Ravi Mohan’s next big screen outing now has a release date. The makers of Karathey Babu have announced that the political thriller will arrive in cinemas on August 28, setting the stage for what promises to be a different take on the genre. Directed by Dada filmmaker Ganesh K Babu, the film marks his second directorial venture and sees him stepping away from relationship drama to explore the world of politics.

The announcement was accompanied by fresh excitement among fans eager to see Ravi Mohan headline a politically charged story. While Tamil cinema has produced several films centred on politicians and power struggles over the years, the makers insist Karathey Babu aims to offer a more intimate perspective by focusing on the man behind the public persona.

Ganesh K Babu promises a fresh take on political drama

Director Ganesh K Babu had earlier explained what sets Karathey Babu apart from conventional political entertainers. “Although there have been many films about politicians, their personal lives, relationships and feelings have not been discussed much on screen. This film explores another side of an MLA. It has shaped up to be an emotional and realistic political thriller.”

The filmmaker’s comments suggest that the story will move beyond electoral battles and political rivalries to examine the emotional conflicts, personal relationships, and human dilemmas faced by a legislator. With Ravi Mohan playing the titular character, the film is expected to balance political intrigue with character-driven drama.

Ganesh K Babu made an impressive directorial debut with Dada, which emerged as both a critical and commercial success for its heartfelt storytelling. Expectations are therefore high for his sophomore outing, particularly as he ventures into a completely different genre.

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An ensemble cast and experienced technical crew

Karathey Babu brings together a large supporting cast led by debutant Daudee Jiwal alongside KS Ravikumar, Shakthi Vasu, Nasser, VTV Ganesh, Subramaniam Siva, Kavithalaya Krishnan, Pradeep Antony, Raja Rani Pandiyan, Ilan, Sam Anderson, Sri Dhanya, Sandeep Ravi Raj, Ananthi, Sindhu Priya, Ajith Ghosh, Kalki Raja, Knife Naren, Vetri, Aravind, Dharmaraj, Nandhini Senthamizhan, Jeeva Subramaniam and Manimegala. The extensive ensemble hints at a story populated by multiple characters from both the political and personal spheres of the protagonist’s life.

The writing team also boasts notable names, with Rathna Kumar and Bakkiyam Sankar joining Ganesh K Babu as co-writers. Music has been composed by Sam CS, while cinematography is handled by Ezhil Arasu K. The technical crew further includes editor Kathiresh Alagesan, production designer Shanmugaraja and action choreographer Dhilip Subbarayan.

The film is produced by Sundar Arumugam under the Screen Scene Media Entertainment banner, which has backed several notable Tamil productions in recent years.

With a filmmaker coming off a successful debut, an intriguing premise and Ravi Mohan leading the cast, Karathey Babu has steadily built curiosity among audiences. The promise of presenting a politician beyond public speeches and political manoeuvring could give the film a distinctive identity when it arrives in theatres later this month.

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The team behind Silambarasan and Vetri Maaran’s highly anticipated film Arasan has completed another major leg of production. After weeks of filming through the night, the makers announced that they have wrapped a “big schedule” of the action drama, giving fans a fresh glimpse into the making of one of Tamil cinema’s most eagerly awaited films.

Sharing a behind-the-scenes video from the set, Silambarasan revealed the update on social media. The clip shows Vetri Maaran narrating a scene to the actor while the crew celebrates the completion of the schedule in the background. Silambarasan, seen flashing a thumbs up, accompanied the post with the message, “Time to recharge, recover, see some daylight, and get ready for what comes next.”

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Months of night shoots finally lead to a major milestone

The update comes just days after Silambarasan opened up about the demanding production schedule of Arasan. The actor had revealed that he had spent nearly two months filming almost entirely at night, joking that his “circadian rhythm is officially confused.” His post offered fans a glimpse into the physically exhausting schedule the cast and crew have been following to bring Vetri Maaran’s ambitious vision to life.

With principal photography progressing at a brisk pace, excitement surrounding the project continues to grow. Arasan marks Silambarasan’s first collaboration with Vetri Maaran, a pairing that fans have long hoped to see. The film has generated considerable buzz ever since it was announced, especially because of its connection to the acclaimed Vada Chennai universe.

While the makers have remained tight-lipped about the story, they have described Arasan as “an untold tale from the world of Vada Chennai.” Although it exists within the same universe, Dhanush’s iconic character Anbu will not feature in the film. Interestingly, the screenplay is said to be an evolved version of the script Vetri Maaran had originally developed for Vada Chennai when Silambarasan was attached to star in the project years ago.

Familiar faces return to the Vada Chennai universe

The film boasts an ensemble cast featuring several familiar names. Vijay Sethupathi has already been confirmed to play a police officer, while Andrea Jeremiah and Samuthirakani reprise their beloved Vada Chennai characters, Chandra and Guna. Their return has further strengthened speculation about how Arasan will expand the universe created by Vetri Maaran.

Adding to the excitement, Tourist Family actor Yogalakshmi recently confirmed during an awards function that she plays Silambarasan’s love interest in the film. Kishore is also expected to reprise his role, while Yogi Babu and Jibin Gopinath have been cast in pivotal parts, promising a strong supporting ensemble.

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Produced by Kalaipuli S Thanu under the V Creations banner, Arasan also marks a first-time collaboration between Silambarasan, Vetri Maaran and composer Anirudh Ravichander. With Anirudh handling the music and Vetri Maaran returning to the gritty world of North Chennai, expectations are understandably high.

Although the makers are yet to reveal major plot details, every update from the production has only fuelled anticipation. The latest schedule wrap signals steady progress towards the finish line, with the team now taking a brief break before resuming work on the remaining portions.

Arasan is currently getting ready for a theatrical release during the Deepavali festive season. With filming moving ahead at full speed and one major schedule now complete, fans can look forward to more updates from what is shaping up to be one of the biggest Tamil releases of the year.

Also Read: Silambarasan Reveals Gruelling Night Shoot Schedule for Vetri Maaran’s Arasan

Veteran filmmaker, writer and actor K Bhagyaraj, one of the defining creative voices of Tamil cinema, passed away on Saturday after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 73. His demise comes just days after the industry bid an emotional farewell to his mentor Bharathiraja, leaving Tamil cinema to mourn yet another towering figure whose influence stretched across generations.

Across a remarkable career spanning nearly five decades, Bhagyaraj established himself as one of the industry’s finest storytellers. Whether as a writer, director, or actor, he consistently found extraordinary drama in ordinary lives, creating films that blended humour, romance, family relationships, and social observations with remarkable ease. His work not only entertained millions but also redefined what mainstream Tamil cinema could achieve through sharp writing and deeply human characters.

From Bharathiraja’s assistant to a filmmaker with a voice of his own

Bhagyaraj’s journey in cinema began under the guidance of Bharathiraja. He made a brief appearance as a junior artist in the filmmaker’s landmark debut, 16 Vayathinile (1977), while also serving as an assistant director on the film. He continued working with Bharathiraja on Kizhakke Pogum Rail (1978), contributed to the screenplay, and later wrote dialogues for Sigappu Rojakkal (1978), in which he also made a small appearance. He would go on to write for Tik Tik Tik (1981), further cementing his reputation as an exceptional screenwriter.

In 1979, Bhagyaraj stepped into direction with Suvarilladha Chiththirangal, which also featured him in a leading role alongside Sudhakar and Sumathi. The film announced the arrival of a filmmaker with a unique sensibility, and he quickly followed it with an extraordinary run of successes that earned both critical acclaim and commercial success.

Films such as Oru Kai Osai, Mouna Geethangal, Andha 7 Naatkal, Darling, Darling, Darling, Mundhanai Mudichu, Dhavani Kanavugal, Chinna Veedu, Enga Chinna Rasa and Avasara Police 100 remain enduring favourites, celebrated for their engaging narratives, memorable dialogue and emotional honesty.

A legacy that transformed Tamil commercial cinema

Few filmmakers understood human relationships as intuitively as Bhagyaraj. His protagonists were rarely larger than life heroes. Instead, they were ordinary men and women navigating love, marriage, family expectations, and personal shortcomings. Their flaws made them believable, while his empathy ensured they remained deeply endearing, allowing audiences to see themselves reflected on screen.

More than his box office success, Bhagyaraj will be remembered for the way he changed Tamil commercial cinema. He proved that strong writing could be a film’s biggest strength, creating stories that were funny, emotional and deeply relatable. His influence can still be seen in the work of several contemporary filmmakers who continue to draw from his brand of character-driven storytelling.

Beyond his work behind the camera, Bhagyaraj also enjoyed a prolific acting career, appearing in more than 75 films. Although he stepped away from directing after Siddhu +2 (2010), he remained an active performer, with one of his recent notable appearances coming in Dhanush’s Kuberaa (2025).

Earlier this year, while celebrating his golden jubilee in cinema, Bhagyaraj had spoken enthusiastically about returning to direction after nearly 15 years away from the filmmaker’s chair.

“I am still continuing to act. Discussions are on to direct a film and a web series this year. From this year onwards, I want to work with renewed enthusiasm,” he said.

Those plans will now remain unrealised, making his passing even more poignant.

Bhagyaraj is survived by his wife and fellow actor Poornima Jayaram, daughter Saranya Bhagyaraj and son Shanthnu Bhagyaraj, who followed his parents into Tamil cinema as an actor. According to reports, his last rites will be held on Sunday at 1.30 pm at the Besant Nagar crematorium.

K Bhagyaraj’s greatest legacy lies not merely in the number of films he directed or acted in, but in the way he changed Tamil cinema’s storytelling grammar. He proved that compelling screenplays, believable characters and everyday emotions could be just as powerful as spectacle. Even as the curtains fall on an extraordinary life, the stories he created will continue to find new audiences, ensuring that one of Tamil cinema’s greatest storytellers is never truly gone.

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