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70th Filmfare Awards South 2026: Complete Winners List – Allu Arjun, Sivakarthikeyan, and Mammootty Win Big

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The “Black Lady” returned to celebrate the cinematic brilliance of South India. In a historic night, Allu Arjun bagged the Best Actor trophy for Pushpa 2: The Rule, while Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi’s Amaran swept the Tamil categories. Malayalam veteran Mammootty was honored for his haunting performance in Bramayugam.

Filmfare Awards South 2026 Telugu Cinema Winners

Pushpa 2: The Rule emerged as the biggest winner of the night, securing top honors across major categories.

  • Best Film: Pushpa 2: The Rule
  • Best Director: Sukumar (Pushpa 2: The Rule)
  • Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male): Allu Arjun (Pushpa 2: The Rule)
  • Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female): Nivetha Thomas (35 Chinna Katha Kaadu)
  • Best Film (Critics): Lucky Baskhar
  • Best Actor (Critics): Teja Sajja (Hanu-Man)
  • Best Actress (Critics): Kajal Aggarwal (Satyabhama)
  • Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male): Amitabh Bachchan (Kalki 2898 AD)
  • Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female): Anjali (Gangs of Godavari)
  • Best Music Album: Devi Sri Prasad (Pushpa 2: The Rule)
  • Best Playback Singer (Male): Sri Krishna (“Kurchi Madathapetti” – Guntur Kaaram)
  • Best Playback Singer (Female): Shilpa Rao (“Chuttamalle” – Devara: Part 1)
  • Best Lyrics: Ramjogayya Sastry (“Chuttamalle” – Devara: Part 1)

Filmfare Awards South 2026 Tamil Cinema Winners

The Tamil segment saw a massive sweep by the biographical drama Amaran and the critically acclaimed Meiyazhagan.

  • Best Film: Amaran
  • Best Director: PS Vinothraj (Kottukkaali) & Rajkumar Periasamy (Amaran)
  • Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male): Sivakarthikeyan (Amaran)
  • Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female): Sai Pallavi (Amaran)
  • Best Film (Critics): Meiyazhagan
  • Best Actor (Critics): Arvind Swamy (Meiyazhagan)
  • Best Actress (Critics): Anna Ben (Kottukkaali)
  • Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male): Karthi (Meiyazhagan)
  • Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female): Parvathy Thiruvothu (Thangalaan) & Swasika (Lubber Pandhu)
  • Best Music Album: G.V. Prakash Kumar (Amaran)
  • Best Playback Singer (Male): Haricharan (“Hey Minnale” – Amaran)
  • Best Playback Singer (Female): Shweta Mohan (“Hey Minnale” – Amaran)
  • Best Debut (Male): Hridhu Haroon (Thugs)
  • Best Debut (Female): Sri Gouri Priya (Lover)

Filmfare Awards South 2026 Kannada Cinema Winners

The Kannada industry celebrated both independent spirit and commercial success.

  • Best Film: Shakhahaari
  • Best Director: Prithvi Konanur (Hadinelentu)
  • Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male): Sri Murali (Bagheera)
  • Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female): Akshatha Pandvapura (Koli Esru)
  • Best Film (Critics): Blink
  • Best Actor (Critics): Gowrishankar (Kerebete)
  • Best Actress (Critics): Ankita Amar (Ibbani Tabbida Ileyali)
  • Best Music Album: Arjun Janya (Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi)
  • Best Playback Singer (Male): Jaskaran Singh (“Dwapara” – Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi)
  • Best Playback Singer (Female): Shruthi Prahlad (“Hithalaka Karibyada” – Karataka Damanaka)
  • Best Debut (Male): Samarjit Lankesh (Gowri)

Filmfare Awards South 2026 Malayalam Cinema Winners

In a year of global recognition, Malayalam cinema’s finest were honored in their home state.

  • Best Film: Manjummel Boys
  • Best Director: Rahul Sadasivan (Bramayugam)
  • Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male): Mammootty (Bramayugam)
  • Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female): Urvashi (Ullozhukku)
  • Best Actor (Critics): Prithviraj Sukumaran (Aadujeevitham) & Asif Ali (Kishkindha Kaandam)
  • Best Actress (Critics): Zarin Shihab (Aattam)
  • Best Supporting Actor (Male): Vijayaraghavan (Kishkindha Kaandam)
  • Best Supporting Actor (Female): Lijomol Jose (Her)
  • Best Music Album: Sushin Shyam (Aavesham)
  • Best Playback Singer (Male): Jithin Raj (“Periyone” – Aadujeevitham)

70th Filmfare Awards South (Malayalam) 2026: Mammootty, Urvashi, and ‘Manjummel Boys’ Bag Top Honours — Check the Full Winners List

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The survival thriller ‘Manjummel Boys’, which shattered box office records globally, took home the coveted award for Best Film (Malayalam). Meanwhile, the critically acclaimed black-and-white folk horror film ‘Bramayugam’ proved to be a dominant force at the awards. Rahul Sadasivan secured the Best Director trophy for weaving a visually haunting tale, while Mammootty captivated the jury to win Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) for his menacing portrayal in the same film.

Legendary actress Urvashi was honoured with the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) award for her phenomenal and emotionally charged performance in ‘Ullozhukku’.

Full List of Malayalam Winners at the 70th Filmfare Awards South 2026:

Here is the complete breakdown of the artists and projects that made Malayalam cinema proud at the 70th Filmfare Awards South:

  • Best Film: Manjummel Boys
  • Best Director: Rahul Sadasivan (Bramayugam)
  • Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male): Mammootty (Bramayugam)
  • Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female): Urvashi (Ullozhukku)
  • Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male): Vijayaraghavan (Kishkindha Kaandam)
  • Best Playback Singer (Male): Jitin Raj for the song “Periyone” (Aadujeevitham)

Hosted by popular personalities Vishnu Warrier, Ranjini Haridas, and RJ Mithun, the grand ceremony featured breathtaking stage performances from stars like Sanya Malhotra, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Aparna Balamurali. The grand event not only honoured established legends but also shined a light on the new wave of cinematic brilliance radiating from Mollywood right now.

Major Awards:

  • Best Film: Manjummel Boys
  • Best Director: Rahul Sadasivan (Bramayugam)
  • Best Film (Critics’): Kishkindha Kaandam & Ullozhukku
  • Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male): Mammootty (Bramayugam)
  • Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female): Urvashi (Ullozhukku)
  • Best Actor (Critics’): Prithviraj Sukumaran (Aadujeevitham) & Asif Ali (Kishkindha Kaandam)
  • Best Actress (Critics’): Zarin Shihab (Aattam)
  • Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male): Vijayaraghavan (Kishkindha Kaandam)
  • Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female): Lijomol Jose (Her)

Music and Technical Awards:

  • Best Music Album: Sushin Shyam (Aavesham)
  • Best Lyrics: Rafeeq Ahammed (“Periyone” – Aadujeevitham)
  • Best Playback Singer (Male): Jithin Raj (“Periyone” – Aadujeevitham)
  • Best Playback Singer (Female): Vaikom Vijayalakshmi (“Angu Vaana Konilu” – A.R.M)
  • Best Cinematography: Sunil KS (Aadujeevitham)

Debut & Special Honours:

  • Best Debut (Male): K R Gokul (Aadujeevitham) & Abhimanyu S Thilakan (Marco)
  • Best Debut (Female): Methil Devika (Kadha Innuvare)
  • Best Debut Director: Jithin Laal (A.R.M) & Joju George (Pani)
  • Breakthrough In Filmmaking: Anand Ekarshi (Aattam)
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Sreekumaran Thampi & Sreenivasan
  • Cine Icon Award: Bhavana

“They Are Not Below Me”: Mammootty Shares His 70th Filmfare Best Actor Award with Asif Ali and Basil Joseph in a Heartwarming Moment

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KOCHI: The 70th Filmfare Awards South, held in Kochi in association with Kerala Tourism, witnessed an unforgettable and heartwarming moment courtesy of Malayalam megastar Mammootty. After winning the prestigious Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) – Malayalam award for his phenomenal performance in ‘Bramayugam’, the legendary actor won the hearts of the audience with his humble gesture towards his younger colleagues.

Upon receiving the award, Mammootty invited his fellow Best Actor nominees, young stars Asif Ali and Basil Joseph, to join him on the stage. “They are not below me in any way, please come…” the actor affectionately called out to them. As the duo walked up to the stage, Mammootty warmly embraced them, sending the crowd into thunderous applause.

Showcasing his trademark wit, Mammootty cracked a lighthearted joke about his win. “Even though both of them are young and handsome, she (the award) chose to stand with me,” he quipped. However, he quickly followed it up by praising the immense talent of both actors, stating that they are absolutely on par with him and that he just happened to receive the accolade this time.

The veteran actor also took a moment to appreciate the spectacular performances of his co-stars in ‘Bramayugam’. Generously sharing his physical award trophy with Asif and Basil on stage, Mammootty wished them both a future filled with many more such accolades.

This beautiful gesture of a senior actor publicly acknowledging and lifting up the younger generation of talents easily became one of the brightest highlights of the star-studded Filmfare night.

Cat Trapped on Kochi Metro Pillar Rescued; ‘Operation Subhash’ a Success

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Kochi: A cat that had been stranded on top of a Kochi Metro pillar for over a week has finally been rescued following a daring and intense operation. Affectionately named ‘Subhash’ by local auto-rickshaw drivers, the feline was safely brought down after prolonged joint efforts by the Fire and Rescue Services, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and local animal lovers.

The cat was stuck on a metro pillar near the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor. Initially, a major daytime rescue mission dubbed ‘Operation Meow’ was launched. The Fire Force and animal rescue teams attempted to reach the cat using a hydraulic lift, but the effort was unsuccessful. The mission hit a roadblock when the lift experienced a technical snag and the terrified cat ran and hid. Authorities even temporarily halted metro services to facilitate the rescue. By this time, the cat was in a highly weakened state, having gone without food or water for several days.

Following the setback during the day, authorities decided to resume the mission on a larger scale after regular metro services concluded at 11:00 PM. Around midnight, the high-voltage power supply to the metro tracks was completely shut off to ensure a safe rescue environment. A special trap cage was hoisted to the top of the pillar. Finally, at around 1:20 AM, the cat was safely secured, brought down, and immediately shifted to a veterinary hospital for expert medical care.

It was the auto-rickshaw drivers in the area who first spotted the cat on the pillar and gave it the name ‘Subhash’. They had been anxiously watching over it and had even tried to throw food and water up to the stranded animal. Putting an end to days of tension, the people of Kochi and animal welfare advocates breathed a huge sigh of relief as ‘Subhash’ was finally brought back to safety.

Kerala Weather Update: Low Pressure Forms in Bay of Bengal; Heavy Rain Predicted, Yellow Alert in 5 Districts

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Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather warning for Kerala following the formation of a new Low Pressure Area over the Southwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining Equatorial Indian Ocean. According to the latest bulletin, the system is expected to move in a West-Northwest direction and intensify further within the next 24 hours.

Meteorological Impact

The cyclonic circulation that previously existed over the Equatorial Indian Ocean and Southeast Bay of Bengal has now merged into this new low-pressure system. This development is expected to significantly influence the weather patterns across the Kerala coast over the coming days.

5-Day Rainfall Forecast for Kerala

The IMD has predicted light to moderate rainfall across the state from February 21 to February 25, 2026. Specifically, isolated heavy rainfall is likely on February 21 and 22.

Yellow Alert Schedule

A Yellow Alert has been sounded for the following districts, indicating that residents should be updated and cautious:

  • February 21, 2026: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki.
  • February 22, 2026: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki.

Safety Advisory

Authorities have advised people living in hilly areas and near riverbanks to remain vigilant. With the potential for sudden heavy showers, travelers are urged to exercise caution while driving through ghat sections.

“A Wild Celebration!” Actress Arya Badai Throws a Spectacular ‘Jungle Theme’ Party for Daughter Roya’s 14th Birthday

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Popular Malayalam actress and TV host Arya, fondly known as ‘Badai’ Arya, recently celebrated her daughter Roya’s 14th birthday in a truly unique and “wild” fashion. The actress took to social media to share glimpses of the vibrant, jungle-themed bash that has since gone viral among fans.

Known for the close-knit bond she shares with her daughter, Arya revealed that the theme was entirely Roya’s choice. In a humorous and heartfelt post, Arya shared how the celebration turned into a roar-filled event.

“We asked her to pick a theme for her birthday and eventually madam decided to lock up a bunch of wild leopards in a party hall and ROAR 🐆!!! Turning 14 for my lil one was all about Jungle… Leopards … Roar and loads of fun!!!!” Arya wrote.

The party featured stunning decorations inspired by the wilderness, with leopard prints and jungle aesthetics taking center stage. Arya’s social media feed was flooded with pictures and videos of the duo enjoying the “Roar” themed bash alongside close friends and family.

Fans and fellow celebrities from the Malayalam industry have been showering the comment section with birthday wishes for Roya, praising the creative and energetic theme of the party. As Roya steps into her mid-teens, Arya’s post serves as a beautiful reminder of their fun-loving relationship.

Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth Reunion: Legends Return After 47 Years in Nelson’s Next; First Promo Out!

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Chennai: The wait of nearly five decades is finally over. In what can only be described as the biggest cinematic event in Indian history, the two pillars of Tamil cinema—Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan and Superstar Rajinikanth—are officially reuniting on the silver screen after 47 long years.

The first promo for the tentatively titled project, KH x RK Reunion, was unveiled today, sending shockwaves of excitement across social media platforms. Directed by the hitmaker Nelson Dilipkumar, the film promises to be a high-octane action drama that pays tribute to the unmatched legacies of these two icons.

The KH x RK Promo: Swag, Style, and Nostalgia

The teaser promo, which has already gone viral, features Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth in a gritty, stylized setting. The duo is seen walking into a garage, exuding the “mass” appeal that has defined their careers.

In a moment that moved fans to tears of joy, Rajinikanth—in his signature style—tosses a car key to Kamal Haasan, who takes the driver’s seat. The sequence is elevated by a retro-gangster background score composed by the “Rockstar” Anirudh Ravichander.

A Gangster Epic in the Making?

While the plot details are being kept under wraps, reports suggest that the film revolves around two aging gangsters. The story reportedly follows their return to the world of crime to settle scores from their violent pasts.

During a recent interaction at SIIMA 2025, Kamal Haasan confirmed the collaboration, stating that the reunion was “long overdue.” He famously remarked, “We were separate because they gave one biscuit to both of us. But the half biscuit makes us both happy, so we’ll come together.”

The Creative Powerhouse Behind the Project

  • Director: Nelson Dilipkumar, fresh off the massive success of Jailer, takes the helm.
  • Music: Anirudh Ravichander, continuing his streak of delivering chart-busting scores for both stars.
  • Producers: The film is a joint venture between Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI) and Red Giant Movies, led by Inban Udhayanidhi.

Why This Matters

The last time these two legends shared the screen in full-length roles was in the late 1970s. Since then, they have dominated the industry as rivals at the box office but remained the best of friends in real life. Seeing them together in a single frame marks the end of a 47-year-old hiatus, making this the most anticipated Tamil film of the decade.

The release date and the official title of the movie are expected to be announced soon.

Balance in Mind is Key”: Actor Vishal Inspires Fans with a Powerful Message on Positivity

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South Indian action star Vishal has once again caught the attention of his fans, not for a high-octane movie sequence, but for a deeply inspiring message about mental well-being and a positive outlook on life.

The actor took to his social media handles to share a thoughtful morning note that emphasizes the importance of internal stability. In his post, Vishal wrote:

Good morning darlings. Balance in mind from head to toe makes u feel at the top of the world irrespective of what’s going around you. Positivity continues and will do.

Known for his disciplined lifestyle and rigorous fitness routines, Vishal’s latest words highlight that true strength comes from a balanced mind. The actor suggests that when one achieves mental equilibrium, external challenges or chaos become secondary, allowing them to feel “at the top of the world.”

The post has quickly gone viral, with fans and followers flooding the comments section with appreciation. Many noted that in today’s fast-paced world, such reminders about mental health and staying positive are much needed. On the professional front, Vishal remains one of the busiest actors in the industry, consistently balancing his film career with his various social and administrative responsibilities.

2026 Tata Punch EV Facelift Launched in India: 468km Range, BaaS Scheme & Price Details

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Tata Motors has officially launched the highly anticipated 2026 Tata Punch EV Facelift in India. Bringing significant upgrades to its popular electric micro SUV, the updated Punch EV features a refreshed design, enhanced technology, and larger battery packs.

Crucially, Tata is aiming to democratize electric vehicle ownership by introducing a highly attractive Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model, bringing the upfront cost of the EV closer to its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts.

Here is everything you need to know about the new Tata Punch EV facelift’s pricing, range, battery options, and features.

2026 Tata Punch EV Price & Innovative BaaS Scheme

The standard ex-showroom price for the new Tata Punch EV starts at Rs 9.69 lakh for the base 30kWh Smart variant and goes up to Rs 12.59 lakh for the top-spec Empowered+ S 40kWh variant.

However, the biggest highlight of the launch is the BaaS (Battery-as-a-Service) ownership model. By opting to pay for the battery as a subscription, buyers can lower their initial purchase cost dramatically:

  • Starting Price with BaaS: Rs 6.49 Lakh (Ex-showroom)
  • Battery Rental Cost: Rs 2.6 per kilometre

This aggressive pricing strategy significantly reduces the entry barrier for urban buyers looking to transition to green mobility.

Battery, Performance, and Range Specifications

Tata Motors has upgraded the electric powertrains, replacing the older units with larger, more energy-dense LFP prismatic cell battery packs. The facelift is offered in two configurations:

  1. 30 kWh Battery Pack (Medium Range):
    • Power: 87 bhp | 154 Nm torque
    • ARAI Certified Range: 365 km
  2. 40 kWh Battery Pack (Long Range):
    • Power: 127 bhp | 154 Nm torque
    • ARAI Certified Range: 468 km (Real-world C75 range is claimed to be ~355 km)
    • Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in under 9 seconds.

Fast Charging Capabilities: Both battery packs support 65kW DC fast charging. This allows the EV to charge from 20% to 80% in just 26 minutes. If you are in a rush, a quick 15-minute top-up can add up to 135 km of real-world range.

Note: Tata Motors is also offering an industry-first lifetime high-voltage battery warranty (unlimited kilometres) exclusively for the 40kWh battery pack.

Exterior Design and Interior Features

Visually, the 2026 Punch EV aligns itself closer to the recently updated petrol Punch. It features a new closed-off grille, a full-width LED light bar connecting the daytime running lamps, reprofiled bumpers, and fresh 16-inch aero-optimized alloy wheels.

Inside the cabin, the electric SUV is packed with premium tech and comfort features:

  • Displays: Dual 10.25-inch screens (one for the HARMAN infotainment system and one for the digital driver’s display).
  • Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the Arcade.ev 2.0 app suite.
  • Comfort: Ventilated front seats, plush leatherette upholstery, an automatic climate control system with an air purifier, and a voice-assisted electric sunroof.
  • Convenience: Wireless smartphone charger, jeweled control knob, and paddle shifters for multi-mode regeneration.

Top-Tier Safety

Tata continues its legacy of safety with the new Punch EV. Standard safety features across all variants include 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), hill-hold assist, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (iTPMS), and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Higher variants also benefit from a 360-degree surround-view camera and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold.

Kerala Weather Alert: 5-Day Rainfall Expected, Yellow Alerts Issued for Southern Districts

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Residents in Kerala should brace for a wet spell over the next few days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across the state from February 20 to 24, with isolated heavy rainfall expected over the weekend.

In response to the intensifying weather conditions, a ‘Yellow Alert’ has been issued for several southern and central districts for February 21 and 22. A yellow alert indicates a high probability of isolated heavy rainfall, ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm within a 24-hour period.

Districts Under Yellow Alert:

  • February 21 (Saturday): Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki.
  • February 22 (Sunday): Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki.

What is Causing the Unseasonal Rain? According to the meteorological department, the shifting weather patterns are driven by atmospheric changes in the surrounding oceans. A low-pressure area that previously existed over the equatorial Indian Ocean and the adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal has weakened into a cyclonic circulation. This system is expected to move in a west-northwest direction towards the Sri Lankan coast over the next 24 hours.

Furthermore, another cyclonic circulation is currently active over the equatorial Indian Ocean and the adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal. Weather experts predict that this system is likely to intensify into a fresh low-pressure area within the next 48 hours, bringing moisture-laden winds to the Kerala coast.