Nayanthara’s Hi Reportedly Set for OTT Premiere on September 25

Nayanthara had two notable releases last month with the action drama Toxic and the romantic comedy Hi. However, neither film managed to create a major impact at the box office. Interestingly, the actress also turned producer for Hi, which was directed by Vishnu Edavan.

Now, attention has shifted toward the film’s digital premiere. Streaming platform ZEE5 had earlier announced Hi as part of its September lineup. Going by the usual theatrical-to-OTT release window, the film is expected to begin streaming this Friday, September 25, 2026.

However, an official confirmation regarding the exact streaming date is still awaited. If the reports are accurate, fans will soon be able to watch Hi from the comfort of their homes.

Meanwhile, another interesting update is doing the rounds. There are reports that Toxic, directed by Geetu Mohandas, could also make its OTT debut on the same platform and on the same day.

Nayanthara plays a pivotal role in Toxic as Ganga, the beloved sister of Yash’s character. If both streaming premieres happen as reported, viewers could get a double dose of Nayanthara on OTT this weekend.

For now, fans will have to wait for an official announcement from the streaming platform to know whether both films will indeed arrive on September 25.

The Paradise Roars in North America, Crosses $1.1 Million in Premiere Pre-Sales

Nani’s highly anticipated film The Paradise is just hours away from its worldwide theatrical release, and the film has already made a strong impression in the North American market. The Srikanth Odela directorial has crossed the $1.1 million mark in premiere pre-sales in North America, setting the stage for a strong opening.

The film marks the reunion of Nani and Srikanth Odela after their successful collaboration on Dasara. Their latest project has generated considerable curiosity among audiences, and the impressive advance sales indicate the level of anticipation surrounding its theatrical arrival.

With the premieres approaching, attention is now shifting toward the audience response. The initial reception will be closely watched to see how effectively the film converts its strong advance momentum into theatrical collections.

The Paradise features Kayadu Lohar as the female lead, while veteran actress Sonali Kulkarni plays Nani’s mother. Mohan Babu appears in a negative role, with Raghav Juyal also portraying an important antagonist.

Backed by SLV Cinemas on a large scale, the film features music and background score by Anirudh Ravichander, adding another major attraction to the project. The combination of Nani, Srikanth Odela, an ambitious storyline, and Anirudh’s music has helped build significant interest ahead of the release.

With North American premiere pre-sales already surpassing the $1 million milestone, The Paradise is entering its worldwide release with strong advance momentum. The focus now shifts to the premiere shows and the audience response once the film finally reaches the big screen.

The Paradise Casting Reveal: This Telugu Actress Plays Young Sammakka

Nani’s highly anticipated film The Paradise may be packed with action and intense mass moments, but the emotional dimension of the story is expected to be equally important. The makers have highlighted the film’s emotional elements during the promotional campaign, particularly the relationship between Nani’s character and Sonali Kulkarni, who plays his on-screen mother.

An interesting casting detail about Sonali Kulkarni’s character, Sammakka, has now come to light. Telugu actress Lavannya Sahukara, who is known for her work in Annapurna Photo Studio, has revealed that she portrays the younger version of Sammakka in the film.

Lavannya shared the information during a recent media interaction, giving audiences a glimpse into another layer of the film’s characterisation. Her role as young Sammakka could offer important context to the character’s journey and her relationship with Nani’s character.

For Lavannya, The Paradise marks one of the most significant projects in her career so far. Playing the younger version of a key character in a highly anticipated film gives her an opportunity to reach a wider audience.

The actress, who hails from Vizag, is expected to bring a distinct dimension to the role. How her performance contributes to the emotional portions of the narrative is something audiences will discover once the film reaches theatres.

Meanwhile, anticipation surrounding The Paradise has reached a high point ahead of its theatrical release. The film is already witnessing strong demand for premiere shows, with advance bookings generating considerable interest among fans.

Directed by Srikanth Odela, the film stars Nani in the lead role, with Kayadu Lohar as the female lead and Sonali Kulkarni in a pivotal role. The movie is backed by Mythri Movie Makers.

With the action, character-driven drama, and emotional storyline generating curiosity, audiences are now waiting for the first responses to The Paradise. The film’s theatrical performance will determine how effectively its ambitious world and emotional narrative connect with viewers.

A True Telangana Treat: The Paradise Adds a Special Local Touch to Theatres

Nani’s much-awaited The Paradise is bringing more than high-energy action and intense drama to the big screen. Directed by Srikanth Odela, the film is deeply rooted in the culture and atmosphere of Telangana, with its language, mannerisms, characters, and setting designed to reflect the region’s raw and authentic flavour.

The makers are now extending that Telangana connection beyond the screen with a special addition to the theatrical experience. Mythri Movie Makers has introduced a local culinary touch at select theatres in Hyderabad, giving audiences an opportunity to enjoy a traditional Telangana delicacy while watching the film.

As part of the special initiative, Mythri Vimal and Shiva Ganga theatres in Hyderabad will be serving Sarvapindi, one of Telangana’s popular traditional snacks, as part of their special menu for The Paradise.

The special offering will begin tonight, adding a unique local element to the movie-going experience. Audiences can enjoy the traditional delicacy while watching a film that itself draws heavily from Telangana’s cultural identity.

The idea adds another layer to the promotions of The Paradise, connecting the film’s world with an element of everyday Telangana culture. From the visuals and dialogue to the characters and overall atmosphere, the makers have focused on presenting the region in an authentic manner.

Meanwhile, excitement around the film has reached its peak as the Nizam premieres are scheduled to begin from 9 PM onwards. With fans eagerly waiting to experience the film on the big screen, the early shows are expected to witness considerable enthusiasm.

Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, The Paradise stars Nani in the lead role, with Kayadu Lohar as the female lead. Srikanth Odela has directed the film, which promises a combination of intense storytelling, mass elements, and a strong Telangana backdrop.

With Sarvapindi adding a taste of Telangana to select theatres, The Paradise is making sure that its regional flavour extends beyond the screen. Now, all eyes are on the film’s theatrical arrival and the response it receives from audiences.

A True Telangana Treat: The Paradise Adds a Special Local Touch to Theatres
A True Telangana Treat: The Paradise Adds a Special Local Touch to Theatres

The Vvaan Music Controversy Resolved Ahead of Release

Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia’s upcoming film The Vvaan – Force Of The Forrest is heading toward its September 25, 2026 theatrical release after quickly resolving a music-rights issue that emerged just days before its arrival in cinemas.

The controversy began when vocalist and composer Sargam Vaish alleged that the film’s trailer featured around 25 seconds of his rendition of the devotional chant ‘Aigiri Nandini’ without obtaining the necessary permission. Vaish claimed that he had neither issued a No Objection Certificate nor granted a licence for the use of his recording and indicated that legal action could follow.

However, the matter was addressed within 24 hours. Representatives from Balaji Motion Pictures reportedly met with Vaish and completed the process of acquiring the required sync rights for the material used in the trailer.

Following the discussions, Vaish stated that the studio’s executives and legal representatives were cooperative throughout the process. He also confirmed that the issue had been resolved amicably, bringing the brief dispute to an end before the film’s theatrical release.

The swift settlement has drawn attention because music-rights issues involving films can sometimes develop into lengthy legal disputes. The situation also brings to mind the controversy surrounding the use of Varaha Roopam in Kantara, which resulted in a prolonged legal battle following the film’s release.

In the case of The Vvaan, the rights issue was settled before the movie reached theatres. This allows the makers to move ahead with their promotional campaign without the trailer-related dispute continuing to dominate discussions around the film.

Directed by Kanishk Varma, The Vvaan – Force Of The Forrest stars Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia in the lead roles. With the music-rights matter now resolved, the team is focusing on the film’s September 25 theatrical opening.

Keerthy Suresh’s Dorothy Gets ‘A’ Certificate; Runtime Revealed

Filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj is gearing up for the release of his tenth directorial venture, Dorothy, an independent period drama set against the rural landscape of Tamil Nadu. The film is backed by Sikhya Entertainment and Jio Studios and features an interesting musical collaboration with legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja.

The movie stars Keerthy Suresh in a central role, alongside Sananth and Rishikanth. With its distinctive setting and period backdrop, Dorothy has already generated considerable interest among film enthusiasts.

Ahead of its theatrical release, the film has completed its censor formalities. The Central Board of Film Certification has awarded Dorothy an ‘A’ certificate, indicating that the movie is intended for adult audiences. The certified version has an official runtime of 2 hours and 26 minutes, or 146 minutes.

The adult certification is reportedly in line with the film’s intense themes and unfiltered treatment of subjects such as violence, rigid social structures, and complicated adult relationships. The certification has further added curiosity around Karthik Subbaraj’s approach to the story.

Dorothy is scheduled to release in Indian theatres on September 25, 2026. The film has already received significant international attention following its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival.

The movie reportedly received a standing ovation at the festival, adding to the anticipation surrounding its domestic theatrical release. Its international reception has also helped create additional interest among Indian audiences eager to experience the film on the big screen.

With Keerthy Suresh leading the cast and Karthik Subbaraj presenting another distinctive story, Dorothy is now entering the final stage of its promotional campaign. The ‘A’ certificate and confirmed runtime have provided audiences with further details ahead of its September 25 release.

Not Just Raaka: Preity Mukhundhan Also Turned Down Dragon

Preity Mukhundhan is rapidly making her mark across South Indian cinema, with several promising projects lined up. After the success of Blast and Idhayam Murali, the actress is now gearing up for her upcoming Telugu film Emo Emo Idi, which is scheduled to release on October 30, 2026. Meanwhile, her next Tamil outing, Anbil Avan, featuring Ashok Selvan as the male lead, is set to hit theatres this Friday.

At the pre-release event of Anbil Avan, director Ashwath Marimuthu revealed an interesting detail about Preity’s career. The filmmaker disclosed that he had initially approached her to play the female lead in his film Dragon. However, the actress eventually turned down the offer, and the role later went to Kayadu Lohar.

Ashwath clarified that there were no negative feelings surrounding Preity’s decision. Recalling their interaction, he revealed that he had met the actress later and told her that another major opportunity would come her way. That prediction eventually led to Anbil Avan.

According to the director, he had a strong impression of Preity after reading the script with her in mind for the prominent role in Anbil Avan. The actress eventually came on board for the project, bringing the collaboration between the director and performer to life.

Interestingly, Dragon is not the only major project Preity has reportedly missed due to her packed schedule. She had previously been associated with Atlee’s much-anticipated Allu Arjun starrer Raaka, but had to turn down the opportunity because of her existing commitments to Idhayam Murali.

Preity’s decisions highlight the busy phase she is currently experiencing in her career. With multiple projects arriving across different South Indian industries, the actress is taking on roles while also managing demanding schedules.

Although she missed opportunities to be part of Dragon and Raaka, Preity is continuing to build her filmography with projects such as Anbil Avan and Emo Emo Idi. Her growing lineup has naturally created curiosity about the roles she will choose and the new collaborations she will take up in the coming years.

Endhayya Saami from Ranabaali: A Soulful Melody Showcases Vijay-Rashmika’s Chemistry

Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna are all set to reunite on the big screen with their upcoming period action drama Ranabaali. Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, the film is scheduled to release in cinemas during the Dussehra festive season on October 16, 2026.

Following the recent release of the film’s teaser, the makers have now unveiled the first single, “Endhayya Saami.” The soulful melody has already created a sense of familiarity among fans, as a portion of the song was previously released as a special tribute to the popular star couple’s wedding in February 2026.

With the complete track now available, the song offers a beautiful glimpse into the relationship between Vijay and Rashmika’s characters. It captures the warmth of a newly married couple while also highlighting their playful romance, light-hearted moments, and occasional petty disagreements. These elements give the song a wholesome and relatable feel.

The lyrics penned by Ramajogayya Sastry complement the mood of the track, while Shweta Mohan and Ajay Gogavale lend their voices to the melody. Their vocals add depth and emotion to the romantic number.

The music has been composed by the acclaimed duo Ajay-Atul, who have created a pleasant tune that blends well with the period setting of the film. However, one of the biggest highlights of the song is undoubtedly the chemistry between Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna.

Their on-screen pairing brings a natural warmth to the visuals, making the romantic moments in “Endhayya Saami” particularly appealing. The song provides audiences with a softer glimpse of the characters while the film itself promises a much larger period action narrative.

With the first single receiving attention from listeners, the musical promotions of Ranabaali have begun on a positive note. The makers are expected to unveil more promotional material as the theatrical release approaches.

Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, Ranabaali is produced by Mythri Movie Makers. With Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna leading the cast and the film combining period elements with action and romance, expectations are building ahead of its Dussehra release.

Kayadu Lohar Opens Up About the Pressure Behind The Paradise

Kayadu Lohar is currently juggling multiple projects, and her upcoming film The Paradise is among the most anticipated titles in her lineup. Directed by Srikanth Odela and starring Nani in the lead, the film is set to arrive in cinemas tomorrow with paid premieres.

For Kayadu, the project has been a demanding experience, particularly because of the nature of her character. The actress revealed that her role in The Paradise is quite different from her real-life personality and required her to push herself beyond her comfort zone.

Speaking about the filmmaking process, Kayadu explained that the work involved far more effort than what audiences usually see on screen. She said, “The process behind this is not as glamorous as people think. It takes a lot of patience, a lot of pushing yourself.”

The language was another major challenge for the actress. Kayadu admitted that delivering her dialogues in an unfamiliar language made every take stressful and required considerable preparation. Despite the difficulties, she embraced the challenge and worked to ensure that her performance suited the character and the film’s setting.

The actress also opened up about the kind of roles she hopes to take up in the future. While commercial cinema remains an important part of the industry, Kayadu wants to explore stories that allow her to demonstrate her abilities as a performer.

“I just don’t want to be a part of commercial films. I also want to tell something through stories. I want to earn that respect as an actor, as an artist,” she said.

Her comments indicate her desire to explore a wider range of characters and establish herself beyond the conventional commercial-heroine image. The Paradise could therefore mark an interesting phase in her career, particularly given the challenging role she has taken on.

The film stars Nani alongside Kayadu Lohar and has generated considerable interest ahead of its release. Backed by SLV Cinemas on a large scale, The Paradise is gearing up for its theatrical arrival with strong expectations surrounding its performances, story, and visual presentation.

With the film reaching cinemas tomorrow, audiences will soon get to see how Kayadu’s challenging role translates onto the big screen.

Kayadu Lohar Opens Up About the Pressure Behind The Paradise

Irumudi to Peddi: OTT Verdict Sparks a Different Conversation

The difference between theatrical reception and OTT response has become increasingly noticeable in recent times. Several films, including Peddi, Irumudi, Vishwanath And Sons, and Chennai Love Story, are receiving a different kind of reaction after making their way to streaming platforms.

Interestingly, even Irumudi, which reportedly enjoyed a strong run and emerged as a major success in theatres, is now facing criticism from a section of OTT viewers. Social media discussions surrounding the film have brought renewed attention to certain aspects of its storytelling and execution.

Similar conversations are also emerging around the other films. Viewers on social media have been pointing out elements such as slow-paced narratives, weak storylines, and scenes that they may not have scrutinized as closely during the theatrical viewing experience.

The contrasting reactions raise an interesting question about how audiences consume films across different platforms. The theatrical experience comes with its own atmosphere. Watching a film alongside a large audience, particularly during a festive release, can add considerable energy to the viewing experience. Star power, fan celebrations, music, and the collective reaction inside a theatre can also influence how a movie is perceived.

The OTT experience is quite different. Viewers watch films from the comfort of their homes, often with the option to pause, rewind, or revisit particular scenes. This allows them to pay closer attention to the screenplay, performances, technical aspects, and individual sequences.

As a result, certain shortcomings that may have gone unnoticed during a theatrical run can become more apparent on streaming platforms. Social media has further amplified this trend, with viewers quickly sharing opinions, memes, criticisms, and humorous observations after watching a film.

This does not necessarily mean that every OTT reaction represents the overall opinion of the audience. Different viewers can have completely different interpretations of the same movie, and theatrical success or OTT criticism can each reflect a particular phase of a film’s journey.

The contrasting responses to Irumudi, Peddi, Vishwanath And Sons, and Chennai Love Story nevertheless highlight how a film’s reception can evolve after its theatrical release. In the streaming era, a movie’s journey does not end when it leaves cinemas. Instead, it enters a second phase where audiences get another opportunity to watch, discuss, analyze, and react to it.