Despite many Hollywood events being postponed or cancelled due to the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area, the Sundance Film Festival is moving forward with its 11-day event scheduled to begin next week in Park City, Utah.

In a letter sent Monday to registrants from Southern California, the festival’s CEO Amanda Kelso and director Eugene Hernandez stated, “We may mourn, but we also recognize the importance of continuing with our plans.” They encouraged recipients to share how they have been impacted by the fires.

Michelle Satter, a founding director of the Sundance Institute and its artists programs, revealed on social media last week that she lost her home in the Palisades fire. Satter is set to be honoured at the festival’s opening gala on January 24.

Sundance isn’t the only significant event in the American entertainment calendar that will proceed as planned; organizers confirmed that the Grammy Awards will also go on as scheduled and will be broadcast on television.

However, the Oscars face the possibility of being cancelled for the first time in 96 years. The organization behind the Oscars has already cancelled its luxurious nominees’ luncheon, leading to speculation that the awards ceremony itself may not take place this year.

An insider revealed to the Sun, “The board is primarily concerned about not appearing to celebrate while many Angelenos are experiencing heartbreak and unimaginable loss. Even if the fires were to subside in the next week, the reality is that the city will still be in pain and will continue to grapple with that for months to come. Thus, the decision has been made to shift focus toward support and fundraising when appropriate opportunities arise.”

The wildfires in Los Angeles have devastated thousands of homes and resulted in 24 fatalities, with more individuals reported missing as that number is expected to rise. Notable figures, including Anthony Hopkins, Mel Gibson, and Billy Crystal, have lost their homes to the fires, leading to a halt in production for various TV shows and films.

Veteran Kannada film and television actor Sarigama Viji passed away on Wednesday, January 15, due to multiple organ failure at the age of 77. He is survived by two children.

Reports indicate that Sarigama Viji had been struggling with age-related health issues and succumbed to multiple organ failure following several days of treatment at a private hospital near Yeshwanthpur. His condition turned critical on January 12, resulting in his hospitalization, and he took his last breath at 9:45 AM on Wednesday.

Former Karnataka minister K. Gopalaiah expressed his condolences on X, stating, “It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Sarigama Viji, a veteran artiste in Kannada cinema and a renowned comedian.” He added, “The death of Sarigama Viji, who touched the hearts of Kannadigas with his performances in hundreds of films, represents an irreplaceable loss to the Kannada cinema industry. I pray for eternal peace for his soul.”

His last rites will be conducted at the crematorium near TR Mill in Chamarajpet between 10 AM and 12 PM on Thursday, January 16, 2025. Viji’s body will be taken to his residence in Mahalakshmipuram so fans and loved ones can pay their final respects to the cherished actor.

Viji began his career as a theatre artist and made his film debut in “Beluvalada Madilall.” By 2018, he had acted in 269 films, portraying a variety of roles including comedic, supporting, and antagonistic characters. He also had a rich career in theatre and television, gaining recognition for his role in the iconic play “Samsaradalli Sarigama,” which earned him the affectionate nickname ‘Sarigama Viji.’

In addition to his acting, Viji worked as an assistant director on over 80 films. His significant collaborations with Kannada veteran actor Tiger Prabhakar and director V. Somashekar played a crucial role in his career, which spanned more than four decades.

Sarigama Viji was a beloved figure in the Kannada film and television industry, and he was celebrated for his exceptional talent and memorable performances. His passing represents a profound loss to the industry, leaving behind a void in the hearts of his fans and colleagues.

The contributions of Sarigama Viji to Kannada cinema will be remembered, ensuring that his legacy endures. His remarkable portrayal in the play “Samsaradalli Sarigama” helped establish him as a prominent figure, endearing him to audiences as Sarigama Viji.

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.