Cine News Digest – 17 May 2026

PRODUCER K RAJAN COMMITS SUICIDE

Veteran film producer, K. Rajan has committed suicide by deliberately jumping off the Adyar bridge into the river where he drowned. He was 85

Rajan made his debut as producer in 1983 with the film Brammacharigal and went to become a producer, writer, director, actor and a harsh critic of Tamil cinema and its actors and actresses.

The industry reacted with shock at the news. Police are investigating the circumstances that could have led to his decision.

SEYON BEGINS SHOOTING TOMORROW (18 May 2026)

Kamalhaasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International teams up with director Sivakumar Murugesan of Thaai Kizhavi fame in the film Seyon which Has Sivakarthikeyan in the lead role. Bhagyashri Borse of Kaantha fame plays the female lead, with music by Santhosh Narayanan.

In March this year, director Sivakumar Murugesan had told the press that his second film would take a fresh look at spirituality.

 

RAVI MOHAN IN PUBLIC MELTDOWN

Concern has been expressed about the mental frailty of actor Ravi Mohan after a complete meltdown at a press conference on Saturday, 16 May 2026. Hitting out at some sectors of the media, some members of the public, his former wife, Aaarti Ravi for ruining his life and destroying his relationship with his children. He further stated that he was unable to fulfil his acting obligations until he was emotionally ready to do so.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b8bRaOvAKA

This came shortly after Keneesa Francis released an equally controversial video in which she defended her relationship with Ravi and maintaining that people are far too judgmental and that nobody is considering the human emotions involved in this very complicated situation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hl6vQ0amiA

Today, Aarti’s mother – Sujatha Vijayakumar – told the press that Ravi had blatantly lied at the press conference and hinted at having proof that would refute his claims. She also said that whatever she and her family had to say would eventually surface in court.

KARUPPU RELEASES AFTER HUGE OBSTACLE

R.K. Balaje’s ambitious venture, Karuppu, sees him play a major supporting role with Suriya and Trisha heading the cast. The producers, Dream Warrior Pictures, had some unresolved financial issues and this resulted in the film’s first day shows being cancelled worldwide. A visibly emotional Balaje took to social media to express his frustration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSS3Bo9ufgE

The issue was eventually resolved and Karuppu released a day late.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU34kOZDPvs

Fortunately for the team, most of the reviews were overwhelmingly positive.