Mansoor Ali Khan slams CBFC over ‘Jana Nayagan’ delay, Rahul Sankrityan denies ‘RanaBaali’ AI claims, Shruti Haasan’s ‘Aakasamlo Oka Tara’ first look: Top 5 South newsmakers of the day

January 28 turned into a hectic day for South cinema, with censorship debates, celebrity announcements, striking first looks, and viral statements dominating conversations across industries and fan circles.

Rahul Sankrityan denies AI claims for ‘RanaBaali’ teaser

Director Rahul Sankrityan has dismissed rumours suggesting that the RanaBaali teaser was created using AI. Responding to the claims online, Sankrityan clarified that the visuals were the result of months of painstaking work, with no use of artificial intelligence. The Republic Day release of the teaser, featuring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, impressed audiences but also sparked speculation on social media and in news reports. Set in 19th-century India, Rana Baali features music by Ajay–Atul and is slated for international release on September 11, 2026.

Shruti Haasan’s first look in ‘Aakasamlo Oka Tara’ turns heads

Released on Shruti Haasan’s birthday, the first glimpse of the actress from Aakasamlo Oka Tara has generated considerable curiosity. In the posters, she appears as an unconventional and daring science teacher, sporting signature spectacles, fierce eyes, and a raw, weathered look. Her wild hair, assertive body language, and subtle defiance suggest a woman with a strong will—one who doesn’t need to shout to command attention. The dark, smoky visuals hint at a layered, complex character, positioning her as a formidable force in the film.

Mansoor Ali Khan slams CBFC over ‘Jana Nayagan’ delay

Actor Mansoor Ali Khan criticised the CBFC for delaying the certification of Jana Nayagan, questioning how films like The Kashmir Files and The Kerala Story were cleared without obstacles. Addressing the media, he asked why only the Vijay-starrer—reportedly worth Rs 500 crore and generating thousands of jobs, was singled out. Using irony, he remarked that Pongal celebrations might now extend till Bakrid due to late complaints and prolonged legal proceedings. His remarks have reignited debates around censorship, with many calling the process discriminatory and inconsistent.

Vignesh Karthick defends artistic choices

At the success meet of Hotspot 2 Much, director Vignesh Karthick addressed controversies surrounding the film, including the viral Thambi Ramaiah scene. While stating that he respects all opinions, he criticised those who judged the film solely based on the trailer, referring to them as “pseudo-feminists.” He urged audiences to watch the entire film before forming conclusions and clarified that his views pertained to artistic expression, not real-life actions. His comments sparked online discussions about creative freedom and the responsibility of filmmakers.

Lokesh Kanagaraj reveals ‘Coolie’ loss

Lokesh Kanagaraj revealed that opting for an ‘A’ certificate for Coolie, instead of making 35 CBFC-suggested cuts, resulted in a loss of approximately Rs 40–50 crore. The director said he chose not to negotiate for a ‘UA’ rating in order to preserve the film’s integrity, prioritising creative honesty over wider audience reach. While noting that the board felt certain themes were unsuitable for younger viewers, Kanagaraj acknowledged the significant revenue impact. Amid ongoing censorship debates in Tamil cinema, he shared his perspective but refrained from commenting on Jana Nayagan.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”