Siddharth slams TN govt

Siddharth, known for his outspokenness, is at it again. He has come up with a series of tweets, hitting out at the government over the GST row.

"#TN has a shocking 'U' certificate #TaxFree scam for years.Only benefit of #GST is abolishing that.If 30% ENT tax remains, GST is a mistake!," he said.

He stated further: "People are confused whether we have #GST + ENT tax added to net amount in ticket pricing. Hope it's just #GST @ 18% or 28% otherwise #STRIKE."

The Boys and Ayudha Ezhuthu actor said: "#TN govt punished Tamil Cinema for years with #Ucertificate and bribes for #TaxFree & Tamil title scams. Now they want 30% + #GST ? #shame."

"The #TamilFilmIndustry must stand united. We are being played by this center-state confusion. #GST is one nation one tax! No exceptions!," he added.

Already, the Tamil Nadu Film Chamber of Commerce on Friday announced an indefinite shutdown of theatres across Tamil Nadu from July 3 due to lack of clarity on the tax amount that will be levied after GST implementation, it is to be noted.

GST TN theatre owners to go on strike from Monday

Theatre owners in Tamil Nadu have announced an indefinite suspension of movie screenings from July 3 as there is "no clarity" on tax amount that will be levied after the Goods and Services Tax (GST) came into effect on July 1.

Theatres across the state didn't open bookings till Friday evening. Reason: They will have to impose a 28 per cent GST rate on cinema tickets in addition to the 30% levied by the state government.

The theatre owners decided to cancel all shows from July 3 after the Edappadi Palaniswami government worked around the GST and introduced a 30 per cent municipal tax on cinemas.
This would be in addition to the 28 per cent tax levied under GST for tickets that cost over Rs. 100. According to the tax rates decided by the GST Council, cinema tickets priced less than Rs. 100 were to be charged 18 per cent tax.

"The state government should clear the confusion (on how much tax amount theatre owners will be charged) over the weekend. From Monday, all shows across theatres in the state will be suspended," Abirami Ramanathan, President of the Tamil Nadu Film Chamber of Commerce, told reporters.

"All shows will be cancelled from July 3. We request the state government to come clear on how much tax amount will be levied on theatre owners," he said.

ED attaches Rs 6.35 crore worth assets of Vendhar Movies' Madhan

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday said it has provisionally attached immovable properties worth Rs 6.35 crore of B. Madan of Vendhar Movies under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).

ED joint director, K S S V Prasad, said immovable properties worth Rs 6.35 crore belonging to Madan of Vendhar movies have been attached under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 20O2, for cheating the public to the tune of Rs 91 crore in the guise of getting medical admissions to SRM Group of Institutions.

According to the ED, it is alleged that Madan had collected around Rs 91 crore from 133 parents promising medical seats in the SRM Group of Institutions during 2016, but cheated them.

He said the probe agency has registered a case under the PMLA against Madan and others, based on an FIR by the central crime branch police. He had collected several crores of rupees by promising admission to the medical college and then disappeared with it.

Madan in his voluntary statements had admitted that he collected around Rs 91 crore from 133 parents for admission in MBBS/PG seats in SRM Medical College, the ED said.

Madan had claimed that he had paid these amounts on a weekly basis to the SRM Management.

"However, SRM Management denied the same and stated that said amounts were never received. They claimed that they follow a prescribed procedure for their admissions and B. Madan has no role in their admission process," the ED said.

Kovind, Meira Kumar in Chennai today for prez poll campaigning

The two Presidential candidates- Ram Nath Kovind of NDA and Meira Kumar of UPA- are in the city today to canvass for votes among allies.

Kovind will meet MLAs and MPs in the AIADMK Puratchi Thalaivi Amma faction (who support former chief minister O Panneerselvam) at the Russian Visa Centre on the Kasutri Rangan Road in the afternoon.

In the evening, he will meet AIADMK (Amma) MLAs and MPs (supporting chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami) at Kalaivanar Arangam in Triplicane.

Meira will arrive from Bengaluru late on Saturday, where she will be welcomed at the airport by the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and representatives of 10 of its district committees.

She will meet legislators of the DMK, Congress, CPI(M), CPI, Indian Union Muslim League and TMMK at The Leela Palace Hotel in MRC Nagar.

Later, she will travel to the Gopalapuram residence of DMK president and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.

Anirudh honoured for Surviva...

With Surviva single from Ajith's Vivegam crossing one million hits in less than ten days, seeting a record for a Tamil single, Sony Music South has honoured Anirudh Ravichander.

According to sources, the full album of Vivegam will be out by next month and insiders say that it’s going to be one of the best works of Anirudh Ravichander.

Sources say that there will not be any grand audio launch function and audio CDs of Vivegam will straightly hit the stores in the month of July.

Meanwhile, quite excited about the response to the peppy Surviva number, Yogi B says that he wrote the rap lyrics based on the concept of 'Surviva' which Anirudh had given him.

"As Thala is a true survivor in this industry, I felt this song will be very apt for the script and as well as for him," he says.

Vivegam is a spy thriller film co-written and directed by Siva. It features Ajith Kumar, Vivek Oberoi, Kajal Aggarwal and Akshara Haasan.

Principal photography of the film commenced at Slovenia in August 2016 and the movie is scheduled for a worldwide release in 10 August 2017.

Cheating case: Power Star arrested by Bengaluru cops

The Bengaluru police have brought Tamil comedy actor S Srinivasan, popularly known as Powerstar Srinivasan, to Bengaluru after getting a body warrant from a Delhi Court in connection with a cheating case filed against him.

Recently, Delhi police had arrested Srinivasan for allegedly cheating a businessman in New Delhi to the tune of Rs 10 crore by promising him to get Rs 1,000 crore as loan.

He was lodged in Tihar jail and Bengaluru police took him into their custody on Tuesday. He was remanded in judicial custody after being produced before the 4th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate court.

“Srinivasan is also wanted by the Bengaluru police. He had allegedly cheated businessman Masroor Alam and his brother Sajjad Wahab to the tune of ₹ 1 crore after promising them a loan of ₹30 crore,” sources said.

Srinivasan, who is an acupuncturist, has acted in around 12 Tamil films and has made guest appearances in a few films. Police sources said a major chunk of money that he had borrowed, was invested in film production.

Income Tax raids at popular beedi company

The Income Tax department on Wednesday conducted series of raids at the premises of Tamil Nadu’s biggest beedi manufacturer, Seyad Beedi Company.

Sources said the raids, which began at 7 am at the office, business and residential premises of Seyad Beedi Company, were continuing.

The raids were being held in about 40 locations, including at its headquarters in southern Tirunelveli district, where the business began several years ago, and at its premises in Madurai and Chennai.

The raids come a day after a section of media claimed to have accessed IT documents that linked some ruling party leaders and top officials with a mega gutkha scam.

But it’s not clear whether the raids at some 40 premises of the beedi manufacturer located in Chennai, Madurai and Tirunelveli are related to the gutkha scam.

More than 200 officials were involved in the raids, which were being held in the presence of armed Central Para military forces.

Gutkha scam issue rocks Assembly, DMK wants minister to go

The alleged payment of bribes to a Tamil Nadu Minister and officials for sale of banned gutkha rocked the state assembly on Wednesday with the DMK leading an opposition walkout after being denied permission to raise it.

They staged a walkout after Speaker P Dhanpal denied permission, saying that he could not allow a debate based on what appeared in newspapers and television channels. The Congress MLAs and a lone member of the Indian Union Muslim League also walked out.

Citing Income-Tax report, which had confirmed that the bribes were given to top officials and Minister and that the Tamil Nadu government was yet to take a decision on it,Leader of the Opposition and DMK Working President M K Stalinand other DMK Members, displaying the copies of the newspaper reports on the alleged bribery, sought to raise the issue during Zero Hour.

Dhanapal halted Stalin from speaking further, saying he cannot speak in the house based on news reports. This led to the walkout by the DMK, the main opposition party in the assembly.

Later, talking to reporters outside the Assembly, Stalin demanded the removal of Health Minister C. Vijayabaskar, alleging that he had a role in the sale of gutkha and pan products.

“But Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami will not take action against him because he himself is facing charges in connection with bribing voters in the R.K. Nagar bypoll,” Stalin said.

Sridevi upset with Rajamouli

While saying that she heard from people that SS Rajamouli is a calm and sincere director, Sridevi has however said she was upset with his recent interview.

In the said interview, Rajamouli was quoted as saying that his team is lucky to drop the idea of having Sridevi in Baahubali due to her exorbitant demands and roped in Ramya Krishnan.

Denying it, the actress said, "There were rumors that I had asked one entire floor for my stay, 10cr remuneration, and ten flight tickets to accept the film, which is completely baseless.

If I demanded such things, producers would have made me pack my things long back and I wouldn't have completed 300 films in 50 years.

In my career, there were many reasons not to be a part of certain films but don't know why people still want to talk why I didn't accept Baahubali even after the release of both part 1 and part 2.

My husband himself is a producer so we know the practical difficulties of producers so there were no such unreasonable demands from my end. I don’t know…may be, the producer would have told such things to Rajamouli or there would have been some miscommunication. But I don’t want to talk about it in a public platform.

I liked Rajamouli’s Eega, he is a great technician and was happy to work with him. Recently, a well-wisher sent me Rajamouli’s interview and felt shocked and hurt."

Dhanush almost done with Vada Chennai, plans Pa Pandi 2

Even as the trailer of VIP 2, which was released in Mumbai on Sunday, making waves, there are more updates about Dhanush's forthcoming projects.

The national award winning actor revealed that nearly 90% of the first part of Vada Chennai has been completed and only 10-15 days shoot is left.

It is learnt Dhanush will resume shooting Vada Chennai after his Hollywood film and he has to sport a different look for the last schedule of the Vetrimaaran film.

Also, Dhanush said he has an idea of Pa Pandi sequel and even approached Rajkiran. However, before the sequel, he would like to direct a film, which is completely different from the feel-good genre.

Meanwhile, at the audio launch of VIP 2, when Dhanush was asked about the political entry of his father-in-law Superstar Rajinikanth, he had an interesting answer.

"You have seen the invite and it said no questions about politics," the Aadukalam and Mappillai actor said.

He added: "Do you have an opinion on why he shouldn't? So I have my opinion too and I'll keep mine to myself."

Infighting, mudslinging intensify in AIADMK (Amma)

The mudslinging between Dairy Development Minister K T Rajenthra Bhalaji and AIADMK spokesperson Vaigai Selvan took an ugly turn with both indulging in name-calling.

Also, TTV Dhinakaran’s supporter P Vetrivel joined issue with party MP G Hari for his remarks on reining in V K Sasikala’s family.

Rajenthra Bhalaji has said former minister Vaigai Selvan has received money from private milk companies for speaking bad against him. To this, Vaigai Selvan said he would sue Bhalaji.

Meanwhile, amid leadership tussle in the ruling AIADMK (Amma), Lok Sabha deputy speaker and the party's senior leader M Thambidurai on Tuesday said chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has to tell who is the party's supremo.

Vetrivel trained the guns on party’s Lok Sabha Member G Hari saying the latter was speaking against Sasikala without reason and should be restrained by the chief minister.

Already, AIADMK legislators on Saturday criticised Lok Sabha deputy speaker M. Thambi Durai for claiming that the party’s decision to back Ram Nath Kovind in the upcoming presidential poll was jointly taken by Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and imprisoned party general secretary V.K. Sasikala.

TN ministers 'involved' in massive gutka bribery scam

The Income-Tax Department is awaiting a response to a letter written to the Tamil Nadu government seeking further investigation into suspected bribes of almost Rs 40 crore paid to a Minister and top officials by gutka dealers.

“I can say that the information is true. I cannot share anything,” a senior IT official told PTI on condition of anonymity.

The official was responding to a query on a report in a leading English daily about the Income Tax department waiting for a response from the state government over the matter. “We have handed over the documents to police. This is all that I can say now,” he said.

According to another report, the IT investigation also revealed that top Tamil Nadu ministers received money from 'gutka' manufacturers and that two Director Generals of Police (DGPs) were also complicit.

In the letter sent to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, the Principal Director of Income Tax (Investigation) B.R. Balakrishnan states that the ledger containing payouts was seized from the residence of a woman accountant.

Reacting to the media report, DMK Working President and Leader of the Opposition in state Assembly, M K Stalin demanded action in the matter. He urged Chief Minister K Palaniswami to order a probe in this regard under a sitting judge of the Madras High Court and to take ‘stern action’ against anyone allegedly involved if the report was found to be true.

After Kabali, here comes Thottam

After Superstar Rajinikanth's Kabali which spoke about the plight of Tamils in Malaysia, another film has now been made on the same subject.

Titled Thottam, the movie has Singai Jagan as hero with K S Maniam playing a crucial role. Produced by Blue Eye Productions, the film is directed by Arangannal Raju.

The movie's audio launch function in Chennai was attended by directors Seenu Ramasamy, Shakthi Chidambaram, Robert Rajasekar, cinematographer B Kannan, lyricists Yugabharathi, actors Aari and Abhi Saravanan among others.

Speakers at the function said the film will throw light on Tamil workers, who are behind the skyrises and farms in Malaysia.  The film, besides highlighting the troubles of workers, has also been made in commercial format, they said.

More delay for Nenjam Marapathillai?

It seems Selvaraghavan’s Nenjam Marapathillai will not be releasing on June 30 as promised by its makers.

Quoting trade sources, reports say that a few financial issues have to be sorted out and hence, as of now, June 30 release looks impossible.

A horror film, Nenjam Marapathillai is written and directed by Selvaraghavan and produced by Gautham Vasudev Menon for Ondraga Entertainment and P Madan for Escape Artists Motion Pictures.

The film features S. J. Surya, Regina Cassandra and Nandita Swetha in the lead roles. Music composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja and cinematography by Arvind Krishna, Nenjam Marappathillai began production in January 2016.

If Nenjam Marapathillai gets postponed, the last Friday releases Vanamagan and Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan will hold screens for one more weekend.

Also, the delay will also be an advantage for another June 30 release Ivan Thandhiran starring Gautham Karthik.

Rajini in Hollywood

Superstar Rajinikanth starrer 2.0 goes to Hollywood for promotions. The filmmakers plan to taken the film to Dubai, London, and a few South-east Asian country with the helps of a hot hair balloon that features life size portraits of Rajini and Akshay Kumar.

Lyca Productions, the makers of 2.0, revealed that a 100-foot-tall hot air balloon will promote the sci-fi robot drama across the world, making pit stops at San Francisco, London, Dubai, Australia and Los Angeles.

"We plan to take the 100-foot-tall hot-air balloon to as many balloon festivals as possible across the world," Raju Mahalingam, creative head, Lyca Productions, said.

He added: "Since we see our film as a Hollywood production, we also plan to tie up the balloon over the Hollywood signage in Los Angeles."

The production house is also planning to involve celebrities to take a ride in the hot-air balloon.

Raju added, “We hope to involve well-known film stars from across the country to participate in the ride. The balloon will fly in London, Dubai, San Franscisco, South East Asian countries, Europe and Australia.”

Fishermen issue: CM wants strong action from PM

The Tamil Nadu government has expressed concern over the "alarming increase" in number of "attacks" on Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy and sought the centre's intervention for release of 42 of them.

Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the arrest of TN fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy.

He urged the Prime Minister to take up the issue with the highest authorities in the Sri Lankan government and ensure the immediate release of 42 fishermen, including 14 fishermen who were apprehended on Saturday (June 24), and 141 boats in their custody.

He said Sri Lankan navy had scant respect for Indian diplomatic efforts. “The alarming increase in the frequency of abductions by the Sri Lankan Navy is a matter of utmost concern for the government and the people of Tamil Nadu. An immediate intervention at the highest level is sought to resolve this long-standing livelihood issue of our fishermen,” he said.

The frequent incidents have a “demoralising impact” on not just the fishermen but the people of Tamil Nadu, he said.

The CM also noted that the Sri Lankan government had not released any of the fishing boats that were apprehended since January 2015.

Goondas Act against drug peddlers: Chennai police commissioner

Chennai City Police Commissioner A K Viswanathan has warned of punitive action against drug peddlers in the city.

“Police personnel are closely monitoring to prevent sale of narcotic substances near schools and colleges. Strong action has been initiated against those indulging in such criminal acts. If they continue to do so, the Goondas Act will be invoked against them,” Viswanathan said.

He said this after he inaugurated an awareness rally on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illegal Trafficking at the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus, Koyambedu.

He said around 1,90,000 people have so far lost their lives due to drug addiction. Drug abuse could also influence youngsters to indulge in anti-social activities or terrorism.

Over 250 students from Police Boys’ Clubs from Arumbakkam and Koyambedu participated in the programme. The Commissioner also complimented the winners of oratorical and essay competitions on the ill-effects of drugs.

Students addicted to drugs must be rehabilitated to lead a normal life again, he added.

Karthik Subbaraj's Mercury has no dialogues

Known for novel attempts, director Karthik Subbaraj is at it again. His next film, titled Mercury, will not have any dialogue.

Prabhu Deva is playing a negative role in this flick, whose title and first look were unveiled by maverick directors Mani Ratnam and Bharathiraja.

It has been more than a year since Karthik Subbaraj’s Iraivi released, and his next project with Prabhudheva is one of the most anticipated films of this year.

National Award winning cinematographer Thirru has cranked the camera for the film and Santhosh Narayanan is scoring the music.

Karthik is said to have majorly shot in Chennai and Pondicherry with only a few actors and thus, the team is able to complete the film within a short span of time.

Meanwhile, his production vehicle, Stone Bench Creations, is also busy. Stone Bench Creations already has two anthology films—Bench Talkies and Aviyal—to its credit, but this film.

Sathyaraj, Jayaram, Jai in Venkat Prabhu's Party

Venkat Prabhu has titled his next directorial venture as Party and the first look motion picture was released on Friday.

The film is produced by T Siva of Amma Creations to mark the 25th year of the production house. Sathyaraj, Jayaram, Jai, Ramya Krishnan, Regina Cassandra, Sanchita Shetty and Nivetha Pethuraj are there in key roles.

Premgi Amaren will compose the music for the film and he is not likely to act in this flick, which is tipped to be a fun-filled entertainer.

Venkat Prabhu started off with Chennai 600028 with a cast of nearly unknowns and it became the sleeper hit of that year thanks to its setting, the humour and the all-round performance of the cast.

Meanwhile, Venkat Prabhu plays an evil cop in Kalavu, a crime thriller, directed by Murali Karthick, starring Kalaiyarasan and Karunakaran in the lead.

The crew has finished shooting Venkat’s portions in the city recently. Murali says, “When I approached him for the role, he was a bit apprehensive as it was a negative role. But we convinced him.”

In the meantime, Venkat Prabhu is producing a movie titled RK Nagar. The film will be directed by one of his assistants Saravanan Rajan and Badri Kasthuri is joining Venkat Prabhu as one of the producers.

Speaker pardons DMK MLAs, punishment withdrawn

The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Friday spared seven DMK MLAs of action, including a six month suspension, for their alleged unruly behaviour during the Palaniswami government’s trust vote on February 18, following an intervention from Speaker P Dhanapal.

Acknowledging the consideration, Opposition Leader and DMK Working President MK Stalin thanked Dhanapal for recommending that the move be dropped.

DMK members S Ambeth Kumar, KS Masthan, KS Ravichandran, N Suresh Rajan, K Karthikeyan, P Murugan and Ku Ka Selvam faced a six-month suspension following recommendations of the Assembly’s Privilege Committee, which probed incidents in the House on February 18, when a special session was held for Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami to prove his majority.

“It is a generous act on the part of the Speaker to request the cancel the suspension. I expressed apology for the behaviour of the DMK members even on February 18, who knowingly or unknowingly resorted to such activities,” Stalin said.

The report of the committee of privileges, which submitted its report to the Asssembly few days ago, had recommended that the salary and the perks of the seven DMK MLAs should be withheld during their suspension period.

A resolution was moved in this regard by Education Minister K A Sengottaiyan soon after the question hour.

However, Speaker said that all the seven DMK MLAs, who were involved in unruly behavior during the floor test have given their apology letter.

Dhanapal said he was not pressing for the motion. "Before the resolution is put to vote, I, an affected person, in the issue, would like to request the House, like how you all seek my permission to speak... These seven legislators called on me and submitted a letter regretting their action and apologised. They also assured that they would not indulge in such activities in the future," he said, requesting the House to consider his plea to spare the members.

3 AIADMK factions: Divided by leaders, united by support for BJP

The Presidential polls united the faction-ridden AIADMK with the three warring factions of the ruling party unanimously backing NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind.

After Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and former CM O Panneerselvam offered support to Kovind, AIADMK (Amma) faction leader T T V Dhinakaran announced the party's support to NDA's candidate Ram Nath Kovind for presidential elections.

He said that as per the order given by party chief V K Sasikala, who is currently in jail, AIADMK (Amma) faction will support the NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind for the presidential elections due on 17 July.

"All of the AIADMK MLAs (Amma Faction), including the MLAs of Puducherry, will whole heartedly support BJP?s Presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind," Dinakaran announced.

"This just goes to show, that it is finally the BJP that is calling the shots," says political analyst Gnani Sankaran. "All three of the factions want to woo the BJP and in turn are being controlled by the national party," he adds.

Thambidurai sought to maintain that it was a collective decision of the party office bearers, including "EPS and Sasikala" to back the NDA candidate. "There is no split in the party. Only differences of opinion," the AIADMK leader, who met Panneerselvam in New Delhi, said.

ODISHA TURNS 90 DAYS CHALLENGE INTO NATION’S PRIDE ALL SET TO HOST 22ND AAC

With just 90 days given to prepare, the Government of Odisha and the Athletics Federation of India pulled off an incredible story by putting together the 22nd Asian Athletics Championship in record time. In a glittering curtain raiser a special film highlighting the planning, monitoring and supervision of the Asian Athletics Championship was showcased.

The 22nd Asian Athletics Championship is Asia’s biggest athletics event, being hosted by Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha from July 6-9. This is the third time the premier track and field event of the continent is being held in India after New Delhi (1989) and Pune (2013), and is a qualifying event for the IAAF World Athletics Championships to be held in London later this year.

Please find the attached press release and picture for your kind perusal.

Ajith back in Serbia for Vivegam

Key members of the cast and crew of Vivegam will be leaving to Europe again to shoot a crucial sequence between Thala Ajith and the film’s baddie Vivek Oberoi.

Sources said that while shooting for a stunt sequence in Serbia, Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi, who is playing villain in the film, got injured.

It was Ajith, who asked the team to not put too much stress on the actor and told director Siva to give enough time for recovery.

Now that Vivek Oberoi is fine, he is all set to shoot the pivotal action sequence with Ajith in Serbia, added sources.

Vivegam is a spy thriller film co-written and directed by Siva. It features Ajith Kumar, Vivek Oberoi, Kajal Aggarwal and Akshara Haasan.

Produced by Sathyajyothi Films, principal photography of the movie commenced at Slovenia in August 2016 and the flick is scheduled for a worldwide release in 10 August 2017.

A R Rahman to perform in London

A R Rahman is all set to perform in London on July 8. He will be performing in a concert titled Netru Indru Naalai at Wembley London.

The concert is to mark his completion of 25 years in the industry. Singers Haricharan, Jonita Gandhi, Benny Dayal, Neeti Mohan, Ranjith Barot and Javed Ali will be accompanying him in the concert.

Meanwhile, Sridevi’s upcoming film Mom will have five songs, all composed by A. R. Rahman and lyrics are by Irshad Kamil. Recently the makers released O Sona Tere Liye, which has been sung by Rahman himself.

Director Ravi Udyawar says, “Music and the background score play a very important role in this film. I wanted to rely on sound to feel the emotions of my characters, to enhance the pause, to feel the lows along with the highs. With acclaimed music director A R Rahman I'm assured of speaking my scenes through music".

Producer Boney Kapoor says, “What A R Rahman has managed to pull off is nothing short of spectacular. The music of MOM is one of his finest works. It has taken the film to new heights and will move audiences every step of the way.”

In Kollywood, the Oscar-Grammy winning composer is busy with the composition of 2.0 starring Superstar Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar and Amy Jackson and other projects

I am holding discussions on political entry: Rajini

Superstar Rajinikanth on Thursday admitted that he has been discussing his political entry with politicians and well-wishers.

However, the top actor maintained suspense over when he is likely to take the plunge into politics.

"I have not denied it. We are discussing and yet to take a decision. Once I take a decision, I will inform you," the actor told reporters at the Chennai airport, when asked about his meeting with several political leaders.

Asked by reporters when he would announce his entry into politics, the actor replied, "If it so happens, I will answer your questions then."

Last week, Rajinikanth had met a delegation of 16 farmers, led by P Ayyakannu and supported their request to interlink rivers.

The 66-year-old actor told them that their request would be forwarded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and had pledged Rs one crore for the same.

The actor, who met his fans during a five-day interaction in the Chennai in May, said he would meet the next set of fans in September or October

With EPS, OPS supporting Kovind, what will Dinakaran decide?

Close on the heels of chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami announcing that his party AIADMK (Amma) would support the NDA presidential candidate, the rival faction led by former CM O Panneerselvam followed suit and extended support to former Bihar governor, Ram Nath Kovind.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi sealed the pact with EPS, BJP national president Amit Shah is said to have spoken to OPS camp leaders. Palaniswami and Panneerselvam reached New Delhi on Friday.

"Based on the request made by Amit Shah, we had a meeting of our MLAs and MPs. Considering the track record of Kovind, we arrived at the unanimous decision to support him," Panneerselvam told journalists on Thursday.

Both Panneerselvam and Palaniswami are likely to meet Modi and BJP National President Amit Shah in Delhi, it is said.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Su. Tirunavukkarasar has hit out at the AIADMK (Amma) and AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) for extending their support to the BJP’s candidate.

The main opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Pattali Makkal Katchi too slammed the AIADMK teams' decision to support NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind in the upcoming presidential polls.

Meanwhile, TTV Dinakaran supporters went into a huddle at his Adyar residence for a couple of hours before the AIADMK-Amma deputy general secretary left the house. Former ministers, Thoppu ND Venkatachalam, P Palaniappan, V Senthil Balaji, and MLAs, S Mariappan Kennedy (Manamadurai) and R Balasubramani (Ambur) skipped the assembly session and camped at Dhinakaran's house.

Actor and Thiruvadanai MLA Karunas dropped by, calling it a courtesy visit. When prodded, the actor ruled out discussing politics. "It was on Sasikala's recommendation that I got the Thiruvadanai ticket. I will abide by her decision on Presidential polls," he said.

A Hindi Film in The name of a famous porn site.

What's next for SS Rajamouli?

After the stupendous success of Baahubali series, it seems director SS Rajamouli has decided on his next movie.

Rajamouli has requested his dad Vijayendra Prasad to pen an emotionally driven script with strong characters and there should not be any scope for CG works.

Speaking to TV9, the top director said his next drama would not put stress on the visual effects. It is to be noted that he is popular in India for making movies with high-end graphics.

“My next film will not have heavy graphics. This time I have told my father to write a story with full emotions," he said.

"My forte has always been making movies with rich emotional content. So, this time you won’t see any visual effects orientation," he added.

From Bollywood to Tollywood, every big actor is ready to work with him. But Rajamouli has already declared that he will not be making another Baahubali like visual extravaganza this time.

Vijay graduates to Thalapathi from Ilaya Thalapathi

Vijay is no more Ilaya Thalapathi. He will be known as Thalapathi henceforth, as suggested by the first look posters of his upcoming film Mersal.

The title was unveiled on Wednesday (21 June) on the eve of actor Ilayathalapathy Vijay's birthday at 6 pm.

Directed by Atlee, Mersal is Vijay's 61st film and the 100th film of Thenandal Films. Touted to be a mega-budget action entertainer, the film is being simultaneously made in both Tamil and Telugu.

Vijay looks very handsome and the first look poster has a mass feel to it and unlike Atlee's last hit Theri, here the hero does not have the urban look

The film will have AR Rahman’s music, which will be launched in August. Planned as a grand Deepavali spectacle, the film will see Vijay in three roles, one of which is that of a doctor.

Vijay plays a triple role in the film, which is bankrolled by Sri Thenandal Studios. The three roles feature him as a panchayat head, a doctor and a magician.

More air connectivity by September, says Ashok Gajapathi Raju

Union Civil Aviation minister P Ashok Gajapathi Raju has said that the government expects to connect 33 destinations on 128 routes by five airline operators under the UDAN scheme by September.

With the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), also called UDAN or “Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik”, the government aims to connect 45 unserved and under-served airports and make flying affordable by capping fares at Rs2,500 per seat/hour.

Noting that Salem airport in Tamil Nadu is inoperative, the minister said it is for the state government and airline operators to decide on providing regional connectivity.

Raju on Wednesday said additional flights to bring Indians in Qatar back to the country will be flown from Thursday.

“All steps necessary for timely movement of our citizens from Doha will be ensured,” Raju said on Twitter.

The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain had closed their skies to Qatar Airways flights and their national airlines also stopped flying to Qatar.

Many Indian expatriates depend on connection flights through other Gulf States for their journey during summer, Eid holiday as direct airlines are often expensive during the seasons.

EPS camp says it will support BJP candidate in Prez polls

The ruling AIADMK (Amma) will support the NDA's presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind, Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K Palaniswami said on Wednesday.

Palaniswami made his announcement a day after All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (Amma) leader TTK Dinakaran met his aunt and party supremo VK Sasikala in a Bengaluru jail.
Dinakaran had claimed the AIADMK needed the jailed party leader’s approval for any presidential candidate they supported.

A brief statement issued by the party after a “consultation” meeting held at the party headquarters, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called Palaniswami over phone and sought the AIADMK (Amma)’s support for Kovind’s candidature.

The party considered this at a consultative meeting and decided to extend support to him, the release said.

The President of India is chosen by an electoral college, which comprises elected MPs and MLAs of all states and Union Territories.

Earlier in the day, Palaniswami hosted an Ifthar on behalf of the party in Chennai. Many MLAs who had expressed loyalties with Dinakaran had boycotted it.

7 Days shoot in a war zone on the largest Dam in Georgia

First stop in Georgia for Garuda Vega team was Enguri Dam. Its the largest Hydroelectric Dam in the country of Georgia which serves electricity and drinking water to 3/4th of the country. It is also the 6th largest in the world with a height of 271.5 meters (891 ft). It’s located in the western part of Georgia in a conflict zone with Abkhazia. Occasional shell firing was heard during the 7 day shoot reports team members. There was a constant movement of both Georgian and Abkhazian troops on either side of the river and the team was shooting an action sequence involving parachutes, military planes, trucks, M-16 Machine guns and heavy blasts. There was a constant fear of what if a war breaks out, but the Georgian troops and Dam officials were very cooperative and assertive of the situation. The Chief in charge of the dam, John Chania has given us unprecedented access to the nook and corner of the dam to shoot.

Weather was another issue in this mountainous terrain. At 4 degrees, cold winds were blowing up to 30miles/hr and drones wouldn’t fly to capture the majestic location in full capacity. Men on parachutes weren’t able to control their landing. Winds would suddenly change directions. Any inexperienced stunt man would end up crashing in to the mountains. But film making is all about taming these situations and capturing what is required.

Vivegam Press Release

Surviva !!!
Not everyday a song becomes a rage and talk of the town. " Surviva" from Vivegam, Yogi b 's first time collaboration with Anirudh , had turned out to be a massive hit and topping the charbusters. Talking about this, the famous rapper says " I am lucky and happy that 'surviva' happened. Being a fan of ajith sir and Anirudh's music, this collaboration is a phenomenal milestone in my music career. We have introduced a genre called EDM hip-hop for this single. It will be new and fresh for tamil music lovers. I would like to immensely thank Anirudh for bringing me on board and giving me this wonderful oppurtunity to work with Ajith sir, director Siva and Satya jyothi films. With his music, my style of tamil-English lyrics and rap with ajith's sir's swag and irreplacable screen presence , I am sure this song is going to be massive. Excited to watch it in theatres on the first day !!! "

“Paranjothi to Paraman” Actor Soundararaja is very happy!

Sivakarthikeyan to do it for Vijay Sethupathi

Sivakarthikeyan, who shares a good rapport with Vijay Sethupathi, will unveil the trailer of the latter's upcoming film Vikram Vedha on June 22.

Starring Vijay Sethupathi and Madhavan in lead roles, Vikram Vedha, tipped to be a crime thriller, is directed by Pushkar Gayathri duo.

About the trailer launch, Y Not Studios, producers of Vikram Vedha posted on Twitter: "Mark the date and time. 22nd June 5PM. Our very own @Siva_Kartikeyan is going to release #VikramVedha trailer @ActorMadhavan #VJSethupathi".

The story is said to be loosely based on Vikramaditya-Vedala tale. The film also has an ensemble of actors including Varalakshmi Sarathkumar, Kathir and Shraddha Srinath.

Produced by Sashikanth, the team began pre-production works in 2014 and the film began production in November 2016.

Telling the tale of an encounter cop and his pursuit of a gangster, Vijay Sethupathi agreed to feature as the gangster in the project.

The directors revealed that the story for the film was inspired by the Vikramathithan Vedhalam folk tale, with the characterisation of both roles derived from that plot.

Kajal talks about Ajith, Vijay

Kajal Aggarwal, who is working in Ajith's upcoming film Vivegam, is also one among the three heroines of Vijay-61, being directed by Atlee.

During an interactive chat session with her fans on Twitter, a fan asked the actress to divulge details on her character in 'Thalapathy-61'.

Replying to this, Kajal, who had already worked with Vijay in Thupakki and Jilla, said: “Cannot disclose it now but I promise it would be different”.

Asked about her character in Vivegam, Kajal said: “I am playing character's friend and I play a girl who exemplified strength and a lot of character. it was a pleasure working with the team”.

On Ajith, she said, "Ajith as one of the best human beings". And on Vijay, she said Vijay is an extremely sweet co-star and a fabulous actor.

Meanwhile, while the Suriva song from Vivegam was released on Tuesday, the title and first look of Vijay's movie will be unveiled this evening, on the eve of his birthday.

Dinakaran, Thambidurai meet Sasikala in prison

Jailed AIADMK General Secretary Sasikala will take a decision on how the party will vote in the presidential election, party Deputy General Secretary T.T.V. Dinakaran has said.

Dinakaran, along with Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M. Thambi Durai, visited Sasikala at the Parappana Agrahara prison in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

They arrived at the Central prison around 2.30 p.m., and spoke to Sasikala at length.

Dinakaran on Tuesday said there was “no basis” in the reports of him developing a soft corner for former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam as opposed to Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami.

Both the factions of AIADMK are widely expected to vote with the BJP for the NDA government. Both Dinakaran and Sasikala, who is the party General Secretary, are said to have been kept out of the affairs of the party in the wake of the split after the revolt by former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam.

Thambi Durai said that all was well in the party, and that the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) was “playing games”. “Nobody can divide the party and we are carrying on Amma’s legacy,” he said.

Justice Karnan arrested in Coimbatore

Justice (retired) C S Karnan, who had been absconding since May 9, was arrested by the West Bengal police with the assistance of the Tamil Nadu police from an apartment near Coimbatore around 7.30 pm on Tuesday evening.

He was set to be flown to Chennai on Tuesday night itself, brought to Kolkata today and sent to Presidency jail.

Asked if Justice (retired) Karnan would first be produced in court in Kolkata, an officer of the Criminal Investigation Department of West Bengal Police, which conducted the arrest, said, no question. "The Supreme Court has already ordered a jail term of six months for him," the officer said.

Sixty-two-year-old Karnan, who retired on June 12, had been evading arrest ever since the May 9 Supreme Court order — the first of its kind against a serving high court judge.

“We have arrested former high court judge Karnan from south India,” a senior officer of the CID said in Kolkata. Three police teams from Kolkata were camping here for the last three days and traced Karnan on the basis of his mobile phone calls.

According to the officials, Karnan, who had been staying there for the last few days, resisted the arrest and argued with the police. However, he was taken into custody, they said.

Hyderabad to host World Divine Congress, Prez & spiritual leaders to attend

President of India Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the global strategic alliance (GSA) World Divine Congress in Hyderabad on June 23.

The 'GSA - World Divine Congress', organised by 'NRI Seva Foundation', would see the participation of Telangana-Andhra Pradesh governor ESL Narasimhan, Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Kanchi Sankaracharya Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal, Sri Sri Ravishankar, Dada J P Vaswani, Jatthedar Gurbachan Singh, Gyalwang Drupika Rinpoche, Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyas and Archbishop Oswald Gracias.

The venue is Shilpakala Vedika Auditorium, Hi Tech City, Hyderabad. There will be a live concert by Karthik.

Meanwhile, Telangana Chief Secretary S.P. Singh, who held a meeting with senior officials of different departments on Monday directed them to make necessary arrangements for the President’s visit.

Mukherjee would arrive at Begumpet airport at 12 am and attend the event from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm. He would leave for Delhi after the event, a Telangana government release said.

7 songs in Ajith's Vivegam

It's going to be a musical treat for the fans of Ajith, for his upcoming film Vivegam will have seven songs composed by Anirudh Ravichander.

Already, the Surviva promo track from Vivegam has become a fan anthem for Thala Ajith’s fans, who were eagerly waiting for the full version, which was out on Monday (June 19).

Sources say that there will not be any grand audio launch function and audio CDs of Vivegam will straightly hit the stores in the month of July.

Meanwhile, quite excited about the response to the peppy Surviva number, Yogi B says that he wrote the rap lyrics based on the concept of 'Surviva' which Anirudh had given him.

"As Thala is a true survivor in this industry, I felt this song will be very apt for the script and as well as for him," he says.

Vivegam is a spy thriller film co-written and directed by Siva. It features Ajith Kumar, Vivek Oberoi, Kajal Aggarwal and Akshara Haasan.

Principal photography of the film commenced at Slovenia in August 2016 and the movie is scheduled for a worldwide release in 10 August 2017.

Rajini will sure enter politics, says Arjun Sampath after meeting Superstar

Superstar Rajinikanth on Monday hosted Arjun Sampath, founder of right wing outfit Hindu Makkal Katchi, at his residence in Chennai.

"His (Rajinikanth) response was good, he says he wants to do something for Tamil Nadu and country. He will consider joining politics," said Arjun.

After an hour-long meeting with the megastar at his Poes Garden residence, Sampath stated the actor will free Tamil Nadu from "the clutches of Dravidian rule".

The HMK leader urged Rajini to enter politics to which he responded he is preparing for the same.

"We are all backing Rajinikanth. We appeal that he should come into politics and give good things to the state of Tamil Nadu," Sampath added.

He said that the "Kabali" star is well aware that the "system is corrupt".

"We urged him to be the flag bearer of alternative politics. When we insisted him to join politics, he said he is in preparation for the same. He said he would feel guilty if he doesn't do anything for the people of Tamil Nadu," said Sampath.

TN Assembly passes GST Bill

The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Monday adopted the GST bill amid a walkout by the opposition DMK, which wanted it to be referred to a select committee and taken up later for discussion.

The Tamil Nadu Goods and Services Tax Bill 2017 was later passed by a voice vote in the absence of the DMK, even as its allies Congress and IUML stayed back.

Leader of Opposition MK Stalin, while expressing his concerns, urged the government to forward the Bill to the consideration of a select committee for a detailed study. The enactment may be put off to a later date, he felt.

Opposition members including the Congress felt that the law will adversely impact small traders as the systems and procedures are complicated and the trade is not geared for compliance. The law provides for stringent penalties including imprisonment for non-compliance.

State finance minister D Jayakumar assured traders and general public that enough safeguards had been taken to protect them from the effect of the new tax regime.

He also claimed that the Centre had made several changes in the GST Amendment Bill, as "suggested by former chief minister J Jayalalithaa." They changed included non-inclusion of alcohol and petrol and petroleum products in the purview of the GST, he claimed.

Take action on Stalin's complaint, governor tells speaker, CS

Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao asked the Speaker and the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu to take “appropriate action” on the complaint lodged by opposition leader and DMK working president MK Stalin over the alleged horse trading indulged in by the AIADMK ahead of the February trust vote in the Assembly.

The governor’s action comes two days after the DMK-led opposition knocked on the doors of Raj Bhavan with a plea for a fresh vote of confidence, besides a probe by the CBI and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) or the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to “unearth the money trail and offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act”.

Stalin, accompanied by leaders of DMK’s alliance partners, Congress and IUML, called on the Governor on Friday to hand over the CD containing visuals of AIADMK legislators SS Saravanan and R Kanagaraj, now in the rebel and ruling factions of the party respectively, speaking about the money and gold promised ahead of the confidence vote that Chief Minister Palaniswami had won.

The DMK memorandum and the CD were also referred to Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan, a Raj Bhavan statement said.

“As per the direction of the Governor, a copy of the memorandum and the CD were referred to the Speaker (P Dhanapal) and the Chief Secretary (Girija Vaidyanathan) for appropriate action,” said the statement from the Raj Bhavan on Monday.

The development comes against the backdrop of the speaker today ruling that the CD submitted by the DMK, alleging horse-trading involving certain AIADMK MLAs, only contained footage aired by a TV channel and thus, could not be regarded as evidence.

BJP names Ramnath Kovind as Prez candidate

The Bharatiya Janata Party today proposed the name of Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind as the NDA candidate for the upcoming Presidential election.

The final decision on the presidential's nominee was taken today at the BJP Parliamentary Board meeting, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah, including Union Ministers Sushma Swaraj, Rajnath Singh, Ananth Kumar, M Venkaiah Naidu and several top leaders.

A lawyer by profession, a Hindutva ideologue by thinking, a dedicated BJP worker by political affiliation and a Dalit leader by caste - Ramnath Kovind is the NDA's consensus candidate for the post of India's President

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Kovind will make an “exceptional President” and his legal background will “benefit the nation”.

In a series of tweets, Modi said: “Shri Ram Nath Kovind, a farmer’s son, comes from a humble background. He devoted his life to public service & worked for poor & marginalised. With his illustrious background in the legal arena, Shri Kovind’s knowledge and understanding of the Constitution will benefit the nation. I am sure Shri Ram Nath Kovind will make an exceptional President & continue to be a strong voice for the poor, downtrodden & marginalised,”

Vikram, Gautham Menon off to Slovenia

Key members of the cast and crew of Slovenia, a film starring Vikram in the lead and directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, will soon be leaving for Slovenia.

Sources say that Vikram is currently busy with the last leg of shooting of his commercial potboiler Sketch and he is expected to complete the entire shoot by next week.

After that, he will be leaving to Slovenia by the third week of June to kick start the new schedule of Dhruva Natchathiram, which is tipped to be an action thriller.

Dhruva Natchathiram is produced, written and directed by Gautham Menon. Featuring Vikram in the lead role, the film began production in January 2017.

Following the release of Yennai Arindhaal (2015), Gautham Menon revived Dhruva Natchathiram and revealed he was working on the script by March 2015. Vikram was subsequently signed for the lead role.

The film began production with only Vikram and Anu Emmanuel as confirmed members of the cast in January 2017. In early February 2017, Anu Emmanuel opted out of the film citing scheduling issues following Vikram's decision to alter his schedule, so that he could simultaneously shoot for a film directed by Vijay Chander.

Gautham Menon signed on actress Ritu Varma to replace her, after being impressed by Varma's performance in the Telugu film Pelli Choopulu. The team also signed R Parthiepan to act in the film.

Rajini meets farmers, assures Rs 1 crore

Stalin in a hurry to become chief minister: Tamilisai

Senior AIADMK (Amma) leader and Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai on Sunday met Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao in Chennai, a day after opposition parties sought dismissal of the K Palaniswami government over alleged horse-trading of ruling party MLAs.

Speaking to reporters, Thambidurai said the government will complete its full term and that no one can topple it.

His assertion comes a day after DMK working president M. K. Stalin called on Vidyasagar Rao and sought the dissolution of the Assembly and CBI probe into the allegations of horse trading.

Denying need for enquiry into the alleged cash for trust vote expose, the Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker, said, "Nowehere in the country, MLAs were bribed to support any party".

"There is no need for CBI enquiry as demanded by DMK working president M K Stalin as MLA Saravanan himself has denied the charges", he said.

He said voting against the party would make the party whip strip the legislators of their Assembly membership and hence there was no scope for a bargain.

“When that is the case, giving money to MLAs can never happen,” he said.

Meanwhile, BJP state unit president Tamilisai Soundararajan said on Sunday, "on seeing brother Stalin's sudden enthusiasm after the videos were aired, I suspect the DMK's hand behind the sting operation."

She said that Stalin is in a hurry to become the chief minister of Tamil Nadu and that is why he is raising the issue in a big way, by meeting the governor and seeking the dismissal of government.

EC orders FIR against Edappadi, Dinakaran over RK Nagar bypoll bribery

The Election Commission of India has directed an FIR to be registered against Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, health minister C Vijayabaskar, AIADMK (Amma) deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran and others in connection to the R K Nagar bypoll bribery case.

The EC's decision came in response to an RTI query demanding probe into alleged incident of "distributing money to voters" in R K Nagar ahead of bypolls on April 12.

A Chennai-based advocate M P Vairakkannan had filed the application under the Right to Information Act asking the ECI what action it proposed to take against Dhinakaran, Palaniswami, Vijayabaskar, School Education Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan, Municipal Administration Minister S.P. Velumani, Cooperation Minister Sellur K. Raju and Electricity Minister P. Thangamani for alleged election misconduct of distributing money to voters.

To this, the ECI responded on May 25, saying “The Commission has directed that an FIR may be filed by the Returning Officer, in the instant case vide Commission’s letter dated April 18, 2017.”

Meanwhile, opposition leaders in Tamil Nadu, including Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam working president M K Stalin have welcomed the Election Commission's direction to file FIR against chief minister and others.

Stalin on Sunday flayed the "delay in filing an EC-recommended" criminal case against Palaniswami and other Ministers and warned that his party will approach the High Court if this was not done.

Sastha Thirukalyanam - Live

YMCA, Madras Founders Day celebrations

YMCA MADRAS celebrated its Founders day and Membership Campaign Award night 2017 on Tuesday, the 6th June 2017 at Y.M.C.A International Youth Centre, Vepery.   The meeting commenced with prayer by Mr.Isaiah Kumar,Board Member, YMCA Madras. Dr.Vincent George, President, YMCA Madras, welcomed the gathering and Chief Guests for the day. Dr.C.Sylendra Babu,IPS, Addl. Director General of Police Coastal Security Group was the Chief Guest and distributed the prizes.  The Most Rt. Rev.Dr.M.Ezra Sargunam, Father Bishop, ECI, and  Membership Campaign Commissioner honoured the Campaigners.  Sir George Williams Life Time Achievement Award was presented to Mr.P.H.Pandian,  Mr.Jesubakthan & Mr.B.Nagendra Babu.  David McConnaughy Award was presented to Mr.Ivan Sunil Daniel  recognized as Best Secretary. Samuel Thangiah Award was presented to Mr.N.Santhosh Kumar recognized as Best Staff.  Dr.S.Radhakrishnan Award was awarded to Mrs.S.Bavani being recognized as Best Teacher.  Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam Award was presented to Master S.Selvapandi  and Selvi.V.Vidhya being recognized as Best Student. Best performance awards were presented to Secretaries. The meeting came to an end with closing prayer by Mr.Ravikumar David.

Simran with Sivakarthikeyan

Yesteryear top heroine Simran is on comeback mode. She will be playing a key role in Sivakarthikeyan's next movie, which is to be directed by Ponram of Rajini Murugan fame.

"I am really excited to be working with this cast. It has big names like Siva and Samantha," says Simran, who attended the movie's pooja in Chennai on Friday.

Giving more details adds: "I play a powerful role and will be seen throughout the film. I am looking forward to shooting with director Ponram and Sivakarthikeyan."

Ponram and Siva Karthikeyan first teamed up for Varuthapadatha Vaalibar Sangam, which hit the marquee in 2013. The film turned out to be a massive hit and the duo topped it up with Rajini Murugan in 2015.

D Imman, who had previously worked on both the projects with Ponram and Siva, will reunite with them in this film.

In the meantime, Sivakarthikeyan is expected to wrap up Velaikkaran with Thani Oruvan director Mohan Raja. Nayanthara is the movie's heroine, while Sneha is playing a key role.

Kasthuri meets Rajini, discusses politics

Actress Kasthuri recently bashed Superstar Rajinikanth when he said he might enter politics. And now, she has changed her stand and has expressed hope.

On her birthday on Friday (June 16), she met Rajini and discussed politics.

"BEST B'DAY SURPRISE- Face2FAce with #superstar #Rajinikanth . Thank you so much for your wishes and complements," she posted on Twitter.

She added: "Had the opportunity to discuss and understand his political views and plans. Feeling Hopeful."

Earlier, Kasturi had a lot of reservations regarding Rajini’s political entry. “Can someone who cannot for decades make up their own mind be a decisive leader?” she said.

During his fans meet recently, the 'thalaivar' said, "I will call you when there is war. You come then, Men used to take a call whenever there was a war in olden days."

TN strongly opposes AP's move to construct check dam

The Tamil Nadu government has urged Andhra Pradesh to stop construction activities of check dams across Kosasthalai river.

In his letter to the AP CM N Chandrababu Naidu, a copy of which was released to the media, TN chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said, "I wish to bring to your urgent notice an important issue relating to the action of the irrigation department of the government of Andhra Pradesh by commencing construction of a check dam across the river Kusa at Nelavayl Village, Karvet Nagar Mandal, Chittoor district, which is a sub-tributary of the inter-state river Kosasthalaiyar."

Palaniswami said the Irrigation Department of Andhra Pradesh has commenced construction of a check dam across river Kusa at Nelavayl village in Chittoor District there. Kusa was a sub-tributary of inter-state Kosasthalaiyar river, he said.

"This unilateral action of the authorities in Andhra Pradesh has caused great alarm and apprehension amongst the farmers in Tamil Nadu. The Kusa river, a sub-tributary of Kosasthaliyar river, supports an ayacut of about 354.32 acres fed by the Veligaram tank (Thiruvallore district) in Tamil Nadu. Any intervention of the flow to this tank is of great concern to the farmers who depend on the waters of this tank," he said.

"The government of Andhra Pradesh should have consulted and obtained prior consent of the lower riparian state of Tamil Nadu before commencing any new work across the river Kusa, or in any stream/channel taking off from it. This action of the authorities in Andhra Pradesh will affect the natural flow in the stream or channel taking off from it and would obstruct the flow to the Veligaram tank in Tamil Nadu," he said.

Palaniswami added: "In these circumstances, the government of Tamil Nadu lodges its strong protest against the action of the government of Andhra Pradesh in having unilaterally commenced the work for the construction of a check dam."

CM Palaniswami explains why he frequently meets PM Modi

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami has said he was having 'frequent' meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apprise him of issues faced by the state and seek assistance.

He said this in response to a DMK MLA making a mention of the 'frequent meetings' between the two leaders of late.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu government on Friday proposed to set up 10 "Amma petrol bunks" in different parts of the state.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister R Kamaraj informed the state Assembly that the government said it would join hands with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for this scheme.

Meanwhile in the Assembly, Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar said none could forget 'instances of firing' on the fishermen during the previous regimes of the party.

Responding to the special call attention motion by DMK's K P P Samy and J G Prince of (Congress) who referred to impounding of the fishermen's boats by the island nation, he said all the 135 boats and 11 fishermen in Lankan custody will be brought back home.

Revealed: A character called Shivaji Rao Gaekwad in Kaala

Many of us know that the real name of Superstar Rajinikanth is Shivaji Rao Gaekwad. And in his upcoming film Kaala, there is a character in this name.

Guess who is playing it? It is Aravind Aakash who is well-known for his roles in Venkat Prabhu's Mankatha, Chennai-28 and its sequel.

Remember Pa Ranjith, the director of Kabali, is a former associate of Venkat Prabhu, and hence, shares a good rapport with Aravind Aakash.

Talking about his role, the actor says, "I play the role of a Marathi policeman in the movie. And the best part is that the name of my character in the movie is Shivaji Rao Gaekwad."
He added: "There cannot be a bigger irony than this. I have started shooting for the role, but haven't been able to meet Thalaivar still. After all, it takes time to meet God himself."

Recently, social media was buzzing with reports that Mammootty has been signed on to play B.R. Ambedkar-like role in the film. Also, it is said that if all goes well, the film’s producer Dhanush will be playing the younger version of Rajini.

Jai's special birthday message to Anjali

Today (June 16) is the birthday of Anjali, and Jai, who is rumoured to be in a relationship with the actress, has penned a touching greeting message.

"May your big day be as special as you are to me, on your special day, I'd like to let you know that you make every single day of my life really special just by being yourself!!," he said.

The Engeyum Eppodhum and Subramaniapuram actor further said: "God and me always be with you!! Happy birthday Anju !!! Love Jai."

At present, both are acting together in a film titled Balloon. During Jai's birthday on April, the team members of Balloon and Anjali had a surprise for him.

They arranged for a special cake, which was brought in by an helicam. Jai was surprised and was overwhelmed by the novel arrangement.

Key members of the team, including Anjali, fed him cake pieces and he was on cloud nine.

More teachers, Yoga, better infra: TN school education gets a big boost

Tamil Nadu school education minister K A Sengottaiyan has said that yoga will be made compulsory in all schools in the state.

He said announcement on changes in syllabus would be made in a week. Replying to debate on the demand for grants for his department in the State Assembly, he said 'Modern School' awards would be given to best performing schools in all parameters from this year.

He announced setting up of a "Dream Teacher" award to promote teachers for various tasks including use of computers for teaching students.

Sengottaiyan said six teachers in each of the 32 districts in the state will be selected under this programme.

"The government is holding discussions with yoga experts, as students do not only need education, but extra-curricular activities like yoga as well," the minister had earlier said. His statement comes just days ahead of the International Yoga Day which is on 21 June.

Apart from announcing opening of 30 new primary schools inhilly and rural areas where the population ratio was higher, he said 4,084 teachers posts, which were lying vacant, would be filled up during this academic year. Also, schools would be provided with better infrastructure.

TTV supporters meet CM with a set of demands

Legislators loyal to AIADMK (Amma) deputy general secretary T T V Dinakaran on Thursday met Chief Minister K Palaniswami amid speculation that they took up the matter of "leadership issue" in the party.

Their mission was to convince him of the significance of "allowing" Dinakaran to function as party deputy general secretary.

The core demand of the legislators was to get Sasikala's nephew reinstated in the party headquarters in Royapettah.

Sources said the loyalists were closeted with the chief minister for about 30 minutes, during which the stress was on Dhinakaran returning to the helm of party affairs.

They also put forth demands, including that the upcoming MGR centenary celebration, which the party aims to make a milestone event should be held under Dhinakaran’s chairmanship and that he should be given importance during the annual Iftar party.

In short, the TTV team wanted the CM to rescind the banishment on TTV, announced by his senior ministers on April 18, and acknowledge him as the party’s supreme leader as a full-fledged deputy general secretary.

Sting operation: Moon TV head gets death threat, police security provided

Moon TV’s Shanawaz Hussain, the one behind the sting operation that claimed huge money was paid to MLAs ahead of trust vote, has received death threats.

Following this, police security has been provided to him. It is to be noted that the sting operation aired by Times Now and Moon TV echoed in the Assembly on Wednesday, resulting in the en masse eviction of DMK MLAs.

Madurai South MLA SS Saravanan, who had defected to the rebel faction, admits on spy camera that Sasikala camp talked about giving MLAs anything between Rs 2 crores to 6 crores. But, he also made a revelation that not just Sasikala, former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam’s team was also willing to pay money for MLAs to switch sides.

The opposition DMK members in Tamil Nadu Assembly were on Wednesday evicted en masse amid noisy scenes when they insisted on raising the issue of alleged horse-trading of AIADMK MLAs despite being denied permission.

Saravanan had also named three MLAs in the sting, where he had said: “Only 3 MLA’s have received highest amount – Thani Arasu, Karunas and Tamimun Ansari. They got Rs 10 crores. For others, they have not even received 1 crores.”

All the three have denied his allegations. On February 18, Palaniswami had won the trust vote 122-11 in the 234-member Assembly aided by the eviction of main opposition DMK and walkout by its allies, amid stormy scenes during which mikes were uprooted, chairs toppled and sheets of papers torn.

Rahman to wear 3D glasses for 2.0 re-recording

A R Rahman and his team members are set to start re-recording for Superstar Rajinikanth's 2.0

According to sources, they will start the work this week and will wear 3D glasses while doing so, since the film has been shot in 3D.

2.0 is a science fiction film written and directed by S Shankar, co-written by B Jeyamohan and produced by Subaskaran Allirajah, founder of Lyca Productions.

A sequel to the 2010 Tamil film Enthiran, the film will feature Rajinikanth reprising the roles of Dr Vaseegaran and Chitti, alongside Akshay Kumar and Amy Jackson.

The film will be released simultaneously in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. With an estimated budget of ₹450 crore (₹4.5 billion), it is the most expensive Indian film ever made. The film is expected to be released worldwide on 25 January 2018.

Ponnambalam joins BJP

Ponnambalam, who had played the role of antagonist in numerous films including ones starred by Rajinikanth, joined the BJP on Wednesday.

Following actors Visu, Gayahtri Raghuram and Gangai Amaren, today actor Ponnambalam has officially enrolled himself as a BJP member in front of Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan who is also the lone BJP Lok Sabha MP from Tamil Nadu.

Speaking to reporters later, Ponnambalam said the BJP is the only party which could deliver good governance and mitigate the sufferings of the people.

“No other party is really concerned about the welfare of people. Hence, I decided to join the Bharatiya Janata Party,” he said and added that he would play a key role in taking the BJP’s policies and the Central government’s initiatives to the people.

Ponnambalam has acted in over 1000 films in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hind languages.

He is noted for his performance in villain in the blockbusters of the 1990s especially the films such as Nattamai, Muthu, Indian, Arunachalam, Thulladha Manamum Thullum and Mughavaree.

He was formerly a member of AIADMK and has campaigned for the Tamil Nadu's present ruling party in elections.

Fishermen back to sea as fishing ban ends, sea food prices to come down

In a good news to sea food lovers who are affected by its skyrokceting prices, the 61-days ban on fishing has ended and fishermen have ventured into sea today.

Having completed overhauling works, the mechanised boats are ready to set sail on Wednesday itself. Arrival of huge tonnes of icebars, drinking water cans and other essential commodities for cooking food on board obviously indicated sailing in the early hours of Thursday.

The ban was imposed from April 15 to June 14. A fishermen said that they are hoping for good catch as they are entering into the sea after a ban period of two months.

M. Dharmapitchai, president, Thoothukudi Mechanised Fishing Boat Fishermen Labourers Association, said that against the normal fishing season, the usage of ice bars would be more now.

Since all the boats remained moored in this hot summer season during the ban, more ice bars were required to keep the fishholds cold.

As per the ban, fishing using boats with engines with 10 HP capacity and above was prohibited. The order was put in place by the state fisheries department, in a bid to facilitate breeding of fish and conservation of stock in marine ecology.

Shruti's special screening for Kamal

Shruti Haasan seems to be not worried about not being part of Sangamithra, which is tipped to be India's costliest ever film.

For, the actress has held a special screening of her Hindi movie Behen Hogi Teri to her father Kamal Haasan and close friends in Chennai.

"I was glad to show the film to dad and my close friends back home in Chennai," she said in a statement.

"My dad has always been my biggest critic and he's always given me the best advise with life and with my craft as an actor," she said.

"I am happy everyone enjoyed the film and my performance," the actress-singer-music composer said.

Behen Hogi Teri (She Must Be Your Sister) is a romantic comedy film starring Rajkummar Rao and Shruti Haasan. It is directed by Ajay K Pannalal and produced by Tony D'souza,
Amul Vikas Mohan and Nitin Upadhyaya.

Ajith's Vivegam audio is with them

he audio rights of Ajith's Vivegam have been acquired by Sony Music for a big price tag.

Sony Music Managing Director Shridhar Subramaniam has said that Vivegam marks his company's sixth association with Ajith.

Shridhar Subramaniam further expressed hope that the film goes out and break all sorts of music records.

Vivegam is a spy thriller film co-written and directed by Siva. It features Ajith Kumar, Vivek Oberoi, Kajal Aggarwal and Akshara Haasan. Music is by Anirudh.

The film is produced by Sathya Jyothi Films. Principal photography of the film commenced at Slovenia in August 2016 and the movie is scheduled for a worldwide release in 10 August 2017.

The Vivegam teaser was released by the film's makers on May 11 at 12 a.m and it shows Ajith Kumar running about, fleshing muscles, dodging bullets and shooting bullets.

Vivegam teaser has become the fastest movie teaser to reach 5 million views inside 12 hours.

GST Bill tabled in TN Assembly

The Tamil Nadu Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill was introduced in the state Assembly today, by commercial taxes minister K C Veeramani.

The bill was tabled by the minister, amid protest by DMK MLAs who urged the speaker P Dhanapal to allow them to talk about 'MLAs for cash' issue.

Recently, Tamil Nadu finance minister D Jayakumar has said during his address at the GST council meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Delhi, that the GST Bill will be tabled in Assembly in the session that started today.

Pointing out that the State government was committed to rolling out the GST, he raised several demands, including keeping tax on entertainment sector at 12 per cent. “There are already local taxes imposed on that sector, so if the GST comes in, that will be like double taxation,” he said.

Addressing the 16th meeting of the GST Council, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced maintaining of 28 percent tax on all cinema tickets above Rs. 100, while of those below Rs. 100 to be reduced to 18 percent.

While fixing the GST on cashew nuts, the minister said that the rates have been reduced from 12 percent to five percent.

Ruckus in TN Assembly, DMK legislators evicted over 'MLAs for sale' issue

Pandemonium prevailed in Tamil Nadu Assembly today and DMK MLAs were evicted en masse after they raised the 'MLAs for cash' issue.

DMK working president M K Stalin, who is the leader of opposition in TN Assembly, spoke about a sting investigation carried out by Times Now and Moon TV that exposed that "AIADMK legislators were paid bribes by party general secretary V K Sasikala, in return for supporting Palaniswami during the trust vote held on February 18".

But the speaker Dhanapal refused permission saying the issue is in court. However, DMK MLAs raised slogans and demanded discussion.

Since they did not pay heed to repeated requests from the speaker, he warned them. Later, he ordered their en masse eviction from the Assembly.

Madurai South MLA SS Saravanan, who had defected to the rebel faction, admitted on spy camera that Sasikala camp talked about giving MLAs anything between Rs 2 crores to 6 crores.

But, he also made a revelation that not just Sasikala, former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam’s team was also willing to pay money for MLAs to switch sides.

'Start camera' for Vijay Sethupathi, Trisha

Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha's next film titled 96 went on floors today. The project began with a pooja ceremony in Chennai, following which the shoot commenced.

Vijay Sethupathi plays a wildlife photographer in 96 and he will be sporting a new look for the film, according to sources.

Mollywood composer Govind Menon of 100 Days of Love fame takes care the songs and background score of 96, which is being bankrolled by Nanthagopal of Madras Enterprises.

The film marks the directorial debut of Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kanom cinematographer Premkumar, who is also a longtime friend of Vijay Sethupathi.

96 is touted to be a film set in the 90s. Meanwhile, Vijay Sethupathi's crime thriller Vikram Vedha co-starring R Madhavan, is in the post-production stage, and he is already shooting for three different projects.

Why Varalakshmi Sarathkumar met CM?

Actress Varalakshmi Sarathkumar on Monday called on Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and urged him to take stern action on those involved in crimes against women.

Speaking to reporters, she said, "We requested the honorable to form Mahila Court in every district and ensure a proper verdict should be announced within six months."

She later posted on Twitter: "“Met the Honourable CM n handed over #SaveShakti petition.He has promised to look into the matter immediately n do the needful #WomensRights".

During her meeting with CM, the actress handed over the Save Sakthi petition signed by more than 60,000 people and urged the Chief Minister to take swift action women harassment cases.

Daughter of actor-politician R Sarathkumar, Varalaxmi recently started ‘Save Shakti’ campaign for women. Before doing so, she alleged that she faced harassment from a top official of a TV channel.

"If it is happening to someone like me who is not an outsider, there may be many more women who are keeping quiet out of fear of losing work or being boycotted," she said.

Stalin demands dismissal of govt, to raise issue in Assembly

DMK working president M K Stalin has demanded the dismissal of the AIADMK government, after a sting operation by Times Now and Moon TV revealed that Sasikala’s camp offered money and gold to MLAs before the trust vote in February.

It has emerged that the Sasikala camp were willing to pay as high as Rs 6 crore per MLA in exchange for their vote. The Sasikala camp even offered to pay the bribe in gold after it became difficult to organise the large amount of money in cash.

In a statement, Stalin said, "this is a big shame to the state. We will raise the issue in Assembly, court and with governor and president of India. The DMK has already said that the MLAs were bought. It has been proved now."

Madurai South MLA SS Saravanan has revealed that money may have changed hands to fix the February 18 trust vote.

“They did not commit anything directly…but we all got information. There was information that they are going to give Rs 2 crores for each MLA. When we got into the bus we heard it is going to be 2 crores. So before reaching Koovathoor it became 4 crores. So when we got into the bus it was 2 crores, when we reached airport for governor it was 4, then when we reached Koovathur it was 6 crores. We kept hearing this and the next day they said there is no availability of cash and we have decided to give you in gold. I was very, very happy, anyways we will buy gold with the money they give. If we buy gold directly in the market people may try to cheat us. I immediately called home and informed that they have decided to give gold and all our problems will be solved,” revealed Saravanan on spy-camera.

When contacted, he claimed that he had not seen the tapes as he was travelling, but had seen snippets sent to him on WhatsApp. “This does look like a sting operation. But I have not taken any money. I am not aware if others took the money,” he said.

MLAs for sale: Sting operation creates flutter in TN political arena

In what could have serious ramifications over the future of the Edappadi K Palaniswami government in Tamil Nadu, a sting investigation carried out by Times Now and Moon TV has exposed that AIADMK legislators were paid bribes by party general secretary V K Sasikala, in return for supporting Palaniswami during the trust vote held on February 18.

Madurai South MLA SS Saravanan, who had defected to the rebel faction, admits on spy camera that Sasikala camp talked about giving MLAs anything between Rs 2 crores to 6 crores.

But, he also made a revelation that not just Sasikala, former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam’s team was also willing to pay money for MLAs to switch sides.

However, the Madurai South MLA S.S. Saravanan (AIADMK-PTA) and Sulur MLA R. Kanagaraj (AIADMK-Amma), who were caught on tape in an alleged joint sting operation by two television channels, did not provide any evidence of the bribery.

"If they had given what was promised in that second, many wouldn't have switched camps. All this was not needed...if they had asked us to go home and come back again, we would have gone there like a herd. That's how we are. Have you seen anyone raising question in the AIADMK?" said Saravanan, suggesting that the switch over drama took place because Sasikala couldn't pay the MLAs what she had promised."

Denying the allegations, Rajya Sabha MP V Maitreyan said, “Many MLAs came to the OPS camp in the beginning. after 11th or 12thFebruary, MLAs stopped coming because the other side, Sasikala was sitting in Koovathur for three nights and she was offering money. If OPS was offering money, he would have been the CM today.” The AIADMK Amma team too has denied allegations.

Sivakarthikeyan's super praise for Rangoon

Gautham Karthik starrer Rangoon, which hit the screens on Friday last, has been winning rave reviews from various quarters.

Sivakarthikeyan posted on his microblogging page: "Just watched #Rangoon..Dir @Rajkumar_KP Happy to see ur name on big screen,Good job. Congrats to @Gautham_Karthik @SANAKHAN_93 & full team."

Lauding the film's producer and popular director A R Murugadoss, he said, "Congrats on one more success as a producer sir... #Rangoon 👍😊."

It may be recalled that Sivakarthikeyan had previously acted in Maaan Karate under AR Murugadoss' production and they share a great rapport.

Rangoon is an action crime drama film written and directed by Rajkumar Periasamy and produced by AR Murugadoss. The film features Gautham Karthik in the leading role and 8 Thottakkal fame Lallu in a prominent role.

Newcomer Vikram RH has composed the film's music. Vishal Chandrasekhar composed the film's background music.

Bobby Simhaa is Vikram's villain in Saamy 2

National award winning actor Bobby Simhaa is all set to play the villain in Saamy 2, a sequel to Saamy which will have Vikram in the lead.

"It's true that I have been approached by the makers. But I am yet to sign the movie," said the Jigarthanda actor. He is expected to sign on the dotted line soon.

At present, Simhaa is currently busy with Vijay Sethupathi-starrer Karuppan, in which he is playing a negative role. He has other projects too in the pipeline.

Harris Jayaraj was initially set to compose music for Saamy 2. However recently, director Hari has replaced him with Devi Sri Prasad.

Confirming this, the movie's producer Shibu Thameens, said, "When we approached DSP, he was thrilled and was happy to be part of the venture."

He added :He has given some back-to-back hits in Telugu and I'm sure he can match Hari's racy shots in the movie. They have worked together previously and share a great camaraderie."

Trisha, who shared the screen space with Vikram in Saamy, will be the heroine of the film's sequel too. Like Saamy, Saamy 2 will be directed by Hari with Vikram playing Aaruchamy, the no non-sense rough and tough police officer.

Deepa alleges plot to kill her, makes shocking charges on Deepak & Sasi family

Late chief minister J Jayalalithaa's niece Deepa Jayakumar on Sunday said she was attacked by security personnel at her aunt's Poes Garden residence in the city.

High drama played out at the Poes Garden residence of Jayalalithaa, on Sunday afternoon, when Deepa was not allowed to enter it, triggering protests by her supporters.

Deepa, who recently floated her own party, said she had been invited to her aunt's home by her brother Deepak. But when she reached there, she was stopped and roughed up by private security guards.

A cameraperson of an English news channel, who had accompanied her, was assaulted too, forcing journalists to stage a protest.

Stating that there was a plot to kill her, Deepa said Deepak had "conspired with Sasikala family to kill my aunt Jayalalithaa". "Jayalalithaa was like a mother to him, but for the sake of money, he turned against her and killed her," she said.

Deepa, who claimed that she had been receiving death threats for the past few days, said she was contemplating initiating legal action against Deepak and Sasikala's family for the "attack" on her.

She added that she had been receiving threats on phone and through letters and that she had sought police protection. She also said she would meet prime minister Narendra Modi.

OPS dissolves panel formed to hold merger talks with EPS faction

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and rebel AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam on Sunday announced dissolving a seven-member panel formed in April to hold merger talks with the rival AIADMK (Amma) faction headed by Chief Minister K Palaniswami.

The announcement was made at a meeting of party functionaries in Chennai after senior party leaders pressed Panneerselvam for a decision.

The OPS camp, which presently has 12 MPs and 11 legislators, also said that the EPS faction has not honoured their demands of expelling party chief VK Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran.

A cheer went up from the cadre after he made the announcement, at a public meeting on Sunday night on the outskirts of Chennai.

Meanwhile, former minister Parithi Ilamvazhuthi, who had backed Panneerselvam following his revolt against Sasikala in February this year,met the party’s Amma faction leader T T V Dinakaran, calling him a strong leader who could strengthen the party.

He said he was one of those who was ‘fooled’ by the ‘theatrics’ of the former Chief Minister. "OPS is a bigger actor than Sivaji Ganesan," he said.