Cinemallu- Malyalam cinema Blog~Malayalam Film Reviews~Actors and Actresses Photo Gallery

2010-10-20T04:59:00.000+05:30

Movie :Anwar
Director :Amal Neerad
Music :Gopi Sundar
Cast :Prithviraj, Mamta, Prakash Raj, Lal

Director Amal Neerad’s Anwar is an engaging film that makes a definite impact on the viewer. With its technical brilliance, brisk pace, good music and some fine performances, it is capable enough to take you to a different world. It may be far from perfect especially with a rather average script but such things barely come to your mind while watching it.
It is perhaps difficult to explain the storyline, without giving away too much about the film or its suspense. Anwar (Prithviraj) is a hot blooded youth who falls pretty easily into the charming theories of Babu Sait (Lal), a rich man who finds it quite normal to help the terrorists, in the name of religion.

The two meet in jail and soon Anwar becomes his trusted henchman, as Babu Sait plans to conduct several terrorist attacks and bomb blasts. All along, the brilliant anti-terrorist cop Stalin Manimaran (Prakash Raj) is in pursuit of the criminals. Mamta Mohandas plays Ayesha, who is nabbed the police, after they find certain aspects that links her to a bomb blast.

Amal Neerad, who had depended only on technical wizardry for his earlier films like Big B and Sagar Alias Jackie- Reloaded, has come up with a decent storyline here. Of course, the inspiration from Jeffrey Nachmanoff’s Traitor is evident at times. Satheesh Kurup’s visuals and Gopi Sundar’s music are among the highlights of the film.

Prithviraj, who looks really handsome, has done a brilliant job as Anwar. He has long been acknowledged as the next best thing of Malayalam cinema and he shows why such assumptions are relevant. Prakash Raj and Lal may not have too many scenes but the actors have shown their credentials in an excellent way even then. Mamta mainly has to look beautiful and that, she does in style. The rest of the cast have also performed quite well.

With some fine moments, Anwar qualifies as an engrossing entertainer. It may be far from being perfect with too many ‘cinematic liberties’ to boost the hero and things could have been better with a tighter script. But even in the current form, the movie succeeds in shaking the viewer up with its merits. Watch this one!

Janakan-Online Malayalam Movie

2010-09-15T04:25:00.005+05:30

Debutant director N R Sanjeev’s film has an inherent appeal mainly because of its genuine theme. But the problem here is that the real issues in the story lose its focus with its overdose of clichéd dialogues and the attempts to glorify the heroes.Worse still, the same storyline was narrated by director M A Nishad in his film Vairam last year and it is sad that no earnest attempts have been made to package this one in a better way than the earlier film.

Viswanathan (Suresh Gopi), Monayi (Biju Menon) and Palani (Harisree Asokan) are fleeing from the cops and after several hurdles, they manage to reach ace lawyer Sooryanarayanan (Mohanlal). He listens to their rather tragic story, according to which Viswanathan’s teenage daughter was gang raped and brutally murdered by a dirty trio, consisting of a super-rich businessman, a cop and a young DJ.

Dr. Rani (Jyothirmayee), who had taken care of the girl at the hospital, reveals certain crucial facts to Viswanathan. After their plea for justice falls on deaf ears, Viswanathan, Monayi and Palani kill the three miscreants, one after the other. Now Sooryanarayanan decides to help them, with his smart wit and brilliance.

Director Sanjeev and scenarist S N Swamy has gone for the highly conventional ways to narrate the story. From the hero-is-always-smart type quips and the thrills with well built hunks which he wins hands down, to the excessive melodrama, there are many scenes modeled on the formulaic films of this genre! Mohanlal has a comparatively brief role, but he has almost all the stylish lines in his kitty and the versatile genius is evidently at ease doing it all in a charming way.

Though one of main highlights of the film is the bond between a couple and their darling daughter, that part is almost ignored here. The chemistry shared between Suresh Gopi, his wife played by Kaveri and their daughter is ineffective on screen and that affects the whole mood of the film as well. Of course, Suresh Gopi tries really hard and he succeeds in his attempt to look convincing to a certain extent, but both Kaveri and the young girl fails to impress. Remember, Tamil actor Pasupathi had done a spectacular performance in a similar role in Vairam.

The rest of the cast including Jyothirmayee, Biju Menon, Harisree Asokan, Vijayaraghavan, Sivaji Guruvayur, Vijayakumar and Rajith Menon have limited roles to play. Sanjeev Sankar’s camera is just okay while M Jayachandran’s music is pretty nice.

There are no real experiments here, true, but the film has its moments and as they say, the heart at the right place. Though the film is just above two hours, it could have been more enjoyable, if it was shorter by some 20 minutes or so.

- COURTESY ; SIFY.COM

2010-07-12T12:21:00.003+05:30

Oru Naal Varum' tells the story of Kulappully Sukumaran (Mohanlal) who is staying alone in a flat with his daughter. He has come to the city so that he could provide his daughter with a good education.

Sukumaran has been staying away from his wife Meera (Sameera Reddy) for a while now. Meera happens to be an IT professional.

Sick and tired of living in a rented flat, Sukumaran decides to build a house of his own. But he soon realizes that things aren't as easy as they seem to be.

The person who remains like a stumbling block in Sukumaran's dreams is the Town Planning Officer (Sreenivasan).

Trailor

Charector Name:
Kulappulli Sukumaran

Language:
Malayalam

Release Year:
2010

Director:
T K Rajeev Kumar

Co-actors:
Sreenivasan, Sameera Reddy, Devayani, Nedumudi Venu, Sujaj v, Lalu Alex

Music Director:
M G Sreekumar

Lyrics:
Nil

Producer:
Maniyan Pilla Raju

Mammooty in Vandematharam

2010-07-12T11:47:00.004+05:30

Malayalam superstar Mammootty and Tamil action king Arjun's much-anticipated bilingual Vande Mataram (Aruvadai in Tamil), directed by T. Arvind, has completed its shooting. The film’s climax was shot in Sengundram with the lead actors and several junior artistes.

Director Arvind expressed his happiness that Vande Mataramhas fulfilled his expectations and come out well. Describing the film’s story in a single line, the director said it is an investigative action thriller, the story of a group of police officers who go hunting for a group of terrorists who have been creating havoc in the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border.

Produced by Henry with a whopping budget of 14 cores under the banner of Pankaj Productions, the film begins with a scene showing that the central investigative agency (RAW) finds out that Malik, head of a terrorist group, has crossed the international border and entered to execute deadly explosions in South India. Gopi Krishnan (Mammootty), Southern zone command director of the Intelligence bureau, is assigned the task of tracing the plans of the organization and stopping them from creating any damage.

Gopi Krishnan forms a core team with support from Anwar Hussain (Arjun) who joins the group on deputation from the State police. The execution of 'Operation Malik' forms the climax of the movie . The film will feature two heroines, Sneha as a pilot and wife of Gopi Krishnan and Sharadha Arya as an ornithologist. Deepak J.D. makes his debut as the deadly villain.

The action sequences and stunts were cinematographed by stunt director Anal Arasu. K. Santhosh has written the dialogues for the Malayalam version. The five songs in the movie, penned by Gireesh Puthencherry and Vayalar Sharatchandra Varma, are composed by Vidyasagar. The Tamil verses are written by P. Vijay, Vairamuthu and Yugabarathi. Cinematography is by Vetri and Rajesh Yadav

Prithviraj in Urumi

2010-07-08T15:22:00.001+05:30

South India's bankable hero Prithviraj and pretty Genelia have been roped in to play the lead roles in India’s most proficient cinematographer-turned-filmmaker Santosh Sivan's bilingual film Urumi, based on the assassination of Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama, who arrived in Kappad near Calicut, on May 20, 1498.

Set in the backdrop of the 15th century, the film is about a group of men who wanted to assassinate Vasco Da Gama for his cruel deeds. It will be simultaneously shot in Tamil, Hindi, English and Malayalam. Prithviraj enacts the role of the group’s leader, while Genelia takes on the role of a Portugal princess. More details are awaited.

2010-06-15T19:23:00.002+05:30

Movie : Ring Tone
Director : Ajmal
Music : Shaan
Cast : Suresh Gopi, Bala, Megha Nair

Listen to the ridiculous lyrics and music of the song “Pathalle, pathalle nee ennum aapathalle…” and you will know what to expect from director Ajmal's Ring Tone!
Sadly, things turn out to be even worse and in plain words, the film is nothing less than an insult to the viewers. With no worthy script and amateurish direction, the only surprise here is on how those involved managed to convince others to go ahead and make a film like this.

It is actually a painful thing to remember the exact storyline, as none of those behind its making seems to have a clue about that as well. Even the relevance of the title is never explained but no one is going to bother about all these after two hours of excruciating experience, watching this one.

Krishna (Bala) flees from the cops after he inadvertently becomes involved in a bomb blast at a hospital. After certain unbelievable incidents, he finds refuge in the home of the virtuous Thampuran (Rajan P Dev), a rich man living in a sleepy village near Tamil Nadu.

Believe it or not, there is a girl named Meera (Megha Nair) who lands up at the same place and everyone thinks that the two are love birds. Quite obviously this starts the song ‘n’ dance routines as well. If you are interested still, there is a Naxalite angle to the story and a super-cop, Nainan Koshy (Suresh Gopi) makes his entry soon.

It's not just the script or direction that is faulty here, the production quality is tacky as well. The visuals look ordinary and less said about the music, the better. The sets look ordinary and the thrills lack any fizz.

Suresh Gopi tries in vain to look like some of his high voltage characters from the past as a cop and try to mimic some of those styles. Both Bala and Megha Nair seem to have been competing with each other to come up with the worst performance. (Of course, they will share the prize as it is difficult to decide who the winner is). The rest of the cast, including Rajan P Dev, Sai Kumar, Anoop Chandran and Zeenath among others have only limited roles to play.

After watching the film, the first thing that would be in the viewer's mind is on why someone should produce this crap? Other than wasting money and time, films like these serves no particular purpose. Take a walk, have some nice food, watch a nice movie on DVD, just doze off or if you are too particular, go for this movie, but at your own risk only!

Ring Tone causes damage-Malayalam News

2010-06-15T19:18:00.001+05:30

The audiences at a Kottayam theatre has reacted violently to Suresh Gopi’s Ring Tone.

They not only tore the seats, but on the way out threw beer bottles on a display window of an adjoining theatre in the same compound.

Four youth who were arrested for causing damage to theatre were in an inebriated condition and told the police that they “just could not sit through the terrible film”! The theatre has sued the guys as they have caused huge damage.

Mammootty becomes Best Actor-Malayalam Cinema

2010-06-15T19:12:00.001+05:30

Mammootty is giving breaks to a lot of new directors “who have ideas that can make a hit”. His new director is Martin Prakkat, fashion photographer who does great portfolios for the leading women magazine ‘Vanitha’.

During one of his journalistic assignments he met Mammootty and struck a friendship with the actor which led to him becoming director of a Mammootty film. The star was impressed by his script about a UP school teacher who wants to be a film actor!

So Mammootty asked his right hand man Anto Joseph and Naushad, to produce Martin’s film which has been titled Best Actor. The film is said to be an emotional at the same time rocking comedy entertainer. Kannada actress Sruthi Ramakrishnan is Mammootty heroine in the film.

Along with Mammootty there is strong supporting cast headed by Lal, Nedumudi Venu, Salim Kumar, Vinayagan and a special cameo by the comedy king Suraj Venjaranmoodu!

Malayalam Film - Dileep is Karyasthan

2010-06-15T19:05:00.003+05:30

After the super hit Pappi Appacha, Dileep has decided to do another mass comedy entertainer.

He will play Karyasthan (caretaker), in this hilarious film written by his favourite Siby K Thomas-Udaykrishnan team and directed by Siby’s brother Thomson who is debuting.

The shoot of Karyasthan produced by Anto Joseph will start in July, after Dileep comes back from his US trip. The heroine is a new girl, an anchor in a reality show. 39 leading artists will be there in supporting roles like Salim Kumar, Suraj Venjaranmudu and others.

Karyasthan will be an out and out comedy entertainer, with all commercial entertainer. The film is slated to be Dileep’s big Ramzan release on September 10.

Malayalam Film -Ulakam Chuttam Vaalibans .prithvi n jayasurya

2010-01-18T12:56:00.001+05:30

Jayasuriya and Prithviraj had been into many different countries during their short career in movies .But this time they are planning to become the Ulakom chuttum Valibans of Mollywood.This is not a conferred title for their extensive travelling but the name of their new movie together. The hit pair who has earlier created wonderful success films in Chocolate, Kangaroo, Classmates and Swapnakoodu will once again come together for this film , to be directed by Saji Surendran.This project will start by the end of 2010.

Meanwhile Saji' s latest movie ''Happy Husbands'' will get to theatres by the end of this week. A multistarrer, the movie is expected to make the cash box ringing at the Box office.

Nayanthara signs Kannada film

2010-01-18T12:49:00.002+05:30

Nayanthara signs Kannada film

Year 2009 may not have ended great for Nayanthara as she had only a single release Aadhavan. But she has started 2010 with a bang. Her Telugu film Adurs with Junior NTR and Malayalam film Bodyguard with Dileep releasing in January will ensure that.

Also in 2010 Nayantara will be expanding her territory of rule to Karnataka as well. Nayantara will be doing her first Kannada film this year opposite Kannada superstar Upendra . The new yet to be titled Kannada film will be mega budget film of course and will be shot across exotic locales abroad.

Presently Nayantara is busy shooting for Simha starring Balakrishna in Telugu and Boss Enkira Bhaskaran with Arya in Tamil.

Malayalam - Twenty 20 - Review

2008-11-09T00:17:00.006+05:30

Imagine casting all the important stars in a language for a single film and giving equal importance to all the superstars!! It is indeed a mammoth task which has been carried out very well by the makers of Twenty:20. The huge effort taken by all the cast and crew in the Malayalam film industry has resulted in a racy, thrilling and amazingly well-made film. The first round of applause should be given to the writers who have taken script-writing to a new level by providing us a 3 hour film without a single dull moment. In fact, all the areas of film-making in Twenty:20 excel with superb action, songs and suspense.

The plot, interestingly, comes in layers. There are stories inside the story and it seems there is a twist in every scene. The suspense slowly builds up, ending in an explosive climax which will leave the audience in ecstasy.

It is Vishu and like every nostalgic Malayalee, Retired Justice Viswanathan Menon (Madhu) returns home with his wife ( Kaviyoor Ponnamma) to his splendid ancestral home in Kerala to celebrate the event with his children (Siddique and Vijayaraghavan). In the beginning itself, there is rib-tickling comedy involving Innocent, who acts as the caretaker of the house and some thieves (played by Cochin Haneefa, Harisri Asokan, Kochu Preman and Kalpana) who break into the house creating mayhem.

The joyful atmosphere soon turns gloomy as Viswanathan's son Arun (Indrajith), a medical student in Bangalore, is taken into police custody by the cunning Police Commissioner Antony Punnakkadan (Suresh Gopi). His alleged crime? Murdering a fellow student! A brilliant lawyer Ramesan Nambiar (Mammootty) arrives on the scene to rescue him out. Vinod Bhaskar (Jayaram), professor of the medical college, who wants to testify in Arun's favour, is kidnapped by a thug Karinkal Pappachan (Kalabhavan Mani); adding to the misery, mayhem and mystery, Arun too gets killed. Antony Punnakkadan arrests Devan (Mohanlal) in connection with Arun's murder, but Devan turns out to be a poor trader whose presence at the murder spot was a mere coincidence.

Devan's sister (Kavya Madhavan) and mother (Sukumari) arrive and declare that Devan is innocent and that he is being framed by Punnakkadan. They urge Ramesan Nambiar to take up Devan's case. Ramesan, heeding his dear wife's advice, argues in court for Devan, eventually setting him free. Now comes the real twist. Devan is actually an underworld don Devaraja Pratap Varma, who is after Ramesan to extract his revenge for the death of his brother Karthi (Dileep). The film goes into flashback mode, becoming the backbone of the story, and revealing some startling truths. All this winds up in the big climax with all the hullabaloo ending in a shootout.

Mammootty and Mohanlal fans can finally relax; the film gives equal importance to both of them and they are superb as usual. Other movies in which Mammootty played a lawyer have proved that it is the most suitable role for him; in Twenty:20, his excellent performance confirms this. Mohanlal as Devan is outstanding with the right mannerisms and style. Suresh Gopi is amazing in his typical police role. This actor is born to play a policeman!! Dileep appearing in a short role has an impeccable sense of timing. The comedy band led by Innocent and Jagathy are at their wittiest here. Director Joshy and script writers Sibi K. Thomas and Udayakrishnan have done the impossible and created history, not to mention the crew, which consists of all the brilliant brains in the Malayalam film industry. Like Prithviraj, some of the actors have miniscule roles; Jayasurya appears only in a song with Nayantara. The three songs composed by Suresh Peters are peppy.

Twenty:20 is a tribute to Malayalam cinema for its years of creating excellent films and the money it raises will be spent on a good cause. So, the last word is: Twenty:20 is awesome and those who miss it miss the chance to watch the entire Malayalam film industry coming together on a single platform to provide the most wholesome entertainment it has ever produced.

Director Joshy
Producer Dileep on behalf of AMMA
Music Suresh Peters
Cast All Malayalam actors

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Sreenivasan and Vineeth to play dad-son on screen

2008-10-17T02:30:00.004+05:30

Nadhiya Moithu back to Malayalam.

2008-10-17T02:04:00.005+05:30

Nadhiya Moithu, one of the heart throbs of the eighties presented by Fazil, had reemerged as a promising character actress in Kollywood with the movie 'M. Kumaran, S/o Mahalakshmi'.

Even after making a mark again in Tamil, she has been looking for the ripest roles to comeback to Mollywood.

Now, Nadhiya will restart acting for Malayalam with the new film directed by V M Vinu, featuring Vineeth Sreenivasan and Sreenivasan in the lead roles.

The movie will start its shoot by the tenth of November at Palakkad. Produced by Seven Arts, the movie will be one of the earliest releases of 2009.

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Meera Jasmine bags Sreevidya best actress award

2008-10-17T02:00:00.005+05:30

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 16 : Popular South Indian actress Meera Jasmine Thursday bagged the first Sreevidya award for the best actress in the Malayalam film industry.

K.B. Ganesh Kumar, chairman of the MLV Sreevidya Charitable Society, said that a jury comprising veteran Malayalam film director Siddiq chose Meera Jasmine for the award.

"She has been chosen for the first Sreevidya award for her role in 'Orae Kadal'. The award would be given on actress Sreevidya's second death anniversary, which falls this Sunday," said Kumar.

Sreevidya died on Oct 19, 2006, at the age of 53. She had acted in many South Indian films
. However, it was in the Malayalam film industry that she made a huge impression.

"We have also decided to start a Cancer
Foundation in Sreevidya's memory and would work in tandem with the regional cancer centre here by financially supporting women patients who cannot meet the treatment costs," said Kumar.

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Technorati

2008-10-04T02:44:00.000+05:30

Ping

Malayalam Cinema - PazassiRaja

2008-09-28T20:37:00.007+05:30

‘Pazhassi Raja,’ which brings together M.T. Vasudevan Nair, Hariharan and Mammootty after 18 years, narrates the story of a battle for independence. “We shot a few scenes in Chennai earlier this month and the rest of the film will be shot in Kerala,” says director Hariharan, who is confident that he would be able to recreate the magic of ‘Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha.’ That film by the trio had conquered the box office as well as the critics. Superb visuals, fine performances, melodious songs and unforgettable dialogues turned the film into a classic.

‘Pazhassi Raja’ marks M.T.’s comeback to films after six years. His last screenplay was ‘Theerthadanam’ in 2001.

Says Manoj K. Jayan, who has an important role in ‘Pazhassi Raja,’ “I am playing Thalakkal Chanthu, the lieutenant of Pazhassi Raja. I had not made my debut in cinema when ‘Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha’ was being made, but I have often longed to be part of a film like that. I couldn’t have hoped for anything better than ‘Pazhassi Raja.’ M.T. is a writer and filmmaker I have always idolised. I consider myself fortunate that I could act in ‘Perunthachan,’ ‘Parinayam’ and ‘Sukrutham,’ all of which were written by M.T.”

Mammootty is playing the title role of ‘Pazhassi Raja.’ In fact, Mammootty has given life to many memorable characters penned by M.T. ‘Aksharangal’, ‘Anubandham’ and ‘Utharam,’ and ‘Sukrutham’ saw the actor breathe life into the characters created by the writer. His portrayal of Chanthu in ‘Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha’ had caught the spectators’ imagination. M.T.’s Chanthu was a tragic hero. So is Pazhassi Raja, one of the first to revolt against the British in India.

Says Hariharan: “M.T. and I discussed a few other themes before we decided to make a film on Pazhassi. We felt that Pazhassi Raja had not got the recognition he deserved, especially outside Kerala, for his contribution to the freedom movement. The 1857 Sepoy Mutiny is considered the first freedom fight, but Pazhassi Raja fought the British 50 years before that, in the jungles of Wayanad. My film is about how he fights the British by organising a tribal force in Wayanad and how he gives up his life for the cause.”

Kanihaa plays Pazhassi’s wife. Padmapriya plays the other major female role in the film. “Actually, I am nervous.I have heard so much about M.T. and Hariharan that I am in awe of them. Although Malayalam cinema has always given me great roles, my character in ‘Pazhassi Raja’ is quite different from anything I have done before. I am playing a tribal girl opposite Manoj. I also get to do a lot of fights as I am the one who leads the female warriors. I am happy that I am part of two major films in Malayalam this year – Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s ‘Moonnu Pennungal’ and ‘Pazhassi Raja.’”

Also in the cast of ‘Pazhassi Raja,’ which is produced by Sree Gokulam Movies, are Sharath Kumar, who makes his debut in Malayalam cinema as the commander-in-chief of Pazhassi, Biju Menon and Jagathy Sreekumar. “It took me a long time to finalise the cast; I had even gone to Bollywood to find a girl who could play Pazhassi’s wife before I zeroed in on Kanihaa. The film will also have artistes from Hollywood and Britain,” says Hariharan.

The director admits that ‘Pazhassi Raja’ is his most challenging assignment yet. “This is an even bigger film than ‘Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha.’ Making a period film is not like a making a contemporary film. Period films call for a lot of home work and each shot has be filmed carefully. A lot of time has been spent on the script and preparations of ‘Pazhassi Raja;’ I sought the help of artist Namboodiri in designing the costumes. ‘Pazhassi Raja’ will not be just another Malayalam film. It will be dubbed into English and will be shown all over India and abroad too. A film of this magnitude requires a producer who loves good cinema. I have found such a producer in Gokulam Gopalan,” says the veteran director.

O.N.V. Kurup and Gireesh Puthenchery have written the lyrics, which have been set to tune by Ilayaraja. The film will reach cinemas in December.

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Cinema News - Baby Shamili turns heroine

2008-09-28T20:34:00.004+05:30

Baby Shamili, the younger sister of actress Shalini, may be more familiar to Tamil cinegoers for her amazing portrayal in ace Mani Rathnam’s Anjali as a mentally-challenged child. Shamili won the prestigious National Award in 1991 for her this performance when she was just three years old.

In fact, baby Shamili came to the limelight with Malayalam films much before her entry into Tamil. She mesmerized the audience with her great performances in many Malayalam films in the 90's. She was last seen in Malayalam with Mammootty and Mohanlal in Fazil's Harikrishnans (1998), where she played the youngest sister of the superstars.

Baby Shamili, a pretty teenager today, is all set to make a comeback as a full-fledged heroine soon. Shamili bagged a chance to play the heroine in a new Telugu film opposite chocolate hero Siddharth. This untitled film will be directed by debutant Anand Ranga, who earlier assisted Bhaskar in his blockbuster Bommarillu.

Anand Renga is said to have impressed Shamili with the story. D.V.V. Danayya will be producing Shamili's debut flick under Universal media banner. This film will start rolling from October 1.

MALAYALAM CINEMA HISTORY

THE BIGINNING MALAYALAM CINEMA

SUCESSFUL MALAYALAM CINEMAS EARLY PERIOD

MALAYALAM CINEMA GROWTH 1960'S

NEW WAVE MALAYALAM FILM

GOLDEN AGE OF MALAYALAM MOVIE

MALAYALAM CINEMA IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990'S

MALAYALAM CURRENT SCENARIO LATE 1990'S

MALAYALAM CINEMA MUSIC

EMINENT DIRECTORS - MALAYALAM CINEMA

MALAYALAM CINEMA ACTORS AND ACTRESSES

GOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT - MALAYALAM FILM

NATIONAL RECOGNITION - MALAYALAM CINEMA

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Malayalam Cinema - Mohanlal's photo shoot of Sagar alias Jackie

2008-09-28T20:28:00.005+05:30

Last week, an exclusive photo shoot of Mohanlal's Max Lab's first production Sagar alias Jackie was held at Kochi. Sagar is the character Mohanlal played 17 years back in the S N Swamy-written, K Madhu-directed film Irupatham Nootandu.

Mohanlal, with a beard and wearing a black leather windcheater, is once again taking up the gun. "We are taking the character Sagar, a smalltime gangster, to Dubai and making him the biggest underworld Don settled there, who deals with Hawala money and arms in Sagar alias Jackie," says script writer S N Swamy.

In the new version Sagar comes to Kerala, as his enemies try to trap him in an 'explosive' case.

The film is being directed by Malayalam's most stylish director Amal Nirad of Big-B fame. The film is being shot in the exotic locations of Goa, Mumbai, Dubai, Leh and Kochi and will be a stylish thriller on the lines of Billa or a Don.

There are two heroines in the film for Mohanlal, one a CNN reporter who is writing an expose on Sagar and the other a girl who helps him in Kerala. Producer Antony Perumbavoor has approached Nayanthara to play one of the heroines, while Meena will play the other heroine.

The shoot of Sagar alias Jackie will start in the middle of December, and the film will release on March 31, 2009 as Mohanlal's big summer release.

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Malayalam Film Review - Thalappavu

2008-09-28T20:23:00.004+05:30

Movie
Thalappavu
Director
Madhupal
Music
Alex Paul
Cast
Prithviraj, Lal, Rohini, Atul Kulkarni

Thalappavu marks the debut of actor Madhupal, as a director. Though the disclaimer announcing no resemblance of the film's characters to any person living or dead is shown when titles go up, the story has obviously been inspired by newspaper reports of the killing of Naxalite leader Varghese in the early 70’s. The news had created quite a storm some time back after an ageing cop confessed that he fired at the leader, as per the instructions of some higher officials.

The story of Thalappavu is about the anguish that Police Constable Ravindran Pillai (Lal) goes through after he confesses about the incident, more than 30 years after he shot dead Naxalite leader Joseph (Prithviraj). Perhaps the happenings in the cop's life that are shown in the film have been added by the script writer from his own imagination but that remain the weak link in the story.

Also, the director seems to be rather confused about the focus of the movie- the naxalite movement of the 70’s or the anguish and the prick of conscience of a cop. Madhupal in his labored way, discuss their lives on a one-after-the-other basis. This really hampers the impact that the story creates on the viewer's mind.

The thoughts of Joseph killing continue to haunt the distraught constable for the rest of his life. In a fit of despair, he hits the bottle and his wife Karthyani (Rohini) leaves him when she is made to believe that her husband is having an affair with his childhood sweetheart.

For the most part of his life, Ravindran Pillai keeps his woes close to his heart and never discloses his feelings to anyone else. It is surprising as well, as his wife was quite an understanding lady, even gracefully accepting her husband's past romance, before their marriage.

The story is essentially about Lal's character and he delivers an impressive performance. Prithviraj is good in his mannerisms and style as Naxalite Joseph, but he barely looks like the sort who has walked through the rough terrains in forests of Wyanad with minimal comforts. It is quite surprising that an actor of Atul Kulkarni's potential has been limited to the rather clichéd role of a wicked landlord, the epitome of all vices, in a couple of scenes.

Thalappavu is not a bad film by any means, but would have perhaps been more effective if it had succeeded in taking the angst in the mind of the hapless constable to the viewer. But the film fails to a great extent in doing that and gives the feeling to the viewer at times that he is overplaying it. Still, the originality of the basic theme, Azhagappan's breathtaking visuals and some nice moments makes the film watchable

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Malayalam Cinema - Mammootty to start Love in Singapore

2008-09-28T20:19:00.004+05:30

Mammootty's Rafi Mecartin directed Love in Singapore, is starting on October 9, Vijayadasmi day in Karaikudi in Tamilnadu. Later the team would move to Singapore for rest of the shoot.

The Mumbai model Keerthi Kulhar who features in the Taj Mahal tea ad with Saif Ali Khan is going to be Mammookka's heroine in the film. MHM films are producing the film which will be distributed by Vaisakha films.

Love in Singapore is slated for release on January 23, 2009.

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Malayalam Cinema - Richa Pallod is Mammootty’s heroine

2008-09-22T14:41:00.002+05:30

Richa Pallod, the model turned actress who has acted in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu films is making her debut in Malayalam opposite our own Mammootty.

She is cast opposite him in a film titled Daddy Cool.

Richa had done Shajahan with Vijay and her last film was a small role in Something Something ... Unakkum Enakkum.

In Daddy Cool, she plays Annie, wife of Antony Simon played by Mammootty. It is a fun filled entertainer directed by Ashiq Abu.

Tamil Cinema Reviews - Sandai

2008-04-06T00:49:00.001+05:30

Sandai

Watching this total masala film is like eating a hearty meal.

A millionairess based in Bangkok, Nadia wants to marry off her daughter to a country bumpkin. So, she and her daughter travel to her native village.

Nadia's elder brother creates problems for her plan to get a groom from the village. For their protection, they employ a rowdy, Sundar C. A groom is finalised and marriage arrangements are made. But the groom's family suddenly back out of the marriage. Sundar C is a loyal employee and Nadia decides to make him her son-in-law.

After the marriage, Nadia preens to her brother that despite his opposition, she had managed to get her daughter married off to a local guy. In return, he shocks her by revealing that the groom is none other than his own son!

Now, Nadia is against her daughter living with Sundar C and he in turn challenges that he will definitely do so. In this ego tussle, it's a known fact that Sundar C will eventually triumph.

This is a typical 'maappillai' type masala film story but director Shakti Chidambaram has given it an exciting flavour.

In a formula film of action combined with comedy, action combined with sentiment, Sundar C is most suitable for his role. But he messes up things in the dance duets despite the dance master's diligent tutoring.

Nadia is still so gorgeous that she could still well play the heroine to many a young hero. She delivers a great piece of acting with her vampish attempts to separate her daughter and son-in-law. But it's taking things too far to try to kill with a bomb.

Nadia's daughter is supposed to be the heroine. The best part is there is no beauty, acting or glamour to save her.

After a long time, Vivek's comedy is impressive. His pranks with a sangam are atrocious.

As the karagattam Chinnakilli, Namitha has all that it takes. As Nadia's Collector husband, Napoleon makes an impact in the few scenes that he appears.

One cannot laud music, cinematography and other elements of the film.

'Sandai' can recover its investment.

Malayalam Cinema Kichamani MBA

2008-04-06T00:30:00.000+05:30

Kichamani MBA

Cast - - Suresh Gopi, Navya Nair, Jayasurya, Biju Menon and others

Director - - Samad Mankada

The Producer - - Hill Top Salim

Music - Alex paul

After beating up corrupt politicians and police officers and just about everybody else, Suresh Gopi decided to try his hand at comedy. Unfortunately, we think we like him better when he goes about mouthing loud dialogues. Samad Mankada makes his debut as a director with this film.

When you watch it, you get a feeling that he could have chosen a better story to make his debut with. Suresh Gopi was going through a series of mixed results at the box office thanks to some average performers at the box office. So, he was looking for something new. He didn't pick up a good option either.

Here is the story.

Suresh Gopi is Kichamani, an orphan who is brought up by a tea-shop owner. He grows up right next to an important checkpost and gets to watch corruption in all its forms from very close quarters and it therefore doesn't come as a surprise that he grows up as a very smart man who knows how to handle the system. He could get anything done provided the client is willing to pay.

He is known as Kichamani MBA (the MBA here stands for Member of Bachelor Association). The association soon becomes a parallel powerhouse of sorts, much to the anger and annoyance of local politician Devanarayanan, played by Biju Menon.

Into the volatile scene arrives a documentary filmmaker named Shivani of course, the heroine, Navya Nair). This time around too, we have a chief minister, the Munnar problem, corruption, politicians who are more than willing to betray their leader and a punchline- he ends each sentence with "Narayana!" For some reason, he also has a very funny gait.

For the first fifteen minutes, the film actually sounds very interesting. Soon afterwards, it starts to falter. But, by the time the first half ends, you wonder why you're still watching it.

Director - Calcutta News technically my best film: Blessy

2008-01-27T22:12:00.000+05:30

Calcutta News technically my best film: Blessy

Blessy is a path breaking director who has taken the road less traveled in commercial Malayalam cinema as proved by his classics like - Kazhcha, Thanmatra and the neo-realistic Palunku. All his films have been critically acclaimed. At the same time they have also been commercially viable at the box-office. Now Blessy's new film, the eagerly awaited Calcutta News is ready for release.
Excerpts from an interview with the director on the eve of the release of Calcutta News

Are you moving away from your format of making family films based on a moving incident in Kerala to a big metro in Calcutta News?
(Smiles) . The first three films I did- Kazhcha, Thanmatra, Palunku were family based stories. If you notice the screenplay was the story and all of them revolved around the life of a middle class men and families in Kerala. Calcutta News, is a love story that moves along as a thriller, a new genre for me. I also wanted to evolve as a technician, which is the reason I took on this film which is technically my best film so far on a wider canvass.

What is the one-line story of Calcutta News?
Calcutta News is an insight into the life of Ajith Thomas, a Calcutta born and brought up investigative television programme producer and reporter who during the course of trying to unravel the mystery behind Krishnapriya, a helpless Malayalee girl who lost her husband in suspicious circumstances discovers the dark side of the big city. During the course of his investigation he falls in love with the innocence of Krishnapriya and her love for Hindustani classical songs.What happens next forms the crux of Calcutta News, which has a suspense element in it.

How did you do your casting for the film? For the first time I'm casting Dileep in my film. He plays Ajith Thomas, an investigative television reporter born and brought up in Kolkata, and the son of a former footballer. The one thing that drew people from Kerala to Calcutta of the 40 to 70's was the craze for football. I have given Dileep a bespectacled look and my make-up man Ranjit Ambady has given him a different hairstyle for the film. Dileep's dialogue delivery and his character have been moulded as realistically as possible, and in the film he is a lovable. Meera's character is crucial for the development of the plot. Meera as the music-loving girl is central to the theme of the film. Both my lead artists are apt for the characters they play and have done a great job. The others in the cast like Indrajit, Innocent, Vimala all have done their parts well.

Like in your previous films, is there any message in Calcutta News?
There is definitely a message in the film which is topical and very relevant for Malayalees. But if I let out the message before release then the suspense element in the film will go missing. Anyway there is a message which will be revealed in the climax of the film.

What are the other highlights of the film?
Like I told you earlier this will be technically one of my best films cinematographer S.Kumar has done a great job. The camera tells its own story and the editing of Vijay Shankar is top class. Our efforts have been to paint some captivating visuals on screen in Calcutta News

What about the soft melodies in the film?
I would say musically it is my best film so far. A significant aspect about the film is its music, composed by Debjyothi Mishra, an associate of the legendary Salil Chowdhary. He has provided music for films like Chokker Bali, Raincoat etc. There is an evident Malayali flavour in the compositions and there is Bengali and Hindustani music as well. The lyrics have been penned by Vayalar Sarat Chandra Varma. And since the film is set in Kolkata, it was absolutely necessary to bring in someone like Debjyothi Mishra . In the past Bengali musicians have found great success in Malayalam and I hope that the music of the film will attract the audiences.

Malayalam Cinema - Review - Of The People

2008-01-27T22:05:00.000+05:30

Jayaraj has lost his magic touch to make movies with new themes and fresh innovative ideas. He still cannot get out of the web cast by his first people movie 4 the people, as his last in the trilogy Of the people is a boring flick which is also technically tacky.
. Storywise, it’s old wine in new bottle. This film begins where 4 the people ended. Three of the four vigilantes – Easwar Iyer (Arjun) Shafique (Padmakumar) and Sebastin (Arun) come out of jail after serving their sentences, but are shunned by the society and students. Being influenced by Che Guevara, they go to the forests to fight a guerilla style war through their laptop as they have like in the original created a website where they take complaints from harassed people and annihilate baddies dressed like Che Guevara!

A journalist Nancy Issac (Devipriya) interviews them and they become top on the watch list of Hari Shankar (Harish), the new IPS officer looking after the case. The big bad guy is Nassar (Anoop), the land mafia leader who starts targeting our guys. Nancy is murdered leading to a long drawn out predictable climax.

There is no iota of originality in the film. And the songs which were the highlight in the original is let down, with no hummable number. In short Of the people is a documentary on Kerala politics or what appeared in the media like the eviction drive in Munnar, the land mafia of Kochi, police-underworld nexus, campus unrest and other happenings.

Our advice to Jayaraj- "Stop the people series and vigilante stories full of music video style songs which look like an ad for Kerala tourism". Please find a good script before embarking on your next venture.

Verdict- Disappointing

Malayalam Cinema - Review - Calcutta News

2008-01-27T21:56:00.000+05:30

Movie
Calcutta News

Director
Blessy

Producer
Thampi Antony

Music
Debjyothi Mishra

Cast
Dileep, Meera Jasmine, VImala Raman

Blessy the pathbreaking director in modern Malayalam cinema has come out with his fourth film in six years, Calcutta News which is as good as his previous oeuvres. The writer and director this time holds a mirror to metropolitan India's ugly underbelly of trafficking in women and how a middle class girl from Kerala gets caught in it.
It is riveting cinema and exhibits emotional depth and visual richness aided by lovely music, razor sharp script, superb camera, slick editing and above all knock-out performances from the lovable lead of Dileep and Meera. Blessy is able to bring savvy freshness to form hitherto unexplored. The story and settings are entirely different from the earlier films of the director which were basically family stories set in lower middleclass milieu in Kerala. Here it is a love story set against a big city like Kolkata and the plot unfolds like a thriller and has to be appreciated for tackling a relevant theme with a sensitive portrayal.

`Calcutta News`is technically my best film': Blessy

Ajit Thomas (Dileep) is an acclaimed investigative television anchor and producer with a leading channel 'Calcutta News', and is the son of a former footballer who grew up in Kolkata. His team at the channel includes news assistant Smita (Vimala Raman), and anchors Aruna (Manasa) and Sheela (Brinda). Ajit is a lovable guy who lives in a flat with his mom and sister and is active member of the Malayalee Samajam led by a comical president (Innocent) and his wife ( Bindu Panickkar) One day Ajit bumps into a newly married Malayalee couple while on work in a tram, but the guy is hostile when he tries to introduce himself as a Mallu! However, while editing the news, he is shocked to find that an unidentified body found near Kalighat resembles the rude guy he met in the tram.

Ajit's investigative nature comes into the fore as he goes about finding the mystery behind the brutal murder of the guy. The guy was Hari (Indrajith), who had married an orphan Krishnapriya (Meera Jasmine) from Pattambi and brought her to Kolkata, before his brutal murder. Krishnapriya is unaware of her husband's job or what he does for a living and is shattered to know about his death. However hope floats into her life after Ajit sort of becomes her protector and also gets attracted to her for her innocence and their mutual love for music.

Meanwhile Ajit finds that there is something rotten and discovers that Hari was one of the henchman in a sex racket that traps innocent girls and sells them to a one-arm bearded guy (Kathal Krishnamoorthy) who operates from Sonagachi, the largest red-light area in eastern India! Ajit along with his friends try to unravel the sex racket using their television channel, which leads to the bearded guy kidnapping Krishnapriya and taking her to his den in Songachi! Can Ajit in hot pursuit get through the maze of nightmarish and confusing alleys and by-lanes of Songachi to reach his lady love?

The film makes a strong statement against the trafficking of women and sex trade in big cities which are dependent on the gullible girls from villages across India including Kerala who are lured into it by middle men who con them into marriage. Blessy has a solid straightforward plot with an emotional core that pulls your heart strings like his previous films. Blessy has told it in a realistic manner through the eyes of his protagonist Ajit Thomas an ordinary journalist with guts and determination.

You cannot take your eyes off Ajit Thomas, played brilliantly by Dileep with a new hair style, glasses and looking every inch a television reporter who is expressive and riveting. The director has fleshed out his protagonist background adequately explaining his reason for falling in love with a country girl and making it believable. Meera is splendid pitching her act just right and portrays Krishnapriya's strength and vulnerability beautifully. Indrajith has the right look and menace required for his character,Thambi Antony as doctor is impressive, Vimala is wasted while Krishnamoorthy creates fear as the sex trader.

Technically it is Blessy's best film. The veteran cameraman S.Kumar has been able to capture the grimness of Songachi and its myriad alleys and the majesty of old Kolkatta its trams, Howrah Bridge, Kalighat, Oberoi Grand and its elegance amazingly. Count among other plus points Vijay Shankar's fast cuts, Ranjit Ambadi's make-up especially of Dileep and Manu Jagadh's art work and choice of locations essential for the story.

And the biggest factor working for the film is the music of Debojyoti Mishra, based on classical forms and definitely there is a Bengali feel to it which Kerala listeners love (Remember Salil Chowdhary influence in Malayalam film songs of the 70's and 80's). Music is part of the film as they are married to the visuals by the lyrics of Vaylar Sarathchandra Varma with the melodious - Engino Vanna Panchavarnakili…. and the peppy Kannadi Kootile Kowmara Thumbi…. being the pick of the lot. The background score of Ouseappachan adds to the rich fare which makes the film gel.

Calcutta News is a vital, sardonic and disturbingly brave attempt within the commercial film format at good meaningful cinema that also entertains. Great going Blessy!

Verdict: Very Good

MalayalamCinema - Salimkumar is a DSP.

2008-01-21T00:04:00.000+05:30

Salim kumar is playing the role of a DSP in the new film, the star studded 'Twenty Twenty'.

The actor who excelled in all the roles that he played in 2007 to become one of the most demanded artists of the year, is for the first time playing the role of a police officer in such a high post.

News is that, Salimkumar is having one of the best introductory scenes in the film.

The actor, who is presently in the sets of ‘Mulla’, will be also seen in films like ‘De Ingottu Nokkiye’, ‘Parthan Kanda Paralokam’ and ‘Annan Thambi’, in the first half of 2007.

MalayalamCinema - Mammootty as ‘Maatukkaran Velan’

2008-01-20T23:29:00.000+05:30

Mammootty had always been lucky enough to find his films doing well at Kollywood.

As the actor has increased his fan base with the appearance in a number of Tamil super hits, his hit films from Malayalam often dubbed into Tamil, with Tamil names always recieved reasonable victories.

And the new film that will appear in the title ‘Maattukaran Velan' will be the dubbed version of his biggest hit in Malayalam 'Rajamanikyam'.

Mammootty will speak in a peculiar and humorous Tamil accent in this film which is having the same title of an old M G R movie.

In this film, Mammotty plays the role of Bellary Raja who wears sunglasses all the time, and is based in Bellary where he deals with wholesale selling of buffaloes.

The Thiruvananthapuram Malayalam slang that the star used in the original film was one of its much talked about reasons for success.

MalayalamCinema - Katha Parayumpol becomes Kuchelan

2008-01-20T23:27:00.000+05:30

Vasu. The mega star will take on Mammootty's role in the remake while Pashupathy will appear in the role that Sreenivasan has done in the original.

Simran will make a great come back playing the wife of the Barber, which was done by Meena in the original.

The new movie, which will be remade with suitable changes for the Tamil audiences will be co produced by Seven Arts and K Balachander's Kavithalaya.

Sreenivasan was recently in Chennai to show the original movie to Rajinikanth, his friend and senior at Adyar film Institute, where they studied together.

Rajini , who instantly got the pulse of the movie agreed to be in it. The film will be made as a quickie before Rajni’s mega project with Shankar, ‘Robot’.

Another Malayalam remake

2008-01-18T01:10:00.000+05:30

Another Malayalam remake

Several Malayalam hit films have been remade in other Indian languages. The remake rights of the Ramzan winner Chocolate was sold at an astronomical price of Rs. one crore to Mirchi Movies, a subsidiary of Times Infotainment Media, to remake the film in any Indian language. The campus-based flick, directed by Shafi, starring Prithviraj, Roma, Jayasurya and Samvrutha in the lead, tells the story of a young guy who is forced to seek admission in a women’s college.

Now the remake rights of the Christmas winner Katha Parayumbol have been sold to K. Balachander’s Kavithalaya Productions, who are working on a Tamil remake. P. Vasu will be directing the film starring Rajinikanth and Pasupathy in the lead. The original movie, starring Mammootty, Sreenivasan and Meena in the lead, tells the story of a village barber and his friendship with a superstar.

Malayalam Cinema - Rajamanikyam to be dubbed in Tamil

2008-01-18T01:08:00.001+05:30

Rajamanikyam will now be dubbed and released in Tamil as Maattukaran Velan. The movie, directed by Anwar Rasheed, became one of the highest grosser among recent Malayalam films.

Mammootty plays the role of a cattle dealer, Bellary Raja alias Rajamanikyam, who tries to reunite with his step brother and sister. Others in the cast include Rahman, Sindhu Menon, Padmapriya, Manoj K. Jayan, Saikumar, Cochin Haneefa, Salim Kumar, Renjith and Bheeman Raghu.

Meanwhile, Anwar Rasheed is again teaming with Mammootty for a new film, Annan Thambi, starring him in dual roles (of brothers). Lakshmi Rai plays the female lead.

Malayalam - Parthan Kanta Paralokam progressing fast

2008-01-18T01:05:00.000+05:30

The shooting of filmmaker Anil’s upcoming film, Partha Kanta Paralokam, which began in the second week of December, is progressing fast in and around Palakkad. The movie, starring Jayaram and Mukesh in the lead and scripted by Rajan Kiriyat, focuses on the relationship between two men, played by Jayaram and Mukesh.

The movie also casts Sreedevika, Jagathy Sreekumar, Kalabhavan Mani, Kottyam Naseer, Salim Kumar and Sobha Mohan, and is slated for Vishu release. Jayaram and Mukesh are teaming for a film after a long gap; they were last seen together in the comedy film, Friends.

13 Year Old to compose music for Malayalam film.

2008-01-17T00:12:00.000+05:30

A Class IX student from Kerala dons the mantle of music director this week.

"Plavila Police", a children's film in Malayalam, will see 13-year-old Ramatheerthan make his debut as a music director.

The film, about children whose parents are serving jail terms, will be launched here Wednesday.

It is the brainchild of journalist-turned-director Vimal Viswanath, who is also the scriptwriter.

"I am really excited as it would be my first break. I am really thankful to the producers of the film," said Ramatheerthan.

"I wish to thank the director of the film who spotted me at a school youth festival and to my surprise spoke to me about composing the music in his film.

I always wanted to compose music for films but it happened early," he added.

Veteran singers K.S. Chithra, Sisily and Kavalam Sreekumar will lend their voice to the three compositions of the debutant music director, who says he looks to his parents for inspiration and motivation.

The film, which stars veteran Babu Antony, is being produced by Dubai-based NRI Shaji Moothlif and his friend Siyo Kabeer at a budget of Rs.6 million.
It will be ready for release in six months.

Actress - Interview with Kavya Madhavan

2008-01-17T00:05:00.000+05:30

Have you not even thought about marriage yet?

I’m not going to say that I didn’t even think about marriage. I want a good and peaceful life. God surely knows when to bring my groom to me.

We heard that you are going to do a film in Telugu for a huge pay. Is that true?

I never said that I wouldn’t do films in other languages. But, this is an information that I’ll have to deny. I’m waiting for good offers.

You have an excellent role in ‘Charumukhi’…?

The film is getting delayed due to callsheet problem of other stars. I hope they begin shooting immediately.

You have become a heroine when you were a student and subsequently busy in films. Were you able to continue your studies?

I have registered as a plus two student in humanities with the Open University. I missed the April exam due to various film projects that came continuously. I am going to write the examination in September and taking tuitions. I am not a brilliant student. But I am sure I will get pass marks. Well I am not going to hold high positions. Am I? I have only a tiny ambition. That is to become a graduate. So I am not quitting my studies.

It is the same character you have played in 'Oomappenninu…'and 'En Manavathil'. When you repeat a character how can you possibly improvise it?

This is the first time I am playing a character twice. I was really nervous when I was told by Vinayan that I had to play a dumb in his film.

How did you train yourself for this role?
I went to a deaf and dumb school. Observe them communicating in sign language. Then I saw the film Koshish in Hindi. I had prepared myself for the role meticulously. When I had to play the role second time in Tamil, my tensions were eased. Both critics and viewers complemented my performance. It was with confidence that I went to the shooting of En Manavathil the greatest advantage was I was not required to converse. So the Language problem did not arise in Tamil. Further the director and crew were same.

Meesa Madhavan is going to be remade in Tamil by director Lal Jose. Will you be the heroine?
I heard that Lal Jose chettan is remaking Meesa… in Tamil. I heard the hero is Vijay. No body has so far asked me to play the female role. If I am offered the role I will accept it definitely. It was this director who gave me a heroine's role first. If the hero feels differently then I may not get the chance.

Meera jasmine, Navya Nair, Nitya Das, Nandana Menon…. There are new heroines and new girls. Do you expect competition?

Let more and more heroines come. This something good and not a threat at all. There are new heroes also. When there are more teenage heroes we girls also will get our chances. The talented one will survive. Others will strive to excel. It will be a healthy competition. But above all there is this important factor called luck. There girls more beautiful than me more talented than me. But I am getting these chances because I have my lady luck with me too.

But even otherwise heroines are left behind. Some are married and left the scene themselves. Some are not getting chances. Aren't you worried?

Yes I had thought about it. Senior artists like Sheela, Sarada, Jayabharathy all had sustained their positions as heroines for a long time. Contemporary heroines are not able to hold on. I am wonderstruck when I hear Prem Nazir- Sheela duo had acted in 107 pictures. Viewers of that period never tired of seeing them both together. I have acted with Dileep chettan in six films. I am not sure whether the present day viewers would like us to come together again. I will be here as long as I can survive. I want to be remembered on account of some strong characters. Like the ones Manju warrior did. She is still there in the minds of viewers. It is because she was able to do a number of good roles. I will not regret if I had to leave the film field after doing a few good roles.

You did not act with Mammootty, Mohan Lal and Suresh Gopi as their heroine?

It is because my image is of teen age heroine. Viewers may not accept the situation. As a professional artist I cherish to act opposite those top artists. May be I will get a chance after two or three years. Though not opposite I had acted with them in Rakhsasarajavu, Oral Mathram (with Mammootty) and in Onnaman (with Mohan Lal).

Why did you do those roles? Those were not main roles and you were not noticed in them?

So many had asked me this question. First the films were that of two top actors. Second top filmmakers directed those films. True the roles were not important. When I was informed about the roles they were important. Later it changed. I was sad. Some portions were edited in Rakshadsarajjavu. I was the pair to Dileep. There was a song sequence in which we both appeared. I even complained to Vinayan sir. He pacified me saying that I would be given a good role in the future. He gave me chance in Kasi. Now the whole of Tamilnadu knows me through his Kasi role.

You are a teen-age actress. Yet you acted opposite Nedumudi Venu in Jeevan Masai. How come?

I did three different phases of the role in it. That is my explanation. I am proud of the role also. The role of Pingalakesini the goddess of death. I am sad that the film is not released in commercial circuit. Perhaps it may come in TV.

Do you intend to continue your stay in Cochin?

No Never. Wherever I am in this world, I prefer to remain as Neeleswaram girl. I will go back to my village once I am done with films.

How did you feel when Dileep picked Gopika up for ‘Pachakudhira’?

If I’m going to expect that I’ll be the heroine of all Dileep films, then I’ll be in trouble.

If Gopika became the No 1 heroine in Malayalam, would you still not feel upset?
Let me tell you something- I don’t go about wasting my time on such thoughts. I try to give my best to each and every movie offer that I get. I don’t have ego hassles and I don’t get jealous at others. There’s place for everybody in the film industry. I saw Gopika’s ‘Chaandupottu’. I saw her ‘Autograph’ too. She had acted very well in the film. I’m really happy at her progress.

Don’t you ever feel upset or regretful?
I’m a human being. I have those emotions too. Sometimes dad used to shout at me. Mom would cry. I used to feel so upset that I start to cry too. Life has both pleasure and pain.

How do you deal with pain?

I read books. Sometimes, I start doing some glass-paintings.

Do you remember your sad moments?

No, I don’t. There are many who had hurt me. I try to forget those incidents.

Malayalam Movie - FLASH

2008-01-16T23:59:00.000+05:30

Cast: Mohanlal, Jagathy, Nedumudi Venu, Shamna Kasim, Siddhique, Indrajith, Saikumar, Sureshkrisna, Suraj Venjaaramodu, Ponvannan.

Direction: Sibi Malayil.

Music: Gopi Sunder.

In this film Mohanlal is Mithun Madhavan, a Mumbai based Information technology industrialist.

Priyan, a software engineer, is the favorite staff of Mithun Madhavan, who is in love with his uncle's daughter Dhwani.

Dhwani, on the other hand, born and brought up in Chennai, is a stubborn girl who won’t care for anything.

She knows little about the culture, traditions and even her relatives in Kerala. She being the sole heir of Kalarithodi Tharavaadu, is brought to her ancestral home, when her mother dies of cancer.

Her grandfather, who is only person left in the Tharavadu, cares very much for her and asks her to be with him in Kerala for the time being.

After some problems in her life, that is becoming grave day after day, It is at this juncture that Mithun comes into her life, on a vacation visit to Kerala.

He was introduced to Dhwani by his sister who is a close friend of her, following which everything changes in both of their lives.

Flash have Mohanlal as Mithun Madhavan while notebook fame Parvathy is Dhwany.

Jagathy Sreekumar plays a major role in the film as Mithun's close friend called Idea Sasi, because he is all the time coming up with ideas, all of which are impractical.

Tamil actor Ponvannan also plays a meaty role in the film. The others in the cast include Shamna Kasim, Siddhique, Indrajith, Saikumar, Sureshkrisna and Suraj Venjaaramodu.

It is not a matter of debate to acknowledge that it was the team of Mohanlal, and Sibi Malayil who created the best of the plots and films in Malayalam in the last decade.

Films like Kireedom, Sadhayam, Chenkol, Maayamayooram, Dhanam , Bharatham, Kamaladalam, His Highness Abdulla and Dasaratham - all by the duo are rated as the best that was witnessed in the nineties.

They did the last film together way back in 2000 title 'Devadhoodhan' which met with dismal results in the box office.

Now after seven years, the duo are coming together to create another great work in the new film ‘Flash’.

Flash scripted by journalist S Bhasurachandran is tipped as a psychological suspense thriller.

Malayalam Movie - KANGARU

2008-01-16T23:54:00.000+05:30

Director: Raj Babu
Producer: Cecily Biju.

Cast: Prithviraj, Jayasurya,Kavya Madhavan, Kavery, Lalu Alex, Jagathy Sreekumar, Salim Kumar,
Harisree Ashokan, KPAC Lalitha, Sukumari, Kala Ranjini, Indrans,Kalabhavan Sujosh, Helen.

Music: Saji Ram.
Lyrics: Biju Kaipparedan.

In this movie, Prithviraj is Josekutty,
an educated youth, hailing from the
famous Palakunnil tharavaadu.

But as the present economic
situation of this tharavadu was
quite pathetic, and Josekutty
being the only person who has
to look after all the affairs of
the ancestral tharavadu,

he decides to become an auto
rickshaw driver, rather than
to wait for a white collar job.

josekutty has two sisters,
his mother and a little insane
elder brother who are depending
on his income.

At present he is facing two grave problems that he has to find a way out.

One being his elder sister’s husband,a staff of electricity board, who is quarrelling all the day to pay him back the money that he had spend earlier on the family.

More over , Josekutty has to marry off his younger sister Susanna, for which he needed a lump sum.

So there was no other option left for Josekutty, than to be in the race for a living in an auto rickshaw.

It was at this junction, that Circumstances forced Josekutty to take care of an year old child.

He than becomes the father and mother of the child, taking it with him all around in his auto, just like a kangaroo takes the child in his pocket.

The film’s story is narrated in the backdrop of interesting ceremonies and rituals of knanaya sabha, to which our prime characters belong to.

Jayasuriya appear in an important role of Monichan in this film, while Kavya Madhavan appears as the heroine Nancy.

Actress Kavery also makes a comeback as Nancy's sister Jancy through the film.

The film also features a bunch of comedy artists from the industry like Jagathy Sreekumar, Harishree Ashokan, Bindu Panikkar, K P A C Lalitha, Lalu Alex and Salimkumar.

Produced in the banner of Isabella movie tone by Sisily Buiju Kaiparoden, the film is based on a story by Anilraj.

Scripted by J Pallassery, the film is cinematographed by Saloo George. ‘Kangaru' also introduces a new name in music direction - Saji Ram.

The film which was shot in and around Eerattupetta, is distributed by Lal release.

Malayalam Film Review - NOVEL

2008-01-16T23:48:00.000+05:30

Cast: Jayaram, Sada, Jagathy, Nedumudi Venu, Sarika

Direction: East Coast Vijayan.

Music: M.Jayachandran , Bala Bhaskar.

In this film,Jayaram is Sethunath - a successful businessman and writer.
Sethu is presently on the limelight following his new book 'Swantham' which has earned a lot of

international awards and appreciations from masses and critics alike.

Even as he is surrounded by journalists who are to seek the details about the backdrops and storyline
of the novel, Sethu prefers to keep silent.

As he never believed in these kind of ceremonial promotions, he restrained
even from attending functions that were organized to congratulate him.

After long persuasions, Sethu accepts to be on a celebration organized at an orphanage, only due to the fact that he was also the product of this same orphan’s asylum.

And here, he turns nostalgic and starts speaking up about the creative urge that forced him to write such a rewarding novelettes.

Very soon, the audience comes to know that through the novel he was narrating his own love story, that too with a playback singer Priyanandini (Sada) who starts falling slowly in love with Sethunath when she comes to do a jingle for one of his products.

Her beautiful voice enchants Sethu and she is appointed for singing for his company.

Amidst one of her singing assignments, she accidentally finds a few scribbled papers bunch and on finding that they were novels written by her boss, she sends them for publication.

The film goes on to narrate how the theme of the novel intermingles with the life of the novelist, to provide an enchanting work to literature, and how this presentations changes the life of its creater.

''The film is for those people who still keep a love in a corner of their hearts'', says the director East Coast Vijayan.

Jayaram appears in the movie as Sethunath while Sada debuts playing Priya Nandhini.

In able support in the other casts are Jagathy, Saju Kodiyan, Devan, Saiju, Ganesh, Anoop Shivasevan, Indrans, Jagannatha Varma, Anitha Surendran, Sharika, and Lakshmi Ramakrishanan.

The screenplay and dialogues of the film are by Ashok Sasi while Azhagappan who was behind last years notable films is back, wielding the camera for the film .

The other high lights of the film is the six songs, set to music by M Jayachandran and Umbayee, of which five are rendered by 'Ganagandharvan' K J Yesudas.

The film which was mostly shot in and around the capital city also have a few scenes shot at Kuala Lumpur including the climax song.

More over this film is the launch vehicle of popular organizer of stage shows and album maker, East Coast Vijayan, into films.

The movie is produced, written and directed by him in his own banner.

Moreover, Sada, of Jayam and more famous through ‘Anniyan’, is making her foray into Mollywood cinema through 'Novel'.

As much of our actresses are hardly finding time to be with other South Indian ventures, Sada is quite a different attempt and she expressed much of her satisfaction working with the crew and looks forward to secure a prominent place in Malayalam cinema.

Malayalam Movie - Romeo

2008-01-12T02:00:00.000+05:30

Cast: Dileep, Samvrutha, Vimala Raman, Shruthilakshmi, Riza Bava, Sooraj Venjaramoodu, Salim Kumar, Bheeman Reghu, Mallika Sukumaran, Cochin Haneefa, Ashokan, T.P. Madhavan, Madhu Warrier
Producer: Rafi, Mecartin
Director: Rajasenan
Music Director: Alex Paul
Cinematography: K.P. Nambiathiri
Editor: Raja Mohamed
Art: Boban
Lyricist: Vyalar Sharad Chandra Varma
Screenplay: Rafi, Mecartin

Romeo is the first Christmas offering for Malayalam cine buffs. Directed by Rajasenan, it's a family entertainer, with lots of hilarious sequences produced by veteran writers Rafi and Mecartin. The last Rajasenan comedy film with a script penned by Rafi and Mecartin was Anniyan Bava Chetan Bava.

Romeo revolves around a male nurse romantically involved with several women, leading to complex situations.

Manu, son of junior artist Ratheesh Kumar (Cochin Haneefa) and former singer Lakshmikutty Amma (Mallika Sukumaran), works as a male nurse in a very big hospital. Manu is a cool, friendly guy who falls for every girl he meets. Manu and Dr. Priya (Vimala Raman) are close friends since childhood. Priya is in love with Manu but does not express her love.

Manu, on the other hand, is in love with Leena (Samvrutha), a singer contesting in a TV reality show where Manu's mother is one of the judges. Manu tries to help Leena win the contest by requesting everyone to vote for her. Leena's father, rich businessman Avarachan (Bheeman Reghu), bribes Ratheesh Kumar to make Leena win the contest. However, despite everyone's efforts, Leena fails to win the competition.

Manu and his friend Prasanth (Sooraj Venjaramoodu) hatch a plan to console the aggravated Avarachan and convince him to get his daughter married to Manu. Avarachan agrees to the proposal on the condition that Manu gets converted to Christianity. Manu thus gets converted to Christianity and is now named Manuel. But to everyone's dismay, Leena now refuses to marry Manu. This creates more trouble for Manu, who has already lost his job due to his conversion.

Manu's friend Prasanth helps him find a job as a home nurse to take care of an insane person named Ramanathan (Riza Bava) in a Brahmin agraharam. For this new job, Manu pretends to be a Brahmin and introduces himself as Subramani. Manu meets a Brahmin girl, Bhama (Sruthilakshmi) who sings bhajans in temples. Love blossoms between Subramani and Bhama as she finds him to be a good man, quite different from the drunkard (Ashokan) who wants to marry her. But when the community learns that Manu is actually a Christian, Manu finds himself in more big trouble and runs away from the agraharam.

Priya helps Manu at this stage; he now realizes that she is in love with him. Priya convinces her father, retired CBI officer Raghava Menon, to get her married with Manu. Leena decides to marry Manu, as she does not like the person approved by her father. Meantime, Bhama has been thrown out of her house. Along with her friends, she wanders around in search of Manu to marry him. Whom does Manu finally marry?

Dileep has given a superb performance as Manu. Samvrutha does a wonderful job. Vimala Raman is good as Priya. Newcomer Sruthilakshmi is ok. Other supporting cast (Riza Bava, Sooraj Venjaramoodu, Salim Kumar, Bheeman Reghu, Mallika Sukumaran, Cochin Haneefa and Ashokan) add to the comic elements of the film.

Alex Paul and Vyalar Sarath Chandra Varma together provide some very good songs. The song 'Killichundan mavvil thanupu ulla thanalil' is excellent. The movie begins well with several funny scenes to keep you entertained, but the second half gets boring at times and moves at a slow pace.

An average comic entertainer targeted at family audiences.

Malayalam Movie - Katha Parayumbol

2008-01-12T01:55:00.000+05:30

Cast: Mammootty, Sreenivasan, Meena, Mukhes, Jagadish, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Innocent, Salim Kumar, KPAC Lalitha
Producer: Mukesh, Sreenivasan
Director: M. Mohanan
Music Director: M. Jayachandran
Cinematography: P. Sukumar
Editor: Ranjan Abraham
Art: Gokuldas
Lyricist: Anil Panachooran, Gireesh Puthencherry
Screenplay: Sreenivasan

Katha Parayumbol is the best film released this Christmas. Written by Sreenivasan, directed by debutante M. Mohanan and co-produced by Mukesh and Sreenivasan, the movie is based on the simple story of a poor barber, narrated in a beautiful manner.

Sreenivasan is known for his decent performances and the different characters he plays in his films. In his last movie, Arabikatha, he excelled in the role of a diehard communist; in Katha Parayumbol, he steals the show as a barber.

Balan is a poor barber, who stays with his family - his wife, Sridevi (Meena), two daughters and a son in Melekavu village. Balan finds it very difficult to maintain his family with the meagre amount he earns from his old saloon. To make the situation worse, a new modern saloon is opened by Sarasaran (Jagadish) in the village. Balan leads an honest life and is reluctant to give bribes to obtain a loan for renovating and refurbishing his dilapidated saloon. He becomes a subject of mockery for the villagers as he refuses to adopt the wrong path for improving his standard of life. Sridevi finds it hard making ends meet and the children are in a stage of being thrown out of the school due to non-payment of fees.

The movie is set in the background of a village, with several interesting characters including a cruel money lender Eeppachan(Innocent), a tea shop owner (Mamukoya), a amateur poet Das Vadakemuri (Salim Kumar), a school principal (KPAC Lalitha) and a college professor Venu (Mukesh).

Things begin to change suddenly when superstar Ashok Raj comes to the village for the shooting of his film, Pakshikal Parakate. The news of Ashok Raj being a friend of Balan spreads like rapid fire. Enemies now turn friends! Those who used to make fun of Balan start respecting him and come seeking his help so that they could get closer to Ashok Raj. Poet Das Vadakemuri writes a poem praising Balan. However, Balan hesitates to meet his old friend with the fear that Ashok Raj may have forgotten him. Will Balan meet Ashok Raj?

Sreenivasan has successfully handled three big responsibilities of being an excellent writer, a talented actor and a good producer. The major highlight of the film is Sreenivasan's performance and a superb climax. He excels in every scene of the film.

Mammootty has given a stunning and lively performance as the real superstar. Meena as Sreenivasan's wife has done a wonderful job. The other supporting characters played by Jagadish, Mukesh, Innocent, Salim Kumar, Mamukoya, Suraj Venjaramoodu add to the comic elements of the film.

'Vyathyasthanamoru Barbaraam' penned by Anil Panachooran and set to tune by M. Jayachandran is the best track.

The movie includes several funny sequences to keep you entertained. So don't miss it!!

Malayalam Cinema - Raj Babu goes for Plastic Surgery

2008-01-12T01:52:00.000+05:30

Filmmaker Raj Babu, who gave us hits films like Chess, starring Dileep and Bhavana, and the recent hit Kangaroo, starring Prithviraj and Kavya Madhavan, is working on his upcoming film, Plastic Surgery.

The slapstick entertainer, being produced by Martin and scripted by Sudeesh John, stars Jayaram and Jagathy in dual roles. The director has now roped in Gopika to play the female lead.

Malayalam Cinema - Vineeth Srinivasan’s next?

2008-01-12T01:49:00.001+05:30

Vineeth Srinivasan, son of veteran actor Sreenivasan, who is popular as a singer is making his debut as hero with the upcoming film, Cycle, directed by Johnny Antony. The movie also casts Bhama, Sandhya and Vinu in the main roles.

The latest buzz is that even before Cycle is released, Vineeth Sreenivasan has been roped in for another film starring his father Sreenivasan. With father and son coming together on the big screen, we can surely expect a great movie.

Ban on Tamil Films lifted in Kerala

2008-01-11T00:53:00.000+05:30

The ban on simultaneous release of Tamil films in Kerala has been lifted by film distributors association of Kerala today. The Tamil Producer's Council has taken some serious efforts to sort out this issue smoothly with the Kerala film industry.According to the new terms, all the Tamil films will be released simultaneously in Kerala from January 2008 with maximum number of prints. Now Vikram's Bheema and Madhavan's Vazhthukal will be released this Pongal simultaneously with Tamil Nadu. And for the first time theaters in Kerala are willing to pay MG for Tamil big budget films.

Tamil Film - Who will be Rajini's heroine in Robot?

2008-01-11T00:50:00.000+05:30

After Superstar Rajini officially signed for Robot, media has started the next thread, who will be the heroine or heroines of Rajini in Robot? Now the race for becoming Superstar Rajini's heroine in his next two projects has been gearing up in Tamil film industry. Every actress is getting ready to take part in this race to become the prestigious role of Superstar's lady love.

According to Sujatha's original script, En Iniya Iyanthira and Meendum Jeeno (A sequel of En Iniya Iyanthira) there is only one heroine, Nila (name of the character). But for Robot, it is said that Sujatha accepted to create another female lead character. In original script, the character of a Robot Dog is almost getting the equal importance of the hero. It will also be modified by the writer. The discussion has already completed, now there are few alteration done by the writer as suitable to Rajini.

According to the buzz, Nayantara and Deepika Padukone are said to be the two heroines of the movie. While Nayantara, who played Superstar's pair in Chandramukhi, is tipped to become his pair again, it is rumored that the latest Bollywood sensation Deepika Padukone will do an important role. But nobody is ready to confirm the role of Deepika in Robot. The production house told that the cast and crew will be decided by Shankar and Rajini only.

Meanwhile, Trisha and Asin also tipped as usually for the lead role of this film. On the technical side, so far the director has confirmed his art director Sabu Cyril only. Sources said that Shankar has invited Nirav Shah, the stylish cameraman of Billa-2007 for this project. Another source says that it is Manikandan, the cinematographer of Om Shanthi Om will crank camera for Rajini's Robot.

Above all, some portals report that the name of Robot will be changed to get the tax benefit from Government of Tamil Nadu. But when we enquired the same, the production house told that they will not have any such idea since it is a multi lingual film!

Tamil Cinema - Gopika declines Tamil offers

2008-01-11T00:15:00.000+05:30

Nowadays, it seems that Gopika is declining new offers from Tamil. The talented Malayalam actress has declined three big offers recently in Tamil. But at the same time she continues signing new Malayalam films like Plastic Surgery.

In Tamil, she has only one film Vellithirai along with Prithviraj and Prakash Raj. When Karu Pazhaniyappan approached the actress for his Cheran starrer Pirivom Sandhipom few months before, the actress told that she was busy with Malayalam projects. Thirumurugan, who directed her already in Em Magan also approached the actress for his next flick Muniyandi Vilangiyal Moonram Aandu, she politely declined his offer stating her inability to take part in that film.

And recently, she declined yet another offer from a leading Tamil director. In Malayalam, she is having handful of new films after the success of her recent release Kangaroo. She might have thought that her motherland is always a safe ground to play!

Young stars in Malayalam horizon

2008-01-11T00:14:00.000+05:30

Young children entering filmdom and taking up newer responsibilities is not a new thing. Aparna Karimpil, daughter of filmmaker K.A. Devarajan has penned three romantic songs for the upcoming Mohanlal starrer, Swapnamalika.

Now Ramatheerthan, aged 13, has been appointed to compose the music for a new film, Plavila Police, being directed and scripted by Vimal Vishwanath. Ramatheerthan will be scoring the music for three songs of the film, to be sung by K.S. Chitra, K.S. Sisily and Kavalam Sreekumar.

Anwar Rasheed, back with Mammootty - Malayalam cinema

2008-01-11T00:08:00.000+05:30

Filmmaker Anwar Rasheed got his first break with Rajamanikyam starring Mammootty in the lead. Anwar Rasheed, who had earlier assisted directors like K. Madhu, Johny Antony, Sunder Das, A.K. Sajan and Reghunath Paleri, became an independent director with Rajamanikyam which later became one of the biggest grossers in Malayalam.Last year, the director had rendered another super hit film, Chota Mumbai, starring Mohanlal in the lead. The director is now busy with his new film, Annan Thambi, starring Mammootty in dual roles (brothers). Lakshmi Rai is the female lead. Marikkar Films produces the film with a script penned by Benny P. Nayarambalam.

Malayalam Cinema -Kavya Madhavan joins hands with Mohan Lal

2008-01-11T00:03:00.000+05:30

For the first time, Kavya Madhavan is playing as lead lady against Mohan Lal for the new film Maadambi. The humour cum action blend script will be directed by the scriptwriter B Unnikrishnan and the film will have Mohan Lal as Gopalakishna Pillai, a private financier, who runs the business in a small town with all professional ethics. In this film, Mohan Lal will deliver a particular dialect, which is in practice in the central districts of Kerala.

Kavya plays the role of Jayalakshmi, who works for a modern private bank, which opens a new branch in the village, where Mohan Lal runs his show. Jagathy, Srinivasan, Siddhique and Jayasuriya are also in the cast and the film will be starts its shooting by the first week of the New Year.

Malayalam Cinema - National Recognition

2008-01-10T01:06:00.000+05:30

Some of the best films in India have been produced in Malayalam. National awards for the best film were won by 'Chemmeen'(1965), 'Swayamvaram' ( 1972), 'Nirmalyam'(1973), 'Chidambaram' ( 1985), 'Piravai' ( 1988), and 'Kathaporushan'. Malayalam film actors P J Antony, Balan K Nair, Gopi Premji, Mammutty, Mohan Lal, Suresh Gopi and Balachandra Menon have won national awards for best acting, while Sarada, Monisha and Sobhana bagged best actress awards. Yesudas, Jayachandran and Chitra have won best singer awards and Vayalar and O.N.V. Kurup , best lyricist award at the national level. Aranmula Ponnamma, Santha Devi, Nedumudi Venu and Tilakan have also won national awards in acting. Best cameraman awards were won by Santhosh Sivan, Mankada Ravi Varma and Venu while Sound recording awards were won by Devadas and Krishna Unni. Children's films like 'My Dear Kuttichathan', 'Kummatti' 'Manu Uncle' and 'Kochaniyan' have won national awards. The awards for the Best Director were won by Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Aravindan, Shaji, T.V. Chandran and Jayaraj. Many persons working in this field are men of eminence. Prem Nazir was a recipient of Padma Bhushan Award and Thikkurissai had received Padma Sree. Padma Sree was also conferred on Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Gopi, O.N.V. Kurup, and Mammutty. M.T. Vasudevan Nair is a Gyan Pith Award winner. Even though Cable TV has made strong inroads in Kerala, the number of theatre audience has not shown any significant decline. Malayalam films have come a long way since 1928 by providing wholesome entertainment and meaningful cinema to its viewers.

Malayalam Cinema - Governmental Support

2008-01-10T01:02:00.000+05:30

The State Government has instituted annual film awards, and provided concessions in the form of tax exemption for deserving films, and subsidy and package programmes for films shot in studios. The State-owned Chitranjali Studio has all facilities. A State Film Academy has just been started to help the film industry in the State.

Central Board of Film Certification and the National Film Archives of India, Pune, have their Regional Offices at Trivandrum. The Films Division and the National Film Development Corporation also have branch offices at Trivandrum. The State Government owns three theatres in the capital city and a few in other towns.

In addition to the Kerala Film Chambers, film artistes have an association called 'AMMA' and film technicians have an organisation called 'MACTA'. These organisations look after the interests of the film industry in Kerala. There are a number of popular journals in Malayalam.

Malayalam Cinema - Actors and Actresses

2008-01-10T01:01:00.000+05:30

Thikkurisi Sukumaran Nair was a father figure of Malayalam films. He was a script writer, lyricist, director and versatile actor. The heroes who ruled over Malayalam film kingdom were Sathyan and Prem Nazir. Raghavan, Sudheer, Vincent, Sukumaran and M.G. Soman came later. Some of the popular heroes of the present day are Mohan Lal, Mammutty and Suresh Gopy, Jayaram and Mukesh . Among the earlier notable heroines were Padmini, Madhu, Ragini, Sheela, Sarada and Jaya Bharati. Then came Ambika, Menaka, Manisha, Sobhana, Manju Warrier and Divya Unny. There has been no dearth of brilliant character actors and comedians in Malayalam films. The very concept of romantic hero was shattered to pieces by the appearance of Gopi as the hero in 'Kodiyettam'

Malayalam Cinema - Eminent Directors

2008-01-10T01:00:00.000+05:30

Adoor Gopalakrishnan who appeared on the scene with Chitralekha Film Society, directed the film "Swayam Varam' in 1972. Later, he made 'Kodiyettam', 'Elipathayam', 'Mukha Mukham', 'Mathilukal', 'Vidheyan', and 'Katha Purushan', which won national and international acclaim. Aravindan was another important film director, who started his career with the film 'Utharayanam'. His other films'Kanjana Seetha', 'Thampu', Kummatti', 'Esthapan', 'Pokku Veyil', and 'Chidambaram' also won universal recognition. M.T. Vasudevan Nair's directorial venture 'Nirmalyam' won national honours. Most of the films scripted by him were masterpieces, like 'Vaisali', 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha', 'Perumthachan', and 'Parinayam'. I V Sasi entered the film industry by directing a small budget film with Ummer as the lead, Ulsavam (1975), which became a commercial success. He continued this success in most of his later films, Angadi (1980), Ee nadu, Meen, Trishna (1981), Mi>Ragam, Anubandham (1985), Vartha and Avanazhi (1986) being some of his notable films. Fazil is considered as the biggest money-spinning director of present day Malayalam film industry. He started his career with the film Manjil virinja pookal, which introduced Mohan Lal who later became a super star of Malayalam cinema. Ente Mamatikuttiammakku, Nokatha doorathu kannum nattu, Pappayude swantham Appus, Aniathipravu and Harikrishnans are some of his commercially successful films.Balachandra Menon, who entered Malayalam cinema in the 70s is miraculously surviving even today, and has even won a National Film award for best actor. Menon makes his films almost single handedly, looking after direction, editing, writing, music direction and so on. Tharatu, Kelkatha shabdam, Karyam nisaram, Samantharangal and Krishna Gopalakrishna are some of his major films. Srinivasan who entered the cinema industry as an actor later proved his talent in writing screenplays and also direction. The two films he directed, Vadakkunoki yantram and Chintavistayaya Shyamala could be considered among the best commercial films ever produced in Malayalam. These films had in-depth study of middle class family relationships and also human psychology.Now it is Mr. Blessy doing the trick and his two films yet has given his own identity. His two pictures, kaazhcha and Thanmatra are big hits. And he is writing a new formula to invite the family to the cinemas. Among other important film directors are Padmarajan, Bharathan, Shaji N. Karun, Sibi Malayil, K.G. George, T.V. Chandran, K.R. Mohanan, Lenin Rajendran, Pridyadarshan, and John Abraham

Malayalam Cinema - Music

2008-01-10T00:59:00.000+05:30

In the initial years, the lyricists used to write songs according to the tunes of popular Hindi and Tamil songs. However, the arrival of popular poets like P. Bhaskaran (1950), O.N.V. Kurup (1955), Vayalar Rama Varma (1956) and brilliant music directors like V.Dakshinamurthy (1950), K. Raghavan (1954), G.Devarajan (1955) and M.S. Babu Raj (1957) on the scene changed the scenario. This welcome trend was followed by poets like Sreekumaran Thampy and Yusaf Ali Kecheri. Among the early playback singers were Kanukara Purushothaman, K.P. Udayabhanu and A.M. Raja. Popular female playback singers included P. Leela, Santha P.Nair, P. Susheela and Janaki. Even though A.M. Raja, P. Susheela and Janaki hailed from Andhra Pradesh, Malayalis had no hesitation in accepting them as Kerala's own singers. Later on many such singers from outside Kerala, like Manna Dey, Talat Mehmood, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle and S.P. Balasubramanian lent their voice to Malayalam films. Even music directors like Naushad, Usha Khanna, Ravi Bombay and Ilaya Raja from other states composed music for Malayalam films. The uncrowned king of Malayalam playback singers, Yesudas, continues to be the most popular singer of Kerala even at the age of 58 and has, in fact, become a living legend. Now with the new hip shaking music, Jassie Gift is a passion among the young bloods.

Malayalam -Current Scenario (late 1990s - mid 2000s)

2008-01-10T00:55:00.002+05:30

After the early 1990s the quality of Malayalam cinema declined. Partly due to the arrival of satellite digital television and film piracy and partly due to the changing interests of the audience. The movies in current period is largely nonsensical comedies primarily aiming at large scale entertainment without much artistic message. These movies include Meesamadhavan (2002) by Lal Jose and Kunjikkoonan directed by Sasi Shankar (2002). However notable exceptions to these were the motion pictures Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala by Srinivasan (1998) and Vanaprastham (1999) directed by Shaji N Karun. Also Narasimham the highest-grossing Malayalam movie as of 2005 was relased during this period, in 2000.Here comes the place for Jayaraj who acts double role in Direction as at the same time when he receive national awards by running in the tracks of Art films, he makes sincere try to set new trends in malayalam cinema by directing films like “..For the people”. This is the period where two sequels of previously notable movies came out Mohanlal's Ravanaprabhu the second part of Devasuram and Mammotty's Sethuramayyar CBI the third part of Oru CBI Dairykurippu. Udayananu Tharam, a blockbuster and a trend-setter, was jointly released by the Mohanlal and Sreenivasan.This period witnessed the migration of Malayalam film technicians to participate in other language films. Among them were Priyadarshan, Santosh Sivan, Sabu Cyril, Ravi K. chandran, Sreekar Prasad and others

Malayalam cinema in the first half of 1990s

2008-01-10T00:55:00.001+05:30

Later movies followed in the essence of the golden period but lacked in freshness. However they still stand out for their brilliance in storytelling and appeal. These include 'Bharatham' (1991) by Sibi Malayil, Kaalapaani (1996) by Priyadarshan, and the award winning 'Manichitrathazhu' (1993) by Fazil. 'Sphadikam' (1995) directed by Bhadran was well received by the viewers as was 'Desadanam' (1997) by Jayaraaj. Some works stood out as strong in evocative power reminiscent of the earlier period, like Swaham (1994) directed by Shaji N.Karun the first malayalam film entry to the Competition in cannes international Film Festival in 1994.

Golden Age of Malayalam cinema

2008-01-10T00:54:00.001+05:30

Most critics and audiences consider the period from (late 1980s to early 1990s) as the golden age of Malayalam cinema. The Malayalam cinema of this short but beautiful period is a culmination of the malayali ethos and south Indian life. It is characterised by detailed screenplays, excellently directed by master-directors, dealing with everyday life with a lucid narration of plot intermingling with humor and melancholy. This was aided by brilliant cinematography and lighting as in motion pictures like Perumthachan (1990), directed by Ajayan with Santosh Sivan as the cinematographer. While the movies were made expressive with warm background music by composers like Johnson, as in the motion picture Nammukku paarkkaan munthiri thoppukal (1986) directed by Padmarajan.Many of the movies released during this time narrowed the gap between art cinemas and commercial cinemas in the Malayalam film industry, as in Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989). These were paralleled with movies like Kireedam (1989) directed by Sibi Malayil and written by Lohitadas, Mathilukal directed by Adoor gopalakrishnan (1989), 'Amaram'(1991) directed by Bharathan and 'Sargam'(1992) directed by Hariharan.The period had an abundance of movies rich in creative humour from directors like Priyadarshan, Akkare akkare akkare (1990) and Sathyan Anthicad, Nadodikkattu (1987). The era also saw well crafted comedy by the Duo Siddique-Lal, (Ramji Rao speaking (1989)) and In Harihar Nagar (1990). Other notable contributions of this period include His Highness Abdullah (1990) directed by Sibi Malayil, Piravi (1989) by Shaji N. Karun, Abhayam (1991) directed by Sivan, and the motion picture Daisy (1988) an expressi

The Malayalam New Wave

2008-01-10T00:51:00.000+05:30

The growth of film society movement and the screenings of world classics forced a drastic change in Malayalee film sensitivity during the early 1970s. A new movement often termed as the 'New Wave Malayalam Cinema' or the 'Malayalam Parallel Cinema' emerged. Adoor Gopalakrishnan made his first film Swayamvaram in 1972, which made Malayalam cinema noticed at International film arena. G Aravindan through his Uttarayanam in 1974 accelerated this radical change in Malayalam cinema. Another major stream of Malayalam cinema that appeared during the 1970s, which was a synthesis of the highly commercial popular cinema and the parallel cinema from which the masses always stayed away, was the 'middle-stream cinema'. These films, mainly from directors like K G George, Padmarajan and Bharathan, had meaningful themes but had popular forms of presentation and had influenced a generation of film viewers

Malayalam Cinema - The Growth: 1960s

2008-01-10T00:44:00.000+05:30

After the success of Neelakuyil, films with authentic Malayalam stories set in the backdrop of Kerala villages, started arriving. Minnaminingu directed by Ramu Karyat and Rarichhan enna Pouran by P Bhaskaran were noted films produced during the late 1950s. Takazhi Shivashankara Pillai's famous novel Randidangazhi was also seen on the silver screen. In 1961 Kandam Bacha Coat, the first full-length colour film in Malayalam was released and was an adoption of a famous social drama. Bhargavi Nilayam (1964) directed by A Vincent is a notable film of this period. This was a cinematic adoption of renowned Malayalam writer Vykom Muhammad Basheer's novel. Vincent also directed some of the best films of early ages like Murapennu, Nagarame Nandi, Asuravithu and Thulabharam. Irutinte Athmavu directed by P Bhaskaran, based on M T Vasudevan Nair's story, gave a new face to superstar Prem Nazir, who till then was seen only in romantic hero's role.

Chemmeen (Prawn)

Chemmeen (1965) directed by Ramu Karyat was the first South Indian film to bag the President's Golden Lotus Award for the best film. Based on a famous novel with the same name by renowned Malayalam writer Takazhi Shivashanakara Pillai, Chemmeen pioneered the growth of Malayalam cinema in technical and artistic aspects. It brought together some of the best technical talents then available in India, Salil Chowdhari (music), Markes Burtly (cinematography) and Hrishikesh Mukhargee (editing). It also had a huge star cast.

Successful Malayalam Cinemas of the Early Period

2008-01-10T00:36:00.000+05:30

Jeevithanouka (The boat of life) Jeevithanouka (1951) was a turning point for Malayalam cinema. This highly dramatic musical film, which narrated the story of ego clashes in a joint family, was mainly directed towards the women audience. Jeevithanouka was a huge success, and can be considered as the first 'super hit' of Malayalam cinema. Thikkurishi Sukumaran Nair, an actor from the stage, became the first 'superstar' of Malayalam cinema after the success of the film. But this success had also an adverse effect on Malayalam cinema. Films that were produced after Jeevithanouka were made according to this success formula, and nothing creative was seen for a long time. Superstars took over the driver's seat and directors were forced to the background

Neelakuyil (The Blue Cuckoo)Through Neelakuyil (1954) Malayalam cinema for the first time had an authentic Malayalam story. The story for Neelakuyil was penned by renowned Malayalam writer Uroob and directed by the duo of P Bhaskaran and Ramu Karyat. This melodramatic film dealt with the issue of untouchability in the society. Satyan and Miss Kumari were elevated to stardom after the huge success of this film. Malayalam film music which till then were cheap imitations of Hindi and Tamil film music, also came up with original Malayalam tunes through this film. K Rghavan arranged the lyrics written by P Bhaskaran. The music scored for the movie was to a great extent influenced by the Malayalam folk music and the tunes were an instant hit among the masses. This was also the first Malayalam film to be shot outdoors. Neelakuyil heralded the arrival of a mature Malayalam cinema on the Indian film world.

Newspaper Boy (1955) was the reflection of neo-realism in cinema, which became popular all over the world. This film was a result of extreme hard work by a group of college students. P Ramadas, who was totally new to cinema, directed newspaper Boy and almost all technical works were handled by amateur students. This film was released a few months before Satyajith Ray's classic- Pather Panchali hit the silver screens. Newspaper Boy narrates the sad story of a printing press employee and his family reeling under extreme poverty. He dies of extreme poverty and illness, which forces his children to stop their education. His elder son Appu leaves for Madras in search of a job. Failing to secure a job there, he returns and decides to take up the job of a newspaper boy

Malayalam Cinema - The Beginning

2008-01-10T00:34:00.000+05:30

The first cinema hall in Kerala was established in Trichur by K.W.Joseph in 1907 and it had a manually operated film projector. The first electrically operated film projector too was established in Trichur by Jose Kattukkaran in 1913 and was called the 'Jose Electrical Bioscope'. Soon such cinema halls were established in other major cities of Kerala. At the initial stage only Tamil, Hindi and English films were exhibited in these theatres; it was, however, Tamil cinema, which dominated Kerala. The Malayalee audience welcomed Tamil films because of the cultural similarities between the two states.The first Malayalam movie was released in 1928. It was a silent film titled Vigathakumaran, produced and directed by a businessman, J. C. Daniel who had no prior film experience. However this film was a commercial failure . The second film Marthanda Varma, produced by B V Rao in 1933 was based on a novel by C. V. Raman Pillai. But it was never released due to some legal issues.Balan released in 1938 was the first talkie in Malayalam. It was produced at Chennai (then Madras) in the neighbouring state of Tamilnadu by S Nottani . Malayalam movies continued to be made almost exclusively by Tamil producers till 1947 when the first major film studio, Udaya was established in Kerala. With this more Keralites entered the field of films.The progress of production of Malayalam films was very slow during the next few years. One film each was produced in 1940, 1941, 1948 and 1949

MALAYALAM CINEMA HISTORY

2008-01-10T00:28:00.000+05:30

Cinema is the popular art form that has proved itself to be a good entertainer and a strong means of mass communication in Kerala since the last century. It has the elements of different art forms including architecture and sculpture in it.

Moreover, Malayalam films have their own existence in Kerala and is the most popular form of art enjoyed by the masses. Hence cinema has its own influence on their culture.

The viewers in Kerala enjoy the films while comprehending the reality in it. They possess a high degree of insight and intuition and distinguish reality from fiction in the themes of experimentalism. Malayalam Cinema has contributed much to the creative and critical analysis sectors of Malayalam literature.

Kerala has a very rich art and cultural background. Its films are unique in several aspects. Unlike the other linguistic films, which have started off taking themes from the Puranas, Malayalam films have taken relevant social issues as its theme from the beginning.