Kannada cinema, widely known as Sandalwood, is one of India’s fastest-evolving film industries, marked by a strong cultural identity and a growing national footprint. Rooted in Karnataka, the industry has in recent years expanded beyond regional boundaries, driven by ambitious storytelling, technical innovation, and rising box-office power.
From pioneers such as Puttanna Kanagal and Girish Kasaravalli to contemporary filmmakers like Prashanth Neel, Rakshit Shetty, Rishab Shetty, Hemanth M Rao, and Raj B Shetty, Kannada cinema has balanced mainstream spectacle with content-led, experimental filmmaking. The industry’s star system led by icons like Dr Rajkumar, Shivarajkumar, Yash, Sudeep, Darshan, and Upendra continues to draw massive theatrical audiences.
This news report highlights the mounting legal challenges for the upcoming film 'Toxic', starring actor Yash. The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has formally approached the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) seeking a ban on the film's teaser. The commission's chairman stated that the teaser 'violates public decency and is unfit' for family viewing due to depictions of violence and sexual content. The body expressed concern that the content, available on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, negatively impacts children and undermines social morality. This follows similar objections previously raised by the State Women's Commission. The child rights body has directed the filmmakers to replace the current teaser with alternative scenes and has urged the CBFC to ensure the content is pulled down from all social media platforms to protect the youth and maintain public decency.
A controversy has erupted in Karnataka over the teaser for the movie 'Toxic', with the Aam Aadmi Party's state unit filing a formal complaint. AAP Karnataka State Secretary Usha Mohan, who filed the complaint with the Karnataka State Women's Commission, stated she was 'surprised and shocked, absolutely sick, uncomfortable to watch with the family.' . She argues that while the movie may be intended for audiences over 18, its teaser is easily accessible to minors on social media platforms like YouTube, which is 'definitely harmful to the society.' The complaint alleges the teaser contains obscene visuals and explicit content, prompting the Women's Commission to seek an explanation from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). . Mohan questioned the message filmmakers are sending to society and demanded the immediate removal of the content. .
In this report, the focus is on the growing political momentum of TVK Chief Vijay in Tamil Nadu. Kannada superstar Kichcha Sudeep has publicly endorsed Vijay, calling him a 'visionary' and adding star power to his campaign. The report also highlights support from actor Shiva Rajkumar, who expressed his willingness to help. This cross-industry backing from Kannada cinema is seen as a boost for Vijay's appeal beyond Tamil Nadu as election buzz intensifies.
In a significant endorsement from the Kannada film industry, actor Kichcha Sudeep has publicly praised Tamil superstar and TVK chief Vijay. During an 'Ask Me Anything' (AMA) session on Twitter, a fan asked Sudeep for his thoughts on Vijay's upcoming film 'Jananayakan', which is slated for release on the 9th of January. Sudeep replied by calling Vijay a 'visionary'. The report highlights the strong bond between the two actors and notes that this support follows a similar endorsement from Shiva Rajkumar. The segment discusses whether this 'star power' will bolster Vijay's political journey in Tamil Nadu.
This news bulletin covers major developments across South India, highlighting significant political and legal issues. In Karnataka, a surprise raid at Bengaluru Central Prison led to the seizure of mobile phones, SIM cards, and weapons, prompting a crackdown on illegal activities. The segment also discusses the escalating war of words between the RSS and the state government regarding route marches. In Tamil Nadu, the focus is on the impeachment motion against a High Court judge and actor Vijay's political meetings, drawing criticism from DMK leaders. Additionally, updates from Kerala include an anonymous letter regarding the actress assault case verdict and the ongoing second phase of local body polls. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the day's top stories from the southern states.
After Kantara turned him into a national icon, Rishabh Shetty is facing a different kind of spotlight.
This edition of Super 6 reports on the deaths of over a dozen children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, allegedly due to the consumption of the toxic cough syrup.
Kantara actor Rukmini Vasanth opened up on film success, representation of women, and working with Yash and Rishab Shetty.
After actor Kamal Haasan refused to apologize for his 'Kannada is born out of Tamil' statement, several pro-Kannada groups intensified their protest against the actor in Karnataka.
Pro-Kannada groups are protesting against Kamal Hassan's movie 'Thug Life' following his remark that Kannada was born out of Tamil. Activists are urging cinema halls not to screen the film and are demanding a complete ban. The groups have submitted memorandums to theatre owners and managers, warning of protests if the movie is screened. Kamal Hassan has reportedly refused to apologize for his statement, which activists consider insulting and derogatory.
Kannada actor Vinod Raj, known for his social work, is continuing his pothole-filling mission. Currently, he is filling potholes on the road from Nelamangala to Doddaballapur in Bengaluru.
After Mollywood and Tamil cinema, the Kannada film body wrote to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, requesting a sexual assault probe. Several Sandalwood actors met with the CM at his residence in the case.
Kannada actors Kishore and Chetan are amongst those who have written a letter to the Karnataka Chief Minister to demand a probe into the sexual assault reports and cases in the Kanada film industry (Sandalwood). They speak to India Today about what made them take this step.
Ramya was a part of the India Today Karnataka Roundtable in Bengaluru. At the event, she spoke about
Yash is inarguably one of the biggest names in Kannada cinema. The star became a household name with KGF. The Rocking star met PM Narendra Modi. He was joined by Rishab Shetty, blogger Aiyyo Shraddha and Ashwini, the late Puneeth Rajkumar’s wife.
