Nayanthara celebrates Samantha's birthday as 'sweetest girl'; 'Maa Iti Bangaaram' release nears
Synopsis
Nayanthara's birthday greeting to Samantha underscores the warmth between two of South Indian cinema's biggest names. But the real story is what's coming: 'Maa Iti Bangaaram' on 15 May, where Samantha is performing high-octane action sequences in a saree—a visual and physical choice that signals her refusal to fit into conventional action-hero templates.
Key Takeaways
Nayanthara wished Samantha Ruth Prabhu on her birthday on 28 April , calling her "the sweetest girl." Samantha's next film 'Maa Iti Bangaaram' releases on 15 May 2024 , directed by Nandini Reddy .
The family action-comedy reunites Reddy and Samantha after 'Oh!
Samantha performs most action sequences in a saree, a physically demanding and visually unconventional choice.
Cast includes Diganth , Gulshan Devaiah , Sree Mukhi , and Gautami .
Actress Nayanthara on Tuesday posted a warm birthday greeting to Samantha Ruth Prabhu, calling her "the sweetest girl" via her Instagram Stories. The message comes as the Tamil-Telugu film industry extends birthday wishes to the actor-producer, who marks her special day on 28 April.
Birthday wishes flood in
Beyond Nayanthara's greeting, birthday wishes have poured in for Samantha from film industry colleagues, production houses, and fans across social media platforms. The outpouring reflects her standing in both the Tamil and Telugu film ecosystems.
Next project: 'Maa Iti Bangaaram'
Samantha's upcoming film 'Maa Iti Bangaaram', directed by Nandini Reddy, is set to release on 15 May 2024. The family action-comedy drama reunites the director with Samantha after their hit 'Oh! Baby'. Raj Nidimoru created the film, which is produced by Tralala Moving Pictures.
Cast and crew
The film features Diganth and Gulshan Devaiah in key roles, with supporting cast including Sree Mukhi, Gautami, Anand, Lakshmi, Srinivas Gavireddy, and Manjusha.
Samantha's vision for the film
In January, Samantha described the film's world as "rooted and emotional" with a narrative centred on family values while maintaining "quirky, edgy energy." She characterised her role as a woman whose strength stems equally from vulnerability and courage. Samantha has also taken on a producer role on the project, which she described as "incredibly fulfilling."
Action sequences in a saree
According to sources close to the production, Samantha has performed most of the film's action sequences in a traditional saree. A unit source stated, "After 'The Family Man' and 'Citadel', Samantha wanted to challenge herself further. In Maa Iti Bangaaram, she's doing most of the action herself, and doing it in a saree. It's physically demanding and visually powerful, a portrayal audiences rarely get to see." This approach marks a departure from typical action film choreography and underscores Samantha's commitment to pushing creative boundaries in her choice of roles.
Point of View
But 'Maa Iti Bangaaram' is where Samantha's real statement lies. Performing action sequences in a saree is not a gimmick—it's a deliberate rejection of the leather-and-kickboxing template that action cinema has imposed on female actors. If executed well, it could reset expectations for what female-led action looks like in South Indian cinema.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Samantha Ruth Prabhu's birthday?
Samantha Ruth Prabhu celebrates her birthday on 28 April. Actress Nayanthara posted a birthday greeting on this date, calling her 'the sweetest girl.'
What is Samantha's next film after her birthday?
'Maa Iti Bangaaram' is Samantha's next release, scheduled for 15 May 2024. It is a family action-comedy drama directed by Nandini Reddy and produced by Tralala Moving Pictures.
Who are the lead actors in 'Maa Iti Bangaaram'?
The film stars Diganth and Gulshan Devaiah in key roles, alongside Samantha. The supporting cast includes Sree Mukhi, Gautami, Anand, Lakshmi, Srinivas Gavireddy, and Manjusha.
Why is 'Maa Iti Bangaaram' notable for Samantha's action scenes?
Samantha performs most of the film's action sequences while wearing a traditional saree, a physically demanding and visually unconventional choice. This marks a departure from typical action film choreography and reflects her commitment to challenging creative norms.
Has Nandini Reddy worked with Samantha before?
Yes, Nandini Reddy previously directed Samantha in 'Oh! Baby', which was a hit. 'Maa Iti Bangaaram' reunites the director and actor after that successful collaboration.
