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Rapper Hanumankind was noted to be quite excited while talking about his first film acting gig in Aashiq Abu’s upcoming directional, Rifle Club. In his cover story with Rolling Stone India, the artist commented, “Aashiq Abu reached out to me in February or March,” continuing, “He saw something in me that made him take a chance, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.” The movie, which wrapped up filming in July, is eagerly anticipated and is now making strides through the final stages of post-production, gearing up for its cinematic release.

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Just Starting out? Uncover the catalyst that propelled Hanumankind into the world of acting.Rifle Club: What to expect? Just Starting out? Uncover the catalyst that propelled Hanumankind into the world of acting.

Hmk’s shot at fame earlier this year with the release of his English chart-topper Big Dawgs had everyone googling Sooraj Cherukat.

Malayalam movie fans have a reason to rejoice as the director of the critically acclaimed and commercially successful film Kumbalangi Nights, Madhu C Narayanan, is back with a new project. And this time, he has teamed up with none other than the biggest superstar of Malayalam cinema, Mohanlal. The film will be produced by Antony Perumbavoor under his banner Aashirvad Cinemas, which has delivered many blockbusters with Mohanlal in the past.

According to reports, Madhu C Narayanan and Syam Pushkaran, the writer of Kumbalangi Nights, have approached Mohanlal with a script that suits him. The actor was impressed by the narration and agreed to do the film. The details of the genre, cast and crew are yet to be revealed, but sources say that the film will be a family entertainer with a social message.

Cherathukal Song

Madhu C Narayanan made his directorial debut with Kumbalangi Nights in 2019, which was...

Are you looking for the best Malayalam crime investigation movies to watch? If yes, then you are in the right place. In this article, we will rank the top 10 Malayalam crime investigation movies from worst to best, based on their plot, performance, and popularity. These movies are not only entertaining and thrilling, but also showcase the talent and creativity of Malayalam cinema. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Nizhal (2021) Nizhal Trailer

Nizhal is a Malayalam psychological thriller movie that stars Kunchacko Boban as a judicial magistrate who investigates a series of crimes that are linked to a child’s imagination. The movie tries to mix the elements of crime drama and psychological thriller, but fails to deliver a convincing or coherent story. The movie has some good performances and technical aspects, but suffers from a weak script and a disappointing climax. Nizhal is part of the redemption of Kunchacko Boban,...

Aashiq Abu, the acclaimed Malayalam film director, producer and actor, is all set to make his debut in the web series format. According to reliable sources, Abu is currently working on a script for a web series that will be streamed on a popular Ott platform. The details of the cast, crew and genre of the web series are yet to be revealed, but it is expected to be a fresh and innovative project from the director who has given us films like Daddy Cool, Salt N’ Pepper, Naradhan, Neelavelicham, 22 Female Kottayam, Mayaanadhi and Virus.

Aashiq Abu is known for his collaboration with screenwriters Syam Pushkaran and Dileesh Nair, who have penned some of his most successful films. He is also the founder of Opm, a media production house that has produced and distributed films like Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Halal Love Story and Aarkkariyam. Abu has also done several ad...

Bhavana Studios, the production house founded by actor Fahadh Faasil, director Dileesh Pothan and writer Syam Pushkaran, has conducted the pooja of its fifth film today. The film, which is yet to be titled, will be directed by Gireesh Ad, who made his mark with the hit films Thaneer Mathan Dhinangal and Super Sharanya. The film will star Mamitha Baiju and Naslen in the lead roles, along with a supporting cast of seasoned actors.

The film was announced on July 4, 2023 by Dileesh Pothan on his social media account. He wrote, “Girish Ad, known for helming Thanneer Mathan Dinangal and Super Sharanya, will be directing the fifth film to be produced by me, Shyam and Fahadh under the banner of Bhavana Studios. Naslen and Mamitha Baiju will play the lead roles in the film and the shooting will begin this month. We look forward to your cooperation so far. Thanks.” He...

ControversyThe Malayalam actor was once alleged to have sexually harassed a co-actor, for which he had later apologised in public.Malayalam actor Alencier Ley Lopez, who was once accused of sexually harassing a colleague and had later apologised for it in public, has now stirred controversy with problematic comments about rape and the Me Too case involving a bishop in Kerala. In an interview he gave the news and entertainment platform Editoreal, Alencier asked if the survivor nun who filed the case of rape against the bishop “did not know it was rape the first time it happened” and should she be calling it out only after the 13th time. The case he refers to came up in 2018, when the survivor nun lodged a complaint about the alleged sexual assault she went through between the years of 2014 and 2016. The crime had made huge waves in Kerala, with the Bishop of...

OTTDirected by Saheed Arafath, the crime drama is produced by National Award-winning actor Fahadh Faasil along with Dileesh Pothan and Syam Pushkaran.FilePhoto Malayalam movie Thankam, starring Biju Menon and Vineeth Srinivasan, will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video from February 20, the streamer announced on Saturday. Directed by Saheed Arafath, the crime drama is produced by National Award-winning actor Fahadh Faasil along with Dileesh Pothan and Syam Pushkaran. It was released in theatres in January. The movie also features Vineeth Thattil David, Aparna Balamurali, and Girish Kulkarni in pivotal roles. Syam Pushkaran has penned the script. Thankam revolves around three friends Muthu (Biju Menon), Kannan (Vineeth Sreenivasan), and Bijoy (Vineeth David), who are involved in the gold trade in Thrissur, the gold capital of India. "Trouble starts when the trio heads out to Tamil Nadu for a business-cum-pleasure trip. However, their plans go awry when a murder case...

ReviewThankam takes off without noise, unexpectedly seeps into mystery, takes you on a round trip across Indian cities, and leaves you with more questions than emotions.CrisImages, like they were caught on a still camera, stick to your head long after Thankam is over. Click: Vineeth Sreenivasan in a car with that perpetual smile of his, a face that his co-star in the film Biju Menon says no one can say no to. Like most movies written by Syam Pushkaran, characters just walk into the screen and behave like you have always known them, not bothering to introduce themselves by way of dialogue or song. For a change, there is a title song, quite a devotional one, reminding you of the ‘Pavanarachezhuthunnu’ song that Vietnam Colony (a 90s Mohanlal film) begins with. Thankam takes off without noise, unexpectedly seeps into mystery, takes you on a round trip across Indian cities,...

The theatrical trailer of Malayalam movie ‘Thankam’ was released on Tuesday by acclaimed actor Fahadh Faasil, who is also producer of the film. Faasil, who was recently seen in ‘Pushpa: The Rise’ and ‘Vikram’, released the trailer on his Facebook page, wishing the team success.

‘Thankan’ is directed by Saheed Arafath with a star cast featuring Biju Menon, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Aparna Balamurali, Gireesh Kulkarni, and a number of Marathi, Hindi and Tamil actors.

Bhavana Studios, the makers of ‘Kumbalangi Nights’ and ‘Joji’, partnered by Fahadh Faasil, Dileesh Pothan and Syam Pushkaran, is all set to release the upcoming crime drama worldwide on January 26.

‘Thankam’ has been penned by national-award winning Syam Pushkaran, who had earlier scripted the much-acclaimed ‘Maheshinte Prathikaram’, ‘Kumbalangi Nights’ and ‘Joji’.

The movie marks the debut of Gireesh Kulkarni in a south Indian movie. The trailer shows Gireesh playing a Maharashtra police officer, who along with his...

Film awards‘Aavasavyuham’, which tells the story of an environmental disaster, won the best film award, while Dileesh Pothan won best director for ‘Joji’. ‘Minnal Murali’, ‘Churuli’ and ‘Hridayam’ have also won multiple awards.Tnm StaffBiju Menon, Revathi and Joju GeorgeHushing stereotypes, middle-aged mothers and elderly fathers prove that they can lead great stories in films and walk quietly away with the accolades. Revathi, who has contributed many great characters to Malayalam cinema, has won the Best Actor (Female) award at the 52nd Kerala State Film Awards for playing a mother character so strikingly well in the horror flick Bhoothakaalam. Biju Menon, a 50 something actor who played a mysterious man in his 70s — a seemingly harmless doting father — in Aarkariyam has won the Best Actor (Male) award, along with Joju George, an actor who has been consistently delivering meticulous performances. This time, Joju has bagged the award for four different...

Right when I was getting fed up with modern Malayalam cinema, I took the advice of many who urged me to watch this, based-on-”Macbeth” film and the result definitely justified the suggestion.

Joji, an engineering dropout, along with elder brothers Jomon and Jaison lead a life of fear under their dominating father Kuttappan, the owner of a rather large estate, who, despite his 74 years of age, is intensely well-built and quite brutal, particularly towards Joji, whom he considers a failure. Jomon, an alcoholic divorcee, aids Kuttappan in agricultural affairs, while Jaison manages their businesses in town. Jaison’s wife Bincy concludes the “council” while Jomon’s teenage son also lives in the estate, with these two also sharing a strong relationship with Joji, essentially the only ones who take him seriously. However, when Kuttappan suffers a stroke, matters of inheritance come to the fore, while the...

A major portion of romantic films releasing in India consists of a first half in which the hero is wooing the heroine against all her attempts to get rid of him until he succeeds, and a second half in which the two lovers have to face the odds created by the family and society till they are happily married. Similarly, there are a few more situations that recurrently appear in such films, for example, a hero or heroine diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. But once a while, there will be a few films which take a different path and stay memorable. But even these films mostly cater to the popular conservative and misplaced moral mindsets, especially in Malayalam cinema. Classic films like Padmarajan’s “Thoovanathumbikal” (“Dragonflies in the Spraying Rain”) took some very forward approach to romantic films in Malayalam film industry, yet on further scrutiny, we can see that...

After the most talked about film of Malayalam film industry in the last year “Maheshinte Prathikaram” (“Mahesh’s Revenge”), director Dileesh Pothan and actor Fahadh Faasil come together for “Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum” (Roughly translated as “The Exhibit and the Witness”). Even though it’s only the second film from Pothan, due to the immense fan following from his previous film, which even generated a trend of finding minute details from that film and labeling it as Pothettan brilliance, there was much hype to live up to. By making the subject into a dark humor rather than the previous film, which was more of a feel-good movie, Pothan was able to satisfy and surprise his fans.

The film begins in a rural village near Alappuzha where chance encounters lead into a love affair between Prasad and Sreeja. Their inter-caste marriage prompts them to shift to Kasargod. On the bus journey, Sreeja’s...

InterviewAfter Dileesh Pothan’s ‘Joji’ got released, the film’s music got as much appreciation as its making.CrisIt had been a frustrating few months till October. Justin Varghese was upset that all the work he had got was on the shelf – music for movies that came to him after his lovely compositions for Thanneer Mathan Dinangal. The coronavirus pandemic had pushed everything away. But in October, he got a call. Dileesh Pothan and Syam Pushkaran – that delectable pair of director and writer – were making another film, Joji. Would Justin come have a chat with them? Justin sure did. In a few months, the movie came out and along with it came Justin’s marvellous piece of background music (Bgm), in the beginning, middle and end, and scattered across the film. “None of us expected to get the reach it did. All I thought of was that it should not be usual,...

Interview In an interview with Tnm, Unnimaya speaks about her interpretation of the character and reveals what it was like to be on the sets of 'Joji'.CrisUnnimaya in 'Joji'The first time you see Bincy in that large household of the Panachel family in Joji, she is in the kitchen, carrying a loaded gas cylinder. If you are attentive and have always dreaded taking the heavy cylinder across the house, you might be in awe of this strong woman who is merely in the background. The man in the foreground is Joji, her brother-in-law, very much in odds with Kuttappan, the tough patriarch of the family. Bincy’s face is barely visible and she goes about the household chores, walking between the kitchen, the fridge and the slab where Joji has his meals. It is only when she begins to talk – very few lines scattered here and there – that you take notice.

MusicComposer Justin Varghese opted for a western orchestra and a foreign team produced the original background music from afar.Tnm StaffAs Shyju Khalid's camera takes you through the vast green expanses of Erumeli and captures a sprinting Fahadh Faasil on a narrow road, midway, you hear a beautiful piece of music seep into the screen. A western orchestra right in the middle of this very Malayali surrounding in Joji is somehow most fitting. A video of the work that went behind the composition has now been shared by Bhavana Studios, the producers of the film. Watch: Session Orchestra: Joji Original Soundtrack Director Dileesh Pothan has gone in a different direction, music-wise, for his third film. After teaming up with Bijibal, a maestro of melodious songs, for his first two movies, this time he has gone with Justin Varghese. Justin who is noted for his wonderful soundtracks in Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela and Thanneer Mathan Dinangal,...

Film CommentaryThese are two very different films but there is a connecting factor — how the women characters suffocate with the patriarchal home.Sowmya RajendranJoji, directed by Dileesh Pothan, premiered on Amazon Prime Video on April 7. Just a few days before this, Jeo Baby's highly acclaimed film The Great Indian Kitchen, also released on the same Ott platform, months after it originally came out on Neestream. (This article has spoilers ahead) The two films are very different from each other. The Great Indian Kitchen, starring Nimisha Sajayan and Suraj Venjaramoodu, is about a newlywed couple and how the woman starts feeling oppressed day by day within the institution of marriage. The film also looks at how patriarchy and misogyny are sanctioned by religion. Joji, an adaptation of the Shakespearean play Macbeth, has Fahadh Faasil playing the youngest son in a Syrian Christian family who exhibits murderous tendencies and ends up...

InterviewIn an online interaction with Journalists Dileesh Pothan explains the writing and direction choices in 'Joji', starring Fahadh Faasil in the lead.Haritha JohnDileesh Pothan's Joji, an adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth, was released on Amazon Prime Video on April 7. The film, starring Fahadh Faasil, Unnimaya Prasad, Baburaj and others, has opened to rave reviews. Before Joji, Dileesh had made just two films — Maheshinte Prathikaram and Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum. But with both of them winning critical acclaim and setting the box-office on fire, his Joji was a highly anticipated release. 'In an online interaction with journalists, Dileesh spoke about the writing and direction choices in 'Joji'. Dileesh is known for realism in his films. But, the director says that he wants to explore different kinds of cinema, including commercial films. Among the most interesting interpretations in Joji is the character of Bincy, played by Unnimaya Prasad. While the...

Review'Macbeth' is known as 'the cursed play' in theatre circles and Dileesh Pothan's film comes at a cursed time, making perfect use of the setting.Sowmya RajendranIn theatre circles, Shakespeare's Macbeth is known as 'the cursed play'. It is tradition not to call the play by its original name and refer to it instead with names like 'The Scottish Play'. Legend has it that the incantations of the witches that trigger Macbeth's ambition, were so powerful that the first ever performance of Macbeth was full of accidents, including the death of the actor who played Lady Macbeth. Superstition or not, it is still a tradition that is practised by many theatre groups. Dileesh Pothan's Joji, inspired by Macbeth and written by Syam Pushkaran, is set in what we can call a cursed time. A pandemic that has forced people to wear masks, stay inside the house, with the threat of death looming over us.

MollywoodThe film has been written by Syam Pushkaran who had teamed up with Fahadh and Dileesh for 'Maheshinte Prathikaram'.Tnm StaffScreenshot from the teaserA really thin Fahadh Faasil is fishing for long minutes, walking around picturesque places and coming back to fish again. The teaser of his new film Joji ends thus, with the news that it is premiering on Amazon Prime Video on April 7. "The voice of your eyes is deeper than your speech," says the tweet put out by Amazon Prime Video In, along with the teaser. The quiet teaser gets darker towards the end and the music turns menacing as something finally gets caught in the fishing rod. But there, the teaser ends. The voice of your eyes is deeper than your speech. Teaser out now! #JojiOnPrime premieres on April 7.#DileeshPothan #FahadhFaasil #Baburaj #UnimayaPrasad #ShammiThilakan #AlisterAlex #BasilJoseph @BhavanaStudios pic.twitter.com/PNFkrv67yd — amazon prime video In...

MollywoodAfter undergoing a minor surgery, Fahadh Faasil was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday.Tnm StaffActor Fahadh Faasil, who sustained injuries after a fall on the sets of upcoming Malayalam movie Malayankunju, was discharged from the hospital where he was being treated on Wednesday. The actor was admitted to the private hospital in Kochi after sustaining a nose injury on Tuesday and underwent surgery on Wednesday. According to hospital sources, the surgery was a minor one. Reportedly, the actor has been advised to take rest by doctors. “He was admitted on Tuesday and underwent surgery on Wednesday. It was a minor one, that is why he could be discharged the same day,” said an official of the hospital. According to reports, the actor fell from a building which was constructed for the shooting of Malayankunju in Kochi. The accident occurred during the shooting of a stunt scene. The shooting of Malayankunju,...

MollywoodThe films include 'Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham', 'Jallikattu', 'Virus', 'Kumbalangi Nights', 'Moothon', 'Sameer', 'Vasanthi', and 'Ishq' among others. Digital NativeThis is perhaps the golden era for the Malayalam film industry with 17 films entering the final screening process for the 67th National Film Awards in various categories. Grapevine has it that 17 Malayalam films including Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham, Jallikattu, Virus, Kumbalangi Nights, Moothon, Sameer, Vasanthi, and Ishq, have been shortlisted for the final rounds. Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham, which was censored in 2019, has Mohanlal playing the lead role with Priyadarshan directing it. It is a star-studded film that also has Suniel Shetty, Arjun Sarja, Siddique, Prabhu Deva, Sudeep, Prabhu, Madhu, Manju Warrier, Paresh Rawal, Keerthy Suresh, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Pranav Mohanlal, Suhasini Maniratnam, Nedumudi Venu, Ashok Selvan, and others in pivotal roles. The film’s technical crew includes cinematographer Tirru and editor Ms Ayyappan Nair. Ronnie Raphael...

MollywoodThe film is directed by Sajimon Prabhakaran, scripted by Mahesh Narayanan and produced by Fazil.Digital NativeFahadh Faasil starrer Malayankunju went on floors recently with the shooting beginning on January 28 in Erattupetta, Kottayam. The film, produced by veteran filmmaker Fazil, will be shot entirely in Kerala. Fazil, who is also Fahadh’s father, has several hit movies to his credit, including the one that introduced Mohanlal to the Malayalam cinema audience, Manjil Virinja Pookkal. Read: Why Mohanlal scored poorly in audition: Fazil intv on 40 years of ‘Manjil Virinja Pookkal’ Fazil has won several awards in his long career including the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for Manichitrathazhu. The last film Fazil directed was Living Together in 2011. Read: From Girly to Nagavalli, here's why Fazil's women characters live on forever Sajimon Prabhakaran is directing Malayankunju, with Mahesh Narayanan scripting it. The first look poster of Malayankunju...

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 actor reportedly shed close to 20 kilos for his role as Sulaiman Malik. Digital NativeDigital NativeThe makers of Fahadh Faasil's upcoming Malayalam film Malik have announced that the film will be releasing on May 13, 2021, on the eve of Eid. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, Malik have Fahadh Faasil playing the younger version of the character Sulaiman Malik. Reportedly, the actor had to lose 20 kilos for the role. The makers of Malik had released a working still from the set earlier this year, when fans saw the actor’s transformation for the first time. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mahesh Narayanan (@maheshnarayan_official) According to reports, Malik is based on a true story and it covers different time periods starting from the 1960s. It is said to be a film set in the coastal region where the minority communities are under threat of dislocation, and the hero...

MollywoodThe veteran director who played the role of a priest in ‘Lucifer’ has also acted in the upcoming Mohanlal starrer ‘Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham’.Digital NativeThe announcement that Fahadh Faasil’s next project in the pipeline is Malayan Kunju came out just a few days ago. And now, it has been revealed that the film will be bankrolled by the actor's dad and renowned director Fazil. The film will reportedly go on the floor during the fag end of January or early February. Sajimon Prabhakaran is the director of the film and Mahesh Narayanan is the scriptwriter. The first look poster of Malayan Kunju featuring Fahadh Faasil was released a few days ago. The team is in the process of finalising the cast. The technical crew of this film includes Sushin Shyam for music. Mahesh Narayanan, besides handling the script will also be in charge of the cinematography and editing with...

MOLLYWOODThe film, directed by Sajimon Prabhakaran and scripted by Mahesh Narayanan, is slated to be released in January or February next year. Digital NativeDigital NativeFahadh Faasil’s upcoming film Malayakunju, directed by Sajimon Prabhakaran and scripted by Mahesh Narayanan, is slated to be released in late January or early February next year. The makers recently released the first look poster of the film, which has gone viral on social media. Speaking about the making of Malayakunju, director Sajimon Prabhakaran said in an interview that the story is “completely unique”, and that the entire film will be shot in Kerala. While he stated that no details about the project can be revealed at the moment, he pointed out that 'Malayankunju' is not Fahadh Faasil’s character’s name in the film. The team is in the process of finalizing the star cast for Malayankunju and will be revealing it soon, we hear.

MollywoodThese unnerving scenes are sure to give you sleepless nights.Neelima MenonScreenshot: Disney+ HotstarIn this short list are some of the most psycho-esque moments in Malayalam cinema, captured and served to perfection. Dare we say winter is coming. It’s time to let the chill run down your spine. Some spoilers ahead! Mayaanadhi: In the climactic sequence of this Aashiq Abu directorial, written by Syam Pushkaran and Dileesh Nair, Mathan (Tovino Thomas) kneels near the riverside and the cops circle him. Despite foreseeing the event, as they take aim for an encounter shootout, we are still unprepared for when the bullet eventually knocks him down. Almost concurrently, it hits us like a bolt from the blue and the pain is as searing, physically and emotionally to the viewer. The next scene has Appu (Aishwarya Lekshmi) strolling into the night, peering over the shoulder for Mathan to run next to her.

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...

Social MediaGokul Dinesh’s videos address the issue of inclusivity of caste, religion and women in Malayalam cinema, with a touch of humour.CrisIn a scene from the 1996 Malayalam movie Mahathma, Suresh Gopi’s character says that none of the big buildings and business concerns you see from Mangalapuram to Parassala belongs to a dominant-caste man, but to oppressed-caste men who bought it with ill-gotten money. He tells Ganesh Kumar’s character – a dominant-caste man – that reservation is a curse that an oppressed-caste man kicks the dominant-caste man with. In a video made of such scenes from 1990s Malayalam cinema, you spot a blatant disregard and scorn for reservation and other benefits for the oppressed-caste. The video, prepared by Ernakulam-based lawyer Gokul Dinesh is one of four, which have been getting attention for their focused and humourous approach to little-noticed references belittling minorities. “All sorts of minorities – Muslims, Dalits, women...

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...

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.

MollywoodThe film will be written by Syam Pushkaran. Tnm StaffThree years after his classic film Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, actor-director Dileesh Pothan is going to make his third, titled Joji. The film, says the tagline of the black and red title poster, is inspired from Shakespeare’s Macbeth. As in his previous two films, Fahadh Faasil will play the lead. Not just Fahadh. Syam Pushkaran, the man who wrote the first film that Dileesh directed – Maheshinte Prathikaram – is on the team. So is Shyju Khalid, the cinematographer. The film will be a production of Bhavana Studios, partnered by Dileesh, Fahadh and Syam. Their last work was the critically acclaimed Kumbalangi Nights. Happy to announce, “Joji” Excited to team up again with Dileesh Pothan & Syam Pushkaran. Produced by Bhavana Studios in... Posted by Fahadh Faasil on Friday, October 2, 2020 “Joji is inspired from the epic play of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. It’s a...

Tollywood Satyadev plays the role of Mahesh, which was done by Fahadh in the original.Tnm StaffUma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya, the much-awaited Telugu remake of the acclaimed Malayalam film Maheshinte Prathikaram, is now out on Netflix. This is the second film of director Venkatesh Maha, who made his debut with C/o Kancharapalem, an indie Telugu film which became hugely popular with the Telugu audiences. In Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya, actor Satyadev reprises the role of a small town photographer and his bittersweet tale of revenge, played by Fahadh Faasil in the original. While the original was set in Kerala’s Idukki district, the Telugu remake is set in Araku, also a charming, picturesque hill station. Satyadev plays Uma Maheswara Rao, proprietor of Komali photo studio in Araku Valley. Satyadev has previously played minor roles in films like Mr Perfect and Kshanam, before acting in more prominent supporting roles recently, in films like Brochevarevarura,...

MollywoodIn these new films, the challenges and conflicts between men are pushed to an extent that the absurdity becomes apparent to the audience.Sowmya RajendranIn recent times, Malayalam cinema has shown an interest in studying the male ego rather than celebrating it at face value as was the practice. Though the industry's ageing superstars continue to make bombastic films where "mass" is valued over the script, the younger generation is moving towards a brand of cinema that is exploring new shades to masculinity. Usually, a challenge between the hero and the villain is seen as an opportunity for the former to succeed and display his superiority over the latter. But in these new films, the challenges and conflicts are pushed to an extent that the absurdity becomes apparent to the audience. What's more, the actors who play the hero in most films, seem to be enjoying doing roles where the...

AwardsBoth the films were critically acclaimed and also did well in the box office.Digital NativeTwo directors – Madhu C Narayanan and Aditya Dhar – have won the prestigious Gollapudi Srinivas National Award for the year 2019. The award was shared by the two directors for the films Kumbalangi Nights and Uri: The Surgical Strike. Madhu C Narayanan directed Kumbalangi Nights and Uri: The Surgical Strike was directed by Aditya Dhar. This is the first time that the prestigious award has been shared by two directors. Shane Nigam shared the screen space with Fahadh Faasil in Kumbalangi Nights. Fahadh was the main villain and played the role of a psychopath in the Malayalam movie. The others in the star cast included Sreenath Bhasi, Soubin Shahir, and Ramesh Thilak. Scripted by Shyam Pushlaran, the film was produced jointly by Dileesh Pothan, Syam Pushkaran and Nazriya Nazim under the banners Fahadh Faasil and Friends and Working Class Hero respectively.

AwardsBoth the films were critically acclaimed and also did well in the box office.Digital NativeTwo directors – Madhu C Narayanan and Aditya Dhar – have won the prestigious Gollapudi Srinivas National Award for the year 2019. The award was shared by the two directors for the films Kumbalangi Nights and Uri: The Surgical Strike. Madhu C Narayanan directed Kumbalangi Nights and Uri: The Surgical Strike was directed by Aditya Dhar. This is the first time that the prestigious award has been shared by two directors. Shane Nigam shared the screen space with Fahadh Faasil in Kumbalangi Nights. Fahadh was the main villain and played the role of a psychopath in the Malayalam movie. The others in the star cast included Sreenath Bhasi, Soubin Shahir, and Ramesh Thilak. Scripted by Shyam Pushlaran, the film was produced jointly by Dileesh Pothan, Syam Pushkaran and Nazriya Nazim under the banners Fahadh Faasil and Friends and Working Class Hero respectively.

EntertainmentFrom Fahadh and Nazriya to Prasanna and Sneha, there are now several couples who work in the film industries and also collaborate with each other professionally. Tnm StaffWhile it's not unusual for people from the film industry to date each other and get married, it's not too common for both of them to continue to have an active career in the film industry. In most cases, it is the woman who takes the backseat while the man continues to work in the industry. However, times are changing and there are now many couples who work in the film industry. Some of the women may have taken a break but have since made a comeback and are continuing to find work. Naga Chaitanya and Samantha: Samantha is probably the first woman A-list star in the south to have married a fellow actor and continue to pursue her career without any break whatsoever.

After grabbing attention for its interesting award nominations and winners’ list last year, Critics’Choice Film Awards are back again with even more intriguing nominations spread across eight Indian languages.

While the first edition of Critics’ Choice Film Awards witnessed Best Film category for varied languages, for the second season the makers have upped the ante by introducing Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Film as well as Best Writing across Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, Malayalam, Gujarati and Kannada.

Offering a surprising twist to the usual nomination lists as usual, this year there are surprises with Best Actor nominations including names like Manoj Bajpayee for SonChiriya and Gulshan Devaiah for Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, Geetika Vidya Ohlyan for Soni, and Hamid bagging a nomination for Best Writing. Critics’ Choice Film Awards holds its ground to honour cinematic brilliance irrespective of the mass appeal of the films.

Film...

MollywoodWith time, the village in Malayalam cinema has grown in size to accommodate a more multidimensional group of characters and ideas.Neelima MenonDirectors often have the annoying habit of creating oversimplified backgrounds to set their stories. Take, for example, the village in early Malayalam cinema, often depicted as an idyllic, pristine small town featuring a host of simple, straightforward characters. But with time, the village in Malayalam cinema has grown in size to accommodate a more multidimensional group of characters and ideas. Here, we take a look at this evolution of Malayalam cinema's rustic locales. Untarred roads, elongated tiled-roof homes, paddy fields, decadent temples, makeshift tea shops, and ponds form the backdrop of the nameless village in Sathyan Anthikad’s Ponmuttayidunna Tharavu. In fact, every Anthikad film village brims with all things cheerful and ordinary, amongst which he finds his unusual story. Everyone knows their way around the village and...

MollywoodFrom the old to the new, here are seven unusually intense love stories from the Malayalam film industry.Neelima MenonRomance as a genre remains largely underexplored in Malayalam cinema. We’ve had love at first sight narratives like Aniyathipravu, Ohm Shanti Oshana, Ennennum Kannettante and Thattathin Marayathu, tragic romantic dramas like Ennu Ninde Moideen, Annayum Rasoolum and Innale, celestial love like Njan Gandharvan, romcoms like Salt N Pepper, Neelakasham Pacha Kadal Chuvanna Bhoomi, Thanneer Mathan Dinangal, forbidden love like Ore Kadal and a fantasy fringed romance like Nandanam. At other times, there have been incredible moments of romance encrusted in unlikely films like Bhoothakannadi , the multiple romances in Venu Nagavally’s Swagatham and Kalipattam, an affair that spills over with lust but ends movingly in Mathilukal, a man torn between guilt and love in Thoovanathumbikal and the coming-of-age narrative of a lad who experiences love at various stages of his life in Premam.

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.

InterviewIn a chat with Tnm, the ‘C/O Kancherapalem’ director talks about his second film ‘Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya’ and choosing Satyadev to play Fahadh’s part.Priyanka Richi In 2018, with a quaint film set in a sleepy town in Vizag, director Maha Venkatesh gave Telugu audiences a story that brought with it a wave of change for Telugu cinema. C/O Kancherapalem came as a breath of fresh air with its four heart-warming tales of love and 86 debutants in the cast. Maha won critical acclaim for the film, which went to multiple film festivals across the world. Maha is now all set to release his next film Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya in April this year. An official remake of Maheshinte Prathikaram from Malayalam, Maha’s second film has actor Satyadev reprising the role of Fahadh Faasil from the original. Praveena, the producer of C/O Kancherapalem, is co-producing the film along with Mahayana.

TollywoodThe film is titled 'Uma Maheshwara Ugra Roopasya'. Digital NativeThe hit Malayalam movie Maheshinte Prathikaram is all set to be remade in Telugu. The announcement has been made by Arka Mediaworks with the Tweet: “We are happy to announce our collaboration with director @mahaisnotanoun for our film #UmaMaheshwaraUgraRoopasya in collaboration with Mahayana Motion Pictures...@ActorSatyadev is the lead.” We are happy to announce our collaboration with director @mahaisnotanoun for our film #UmaMaheshwaraUgraRoopasya in collaboration with Mahayana Motion Pictures... @ActorSatyadev is the lead! #Umur Announcement Video - https://t.co/XDcDLBjY3G @Shobu_ @ItsActorNaresh @appunitc — Arka Mediaworks (@arkamediaworks) December 25, 2019 The remake will be directed by Venkatesh Maha of C/o Kancharapalem fame and it has been titled as Uma Maheshwara Ugra Roopasya. Producer Shobu Yarlagadda had tweeted, “The question that I have been asked most, other than “why Kattappa killed Baahubali?” has been “what’s your next movie after Baahubali?”. Today,...

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,...

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,...

EntertainmentThe initial discussions of the anticipated action-drama movie were held at Shah Rukh Khan’s residence ‘Mannat’ in Mumbai. Tnm StaffFB / Aashiq AbuBollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan is all set to team up with Malayalam filmmaker Aashiq Abu and scriptwriter Syam Pushkaran in the duo’s first Hindi movie. The initial discussions of the much-anticipated action-drama movie were held at Shah Rukh's residence, ‘Mannat’, in Mumbai. Aashiq Abu, on Thursday, had shared pictures of them meeting the ‘King Khan’ at his residence, on social media. As per reports, Shah Rukh Khan invited Aashiq Abu to his residence after watching Aashiq’s medical thriller Virus. The film was on the emergence of deadly Nipah virus in Kerala and the state’s battle to combat it. “There had been discussions about doing a Hindi film with Shah Rukh Khan for a while. On Wednesday, after he returned from the United States, we...

KollywoodThe film will be helmed by Saheed Arafath who had earlier directed 'Theeram' which had hit the screens in 2017.Digital NativeFahadh Faasil starrer Kumbalangi Nights had turned out to be the first big blockbuster of the year. Post the success of the film, Fahadh Faasil & Friends are teaming up again for a crime drama. The film has been titled Thankam, which will have Fahadh Faasil, Joju George and Dileesh Pothan play the main leads and will be helmed by Saheed Arafath who had earlier directed Theeram which had hit the screens in 2017. Fahadh took to his social media and shared the title and poster of the film. He posted saying, "With my good friends to share on board again, thrills! Fahadh Faasil and Friends with Working Class Hero is happy to announce our next “Thankam”, a crime drama Directed by Saheed Arafath.2020 release." While the film will have script by...

MollywoodSoubin says that he became an actor simply because his friends insisted.Neelima MenonCrispin in Dileesh Pothan’s Maheshinte Prathikaram (2016) is an oddball from the word go. He is naïve, well-intentioned but ends up doing more harm than good. In Crispin’s world, there are no filters—be it making friends or triggering a fight, in explaining the politics between Mohanlal and Mammootty to the woman he just met or in wording the after-effects of consuming an egg puff. While one can’t take away the ingenuity of the well-written (Syam Pushkaran) role, it’s also a fact that Soubin Shahir occupies the character with such a disarming honesty and spontaneity that he blurs the boundaries between self and the character. “I would say Soubin is an irreplaceable actor. You can’t visualise any other actor doing the characters he has done,” observes writer Muhsin Parari, who collaborated with him...