Amaran Sets New Ticket Sale Record, Beats the GOAT!

In a record-breaking surge, Siva Karthikeyan and Sai Pallavi’s latest release *Amaran* set the 2024 Tamil cinema industry ablaze, surpassing *GOAT*—Vijay’s iconic record for the highest number of tickets sold in a single hour on BookMyShow. This biographical drama, a Diwali treat for audiences, achieved an impressive feat, establishing itself as the top ticket-seller within an hour of its release, a remarkable accomplishment in a highly competitive Diwali box office race.

While other Diwali releases like *Lucky Bhaskar* and *Ka* received decent feedback, *Amaran* stood out, captivating audiences in both Tamil Nadu and the Telugu states. The movie not only crossed the records set by Vijay’s *GOAT* but also outshined other recent blockbusters like *Vettaiyan* and *Indian 2*. The impressive sales mark highlights Siva Karthikeyan’s rising influence, positioning him among the heavyweights of Tamil cinema, joining the ranks of Vijay and even Rajinikanth.

The record-breaking performance of *Amaran* marks a turning point for Siva Karthikeyan, who has long been considered a dependable actor but now moves firmly into the big leagues of Tamil cinema. Known for being a “minimum guarantee” actor, Siva’s transition to a record-shattering star reflects his growing popularity and appeal across diverse audiences. His ability to surpass industry legends like Vijay underscores his rapid ascent in the industry.

Adding a touch of humor to *Amaran*’s success, some fans joked that Siva Karthikeyan’s charm was so powerful that even BookMyShow’s servers couldn’t keep up with his newfound superstardom. With a stellar response from audiences and record-breaking numbers, *Amaran* is not just a tribute to Major Mukund Varadarajan but also to Siva Karthikeyan’s soaring career trajectory, which is making waves across the South Indian film industry.

Indian Short Film Makes it to the Oscars

Indian cinema continues to make waves on the global stage. The short film, “Sunflowers Were the First One to Know,” has officially qualified for the 2025 Oscars in the live-action short film category.

Based on a Kannada folktale, this 16-minute film narrates the story of an elderly woman’s quest to find the thief who stole her chicken. The film’s recent success at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Best Short Film award, further solidified its position as a strong contender for the prestigious Academy Award.

Earlier this year, the film also clinched the top prize at the Bangalore International Short Film Festival. The film’s unique blend of storytelling, coupled with its universal themes, has resonated with audiences and critics alike.

This year, India has two strong contenders for the Oscars. “Laapataa Ladies,” directed by Kiran Rao, has been selected as India’s official entry in the International Feature Film category. This film, starring Sparsh Srivatsava, Nitanshi Goel, and Pratibha, has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success.

As the Indian film industry continues to evolve and gain international recognition, these two films represent the diversity and talent of Indian cinema.