Actor-entrepreneur Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik Chakraborty opened up about the realities of working together as siblings during their appearance on Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi’s chat show Double Date. The sibling duo co-founded Chapter 2 Drip, a unisex streetwear brand and are also involved in the Chapter 2 podcast.

During the conversation, Neha Dhupia asked the siblings whether starting a business together was an easy decision. Responding to it, Rhea admitted that working with a sibling comes with its own set of complications.

During the conversation, Neha Dhupia asked the siblings whether starting a business together was an easy decision. Responding to it, Rhea admitted that working with a sibling comes with its own set of complications.

Veteran actor Mammootty’s recent Padma Bhushan honour has become the occasion for yet another celebration. The makers of Om, the upcoming action drama headlined by Dhanush, have unveiled a special poster featuring the legendary actor, offering audiences their first glimpse of his look from the film.

The poster was released shortly after Mammootty received the Padma Bhushan from President Droupadi Murmu at the Padma Awards Investiture Ceremony held in New Delhi on June 23. While the makers stopped short of revealing details about his character, the poster has already heightened anticipation surrounding his role in the ambitious project.

Director Rajkumar Periyasamy shared the poster on X while congratulating Mammootty on the prestigious civilian honour.

“Hearty Congratulations to our very own Mammukka on being conferred upon with The Prestigious Padma Bhushan award for his exceptional contribution to the Indian Cinema for more than 5 decades,” he wrote.

The filmmaker then teased what fans can expect from the actor’s appearance in the film, adding, “Now wait for Ikka’s entry from Om. It will be worth all your wait!”

Rajkumar Periyasamy says Mammootty’s entry will be worth the wait

Produced by Dawn Pictures, Om is one of the most anticipated Tamil films currently in production. Headlined by Dhanush, the film also stars Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela in pivotal roles, while composer Sai Abhyankkar is scoring the music. Although the makers are keeping Mammootty’s character firmly under wraps, the decision to reveal his look immediately after his Padma Bhushan recognition has added another layer of excitement around the project.

The Malayalam superstar also has an exciting slate ahead. Apart from Om, he will next headline Mattanchery Mafia, directed by Khalid Rahman, whose recent outing Alappuzha Gymkhana received widespread appreciation. The film will also feature Asif Ali and Naslen, bringing together an exciting ensemble.

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Mammootty dedicates Padma Bhushan to cinema and his audience

Meanwhile, Mammootty took to social media to express his gratitude after receiving the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award. Sharing an emotional note, the actor reflected on a career spanning more than five decades.

“Deeply Humbled and honored to be conferred with the Padma Bhushan. My sincere gratitude to the Government of India for this prestigious recognition.”

He continued, “An honor like this is a reflection of a 5 decade long journey that wouldn’t exist without you, my incredible audience. Thank you for the endless love, trust, and support that keeps me going every single day. I dedicate this to the beautiful world of cinema and all of you.”

The investiture ceremony in New Delhi was attended by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mammootty was accompanied by members of his family, including wife Sulfath, son and actor Dulquer Salmaan, daughter Surumi, and daughter in law Amal Sufiya.

Following the ceremony, the family also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dulquer later shared photographs from the meeting and penned a heartfelt message on social media.

“An absolute privilege to meet and spend time with our Honourable Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi Ji as we witnessed my father, Shri Mammootty being honoured for a lifetime of extraordinary work. A truly unforgettable day for our family.”

With a Padma Bhushan now added to an already extraordinary legacy and major projects like Om and Mattanchery Mafia on the horizon, Mammootty continues to prove that his remarkable journey in Indian cinema is far from over.

Also Read: ‘My Gratitude to The Motherland’: Mammootty Reacts to His Padma Bhushan Honour

Chidambaram’s Balan: The Boy continues to earn praise from across the film industry, with actor Jyotika becoming the latest celebrity to shower the film with appreciation. After watching the emotional drama alongside husband Suriya, the actor took to Instagram to call the film a “masterpiece”, applauding its screenplay, performances and filmmaking while urging audiences to catch it in theatres before its run comes to an end.

Sharing her thoughts, Jyotika hailed both director Chidambaram and writer Jithu Madhavan for crafting a deeply moving cinematic experience.

“Balan: The Boy – a supremely crafted film by Chidambaram and an intriguing and constantly surprising screenplay by Jeethu Madhavan which blends empathy, mystery, innocence and criminal instinct so smoothly, making it a masterpiece to watch.”

The actor also reserved special praise for the film’s central performances, particularly debutant Adhisheshan, who plays the titular role, and Farzana Palathingal, who essays his mother. She highlighted the emotional depth brought by the cast, adding that their performances stayed with her long after the film ended.

“Such delightful performances by Farzana who is a revelation on screen showcasing a strong embodiment of womanhood. Adisheshan and sinan whose innocence and depth in the eyes pierce straight into the viewers heart,” she wrote.

Jyotika also singled out Dolly June and Tovino Thomas for their performances, especially appreciating the latter for disappearing completely into his character.

“What a freshly crafted character and bold performance. Tovino Thomas sheds every bit of his stardom to give one of his best works,” she added.

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Jyotika applauds Balan’s music, cinematography and emotional storytelling

Beyond its performances, Jyotika praised the film’s technical achievements, applauding Sushin Shyam’s evocative score and Shyju Khalid’s cinematography. She also made an impassioned appeal to audiences to support the film in theatres, expressing concern that intimate, content-driven films often struggle to find their audience despite critical acclaim.

“Don’t miss this tale of motherhood and innocence which is forced to be lost in this big bad world in theatres! Such a sharp, and intelligent piece of filmmaking. Yet another gem from the Malayalam film industry which triumphs! Truly honoured to meet the team today,” she wrote.

Balan: The Boy follows the journey of a young boy, played by Adhisheshan, and his mother, portrayed by Farzana Palathingal, as they confront painful truths from their past while searching for redemption. The film also features Muhammed Zinaan, Jean Paul Lal, Beena Antony and filmmaker Girish AD in pivotal roles.

Another winner for Chidambaram as Suriya collaboration gathers momentum

The film marks Chidambaram’s third directorial after Jan E Man and the blockbuster Manjummel Boys. Following the phenomenal success of his previous film, Balan has further cemented his reputation as one of Malayalam cinema’s most exciting storytellers, with many hailing it as another significant achievement in his growing filmography.

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The praise also comes at an interesting time for Suriya fans. Balan has been written by Jithu Madhavan, who is currently directing the actor’s upcoming, yet untitled, Suriya 47. The highly anticipated film also stars Nazriya Nazim and Naslen, making it one of the most eagerly awaited collaborations in Tamil cinema.

With glowing reviews from critics, strong word of mouth and endorsements from leading names across the industry, Balan: The Boy continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Malayalam cinema’s standout films of the year, proving that compelling storytelling often finds its champions, both within the industry and among audiences.

Also Read: Balan: The Boy Review: Chidambaram Finds Beauty In Uncertainty