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!
Entertainment
Sharad Kelkar on language conflict: All Indian languages are beautiful, I’m Indian, first and foremost

Mumbai, July 5: Actor Sharad Kelkar, who is known for his work in television, and has voiced the iconic character of Baahubali for its Hindi version, has shared his opinion on the growing language conflicts between different states of India.
The actor recently spoke with IANS, and shared that though he prefers to stay away from politics, he surely respects all “beautiful” Indian languages that are spoken throughout the country.
He told IANS, “Honestly, I don’t want to get into political matters. I have no interest in it. Ask me about acting, and I’ll talk. Ask me why I haven’t done a Marathi film, and I’ll answer. But this isn’t about personal will or preference. I believe all Indian languages are beautiful. I’m Indian, first and foremost”.
The actor was also asked if he is the highest paid actor on his upcoming show, to which he responded by saying, “I’ve been working for over two decades. I’ve earned my place, and yes, I charge for it. What’s wrong with that? If someone is earning well, people should be happy—not jealous. It’s a sign of achievement. If an actor returns to television, it’s because they have value. No one’s calling you back just for nostalgia—you have to bring something to the table”.
He also shared about why in the current era of television, shows don’t run for years and actors don’t become household names.
He said, “The audience landscape has changed. OTT has brought in new content and platforms. Earlier, shows used to run for years and characters would live in people’s hearts. Now, shows are shorter, and people move on quickly. Many actors believe they aren’t getting recognition, but I think it’s the characters that become famous, not the actors themselves. I’ve been known as Nahar Singh, Barry B., Thakur, and Dr. Ashutosh—all character names”.
“If you keep reinventing yourself and present a new version every time, people might eventually remember your real name”, he added.
Bollywood
Subhash Ghai shares how Aamir Khan brought dignity to Hindi cinema with his film ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’

Mumbai, July 4: Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai took to social media to shower praise on Aamir Khan for his continued efforts to elevate the stature of Hindi cinema.
Lauding his decision to release ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ in theatres and hold off on its OTT release for six months, Ghai called it a move that brings “dignity to Hindi cinema.” In his heartfelt note, the director expressed his happiness at how exhibitors across the country honoured Aamir as a “brave filmmaker” for supporting the big-screen experience and showing deep respect for theatrical business.
Sharing a photo featuring Aamir Khan, Subhash Ghai wrote on Instagram, “Dear Aamir. You have done it again to bring dignity to Hindi cinema with your heartwarming film in cinema halls n pledging not to show it on small screen for six months. M glad that all India exhibitors honoured you as a brave film maker yesterday for respecting the business of big screens theatres too. Congratulations n blessings. @muktaa2cinemas @pvrcinemas_official @inoxmovies @cinepolismx @zeecinema @muktaartsltd.”
The makers of the Aamir Khan starrer have decided not to release the film on OTT platforms. The Multiplex Association of India had applauded the move, and Aamir Khan Productions later expressed their gratitude for the support. Sharing MAI’s statement on their official Instagram account, the production house wrote in the caption, “Grateful for the overwhelming love and support MAI (red heart emoji).”
In the statement, Kamal Gianchandani, who served as the President of MAI, had said, “Aamir Khan has always been a filmmaker who puts the audience first. His decision to bring Sitaare Zameen Par exclusively to cinemas is a significant show of confidence in theatres and the shared magic of the moviegoing experience. Indian exhibitors thank Aamir Khan for standing by theatres. As we continue to welcome audiences with renewed energy and world-class films, Sitaare Zammen Par will remain a shining example of cinema’s resilience and its irreplaceable magic.”
“Sitaare Zameen Par,” which also stars Genelia D’Souza, was a sequel to the 2007 hit film “Taare Zameen Par.” Directed by RS Prasanna, the sports drama hit theatres on June 20.
Bollywood
Ranvir Shorey criticizes MNS workers for assaulting a Gujarati shopkeeper for not speaking Marathi

Mumbai, July 3: Bollywood actor Ranvir Shorey took to social media to strongly condemn the actions of MNS workers who allegedly assaulted a Gujarati shopkeeper for not speaking Marathi.
Expressing his outrage, the actor called the incident shameful and unacceptable. He also tagged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in his post. The ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ actor took to his X handle to post a video that captured members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) allegedly attacking a restaurant owner in Mumbai’s Mira Road area over his inability to speak Marathi. Expressing his anger, Shorey described the incident as “disturbing” and voiced serious concerns about the current state of law and order in Maharashtra.
The actor tweeted, “This is sickening. Monsters on the loose, looking for attention and political relevance. Where’s L&O, @CMOMaharashtra @Dev_Fadnavis ?.” Ranvir also hit back at trolls in the comments section of his post, giving a sharp and fitting response to those who tried to criticise him. One user asked the actor, “Since how many years you now live in Maharashtra? How much effort have you taken to learn Marathi?”
In his reply, Ranvir Shorey said, “First, I’m not answerable to a hateful anonymous troll like you for any of these questions. Second, you’re really dumb if you think beating people up will make them learn and speak a language. And finally, if you do want to bring attention to the issue, there are more positive & constructive ways to bring about change, or even protest for political mileage, instead of beating hapless citizens who’re just trying to make a living!”
A video that went viral on social media showed a group of men visiting a shop to buy food. The situation turned violent when they allegedly attacked the shop owner for not speaking in Marathi. The men were seen wearing scarves associated with Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
The incident took place in Bhayander, located in Maharashtra’s Thane district. It occurred shortly after the state government rolled back its decision to enforce a three-language policy, which had sparked criticism from the opposition.
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