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Elections 2026Chennai / The Times of India
Tamil Nadu faces a deep mess within a month of regime change, warns former CM M.K. Stalin, citing industrial reluctance, rising crime, and farmer distress. He urged DMK cadres to prepare for early elections, asserting the party's role in past growth. Udhayanidhi Stalin criticized the current government's sofa-model administration, highlighting issues of electricity and law and order.
M.K. Stalin's son-in-law, V. Sabareesan, has sent legal notices to two Tamil Nadu ministers, demanding an unconditional apology and retraction of corruption allegations. The ministers are accused of making baseless and defamatory statements against Sabareesan, aiming to tarnish his reputation and that of the former Chief Minister. Failure to comply within 15 days will result in civil and criminal proceedings.
DMK workers staged a road blockade in Chennai demanding legal action against minister Sarathkumar over a viral video showing him handling white powder at an IPL match. Police detained over 50 protesters, including former minister P.K. Sekarbabu and Mayor R. Priya, after denying permission. Sarathkumar claimed it was a crushed tablet for his sick child, but the DMK proceeded with the protest. A woman advocate also filed a complaint.
Aspiring medical and dental students in Tamil Nadu can now apply for MBBS and BDS admissions online starting Monday. The Tamil Nadu Medical Selection Committee's portal will accept applications before NEET results are declared, allowing ample time for document verification and score updates. This proactive approach aims to streamline the admission process for 85% of government college seats and all seats in private institutions.
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Actor-director Bhagyaraj shared a profound bond with MGR, who once declared him his cinematic heir. Following MGR's death, Bhagyaraj supported Janaki Ramachandran and even launched a political party. He revived MGR's unfinished film and consistently paid homage to his mentor in his own movies, sparking a cinematic rivalry with T Rajhendar, who was backed by M Karunanidhi. Bhagyaraj also ventured into music composition with successful scores.
Filmmaker Bhagyaraj's Bollywood journey saw him adapt successful Tamil films, notably directing Amitabh Bachchan in the landmark 'Aakhree Raasta'. Bachchan himself ensured the emotional depth of the Hindi translation. The Kapoors also held Bhagyaraj in high regard, with plans for remakes and a meeting arranged by Boney Kapoor. Bhagyaraj's influence extended to hits like 'Beta' and 'Mr Bechara', with Boney Kapoor expressing deep gratitude for his contributions.
K. Bhagyaraj captivated audiences, especially women, with his innovative screenplays that prioritized sharp dialogues and engaging narratives over extravagance. He redefined female characters, portraying them with depth, agency, and wit, moving beyond mere romantic props. His films, like 'Mundhanai Mudichu' and 'Chinna Veedu,' showcased women as initiators and survivors, a quietly radical approach for his era.
Filmmaker Bhagyaraj possessed a unique talent for elevating supporting actors into unforgettable characters. He ensured every role, no matter how small, had purpose and presence. From C.R. Saraswathi's complex villain to Kovai Sarala's versatile performances and Kallapetti Singaram's expressive comic timing, Bhagyaraj consistently brought out the best in his cast, enriching his narratives with memorable personalities and genuine warmth.
Filmmaker Bhagyaraj, celebrated for his middle-class narratives blending action, emotion, and humor, is remembered through his ingenious title cards. These clever introductions, often using euphemisms, subtly reveal movie themes. From a princess's arrival in 'Oru Oorula Oru Rajakumari' to a humorous blunder in 'Avasara Police 100', his screenwriting brilliance is on full display, leaving audiences captivated.