A tragic death, a stampede, a female actor’s brave stance, a director’s early exit from a star project, and caste and language-related debates were some of the news that made it to the headlines in Tamil cinema. While some of them remained in the news for weeks together, the others fizzled out in a few days. Many of these stories provided moments to grieve, introspect, pause, and an opportunity to reflect. While many films may not have necessarily created waves in the industry, news surrounding them has induced plenty of waves of shock, sadness, and bewilderment. Here’s surfboarding and diving into an exhaustive list of stories that defined this year…
A sudden, yet major grief befell Tamil cinema in July this year after stunt artist Mohan Raj died after getting grievously injured while performing a car stunt for Pa Ranjith's upcoming film Vettuvam in Keezhaiyur. During the car-toppling stunt, the vehicle lost balance and turned several times mid-air before it crashed. Mohan Raj was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. As per a few reports, the 52-year-old had also complained of chest pain a day earlier, leading to speculations about a heart attack during the stunt mishap. Pa Ranjith said he was "shocked" and "heartbroken" in a statement where he noted that the team planned the stunt in detail with all safety protocols in place. Pa Ranjith and three others involved in the film were booked under sections related to causing death by negligence. Two weeks later, all three of them were granted bail. The tragic incident once again raised larger questions about safety protocols on Indian film sets.
Ilaiyaraaja's legal battle to hold copyrights to his music continue as he locked horns with Mythri Movie Makers, the banner backing Adhik Ravichandran-Ajith Kumar's Good Bad Ugly and Keerthiswaran-Pradeep Ranganathan's Dude over unauthorised usage of his songs in their movies. While GBU used three songs 'Ottha Ruba Tharen', 'En Jodi Manja Kuruvi', and 'Ilamai Idho Idho', Dude gained massive popularity over its remixed version of 'Karutha Machan' as well as 'Nooru Varusham'. After he sent notices to the makers, Adhik's team removed the songs from its OTT version while Madras HC restrained Mythri Movie Makers from continuing to exhibit the film and its songs. Earlier this month, the production house entered a compromise with Ilaiyaraaja and made a payment of Rs 50 lakh as a "commercial settlement and gratitude." The parties further agreed that the two songs featured in Dude would remain in the version of the film currently available on the OTT platform, while the producers committed to refraining from using three other songs in Good Bad Ugly going forward.
Mari Selvaraj’s Bison Kaalamaadan was one of the most important films to hit the screens this year. While the film received rave reviews, Mari faced undue criticism over the usage of repetitive themes, including caste-based atrocities and oppression, in his films. Addressing the issue, he called his films “anti-caste” and pleaded to the audience not to ask why he makes films based on caste and class divide. Noting that these queries affect him, the filmmaker said, “If you ask that question again, I would try to avoid it and work even harder.” During the promotions, he was also probed on why he chooses his leads with “lighter skin tones” in roles representing marginalised communities and resorting to brownfacing them. Mari defended himself, stating that it was all a matter of choices. He further pointed out that he prioritises acting talent and the suitability of actors for the roles. Around the same time, the Pariyerum Perumal director also faced flak for collaborating with #MeToo accused Vedan for a song in the film. However, the ire reached nowhere.
After 38 long years, Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam joined hands for Thug Life, much to the excitement of Tamil cinema fans who were eagerly awaiting the Nayakan duo’s new film. But controversies follow anyone, and Kamal Haasan is no stranger to them. The actor-politician’s statement ahead of the action drama’s release, in which he had linked Kannada language’s roots to Tamil, created a major outrage in Karnataka, triggering criticism from major political leaders, public, and fans who demanded a ban on the film and called for an apology. With the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce stalling the film's release, Kamal Haasan issued a letter clarifying that his words were “misunderstood” and “taken out of context”. He also suggested that a remark made “out of love” doesn’t require an apology. When the matter reached the Karnataka HC, the court came down heavily on Kamal Haasan, questioning his claim and noting how an apology could've helped resolve the dispute. Although the Supreme Court cleared Thug Life for release in the state, many distributors were unwilling to buy owing to its poor theatrical response.
Controversies embroiled with a religious angle have, more often than not, been difficult to get out of. Actor-comedian Santhanam’s horror-comedy DD Next Level was entangled in a similar issue after TTD board member and BJP spokesperson Bhanuprakash Reddy sent a legal notice to the makers for their usage of the popular religious song ‘Srinivasa Govinda’ in their rap song ‘Kissa 47’. Condemning the inclusion, he said the makers were hurting Hindu sentiments and warned them to remove the song. Failing to do so, he said, they would file a defamation suit, claiming Rs 100 crore compensation. Additionally, Janasena party in-charge Kiran Royal registered a complaint in the regard, following which a PIL was also filed at the Madras HC. As the issue escalated, the makers decided to mute the objectionable tune and delete certain portions of the lyrics.
Director Vetri Maaran had to deal with one too many issues this year with his production ventures. Andrea Jeremiah’s Manushi, directed by Gopi Nainar, found itself at the heart of a major issue after the CBFC denied the censor certificate to the film, citing concerns over the State’s integrity, containing objectionable scenes, misrepresenting government policies, and reinforcing regional stereotypes. After Madras HC’s intervention, the CBFC specified the objectionable scenes, following which the court became involved, and suggested 25 cuts and 12 scenes to be replaced. In the latter part of the year, he produced Bad Girl along with Anurag Kashyap, which was directed by debutant Varsha Bharath. The film also came under heavy scrutiny for allegedly portraying the Brahmin community in a poor light. The coming-of-age film, which was centred on a young girl discovering love and lust, was also denied certification. Cases were also filed in the court for its “offensive depiction of children” and teenagers. However, Vetri Maaran was determined. A revising committee eventually cleared the film for release, but the back-to-back pressure he faced, along with sour experiences, left the filmmaker dejected. Ahead of Bad Girl’s release, he announced that he would close his production company Grass Root Film Company banner forever, shocking audiences and stirring debates on artistic freedom vs censorship.
Dhanush had an eventful 2025, starring in three major films and directing two movies—Nilavukku En Mel Ennadi Kobam and Idli Kadai. The latter had him starring in the lead role, which he wrote from his own experiences in life. In the audio launch of the film, the actor recalled his childhood days living in penury and said he would collect flowers from fields, sell them for money to buy a few idlies from a shop in their village. The speech was shared widely and was a subject of memes and criticism where social media users pointed to his legacy as the son of noted director Kasthoori Raja. Soon, the actor responded to the claims, stating that he was born in 1983, but his father became a filmmaker in 1991. The financial struggles, Dhanush said, followed them till 1995 before they could afford a better lifestyle. What began as a heartfelt statement, moved into trolling and mockery, with personal memory turning into public scrutiny.
In one of the most horrific tragedies that unfolded this year, 41 people, including ten children, 18 women, and 13 men lost their lives during a stampede that unfolded during Vijay's political rally in Karur in September. Around 100 others were injured as the crowd surged to get a glimpse of the actor. A major political storm broke out in its aftermath with the state police accusing his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), of brushing off their advice to take adequate precautions. Reports stated that almost three times more than the estimated number of people had gathered to see the actor, with hundreds waiting for over nine hours without basic facilities—a major reason cited for the crowd crush. Condolences were expressed by leaders across the country, with many flying down to the state to visit the families of the victims. Three days later, Vijay issued a video statement, stating his pain and sorrow, while underlining the involvement of political sabotage in the incident. The government, as well as Vijay, announced compensation to the families of the deceased and injured. A few notable members of TVK were booked under different cases and one arrest was made. A month after the stampede, Vijay met the victims' families in a closed-door meeting at a private resort in Mamallapuram, near Chennai where he offered all support possible and apologised for not meeting them at their homes. The incident, which made headlines across the world, continues to remain in the news as Vijay prepares to contest in the state elections in 2026.
Another major announcement that got Tamil cinema fans excited was the news that Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan were going to reunite for a new project after four decades. While initial reports suggested that the film was set to be directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Rajinikanth later clarified that a director had yet to be confirmed. However, within two months, in an unexpected turn of events, it was revealed that Sundar C would be helming Rajinikanth’s 173rd project, which will be backed by Kamal’s RKFI banner. The director and actor were expected to reunite 28 years after their hit outing Arunachalam. Just as works for it were to commence, the noted director shared a statement, announcing his "difficult decision" to move away from the film due to "unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances". Within minutes, the post was removed, sparking discussions regarding his continued association with Thalaivar 173. His exit from the project was eventually confirmed by Kamal Haasan, who reaffirmed his commitment to the film while stating that they were on the lookout for directors and that they are open to debutants as well. While filmmakers like Pradeep Ranganathan, Ramkumar Balakrishnan and Nithilan Saminathan were thrown in the mix, it is being speculated that Ramkumar’s story has been finalised. If rumours turn out to be true, it would be the National Award-winning director’s dream-come-true sophomore project.
Vijay Devarakonda's Telugu film Kingdom was locked in a wave of controversy this year after the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) demanded the film be banned over its "derogatory" portrayal of Sri Lankan Tamils. Protests were staged across several districts in Tamil Nadu with NTK leader Seeman stating that the alleged portrayal of Eelam Tamils oppressing Hill Country Tamils was a "gross historical distortion." 16 NTK cadres were also arrested in the aftermath of the protests. The party was also unhappy with the villain's character named Murugan, a prominent Tamil deity. Although the production house issued a clarification, the NTK party said the "damage is done" and noted how they "shouldn't have touched the subject" with "half-baked knowledge". The Madras HC later directed the Tamil Nadu police to give protection to theatres after a writ petition was filed by the film's Tamil distributor. The court made its final verdict on the matter, emphasising that the film is fictional and no individual or group has the right to prevent its screening, paving the way for its smooth theatrical run.
Drawing boundaries on fire, actor Gouri Kishan hit back at a journalist while promoting her film Others, for posing a query that indirectly body shamed her. In a heated press interaction, the actor called his line of questioning "highly disrespectful", "unnecessary" and "stupid". As the clips went viral, several celebrities, senior journalists, independent bodies, as well as social media users, stood in solidarity with her. A day later, the actor released a long note asking if journalists would ask a male actor similar questions. The journalist later apologised to Gouri after the issue snowballed into a major controversy. Replying to his words, Gouri said she doesn't accept "performative remorse or hollow words" and asked him to take clear accountability for the incident.
Two movies locked horns over one legacy title this year. Sivakarthikeyan’s 25th film with Sudha Kongara was titled Parasakthi earlier in January. On the same day, Vijay Antony, who too was incidentally awaiting the release of his 25th film, claimed that he had registered the title Paraashakthi for his movie Shakthi Thirumagan’s Telugu version six months prior. While he backed it up with evidence, Dawn Pictures, the production backing Sivakarthikeyan’s period drama, also posted a series of posts in their defense. Meanwhile, AVM Productions, which produced and released the original eponymous film back in 1952, featuring the debut of acting legend Sivaji Ganesan, issued a statement wishing the film for its success. Eventually, Vijay Antony and director Arun Prabu, sat down with the makers of the Sivakarthikeyan-starrer to find a middle ground and settle the issue amicably. It was later decided that the latter’s film would retain the title Parasakthi for their Tamil and Telugu versions, while Vijay Antony’s film would go with Paraashakthi for the Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi languages. Their Telugu version was later titled Bhadrakali.
One of the biggest surprises Tamil cinema has seen in the last two years was the rise and rise of singer-composer Sai Abhyankkar. After enthralling fans with independent singles ‘Katchi Sera’, ‘Aasa Kooda’, ‘Sithira Puthiri’ and ‘Vizhi Veekura’, he was ready with his big screen debut. But what started the heavy internet chatter was the young musician bagging almost six to seven projects in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam even before a single film song was released. It sparked heated debate and discussions online—ranging from nepotism remarks, and doubts on his abilities — before the memes took over. If that wasn't enough, ‘Oorum Blood,’ his debut single from his debut film, Pradeep Ranganathan’s Dude, broke the internet. After his debut album in the Malayalam film Balti earlier this year, the gen-Z composer made quite a mark with Dude. Ultimately, the album’s success, along with the film’s, silenced most of the contentions... for now.
Besides AI, another visible threat rocked the lives of Tamil cinema celebrities in the latter part of 2025. Top personalities such as Rajinikanth, Ilaiyaraaja, Vijay, Dhanush, Nayanthara, Trisha, Ajith Kumar, and Arun Vijay received bomb threats at their residences. While they were later found out to be hoaxes, the back-to-back threats had caused widespread panic among the public. What was built up as a major scare, thankfully, fizzled out like a box of wet firecrackers.
Directed by Nalan Kumarasamy, Karthi’s Vaa Vaathiyaar was scheduled to release in January this year, ahead of the festive occasion of Pongal. However, the film faced multiple postponements before fixing a December 5 release. The film, also starring Krithi Shetty in her debut, was set to break Nalan’s nine-year-long hiatus from the big screen. But as financial issues mounted on, the film’s release was pushed further to December 12. However, a day ahead of the date, the Madras High Court ordered a stay on its release and directed Studio Green’s KE Gnanavel Raja to repay the total dues of Rs 21,78,50,000 to K Arjunlal Sunderdas. Even after the makers moved to the Supreme Court, the top court declined to lift the ban on the film. While the team had planned on moving its release to Christmas eve, if issues were to get resolved, SC’s decision had further complicated matters with Prime Video reportedly backing out on its OTT deal. The issue had disappointed fans and audiences who had hoped to see Karthi after a year in cinema and to watch him emulate late CM and actor MG Ramachandran on screen.