Category: Films

Films

‘Jana Nayagan’: Supreme Court Declines to Entertain Plea, Asks Madras High Court to Decide Matter

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral

The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to entertain a plea filed by K V N Productions LLP, the producer of actor-turned-politician Vijay’s upcoming film Jana Nayagan, and directed that the matter be decided by the Madras High Court. The plea challenged an interim stay imposed by the High Court on a single-judge order directing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to grant censor clearance to the film.

A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma was hearing the matter. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing on behalf of the production house, argued that prolonged uncertainty and continued publicity surrounding the case were causing prejudice to the producers. He urged the apex court to intervene and set aside the interim stay to allow the film’s certification process to move forward.

However, the bench declined to examine the merits of the case, noting that the issue was already pending before the Madras High Court. The Supreme Court observed that it would be appropriate for the High Court to adjudicate the matter in accordance with law rather than for the apex court to intervene at this stage.

With this observation, the Supreme Court refused to grant any relief to the producers, leaving it to the Madras High Court to decide on the validity of the interim stay as well as the broader issue concerning CBFC clearance for Jana Nayagan. The decision keeps the certification process on hold until the High Court delivers its ruling.

Films

Goan Film The Awakening Selected for Mitee Environment Short Film & Documentary Festival 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral

Goan short film The Awakening, directed by young filmmaker Rameez Shaikh, has been officially selected for screening at the 5th Mitee Environment Short Film and Documentary Festival. The film will be screened on January 11, 2026, at the Lady Ramabai Auditorium, S.P. College, Pune. Scheduled from January 9 to 11, the festival will present over 40 environment-focused short films and documentaries from across the world, with The Awakening standing out as the sole Goan film featured this year.

Organised by the Mitee Film Society, the festival has grown into an important platform for young and emerging filmmakers, particularly those addressing social and environmental issues. Now in its fifth edition, the festival continues its mission of nurturing youth voices and showcasing cinema that informs, inspires, and provokes meaningful dialogue among audiences.

The Awakening stars Rameez Shaikh, Siya Chodankar, and Cyrus Fernandes in lead roles. The screenplay and cinematography were handled by Numair Khan, who also co-wrote the story along with Rameez Shaikh and Sharvi Dhond. Editing was done by Varun Kashyap, with technical support from Boskon Studio. The film’s background score was composed by Cyrus Fernandes, while production was managed by Sharvi Dhond and Ebenezer Rajamanickam.

Director Rameez Shaikh, a 21-year-old Gen Z filmmaker from Goa, is a Mass Communication graduate from Don Bosco College, Panjim. In addition to filmmaking, he is a digital creator who has won several local and national-level reel competitions alongside his brothers Ismail Shaikh and Aarif Shaikh.

The film centres on a conversation between two friends contemplating a dying planet, gradually realising that meaningful change begins with shifting mindsets and embracing environmental responsibility. Set against the backdrop of a decaying city, the narrative highlights how apathy has become one of the greatest contributors to environmental degradation, while stressing the power of collective action by ordinary people.

Through its reflective storytelling, The Awakening urges viewers to confront indifference and recognise their individual and collective responsibility towards the planet. The film envisions a future shaped by conscious choices, empathy for the environment, and a shared commitment to safeguarding the world for generations to come.

Films

Kartik Aaryan Wraps Up Naagzilla Shoot by February-End, August 14 Release on Track

Tanisha Cardozo

Kartik Aaryan is steadily progressing toward wrapping up his upcoming creature comedy Naagzilla: Naag Lok Ka Pehla Kaand, with the actor expected to complete filming by the end of February. Currently shooting in Mumbai, Aaryan is working on the penultimate schedule of the film under the direction of Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. The project remains firmly on track for its planned August 14 theatrical release.

The film sees Kartik Aaryan stepping into a unique avatar, portraying a shape-shifting serpent in a fantasy-driven narrative that blends humour with visual spectacle. Actor Ravi Kishan is also part of the ongoing Mumbai schedule. According to sources, the team will move to Delhi in February for the final leg of filming, which is expected to continue for about a month. Once principal photography concludes, March will be reserved for patchwork and finishing touches.

Given the heavy reliance on visual effects, the makers have already begun VFX work alongside the shoot to ensure timely completion without compromising on quality. The intent, sources reveal, is to deliver a polished and immersive experience, allowing sufficient time to assess and refine the effects once filming wraps up.

Naagzilla marks Kartik Aaryan’s second collaboration with Dharma Productions following Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (2025). The film stars South actor Sreeleela as the female lead, making this her second project with Aaryan. She is also set to make her Bollywood debut opposite him in Anurag Basu’s upcoming musical drama, further strengthening their on-screen pairing.

With filming nearing completion and post-production already in motion, Naagzilla is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated quirky releases of the year, promising a mix of fantasy, comedy, and visual spectacle for audiences.

Films

83rd Golden Globe Awards 2026: Full List of Winners from Hollywood’s First Big Night

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Hollywood’s awards season officially began with the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, held on Sunday night at the iconic Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. Known for its relaxed, champagne-filled atmosphere, the Golden Globes once again brought together the biggest names from the worlds of film and television under one glittering roof.

Comedian Nikki Glaser returned as host for the second consecutive year, steering the ceremony with her signature wit and humour. The night celebrated outstanding achievements across cinema, television, stand-up comedy and podcasts, making it one of the most diverse and eagerly awaited award shows of the season.

In the film categories, Hamnet emerged as the winner for Best Motion Picture – Drama, while One Battle After Another dominated the Musical or Comedy category. Animated feature KPop Demon Hunters stood out with a major win, further underlining the growing global influence of animation and pop culture crossovers. The Secret Agent claimed the Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language award, highlighting the continued rise of international cinema at global award platforms.

On the acting front, Jessie Buckley (Hamnet) and Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent) took home top honours in the drama categories, while Timothée Chalamet won Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for Marty Supreme. Rose Byrne was recognised for her performance in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, and Teyana Taylor earned acclaim for her supporting role in One Battle After Another.

Television also had a strong presence, with The Pitt winning Best Drama Series and The Studio taking home Best Musical or Comedy Series. Adolescence emerged as the top Limited Series, while individual performances by Rhea Seehorn, Noah Wyle, Jean Smart and Michelle Williams stood out among the winners.

Beyond film and television, Ricky Gervais won Best Stand-Up Comedy on Television for Mortality, while Good Hang with Amy Poehler was named Best Podcast, reflecting the expanding scope of storytelling and entertainment honoured by the Golden Globes.

With the Golden Globes setting the tone, Hollywood now looks ahead to the rest of the awards season, as industry favourites and emerging talents continue their race toward the Oscars and beyond.

Films

Madras High Court Directs CBFC to Grant U/A 16+ Certificate to Vijay’s Jana Nayagan

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

In a significant legal development, the Madras High Court has directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a U/A 16+ certificate to Jana Nayagan, the highly anticipated film starring Vijay. The ruling brings much-needed relief to the film’s makers after days of uncertainty surrounding its release.

The certification delay stemmed from a complaint raised after the film had already been screened by the CBFC’s examining committee. During hearings held earlier this week, it was revealed that the complaint was filed by a member of the examining committee, though the objections were not officially recorded during the screening process. The Additional Solicitor General, representing the CBFC, informed the court that the decision to halt certification was taken by the CBFC Chairperson, who exercised authority to order a review even after the initial screening.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice P.T. Asha reserved the order and subsequently directed the CBFC to grant the film a U/A 16+ certificate, effectively clearing it for release. The production house, KVN Productions, had earlier highlighted that nearly ₹500 crore was at stake due to the delay, with advance ticket bookings already underway across Karnataka, Kerala, and overseas markets.

Directed by H Vinoth, Jana Nayagan features Vijay alongside Mamitha Baiju, Pooja Hegde, and Bobby Deol. The film was slated for a Pongal release on January 9 and has generated massive buzz, especially as it is being promoted as Vijay’s final film before his entry into Tamil Nadu politics with the TVK party.

With the court’s directive now in place, Jana Nayagan moves closer to reaching theatres, marking a crucial moment for both the film’s makers and Vijay’s fans eagerly awaiting the release.