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Janhvi Kapoor and Roshan Mathew recently exclusive segment ‘On The Scene’ to discuss their film “Ulajh,” directed by Sudhanshu Saria. The film tells a compelling story of love, sacrifice, and resilience.

Kapoor revealed she would never go bald for a role, even if it were a significant opportunity. She shared, “They can just put a bald cap on or use VFX. I’ve dislocated my shoulder, I’ve bled, broken bones, put myself through all kinds of trauma and torture, but going bald is something I refuse to do. Even for my character in Ulajh, Sudhanshu wanted me to cut my hair short, and it was my biggest fight with him. During Dhadak, when I cut my hair, my mom yelled at me a lot and was very proud of my hair. So I will not cut my hair.”

Janhvi Kapoor give advice to Khushi Kapoor before her first ramp walk

Mathew,...

Jeethu Joseph, the acclaimed director of films like Drishyam, Memories and Papanasam, has announced his next project with Kooman writer Krishna Kumar. The film titled Nunakuzhy will be produced by Saregama and Yoodlee Films.

The film will feature Basil Joseph, Grace Antony, Siddique, Manoj K. Jayan, Baiju Santhosh, Saiju Kurup and Aju Varghese in prominent roles. The cinematography will be handled by Satheesh Kurup and the editing by V. S. Vinayak.

According to Jeethu, the film will be different from his other announced projects such as Neru, Drishyam 3 and Ram.

The film is expected to go on floors by the end of this year and will be shot in various locations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The makers are planning to release the film in 2024.

The first look poster of Kamal’s upcoming film Vivekanandan Viralaanu has been released on social media.

Vivekanandan Viralaanu is a comedy film that revolves around the life of Vivekanandan, a government employee who meets five women at different stages of his life. The film also stars Swasika, Grace Antony, Mareena Michael, Johny Antony, Maala Parvathy, and Manju Pillai in pivotal roles. The film is written and directed by Kamal, who is known for his acclaimed films like Celluloid, Perumazhakkalam, and Karutha Pakshikal. The film is produced by Naseeb Rahman and Shelly Raj under the banner of Nediyath Productions.

The film’s music is composed by Bijibal, while the cinematography is handled by Prakash Velayudhan and the editing by Ranjan Abraham. The film’s shoot was wrapped up recently and it is expected to hit the screens soon. The film marks the first collaboration between Kamal and Shine Tom Chacko,...

ReviewThe film’s underlying philosophy seems to be that adulting is overrated, and that all the world's problems could be solved if only all of us believed in the healing power of oversized, colourful clothes.Sowmya RajendranNivin Pauly in Saturday NightOne of the characters in Rosshan Andrrews’ buddy film Saturday Night has a condition called age regression. He’s stuck in a phase of extreme juvenility – and the film's expectation is that the viewers, too, transport themselves to a similar stage in life to enjoy it. Preferably nothing above kindergarten. It's painful to see Nivin Pauly in a film like this. Saturday Night (written by Naveen Bhaskar) opens with a self aware joke on the actor's considerable weight gain in a WhatApp group called Jass – Justin (Saiju Kurup), Ajith (Siju Wilson), Sunil (Aju Varghese) and Stanley (Nivin Pauly). They are supposedly great friends but we never understand why. Justin and...

MollywoodIn a career spanning a decade and 30 films, except for ‘Priyan Ottathilanu’, actor Sharaf U Dheen has mostly fallen back on interesting sub-characters that explored his relatability factor.Neelima MenonSharaf U Dheen as Roy in AarkkariyamSatheeshan, like the rest of the villagers, is wary of the new stranger in town. But he watches him from a distance, discreetly sizing him up and even attacking him upfront once. Satheeshan is the quasi-narrator in Rorschach (2022), the one who objectively tries to make sense of Luke Antony’s (Mammootty) motives. Actor Sharaf U Dheen blends so seamlessly into the milieu that he could very well be any random villager who passes your home after a day’s work. There is a sloppiness he brings to Satheeshan that doesn’t seem deliberate. Look at the ease with which he carries his tool bag while manoeuvring around. His complex liaison with the two women is also interestingly staged.

ReviewThis is the story of a despicable old man and a cursed son, livened up by some remarkable performances.CrisIf he lovingly called his father Appa, the way central Kerala Malayalis do, the older man would shout back, enthaada naari, Njoonju says. How could he then love his father, his Appan, he asks. Sunny Wayne looks like a lost man playing Njoonju, living a cursed life as the son of the most notorious man in that neighbourhood, Itty. With every single spat and outburst, Alencier Ley Lopez becomes the despicable Appan, formidable even when he is in bed, paralysed beneath the waist. Nearly everyone in the village wants him dead, and as the movie rolls, you can see why. Maju, director of the film, has given life to a breathtakingly original script, co-written with R Jayakumar. This has to be one of the best performances of both Alencier and Sunny,...

ReviewDirector Nissam puts his powerful women characters in the ordinary garbs of village women, behaving like the typical mother or grieving wife, but exposing their depths when the time comes.CrisCredit- Sreenath N Unnikrishnan / Mammootty / FacebookIf someone mentions one more time that Mammootty, at the age of 71, looks way too stylish, even he will likely be bored. But any description of Rorschach, his new film that released on Friday, October 7, will be largely incomplete if you don’t mention style. You can imagine a generous pouring of the word when Sameer Abdul was writing the script, splendidly penned, weaving style with thrills, making it raw and loud all at the same time. Nissam Basheer, who began with a much-debated debut Kettyolaanu Ente Malakha, makes himself unpredictable by directing a film that is its polar opposite. Just as the film was about to begin, someone in the theatre shouted, “Show us our god,...

The pre-release teaser of the much awaited Mammootty movie ‘Rorschach’ has been released. Following up on the surprise factor that the Mammootty-starrer has evoked through its posters and trailer, the teaser raises suspicions over someone else hiding behind the mask.

Fortunately, there is only one day remaining before it becomes clear whether the masked character appearing in the teaser in front of Luke Anthony is Mammootty or someone else.

The teaser of the film promises that the secrets that will come out, will thrill the audience when it reaches theatres on October 7. ‘Rorschach’ is directed by Nizam Basheer.

In his interviews, Mammootty has revealed that Sharafuddin is the hero who drives the story and Bindu Panicker’s performance is great and audiences will witness excellent performances of Grace Antony, Jagadish, Kottayam Naseer, Sanju Sivaram, Babu Annoor and Mani Shornur.

Produced by Mammootty’s company, the film is released by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films.

Malayalam superstar Mammootty’s much-awaited Malayalam film, ‘Rorschach’, is all set to release on October 7 this year, the makers have announced. Touted to be one of the most intriguing projects of the year, the film, directed by Nisam Basheer, is an action-thriller that has been produced by Mammootty under the banner of Mammootty Kampany.

Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer films is to distribute the movie in Kerala while Truth Global Films has grabbed its overseas rights.

Belived to be extreme thriller with a layered plot, the movie will have Mammootty playing the role of Luke Anthony, a man with a mysterious past and looking to exact some sort of revenge.

Fans are eager to watch Mammooty in the spine-chilling avatar as he gears up to deal with his ‘prey’. Rorschach is Nisam Basheer’s second directorial venture after the Asif Ali-led romantic drama, ‘Kettyolaanu Ente Malakha’.

Apart from Mammootty, the cast includes Sharafudheen,...

CrimeA video of Saniya Iyyappan slapping a person in the crowd after he misbehaved with her has been doing the rounds on social media.Tnm StaffPopular Malayalam actors Grace Antony and Saniya Iyyappan were allegedly sexually assaulted during the promotion of their movie at the Hilite Mall in Kerala’s Kozhikode on Tuesday, September 27. A video of Saniya slapping a person in the crowd after he misbehaved with her has been doing the rounds on social media. Both the actors went on to share their ordeal on social media. Recounting the incident through an Instagram post, Saniya wrote: “The event at the mall was extremely packed with people and the security was struggling to handle and maintain the crowd. After the event, I and one of my co stars were leaving and some guy misbehaved with my colleague, and she did not even get a chance to see or react...

ReviewGrace Antony and Sreenath Bhasi give wonderful performances in this film about a ruffian, which, though well-scripted, does not leave a lasting impression.CrisScreengrab/YoutubeKariya is not a good man. The lingering hope that there might be an ounce of sympathy in him, the goodness of heart that some people say he has, is lost the moment you hear him climb up the stairs to a house and beat up a man for not paying his debts while a woman and a baby cry loudly. The introduction to Kariya’s character happens in the first few minutes of Chattambi (meaning rowdy), a film that novelly has Sreenath Bhasi in the title role. He is the chattambi, the ruffian who means terror, beating people up, showing no remorse. Bhasi, who has been seen in myriad roles from playful friend to problematic sibling to random weirdo, unsurprisingly takes on the role of Kariya with charming ease.

Death The 58-year-old actor was known for her roles in films such as ‘Kumbalangi Nights’, ‘Virus’ and ‘Vellam’, and she also worked as an assistant director for various films. Tnm StaffInstagram/ Kunchacko BobanActor and assistant director Ambika Rao, known for her work in the Malayalam film industry, passed away on Monday, June 27 after suffering a cardiac arrest. She was 58 years old. The actor, who is known for her role in the film Kumbalangi Nights (2019), was admitted to a private hospital in Ernakulam, where she passed away. As per the Times of India, the actor was undergoing treatment after contracting Covid-19. She is survived by her children Rahul and Sohan. In the hit 2019 Malayalam film Kumbalangi Nights co-starring actors Fahadh Faasil, Shane Nigam, Soubin Shahir and others, Ambika Rao essayed the role of Baby (Anna Ben) and Simmy’s (Grace Antony) mother. She is also known for her performance in films...

MollywoodDirector Anuraj Manohar made his directorial debut with the hit 2019 film ‘Ishq’. Tnm StaffFacebook/ Anuraj Manohar, Nivin Pauly Actor Nivin Pauly took to social media on Sunday, November 28 to announce the title of his next film with director Anuraj Manohar. The upcoming film has been titled Shekhara Varma Rajavu. The script is penned by S Ranjith. Sharing the title poster, Nivin Pauly wrote: “Announcing our next #ShekharaVarmaRajavu Joining hands with director @anurajmanohar and writer @yes_ranjith. Rolling soon”. Anuraj made his directorial debut with the 2019 film Ishq. Written by Ratheesh Ravi, Ishq features Shane Nigam, Ann Sheetal and Shine Tom Chacko in pivotal roles. Nivin was last seen in the Malayalam film Kanakam Kamini Kalaham, which premiered on Over-the-top (Ott) platform Disney Plus Hotstar. The film is helmed by Android Kunjappan Ver 5.25 fame director Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval. Kanakam Kamini Kalaham features Grace Antony opposite Nivin, while the cast also includes Sudheesh,...

ReviewMost of the actors, Grace Antony in particular, and Nivin Pauly too, put in excellent performances, but that doesn’t save the film.CrisIt is perhaps not an easy thing to do, setting a film within a hotel and trying to make every movement, every action and every line spoken funny. When Kanakam Kamini Kalaham starts on a comfortably light note, where you hope your head won’t spin and you can sit back and have a few laughs, it seemed just the right thing to unravel with, amid all the graveness lurking around. Unfortunately, the plotters of this crazy setting get entrapped within their idea, going in circles, turning repetitive and boring, and at times entirely problematic. Most of the actors, Grace Antony in particular, and Nivin Pauly too, put in excellent performances, but that doesn’t save the film. It is a bit of a disappointment coming from Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval,...

Mollywood‘Kanakam Kamini Kalaham’ is directed by Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval of ‘Android Kunjappan Ver 5.25’ fame.Tnm StaffThe teaser of filmmaker Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval’s upcoming Malayalam film Kanakam Kamini Kalaham, starring actor Nivin Pauly, was released on Friday, July 16. The minute-long video presents the movie’s main characters against the backdrop of a play. The teaser starts with the host requesting the audience to switch off their gadgets or put them on silent. However, before he can finish his sentence a drama surfaces backstage – the lead actors are nowhere to be found. As expected, two others from the team fill in for the main characters at the last minute. And then we see the characters of the play ‘Kanakam Kamini Kalaham’ turning around in slow motion. The comical music coupled with the backdrop set the tone for an entertaining movie. Sharing the teaser, Nivin noted that cinema provides him with the opportunity to experiment.

“There’s a Shammi in every one of us.” This was said by Shyam Pushkaran, the writer of “Kumbalangi Nights” about the villain of the film. Anyone from Kerala or the whole India itself who watches the film will agree on that. “Kumbalangi Nights” shows a villain who has been portrayed as the image of masculinity among the common man, who thrives on his patriarchal power for decades in cinema. But that is just the tip of the iceberg; the film has a lot to say through a simple story that leaves you with a smile at the end.

Kumbalangi Nights is about the lives of four brothers Saji (Soubin Shahir), Bobby (Shane Nigam), Bonny (Sreenath Bhasi) and Franky (Mathew Thomas) from the fishing hamlet of Kumbalangi and how their lives change with the entry of some characters into their lives. The four brothers live in a...

MollywoodThe film will be directed by Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval, who made the award-winning film ‘Android Kunjappan Version 5.25’.Tnm StaffKunchacko Boban (middle) and Ratheesh Poduval (right)Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval, director of the popular film Android Kunjappan Version 5.25, is coming out with a new film, Nna Thaan Case Kodu (Fine you file a case then). The film will star Kunchacko Boban and Vinay Forrt, along with Gayathrie Shankar, Saiju Kurup and Jaffer Idukki. Vinay Forrt shared the announcement on his Facebook page. "Happy to associate with my most favourite @ratheesh_balakrishnan_poduval once again# @kunchacks, @saijukurup @jaffaridukki_official gayathrieshankar # @santhoshkuruvilla, @aashiqabu, @madhuneelakandan," he wrote. Kunchacko Boban also shared the announcement, adding that 'the case will be filed this year!' "From Android version to Naadan version.The curious case of some exciting talents!!!!!" he added. The film is produced by Santosh T Kuruvilla and Aashiq Abu. The cinematographer is Madhu Neelakandan.

MollywoodAmbika has to undergo dialysis twice a week.Tnm StaffAmbika Rao, FacebookMalayalam actor Ambika Rao has sought help for kidney ailment treatment. The Kumbalangi Nights actor has been suffering from severe kidney failure since 2017 and has been undergoing dialysis for the last one year. She requires dialysis twice a week. It was her brother Aji, a percussionist, who was taking care of her treatment. But, three months ago, he suffered a major stroke and she has had to take care of him too. That is when she decided to seek help from others. As per reports, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (Fefka) was helping her get the treatment, but she faced severe financial constraints after Covid-19 led to a lockdown situation. Since there were no movies being made, she struggled to find money for her treatment as well as her brother's. Ambika Rao in Kumbalangi Nights with Grace Antony...

Film commentaryThese three recent south Indian releases, belonging to different genres, engage with ideas on faith and religious values. Sowmya RajendranNetflix series A Suitable Boy recently ran into trouble for showing a Muslim man and a Hindu woman kissing in a temple. Apart from the expected outrage on social media from right wing handles, an Fir was also filed against officials of the Over the Top (Ott) platform. The representation of religion on screen has periodically run into controversy with religious groups and the government, as in the case of films like Mani Ratnam's Bombay, Rahul Dholakia's Parzania, Kamal Haasan's Vishwaroopam, Rajkumar Hirani's Pk or more recently Raju Murugan's Gypsy. In the current political climate, such outrage and censorship have become the norm, with a communal angle given to characters, scenes and subjects even if the film ostensibly does not deal with religion or communalism. In such a scenario,...

MollywoodAd filmmaker Prem Sreekumar will make his directorial debut with this film, which is touted to be a complete family entertainer.Digital NativeDigital NativeAd filmmaker Prem Sreekumar is all set to make his directorial debut with the feature film American Junction. He has roped in Soubin Shahir to play the lead role in the film, which is touted to be a complete family entertainer. Sibi Kaippan will be making his debut as a writer with American Junction and Shyju Unni is bankrolling the project under the banner The Movie Club. Soubin’s last film release was Halal Love Story, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on October 15. The film’s release was postponed a couple of times due to various reasons and it eventually had an Ott release. Director Zakaria Muhammed roped in Joju George, Indrajith Sukumaran, Grace Antony and Sharaffuddeen to play the main leads in this flick. The...

MollywoodThe actor plays the lead role in the film, directed by Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval, and is also producing it.Digital NativeGrace Antony, Nivin Pauly and Ratheesh PoduvalIt was disclosed last month that Nivin Pauly will be teaming up with the Android Kunjappan director Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval for the film titled Kanakam Kamini Kalaham. And now we have reports that the shooting has commenced with its lead star posting pictures of the pooja ceremony held recently in Kerala. Actor Grace Antony and director Ratheesh are in the pictures with Nivin. Besides playing the lead role in Kanakam Kamini Kalaham, Nivin will also produce the film under his banner Pauly Jr Pictures. In an interview with the cinema express much earlier, the director said that the film will have a satirical approach bordering on the thriller genre but will not exactly be a thriller. According to the director, the cast and crew will be very minimal.

MollywoodThe movie will be directed by Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval who made his debut last year with the noted film ‘Android Kunjappan’.Digital NativeGrace Antony will reportedly play the female lead in the upcoming Nivin Pauly starrer Kanakam Kamini Kalaham. Sources in the know say that an official word regarding this will be out soon. The movie will be directed by Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval who made his debut last year with the noted film Android Kunjappan. The shooting of this film will begin in November and the prep work for it is currently is on. Reports are that it is a family drama laced heavily to satire and dark comedy. The new project was launched on Nivin Pauly’s birthday, October 11, 2020. Grace Antony’s performance in the recently-released film Halal Love Story was much appreciated. Directed by Zakariya, the film had Joju George, Indrajith Sukumaran, Grace Antony and Sharaffuddeen playing the main characters.

Opinion The movie questions our easy assumptions about freedom and agency, and makes us rethink our impressions of Muslims and Muslim women, in particular.Anu KarippalHalal Love Story is a film directed by Zakariya Mohammed and co-written with Muhsin Parari, where two art enthusiasts of a local Muslim organisation in Kerala set out to make a movie within the moral boundaries of Islam. I must confess that I am not a Muslim. I am a Christian by birth. A Christian writing about a Muslim might probably be looked at as partial, unfair and limited. But, I have been following the over-appreciation of Western modernity and the casting of Muslim women in poor countries as those in need of upliftment. Anthropologist Lila Abu Lughod has laid this out elegantly in her book Do Muslim Women Need Saving. The moment we see a woman in a hijab, we imagine them as the oppressed section,...

Halal Love Story crafts humour out of the sensitive issue of Islamic belief without being trivial about it. If that balancing act seems accomplishment enough, director Zakariya Mohammed and his co-writer Muhsin Parari reveal plenty of other cinematic qualities along the way.

The story is set against the backdrop of a village in Kerala. A local Muslim group believes in the power of art to reach out to people, and they use street theatre as their medium. Zakariya uses the folk art only briefly in his screenplay, to underline the fact that despite staunch religious diktats ruling the community there is a dormant aesthetic sensibility embedded somewhere in their minds.

The street theatre artistes use their craft to talk of the essence of Islam, as well as denounce George Bush's decision to attack Iraq and the capitalism that American cola brands represent. The group looks for a wider reach, and...

MollywoodZakariya's strength is the ability to tell a very human story, touching on a number of issues without high drama or a pulsating revolution.Sowmya RajendranZakariya's films are like watching a flower bloom. The transformation is quiet, the changes slow and almost imperceptible. With every minute, your view of what you're seeing alters, making the wait just as rewarding as the result.  In Sudani from Nigeria, his first film, Zakariya made us believe the story is about sevens football; then he made us believe it's a comedy about two cultures coming together due to circumstances; it then became about a son and his troubled relationship with his mother and stepfather. Gently through the humour, surefooted in his storytelling, Zakariya and his team gave us a film that was about many things and yet about the one thing that can heal - love. Halal Love Story, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video,...

MollywoodThe Manju Warrier starrer was directed by Rosshan Andrrews based on a story by Unni R.Digital NativeA few days ago, reports surfaced that the Malayalam film Prathi Poovankozhi will be remade in multiple languages. And now, it has been confirmed that ace Bollywood producer Boney Kapoor has the remake and dubbing rights of this film in all languages. The Manju Warrier starrer, directed by Rosshan Andrrews, released last year. The film also had Anusree, Rosshan Andrrews (making his acting debut), Saiju Kurup, Grace Antony, Alencier Ley Lopez, Sp Sreekumar, Divya Prabha, Sekhar Menon, Chali Pala, and others forming the supporting cast. Gokulam Gopalan bankrolled the film under his banner. The technical crew of this film included Unni R, who has written it, G Balamurgan for cinematography, Jyotish Shankar for art direction and Gopi Sunder for music. Prathi Poovankozhi tells the story of a woman who is molested in a...

AwardsNivin Pauly, Anna Ben and Priyamvadha also won Special Jury Awards.Tnm StaffThe highly anticipated Kerala State Awards were announced on Tuesday. Several critically acclaimed films had released in 2019, with Malayalam films also receiving global attention through prestigious film festivals. With veteran cinematographer Madhu Ambat as the chairperson of the jury, 119 films were reportedly in the reckoning in the 50th edition of the awards. Interestingly, 71 of these films were by debut directors. The Best Film Award went to Vasanthi directed by Rahman Brothers, and produced by Shinoz and Sajaz Rahman. The Second Best Film Award went to Kenjira directed by Manoj Kana. Vasanthi stars Swasika in the title role and also has Siju Wilson and Shabareesh in the cast. Speaking about Vasanthi in an interview with Times of India, Siju had said, “It is an experimental venture and not a mass entertainer, but is definitely a film that is worth a theatre experience.

InterviewThe director of ‘Sudani from Nigeria’ is ready with his second film ‘Halal Love Story’ that will release on Amazon Prime next Thursday.CrisLooking back, the month of October might bring with it a load of memories to Zakariya Mohammed and Muhsin Parari, two filmmakers from Kerala, known for their respective works. Three Octobers have given them stories to think about in years to come. The first one came two years ago, when a renowned poet passed away in Kozhikode. Zakariya and Muhsin were there for a commemoration of the writer and heard people talk about him. One of those speeches would bring the idea of a story to their minds. A year later, on another October day, they would make a film of that story. Yet another year later, again in October, the film would release. That’s the short version of how Halal Love Story got made. From...

FilmThe film was directed by Rosshan Andrrews who also made his acting debut in it by playing the antagonist.Digital NativeManju Warrier starrer Prathi Poovankozhi, directed by Rosshan Andrrews, will reportedly be remade in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Kannada. Sources in the know say that the deal has been sealed for the Kannada and Telugu remakes and talks are on for the remake in Hindi and Tamil. The film that released last year showed the revenge of a woman against a man who assaults her on a moving bus. Rosshan Andrrews, the director, made his acting debut with the film, playing the antagonist. The film was based on a story by Unni R. Other actors in the film included Anusree, Saiju Kurup, Grace Antony, Alencier Ley Lopez, Sp Sreekumar, Divya Prabha, Sekhar Menon and Chali Pala. Gokulam Gopalan bankrolled the film under his banner. The technical crew of this film included G Balamurgan for cinematography,...

Amazon Prime Video today announced a brand new slate of 9 highly-anticipated movies that will premiere directly on the streaming service. Spanning five Indian languages, the diverse line-up features titles such as Coolie No. 1 starring Varun Dhawan and Sara Ali Khan (Simmba), Chhalaang starring Rajkummar Rao and Nushrat Bharucha (Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety), Durgavati starring Bhumi Pednekar, Bheema Sena Nala Maharaja (Kannada) starring Aravinnd Iyer, Middle Class Melodies (Telugu) starring Anand Devarakonda, Maara (Tamil) starring R Madhavan, and Manne Number 13 (Kannada) starring Varsha Bollamma (Bigil), Chetan Gandharva (Melody) along with previously announced Zakariya Mohammed’s Halal Love Story ( Malayalam) and Suriya starrer Soorarai Pottru (Tamil). The movies will premiere exclusively on Prime Video within 2020 and will be available in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

The new slate follows the successful launch of the first wave of direct-to-service premieres of 10 films across 5 languages, which led to Amazon Prime Video expanding...

EntertainmentHere’s the list of new releases on Amazon Prime Video to keep you entertained during the upcoming festival season.Tnm StaffWe’re in the last leg of 2020 and Amazon Prime Video has come up with an exciting list of nine new Indian films for you to stay entertained. We have festivals like Dussehra, Milad Un-Nabi, not to forget Halloween, followed by Deepavali and Christmas lined up and the new films could not have come at a better time. Fresh content will begin streaming on the platform in five different Indian languages like Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam starting October 15. The platform already has 10 regional content in five different languages such as Penguin, Ponmagal Vandhal, Law, French Biriyani, Sufiyum Sujatayum, C U Soon, V, Gulabo Sitabo, Shakuntala Devi and Nishabdham, which released over the course of the year. From Suriya’s Soorarai Pottru (Tamil) to Parvathy Thiruvothu-Indrajith Sukumaran...

MollywoodThe Malayalam film revolves around a group of men who decide to make a ‘Halal’ film which conforms to the rules of their faith. Tnm StaffThe trailer of the much-awaited Halal Love Story sums up the crux of the film and promises a laugh riot with more than a few sweet moments. The nearly three-minute-long video features Indrajith Sukumaran, Sharaf U Dheen, Joju George, Grace Antony, Soubin Shahir, Parvathy and others, who have been roped in for the movie. The film is about a group of deeply religious men, who are sick of all the films with ‘Haram’ content, coming together to make a 100% ‘Halal’ film which conforms to all the rules of their faith. The story details the chaos and confusion that follows this endeavour. Sharaf U Dheen plays Thoufeek, a school teacher, who has been assigned the job of writing the plot of the Halal film. Indrajith is...

MollywoodThe film stars Indrajith, Grace Antony, Parvathy, Joju George, Soubin and others.Tvs SasidharA smiling Indrajith Sukumaran peeps into a classroom and waves at a teacher (Sharaf U Dheen) who is playing a film to the class. As he gets momentarily distracted, a visual of a woman's bare back appears, and an embarrassed Sharaf U Dheen blocks the projector immediately. This is the first scene in the newly released teaser of Malayalam film Halal Love Story, which is about a group of passionate filmmakers attempting to make a film which is 'halal' and conforms to the Islamic organisation they are a part of, and the chaos and confusion that follows. The 40-second teaser hints at a promising love story with oodles of comedy. Starring Indrajith Sukumaran, Joju George, Grace Antony, Parvathy (in guest appearance), Soubin and others, the fim is set to release on Ott platform Amazon Prime Video on...

Short filmThe model and actor known for her performance in ‘Kumbalangi Nights’ turns director with this short film titled ‘K-nowledge’.CrisStill from the filmThe powder slapped between her hands is too much. Ahina lets it fall with a who-cares gesture and hears her mother’s warning from another room. She is going to be late for school. Murmuring that mom shows more love to her brother, the young girl in red and white uniform cycles to her school as some peppy music plays in the background. When a short film begins in this manner, with the slightest of gestures taken care of – a quick look at the clock for the girl to say there is still five minutes left for school time, an embarrassed silence when the mother walks in on the whining girl – you know the filmmaker comes with skill. But the filmmaker as well as her skilled child...

MollyoodThe well known director is currently producing the eagerly awaited film 'Halal Love Story'.Digital NativeFilmmaker Aashiq Abu’s last directorial was the critically acclaimed film Virus, which hit the screens in June last year. The film was based on the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala that claimed the lives of 17 people. It had a remarkable line-up of stars in the cast including Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Parvathy, Rima Kallingal, Soubin Shahir, Tovino Thomas, Rahman, Indrajith Sukumaran, Madonna Sebastian, Remya Nambeeshan, Sharaf U Dheen, Sreenath Bhasi, Revathi, Joju George, Basil Joseph, Sudheesh and Vettukili Prakash. It was scripted by Mushin Parari, Suhas and Sharfu. National Award-winning cinematographer Rajeev Ravi cranked the camera for this venture with Sushin Shyam composing the music. The film was edited by Saiju Sreedharan. Aashiq Abu and Rima Kallingal produced the film under the banner Opm. Ever since this film was released, movie buffs have been...

MollywoodThe film is directed by Zakariya whose debut ‘Sudani from Nigera’ was well-received. Digital NativeA few days ago, reports had surfaced that the Malayalam movie Halal Love Story would hit the marquee on March 27 but now reports have confirmed that it will be a Vishu release. This means the film’s release has been postponed to April. The film is directed by Zakariya. He has roped in actors Joju George, Indrajith Sukumaran, Grace Antony and Sharaffuddeen to play the main leads in this flick. Zakariya's first hero Soubin Shahir will also be playing a role. Parvathy Thiruvothu will be making a cameo appearance in the film. It is produced by Aashiq Abu, Jesna Ashim, and Harshad Ali. The core technical crew includes Ajay Menon for cinematography (who is making his debut through the film), Saiju Sreedharan for editing and Bijibal and Shahabaz Aman for music. Halal Love Story is bankrolled by Aashiq Abu,...

Mollywood The 4th edition of the awards ceremony will take place on February 16 at the Ima hall in Kochi. Tnm StaffThe 4th edition of the Cinema Paradiso Club Awards ceremony is around the corner and the online fraternity of movie buffs has announced the winners of the 2019 awards in Malayalam cinema. While Aashiq Abu won Best Director for Virus, Kumbalangi Nights which released to packed houses and went on to become a blockbuster, won Best Film. For films Vikruthi, Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 and Driving License, actor Suraj Venjaramoodu won Best Actor in a Lead Role. Anna Ben, who made her acting debut in Kumbalangi Nights, won Best Female Actor in Lead Role for her first film as well as Helen. For Best Actors in Character Roles, Roshan Mathew and Grace Antony won for Moothon and Kumbalangi Nights respectively. Writer Syam Pushkaran bagged the award for Best Script for Kumbalangi Nights.

MollywoodThe film is directed by Zakariya Muhammed, whose first film ‘Sudani from Nigeria’ was both critically acclaimed and popular. Digital NativeParvathy Thiruvothu, for the first time in her career, will be making a cameo appearance in the upcoming Malayalam movie Halal Love Story. Confirming this, she told in an interview to The Hindu, “I had wanted to be part of a different genre. Halal Love Story is a big departure from the usual genres of films I’ve done. I can’t give away much about the movie but I’m very excited to explore uncharted territory.” The director of the popular and critically acclaimed film Sudani from Nigeria, Zakariya Muhammed is wielding the megaphone for Halal Love Story. He has roped in Joju George, Indrajith Sukumaran, Grace Antony and Sharaffuddeen to play the main leads in this flick. The core technical crew includes Ajay Menon for cinematography, Saiju Sreedharan...

MollywoodThe film is directed by Zakariya Muhammed, whose first film ‘Sudani from Nigeria’ was both critically acclaimed and popular. Digital NativeParvathy Thiruvothu, for the first time in her career, will be making a cameo appearance in the upcoming Malayalam movie Halal Love Story. Confirming this, she told in an interview to The Hindu, “I had wanted to be part of a different genre. Halal Love Story is a big departure from the usual genres of films I’ve done. I can’t give away much about the movie but I’m very excited to explore uncharted territory.” The director of the popular and critically acclaimed film Sudani from Nigeria, Zakariya Muhammed is wielding the megaphone for Halal Love Story. He has roped in Joju George, Indrajith Sukumaran, Grace Antony and Sharaffuddeen to play the main leads in this flick. The core technical crew includes Ajay Menon for cinematography, Saiju Sreedharan...

MollywoodThis year was also one where several impressive films were made by debut directors. CrisAfter many updates about an upcoming film, beginning from the announcement of the title to the first look poster, the teaser and the trailer and finally the release itself, everything is over in the blink of an eye. A movie you have been waiting for, or read lots and lots about for months, has come and gone. It may not have even been that good. There’ve been a few like that this year, coming with a lot of noise, blowing its proverbial trumpet a little too loudly and then fading away just as soon. This is not about those movies, but the better ones – the ones that came quietly and surprised you, or the ones that simply met your expectations, or the ones that just made you feel good about the world. When you look at the list though,...

ReviewRosshan Andrrews manages to convey the seriousness of sexual harassment but the execution is less than satisfactory, with most scenes appearing staged.CrisWhen the lights came on in the theatre for the intermission, someone commented that it appears Rosshan Andrrews has not realised that 10 years have passed and you don’t make movies like this anymore. It is Prathi Poovan Kozhi’s first day at the theatres. Director Rosshan has once again collaborated with Manju Warrier, the actor he brought back to cinema five years ago, after her long hiatus. The movie with its obvious title – kozhi is Malayalam slang for sexual harassers – tries to address the very serious subject of harassment of women in public places such as buses and the attitude of most people that such acts should be ignored. While Rosshan manages to convey the seriousness of the topic through Unni R’s script, the execution is less than satisfactory,...

MollywoodThis is the second film directed by Zakariya Mohammed, whose first 'Sudani from Nigeria' was critically acclaimed as well as popular. Digital NativeActor Indrajith has finished shooting his part for the film Halal Love Story, directed by Zakariya Mohammed. On wrapping up his part, he is reported to have told in a statement: “Always loved portraying humour on screen, and this one probably is going to be the most layered character among that lot. Thank you, Zakariya, Muhsin Parari, Aashiq Abu for giving me Shereef. Loved working with this team.” Zakaria, who debuted with the critically acclaimed and much popular film Sudani from Nigeria, has roped in Joju George, Indrajith, Grace Antony and Sharaffuddeen to play the main leads in his second film. The core technical crew includes Ajay Menon for cinematography, Saiju Sreedharan for editing, Bijibal and Shahabas Aman for music. Halal Love Story is bankrolled by Aashiq Abu,...

MollywoodThe director watched the film when she took part in the 24th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala.Digital NativeSri Lankan actor Dinara Punchihewa was in Kerala recently to take part in the 24th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala, in which her film Gaadi was screened. The actor, on the side-lines of this event, praised its organisers for coming up with a very well organised fest. Dianara spoke in length about Sri Lankan cinema and how it is evolving at a time when the digital platform is taking over. Speaking about Indian films, Dianara said that she is a huge fan of Bollywood flicks but is soon turning towards Malayalam cinema after getting to watch Kumbalangi Nights. She pointed out that it is her favorite film to date and makes her wish to watch more Malayalam films.  Directed by Madhu Narayanan, Kumbalangi Nights was scripted by Syam Pushkaran,...

MollywoodDirector Rosshan Andrrews is making his acting debut in the film that he is directing with Manju Warrier in the lead. Digital NativeIt was revealed some time ago that director Rosshan Andrrews will be making his debut as an actor in his film Prathi Poovankozhi. While there are various speculations about the character that he plays in the film, his character intro poster has just been unveiled by actor Mammootty on Facebook. Mammootty wrote: “Actor Rosshan Andrrews in "Prathi Poovan Kozhi" Best wishes to entire team.” The poster shows the film’s lead actor Manju Warrier looking at a broken piece of mirror and watching the reflection of Rosshan’s face, a palm over his mouth. Reports have it that the director was looking for a suitable actor for the role but nothing worked out favourably following which he decided to don the greasepaint himself. It may be noted here...

MollywoodIt features a feisty looking Manju Warrier with three cocks masking her face partially. Digital NativeThe first look poster of Manju Warrier’s Prathi Poovankozhi is out online! The poster was unveiled by Malayalam superstar Mohanlal and is going viral among the movie buffs. It features a feisty looking Manju Warrier with three cocks masking her face partially. Rosshan Andrrews is directing the film with Gokulam Gopalan bankrolling it under his banner. The technical crew of this film includes Unni R, who has written it, G Balamurgan for cinematography, Jyotish Shankar for art direction and Gopi Sunder for music. Manju Warrier is playing the main role in Prathi Poovankozhi. Interestingly, the actor’s comeback film, How Old Are You? was directed by Rosshan Andrrews. Prathi Poovankozhi is based on Unni R’s short story with the same title. In the film, Manju Warrier will be playing a salesgirl working in a textile shop.

MollywoodTitled ‘Halal Love Story’, the film will star Joju George, Indrajith Sukumaran, Grace Antony and Sharafudheen in lead roles.Digital NativeDigital NativeZakariya Mohammed, the director of the hit film Sudani from Nigeria, has revealed that the title of his next film would be Halal Love Story. He has roped in Joju George, Indrajith Sukumaran, Grace Antony and Sharafudheen to play the main leads in this flick. The core technical crew will include Ajay Menon for cinematography, Saiju Sreedharan for editing, and Bijibal and Shahabaz Aman for music. Halal Love Story will be bankrolled by Aashiq Abu, Jesna Ashim and Harshad Ali. Aashiq Abu and Zakariya Mohammed share a good rapport, as the latter played a role in the former’s critically acclaimed film Virus. Incidentally, the film also had Indrajith in an important role. On being a part of Halal Love Story, Indrajith Sukumaran was quoted in an interview to...

MollywoodThe film appears to be the remake of the Kannada film 'Ondu Motteya Kathe'.CrisOn a morning when the hero of Thamaasha – Sreenivasan – leaves home for work, he notices his brother look at a mirror and comb his thick hair, and then his mother does the same downstairs. Outside is his father oiling his thick grey hair. With a certain music in the background, you are amused by this scene, ‘cause you know by then what is going on in the mind of Sreenivasan – not quite blessed in the hair area. Vinay Forrt is marvellous as Sreenivasan with the thinning hairline. His problem is shown comically with the help of a mood-setting background music all through the first half of the film. In the second half, you stop laughing and realise the repercussions of body shaming someone in a public space. You realise either with the pain of an experience or having witnessed something similar,...

MollywoodVinay's role as a comical professor in ‘Premam’ was much appreciated and his lines in the movie got quoted a lot.Digital NativeFacebook/ Vinay ForrtVinay Forrt, whose character as a college professor in the movie Premam was much appreciated, has bagged a similar role again. This time around it is for the Malayalam movie Thamasha which is directed by Ashraf Hamza and produced jointly by Sameer Thahir, Shyju Khalid, Lijo Jose Pellissery and Chemban Vinod Jose under the banner of Happy Hours. The first look poster of Thamasha was released recently, featuring Vinay Forrt in a new look. Sporting a slightly bald head, the actor stands in front of a black board. According to reports, he plays a Malayalam professor in the film. Playing the female leads in Thamasha are Divya Prabha, Grace Antony and Chinnu Sarojini with Navas Vallikkunnu, Arun Kurian and Arya Salim also included in the cast.

MollywoodFahadh nails the creepy villain role as Madhu C Narayanan makes an assured directorial debut.CrisThe poster is of three men rowing a boat on a moonlit night, towards somewhere. The image I bring back home from Kumbalangi Nights is of that ‘somewhere’ they row towards. A house on the shore that one of the men describes as a place in which those, whom no one wants, end up. A house and a neighbourhood in Kochi that at the end of the movie you feel so close to, for that’s how easily Syam Pushkaran’s story snatches your heart away, helped by some really powerful performances by the likes of Soubin Shahir, Fahadh Faasil and Shane Nigam. One of the later occupants of the house calls this house beautiful. And the youngest of the four men of that house – Franky by name – asks in surprise, “Really?”. He had once...