South newsmakers of the week: Vidya Balan praises Mammootty's 'Kaathal: The Core'; Samantha repurposes her wedding gown; Kiara Advani not joining 'Salaar Part 2'

From the reports regarding Kiara Advani not joining the Prabhas starrer ‘ Salaar Part 2 ’ to to Tollywood diva Samantha Ruth Prabhu recycling her white wedding gown to promote sustainable fashion, here are some of the top trending entertainment stories from the South film industry this week.

Samantha promotes sustainable fashion

Actress Samantha, known for her fashion-forward style and commitment to sustainable fashion, surprised everyone recently by donning a black bodice gown repurposed from her wedding attire. The stunning gown made its appearance at the recent Elle Sustainability Awards, where Samantha graced the event with her elegant presence.

Kiara Advani thumbs down for ‘Salaar Part 2’

Prabhas's blockbuster hit 'Salaar Part 1: The Ceasefire' left fans craving for more, and now, the anticipation for the sequel, 'Salaar Part 2: Shouryaanga Parvam', is building up. However, recent speculations surrounding Bollywood star Kiara Advani joining the cast seem to be unfounded. Reports suggesting Kiara's involvement in 'Salaar Part 2' have been dismissed by a source cited by Pinkvilla. It appears that Kiara was never approached for a role in the sequel. While the complete cast and crew for the film are yet to be announced, it's expected that most actors from the first installment will remain the same.

‘Inga Naan Thaan Kingu’ trailer

Santhanam returns with his upcoming release 'Inga Naan Thaan Kingu,' helmed by director Anand, slated to hit theaters on May 10. The film's trailer, recently unveiled by the makers, promises a blend of entertainment and action in a two-minute package. Santhanam shines in his lead role, exuding charisma throughout. The trailer includes witty dialogue poking fun at certain cinema stars and movies, adding an element of humor. Offering a glimpse into the film's storyline, 'Inga Naan Thaan Kingu' revolves around a young man with distinct aspirations for his married life.

Vidya Balan hails Mammootty ’s ‘Kaathal: The Core’

Bollywood actor Vidya Balan recently shared her admiration for Malayalam cinema, specifically praising the Mammootty starrer ‘Kaathal: The Core’ and its lead actor Mammootty. During a candid conversation with Samdish Bhatia on Unfiltered by Samdish, Balan expressed her keen interest in Malayalam films and their impactful narratives.

Vidya Balan particularly lauded Jeo Baby’s ‘Kaathal: The Core’, where Mammootty's portrayal of a homosexual character left her astonished. She commended Mammootty not only for his stellar performance but also for his bold decision to produce a film that challenges societal norms and advocates for LGBTQ+ acceptance.

Priyadarshan’s next is a horror comedy!

In a recent interview with HT City, director Priyadarshan revealed that he has completed filming his documentary series on the history of the Ram Mandir. He also disclosed his upcoming collaboration with Akshay Kumar on a significant project.

The renowned 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' director shared insights into his next venture, describing it as a departure from his previous works. While his first horror film was a psychological thriller, he expressed that his upcoming project would delve into the world of fantasy. Set against the backdrop of magic, Priyadarshan referred to it as one of the oldest superstitions in India.

Actor Sriimurali suffers injury

During the shooting of his upcoming film ‘Bagheera’ in Mysuru, actor Sriimurali sustained an injury to his left leg while filming a high-energy action scene. He was promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention. According to sources at the hospital, scans and X-rays showed no serious issues, and thus he was not admitted.