Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Probe ordered into Tamil actor Vishal’s bribery allegations against censor board

Vishal claimed he paid a bribe to obtain censor certification for the Hindi version of his film Mark Antony.

Probe ordered into Tamil actor Vishal’s bribery allegations against censor board

India’s Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Friday said the government has “zero tolerance” for corruption and has initiated an inquiry into the claim by Tamil actor Vishal that he paid a bribe to obtain censor certification of the Hindi version for his film Mark Antony.

On Thursday the actor took to X to allege that officials from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Mumbai office had demanded money in exchange for the screening and granting of a U/A certificate for his film.


“The issue of corruption in CBFC brought forth by actor @VishalKOfficial is extremely unfortunate. The Government has zero tolerance for corruption and the strictest action will be taken against anyone found involved,” according to a statement by the I&B Ministry.

The ministry said a senior officer has been deputed to conduct an inquiry into the matter.

“A senior officer from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has been deputed to Mumbai to conduct an inquiry today itself. We request everyone to cooperate with the Ministry, by providing information about any other instance of harassment by CBFC at jsfilms.inb@nic.in,” the I&B Ministry statement read.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, who is a former member of the CBFC told ANI that the Tamil actor has levelled "very serious" allegations and has demanded an investigation by the CBI.

He further said that people named by the Tamil actor as having taken the money are not employees of the CBFC and therefore “whoever the money was given to has to be investigated.”

“There are two names he takes in his statement, M Rajan and Jija Ramdas. As per my knowledge, these two are not the employees of CBFC... Accusing a CBFC officer at this stage is not right... But if allegations are being made, then we demand a CBI inquiry because the allegations are very serious... It is obvious that any officer who demands money will not take it (directly) into his account... These two people he named should be asked if they have taken the money on someone's behalf at the CBFC... High power inquiry should be initiated," Ashoke Pandit said.

On Thursday, actor Vishal had shared a video message on X. "Corruption being shown on silver screen is fine. But not in real life. Can’t digest. Especially in govt offices. And even worse happening in CBFC Mumbai office. Had to pay 6.5 lacs for my film #MarkAntonyHindi version. 2 transactions. 3 Lakhs for screening and 3.5 Lakhs for certificate," Vishal wrote.

The actor also made an appeal to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to look into the matter.

"Never faced this situation ever in my career. Had no option but to pay the concerned mediator #Menaga coz too much at stake since movie released today. Bringing this to the notice of Hon Chief Minister of Maharashtra and my Hon PM Narendra Modiji. Doing this is not for me but for future producers. NOT HAPPENING. My hard-earned money gone for corruption??? No way. Evidence down for all to hear. Hope truth prevails as always. GB," Vishal added.

Mark Antony, a science fiction action comedy was released on September 15. Directed by Adhik Ravichandran and produced by S Vinod Kumar under Mini Studio, the film stars Vishal and S J Suryah in dual roles.

More For You

Kendrick Lamar and SZA

Kendrick Lamar and SZA thrill Birmingham crowd with high-energy Grand National Tour show

Kendrick Lamar and SZA light up Birmingham with a dazzling Grand National Tour stop

Highlights:

  • Kendrick Lamar and SZA brought their record-breaking Grand National Tour to Birmingham’s Villa Park on Thursday night.
  • The three-hour set featured solo performances, visual spectacles, and crowd-favourite duets like All the Stars and Gloria.
  • Kendrick arrived on stage in his signature GNX, delivering fiery performances from To Pimp a Butterfly, DAMN., and his latest album GNX.
  • SZA stunned with hits from CTRL and SOS, transforming the stage into a fantasy landscape with high-energy vocals and choreography.

Two of the biggest names in rap and R&B, Kendrick Lamar and SZA, brought their much-anticipated Grand National Tour to Birmingham’s Villa Park on Thursday night, turning the historic stadium into a special musical experience. The pair, who previously wowed the world during this year’s Super Bowl halftime show, performed a mix of solo tracks and duets across a three-hour set that left fans exhilarated.

The Grand National Tour, which has already broken records as the highest-grossing co-headline tour in history, continued its momentum in the UK. Following performances in Glasgow, Kendrick and SZA proved once again why they remain at the forefront of global music.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kapil Sharma

Kapil Sharma’s Canada cafe shot at days after opening

Instagram/ginnichatrath

Kapil Sharma’s Canadian café targeted in shooting, Khalistani terrorist cites mockery of Nihang Sikhs as motive

Highlights:

  • Shots were fired at Kap’s Café in Surrey, Canada, owned by comedian Kapil Sharma, just days after its opening.
  • Khalistani extremist Harjit Singh Laddi, linked to banned group BKI, claimed responsibility.
  • The motive cited was an old comedy segment from The Kapil Sharma Show that allegedly mocked Nihang Sikhs.
  • No injuries were reported; Canadian authorities are investigating the incident.

Comedian Kapil Sharma’s recently launched Kap’s Café in Surrey, British Columbia, was the target of a shooting in the early hours of 10 July. Though no one was harmed, the property sustained significant damage. A known Khalistani extremist, Harjit Singh Laddi, has claimed responsibility for the attack, citing perceived religious disrespect on The Kapil Sharma Show.

 Kap\u2019s Cafe in Surrey  Kap’s Cafe in Surrey was struck by gunfire late at night with staff still insideInstagram/thekapscafe_

Keep ReadingShow less
Charithra Chandran Wimbledon

Chandran wore lambskin shorts and a green cashmere sweater for her Wimbledon appearance

Instagram/charithra17/Twitter/charithra files

Charithra Chandran brings ‘Bridgerton’ elegance to Wimbledon in timeless Ralph Lauren look

Highlights:

  • Charithra Chandran attended Wimbledon as a Ralph Lauren ambassador, turning heads in a vintage-inspired ensemble.
  • Her look echoed Bridgerton character Edwina Sharma, with soft curls and a classic summer palette.
  • Fans online praised her poise and outfit, with many saying she outshone stars like Andrew Garfield.
  • The actress wore a green cashmere sweater, tailored lambskin shorts and white Nappa pumps.

Charithra Chandran’s Wimbledon appearance might have been behind Hollywood stars Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro, but her crisp summer ensemble made sure all eyes found her. Dressed head-to-toe in Ralph Lauren, the British-Indian actress brought understated elegance and old-school charm to Centre Court, and social media took notice.

 Charithra Chandran Wimbledon Charithra Chandran styled her hair in soft curls for the Ralph Lauren outfitInstagram/charithra17/

Keep ReadingShow less
SS Rajamouli announces 'Baahubali
SS Rajamouli, Prabhas and Rana Daggubati share a moment at the Baahubali reunion event
Instagram/baahubalimovie

SS Rajamouli announces 'Baahubali: The Epic', a five-hour film, to be released in October 2025

Highlights:

  • SS Rajamouli announces Baahubali: The Epic, combining the two original films into one cinematic saga.
  • The re-edited version will release in theatres globally on 31 October 2025.
  • The runtime is expected to cross five hours, sparking fan excitement and jokes online.
  • Reunion photos featuring Prabhas, Rana Daggubati and Rajamouli shared on the film’s 10th anniversary.

A decade after Baahubali: The Beginning redefined Indian cinema, director SS Rajamouli has announced a reimagined release of the entire saga. Titled Baahubali: The Epic, this special two-part combined film will hit theatres on 31 October 2025, offering fans a seamless version of the grand story that began in 2015.

  Team Baahubali reunites a decade after the first film’s releaseInstagram/baahubalimovie

Keep ReadingShow less
Superman immigrant storyline

Poster of the upcoming Superman film releasing on July 11

Instagram/superman

‘Superman’ movie faces backlash over immigrant storyline in James Gunn reboot

Highlights:

 
     
  • James Gunn’s Superman reimagines the hero as a symbol of the immigrant experience.
  •  
  • Former Superman actor Dean Cain and conservative commentators criticise the film as "too woke."
  •  
  • Cain argues that Hollywood is rewriting classic characters to fit modern political agendas.
  •  
  • Gunn defends his interpretation, saying the story champions kindness and inclusion.
  •  
 

James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman has already been caught in a political storm. The director’s depiction of the Man of Steel as a metaphor for the immigrant experience has drawn criticism from right-wing voices, who accuse Hollywood of turning the iconic superhero into a tool for political messaging.

 Superman 2025 New ‘Superman’ movie sparks backlash for portraying hero as immigrant symbol Instagram/superman/reald3d

Keep ReadingShow less