The iconic superstar Rajinikanth is set to dominate the big screen once again as director Nelson Dilipkumar officially announced Jailer 2 on the festive occasion of Pongal. Accompanied by a gripping promo, the announcement also confirmed Anirudh Ravichander as the film’s music composer.

This second installment follows the massive success of Jailer (2023), which became the second-highest-grossing film of Rajinikanth’s illustrious career and a milestone in Tamil cinema history.

Announcement promo

The promo, released on January 14, opens with director Nelson and composer Anirudh brainstorming a new script. Their discussion is interrupted by a sudden onslaught of bullets and chaos. Emerging from the fray is none other than Rajinikanth, exuding unmatched charisma in a blood-soaked white shirt, armed with a gun and sword. His fiery expression radiates both rage and pride, rekindling the energy that fans adored in the original film.

Star-studded  appearances

While the promo kept plot details under wraps, it confirmed Rajinikanth’s return as the retired Jailer. Industry buzz suggests that legendary actors Mohanlal and Shivaraj Kumar are likely to make special appearances, adding to the film’s grandeur.

The Director’s gratitude

Nelson took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share his excitement, writing, “Immensely happy to announce my next film #Jailer2 with the one and only #Superstar #Thalaivar @rajinikanth sir and my favourite @sunpictures #Kalanithimaran sir and my dearest loving friend @anirudhofficial.”

Fan reactions

Fans were quick to celebrate the announcement, flooding social media with praise for the gripping promo and their anticipation for another blockbuster performance by Rajinikanth.

Box Office expectations

Following the original film’s unparalleled success, Jailer 2 is expected to replicate its predecessor’s record-breaking performance, cementing Rajinikanth’s status as the reigning king of Tamil cinema.

The film is anticipated to go on floors soon, with fans eagerly awaiting more updates on this much-awaited sequel.

Director Anil Ravipudi and actor Venkatesh reunite for their third collaboration, Sankranthiki Vasthunnam, a festive comedy that aims to charm family audiences. Released during the Sankranti festival, the film brings together humor, nostalgia, and family drama, though it struggles to maintain consistency in its narrative.

Plot and performances

The story revolves around Y. D. Raju (Venkatesh), a retired encounter specialist enjoying a peaceful life in a picturesque village near Rajahmundry. As a loving husband and the head of a vibrant joint family, Raju’s life takes an unexpected turn when an old acquaintance, now a stern police officer (Meenakshi Chaudhary), seeks his help. What follows is a series of comedic and heartwarming events that bring Raju back into action.

Venkatesh’s portrayal of Raju is effortless, blending comedy with emotional depth. Aishwarya Rajesh delivers a standout performance as his supportive wife, adding authenticity and charm to their on-screen chemistry. Her integration into the film’s action sequences in the second half showcases her versatility as an actor.

Strengths and weaknesses

The film’s first half thrives on Ravipudi’s signature humor and relatable family dynamics. Raju’s witty dialogues and the interactions within the family keep the audience entertained. However, the second half loses momentum, relying heavily on formulaic comedy and underdeveloped subplots involving characters like Upendra Limaye, Naresh, and VTV Ganesh. While these moments provide occasional laughs, they lack the freshness needed to sustain engagement.

The climax introduces a moral message about the importance of teachers, which, though well-intentioned, feels out of place and diminishes the lighthearted tone established earlier.

Technical aspects

The film’s technical strengths lie in Bheems Ceciroleo’s energetic music and the vibrant cinematography that captures the festive spirit of Sankranti. The village setting is beautifully depicted, immersing the audience in its celebratory atmosphere.

Final verdict

Sankranthiki Vasthunnam is a light-hearted family entertainer that delivers enough laughs to justify a festive outing. Despite its predictable narrative and uneven pacing, the film benefits from Venkatesh’s impeccable comedic timing and the vibrant on-screen chemistry of its cast. While it may not reach the heights of Ravipudi’s previous successes, it remains a decent choice for families seeking festive cheer.

Dominic Holland, Tom Holland’s father, has unveiled exclusive details regarding his son’s engagement to Zendaya, which the couple has largely kept under wraps. In a recent post on Patreon, Dominic confirmed that Tom proposed to Zendaya during a thoughtfully planned and intimate moment.

The engagement news follows Zendaya’s subtle hint at the Golden Globes on January 5, where she showcased a stunning 5-carat engagement ring.

In his January 10 post, Dominic shared insights into Tom’s preparation for the proposal, stating, “He had purchased a ring and spoken with her father to gain permission to propose. Tom had meticulously planned everything—when, where, how, what to say, and what to wear,” as reported by E! News.

The couple’s engagement captured significant public interest, especially after Zendaya was seen discreetly displaying her ring while responding with a casual shrug and smile when questioned directly about it.

Despite the ongoing public curiosity, both Zendaya and Tom have maintained a level of privacy concerning their personal lives.

Earlier, Zendaya had expressed how their relationship blossomed during the filming of Spider-Man, describing her connection with Tom as “strangely comfortable” and “like second nature.” She remarked, “I feel extra safe with the person you’re acting beside. I love working with him,” extolling his talent and passion for his craft.

In return, Tom has also praised Zendaya, stating, “I’m lucky that I have someone like Zendaya in my life.” He emphasized the unique dynamics of their romantic relationship, observing, “It’s interesting being in a relationship with someone who shares similar experiences. You can exchange your stories, and that connection is invaluable.”