Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Doesn’t make sense at this time to call me or anyone else south actor: Dhanush

“It will be great if we function together and make movies for everyone.”

Doesn’t make sense at this time to call me or anyone else south actor: Dhanush

At a time when lines between film industries are fading, superstar Dhanush believes people should not attach regional identities to actors.

The National Award winner, who features in director duo Joe Russo and Anthony Russo's much-awaited action spectacle "The Gray Man", said efforts must be made to produce movies as a united 'Indian film industry'.


"It doesn’t make sense at this time to refer to me or anyone else as south actors... I would appreciate it if we are collectively called as Indian actors, and not south actors or north actors. The world has shrunk and the lines at the borders are fading. This is the time to come together and make one big Indian film industry," Dhanush, who predominantly works in Tamil films, told reporters here.

"It will be great if we function together and make movies for everyone, not just south or north audiences. Today, every film is a national film and especially with the digital platforms, people have access to watch everybody’s work," he added.

He was speaking at the promotional event of the Netflix film "The Gray Man" on Thursday. He was joined by the Russo Brothers.

Based on the novel of the same name by Mark Greaney, the spy action thriller revolves around freelance assassin and former CIA operative Court Gentry aka Sierra Six, played by Ryan Gosling, who is hunted across the world by Chris Evans' Lloyd Hansen and other international assassins.

Dhanush, 38, plays Avik San, a "high-level assassin" with a strong code of conduct, the only one who could stop Six from revealing a dark agency secret.

In the film, his character is often addressed by Hansen as "Tamil friend", a reference the actor said didn't bother him and rather added more "flavour" to his on-screen persona.

"It’s not absolutely necessary (to be referred to as a Tamil friend) but there is nothing wrong with it. Joe and Anthony Russo told me the more we get into the details, the more flavour the character will have. So, I don’t think there is any harm in saying that he is a Tamil guy from India," the actor said.

While he has been working in the film industry for two decades delivering hits such as "Aadukalam", "Asuran", "Raanjhanaa", and "Maaran", Dhanush said filming high-octane action pieces for "The Gray Man" was a challenging experience.

The stunts were so inventive that he had to go back to "basics" to get into the groove, he said.

"I got training for just a month-and-a-half, where they started with everything basic: How you should stand, how your fist should be, and feet should be. In my mind, I was thinking I've done 50 films, so many stunts, I know these things.

"But no! You're not ready for what's to come, they know it so they'll prepare you step by step where you feel like an actual pro. You need to be that good. So once we started filming, it was fun," he added.

Dhanush has most of his scenes in the movie with Gosling and Ana de Armas, and the trio underwent "meticulous training" for the hand-to-hand combat sequences.

"I still remember the first day, when I had to do a kick. I had to raise my leg, but it could only come to a certain point, so they (the stunt crew) were stretching my leg to make it easy for me and then Ana came and boom! She was so good! "Ryan was so into his character, he would try to make the stunt choreography suit his character, take it in and make it The Gray Man. It was amazing, I learnt so much from both these wonderful actors and had such a good experience," he added.

Also starring Rege-Jean Page, Jessica Henwick, Billy Bob Thornton, Wagner Moura, Alfre Woodard, Julia Butters, Eme Ikwuakor, and Scott Haze, "The Gray Man" will start streaming on Netflix from Friday

(PTI)

More For You

Wireless Festival 2025

The 2025 event made headlines after it was announced that Canadian rapper Drake

Getty Images

Wireless Festival 2025 confirms new acts for Finsbury Park

Key points

 
     
  • Wireless Festival 2025 runs from 11–13 July in Finsbury Park, London
  •  
  • Drake to headline all three nights of the sold-out event
  •  
  • New acts include ODUMODUBLVCK, SahBabii, Darkoo and Uncle Waffles
  •  
  • Up to 150,000 attendees expected across the weekend
  •  
 

Final line-up revealed ahead of 20th anniversary festival

 

Further acts have been confirmed for the 2025 edition of Wireless Festival, as Finsbury Park prepares to host the three-day music event from Friday 11 July to Sunday 13 July. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the UK’s biggest urban music festival, which has evolved into a major platform for rap, R&B, afrobeats and grime.

The 2025 event made headlines after it was announced that Canadian rapper Drake would headline all three nights — a first for the festival — sparking record-breaking ticket sales. The festival sold out within minutes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Superman

This film marks the first cinematic release under the new unified DC Universe banner

X/ ErikDavis

Superman early reactions praise James Gunn’s reboot as “a terrific start”

Key points

  • First reactions to Superman (2025) praise its action, humour and emotional tone
  • Directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet as Superman
  • Premiered in Los Angeles ahead of 11 July theatrical release
  • Fans and critics call it a strong launch for the new DC Studios era

Superman early reviews call it “exciting” and “hopeful”

Following its premiere in Los Angeles on Monday night, the first social media reactions to Superman have begun to emerge — and they are largely positive. Though full reviews will be published closer to the 11 July release date, critics, journalists and early viewers have shared their first impressions online.

 

What fans and critics are saying

“A terrific start for the new DC Studios,” – Erik Davis, Fandango
Film journalist Erik Davis praised Superman as a promising launchpad for DC Studios under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran.

Keep ReadingShow less
Neena Gupta

The brand’s use of a traditional Indian design without acknowledgement

Getty Images

Neena Gupta joins Kareena Kapoor in calling out Prada over Kolhapuri chappals

Key points

  • Neena Gupta posts a video wearing Kolhapuri chappals gifted by late actor Laxmikant Berde
  • Joins Kareena Kapoor in highlighting resemblance to a Prada sandal design
  • Luxury brand showcased similar footwear at Milan Fashion Week without reference to Indian origins
  • Both actresses emphasised the value of original handmade designs

Neena Gupta backs Kolhapuri chappals after Prada controversy

Veteran Indian actress Neena Gupta has weighed in on the ongoing conversation around Prada’s recent footwear collection after actress Kareena Kapoor earlier pointed out the brand’s use of a traditional Indian design without acknowledgement.

In a video shared on Instagram, Gupta showcased a pair of handmade Kolhapuri chappals gifted to her by the late actor Laxmikant Berde. Sharing the story behind the slippers, she said, “So, these Kolhapur slippers are in great demand these days. Once I did something with Laxmikant Berde—I don't remember what it was—so I asked him, can you get me these slippers from Kolhapur? He said yes. So he got them for me. This is the most beautiful slippers I have ever had. Most beautiful and handmade. I love them. Thank you, Laxmikant. You are not there anymore, but love you.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Katy Perry seen in black bikini on Capri yacht after Orlando Bloom split
Katy Perry relaxes on deck in a black bikini as she chats with friends
Twitter/info katy perry

Katy Perry seen in black bikini on Capri yacht after Orlando Bloom split

Quick highlights:

  • Katy Perry seen for the first time since confirming split with Orlando Bloom.
  • The singer relaxed on a yacht in Capri with daughter Daisy and close friends.
  • Representatives say the couple has shifted focus to co-parenting after months of changes.
  • Bloom shared cryptic quotes on loneliness while Perry broke down on stage in Australia.

Katy Perry appears to be embracing single life with warmth and grace after confirming her split from actor Orlando Bloom. Just days after their breakup statement, the pop star was seen enjoying a yacht holiday in Capri with her daughter Daisy and longtime friends.

Perry looked composed and at ease as she spent time on the water, marking her first public appearance since the relationship announcement. Dressed in a black bikini, with her hair tied back in a sleek bun, the singer was photographed laughing, hugging friends, and sharing moments with her 4½-year-old daughter.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Beckham family

Mia Regan, Romeo Beckham, Cruz Beckham, Harper Beckham, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham attend the Netflix 'Beckham' UK Premiere

Getty Images

Brooklyn Beckham’s absence looms over Harper’s birthday as family rift deepens

Quick highlights:

  • Brooklyn Beckham is unlikely to attend Harper’s 14th birthday amid ongoing family tensions.
  • He recently skipped David Beckham’s 50th celebration to attend Nicola Peltz’s father’s birthday in the US.
  • Insiders say Harper is especially hurt as she shares a close bond with Brooklyn.
  • Brooklyn reportedly feels distant from the Beckham family and more connected to Nicola’s side.

The Beckham family is preparing to mark Harper’s 14th birthday this week, but the occasion is expected to be bittersweet. Brooklyn Beckham is not expected to join the celebrations, sparking concerns about a deepening rift between him and the rest of his family.

Once a close-knit unit, tensions reportedly began brewing after Brooklyn married American heiress and actress Nicola Peltz in 2022. Since then, his growing bond with Nicola’s family and increasing distance from his own has been a source of strain, insiders claim.

Keep ReadingShow less