The Primetime

Indian cricketer Sanju Samson has sparked curiosity among fans after sharing a photo with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal on Instagram. The picture, originally posted by the Team Samson account, shows the two together inside a vehicle, with the caption teasing that “something special” is on the way.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s TVK government has completed its first 100 days in office, marking a significant milestone for the state’s new political administration. The government has highlighted welfare initiatives, women’s safety, skill development, farmer support and employment generation among its key priorities.

The Tamil action drama ‘DC’, starring filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj in his acting debut, continues to maintain a steady presence at the box office. On its 10th day, the film reportedly earned around ₹4.50 crore, taking its worldwide collection to over ₹84 crore. The film has particularly benefited from strong occupancy for its Tamil version, indicating that audience interest has remained steady even after the opening week.

Suriya and Mamitha Baiju starrer ‘Vishwanath and Sons’ is enjoying a strong run at the box office. The film has reportedly collected ₹110.22 crore worldwide in its first three days, officially entering the ₹100-crore club. On Sunday, the film earned around ₹20.55 crore net in India, taking its three-day India net collection to ₹58.15 crore, while its overseas gross reached ₹43 crore.

The trailer of starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, has been released and is already creating significant buzz among moviegoers. Directed by Vysakh, the film features Prithviraj as the powerful character Mambarakal Aamir Ali. The trailer hints at a story set against the backdrop of gold smuggling, the criminal underworld, and revenge. The high-energy action sequences and Jakes Bejoy’s intense background score have also emerged as major highlights of the trailer.

Kerala Government Announces Onam Bonus Up to ₹4,500 for Employees The Kerala government has sanctioned an Onam bonus of up to ₹4,500 for eligible state government employees, teachers, and employees of aided educational institutions and local self-government institutions. Under the government order, eligible employees will receive one month’s salary or ₹4,500, whichever is lower. The bonus and special festival allowance are scheduled to be distributed from August 17.

Mohanlal and Jude Anthany Joseph Reunite for a New Malayalam Film Mohanlal and director Jude Anthany Joseph are set to collaborate once again on a new Malayalam film, creating considerable excitement among movie fans. Mohanlal announced the project through social media on August 16, 2026, revealing that the film is expected to arrive next year. However, details such as the title, storyline, cast and exact release date have not yet been announced.

Dulquer Salmaan’s much-awaited Malayalam action thriller ‘I’m Game’ will no longer arrive during the Onam season as originally planned. The film, which was earlier scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 20, 2026, has now been postponed to September 3, 2026. The makers said the decision was taken to give the film a larger-scale theatrical release across multiple markets and languages.

ūüáģūüá≥ Kerala Marks Independence Day with Call for a New Kerala Kerala marked the 80th Independence Day with celebrations across the state, as Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan called on people to work together towards building a ‚ÄúNew Kerala.‚ÄĚ In his Independence Day message, Satheesan emphasised the importance of compassion, tolerance, constitutional values, secularism and equality in shaping the state‚Äôs future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a major AI skilling initiative for 1 crore (10 million) young Indians over the next year. Speaking during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on August 15, he said the programme aims to equip young people with the skills needed to compete and lead in an increasingly AI-driven global economy.