The first two months of the year were flooded with releases. These films starred some of South cinema’s rising stars, such as Sivakarthikeyan and Atharvaa. While January saw the most number of successful hits, February saw very few films making the mark.
Apart from all the buzz about film releases, the stars and directors are also creating headlines. Be it for their personal lives or the bold remarks they make, these celebrities are always in the limelight. While some shared news about their big films, others received attention for just being themselves. The attention grabbers, the achievers and the newsmakers – we share a list of significant developments that unfolded in March.
1. Baahubali and Visaaranai sweep National Awards
S. S. Rajamouli’s magnum opus film, Baahubali was adjudged the Best Film at the 63rd National Indian Film Awards. Visaraanai won the award for Best Tamil Film. Kishore T. E (late) won the award for Best Editing. While actor Samuthirakani won the award for Best Supporting Artist.
2. Best Actors and Best Films at the National Awards
Malayalam actor, Jayasurya bagged a National Award under Special Mention category. So, did the actress of Irudhi Suttru, Ritika Singh. Telugu film, Kanche was declared the Best Telugu Film. Thithi won the award for Best Kannada film. While, Mammootty’s Pathemari won the award for Best Malayalam film. Veteran music composer Illayaraaja, won his fifth National Award. He bagged the award for the film, Thaarai Thappatai.
3. No National Award For Vikram
Film buffs and the South film industry were disappointed that the Tamil film actor didn’t receive an award for his performance for the film I. He transformed himself into a heavy-weight body builder and a lean hunchback for the film. Cinematographer P. C. Sreeram took to Twitter to post share his outrage.
4. Thozha and Oopiri Hit Screens
Director Vamshi Paidipally‘s much-awaited film Oopiri/Thozha hit screens and received overwhelming response. An adaptation of the French film, The Intouchables, this film starred Nagarjuna, Karthi and Tamannaah in lead roles. It will soon be made in Hindi as well. Karan Johar is said to hold the remake rights for the Hindi version.
5. Another Loss in Mollywood
Kalpana, Rajesh Pillai and Kalabhavan Mani are actors from the Malayalam film industry, who have passed away this year. Recently, another Malayalam actor, Jishnu Raghavan passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer.
6. Mani Ratnam’s Next
Director Mani Ratnam is ready with his next film. The untitled project will see Karthi playing the role of a pilot, while Sai Pallavi will play the role of a doctor. Coincidentally, Sai Pallavi is a medical graduate in real life.
7. Allu Arjun’s Wrong Tweet
The Twitterati were in for a surprise, when Allu Arjun shared a link to the songs of Sardaar Gabbar Singh. A surprised Allu Arjun tweeted that his two-year old son was responsible for posting the tweet, without his knowledge. Both the actor and his wife are thankful that Ayaan posted a song from Pawan Kalyan’s film. His tweet read- “Imagine if he posted some other song or link?"
8. Aishwarya Rajesh Heads To Bollywood
Actress Aishwarya Rajesh’s superb performance in Kaaka Muttai won her critical acclaim. It got also the attention of Bollywood filmmakers. The actress will debut opposite Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal in an untitled Bollywood film.
9. Akshay Kumar’s 2.0 look revealed
The first look of Akshay Kumar’s role in 2.0 was recently leaked on social media. Looking unrecognizable, the actor shot for the film at a stadium in Delhi.
10. A. R. Rahman to compose for G. V. Prakash’s next
In new developments, G. V. Prakash is said to star in a film directed by cinematographer-turned-director, Rajiv Menon. The music for the film is said to be composed by A. R. Rahman, who is also G. V. Prakash’s uncle.
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