The two-day cultural festival titled VELS Nakshatra 2026 was held at VELS University with great enthusiasm and grandeur. National Award-winning actor Dhanush graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Students from 140 colleges participated enthusiastically in the festival, with a total of 1,150 participants. Cash prizes worth ₹5 lakhs, along with trophies and various awards, were distributed to the winners.
On the first day, Director Prem Kumar, Tourist Family film director Abishan Jeevanth, actor Ken Karunas, popular YouTubers VJ Siddhu and Harshath Khan, music composer Sai Abhyankar, and singer Shivangi Krishnakumar were among the distinguished guests who attended the event. On the second day, actor Dhanush participated in the celebrations along with actresses Priyanka Mohan and Kalyani Priyadarshan.
Addressing the gathering, Dhanush said, “We must consider what we have received as a great blessing and work day and night to sustain it. Twenty-five years in the film industry feels very short; I have now begun the second chapter of my cinematic journey. I share a special connection with VELS University, as my first film Thulluvadho Ilamai was shot here. In fact, in one of the scenes, I was kicked by Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh sir wearing boots. School and college days are the best phases of our lives. Meditation and manifestation can help you achieve the heights you aspire to reach, follow them.”
Speaking at the event, VELS University Founder-Chancellor Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh said, “If I were to call something my dream project, it would certainly be Vada Chennai 2 with actor Dhanush. Also, Dhanush’s upcoming film KARA is scheduled for theatrical release on April 30.”
The first glimpse of the film reveals that Dhanush plays Karasaami, a cotton farmer, who walks the path of violence to fight the powerful antagonists. He is seen as a character who is ready to reap the product of the seeds he has planted, irrespective of whether it is good or bad, and he wants to absolve his sins.
The cast of Kara also includes Mamitha Baiju, KS Ravikumar, Karunaas, Jayaram, Prithvi Pandiarajan, Suraj Venjaramoodu, MS Bhaskar, and Sreeja Ravi, among others.
GV Prakash Kumar is composing music for Kara, continuing his collaboration with Dhanush after Idli Kadai (2025). Yuga Bharathi and Asal Kolaar have written the lyrics. The film’s crew also includes Theni Eswar as the director of photography, Sreejith Sarang as the editor, Mayapandi as the art director, and Dinesh Kasi as the action director.
DJ Deepika energized the crowd with her music performance, adding vibrancy to the celebrations. The festival concluded spectacularly with colorful fireworks lighting up the night sky, marking a grand finale to the event.
