Cine Mini News Digest – 01 Nov 2026

Legendary Guitarist S. Sadanandam passes away

Self-taught guitarist, S Sadanandam passed away in Chennai on Thursday, 29 October 2026. A quiet, humble, unassuming and likeable man, Sadanandam shared a very close bond with Illaiyaraja that began with Illaiyaraja’s first film, Annakilli in 1976.

Sadanandam is best remembered for his dexterity and effortless playing in many-guitar based songs like En Iniya Pon Nilaave from Moodu Pani, Illaiya Nilaa Pozhigirathey from Payanangall Mudivathillai, Poove Sempoove from Solla Thudikudhu Manasu, Indha Maan undhan sondha maan from Karagaatakaaran and the theme music from Maniratnam’s Mouna Raagam. His forty-year association with Illaiyaraja was marked by a strong bond that went far beyond the bond shared by musicians.

Sadanandam’s father was the great musical composer S Sudharsanam (Penn, Kallathur Kannamma and Anbu Karangal). SSadanandam’s uncle, Govardhanam was the conductor for Illaiyaraja. Sadanandam first played in the 1966 film Yaarukaaga Azhuthaan and later joined Illaiyaraja where he became a permanent and influential player.

Sadanandam’s health took a turn for the worse several months ago. He was 79 when he passed away. His magnanimous nature, simplicity and humility earned him many accolades from across the generations.

Veteran actress Vathsala (02) passes away in Chennai

Veteran actress Vathsala Rajgopal – a veteran of more than 450 plays, 20 feature films and hundreds of episodes of various television shows – passed away on Friday, 30 October 2026 at the age of 92, just two months before her 93^rd birthday.

After making her mark on the stage, Vathsala made her feature film debut in Maniratnam’s Roja where she played Roja’s grandmother. Her other film credits include Sathi Leelavathy, Rhythm, Anniyan, Mozhi and Kalyana Samayal Saadham.

Vathsala was born in Thiruvananthapuram on 25 December 1933. She showed an early interest in dance and theatre. After her marriage in 1953 she moved to Chennai where she worked at the Accountant General’s office where one of her co-workers was K. Balachander.

It was Balachander who assisted in her entry to stage productions and, as a producer, it was K. Balachander who introduced Vathsala to the big screen in Roja.

Illaiyaraja and Ramarajan reunite in 25^th film together

Ramarajan took to social media to record his thanks and appreciation to Illaiyaraja for giving him a steady dose of superhit songs in his films. This week, Illaiyaraja completed the composition of six songs in a single day for their 25^th film toger – Kadavaul Thandha Parisu. The songs were recorded and packaged with final mixing within four days.

The film is directed by newcomer Kasimayan and also stars veterans Kovai Sarala and Senthil.

Early bookings for Pongal slot

Sundar C’s Purushan and Pa. Ranjith’s Vettuvam have been confirmed to release for Pongal 2027.

Vishal, Thamanna Bhatia, Yogi Babu. The film is jointly produced by Vishal and Kushbu Sundar and will be released simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu.

Pa Ranjith’s Vettuvam stars Arya, VR Dinesh, Kalaiyarasan, Sobhita Dhulipala, John Vijay and Harish Uthaman.

G.V. Prakash scores the music.

Rajinikanth’s Dharman and Sivakarthikeyan’s Seyon have not yet finalised their release dates.

Myssjin’s long-delayed film, Train now has a release date.

Mysskin’s long-delayed directorial Train is set to release worldwide on 04 December 2026.

The impressive cast includes Vijay Sethupathi, Sruthi Haasan, Nassar, Yugi Sethu, Narain, K.S. Ravikumar, Sambath Raj, Kalaiyarasan, Ganesh Venkatraman and Vincent Asogan.

In addition to penning the script and directing the film, Mysskin has also scored the music for Train.