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Actor Soubin Shahir is an established name in Malayalam film industry. Having turned 40, actor Tovino Thomas who will be starring with Soubin in the film ‘Nadikar Thilakam’ wished him on his special day.

Taking to his social media handles, the acclaimed ‘2018’ actor shared a poster which showed the two in their film avatars and wrote: “Wishing a very happy birthday to the exceptionally talented Soubin Shahir, our ‘Nadikar Thilakam’ star! May your day be as remarkable as your performances. Here’s to more magic alongside Tovino Thomas and the entire team!”

Having acted in various Malayalam blockbusters such as ‘Solo’, ‘Prenam’, and ‘Joseph’, Soubin will be now seen co-starring with Tovino in their next venture ‘Nadikar Thilakam’, a comedy-drama film directed by Jean Paul Lal.

The film has an elaborate storyline which revolves around the life ofa fictional film star named David Padikkal, who will be portrayed by Tovino Thomas.

Actor Soubin Shahir is an established name in Malayalam film industry. Having turned 40, actor Tovino Thomas who will be starring with Soubin in the film ‘Nadikar Thilakam’ wished him on his special day.

Taking to his social media handles, the acclaimed ‘2018’ actor shared a poster which showed the two in their film avatars and wrote: “Wishing a very happy birthday to the exceptionally talented Soubin Shahir, our ‘Nadikar Thilakam’ star! May your day be as remarkable as your performances. Here’s to more magic alongside Tovino Thomas and the entire team!”

Having acted in various Malayalam blockbusters such as ‘Solo’, ‘Prenam’, and ‘Joseph’, Soubin will be now seen co-starring with Tovino in their next venture ‘Nadikar Thilakam’, a comedy-drama film directed by Jean Paul Lal.

The film has an elaborate storyline which revolves around the life ofa fictional film star named David Padikkal, who will be portrayed by Tovino Thomas.

On this day, ten years ago, two Malayalam films hit the screens and left a lasting impact on the audience and the industry. Memories and Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi are two different genres of cinema, but they share some common elements: they are both well-crafted, well-acted, and well-received by the critics and the public. They are also both cult favorites among the Malayalam film lovers, who still watch them with admiration and nostalgia.

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Memories, directed by Jeethu Joseph, is a crime thriller that follows Sam Alex (Prithviraj Sukumaran), a drunkard cop who is haunted by the loss of his family. He is assigned to investigate a series of murders that have a mysterious connection to his past. The film is a gripping and suspenseful ride that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats. Prithviraj delivers a stellar performance as the tormented protagonist, who undergoes a transformation...

Following vows by several recent champions to boycott the “Jeopardy!” Tournament of Champions if it takes place amid the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike, the show’s producers say they “never had any intention” of holding the annual contest “until the strike is resolved.

Furthermore, the show’s spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday, none of winners from the most recent season have even been contacted about participating.

The statement emphasized that the show has “a long history with and tremendous respect for the WGA and our writers,” and that “we would never air game material not created by WGA writers.” The statement also emphasized that it operates in compliance with SAG-AFTRA.

Instead, the statement says, the show will go into “a holding pattern,” postponing the Season 39 Tournament of Champions and instead producing new original episodes using material that was written before WGA went on strike. More details will be announced in August.

Several “Jeopardy!” champions have vowed to exit the game show’s annual tournament in solidarity with the ongoing WGA strike, which just entered into its 13th week.

As the syndicated competition series gears up for its 2023-2024 season, the writers’ strike has not only impacted planning for the upcoming installment but will also now prompt absences for former winners set to appear on this season’s Tournament of Champions.

Recent “Jeopardy!” champion and self-proclaimed “lifelong devoted fan” Ray Lalonde announced he would not to compete in the tournament should the WGA strike remain unresolved on social media, first pointing out reports that the game show has “contingency plans to start filming the next season of the show with old and/or recycled material.”

“I am and will always be grateful for the experience I had on the show and the opportunity to participate in the Toc is beyond a dream come true for me,...

Interview Director of the Anna Ben – Arjun Ashokan film ‘Thrishanku’ tells us why he chose to make his debut with a quirky film on elopement involving two couples and two unsuspecting uncles.When you watch a movie about a couple who decides to elope only to find out that one of their siblings also eloped the same morning, you think, this had to have happened to someone the filmmaker knew.The filmmaker did not (know anyone it happened to). The story simply developed when the writers began working on an idea that they thought had always worked with the Malayali audience – a plot involving elopement. But it couldn’t be just that. The narrative had to be fresh, something untested before. In the film, aptly titled Thrishanku, meaning neither here nor there, the couple somehow ends up on a search mission of the missing sibling, in the company of two uncles.

Lucknow, May 27 (Ians) Sravya Shivani, an Indian international tennis player who won two medals, including a gold, in the 2019 South Asian Games, is participating in her second Khelo India University Games and trying to give back to the sport to make it more accessible.

Sravya, who won a gold medal in the Bhubaneswar edition of the games, is one of the six players selected in the Itf’s World Women’s Tennis Player Panel representing Asia/Oceania. Through this, she is making efforts to make the sport more accessible to new players in Asia.

Regarding her significant role in the Khelo India University Games representing Jain University, Bangalore, 23-year-old Sravya said, “I have always been passionate about making the sport more accessible. We have a lot of talent in Asia, not only in India but also in Japan, China, and Korea. We are all talented and hardworking, but we do...

ReviewDirector Achuth Vinayak makes a swell debut involving a couple, played by Anna Ben and Arjun Ashokan, who land in the strangest situation as they plan to elope.If you look for the meaning of the movie's title, you might end up on a Wikipedia page about a mythological prince who was cursed. A more familiar phrase for Malayalis is 'thrishanku swargam', used to refer to a place or situation that is neither here nor there. That is very likely what director Achyuth Vinayak had in mind for his film about a couple who land in the strangest situation as they plan to elope and end up going in the company of two uncles. It is as funny as it sounds, well to you the viewer, not per se to the eloping couple. And there is not one, but two sets of elopers. Writers Ajith Nair and Achyuth Vinayak have a tight,...

EntertainmentThe show features an ensemble cast that includes Suhasini, Miya, Suresh Krishna, Maniyanpilla Raju, Balachandran Chullikad, Vishnu Govindan, Sidhartha Siva, and Rahul Riji Nair in pivotal roles.After launching critically acclaimed originals in Tamil and Telugu, digital streaming platform Sony Liv has ventured into Malayalam with a political drama titled Jai Mahendran. The show focuses on the life of Mahendran, a manipulative officer who believes in getting things done through powerplay and by use of his influence within the system. However, his freedom within the office comes to a halt and his ideologies get challenged, as he becomes the victim of the same powerplay. In an attempt to safeguard his job and restore his reputation, he plans to sabotage an entire system to his advantage. Jai Mahendran is helmed by the national and state award-winning filmmaker Rahul Riji Nair as writer, producer, and showrunner, and Srikanth Mohan as the director.

Champion Campion

The Sydney Film Festival will present ‘Jane Campion – Her Way,’ a retrospective of films by the pioneering director. Campion herself will appear in conversation with David Stratton on June 10 at the 2023 edition of the festival, its 70th anniversary presentation (June 7-18).

Held in association with Acmi and the National Film and Sound Archive, ‘Jane Campion – Her Way’ will encompass screenings of all nine of Campion’s feature films, as well as a selection of her short films. The selection will go on to tour the Acmi in Melbourne (June 15 – July 2) and at Nfsa in Canberra (July 20-30).

“For our 70th edition, we wanted to present a retrospective commensurate with the milestone, reflecting the audacious and boundary pushing filmmaking synonymous with our festival and region. Campion is a ground-breaking filmmaker who has made a profound impact on cinema with her daring and unforgettable films,” said Sydney Film Festival director Nashen Moodley.

The once flop movie, ‘Baba’ of Tamil megastar, Rajinikanth, which was re-released during his 72nd birthday on December 12, has become a superhit. Directed by Suresh Krissna, the movie has Rajinikanth playing the role of an atheist who gets a sudden spiritual power. It was a major flop when it was released 20 years ago.

On its release, however, the movie seems to have struck a chord with the audience. Fans of the Tamil mega star have been waiting in long queues in front of the movie theatres where the film was screened.

The movie, according to its makers, has become a major sensation and almost all shows are full in Tamil Nadu and other South Indian states.

The producers are now planning to increase the number of screens from 200 to 300 and the movie has drawn major numbers even in the international destinations where it was released.

‘Baba’ is considered special for...

Boxer Nikhat Zareen, who is an ardent fan of Salman Khan, recreated the Bollywood superstar’s iconic number ‘Saathiya Tune Kya Kiya’ from the 1991 film ‘Love’.

Nikhat took to Instagram, where she shared a reel video featuring the ‘Dabangg’ actor and her dancing on the song. She captioned it: “Finally intezaar khatam hua. #fanmoment #whennkhatmetsalman #dreamcometrue #salmankhan.”

Nikhat Zareen won a gold medal at the 2011 Aiba Women’s Youth & Junior World Boxing Championships held in Antalya. Zareen won the gold medal at the 2022 Iba Women’s World Boxing Championships, and became the fifth Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Iba World Boxing Championships. Zareen works as a general banking officer at Bank of India since June 2021. She won gold medal at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

‘Love’ is directed by Suresh Krissna, stars Salman, Revathi. It is the remake of the Telugu film ‘Prema’. The makers changed the...

Review‘Varaal’, in its attempt to take digs at Kerala politics and carve out a new leader, becomes a wannabe political thriller, unable to shake off the filmmaking tactics of a decade long gone by.CrisVaraal, director Kannan Thamarakkulam’s new film, starts off jerkily, much like the fish it is named after – the snakehead. It begins with a chase and some beating up in a college hostel, followed by a young man walking dejectedly into his room, and another jumping off a fence. Just as you shake your head and allow things to fall in place, you are given one important character after another – you know they are important, because the heavy background music with its dramatic highs and lows never stops playing. There is a plethora of politicians dropping on screen, with little attempt to hide the similarities to their real life versions. Varaal, in its attempt to...

The unit of director Vinayan’s eagerly-awaited epic historical drama ‘Pathonpatham Noottandu’ has now released a power-packed song from the film, titled ‘Pootham Varunnedi’. The intense song, starring Kayadu Lohar and Siju Wilson, has powerful dance movements set to some foot-tapping music.

The lead star cast’s rustic looks, aggressive mannerisms and dynamic energy only add to this charm of the song which keeps you hooked from start to finish. Talking about the song, Siju Wilson, who plays the lead in the film, says: “It was exciting to shoot for this high-octane song as it radiates so much energy. To be able to be a part of the song sung by Sayanora and composed by M Jayachandra sir is an experience in itself.”

Lead actress Kayadu Lohar says: “When I first heard the song, I couldn’t stop tapping my feet. Jayachandra sir has created magic and the prowess of...

Ace music director Santhosh Narayanan, who is one of the top most composers in the Tamil film industry, said that he is proud to make his debut as music composer in Malayalam with director Vinayan’s much-awaited period drama, ‘Pathonpatham Noottandu’.

Taking to Twitter, Santhosh Narayanan, who is known for his work in several critically acclaimed Tamil blockbusters including ‘Pariyaerum Perumal’, ‘Vada Chennai’ and ‘Kaala’, said, “Proud to start my first film in Malayalam as composer through the amazing ‘Pathonpatham Noottandu’.”

Thanking the director and the producer for giving him the opportunity, the he also shared the link of the trailer of the film.

“Thanks Vinayan sir, Gokulam Gopalan sir and the special team for making this epic. Wishing a grand worldwide success. Here is the trailer!,” he said.

‘Pathonpathaam Noottandu’, featuring Siju Wilson in the lead, is scheduled to hit screens on September 8.

The trailer shows how people from...

MollywoodThe film is helmed by ‘Premam’ fame Alphonse Puthren. Tnm StaffTwitter/ Prithviraj SukumaranAlphonse Puthren’s upcoming film Gold featuring Nayanthara and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is gearing up for release. The director announced on social media that the film will be released during the festival of Onam, which will start on August 30 and end on September 8. Sharing the update, Alphonse Puthren wrote, “Gold is melting this Onam.” Earlier, the first look poster of the film was unveiled on June 6. Prithviraj is seen speaking to someone on the phone, while Nayanthara sports a surprised look. The vibrant poster also features other characters in the borders of the image. Sharing the poster, Prithviraj had tweeted, "#Gold An #AlphonsePuthren Film! @puthrenalphonse @PrithvirajProd @magicframes2011 (sic)." Bankrolled by Supriya Menon and Listin Stephen, the cast of Gold also includes actors Ajmal Ameer, Krishna Sankar, Shabareesh Varma, Chemban Vinod Jose, Vinay Forrt, Roshan Mathew, Mallika Sukumaran, Deepti Sati,...

Mollywood‘Gold’ marks ‘Premam’ filmmaker Alphonse Puthren’s next directorial venture after 2015. Tnm StaffTwitter/ Prithviraj SukumaranThe first look poster of upcoming Malayalam film Gold, which stars actors Nayanthara and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead, was unveiled on June 6. Billed as an action comedy flick, Gold is directed, written, and also edited by Premam fame director Alphonse Puthren. In the poster, Prithviraj is seen speaking to someone on the phone, while Nayanthara sports a surprised look. The colourful and quirky poster features other characters in the borders of the image. Sharing the poster, Prithviraj wrote, "#Gold An #AlphonsPuthran Film! @puthrenalphonse @PrithvirajProd @magicframes2011 (sic)." Bankrolled by Supriya Menon and Listin Stephen, the star-studded supporting cast of Gold includes actors Ajmal Ameer, Krishna Sankar, Shabareesh Varma, Chemban Vinod Jose, Vinay Forrt, Roshan Mathew, Mallika Sukumaran, Deepti Sati, Baburaj, Lalu Alex, Jagadish, Saiju Kurup, Suresh Krishna, Shanthi Krishna, Shammi Thilakan, Sudheesh, Idavela Babu, Shebin Benson,...

Mollywood'Operation Java', starring Balu Varghese, Shine Tom Chacki, Vinayakan and Lukman, among others, had hit the big screens on February 12, 2021. Tnm StaffMalayalam movie Operation Java is now streaming on Ott platform Zee5. Released on the platform on May 15, Operation Java has been helmed by filmmaker Tharun Moorthy. The movie stars an ensemble cast which includes popular actors Balu Varghese, Shine Tom Chacko, Vinayakan and Lukman. The film is bankrolled by Padma Uday under the banner of V Cinemas International. Operation Java hit the big screen in February this year. Other actors such as Irshad, Binu Pappu, Mamitha Baiju, Prashanth Alexander, Dhanya Ananya, Dinesh Prabhakar, Johny Antony and P Balachandran among those seen in supporting roles in the film. Operation Java has music by composer Jakes Bejoy. Faiz Siddik has been roped in as the cinematographer, while Nishadh Yusuf is on board as the editor for the project. Operation Java is inspired from real life incidents.

MollywoodClose friends, colleagues and family members of the couple have congratulated the couple on social media. Tnm StaffInstagram/ Balu VargheseMollywood actor Balu Varghese and model Aileena Catherin Amon welcomed their first child on March 31. The couple took to social media to announce that they’ve been blessed with a baby boy. Sharing a few photos from the baby shower on Instagram, Balu Varghese announced that “It’s a Boy.” Close friends, colleagues and family members of the couple have congratulated the couple on social media. Earlier, Varghese shared photos of the two in white outfits taken during the baby shower. “Whatever you are, a girl or a boy, you will bring very much joy #babyshower #babycomingsoon #excited,” Balu wrote in the caption. Friends and fans have re-shared the photos and congratulated the couple of social media. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Balu Varghese (@balu__varghese) On New Year’s Eve,...

MollywoodLal not only stars in ‘Tsunami’, he also wrote the script for the movie.Tnm StaffThe makers of the upcoming Malayalam flick Tsunami, announced on Tuesday that the movie is set to hit the big screens on March 11. Veteran actor Lal is collaborating with his son Lal Jr aka Jean Paul Lal in this venture. The makers took to social media to announce the release date of the film. Actor Lal, who is starring in the film, has written the script as well, while Jean Paul Lal has directed it. The film also stars Balu Varghese, Aradhya Ann, Aju Varghese and Innocent in important roles. Popular actors such as Nishaa Mathew and Suresh Krishna have also been roped in for the venture. Said to be a comedy entertainer, the makers released the first look poster of the movie on February 8. The poster promises that Tsunami will be packed with entertaining sequences.

MollywoodDirector Vinayan’s historical film ‘Pathonpatham Noottaandu’ will revolve around the lives of Travancore people in the 1800s.Digital NativeNoted Malayalam filmmaker Vinayan has revealed several months ago that he will soon be directing a historical titled Pathonpatham Noottaandu. Around that time, he also said that the film will revolve around the lives of people who lived in the kingdom of Travancore during the 1800s. According to the latest reports, Siju Wilson plays the role of the 19th-century warrior Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker, a revolutionary leader who fought the dominant caste traditions and led an anti-caste resistance. Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker was also instrumental in opening schools and other institutions for the socially backward people. His character is very important to the story and Siju has done a lot of research for it. He has reportedly learnt kalarippayattu and horse riding among other things to get into the skin of the character.

DeathThe 48-year-old filmmaker passed away on Thursday at Thrissur’s Jubilee Mission hospital.Tnm StaffImage courtesy: Kochi Konnect/Facebook Writer-director Sachy was cremated with full state honours at the Ravipuram crematorium in Kochi on Friday. Apart from close relatives, several notable personalities from the Malayalam film fraternity attended the funeral. This includes actors Prithviraj, Kunjacko Boban, Suresh Krishna, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Mukesh, Lal, directors Ranjith, Lal Jose, Major Ravi and others. Sachy's body was placed at the Advocates' Chamber at the High Court Junction in Kochi. The writer-director who debuted as a script writer with the film Chocolate had practised criminal and constitutional law at the Kerala High Court in Kochi for eight years, prior to his entry in the film industry. Sachy teamed up with Sethunath and the two script writers delivered many hits including Chocolate, Robin Hood, Makeup Man, Seniors etc. They split with the film Doubles which failed...

ReviewIn an interesting plot that falters at places, especially in the characterisation of women, you catch present-day realities and the dangers of a star-fan relationship.CrisSomewhere in the last half of Driving License, Prithviraj’s booming voice says on a mike, John Lennon (the legendary Beatles singer) was shot dead by his diehard fan. Prithvi is playing a Lennon-like celebrity in the film, at a time super stars are a lot more celebrated. Listening to him talk about such fans who become stalkers of their idols, Suraj Venjaramoodu’s face shatters noticeably, knowing it is about him. The two actors play their respective roles admirably well in a script about the changing equations of a superstar and his fan. In an interesting plot written by Sachy, and directed by Lal Jr, you catch glimpses of the present-day realities of media sensitisation, hero-worship and celebrity rivalry. The script falters at places,...

MollywoodThe megastar is seen in a never-seen-before avatar in it which has raised the expectations several notches up.Digital NativeDigital Native Mammootty’s Maamangam was to have hit the marquee on November 21 but was postponed to December 12 due to a delay in VFX works. The film is currently in the last leg of post-production. While expectations are high on it, a pic from Maamangam, featuring Mammootty made it to the popular Malayalam magazine Vanitha recently. The megastar is seen in a never-seen-before avatar in it which has raised the expectations several notches up. Mammootty, sporting long locks of hair adorned with large ear studs and bindi, has created a sense of curiosity among his fans. Reports are that Maamangam will be released in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu besides Malayalam. Recently, Unni Mukundan had revealed that he has dubbed for his portions for the Hindi version with his own voice as...

MollywoodThe film is still in the nascent stages and will go on the floors in early 2020. Digital NativeDigital Native Dulquer Salmaan’s next will be a political thriller. Reports have it that the actor will be working with Shutter fame director Joy Mathew. The film is still in the nascent stages and will go on the floors in early 2020. Joy Mathew, a well-known actor in the Malayalam film industry, directed his maiden film Shutter, which went on to win several accolades. Shutter premiered in India on December 9, 2012 at the 17th International Film Festival of Kerala in which it was screened in the International Competition Section and premiered in the international arena at the 9th Dubai International Film Festival on December 10 at the Cross-Section of Indian Films section. Shutter won the Silver Crow Pheasant Award for the best movie in the Audience Choice section. The director’s next film was Uncle,...

MollywoodThe entire movie, directed and co-written by Ramesh Pisharody, wants to convey the message that there are women who misuse the law’s "leniency" towards the gender.CrisAmong other ideas, Ganagandharvan, Mammootty’s newest film in Malayalam, wants to make a point: there are women who misuse the special provisions they “enjoy” under the law, to frame innocent people and get away with anything. To stress this, the film has created the character of a young woman who keeps reminding the audience, “I am a woman, they will believe what I say.” The entire plot seems to have been written just to make that point. Needlessly, Mammootty’s character Ullas, leading the life of a married ganamela singer, gets entangled in a sham marriage to another woman to help her get an American visa. Athulya Chandra plays Sandra, the sort of woman who slaps a fruit vendor hit by her car,...

MollywoodIn the movie directed by Ramesh Pisharody, the megastar plays a ganamela singer called Kaladasan UllasDigital NativeThe shooting of the Mammootty starrer Ganagandharvan was wrapped up some weeks ago and the post-production is happening full swing. According to the latest reports, the film will hit the marquee on September 27. In the movie, the megastar plays a ganamela singer named Kaladasan Ullas. The film is directed by comedian turned director Ramesh Pisharody. The technical crew of Ganagandharvan comprises Deepak Dev for music, Alagappan for cinematography and Lijo John Paul for editing. The film is scripted by Ramesh and Hari P Nair. Ganagandharvan is bankrolled by Ramesh and Ichais Productions. Touted to be a complete entertainer, the film also has Manoj K Jayan, Dharmajan, Suresh Krishna, and Hareesh Kanaran. It may be noted here that Ramesh Pisharody made his debut as a director with the Malayalam film Panchavarnathatha starring Jayaram in the lead.

MollywoodTouted to be a complete entertainer, the Ramesh Pisharody directorial will have Mammootty playing the role of a ganamela singer.Digital NativeMalayalam mega star Mammootty has completed shooting for his portions in the upcoming film Ganagandharvan. This was confirmed by the film’s director Ramesh Pisharody through a Facebook post in which he wrote, “If we wholeheartedly wish to do a film with Mammukka, he will stand with us to make it happen.” The comedian-turned-director also shared the first look of the lead star which looks interesting. In the movie, Mammootty plays the role of a ganamela singer named Kalasadan Ullas, we hear. The makers have roped in debutant Vanditha to play the female lead. Touted to be a complete entertainer, the film will also star Manoj K Jayan, Dharmajan, Suresh Krishna and Hareesh Kanaran. The technical crew of Ganagandharvan comprises Deepak Dev for music, Alagappan for cinematography and Lijo John Paul for editing.

MollywoodFrom 'Drona' to 'Narasimham,' here are 12 hyperbolic songs that introduced the hero in Malayalam cinema. ScreenshotBy, Mini Mathew Around the turn of the millennium, Malayalam cinema started looking to Tamil and Telugu songs for inspiration, notably tunes that eulogise the hero. If you look at some of our superstar films, the hero always gets a swashbuckling entry and is even compared to deities and superheroes in their introduction songs. We bring you 12 such hyperbolic gems that range from silly and laughable to fun or believe-it-or-not. We're also adding a few song taglines that are also out of this world. 'Prince' (1996) It’s not surprising that this Mohanlal film set the precedent for such hero-worshipping ditties in Malayalam cinema. After all the film was directed by Suresh Krishna, the man who created Bhasha, one of Indian cinema’s biggest mass heroes. Mohanlal plays Jeeva, a mafia don who is called ‘the Prince’ in his circles.

MollywoodWhile there are a few moments of enjoyable scripting, these come and go in the blink of an eye.CrisDirector Ranjith, had in an interview, said that you’d see the ‘old Mohanlal’ in Drama. He must mean the actor before the times of superhero movies, some of which he had written. It is true Drama doesn’t have any of the superhero elements Mohanlal has come to be known for in the last couple of decades. No ‘po mone’s or ‘savari girigiri’s. No long stretches of monologues that end with slow-motion walk-aways. He plays instead an Nri man in trouble with his wife, thrown out of the house because of something he did. His job at a funeral company in London brings him in touch with a big Malayali family where a death has occurred. While you can, if you try, pick out a few, really few,...

MollywoodReports are that director Gireesh Damodar and writer-producer Joy Mathew are planning a film that will revolve around a middle class family and address a social issue.Digital NativeDirector Gireesh Damodar and writer-producer Joy Mathew are all set to team up again after the success of Uncle. Reports are that the duo are planning a film which will revolve around a middle class family that will also deal with a social issue. Sources in the know say that the scripting is being done and there would be an official word on the project very soon. Uncle, which was released on April 27th, was a thriller that starred Mammootty in the lead role. The film had Karthika Muraleedharan playing the female lead. The supporting cast of this flick included Joy Mathew, Muthumani, Suresh Krishna. K.P.A.C. Lalitha and Ganapathi. Bijibal had composed music for this flick while Alagappan N. cranked the camera.

MollywoodThe actor is also busy with another Malayalam film ‘Padayottam’, a gangster comedy.Digital NativeThe first look poster of Aanakkallan, starring Biju Menon in the lead role, was unveiled by director Vyasakh of Pulimurugan fame recently and it has gone viral. Incidentally, the film has been written by Udayakrishna who penned Pulimurugan. Aanakkallan is being produced under the banner Saptha Tharang Cinemas. Suresh Divakar, who had directed the official remake of the Telugu blockbuster Maryada Ramanna, titled Ivan Maryada Raman in Malayalam, is donning the director’s robes for Aanakkallan. Ivan Maryada Raman, which released in the year 2015, had Dileep and Nikki Galrani as the lead pair. Biju Menon has had two film releases this year – Rosapoo and Orayiram Kinakkalal – and both these films had not fared well at the box office. The actor is busy with another Malayalam film Padayottam, a gangster comedy being directed by Rafeek Ibrahim. The...

Mollywood The actor took to his social networking page to thank one and all for the success Digital NativeThe Mammootty starrer Abrahaminte Santhathikal was easily one of the most expected films in the Malayalam film industry. The film took a big opening on the Eid weekend and is doing well at the theatres; thanks to the positive reviews. Basking in glory over the positive talk, Mammootty took to his social networking page to thank one and all for the success. He wrote: “Happy to hear wonderful response for Abrahaminte Santhathikal from everyone ! Thank you all.” Abrahaminte Santhathikal is an action thriller that is written by Haneef Adeni and directed by debut director Shaji Padoor. The film has Mammootty in the lead role with Anson Paul, Kanika, Tarushi, Yog Japee, Siddique, Renji Panicker, Sijoy Varghese, Kalabhavan Shajon, Suresh Krishna, Sudev Nair, Mukundhan, Maqbool Salmaan, Master George and Shyamaprasad in the star cast. Gopi Sunder had composed music for this film with Alby Antony cranking the camera and Mahesh Narayanan editing it. The film was produced by Tl George and Joby George under the banner Goodwill Entertainments. According to a report by Forum Keralam, Abrahaminte Santhathikal managed to collect Rs. 7.46 lakhs on day one at the Kochi multiplexes with 20 shows. Trade reports point out that it is the best opening day collections in the Malayalam film industry this year with the Pranav Mohanlal starrer Aadhi collecting Rs 7.12 Lakhs on its opening day with 20 shows earlier this year. On making the film, its director has been quoted by The Hindu as stating, “For over 12 years, all the while when I was assisting and working in other films, I have been having an open date for a movie with Mammookka. He fully trusted me to helm Abrahaminte Santhathikal despite this being my début.” (Content provided by Digital Native)...

MollywoodReports are that Ranjith had narrated a script to the star and there is a possibility of them announcing a project together anytime soonDigital NativeDigital NativeDirector Ranjith and Mohanlal share a good rapport having worked together in movies such as Ravanaprabhu, Aaram Thampuran, Devasuram, Spirit and Loham. And now, we hear from sources, that the two had met recently raising speculations that they may team up again. Reports are that Ranjith had narrated a script to the star and there is a possibility of them announcing a project together anytime soon. If things work out, Ranjith and Mohanlal may go ahead with the shooting later this year or early next. Meanwhile, Ranjith is busy wielding the megaphone for Oru Bilathi Katha which has Mammootty playing a cameo role. The film has Maniyanpilla Raju's son Niranjan playing the lead role with Ramante Edenthottam fame heroine Anu Sithara as his lead pair. While Niranjan will be seen playing an illegal immigrant in the UK, Anu Sithara will be playing his love interest employed there. Sethu has penned the script for this Ranjith directorial which has a bevy of actors in the cast including Jewel Mary, Kaniha, Dileesh Pothan, Kalabhavan Shajon, Suresh Krishna and director V M Vinu. It may be noted here that Ranjith’s last release was Puthan Panam that had Mammootty playing the lead role. The film, which hit the silver screens last year, dealt with the socially relevant issue which is about demonetization and black money. While Ranjith is busy directing Oru Bilathi Katha, Mohanlal is on the verge of completing the Va Shrikumar directorial Odiyan, touted to be a fantasy thriller. Apart from this, he had also committed to the Ajoy Varma directorial that has not been titled yet. With reports about Ranjith and Mohanlal planning to team up for a movie, film buffs are eager to know about the genre and other details. However, to know more, we need to wait until they are done with their respective assignments.

Politics'Baba' was a flop in 2002, but revisiting the film gives us clues about Rajini's politics. Sowmya RajendranAfter years of speculation on when he will join politics if at all, Rajinikanth made the big announcement on the last day of 2017. As several people joked on social media, everyone else was looking for a New Year party to go to, while Rajinikanth simply created his own. Rajini claimed in his speech that he made the decision not because he was power hungry but because of the political situation in Tamil Nadu which had left its people "hanging their heads in shame." However, it is a fact that the actor has nursed political ambitions for a long time now but had remained uncertain about when to take the plunge. The memory of actor Sivaji's unimpressive political run, despite being a huge star in the state, was a sobering lesson to many from the film world who had looked upon cinema as an easy springboard to politics. Rajini's chosen symbol, known in popular culture as the "Baba symbol", has led to much theorising on what it could stand for. The hand position is called Apana Mudra in yoga and stands for "detoxification and purification". It also finds resonance in other traditions and cultures and has similar meanings and implications. The 2002 film Baba was about a young man, an atheist who is given to the vices, discovering spirituality and "detoxifying" himself to realise the truth about the world. The film was produced by Rajini under the banner Lotus International – while it's tempting to say that this had to do with Rajini's widely perceived sympathy for the Bjp, the lotus flower is of symbolic significance in Hinduism. In the Bhagavad Gita, for example, a human being is expected to function like a lotus, untouched by sin like a drop of water on the lotus leaf, and rising above the slush. Further, the ashram of Satchidananda Swami, Rajini's spiritual guru on whom Baba was based, has a temple called Light of Truth Universal Shrine (Lotus) and Rajini's production company was supposedly named after this temple. Although Baba was a flop at the time of its release, it takes on special significance as Rajini is all set to launch his political party. The film was very close to the actor's heart, and he was dejected when the audience rejected it. Rajini took a break after the Baba debacle and came back to the screen with a bang – this time, with Chandramukhi, the Tamil remake of a Malayalam psychological thriller. Ironically, he played a rational psychiatrist in Chandramukhi, a man who pooh-poohs superstitions and comes up with a scientific explanation for so-called supernatural phenomena. Directed by Suresh Krishna, Baba was the closest Rajini came to experimentation after he attained his superstardom. Baba, the film's protagonist played by Rajinikanth, is the reincarnation of a saint from the Himalayas. Interestingly, the symbol launched by the actor on the 31st includes a snake (the circle around the mudra is actually a snake) which stands for the cycle of life, death and rebirth in Hinduism. Though Baba dismisses religion as mumbo-jumbo initially, he becomes a believer in destiny and god once he meets the 2000 year old saint after whom he was named. In the film, Baba acts as a kingmaker, ensuring the victory of an honest man as the Chief Minister of the state. Pertinently, he does this through a boon that he could have used for himself. Despite his followers asking him to become the "permanent Cm", Baba rejects the allure of political power and chooses instead to renounce the world and ascend the Himalayas. But the film doesn't end at that point – the good Cm is shot dead even as Baba is walking away with the sages. As he hears the shots, Baba turns back and walks towards the people with determination. The sage, dressed in saffron, bless him, gets a weapon in his hand to signify that he's ready to fight the good fight and a piece of cloth comes flying in the air and coils around his head like a snake to form a turban. And yes, Baba holds his other hand in the yogic mudra that has now become the actor's political symbol. Interestingly, the 2002 film ends with 'To be continued' – was that to say a sequel was on the way, or a cinematic announcement about Rajini's entry into politics? More than a decade ago, Rajini fans were flummoxed by the film and what the actor wanted to say through it. It did so badly that Rajini had to compensate distributors and theatre owners. Fifteen years later, the film lends itself to a more informed reading. Just as in Baba, Rajini has positioned himself as entering the political arena not for power, but because the people "need" him. In his speech, the actor asserted that he had been compelled to join politics because he was disgruntled with how the state was being run. The actor reminded his fans that if he so wished, he could have grabbed power at 45 years of age and that he had chosen to wait thus far only because his real intentions were not political power, but something loftier. Rajini has kept his political ideology under the broad heads of 'anti-corruption' and 'transparency', much like his contemporary from the cinema industry Kamal Haasan, who is also looking to enter politics. However, those who have watched Rajinikanth's political moves closely suspect that his desire to infuse politics with 'spirituality', translates to aligning with Hindutva forces to saffronise the state. Rajini's party is yet to take off. For all his talk on spirituality and higher goals, will his political avatar be a hit or a flop like Baba? In a state that has been ruled by two Dravidian parties which have their origins in the rationalist movement? Only time can tell.

MollywoodArun Gopy will play the lead in a film helmed by Ratheesh Raghu Nandan.Digital Native Arun Gopy-compressed.jpgDigital NativeDirector Arun Gopy, who shot to limelight with his directorial debut Ramaleela, starring Dileep in the lead role, is all set to make his debut as an actor. According to reports, he has been roped in play the lead role in a movie that will be helmed by Ratheesh Raghu Nandan and produced by Krishnan Sethuraman under his banner Sreevari Films. According to sources in the know, the film has not been titled yet. On Arun Gopy deciding to don the greasepaint, we hear that he was impressed with the script so much that he decided to take up the role offered to him. Director Arun Gopy shot to limelight with his first venture Ramaleela that released on September 28th this year after a lot of struggle. The film was supposed to release in July but following the arrest of its lead star in the actor assault case, its release was postponed. Finally, Ramaleela made it to the silver screens and despite all odds turned out to be a massive hit. Made on a budget of Rs. 14 crores by Tomichan Mulakuppadam under his banner Mulakuppadam Films, the film went on to collect Rs. 55 crores. Written by Sachy and directed by Arun Gopy, Ramaleela had Dileep and Prayaga Martin as the lead pair with Kalabhavan Shajon, Mukesh, Radikaa Sarathkumar, Siddique, Vijayaraghavan, Suresh Krishna, Renji Panicker, Ashokan, Sai Kumar, Lena, Sreejith Ravi, Sadiq and Anil Murali in the star cast. Gopi Sunder had composed music for this film with Shaji Kumar handling the camera and Vivek Harshan editing it. With Ramaleela turning out to be a big hit, there were expectations on what Arun Gopy’s next directorial would be. But with reports that he will be turning an actor, movie buffs are waiting to see him in action. Enanble Notification: NoTNM Marquee: No...

This year’s Sundance Film Festival will boast an eclectic mix of 66 short films across four sections, including U.S. Narrative, International Narrative, Animated, and Documentary. This year’s slate includes new offerings from filmmakers like Don Hertzfeld, who is bringing the followup to his previous Sundance effort, “World of Tomorrow,” to the annual festival, plus names like Marshall Curry, Diane Obomsawin, and Marc Johnson. Talents best known for their on-screen skills, like Dev Patel and Anna Margaret Hollyman, will also be bringing directorial efforts to the festival.

After debuting at Sundance, select short films will be presented as a traveling program at 75 theaters in the U.S. and Canada, and short films and filmmakers take part in regional Master Classes geared towards supporting emerging shorts-makers in several cities. The Short Film program is presented by YouTube.

Read More:Sundance 2018 Programming Breakdown: Big Buys, Actor-Directors, and Hot-Button Issues

Mike Plante, Senior...

Padma Lakshmi is currently in Miami promoting her new book, Love, Loss and What We Ate: A Memoir, and on Saturday, the Top Chef host took a break from her busy schedule to hit up the beach with her daughter, Krishna Thea. Clad in a white fringe swimsuit, Padma looked stunning as she flaunted her bikini body while splashing around in the ocean. In addition to showing off her fit figure, Padma has been documenting her adventures on Instagram. On Friday, she shared a photo of her colorful lunch, and hours later, she posted a cute snap of her and Krishna using the deer filter on Snapchat, writing, "#littlehands and I messing around with filters! Not sure why I find this so funny but I do!!!! #mommyandme." It's safe to say that Padma and her daughter are having an excellent time in Florida. Related:Over 100 of Hottest Swimsuit Moments of 2016...

With August almost over and September around the corner, we’re only a few weeks away from the start of Fantastic Fest, taking place September 22nd–29th in Austin, Texas. Following the announcement of the first wave of programming earlier this month, the second wave of films have now been revealed, including even more titles for horror, sci-fi, and suspense fans to look forward to seeing:

Press Release: Austin, TX – Thursday, August 25, 2016 – Alamo Drafthouse’s Fantastic Fest delivers another dose of cinematic decadence with its second wave of programming. Procured once again from the most curious corners of the genre universe, Fantastic Fest is proud to announce its opening film, Denis Villeneuve’s stunning Arrival. Arrival marks Villeneuve’s Fantastic Fest debut, which has proven to be worth the wait as his spectacular science fiction feature promises to kick off proceedings in explosive fashion.

It wouldn’t be Fantastic Fest...

Fantastic Fest has announced the second wave of programming for this year’s edition of the Austin-based fête, which runs from September 22 — 29. “The Bad Batch,” a new restoration of 1971’s “The Zodiac Killer,” “Toni Erdmann,” “The Handmaiden” and opening-night selection “Arrival” are among the most prominent selections, with a number of appropriately oddball offerings thrown in as well. Full list below.

“Aalavandhalan” (Suresh Krissna)

Kamal Hassan stars in this ridiculously entertaining tale of an Indian commando pitted against his own serial killer twin brother in a deadly race to save the beautiful Tejaswini from certain death.

“Arrival” (Denis Villeneuve)

When mysterious spacecraft touch down across the globe, an elite team — led by expert linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) — are brought together to investigate. As mankind teeters on the verge of global war, Banks and the team race against time for answers — and to find them, she will take a chance that could threaten her life,...

Padma Lakshmi is proud to show off every part of her body – including her nipples – and she's glad Elle India gave her the platform to do so.

"Yup those are my nipples. So what?" she captioned a photo on Instagram from her cover shoot for the magazine. "We have all become so afraid of what a woman's natural body actually looks like these days. Thank you @elleindiaofficial for not airbrushing them out!"

The Top Chef host – who visited Goa for the first time during her shoot – also went on to defend her changing body. "They used to be a bit higher but you know #littlehands,...

Padma Lakshmi is proud to show off every part of her body - including her nipples - and she's glad Elle India gave her the platform to do so. "Yup those are my nipples. So what?" she captioned a photo on Instagram from her cover shoot for the magazine. "We have all become so afraid of what a woman's natural body actually looks like these days. Thank you @elleindiaofficial for not airbrushing them out!" The Top Chef host - who visited Goa for the first time during her shoot - also went on to defend her changing body. "They used...

Padma Lakshmi is proud to show off every part of her body - including her nipples - and she's glad Elle India gave her the platform to do so. "Yup those are my nipples. So what?" she captioned a photo on Instagram from her cover shoot for the magazine. "We have all become so afraid of what a woman's natural body actually looks like these days. Thank you @elleindiaofficial for not airbrushing them out!" The Top Chef host - who visited Goa for the first time during her shoot - also went on to defend her changing body. "They used...

From living in America as a young Indian woman to her rollercoaster of relationships, Padma Lakshmi is revealing intimate details about her life in her new memoir Love, Loss, And What We Ate. In the book, on stands now, she opens up about her childhood, life as a mother to daughter, Krishna, 6 - and, yes - how she keeps such a svelte figure while being a host of the famed cooking show Top Chef. The 45-year-old sat down with People and Entertainment Weekly's editorial director to personally discuss the details. Watch The Jess Cagle Interview, in full, above!

From life as a young Indian woman living in America to her rollercoaster of relationships, Padma Lakshmi is revealing intimate details about her life in her new memoir Love, Loss, And What We Ate. In the book, on stands now, she opens up about her childhood, life as a mother to daughter, Krishna, 6 - and, yes - how she keeps such a svelte figure while being a host of the famed cooking show Top Chef. The 45-year-old sat down with People and Entertainment Weekly's editorial director to personally discuss the details. Watch The Jess Cagle Interview, in full, above!

In Padma Lakshmi's new memoir, Love, Loss, And What We Ate, excerpted in this week's People, the star reveals she ate her placenta after the birth of her daughter Krishna in 2010.

Worried about regaining her strength after giving birth, she decided to consume her placenta in pill form. The primary benefit, she writes, "was warding off post-partum depression, something I feared more than fatigue. And I had bouts of depression myself at various times in my life."

Watch more of The Cagle Interview with Padma Lakshmi on People.com all week.

Still, she admits, "The idea of it still bugged me.

In Padma Lakshmi's new memoir, Love, Loss, And What We Ate, excerpted in this week's People, the star reveals she ate her placenta after the birth of her daughter Krishna in 2010. Worried about regaining her strength after giving birth, she decided to consume her placenta in pill form. The primary benefit, she writes, "was warding off post-partum depression, something I feared more than fatigue. And I had bouts of depression myself at various times in my life." Watch more of The Cagle Interview with Padma Lakshmi on People.com all week.Still, she admits, "The idea of it still bugged me.

She has a new book titled “Love, Loss and What We Ate,” and Padma Lakshmi admits she was thrilled and perplexed when she got pregnant with her daughter Krishna.

Given her endometriosis, the “Top Chef” star was told she wouldn’t be able to conceive, so it was obviously unexpected when she found out she had a bun in the oven- especially because she had been dating two different men at the time.

Padma told people, "I was shocked and elated. And then I was like 'Hold on, wait a minute.' A question began to nag at my giddiness: not so much 'How?' but the far more uncomfortable 'Who?'” Lakshmi explained that she was seeing Img CEO Teddy Forstmann and Dell Computer honcho Adam Dell, though Dell wound up being her babydaddy.

Want to get Padma Lakshmi up and moving? Throw on some Prince – any Prince.

The Top Chef host opens up about her musical preferences and more to People and Entertainment Weekly editorial director Jess Cagle during a game of The Cagle Exercise.

Lakshmi, 45, answers a series of rapid fire questions ranging from fun (she wouldn't be "caught dead" in a Hummer) to serious (she's "bad" at "being diplomatic").

"My last meal would be what and I would eat it with who?" Cagle asks.

"My last meal would be fried chicken and I would eat it with [daughter] Krishna," the Love, Loss...

Want to get Padma Lakshmi up and moving? Throw on some Prince - any Prince. The Top Chef host opens up about her musical preferences and more to People and Entertainment Weekly editorial director Jess Cagle during a game of The Cagle Exercise. Lakshmi, 45, answers a series of rapid fire questions ranging from fun (she wouldn't be "caught dead" in a Hummer) to serious (she's "bad" at "being diplomatic"). "My last meal would be what and I would eat it with who?" Cagle asks. "My last meal would be fried chicken and I would eat it with [daughter] Krishna," the Love,...