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As 2024 unfolds, many good films in regional cinema are waiting to satiate the taste buds of the audience. Featuring superstars Mammootty, Mohanlal and Gippy Grewal, these films promise to bring a new style of storytelling.

These include ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban’ starring Malayalam superstar Mohanlal in the title role. The film has been helmed by acclaimed director Lijo Jose Pellissery, and marks the first collaboration between Mohanlal and Lijo. The film is scheduled for release on January 25, 2024.

Then there is the Punjabi film ‘Warning 2’ starring Punjabi superstar Gippy Grewal. It revolves around a series of crimes and counter-attacks. Directed by Amar Hundal, the film serves as a sequel to the 2021 film ‘Warning’, and will release on February 2.

‘Anweshippin Kandethum’ stars Tovino Thomas as a cop. The film has been shot in the picturesque locales of Kerala, and also stars Siddique, Indrans, Jaffer Idukki, Harisree Ashokan, and Alencier. This suspenseful thriller also marks...

India’s Yoodlee Films has unveiled a star-studded 2024 release slate across languages.

Malayalam-language cinema superstar Mammootty, who had a phenomenal 2023 with critical and commercial hits “Kannur Squad” and “Kaathal – The Core,” headlines “Bazooka.” Directed by debutant Deeno Dennis, the film is a game thriller, a category not often explored in Indian cinema. The cast also includes actor-directors Gautham Vasudev Menon and V.K. Prakash, Siddharth Bharathan and Shine Tom Chacko. The Malayalam-language film is scheduled for release in early 2024.

Mohanlal, Malayalam-language cinema’s other superstar, leads action-drama-fantasy “Malaikottai Vaaliban.” Written by P.S. Rafeeque, the film is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery, whose credits include “Jallikattu,” “Amen,” “Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam” and “Churuli.” The Malayalam-language film is due to release on Thursday, Jan. 25, ahead of the Jan. 26 Republic Day holiday, ensuring a long box office weekend.

Punjabi-language cinema superstar Gippy Grewal headlines “Warning 2,” the second part of what is planned as an action franchise,...

The fans of Tovino Thomas are in for a treat as the first glimpse of his upcoming movie ‘Anweshippin Kandethum’ will be released tomorrow at 6:00 Pm. The actor himself announced the news on his social media handle with a poster that shows him in a cop avatar. The movie is directed by debutant Darwin Kuriakose and written by Jinu V Abraham, who has penned films like ‘Adam Joan’ and ‘Kaapa’. The movie is touted to be an investigation thriller that revolves around a mysterious case that Tovino’s character has to solve.

The movie also features Siddique, Indrans, Shammi Thilakan, Alencier Ley Lopez, Harisree Ashokan, Jaffer Idukki, Baburaj, Vineeth Thattil, David Nandu, Rahul Rajagopal, Sreejith Ravi, Parangodan Aadya Prasad and Ramya Suvi in pivotal roles. The music is composed by Santhosh Narayanan and the cinematography is done by Dolwin Kuriakose. The editing is handled by Parare and the costume design is by Sameera Saneesh.

Kannur Squad, directed by Roby Varghese Raj, is a Malayalam film that follows a team of Kerala Police officers who travel to North India to catch a gang of robbers. The film showcases the challenges and risks faced by the cops in an unfamiliar terrain, as well as the political and social issues that complicate their mission. The film features Mammootty in the lead role of Asi George Martin, along with Kishore Kumar, Vijayaraghavan, Rony David and Sunny Wayne in supporting roles. The film is based on a real-life incident that happened in 2014.

Kannur Squad Trailer

If you enjoyed watching Kannur Squad, here are five other Malayalam movies that explore the genre of cop drama with realistic and thrilling narratives and ranked based on how similar to the Kannur Squad :

5. Action Hero Biju

Directed by Abrid Shine, this film stars Nivin Pauly as Si Biju Paulose, a cool and...

D149 is an upcoming Malayalam movie starring Dileep in the lead role. The movie is written by Rajesh Raghavan and helmed by actor-director Vineeth Kumar, who made his directorial debut with Ayal Njanalla in 2015. The movie is produced by Nad Group and Ugm EntertainmentAd12

The movie started rolling with a pooja function in March 2023 and was expected to have its major location at Chettikulangara in Mavelikara3According to the reports, the movie makers have approached a popular south Indian heroine for the female lead role3 The movie also features actors like Vishnu Unnikrishnan, Binu Adimali, Jaffer Idukki, Vijayan Pillai, Mohan Jose and Sudhi Kollam in supporting roles4

However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns and restrictions, the movie faced several delays in its shooting and post-production. The makers were initially planning to release the movie in theatres, but later decided to opt for a direct Ott release,...

Onam, the most celebrated festival of Malayalees, is also a time when movie buffs look forward to some exciting releases on the big screen. This year, three major films – Rdx, Ramachandra Boss & Co, and King of Kotha – competed for the audience’s attention and appreciation. Here is a brief review of each film, based on the ranking given by a user who watched them all.

1. Rdx: A thrilling action drama set in the 1980s Rdx Teaser

Rdx, directed by debutant Nahas Hidayath, is a multi-starrer film that features Shane Nigam, Antony Varghese, Neeraj Madhav, and Babu Antony in the lead roles. The film’s title stands for the names of the protagonists – Robert, Doney and Xavier – who are known for their knack for getting into fights. The film revolves around their past catching up to them years later when one of them gets into trouble.

The film has been praised for its gripping script,...

ReviewDirector Haneef Adeni attempts to give a comic treatment to a heist, with Nivin leading a gang of desperate individuals, but the poorly written script does nothing for the film.If, during the introduction of Nivin Pauly in an SUV in Ramachandra Boss & Co, you dozed off for a bit, you wouldn’t have missed much. Chances are, you will still find him driving the SUV, kicking up sand in the desert for whole minutes, before getting out to allow viewers a preview of himself. That this is one of the more tolerable sequences in the film tells you the amount of lameness awaiting you in the rest. Ramachandra Boss features a bunch of actors who have given memorable performances before, but none of them, including Nivin Pauly, can do much in this badly-wanting script about a heist and all that goes wrong with it. Haneef Adeni, who has made...

The much-awaited trailer of Nivin Pauly’s upcoming film Ramachandra Boss and Co is expected to release today or tomorrow, according to sources close to the production. The film, directed by Haneef Adeni, is a comedy drama that revolves around a heist planned by a group of expatriates in the UAE. The film also stars Vinay Forrt, Jaffer Idukki, Vijilesh, Mamitha Baiju, Aarsha Chandini Baiju and Sreenath Babu in pivotal roles.

The film’s first teaser, which was released on August 11, gave a glimpse of Nivin Pauly’s character Ramachandra Boss, who is referred to as a “common man” who is for “common people”. He builds a company and plans to loot a palace called “Amar Palace”. The teaser promised a complete masala entertainer with action, comedy and romance. The film’s tagline reads “Witness the biggest Pravasi heist”.

Rama

The film’s music is composed by Midhun Mukundan, while...

The first glimpse teaser of Nivin Pauly’s upcoming film Ramachandra Boss and Co is out and it promises to be a fun-filled heist comedy set in the UAE. The film, directed by Haneef Adeni, marks his third collaboration with Nivin after The Great Father and Mikhael. The teaser shows Nivin as Ramachandra, the leader of a gang of thieves who plan to rob a bank in Dubai. The film also features Vinay Forrt, Jaffer Idukki, Vijilesh, Mamitha Baiju, Aarsha Chandini Baiju and Sreenath Babu in pivotal roles.

The film is produced by Listin Stephen and Nivin Pauly under their banners Magic Frames and Pauly Jr. Pictures respectively. The technical crew includes Vishnu Thandassery as the cinematographer, Nishad Yusuf as the editor and Midhun Mukundan as the music composer. The film is expected to hit the screens for Onam 2023, along with other big releases like Dulquer Salmaan’s King of Kotha and the multi-starrer Rdx.

Nivin Pauly, the versatile actor who has impressed the audience with his performances in films like Premam, Moothon, and Thuramukham, is all set to entertain the fans with his upcoming heist comedy, Ramachandra Boss & Co. The film is written and directed by Haneef Adeni, who previously collaborated with Nivin in the action thriller Mikhael . The film also features Vinay Forrt, Jaffer Idukki, Mamitha Baiju, and Aarsha Chandini Baiju in supporting roles.

The title poster of the film was released by actor Suresh Gopi on his social media handles on Saturday. The poster shows a group of people standing on a pier overlooking a city skyline and a sunset. The tagline of the film reads “Lights; Camera; Heist !!!”. Nivin also shared the poster on his Instagram account and wrote, “Rolling the common man’s journey filled with fun, thrills and hope.”

Boss and Co Video

The plot details of the film are yet to be revealed,...

MollywoodThe film is directed by debutant Muhashin, based on a script written by Harshad.In a month, Kadin Kadorame Andakadaham, Basil Joseph’s new film, will be in theatres. The Malayalam actor-director says in a small promo video that the movie will release for Eid 2023. Eid may fall on April 20 or 21. The film is made by debutant Muhashin, from a script written by Harshad. Along with Basil, Johny Antony and Indrans play important roles. Also in the cast are Swathi Das Prabhu, Jaffer Idukki, Binu Pappu, Shibla, Sudheesh and others. The film is produced by Naisam Salam. No one-liners about the plot have been given out so far. But a few posters have come out showing Basil in various poses. In one, he is by the sea, holding money in both hands and smiling widely. In another, he is sitting with Swathi Das outside a wall, both of them looking glum.

ReviewActors are spilled across the narrative, but instead of adding to the frolic like in Alphonse’s previous films, in ‘Gold’ it is mostly just chaos.CrisImagine that tin game most of us played as kids – many names written in small chits of paper dropped inside a tin that is then shaken vigourously. After 160-plus minutes of Alphonse Puthren’s Malayalam comedy Gold, the head feels somewhat like that tin. I am still pulling out names from it, and I have managed to recall 30 so far. Star-studded is not the right word for Gold. The film has actors spilled all across the script and just as soon as you catch up with one name, the person is nowhere to be seen. It is of course Alphonse, a filmmaker known for penning long scripts and being generous with the cast. But in his two previous much-adored ventures if it added to the fun and frolic,...

ReviewDirector Jeethu Joseph once again throws a googly, presenting a darker, unexpected side of the protagonist and creating another enjoyable thriller, albeit with a few problems in the end.CrisAsif Ali in a police uniform is easy to get used to, perhaps because he was just seen in one in Kuttavum Shikshayum, Rajeev Ravi’s last. In Kooman, he is already on screen in the first scene, wearing a civil police officer’s uniform, smoking, walking into a scene of crime where a robbery had occurred. Solving it in minutes, he establishes himself as a smart police officer, but it is too early to put him in that bracket of the crime-solving good-natured ones of popular police stories. Director Jeethu Joseph once again throws a googly, presenting a darker, unexpected side of the protagonist and creating another enjoyable thriller. Kooman however eventually loses the grip it has in the earlier half,...

ReviewEven the performances by Jayasurya and Jaffer Idukki, two talented actors, can’t do much to bring alive the formulaic script, written by Suneesh Varanad.CrisAfter Nadhirshah’s first movie as a director, Amar Akbar Anthony, released, the song by a little girl in the film had become hugely popular, and the theme written around child sexual abuse had led to a debate – on how the film celebrated the idea of the public lynching of an accused and people taking law into their hands. In his fourth film, Eesho, already a subject of controversy because of the title which means ‘Jesus’ and an allegation of plagiarism, Nadhirshah goes back to the same theme and uses a similar song by a little girl right at the beginning. The film, poorly directed, differs little in terms of how the ‘criminals’ are dealt with, but in place of the comedy that Amar Akbar Anthony was,...

ReviewThere is a lot to like about Malayankunju. The dialogues are minimal and most of what we experience is through Fahadh’s frenzied eyes and his faltering screams.Sowmya RajendranFacebookEver since Kumbalangi Nights and its marvellous villain Shammi, Fahadh Faasil has built himself a reputation for playing characters who go over the edge. In Sajimon Prabhakar’s Malayankunju, he plays Anikuttan, a bigoted repairman for electronic goods who is hypersensitive to sound. And then, the family next door brings home a newborn. The constantly wailing baby breaks Anikuttan’s focus as he tries to fix the devices that clutter his room. The room may look cramped and functional to the average onlooker, but it is Anikuttan’s universe. A claustrophobia-inducing space that he willingly embraces. It’s a metaphor that makes more and more sense as the film progresses. It’s hard to empathise with Anikuttan. He is blatantly casteist...

ReviewTalented actors such as Sabumon, Johny Antony, Karamana Sudheer and others are wasted in clichéd ideas of humour.CrisThe main thought behind the making of Upacharapoorvam Gunda Jayan appears to have been to make a film with a lot of “comedy” in it. Nearly every scene is written with this idea, you can see. The problem with such ideas is that if the comedy fails, the entire film comes crumbling down faster than a house of cards. That’s what happens with Upacharapoorvam. Lead actor Saiju Kurup, and others including Sabumon, Johny Antony, Shabareesh Varma, Shailaja Ambu and a number of newcomers do try their best, but it really isn’t in their hands to save the film. The whole premise is a wedding that is about to happen in the house of ‘Gunda Jayan’ (Saiju Kurup), a man who had once been notorious as a goon and has, since then,...

OpinionDifferences of opinion about movies are best put forth as reviews in private or public spaces, but it is problematic when you want a film banned because you didn’t like it.CrisThe way Malayalis are taking offence at the use of profanities in Lijo Jose Pellissery’s new film Churuli, you’d think we were raised in an underground barn, much like Brendan Fraser in Blast from the Past, shielded from the nasty world and its evil designs. You’d think we were fed a steady supply of evangelical films – no bad words, no horrible deeds, everyone is as nice and warm as a teddy bear. Are we now following the example of a curious lot of people who seem to take offence at anything at all, real or imagined? It would seem that way, given that all this while we didn’t flinch at the rogues in cinema,...

ControversyThe film, which premiered during the Iffk in Kerala earlier this year, was released on SonyLIV on November 19.Tnm StaffStill from 'Churuli'After Lijo Jose Pellissery's newest film Churuli came out on a streaming platform, there has been a lot of talk around the language of the film. Churuli, derived from a story written by Vinoy Thomas - Kaligeminarile Kuttavalikal, was adapted into a screenplay by S Hareesh for Lijo. The film, which premiered in Kerala during the International Film Festival of Kerala in February this year, got released on SonyLIV on November 19. Since then, viewers have been commenting about the amount of curse words used in Churuli, some taking offence at it while others defended the freedom of art. Even prime time channel discussions were held to debate about Churuli's choice of dialogue. The film, dark and fantastical and humorous as most Lijo films are, shows the journey of two...

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

Mollywood‘Churuli’ had its world premiere at the 25th International Film Festival of Kerala (Iffk) earlier this year. Tnm StaffScreengrab/ Sony LIVDirector Lijo Jose Pellissery’s upcoming film Churuli is all set to stream on over-the-top (Ott) platform Sony Liv from November 19. A new trailer was unveiled by the streaming platform on November 11. The film had its world premiere at the 25th International Film Festival of Kerala (Iffk) earlier this year. It was also screened at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Churuli stars Chemban Vinod, Joju George, Vinay Forrt and Jaffer Idukki in pivotal roles. Churuli marks director Lijo Jose’s second collaboration with writer S Hareesh, who wrote the screenplay for hit Malayalam movie Jallikattu. The trailer opens with a woman retelling a folk tale about a rural legend and ghost living in the jungle- Perumadan, who has fun misguiding people. “He is a monster who leads everyone astray,...

ReviewThe film talks about the difficult situation that the police are placed in within the system, but also has a few problematic stances.CrisOn their way to a house in Piravom, a senior policeman explains to his subordinate that they are going on a “quotation” work – a euphemism for beating up people on assignment. “Even goons have the freedom to say yes or no to a quotation work, but we don’t,” says he, smiling pitifully. A young man had visited the house the night before to give a gift to a young woman living there. The woman happened to be related to a minister. The minister wanted action against the man. So, the policemen have to go to the house and create evidence that the man tried to burn it, and accuse him in a case. It is a short sequence in Nayattu (Hunt), quietly setting the premise of...

MollywoodSheelu Abraham has a lead role in the movie and Prithviraj Sukumaran makes a special appearance.Tnm StaffScreengrab from 'Star'The trailer of Star – an upcoming Malayalam film with Joju George and Sheelu Abraham in the lead – shows glimpses of a scary thriller, with eerie music, a big house, ‘muthassi kathakal’ (stories told by grandmothers) and women with long hair passing by. Prithviraj Sukumaran makes a special appearance in the film, presumably as a doctor. A problem appears to haunt the main female character Ardra, played by Sheelu Abraham. There is a disturbed husband played by Joju George, and children and older women are seen. Gayathri Ashok, Jaffer Idukki and other actors are also seen in the trailer. Watch: Thriller of Star The film is directed by Domin D'Silva and produced by Abraham Mathew under the banner Abaam Movies. The film is written by Suvin Somasekharan and edited by Lal Krishna.

MollywoodSunny Wayne plays the lead along with Gouri G Kishan of ‘96’ fame in this fantasy drama directed by Prince Joy.Tnm StaffThe second trailer of Anugraheethan Antony is mostly about the two dogs that the elderly Sidhique raises, fed up with his human son, played by Sunny Wayne. In what is said to be a fantasy drama, Sunny Wayne and young Gouri G Kishan of 96 fame play the lead characters, living in a typical Kerala town. Actor Dulquer Salmaan released the trailer on Tuesday with wishes for his dear “Sunnychan, Gouri, director Prince Joy and the entire team”. This is the first film that Prince Joy is directing. The producer is M Shijith. Naveen T Manilal has written the story and Arun Muraleedharan has composed the music. The cinematographer is Selvakumar S. Appu Bhattathiri edited the film before going off to make his directorial debut with Nizhal. Other actors in Anugraheethan Antony include Indrans,...

Mollywood'Upacharapoorvam Gunda Jayan’ is the first film distributed by Dulquer’s production company, Wayfarer Films.Tnm StaffMollywood actor Dulquer Salmaan released the first look poster of his friend and fellow actor Saiju Kurup’s 100th film, Upacharapoorvam Gunda Jayan, on Friday. March 12 also marked the occasion of Saiju’s birthday, and Dulquer Salmaan shared the poster of the film on social media along with well-wishes for the actor. He wrote, “Here is a first look poster from Upacharapoorvam GundaJayan ! This film marks my brother Saiju Kurup’s 100th film. And today being his birthday what better gift than to share this poster. We at Wayfarer Films are extremely happy to be a part of this lovely film and team. Happy Birthday Saiju Bhai !!! Here’s wishing you 100s more and all happiness, good cheer and health!” Upacahrapoorvam Gunda Jayan is the first film distributed by Dulquer under his home banner Wayfarer Films.

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

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

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

Movie ReviewBeautiful performances by Chemban Vinod and Vinay Forrt, humour, fantasy and mystery make ‘Churuli’ a charming film.CrisIf Churuli had a map, it’d be spiral-shaped, you imagine, a maze where you keep coming back to the same paths. There is a story that the people of Churuli like to recount to new visitors. A Namboothiri (dominant caste Malayali) had once gone in search of a perumadan – a phantom – that was leading everyone astray. Unknown to the Namboothiri, the perumadan was in a basket on his head, misleading him to take the wrong routes over and over again. Churuli, the newest film from Lijo Jose Pellissery, begins with this tale, setting the ground for the longer one ahead – of two policemen going in search of a slippery criminal. The film was screened at the International Film Festival of Kerala (Iffk). It’s going to be a bit dark and quite mysterious,...

MOLLYWOODThe ‘Cocktail’ actor shared a photo with Dulquer and revealed that she has begun shooting for the yet-untitled film.Digital NativeDigital NativeBollywood actor Diana Penty is all set to make her Malayalam film debut in Roshan Andrews’s untitled directorial venture, co-starring Dulquer Salmaan. The actor took to social media to reveal that she has begun shooting for the film, and posted a photo alongside her co-star Dulquer Salmaan. Taking to Twitter, Diana Penty wrote, "Cheers to new beginnings! Super excited to join @dulQuer, #RosshanAndrrews and the whole crew on this new journey - my first Malayalam film! Looking forward to the ride (sic)." Cheers to new beginnings! Super excited to join @dulQuer, #RosshanAndrrews and the whole crew on this new journey - my first Malayalam film! Looking forward to the ride ☺️ pic.twitter.com/zAtm5EnRmV — Diana Penty (@DianaPenty) February 9, 2021 The film has noted writer duo Bobby – Sanjay penning the script for the film,...

MollywoodThe movie will also be produced by the actor’s production firm Wayfarer Films.Digital NativeActor Dulquer Salmaan has recently announced his new film titled Upacharapoorvvam Gunda Jayan, which will be produced by his firm Wayfarer Films in association with My Dreams Entertainment. The film’s director is debutant Arun Vaiga and the script is written by Rajesh Varma. Reports are that it will be a comedy entertainer. Saiju Kurup, Siju Wilson, Shabareesh Varma, Johny Antony, Sabumon, Sudheer Karamana, Jaffer Idukki, Shani Shaki, Biju Sopanam, Vijilesh, Sagar Surya, Vrindha Menon, Parvathy, Nayana, Shailja, Radha Gomati, Uthara and others have been roped in to form the rest of the cast. The film’s music is by Bijibal, cinematography by Eldho Issac and editing by Kiran Das. The technical crew also includes Harinarayan for penning the lyrics and Akhil Raj Chirayil for taking care of the art department. Launching the title poster,...

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

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.

Lijo Jose Pellissery has his own definitions of movie making, which is a bold stand and many a time has nothing to do with the norms. And still, his conviction of each project is what keeps the subjects and treatments endearing for the viewer.

“Jallikattu” is Screening at Five Flavours Asian Film Festival

“Jallikatu” had a spectacular premiere at Toronto International film festival and later was screened at Busan film festival before it was released worldwide.

It is about a remote village in Thrissur which is obsessed with buffalo meat. Every day, a buffalo is slaughtered to satisfy the lust for meat. One fine morning, the buffalo gets away from the shed in which it was about to be slaughtered. It runs amok in the village creating havoc. The butcher, his assistant and later an estranged butcher (now with a rifle) all try to catch the buffalo as the villagers join in the frenzy.

MollywoodThe trailer comes at a time when the director has been arguing for the freedom of artistes to create content.Tnm StaffStill from 'Churuli'On the first of July, maverick director Lijo Jose Pellissery has put out the trailer of yet another seemingly dark film he's made, called Churuli. The little more than three minute trailer begins with animated visuals, as the voice of a woman narrates a tale. "Do you know who Perumadan is, Shajiva? He is a phantom who leads everyone astray. One day a Brahmin decided to capture him," begins the narration as a jeep full of men is seen riding through the woods. Actors Chemban Vinod and Vinay Forrt are among them, and it would seem that they're in charge of the capturing. The narration and the scenes get spookier as strange things begin to happen all around the party of men as they go in search of someone called Mayiladanparambil Joy.

Mollywood‘Ajagajandharam’, directed by Tinu Pappachan, is reportedly a sequel to his film ‘Swathandryam Ardharathriyil’.Digital NativeAntony Varghese has just wrapped up the shooting of his upcoming film, titled Ajagajandharam, which is directed by Tinu Pappachan. Reports are that this film is a sequel to the director’s hit movie Swathandryam Ardharathriyil. It has Chemban Vinod Jose and Tito Wilson in pivotal roles as well. The cast also includes Kichu Tellus and Vineeth Viswam and they have penned the film’s script as well. Arjun Asokan, Sudhi Koppa, Sabumon Abdusamad, and Jaffer Idukki form the rest of the cast. The technical crew of Ajagajandharam comprises Jinto George for handling the camera and Shameer Muhammed for the editing. The film is bankrolled by Immanuel Joseph and Ajith Thalapilliyum under the banner Silver Bay Studios with Central Pictures signing up its distribution rights. It may be noted here that Antony Varghese’ new film,...

Mollywood‘Ajagajandharam’, directed by Tinu Pappachan, is reportedly a sequel to his film ‘Swathandryam Ardharathriyil’.Digital NativeAntony Varghese has just wrapped up the shooting of his upcoming film, titled Ajagajandharam, which is directed by Tinu Pappachan. Reports are that this film is a sequel to the director’s hit movie Swathandryam Ardharathriyil. It has Chemban Vinod Jose and Tito Wilson in pivotal roles as well. The cast also includes Kichu Tellus and Vineeth Viswam and they have penned the film’s script as well. Arjun Asokan, Sudhi Koppa, Sabumon Abdusamad, and Jaffer Idukki form the rest of the cast. The technical crew of Ajagajandharam comprises Jinto George for handling the camera and Shameer Muhammed for the editing. The film is bankrolled by Immanuel Joseph and Ajith Thalapilliyum under the banner Silver Bay Studios with Central Pictures signing up its distribution rights. It may be noted here that Antony Varghese’ new film,...

Lijo Jose Pellissery has his own definitions of movie making, which is a bold stand and many a time has nothing to do with the norms. And still, his conviction of each project is what keeps the subjects and treatments endearing for the viewer.

“Jallikatu” had a spectacular premiere at Toronto International film festival and later was screened at Busan film festival before it was released worldwide.

It is about a remote village in Thrissur which is obsessed with buffalo meat. Every day, a buffalo is slaughtered to satisfy the lust for meat. One fine morning, the buffalo gets away from the shed in which it was about to be slaughtered. It runs amok in the village creating havoc. The butcher, his assistant and later an estranged butcher (now with a rifle) all try to catch the buffalo as the villagers join in the frenzy. What happens in the next...

Film CommentaryOn the surface, 'Jallikattu' is about a village chasing a buffalo that's broken free. But beneath that, it's the near breakdown of civilisation as we know it. Sowmya Rajendran*Spoilers ahead When I was a schoolgirl, I remember a train journey when two men were fighting over a berth late at night. With utter disregard to the sleeping passengers, they kept shouting and throwing one 'challengu' after another at each other. I woke up and started giggling helplessly at the intensity of their ridiculous fight as my mother desperately tried to shush me, not wanting to anger them further. The desire to establish who's the alpha male even in the most juvenile of situations has become a subject of interest in contemporary Malayalam cinema. Starting with Maheshinte Prathikaram to the recent Kumbalangi Nights and now Jallikattu (based on a story by S Hareesh), these films break down...

MollywoodThe actor who played the female lead in ‘Luca’ has sung a cover version of the song ‘Neeyilla Neram’ from the film and posted it online.Digital NativeThe cover version of the song ‘Neeyilla Neram’ from Luca has been released online and is capturing the attention of the netizens in a big way. It has been sung by Ahaana Krishna, the heroine in the film. Sharing a post about this song, Ahaana Krishna has posted online, “The first time I heard this beautiful song, which was sometime in February, I knew I had to make a tiny imperfect version of myself with this song.” She adds: "So yes.. here's a little something .. because it's been 57 days of Luca (sic)." Been wanting to sing a cover version for my own song for the longest time. The first time I heard this beautiful song , which was sometime in February .. I knew I...

MollywoodNazriya’s brother Naveen is making his acting debut with the film which will have Soubin playing the title role.Digital NativeA new poster of the upcoming Malayalam film Ambili featuring Naveen Nazim has been unveiled recently. Naveen, brother of well-known actor Nasriya Nazim, is making his acting debut with Ambili. The film has Soubin Shahir in the title role with Tanvi Ram making her acting debut. John Paul George of Guppy fame is the writer and director of the film. Ambili is touted to be a road drama. We also hear that Naveen will be playing an adventure junkie in it. The new poster shows him riding a bicycle with backpacks tied to the rear end, and wearing a helmet. Sharan Velayudhan is cranking the camera for this movie with Vishnu Vijay wielding the music baton and Kiran Das handling the edits. Vineesh is taking care of the art...

Mollywood The film is set to release on June 28. Tnm StaffThe trailer of the much awaited Luca released on Monday and it promises some nail-biting moments. The Tovino Thomas - Ahaana Krishna starrer was revealed to be an investigative thriller mixed with some amounts of romance. The nearly two minute long trailer introduces Tovino as Luca, an artist and Ahaana as Niharika. The clip features several cute, romantic moments between the lead pair along with mystery and suspense inducing scenes towards the end. The artistic vibe, including the colour palette and costumes of the leads add a uniqueness to each scene. While Tovino looks dashing as the bearded, aviators sporting scrap artist, Ahaana Krishna too has some fun costumes, including the traditional Christian Chatta and Mundu, she is seen wearing in one of the scenes. Directed by Arun Bose, Luca will be his debut film which he has penned along with Mridul George.

MollywoodThe film has Tovino Thomas and Ahaana Krishna playing the lead roles.Digital NativeThe first single from the upcoming Malayalam film Luca was released recently and it has managed to go viral. Reports are that the song has garnered one million views so far and is counting. This love song Ore Kannal has been filmed on the lead pair Tovino Thomas and Ahaana Krishna. Sooray S Kurup has composed the tunes with lyrics penned by Manu Manjith. Nandhagopan, Anju Joseph, Neethu Naduvathettu and Sooraj S Kurup are the playback singers doing complete justice to the song. Wielding the megaphone for Luca is the debut director Arun Bose. He has scripted the film in association with Mridul George. The technical crew of Luca will comprise Sooraj S Kurup to compose the tunes, Nimish Ravi for cranking the camera and Nikhil Venu for editing. The film is being bankrolled jointly by Linto Thomas...

MollywoodWelding the megaphone for 'Ishq' was debutant director Anuraj Manohar and the film was scripted by Ratheesh Ravi. Digital NativeDigital NativeThe Shane Nigam starrer Ishq had hit the silver screens and is doing well at the box office. The film has been receiving praise not only from the movie buffs but from the film fraternity as well. The latest to shower praises on Ishq is actor Sunny Wayne. He had posted on his social media page: “Enjoyed watching #Ishq. Congrats to each and every one who associated with such a superb film. And dear shine Tom chackoo u were fantastic as Alwyn!” Welding the megaphone for Ishq was debutant director Anuraj Manohar and the film was scripted by Ratheesh Ravi. Shane Nigam and Ann Sheetal played the lead roles in it with Shine Tom Chacko, Jaffer Idukki and Leona Lishoy in pivotal roles. Ishq was bankrolled by Mukesh R Mehta,...

MollywoodAhaana Krishna, who acts opposite Tovino in the film, was last seen in ‘Njandukalude Naattil Oru Idavela’.Digital NativeThe poster of the upcoming Malayalam film Luca was unveiled recently with its lead pair Tovino Thomas and Ahaana Krishna featuring in it. While there were speculations that it would be a romantic film, we now hear that it is an investigative thriller which also has some amount of romance. After the title was announced some time ago, the first-look poster of the film was released featuring Tovino Thomas painting a canvas. He apparently plays a scrap artist in the film. Ahanaa Krishna’s character is named Niharikaa. Wielding the megaphone for Luca will be debut director Arun Bose. He has scripted the film in association with Mridul George. The technical crew of Luca comprise Sooraj S Kurup to compose the tunes, Nimish Ravi for cranking the camera and Nikhil Venu for editing.

Opinion While it is appreciable that the film has chosen to address a serious issue, there is a problem in the way the victim's violence is glorified. CrisMalayalam film Ishq, from the time it began to be discussed in the media, was spoken of as a film that was not a typical love story. The title was even followed by the words ‘not a love story’. In the interviews before the release, the director Anuraj Manohar and its lead actor Shane Nigam spoke of a social issue with which the film deals. When the movie came out, it was hailed for the way it handled this social issue. While it is appreciable that the film has chosen to address a serious issue, there is a problem in the way the victim on screen retaliates. Revealing the social issue and the revenge would all be major spoilers, but that’s the...

MollywoodThe movie which begins promisingly enough, becomes a drag after a point and the issue of moral policing that it deals with is not handled well.CrisIt is almost like a disclaimer, the way the tagline rolls after the title of the movie: Ishq, ‘not a love story’. Do not worry, audience, we will not bore you with another boy-girl romance. So you know even as the movie begins with the all-too-real phone romance between Sachi (Shane Nigam) and Vasudha (Ann Sheetal), it is not going to last. You wait for something to go wrong. And when it does, the expectations you’d have built up till then – because there was a nice flow to the scenes so far – fall, one by one. Ishq may have tried to touch upon the real social problem of moral policing in the state, but the way it chooses to handle the problem is really wrong.

Mollywood From the first look and the title, it is evident that 'My Great Grandfather' will be a complete family entertainer. Digital NativeDigital NativeFor the first time in his career, Jayaram is playing a grandfather in his upcoming film My Great Grandfather and is excited about the role. The first look of the star in the film was released recently has got a good response. From the first look and the title, it is evident that My Great Grandfather will be a complete family entertainer. However, the poster shows Jayaram looking quite young with no signs of how the conventional grandpas are, which means he doesn’t look like he would be sporting grey hair in the film. The shooting of My Great Grandfather, directed by Aneesh Anwar, started in December last year with its release planned for this year. Sharing the screen space with Jayaram in the movie will...

MollywoodThe film is written and directed by Johnpaul George who has earlier made ‘Guppy’. Digital NativeThe first look poster of the film Ambili has been released. Directed by Guppy-fame Johnpaul George, the film will have Soubin Shahir playing the titular character. The actor took to his social media handle to release the first look poster of the film. The poster shows Soubin standing with a bunch of flowers in a colourful background - bordered by trees with more flowers. He is laughing openly, innocently in the frame, wearing winter clothes. The title had the 'A' of Ambili shaped like a bicycle. The story and script are written by the director. The film also features Naveen Nazim, brother of actor Nazriya Nazim and Tanvi Ram, a Kannur native, who are playing the two other leads in the film. Vettukili Prakash and Jaffer Idukki will be seen playing other important characters. The...

MollywoodBesides Jayaram, the song will also have the voices of actors Mallika Sukumaran, Vijayaraghavan and Surabhi Santhosh.Digital NativeWhen the official pooja of the Malayalam film Grand Father happened, the two biggies of the Malayalam film industry, Mammootty and Mohanlal had graced the occasion. While this by itself was a big promo for the film, here comes another piece of interesting news. Reports are that veteran actor Jayaram, who plays the main lead in the film, will be rendering his voice for a song. Besides Jayaram, the song will also have the voices of actors Mallika Sukumaran, Vijayaraghavan and Surabhi Santhosh. Vishnu Mohan Sithara is the music composer for this number and it has been penned by Dr Venugopal. The shooting of Grand Father, which is directed by Aneesh Anwar, commenced on December 12th and it will hit the marquee in April this year as a Vishu release. Sharing the...

MollywoodThe shooting of 'Grand Father', which will be directed by Aneesh Anwar, will start on December 12th with its release planned for Vishu in April next year.Digital NativeThe shooting of the Jayaram starrer Grandfather is all set to commence this month and the muhurat is scheduled to happen this Sunday, December 3rd. In a Facebook post, the film’s lead star revealed that Mammootty and Mohanlal will be the chief guests at this event and will kick start the proceedings. He wrote: “മമ്മൂട്ടിയും മോഹൻലാലും ചേർന്ന് ദീപം തെളിയിച്ച് എന്റെ പുതിയ സിനിമക്ക് തുടക്കം കുറിക്കുന്നു. ഇതിൽകൂടുതൽ എന്ത് വേണം. #GrandFather#PoojaInvitation | Mohanlal | Mammootty | Aneesh Anwar” The shooting of Grand Father, which will be directed by Aneesh Anwar, will start on December 12th...