South cinema saw several headline-making developments today, ranging from film controversies and production updates to celebrity reactions. From legal relief for a filmmaker to delays in a major film’s censor review, the industry had plenty of talking points. Rumours about big projects and fresh shooting updates also kept fans engaged online. Here’s a quick look at the top five South cinema stories of the day.
Chidambaram gets anticipatory bail in harassment case
A sessions court in Ernakulam granted anticipatory bail to Malayalam filmmaker Chidambaram S. Poduval in a sexual harassment case registered by the Ernakulam Town South Police. The case was filed under IPC Sections 354, 354A(1)(i), and 509. The court’s order protects the director from arrest while the investigation continues. According to a report by India Today, a young woman filed the complaint alleging that the director sexually harassed her at his residence in 2022. In his bail plea, Chidambaram denied the allegations and questioned the delay in filing the complaint, after which the court granted him anticipatory bail.
‘Jana Nayagan ’ censor review postponed again
The censor review of Jana Nayagan, starring Vijay, was delayed after its scheduled screening before the CBFC Revising Committee on March 9 was cancelled. According to India Today, the review was reportedly called off at the last minute after a committee member fell ill. The postponement means the film’s certification process remains pending, with no new screening date announced yet. Directed by H. Vinoth, the film had already faced censor objections, which earlier led to its review being moved to the Revising Committee.
‘Vaadivaasal’ revival rumours denied
Rumours recently suggested that Vaadivaasal, the long-delayed film of Suriya and Vetrimaaran, was set to restart soon. Reports claimed the actor had agreed to allocate monthly call sheets for the project. However, sources close to Vetrimaaran clarified that there have been no recent discussions about reviving the film, calling the claims rumours. The director is currently focused on his ongoing project Arasan, starring Silambarasan.
Mahesh Babu wraps up Georgia schedule of ‘Varanasi’
Mahesh Babu has completed the Georgia shooting schedule of his upcoming film Varanasi, directed by S. S. Rajamouli. The actor was recently spotted returning to Hyderabad after wrapping up the schedule. Reports suggest he will stay in the city briefly before flying to Antarctica for the film’s next schedule. The globe-trotting adventure film also stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in key roles.
Parthiban apologises after Trisha remark controversy
R. Parthiban expressed regret after his comment about Trisha Krishnan at an award event sparked controversy. The filmmaker issued an apology on social media, saying the situation had “gone wrong” and that there was no option but to regret it. The row began after a remark he made on stage about Trisha went viral online. Earlier, Trisha had shared a strong message stating that a microphone only makes a comment louder, not more intelligent.
