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Ever wondered how much of the internet is a facade? C U Soon, the gripping Malayalam thriller by Mahesh Narayanan, dives into this exact question. Shot entirely on screens, this experimental film is not just a cinematic masterpiece but a wake-up call for the digital age. It unravels the unseen perils of the virtual world, from online relationships to data exploitation. While we enjoy the conveniences of the internet, this movie reminds us of the lurking dangers. Ready to explore how C U Soon doubles as an online safety manual? Let’s dive in.

Online Personas Can Be Deceptive

In the movie, Jimmy (played by Roshan Mathew) meets Anu (played by Darshana Rajendran) on a dating app. She appears sweet, vulnerable, and perfect—or so it seems. As the plot unfolds, we discover that Anu‘s online identity is a carefully crafted lie. This aspect of the film brilliantly highlights...

The internet has become a dark place that has made each one of us live a very lonesome double life. I mean, living a life based on the validation of others—basking in glory or facing relentless trolling over even the slightest mistake on the internet—has become the new social norm, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with. Netflix’s new original Ctrl (2024) explores how the internet is slowly killing us and how tech moguls are smoothly monetizing our insecurities, trying to take absolute control of our lives based on our digital footprints.

Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, who co-wrote the script with Avinash Sampath and Sumukhi Suresh, Ctrl (2024) is a dark film that explores how the lives of an influencer couple—Nella and Joe—is thrown into chaos when Joe cheats on Nella, prompting her to use an AI app to erase him from her life.

Thalaivar 170 is the upcoming film of superstar Rajinikanth, who will be seen in a cop role after Darbar. The film is directed by Tj Gnanavel, who recently helmed the Suriya-starrer Jai Bhim. The film is based on a true incident and will have a pan-Indian appeal with a stellar cast.

According to reports, Rajinikanth will be joined by none other than Amitabh Bachchan, who will be making his Tamil debut with this film. The two legends of Indian cinema have worked together in films like Hum, Andhaa Kaanoon and Geraftaar in the past and will be reuniting after 32 years for Thalaivar 170.

The film will also feature Manju Warrier and Fahadh Faasil as the leading lady and the antagonist respectively. Manju Warrier is one of the most popular actresses in Malayalam cinema and has also acted in Tamil films like Asuran and Dhanush. Fahadh Faasil is also a critically acclaimed actor...

Acclaimed filmmaker Mahesh Narayanan and popular actor-producer Kunchacko Boban are re-teaming for “Ariyippu” (“Declaration”), the first Indian film in Locarno’s international competition in 17 years.

The Malayalam-language film follows Hareesh (Boban) and Reshmi (Divya Prabha), an immigrant couple from Kerala working in a medical gloves factory near Delhi, who aspire to go abroad for a better life. During the Covid-19 lockdowns, when an old video resurfaces among the factory workers, it opens up a Pandora’s box that threatens the couple’s jobs and marriage.

Narayanan got the germ of the film’s idea from a newspaper article about a female bank employee who had approached the Mumbai high court demanding a “declaration” clarifying that a video which had been circulated in her bank was a look alike and not her. That idea travelled with Narayanan for a while until he hit upon the premise about a migrant couple working in a gloves factory.

Apart from the pricing, packages and deals, understanding cultural differences and preferences is key to attracting new audiences. Sowmya RajendranMeenakshi Sundareshwar/Netflix IndiaA few days ago, Reed Hastings, co-founder and CEO of Netflix, expressed his “frustration” at the company’s lack of success in the Indian market in an investor call. According to reports, Netflix added 2.6 million paying subscribers in the Asia Pacific region in the last quarter, showing good growth in Japan and India. However, the Over-the-Top platform said that it only expects to add 2.5 million subscribers in the current quarter. There are various numbers put forth on the market share of Ott platforms in India but they all agree that Disney+Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix lead the pack followed by platforms like Zee5 and SonyLiv. There are also smaller players like Aha, Neestream and others which are jostling for space in the crowded market. There are...

Mollywood“I've been acting for 10 years since, but C U Soon in many ways felt like that first time again. And that's one of the many things that made it so special for me,” Darshana Rajendran wrote in a social media post.Tnm StaffAs Cu Soon completed one year of its release on September 1, actor Darshana Rajendran took to social media to share a moving note about the film on Wednesday. Darshana, who essayed the role of Anumol alongside actors Fahadh Faasil and Roshan Mathew, wrote how the movie is special to her. She opened the note by writing about how she discovered acting in 2011 and has continued to act for 10 years. However, she underlines how in many ways, the process of filming for Cu Soon made her feel like a debutante again. Mentioning that the film holds a special place in her heart, Darshana wrote: “I first discovered acting...

Premiere

Sky will premiere its upcoming Sky Original documentary “Hawking: Can You Hear Me?”, described as the human story behind one of the 20th century’s best known scientific minds, Stephen Hawking, on Sept. 20. The broadcaster has also shared a new first-look image – a family photograph made available to the public for the first time – to accompany the announcement. In the photo, Professor Hawking can be seen with his then wife Jane and children Robert and Lucy on their California estate in 1974.

The documentary will feature interviews and archival footage provided by family and colleagues, many of whom are speaking publicly for the first time since Hawking’s death in 2018. Rather than focusing on Dr. Hawking’s tremendous achievements in cosmology, the feature examines the human cost of generational genius. Contributors include Hawking’s children Robert, Lucy and Tim, his first wife Jane, and several renowned scientists who were influenced...

AwardsThe ninth edition of the Siima Awards ceremony will be held on September 18 and 19 in Hyderabad, and will include nominations for both 2019 and 2020. Tnm Staffhttps://siima.in/The nominees for the South Indian International Movie Awards (Siima) 2019 and 2020 have been announced under various categories for all four south Indian languages— Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. The ninth edition of this award ceremony will be held on September 18 and 19 in Hyderabad. The 2020 ceremony was cancelled due to the pandemic, and the awards for 2019 and 2020 will be held in September. Under the category of Best Film for 2019, Ajith and Nayanathara’s Viswasam, Mammootty’s Peranbu, Dhanush and Manju Warrier starrer Asuran, Karthi’s Kaithi and Sivakarthikeyan’s Namma Veettu Pillai are the nominees. In Telugu, Mahesh Babu’s Maharshi, Nani’s sports drama Jersey, Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Akkineni’s Majili, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy and F2, which featured an ensemble cast of actors.

TollywoodFilmmaker Vidhu Vincent made her directorial debut with the Malayalam film ‘Manhole’, for which she bagged the Kerala State Film Award for Best Director.Tnm StaffCourtesy..FacebookFahadh Faasil unveiled the title poster of the upcoming Malayalam movie Viral Sebi, which is directed by Vidhu Vincent. “Unveiling the poster of Viral Sebi Directed By Vidhu Vincent, Produced by Badusha Productions! Best wishes to the entire team,” Fahadh wrote on August 14. The movie is produced by Badusha and Manju Badusha under the banner of Badusha Productions. The screenplay for Viral Sebi is by Sajitha Madathil and Anand Haridas. The poster was also shared by Manju Warrier. The actor wrote: “Good luck dearest Vidhu Vincent, Sajitha Chechi, Badusha and the entire team!” Details about the cast and crew are yet to be revealed by the makers. Filmmaker Vidhu Vincent, who is directing the movie, is also a journalist, writer and theatre activist, and...

CinemaWith an impressive list of movies premiering directly on streaming platforms, here’s how actors and producers Suriya and Fahadh are using the Ott medium in these difficult times.Saradha UFacebook When the pandemic struck, the film industry came to a standstill. Shoots were halted and with theatres identified as high risk areas, the future seemed bleak and uncertain. But, some from the industry were quick to analyse the scenario and adapt to it. The first south Indian film to be made for a direct Over-the-Top release during the pandemic was C U Soon. Jimmy, who works in the UAE, matches with Anumol from Dubai, on Tinder. As they get to know each other better, they swiftly move from Tinder to Google Hangouts and so on. It is through these digital interactions that we are introduced to Jimmy’s world and its characters in Cu Soon. From romantic conversations and flirtatious looks,...

InterviewIn an interview with Tnm, editor-writer-director Mahesh Narayanan talks about his upcoming film, ‘Malik’, his friendship with Fahadh Faasil, what has changed in Malayalam cinema recently, and more.Neelima MenonPic Credit: Goodwill EntertainmentsMahesh Narayanan speaks at a brisk pace. It’s as if he is mentally constructing and editing his sentences. At times, I feel he is just thinking aloud. Extremely articulate, he methodically explains his craft, with clarity. “I will call someone a filmmaker only if he writes and directs a film,” he tells me. The editor-writer-director has transitioned into a successful filmmaker within a brief time—Take Off (a rescue drama), Cu Soon (a gritty survival drama made during the pandemic) and the upcoming Malik, a period drama set in coastal terrain. Malik will be his second direct Ott release after the hugely successful Cu Soon and his third collaboration with Fahadh Faasil. We had a long conversation.

MollywoodFahadh Faasil’s political drama ‘Malik’ is directed by ‘C U Soon’ fame director Mahesh Nayaranan while Prithviraj starrer ‘Cold Case’ is helmed by filmmaker Tanu Balak.Tnm StaffScreengrab/ YouTubeTwo of Mollywood’s most anticipated movies in 2021, Fahadh Faasil’s Malik and Prithviraj starrer Cold Case, are the latest addition to the long list of films that have skipped theatres and opted for an Ott release instead. Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (Feuok) President K Vijayakumar told Tnm that producer Anto Joseph, who is bankrolling both the movies, has written to Feuok informing them of his plan to release both Malik and Cold Case directly on Ott platforms. Fahadh Faasil’s Malik was scheduled to hit the theatres along with Mohanlal’s Marakkar on May 13 this year. However, it had to be postponed due to the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown restrictions. In a statement, Anto...

InterviewIn a chat with Tnm, Roshan talks about working through the Covid-19 crisis, debuting in Bollywood, and his upcoming projects.Subhash K JhaFacebookActor Roshan Mathew’s rise in the last five years has been swift and surefooted. With diverse, powerful characters and performances in Viswasapoorvam Mansoor, Moothon, Kappela, C U Soon and Aanum Pennum, Roshan is rapidly acquiring the reputation of the most promising actor of the post-Fahadh generation. You have been working right through the Covid-19 crisis. What’s it been like to be out there? I’m very thankful I got to do a bit of work in between everything that’s been happening. It was much needed, and in more ways than one it’s what has kept me going. The experience of working since the onset of Covid-19 has been strange for sure, but mostly only until you start shoot. Especially when it’s a bio-bubble shoot,...

InterviewAfter giving yet another layered and brilliant performance in ‘Joji’, Fahadh discusses his preoccupations as an actor in this interview with Tnm.Subhash K JhaCongratulations, one more incredibly unfathomable portrait in Joji. (Laughs) Thank you. It’s been a turbulent last few months for me. After the accident my stitches have recently come out. I basically fractured my nasal bone. That requires some more time to mend fully. You lost a lot of time because of the accident? No, I don’t function on timelines. I feel sorry for the people who’re waiting for me to work. I’m ready to work when I’m ready. I like my time off doing nothing. I take a lot of time off from shooting. How were you able to work in so many movies through the pandemic? Well, C U Soon was shot during the initial phase of the lockdown. But...

ControversyThe news reports had said that the organisation made such a move after Fahadh acted in a few Ott releases.Tnm StaffFahadh Faasil in 'Joji'There is no ban on Fahadh Faasil by theatre organisations, said a statement released by the Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (Feuok), following news reports of such a ban. News reports had emerged that the Feuok had asked Fahadh to stop having so many releases on Over The Top (Ott) platforms if he wanted future releases in theatres. The statement released by Feuok denied this. It said, “We have seen reports on news channels about Feuok banning films of Fahadh Faasil in theatres. This is quite baseless. The organisation has no issues with Fahadh Faasil or the films he has acted in. The organisation maintains good relations with everyone,” said the release signed by Feuok general secretary Sumesh Joseph. He told Tnm that it was...

InterviewFahadh opens up about his latest release 'Joji' and upcoming projects.PTIBy Bedika Watching his new film Joji is like reading between the lines of "Macbeth" with audiences seeing the connection with the Shakespearean tragedy in some scenes and not in others, says Malayalam star Fahadh Faasil who is drawn to lived in characters. That's the quality perhaps that attracted him to Joji too, an expansive tale of greed and ambition that plays out through the story of a family in a rich Kerala plantation during Covid times. "The film's narrative is not a direct adaptation of 'Macbeth'. We were deeply inspired by it and we were trying to set something inspired by 'Macbeth' in today's scenario," Faasil told Pti in a Zoom interview from Kochi. "Joji is not as large as 'Macbeth' The drama happens within the family. I thought the...

MollywoodIn the lockdown, several wonderful films were made, cleverly camouflaging the limitations of shooting with restrictions by writing stories that justified it.CrisThe months ahead had looked gloomy for the Malayalam film industry when a government order in March 2020 asked all production work – shooting, screening, distribution included – to be stopped immediately. Covid-19 had just broken out all over the country. By June, the government slowly began lifting restrictions. At first, they allowed television series to resume work with minimal crew and following Covid-19 protocols. Movies were next on the list. But producers got together and decided to take it slow until the finished films – more than 60 of them – could release first. C U Soon – an experimental film by Mahesh Narayanan and Fahadh Faasil – was the first to break away. There was a bit of a row then but Mahesh and Fahadh said it was an experimental work and was not meant for theatres.

Mollywood ‘Aanum Pennum’ features Parvathy, Darshana Rajendran and Samyuktha Menon in the lead, with Asif Ali, Roshan Mathew and Joju George starring opposite them.Tnm StaffScreengrab/ YouTubeThe makers of the Malayalam anthology film Aanum Pennum released the trailer of the movie on Sunday. The movie has three segments directed by filmmakers Aashiq Abu, Jay K, and Venu. With the plot of each segment focusing on the relationship between a man and a woman, the movie features Parvathy Thiruvothu, Darshana Rajendran and Samyuktha Menon in the lead with Asif Ali, Roshan Mathew and Joju George starring opposite them, respectively. The film is scheduled to hit the big screens on March 26. The movie revolves around three stories about three women set in the backdrop of three different eras. In the trailer, we see an elderly woman narrating these stories. The plot of all three segments covers broader themes such as romance, love,...

Mollywood‘Irul’ stars actors Fahadh Faasil, Soubin Shahir and Darshana Rajendran in lead roles. Tnm StaffScreengrab/TrailerNetflix India took to Twitter on Thursday to announce that popular Mollywood actor Fahadh Faasil’s Irul will be premiering on Netflix on April 2. Sharing the news with fans, the tweet from the Ott platform’s official Twitter handle read, "Dramatic music, Fahadh Faasil and a whole lot of mystery: Irul has everything we love… and more! Arriving on April 2nd.” Dramatic music, Fahadh Faasil and a whole lot of mystery: Irul has everything we love… and more! Arriving on April 2nd.#FahadhFaasil @darshanarajend #SoubinShahir @IamAntoJoseph @NaseefYI pic.twitter.com/m2Og23LbAk — Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) March 18, 2021 The trailer of the movie was also shared by Netflix India along with the release date. The trailer is filled with eerie yet intriguing visuals that set the tone for a crime- thriller flick. From the trailer,...

MollywoodThe film is an anthology of three, directed by Aashiq Abu, Venu Isc and Jay K respectively.Tnm StaffOne of the segments in the anthology film Aanum Pennum (Male and Female) has actors Darshana Rajendran and Roshan Mathew in the lead. Darshana shared a poster of the film on her Facebook page. The segment, directed by Aashiq Abu, is written by Unni R. Other directors of the anthology include Venu Isc and Jay K. The producers are Ck Padma Kumar and M Dileep Kumar. The film is presented by cinematographer-director Rajeev Ravi. A few days ago, Aashiq Abu announced the theatrical release of the anthology on March 26. Venu's segment in the film on Rachiyamma, based on Uroob's short story of the same name, has Parvathy Thiruvothu and Asif Ali in the lead. The film is also scripted by Venu. Jay K's film has Samyuktha Menon and Joju George in the lead.

CinemaRoshan Mathew made his Bollywood debut with the Anuraag Kashyap directorial ‘Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai’. Tnm StaffMollywood actor Roshan Mathew, who made his Bollywood debut with Anuraag Kashyap’s Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai, is now gearing up for his second Hindi movie, Darlings. He will be sharing the screen with actors Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt in the lead roles. Darlings is produced by Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan’s home banner Red Chillies Entertainment and Alia Bhatt’s Eternal Sunshine Productions. Shah Rukh Khan took to Twitter to make an announcement about the upcoming movie on Monday. The dark comedy film also marks the directorial debut of Jasmeet K Reen. “Life is tough Darlings, but so are you... both! Unleashing our Darlings onto the world... Caution is advisable. Ps: yeh comedy thodi dark hai…,” his post read. Life is tough Darlings, but so are you....both! Unleashing our #Darlings onto the world.

EntertainmentThe virtually hosted event streamed on social platforms.Digital NativeMotion Content Group and The Film Critics Guild announced The Critic's Choice Awards 2021 on 14 February.  This is the third edition of the awards celebrating and recognising talent under short films, web series and feature films categories. This year the show was hosted by Neha Dhupia and stand-up comic Sorabh Pant. Ths show was star studded with artists and creators from across the country converging onto the virtually hosted event streamed on social platforms. From south India, Sai Pallavi won the 'Best Supporting Actress' award for the Tamil anthology Paava Kadhaigal. Late malayalam director Sachy was posthumously awarded the 'Best Writing' for his last film Ayyappanum Koshiyum. Director and editor Mahesh Narayanan won the 'Best Editing' award for the film C U Soon. Ayyappanum Koshiyum director Sachidandan aka Sachy passed away last June after he suffered a cardiac arrest while undergoing a...

MollywoodThe Kerala Film Chamber has said it will not allow ‘Drishyam 2’ to have a theatrical release following the makers’ decision to premiere the film on an Ott platform.Tnm StaffStill from Drishyam 2Actor Mohanlal’s most awaited film Drishyam 2, directed by celebrated filmmaker Jeethu Joseph, is all set for an Ott release on February 19. Speculation about the film’s theatrical release has been going on since December. However, when the makers announced the release of the film on the Ott platform Amazon Prime, there was a lot of criticism. The Kerala Film Chamber has now said that Drishyam 2, like other Malayalam films which released on Ott, will not be allowed a theatrical release. “Drishyam 2, like any other Malayalam film that released first on an Ott platform, will not be allowed to have a theatrical release. The films that register with the film chamber sign an affidavit that they...

MOLLYWOODWith theatres opening up after more than 10 months, 2021 will be an eventful year for audiences. Saradha UThe outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic came as a major setback for the film industry, with many filmmakers releasing their films directly on Ott platforms. However, with theatres opening up across the country, audiences can expect to see their favourite stars like Mammooty, Parvathy and Fahadh Faasil on the big screen again. Here is a list of eight Malayalam films that are all set for a theatrical release, starting from the second week of February. Varthamanam After a brief scuffle with the Central Board of Film Certification (Cbfc), Parvathy Thiruvothu and Roshan Mathew starrer Varthamanam is ready for a theatrical release on February 19. With National Award-winning filmmaker Sidharta Siva spearheading the project, Varthamanam tracks the journey of its female lead in a politically-charged university campus and tackles topical issues. The film is slated for...

MollywoodThe Malayalam superstar was speaking at the virtual trailer launch of Drishyam 2, the sequel to his 2013 hit crime drama.PTISuperstar Mohanlal on Monday said that the secret to his successful career of nearly four decades is his script choices and the ability of directors to get the best out of him. Mohanal, who has acted in more than 340 films predominantly in Malayalam cinema and received multiple National Awards, said it's a "blessing" to have built a storied filmography. "I trust my directors, writers, colleagues and fans. It's a blessing to be doing this magic for all these years and to still continue. My movies are the secret of my success. The kind of films I'm doing, the way directors are using me as an actor, all of that has contributed," the 60-year-old actor said at the virtual trailer launch of Drishyam 2, the sequel to his 2013 hit crime drama.

MollywoodFahadh Faasil and Nayanthara play the lead in the film.Digital NativeMalayalam filmmaker Alphone Puthren has begun work on his new film Paattu (Song), starring Fahadh Faasil and Nayanthara in the lead. The early work is going on at AudioGene Sound Studio in Kochi. A picture of Alphonse alongside actor Neeraj Madhav and others was posted on social media by the sound studio. Neeraj, who is also a rapper, is believed to be doing a track for the film. Paatu will be Alphonse's third directorial after the hugely popular films Neram and Premam. The film will be bankrolled by Zacharia Thomas and Alwin Antony of Ugm Entertainments. Anand C Chandran, who worked in both of his earlier films, will do the cinematography. Sound design will be handled by Vishnu Govind and Sreesanth. Alphonse made his directorial debut in Malayalam and Tamil cinema with Nivin Pauly-Nazriya starrer Neram in 2013. The bilingual...

MollywoodAkhil, son of veteran filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad, is making his debut with ‘Pachuvum Athbhuthavilakkum’.Digital NativeVeteran filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad’s son Anoop Sathyan made his directorial debut with Varane Avashyamund last year and now his other son, Akhil Sathyan, has announced his directorial debut. Akhil has been working as an associate director to his dad for the past few years and has learned the ropes of the trade, we hear. His debut project is titled Pachuvum Athbhuthavilakkum and features Fahadh Faasil in the lead role. Akhil is also writing the screenplay and editing the film as well. Sethu Mannarkkad is producing the film under the banner Full Moon Cinema. The rest of the technical crew includes Sharan Velayudhan for cinematography, Justin Prabhakaran for music composition, Rajeevan for production designing, and Uthara Menon for designing the costumes. To be shot extensively in Ernakulam and Goa, Pachuvum Athbhuthavilakkum is expected to hit the marquee this year.

MollywoodThe film will have Pranav Mohanlal and Kalyani Priyadarshan in the lead.Digital NativeThe team behind the Malayalam film Hridayam will recommence shooting in January, following a long break demanded by the Covid-19 outbreak. The latest we hear is that the makers are planning a 35-day long schedule starting from January first week. The film, directed by actor, singer and filmmaker Vineeth Sreenivasan, has Pranav Mohanlal and Kalyani Priyadarshan in the lead. They had begun shooting the film in various locations of Palakkad district and later in Chennai before the coronavirus lockdown was announced. According to reports, the film mainly revolves around the journey of Pranav's character from the age of 17 to the early 30s. Darshana Rajendran, most recently seen in C U Soon, has been roped in for a pivotal role in the film. Hridayam will be bankrolled by Visakh Subramaniam in association with Noble Thomas. There is a...

FilmApart from this, 12 films have been selected in the ‘Malayalam Cinema Today’ category and seven in the ‘Indian Cinema Now’ category.Tnm StaffLijo Jose Pellissery’s Churuli and Jayaraj’s Hasyam have been selected for competition at the 25th edition of the prestigious Iffk (International Film Festival of Kerala) in Thiruvananthapuram. The two Malayalam films have been selected for competition in the International category and will be screened at the Iffk, which will be held from February 12 to February 19 next year. Filmmaker Mohit Priyadarshi’s Hindi film Kosa and Akshay Indiker’s Marathi film Chronicle of Space or Sthalpuran have also been selected in this category. Further, 12 Malayalam films have been selected to compete in a category named ‘Malayalam Cinema Today’. These are: Gramavrikshathile Kuyil (Cuckoo on the Village Tree) by Kp Kumaran, C U Soon by Mahesh Narayan, Santhoshathinte Onnam Rahasyam (The First Secret to Happiness) by Don Palathara,...

MollywoodThe actor couple’s last film to release on the big screen was ‘Trance’ while they also recently produced the Amazon Prime release ‘C U Soon’.Digital NativeA picture of actor couple Fahadh Faasil and Nazriya Nazim has been shared online and won more than five lakh ‘likes’ on Instagram within a day. Nazriya, who is active on Instagram, posted the picture in which she is wearing a maroon outfit and Fahadh is in a grey t-shirt. On the work front, Fahadh Faasil has a number of films needing his attention. Recently, it was announced that his new film is titled Joji. The story of this film is inspired by the masterpiece Macbeth penned by the legendary William Shakespeare. Dileesh Pothan will be directing the film while Syam Pushkaran is writing the script, the same team that successfully made another Fahadh starrer Maheshinte Prathikaram. Fahadh’s film Malik, which was...

FilmThe Malayalam actor made his Bollywood debut earlier this year with Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Choked’.Digital NativeThe Bollywood flick Darlings, directed by Jasmeet K Reen, has Alia Bhatt and Vijay Varma in the lead roles. Reportedly, the latest addition to the cast is Roshan Mathew, who made his debut in the Hindi film industry with Anurag Kashyap directorial Choked. He will reportedly be seen playing a cameo in this flick. The film will also have Shefali Shah in an important role. Darlings is bankrolled by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies. According to reports, Vijay and Alia play husband and wife in this flick and it revolves around a kidnapping plan going awry. Roshan was last seen in the Mahesh Narayanan directorial C U Soon. The film had an Ott release on Amazon Prime with positive reviews pouring in. Interestingly, it was a screen-based film, a relatively new concept in Indian cinema.

MollywoodThis is the second film the actor finishes during the pandemic, the first being the well-received ‘C U Soon’.Digital NativeFahadh Faasil has wrapped up shooting for his film Irul which is directed by Naseef Yousuf. The shooting of this film began on September 16 and has been wrapped up in a month's time. This is the second venture the actor has completed during the pandemic period. The film has Darshana Rajendran as the female lead with Soubin Shahir in a pivotal role. Director Naseef had earlier worked in several Bollywood productions like Kai Po Che, Happy New Year, Raees, Newton and Tumbbad. The movie is produced by Anto Joseph along with Plan J Studios, which had earlier backed the super hit film Thaneer Mathan Dinangal. The technical crew comprises cinematographer Jomon T John and project designer Badusha, while Shameer Muhammed is in charge of editing. The other lockdown period film...

MollywoodThe movie, which released on Amazon Prime Video, stars Fahadh, Darshana Rajendran and Roshan Mathew.Tnm StaffFrom left: Mahesh Narayan, Fahadh Faasil, B UnnikrishnanThe team of the latest Malayalam release C U Soon recently donated Rs 10 lakh from the profit of the movie to the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (Fefka) in order to support members who are in distress due to the prevailing Covid-19 situation. Actor Fahadh Faasil, who is the co-producer and one of the actors in the movie, handed over the money to B Unnikrishnan, General Secretary of Fefka, along with director Mahesh Narayan. The movie, which had an Ott (Over-the-Top) release in September, is co-produced by actor Nazriya Nazim. Fefka General Secretary B Unnikrishnan recently shared the photo of Fahadh Faasil and Manesh Narayan, the director of the film, handing over the cheque to him. Sharing the photo, Unnikrishnan stated that Fahadh and Mahesh have set...

EntertainmentThe directors of the anthology of five short films include Sudha Kongara, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Suhashini Mani Ratnam, Rajiv Menon and Karthik Subbaraj. Tnm StaffThe trailer of Putham Pudhu Kaalai, an anthology of five Tamil short films, released on Monday. The anthology, an Amazon original movie, will stream on Amazon Prime Video on October 16. The directors on board include Sudha Kongara, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Suhashini Mani Ratnam, Rajiv Menon and Karthik Subbaraj. The trailer shows glimpses from all five films, and begins with an announcement that Pm Modi has declared a lockdown for 21 days. The anthology appears to be on how the different characters in the stories respond to the lockdown. Ilamai Idho Idho, directed by Sudha Kongara, has Jayaram, Kalidas Jayaram, Urvashi and Kalyani Priyadarshan in the cast. While Jayaram and Urvashi’s characters appear a bit worried about having to stay home for 21 days, the younger couple seems delighted.

MollywoodThe movie is directed by Naseef Youseph and jointly produced by Anto Joseph Film Company and Plan J Studios. Tnm StaffAfter C U Soon’s success, Fahadh Faasil has begun shooting for his next Malayalam project titled Irul. A picture of the cast and crew of the film has been released on social media along with the announcement. The first leg of the shooting is taking place in Kuttikanam, in Kerala’s Idukki district. Apart from Fahadh, actors Soubin Shahir and Darshana Rajendran, who also appeared with Fahadh in C U Soon, have been roped in as part of Irul’s cast. Both the actors are reportedly playing central characters in the film, along with Fahadh. The movie is directed by Naseef Youseph and jointly produced by Anto Joseph Film Company and Plan J Studios. Jomon T John has been roped in for cinematography and the film’s production controller is Badusha.

EntertainmentThis is by no means an exhaustive list and is only a starter pack! Tnm StaffMahesh Narayanan's C U Soon, released directly on Amazon Prime Video, has been getting rave reviews from viewers. Of special significance is the fact that the film was shot in under 20 days with an iPhone camera and the entire story is told through screens. These factors have piqued the curiosity of viewers and as a consequence, the film has attracted several people who may not have watched a south Indian — let alone Malayalam — film before this. Even film critics who don't usually review south Indian films have been lavish in their praise of C U Soon. Although there are four big film industries in the south, Indian cinema is often equated to Bollywood. Among those who haven't watched south Indian films, there exists a perception that "down south", the films made are all loud, unrealistic and grossly exaggerated.

Mollywood'c U Soon' has Fahadh playing the lead role with Roshan Mathew and Darshana Rajendran in pivotal roles.Digital NativeRecently, Fahadh Faasil’s screen-based film C U Soon had an over-the-top (Ott) release with many positive reviews pouring in. The film, directed by Mahesh Narayanan, was released on the Ott platform Amazon Prime. Dulquer Salmaan, Fahadh’s contemporary in the film industry, said that it is amazing that the team got together at a time like this – implying the Covid-19 pandemic and the restricted environment people move in. C U Soon has Fahadh playing the lead role with Roshan Mathew and Darshana Rajendran in pivotal roles and Saiju Kurup and Maala Parvathi forming the supporting cast. It is about an online romance that goes wrong and reveals a deeper story behind one of the characters. Read: 'C U Soon': Mahesh-Fahadh film is a reminder of what the Malayalam...

Mollywood'c U Soon' with its minimalist approach and solid storytelling is an example of what the industry does best.Sowmya RajendranUnder difficult circumstances, when film industries across the country had come to a standstill, director Mahesh Narayanan and producers Fahadh Faasil and Nazriya Nazim decided to make C U Soon. At least the film would offer employment to 50 members of the crew, Mahesh told Tnm in an interview. But C U Soon, which released on Amazon Prime Video on September 1, has accomplished more than just that. It has heralded a unique storytelling technique in Indian cinema, making the case for minimalism in a country where the popular medium has tended to be extravagant and larger-than-life. The idea of telling a story entirely through screens may not be new (it has been done before and quite well in films like Searching) but Mahesh's film isn't only about the form. And the...

C U Soon is one of the most highly awaited films of Amazon Prime Video is all set to release in less than 12 hours and the audience can't wait to see how this unique concept of making a film without any fancy equipment has to offer.

The trailer has been quite a promising one and so is the final result going to be. The film stars Fahadh Faasil and Roshan Mathew in lead role.

Director Mahesh shares how he is proud of the final product of C U Soon and says, “We are very proud of the final product that ‘C U Soon’ has turned out to be, shooting for the film while we were on lockdown had its own hurdles but it was an amazing learning experience for everyone and we got to experiment making a film that wasn’t shot in the traditional way."

Also Read: “I was...

MollywoodThe film is the first production venture of actor Dulquer Salmaan, who also plays a cameo in it.Digital NativeUpcoming Malayalam film Maniyarayilem Ashokan is about a middle-class man, looking forward to get married. At least that’s what the trailer, released a few hours ago, suggests. Jacob Gregory plays this man named Ashokan, the title character of the film. From the trailer, one gathers that Ashokan’s family, friends and relatives are all looking out for a bride for him, and the film is about what happens afterward. The trailer also shows a glimpse of Dulquer Salmaan, who plays the hero’s friend. Incidentally, it is a cameo role, played by Dulquer, who is also the producer of the film. It has been announced officially that Maniyarayile Ashokan will be released on the Over-the-top (Ott) platform Netflix on August 31 as an Onam release. The film has been lying in...

A trio of world premieres from bankable stars across the Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam languages forms the thrust of streamer Amazon Prime Video India’s push into the country’s lucrative Southern market. It comes at a time when cinemas remain shuttered due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Malayalam-language drama “C U Soon,” starring Fahadh Faasil (“Trance”) bows Sept. 1 on the service, while action thriller “V” headlined by Nani (S.S. Rajamouli’s “Eega”) premieres Sept. 5, and aviation biopic “Soorarai Pottru” starring Suriya (“Singam”) is scheduled for Oct. 30.

Of the giant streamers in India, Amazon was the first to seize the opportunity arising from the enforced shutdown of the theatrical business. It announced the world premieres of “Gulabo Sitabo,” starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana, and “Shakuntala Devi,” starring Vidya Balan as bypassing cinemas.

Rivals, Disney Plus Hotstar and Netflix followed suit with strong slates of their own, including Sushant Singh Rajput...

The trailer of “C U Soon” has created ripples across the internet for its unique and engaging storyline. The movie is shot in lockdown and produced by Fahadh Faasil who is also the lead actor in the film.

Talking about how the film and the story came into existence, Mahesh shares, “Even when the country was under lockdown, Mahesh and I were constantly in touch via zoom calls because our film Maalik was also put on hold. After a while, Mahesh started working on a new script which he sent over to me and I was instantly blown off by the simple yet impactful story.”

Also Read: Here’s why you shouldn’t miss the Nani’s ‘V’ on Amazon Prime Video

Talking more about what sealed the deal for him, Fahadh continues, “He even shot the first few scenes with Roshan & Darshana and I was stunned to see the execution coming out so beautifully.

MollywoodMidhun Manuel Thomas will write the script and Arjun Das of ‘Kaithi’ fame will play the male lead.Digital NativeArjun DasNoted Malayalam filmmaker Anwar Rasheed’s last film to release at the theatres was Trance earlier this year. Following the critical success of this psychological drama, Anwar Rasheed is keen on directing a Tamil film. It has been confirmed that he has roped in Arjun Das of Kaithi fame to play the lead role. Midhun Manuel Thomas will be penning the screenplay for this venture. Confirming the news, Midhun wrote on his social media page that it is official he is penning the screenplay for Anwar Rasheed’s upcoming Tamil directorial debut and that Arjun Das has been signed up to play the main lead. His message reads, “Yup, it’s official. I am writing the screenplay for the first Tamil film that Anwar Rasheed is directing. Arjun Das is the hero!

MollywoodThe story will be told entirely through gadget screens.Tnm StaffThe trailer of Fahadh Faasil's highly anticipated film C U Soon dropped on Tuesday. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, the film has created a lot of intrigue, having been shot entirely during the lockdown. The story will be told through gadget screens. The film also stars Darshana Rajendran and Roshan Mathew in important roles, apart from Mala Parvathy and Saiju Kurup. The trailer suggests that Roshan Mathew's character Jimmy and Darshana's character Anumol Sebastian get into a relationship after interacting online only. However, there's something mysterious about Anumol and Jimmy gets his relative Kevin (Fahadh) involved. We also see that Anumol is seriously injured at one point and Jimmy is arrested by the police. He appears to be in a Middle Eastern country. Mala Parvathy plays the mother while Saiju seems to be a friend. The trailer was released by...

MollywoodThe movie was supposed to have an online release due to piracy issues but it is yet to come out on any Ott platform. Tnm StaffThe Tovino Thomas starrer Kilometers and Kilometers will have its premiere on television during Onam. The movie, which had to postpone its release by several months due to the Covid-19 outbreak, will be telecast on Asianet during Onam, said a release given by the channel. Recently, the movie was allowed to opt for an Over-the-Top (Ott) release by the Film Exhibitors Union of Kerala (Feuok) after there were reports about a pirated copy doing the rounds online. Subsequently, producer Anto Joseph approached the union, which has been against the idea of films getting a direct Ott release. Considering the losses incurred by the leak, however, the Feuok allowed the makers to release the film on an Ott platform. However, the union released a circular stating...