will take on the role of Wiress, the former Hunger Games victor who now mentors the tributes of District 12, while Mckenna Grace will portray District 12 tribute Maysilee Donner.

Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ star Ben Wang have also joined the cast as Plutarch Heavensbee, Beetee Latier, and District 12 tribute Wyatt Callow, respectively. Glenn Close has signed on to play Drusilla Sickle, the cruel escort to the tributes of District 12, while Billy Porter has been cast as her estranged husband Magno Stift, who serves as the contestants' uninspired designer.

Kieran Culkin is set to appear in the movie as Caesar Flickerman, the character first played by Stanley Tucci in the original Hunger Games films, and Elle Fanning has signed on to play Effie Trinket, previously portrayed by Elizabeth Banks.

Rounding out the ensemble is Ralph Fiennes, who will step into the role of President Coriolanus Snow, previously played by the late Donald Sutherland in the original movies and by Tom Blyth in the 2023 prequel ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’.‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel of the same name, and serves as the second instalment in her Hunger Games prequel trilogy. ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ makers cast actors for Katniss Everdeen’s parents | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........ → September 24, 2025