Entertainment

AA23 Theme Crosses 1 Million Instagram Reels; Allu Arjun–Lokesh Kanagaraj Celebrate Milestone


The upcoming pan-India film AA23, marking the first collaboration between Allu Arjun and Lokesh Kanagaraj, has achieved a significant digital milestone even before going on floors. The theme music of the film has crossed one million reels on Instagram, underlining the massive anticipation surrounding the project.

Lokesh recently shared a cheerful selfie with Allu Arjun as the makers revealed that the announcement track, titled “23 Theme,” had become a viral sensation. Composed by Anirudh Ravichander, the energetic rap-style number quickly struck a chord with fans following the film’s announcement earlier this year. The track has been widely used for reels, short videos and even as ringtones, reflecting its strong recall value.

AA23 was officially announced in January on the festive occasion of Sankranti (Bhogi, January 14) by Mythri Movie Makers after months of speculation. The production house unveiled a striking concept video carrying the tagline “Strive for greatness,” hinting at the film’s ambitious scale. The teaser featured a powerful visual of a man riding a horse through a dense forest as lions and wolves appear to bow before him, symbolising dominance and grandeur.

Sharing the announcement clip at the time, Lokesh expressed excitement about collaborating with Allu Arjun and reuniting with Anirudh Ravichander, describing the project as the beginning of a massive cinematic journey. The makers have confirmed that the film will have a grand pan-India release.

The celebration of the theme’s digital success comes amid recent online discussions surrounding a reported “42 dos and don’ts” controversy. A brand strategist had claimed on a podcast that a detailed list of guidelines was shared ahead of a scheduled meeting with the actor. The remarks went viral, prompting widespread debate on social media. However, Allu Arjun’s team strongly denied the allegations and reportedly threatened legal action following the backlash. Subsequently, both the brand strategist and the podcaster issued public apologies, and the episode along with related social media clips was taken down.

Despite the surrounding chatter, the momentum around AA23 continues to grow. With its theme already setting records online and the combination of Allu Arjun, Lokesh Kanagaraj and Anirudh Ravichander generating enormous interest, the film is shaping up to be one of the most awaited pan-India projects in the coming years.

Entertainment

Devotion Beyond the Screen: Fan Honors 50 Years of Superstar Rajinikanth with 5,500 Photos & Temple Rituals


Madurai, August 2025 — In a tribute that blends cinema with sacred devotion, a passionate fan of Superstar Rajinikanth has celebrated the legendary actor’s 50th year in the film industry in a truly unforgettable way.

Karthik, a long-time admirer, marked this cinematic milestone by decorating the Arulmigu Sri Rajini Temple in Madurai with over 5,500 photographs of Rajinikanth. The fan performed an abhishekam (ritual bathing) on the temple’s 300-kg idol of the actor, transforming the temple into a vibrant celebration of the star’s journey that began in 1975.

The temple, inaugurated just a few years ago, was built as a symbol of the powerful connection between Rajinikanth and his fans. This celebration marks a golden chapter, not only in his career but also in the lives of those who idolize him.

The fan and his family offered prayers and performed traditional rituals to honour the superstar’s golden jubilee in cinema. The walls were adorned with photographs tracing Rajinikanth’s remarkable five-decade journey — from his debut in Apoorva Raagangal, directed by K. Balachander, to his blockbuster hits like Sivaji: The Boss, Enthiran (Robot), 2.0, Jailer, and more.

Speaking to local media, Karthik said the temple and tribute are a token of love from generations of fans who grew up watching Rajinikanth on the big screen.

Now 74, Rajinikanth remains a towering figure in Indian cinema. His signature style, punch dialogues, and unique screen presence have made him one of the most adored actors not just in Tamil Nadu but across the world.

Rajinikanth was last seen in Vettaiyan, a film directed by T. J. Gnanavel and featuring an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, and Rana Daggubati.

Up next, the superstar will headline ‘Coolie’, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, slated for release on August 14, 2025. The film will see him sharing screen space with Upendra, Aamir Khan, and Nagarjuna Akkineni — yet another feather in the cap of this living legend.

As Rajinikanth steps into the 51st year of his illustrious career, tributes like these remind us of the profound impact he’s had — not just as a cinematic icon but as a cultural and emotional force in the hearts of millions.