India’s ‘Homebound’ earns a spot on the 2026 Oscars shortlist for Best International Feature Film, signaling growing global recognition for Indian indie cinema. Meanwhile, Dileep faces a career-defining moment with ‘Bha Bha Ba’, Rajinikanth’s ‘Padayappa’ re-release storms box offices, Kerala defies bans at film festivals, Mohanlal’s ‘Vrusshabha’ eyes Telugu markets, Telugu classics get nostalgic tributes, and Vishwak Sen’s ‘Funky’ navigates date changes amid industry clashes. These developments highlight the dynamic pulse of South Indian cinema, blending prestige, controversy, nostalgia, and strategic releases.
Homebound’s Oscar Milestone
‘Homebound’, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has been shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category, placing India among 15 contenders vying for nominations. The film, submitted as India’s official entry, explores poignant themes of family and migration, earning praise for its emotional depth and technical finesse at international festivals. This achievement underscores a resurgence in Indian submissions post-‘Laapataa Ladies’, positioning ‘Homebound’ as a frontrunner ahead of the January 2026 nomination announcements.
Producers and filmmakers hailed the selection as validation for nuanced storytelling amid Bollywood’s commercial dominance. Ghaywan’s prior work on ‘Masaan’ adds credibility, with critics noting the film’s universal appeal in portraying homecoming struggles. As Oscar buzz builds, ‘Homebound’ could mark India’s first win in the category since ‘Lagaan’s nomination two decades ago.
Dileep’s High-Stakes Comeback with Bha Bha Ba
Malayalam star Dileep confronts his toughest test post-2017 acquittal in a high-profile case with ‘Bha Bha Ba’, a family entertainer featuring Mohanlal in a cameo. Slated for release amid lingering public protests, the film directed by Dahasahil V. promises humor and heart, reuniting Dileep with Vineeth Sreenivasan and introducing Dhyan and Dhananjay Shankar. The trailer, unveiled recently, showcases slapstick comedy and emotional beats, aiming to reclaim Dileep’s mass appeal after hits like ‘Pokkiri Raja’.
Industry watchers debate if ‘Bha Bha Ba’ can deliver the comeback, given boycott calls from women’s groups and mixed pre-release buzz. Mohanlal’s involvement boosts prospects, leveraging his superstar status to draw crowds despite controversies. Box office success hinges on audience forgiveness, with early screenings targeting family viewers during festive seasons.
Padayappa Re-Release Revives Rajini Mania
Rajinikanth’s 1999 Tamil blockbuster ‘Padayappa’ has re-emerged as the fifth highest-grossing re-release in Tamil cinema history, amassing strong worldwide collections from its restored 4K version. The K.S. Ravikumar directorial, a cult classic blending action, drama, and romance with Soundarya’s iconic negative role, crossed significant milestones in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and overseas markets. Fans thronged theaters, proving the Thalaivar’s enduring superstardom 26 years later.
Restoration by Lyca Productions enhanced visuals and sound, drawing younger audiences via social media hype. Collections reportedly outpaced recent re-releases like ‘Baasha’ and ‘Jailer’ snippets, reinforcing re-release trends in South cinema. This success bolsters Rajinikanth’s leverage ahead of ‘Vettaiyan 2’.
Kerala’s Bold Film Festival Stance
The Kerala government defied central clearances by approving screenings of banned films at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) 2025, sparking a cultural standoff. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan labeled the CBFC ban “unacceptable,” assuring all denied entries would screen, prioritizing artistic freedom. Titles like controversial documentaries faced hurdles, but state intervention ensures their showcase amid debates on censorship.
This move aligns with Kerala’s progressive cinema legacy, boosting IFFK’s global stature. Filmmakers praised the resolution, viewing it as a win for independent voices against bureaucratic red tape. The festival proceeds with heightened anticipation, blending mainstream and avant-garde fare.
Mohanlal’s Vrusshabha Telugu Push
Mohanlal’s ambitious pan-India epic ‘Vrusshabha’, directed by Nissar Nawab, secures Telugu distribution via Geetha Film Distributors, expanding its footprint beyond Malayalam. Billed as a mythological action saga, the film features Mohanlal in a commanding role, with high production values from Aashirvad Cinemas. Geetha’s involvement signals strong market confidence, targeting Telugu states post-Malayalam release.
Producer Antony Perumbavoor eyes a 2026 pan-India rollout, leveraging Mohanlal’s cross-regional pull from ‘Lucifer’ and ‘Jailer’. Early buzz positions ‘Vrusshabha’ as a visual spectacle with VFX-heavy sequences.
Soggadu’s 50-Year Legacy Tribute
Producer Suresh Babu celebrated 50 years of Telugu classic ‘Soggadu’, lauding Sobhan Babu for producer-friendly support during turbulent shoots. The 1975 action-drama, directed by T. Rama Rao, starred Sobhan Babu and Jayasudha, becoming a box office rage despite production woes. Babu recounted how Sobhan Babu’s interventions ensured completion, highlighting the legend’s professionalism.
Special events and re-releases mark the milestone, reintroducing ‘Soggadu’ to new generations via YouTube trailers. This nostalgia wave underscores Telugu cinema’s golden era icons.
Vishwak Sen’s Funky Date Shuffle
Vishwak Sen’s ‘Funky’, a satirical comedy on filmdom directed by Anudeep KV (‘Jathi Ratnalu’), shifted release to February 13, 2026, from April 3, eyeing Valentine’s weekend buzz. Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas announced the prepone via posters promising “madness for everyone,” clashing with Nikhil’s ‘Swayambhu’. Vishwak plays director Komal, opposite Kayadu Lohar’s actress Chitra, in a wacky industry roast.
Post-‘Laila’s underwhelming run, ‘Funky’ tests Vishwak’s comic timing, with Bheems Ceciroleo’s music amplifying hype. Date changes stem from Pawan Kalyan’s ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ rumors shifting schedules, reflecting Telugu release wars. The teaser garnered laughs, positioning it for mass entertainment.
Thaman Calls Out Telugu Cinema’s Unity Crisis at Akhanda 2 Success Meet
Music director Thaman S reignited debates on internal divisions within Tollywood during the success meet of Nandamuri Balakrishna’s ‘Akhanda 2: The Rise of Supremacy’, urging a shift from “I” to “We” mindset. He praised producers Ram and Gopi Achanta while condemning negativity around their legal hurdles with Eros, which delayed the film’s release at the last minute. Thaman highlighted how private issues spill into public spectacles, damaging the industry’s global image despite Telugu stars’ massive fanbases.
