Author Nirmala Lakshman on her book ‘The Tamils'

Who are the Tamils? Where do they come from—and where are they headed?
Explore themes of caste, gender, migration, resilience, and creativity. Reflect on what it means to be Tamil in the 21st century—and how this vibrant culture continues to shape the world.
The Tamils is more than a history—it's a conversation about belonging, transformation, and the power of cultural memory.

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Hindustan Times

an hour ago

• Hindustan Times

Kuberaa box office collection day 4: Dhanush, Rashmika Mandanna film stays steady on first Monday, crosses ₹50 crore

Jun 23, 2025 10:12 PM IST Kuberaa box office collection day 4: Sekhar Kammula's Dhanush, Rashmika Mandanna and Nagarjuna-starrer was one the most anticipated releases of the year. The film opened to positive reviews, particularly for the performance of Dhanush. As per the latest update on the film has now crossed the ₹ 50 crore mark in four days. (Also read: Kuberaa worldwide box office collection day 3: Dhanush, Rashmika Mandanna film ranks #9 with ₹ 87 crore haul) Kuberaa box office collection day 4: Dhanush plays the lead in Kuberaa. The report states that Kuberaa collected ₹ 5.77 crore on its fourth day of release, as per early estimates. The film opened with a strong ₹ 14.75 crore collection and witnessed an 11.86% hike on Saturday, collecting ₹ 16.5 crore. On Sunday, the film showed growth and collected ₹ 17.35 crore. So far, the total collection of the film stands at ₹ 54.77 crore. The cast and crew of the film held a success meet for the film on Sunday. Rashmika took to her Instagram account on Monday to pen a heartfelt note for Dhanush. She posted a selfie with him and wrote in the caption, 'You've been an absolute gem of a person.. Thankyou so much for working so incredibly hard each and every day (only know this cz every time we talk we are in different cities, doing different things and talking about how important rest is but how we are never actually able to do anything about it) and for giving us this kind of performance not only in Kuberaa, but in everything that you do.. it's nothing short of incredible..' She went on to add, 'You've been so incredibly kind, not only to me but everyone who I've seen you interact with.. and that I'll remember forever, the number of laddoos you've given me on set.. the way you'd help me with my Tamil lines everyday.. when you liked the way I'd do a scene and you'd say.. 'that was nice..'' The pan-India release was cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), with a UA certificate after 19 scenes were cut from the original cut. The film also stars Jim Sarbh in a pivotal role.

The Hindu

an hour ago

• The Hindu

Tamil actor Srikanth arrested for allegedly buying cocaine from drug cartel

Tamil film actor Srikanth, also known as Sriram Krishnamachari, 46, was arrested on Monday by the Nungambakkam police of the Greater Chennai Police for allegedly buying cocaine from a drug cartel. The cartel includes a Nigerian national who was recently arrested. The authorities are on the lookout for actor Krishna, who is believed to be in Kerala. A senior police officer confirmed the arrest and said Srikanth had been in regular contact with three drug offenders arrested recently. 'Our investigation revealed that he procured and consumed cocaine... Further investigation is under way,' the officer said. Srikanth made his big screen acting debut in the 2002 Tamil film Roja Kootam. He has also starred in notable films like April Maadhathil (2002), Parthiban Kanavu (2003), Okariki Okaru (2003), and the Tamil remake of 3 Idiots, titled Nanban (2012). Srikanth has received multiple awards, including Nandi Awards and Filmfare Awards. To combat drug-trafficking, the Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Unit (ANIU) operates under the supervision of Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A. Arun. It gathers intelligence on ganja and synthetic drugs, identifies offenders and networks, and works with local police stations to make arrests. On June 17, based on the ANIU's inputs, the Nungambakkam police arrested Pradeep Kumar, alias Prado, 38, of Sankari in Salem, and John, 38, a Ghanaian national, after they were found in possession of 11 grams of cocaine. During interrogation, Pradeep said he had supplied drugs to T. Prasad, a dismissed AIADMK functionary, who sold the cocaine to Srikanth at a Nungambakkam pub last month. Brawl at bar Prasad, along with his associates, had been arrested earlier in connection with a brawl at a bar. Further investigation revealed that he had also been involved in a job racket, cheating a Hyderabad businessman. Police sources said Prasad had worked in film production with Srikanth and the latter frequently socialised with the offenders. The police searched Srikanth's residence in the Nungambakkam Lake Area, where cocaine in small quantities was allegedly seized. On Monday morning, Srikanth was detained for questioning and then arrested after his blood test came back positive for narcotics. He was examined at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. Sourced from Bengaluru The cocaine was reportedly sourced from Bengaluru through Pradeep and John, who purchased it for ₹7,000 per gram and sold it in Chennai for ₹12,000. Mr. Arun has directed the ANIU and the local law enforcement agencies to intensify surveillance and crack down on organised narcotics trafficking. Investigations are under way to apprehend other individuals linked to the syndicate.

India Today

2 hours ago

• India Today

Priyanka Chopra shares how John Cena, Idris Elba pranked her during Heads of State

Priyanka Chopra gets pranked by John Cena and Idris Elba. India Today Entertainment Desk Priyanka Chopra Jonas shared a hilarious behind-the-scenes moment from the sets of 'Heads of State' The actor said that she was pranked by her co-stars on the first day of the shoot The film will be premiered July 2 on Prime Video in multiple Indian languages Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas is set to return to action in the upcoming film 'Heads of State', alongside Hollywood actors John Cena and Idris Elba. But her first day on set wasn't all smooth. In fact, it started with a hilarious prank from her co-stars. Sharing a funny behind-the-scenes story from the film's shoot, Priyanka shared how she walked into an unexpected trap while trying to make a friendly first impression on John Cena. "The first scene we were doing together, I literally went in just because I was like, 'I'll break the ice. I'll just go in and be like, I don't see you'. I think they were in on it or whatever when I went, and John and Idris were standing with each other. I was like, now I've offended him, he hates that. That's what Idris said. He's like, 'don't say that. He hates when people do that' and then they were obviously taking the piss. So that cracked the ice,' she said in a statement. In 'Heads of State', Priyanka plays Noel Bisset, a top-level MI6 agent tasked with guarding two of the world's most powerful leaders - US President Will Derringer (John Cena) and UK Prime Minister Sam Clarke (Idris Elba). The film features high-stakes political drama with fast-paced action and comedy. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, the movie also features Paddy Considine, Stephen Root, Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid, and Sarah Niles in supporting roles. 'Heads of State' will premiere on July 2 exclusively on Prime Video, and will be available in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas is set to return to action in the upcoming film 'Heads of State', alongside Hollywood actors John Cena and Idris Elba. But her first day on set wasn't all smooth. In fact, it started with a hilarious prank from her co-stars. Sharing a funny behind-the-scenes story from the film's shoot, Priyanka shared how she walked into an unexpected trap while trying to make a friendly first impression on John Cena. "The first scene we were doing together, I literally went in just because I was like, 'I'll break the ice. I'll just go in and be like, I don't see you'. I think they were in on it or whatever when I went, and John and Idris were standing with each other. I was like, now I've offended him, he hates that. That's what Idris said. He's like, 'don't say that. He hates when people do that' and then they were obviously taking the piss. So that cracked the ice,' she said in a statement. In 'Heads of State', Priyanka plays Noel Bisset, a top-level MI6 agent tasked with guarding two of the world's most powerful leaders - US President Will Derringer (John Cena) and UK Prime Minister Sam Clarke (Idris Elba). The film features high-stakes political drama with fast-paced action and comedy. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, the movie also features Paddy Considine, Stephen Root, Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid, and Sarah Niles in supporting roles. 'Heads of State' will premiere on July 2 exclusively on Prime Video, and will be available in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. Join our WhatsApp Channel