Entertainment
IANS Review: Hari’s ‘Yaanai’ delivers on its promise to entertain (IANS Rating: ***1/2)
Film: Yaanai (showing in theatres); Duration: 155 minutes
Director: Hari; Cast: Arun Vijay, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Samuthirakani, Aadukalam Jayabalan, Yogi Babu, Ramachandra Raji, Pugazh and Radhika
IANS Rating: ***1/2
Director Hari is undoubtedly a master when it comes to making commercial entertainers. He is very good when it comes to narrating family dramas laced with action sequences and he proves it yet again with his latest offering ‘Yaanai’.
You know pretty much what to expect from a Hari film — a close knit adorable family, a notorious goon who is looking to hurt the family in some way just to settle scores with the hero and a powerful hero who looks to protect his family even though some of the other members of his family are not as understanding or affectionate as he is.
Despite knowing fully well that is what the film will offer, one still comes out entertained by the time the film ends and that is exactly where Hari scores as a director.
The central idea is the same, but Hari’s films stand out simply because his narration is fresh and intense and his presentation interesting. These factors make each of his films come across as being different and entertaining. ‘Yaanai’ too is no exception.
The film is a proper commercial entertainer that has as its soul a good, proper script. The film allots space in equal measure to family drama, romance and some really intense action sequences.
The story of ‘Yaanai’ is set in the southernmost tip of Tamil Nadu, where two powerful families, each headed by Samudram (‘Aadukalam’ Jayabalan) and PRV (Rajesh), respectively, are at loggerheads with one another.
Samudram has two sons (twins played by Ramachandra Raji) while PRV has four sons. Of the four, the first three (played by Samuthirakani, Bose Venkat and Sanjeev) are born to his PRV’s first wife while Ravi (Arun Vijay), the fourth, is born to his second wife (Radhika).
Both Samudram and PRV happen to be good friends at one point. But a particular development leaves one of Samudram’s sons killed and the other in prison. An enraged Samudram and his family hold PRV and his family accountable for this loss and seek revenge.
Under these circumstances, trouble erupts inside PRV’s family and Samudram’s son, who has just returned from prison, looks to capitalise on the misfortune that has befallen PRV’s family. Does Ravi manage to thwart the evil designs of Samudram’s son to destroy his family? ‘Yaanai’ gives you the answers to questions like this.
Just like how Hari’s narration and script are a big plus, his casting is also perfect. Arun Vijay as the vociferous but affectionate fourth son delivers a solid performance. Samuthirakani as the eldest brother is equally good and comes up with a spectacular performance that raises the credibility quotient of the film.
One other person whose performance needs to be mentioned is Priya Bhavani Shankar. She makes the character of Jeba Malar look absolutely adorable. The romantic portions between Jeba Malar and Ravi are neat, clean and dignified and are a treat to watch.
Yogi Babu’s jokes evoke laughter and provide some much-needed relief in an otherwise intense, emotional story.
On the technical front, G.V. Prakash’s music is mellifluous and Gopinath’s cinematography is breathtakingly beautiful. In particular, Gopinath’s shots of two water bodies being separated by a thin stretch of land are just captivating.
The film in all is just a proper good mass entertainer that delivers!
Bollywood
Mini Mathur calls ‘Alliance’ the best digital detox experiences of her life: Had so much fun

Mumbai: Mini Mathur, the winner of the reality show ‘Alliance’, called it the best digital detox experience of her life. She shared that she did not miss her phone at all during her time in the show.
Mini said that, given it was her first experience of a reality show, she was surprised that she ended up having so much fun.
The ‘Mind the Malhotras’ actress was asked, “This was your first reality show, while many contestants had years of experience in this space. How challenging was the learning curve in the beginning, and what surprised you the most?”
Mini believes that the fact that she did not enter the show with any preconceived notion ended up working in her favour.
“I did not come with the sole intention of winning. Of course, I did not come to lose either, but my focus was simply to enjoy every challenge and give it my best. I think people connected with that enthusiasm,” she added.
Explaining her strategy for ‘Alliance’, Mini added, “Many people told me that reality shows are all about creating drama, speaking to the cameras, and manufacturing conflicts. But I never wanted to be known for that. I wanted people to see me exactly as I am—authentic. That is how I played the game.”
Talking about her learning curve, she said, “The learning curve lasted through the first couple of weeks. Fortunately, many contestants were also new to reality television, so we were all learning together. That made the environment much more comfortable because there were fewer preconceived ideas.”
Mini also revealed how the show unexpectedly turned out to be a fun experience for her, also becoming the best digital detox of her life.
“What surprised me the most was how much fun I ended up having. I honestly thought I would come out mentally exhausted, physically drained, and probably needing therapy. Instead, I came out feeling sharper, more focused, and fitter than I have felt in a very long time,” she concluded.
Bollywood
Catherine Zeta-Jones says ‘You are everything to me’ as son Dylan turns a year older

Los Angele : Hollywood star couple Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas’ son Dylan turned a year older on Saturday, and celebrating his special day, the actress penned a heartfelt birthday wish for her son on social media.
Catherine posted a few throwback photographs of Dylan over the years on her Instagram handle, expressing her immense love for him in an emotional birthday wish that read, “Happy Birthday to my son Dylan!!!!! You are everything to me and you bring such joy to my life. Have a wonderful new year ahead sweetheart and thank you for all those thus far. @dylan__douglas I (red heart emoji) U (sic).”
Douglas and Zeta-Jones started dating back in 1999, and the lovebirds exchanged wedding vows in 2000. The couple has been blessed with two children – son Dylan Michael and daughter Carys Zeta.
In April, as Carys turned 23, both Douglas and Zeta-Jones dropped lovely birthday notes for their daughter.
Douglas uploaded a picture of himself with his daughter on a red carpet, and penned, “Happy Birthday Carys! May YOUR new year bring you joy and inspiration. All the love in the world! @carys.douglas Dad.”
Carys commented on the post saying, “Thank you Dadda I love you so so much.”
Zeta-Jones also shared a couple of old pictures of her daughter, along with the text, “Happy Birthday Carys! May today and all days be a special as you. I love you. Mama.”
Carys replied in the comment section saying, “Thank you my dear Mamma I love you so.”
Work-wise, in February, the Oscar-winning actress revealed that she will once again be seen as the enigmatic Morticia Addams in the third Season of the acclaimed show, ‘Wednesday’, which is expected to premiere on Netflix in July 2027.
Featuring Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams, the latest season of the drama promises to be the darkest chapter of the story yet.
Entertainment
AICWA offers condolences to ‘Ghajini’ actor Pradeep Rawat

Mumbai, Aug 5: The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has offered its condolences to the late actor Pradeep Rawat. The actor passed away at the age of 74 on Tuesday.
The body said in a statement, “With his powerful screen presence, he portrayed some of the most unforgettable villainous characters alongside many of Bollywood’s legendary comedians and actors. His remarkable performances and immense contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered and cherished by generations of film lovers. The news of his demise has sent shockwaves across the Bollywood film industry. It is truly heartbreaking to lose such a talented and respected artiste”.
They further mentioned, “On behalf of the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers during this difficult time. May God grant eternal peace to his noble soul and give strength and courage to his loved ones to bear this irreparable loss. Rest in Peace, Pradeep Rawat Ji. Your legacy will live on forever”.
The actor was known for his roles in ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Ghajini. He died on Tuesday evening at a hospital in Bhiwandi after prolonged illness.
The actor was born on January 21, 1952, and worked predominantly in Telugu, Hindi and Tamil films. He was known for his negative roles, his first appearance was in B.R. Chopra’s ‘Mahabharat’ as Ashwatthama.
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