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3 Movies Which Will Keep You Hooked Until Panchayat Season 4 Arrives! (Photo Credit – Prime Video)

After three much-loved seasons, viewers are now waiting with bated breath for the arrival of Panchayat Season 4, which premieres on Amazon Prime Video on June 24, 2025. If you love the rustic charm and simple storytelling that define Panchayat, some other heartfelt village-centric films have similar warmth, realism, and relatable characters. Here are three beautifully crafted movies you can stream on Ott right now to fill the gap until Phulera’s next chapter arrives on your screen.

3. Village Rockstars (2017) Streaming On – Netflix IMDb Rating – 7.2/10 Directed By – Rima Das

Plot: The heartwarming Assamese language drama follows a ten-year-old girl named Dhunu (played by Bhanita Das), who lives in poverty in rural Assam. After seeing a group of boys performing at a local event, she dreams of forming a rock band of her own. Defying societal norms and with the support of her single mother,...

Talented Malayalam actor Shane Nigam makes his transition to Tamil cinema with a film that is high on noise decibel. Like many other rustic fables, Madraskaaran (the man from Madras) assumes that all non-citified folks speak at the top of their voice as though everyone is deaf. The noise pollution is meant to add to the ongoing drama. What it does in Madraskaaran is to partially conceal its writing frailties.

Once we cross the basic premise—a guy hits a pregnant woman while driving—there is nothing much to be said except to fuel the feud that ensues. Writer-director Vaali Mohan Das trudges through the din of mob fury with little control over the hectic activity. While the jostle and shove of angry mobsters is a highlight, most of the fighting and screaming have more bark than any real bite.

Calamitously, the narrative doesn’t allow Sathya (Shane Nigam) and...

Madraskaaran, Shane Nigam, Tamil drama (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Shane Nigam, the Mollywood star, made his Kollywood debut as the lead in the film Madraskaaran. Unfortunately, the film’s performance at the box office was lackluster. In less than a month since its theatrical release, the film is set to make its Ott debut. It had a prime release timing, hitting theaters during the Pongal season, but still struggled to make an impact.

Plot

The story follows an average, everyday individual who becomes the target of mysterious assassins sent by a powerful man with a personal vendetta. The protagonist must uncover the reason behind these attacks to protect his family and end the threat.

Cast and Crew

Written and directed by Vaali Mohan Das, the film features Shane Nigam, Niharika Konidela, Karunas, Aishwarya Dutta, Geetha Kailasam, Kalaiyarasan, and others in the cast. Prasanna S. Kumar handles the cinematography, with music composed...

Madha Gaja Raja release date confirmed (Photo Credit – YouTube)

A long-forgotten project is set to make a surprising comeback this Pongal season. After being shelved for 13 years, Madha Gaja Raja, directed by Sundar C of Aranmanai fame, is finally gearing up for release. The film stars Vishal, known for hits like Mark Antony, alongside an ensemble cast featuring Santhanam, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, and Anjali.

Although completed over a decade ago, the movie’s release was delayed indefinitely until now. On January 3, 2025, it was officially announced that the film would hit screens on January 12, 2025, adding an unexpected twist to the festive lineup.

Kings of Entertainment @VishalKOfficial #SundarC @iamsanthanam

A @vijayantony musical

are all set to make this Pongal a Laughter Festival.

Gemini Film Circuit’s#MadhaGajaRaja

worldwide release on Jan 12.#MadhaGajaRajaJan12

#Mgr #மதகஜராஜா @johnsoncinepro pic.twitter.com/9gfRXMUkH0

— Santhanam (@iamsanthanam) January 3, 2025

Madha Gaja Raja is produced by Gemini Film Circuit, with Vishal Film Factory handling distribution.

Here’s A Look At The Top Tamil Movies Releasing In Pongal 2025 (Photo Credit – YouTube)

The year 2025 has arrived, bringing excitement for movie lovers. Many films are scheduled to be released in theaters. With Pongal and Sankranti celebrations approaching, Tamil and Telugu cinemas are preparing for big releases. Several Telugu movies will soon hit theaters, including Ram Charan’s Game Changer and Venkatesh Daggubati’s Sankranthiki Vasthunam. Similarly, Tamil cinema has an exciting lineup for Pongal. Here are the top Tamil movies releasing this festival season.

1. Madha Gaja Raja

Starring Vishal, Santhanam, Anjali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Sonu Sood, Manivannan, Subbaraju, and Rajendran, Madha Gaja Raja was originally planned for release during Pongal 2013. After a long delay of 12 years, it is finally releasing on January 12, 2025. The movie is an action-comedy directed by Sundar C. It promises a mix of thrilling action and emotional moments. Vishal plays the lead role. The cast includes Santhanam,...

Top South Indian Horror Movies to watch on Ott ( Photo Credit – YouTube; Prime Video )

If you are fans of horror thrillers and want to see more scary movies, this list is for you. Here are the top 10 South Indian horror films that you can watch on platforms like Hotstar and Prime Video. These movies will give you chills and thrills, offering a mix of fear and excitement.

1. Masooda IMDb Rating: 7.2/10 Available on: Aha

Directed by Sai Kiran and starring Thiruveer, Kavya Kalyanram and Sangeetha, Masooda is a Telugu film that mesmerized audiences with its powerful visual storytelling. The performances of Thiruveer and Sangeetha are especially noteworthy.

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2. Bhoothakaalam IMDb Rating: 7.5/10 Available on: Sony Liv

Directed by Rahul Sadasivan and starring Shane Nigam and Revathi, Bhoothakaalam had breathed new life into the haunted house genre. The film transforms a typical...

Pushpa 2: The Rule: David Warner Goes ‘Pushpa Pushpa’ Crazy! Allu Arjun Responds With Epic Challenge ( Photo Credit – YouTube; Instagram )

The fever for Allu Arjun’s upcoming film Pushpa 2: The Rule is reaching a global scale! Cricket superstar David Warner couldn’t resist showing his love for the film’s first single, Pushpa Pushpa.

David Warner took to social media, commenting on Arjun’s reel featuring the song, “Oh dear, how good is this. Now I’ve got some work to do @alluarjunonline”

( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Arjun, never one to shy away from a challenge, replied with a playful, “… it’s easy… I will show you when we meet”

Trending Ilayaraja’s Copyright Dispute Rocks Lokesh Kanagaraj’s ‘Coolie’ Atif Aslam Makes Mollywood Debut With The Musical Love Story ‘Haal’ Starring Shane Nigam

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A post shared by Allu Arjun (@alluarjunonline)

This epic online exchange...

Atif Aslam Makes Mollywood Debut With Shane Nigam’s Haal (Photo Credit –Instagram)

Atif Aslam, the Pakistani crooner known for works like ‘Aadat,’ ‘Woh Lamhe,’ ‘Pehli Nazar Mein,’ and ‘Tera Hone Laga Hoon,’ is all set to grace the Malayalam silver screen in Shane Nigam’s flick ‘Haal.’ Shane Nigam, the heartthrob lead of this romantic saga, has officially announced Atif Aslam’s involvement in the venture. Moreover, Nigam couldn’t contain his excitement over Atif Aslam‘s rendition of the film, confessing his utter captivation. The melodious composition hails from the talents of newcomer Nandagopan V, enriched by the soulful verses penned by Mridul Meer and Neeraj Kumar.

Shane Nigam posted a picture with the singer on Instagram. Check it out:

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A post shared by Shane Nigam (@shanenigam786)

Times of India reports that the singer has laid down the track in a foreign studio.

Box Office – Maidaan is hanging in there, will go past 50 crores mark soon – Tuesday updates(Photo Credit –YouTube)

Maidaan is hanging in there at the box office in its third week. The weekend gone by had seen 4.80 crores coming in and now on the weekdays it’s bringing in collections, albeit on the lower side. While on Monday it collected 60 lakhs*, today’s numbers stood at 50 lakhs*. The drops have been on expected lines but thankfully not a big one which means the weekdays will bring in around 2 crores more.

The film has now reached 45.19 crores* and soon enough it will score a half century at the box office which is expected by the close of the fourth weekend. Now honestly, this is the kind of a number that should actually have been crossed by the film in its extended opening weekend itself and that too was actually the bare minimum expectation from it.

Bramayugam: Plot, Predictions, Expectations, & More ( Photo Credit – Instagram ) What is it about?

“Bramayugam” is a horror thriller set in the dark periods of Kerala’s history, revolving around enigmatic characters and mysterious locales. The trailer suggests a narrative centered on life and death in a time loop, featuring Mammootty in a chilling role alongside Arjun Ashokan and other prominent actors. The film introduces elements of magic, mystery, and a cyclical time loop, promising a captivating cinematic experience.

Who is behind it?

Crafted under the direction and scripting of Rahul Sadasivan, featuring dialogues penned by T. D. Ramakrishnan, ‘Bramayugam’ is a production of Night Shift Studios and Ynot Studios, helmed by producers Chakravarthy Ramachandra and S. Sashikanth. The ensemble cast comprises Mammootty, Arjun Ashokan, Sidharth Bharathan, Amalda Liz, and more. Cinematography is skillfully executed by Shehnad Jalal, complemented by the musical compositions of Christo Xavier.

Is it going to be a success?...

Vela is an upcoming Malayalam film that stars Shane Nigam and Sunny Wayne as police officers who work in a control room in Palakkad. The film is directed by debutant Syam Sasi and written by M Sajas, who previously penned the Asif Ali-starrer Mandharam. The film is produced by Cyn-Cyl Celluloid and distributed by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films.

The film is billed as an emotion-centric crime drama that is inspired by actual events. The plot revolves around the complex relationship between two police officers, Mallikarjunan (played by Sunny Wayne) and Ullas Augustine (played by Shane Nigam). Ullas is a new recruit who joins the control room and has to deal with many false messages that come his way. He faces a dilemma whether to follow or ignore those messages, or to report them to his seniors. Mallikarjunan is a senior officer who has a different approach to his...

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

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

Cherathukal Song

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

Malayalam cinema is witnessing a lot of action and excitement in the month of September. Here are some of the latest updates on the upcoming and ongoing movies in the industry.

Rdx, the action thriller starring Shane Nigam, Antony Varghese and Neeraj Madhav, has started streaming on Netflix from September 24. The movie, which was released in theatres on August 23, had to stop its screening from the second shows on September 23 due to the Feouk rule, which mandates a 28-day gap between theatrical and Ott release. Rdx Trailer

And the movies playing streaming platforms can not be run in theatres. Rdx, directed by Nahas Hidayath, is a high-octane film that revolves around a hacker who gets involved in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a mysterious enemy.

Kannur Squad, the crime drama starring Mammootty, Vijayaraghavan, Rony David and Shabareesh Varma, is all set to release in theatres from September 28. The movie,...

Qalb is an upcoming Malayalam movie directed by Sajid Yahiya, who is known for his previous films Idi and Mohanlal. The movie is a story of love, featuring newcomers in the lead roles. The teaser of the movie was released recently, with Vineeth Sreenivasan’s voice over narrating the theme of the movie.

The teaser shows glimpses of the characters and their emotions, as they face various challenges and situations in their lives. The movie promises to be a realistic and relatable portrayal of love and its complexities. The teaser also reveals that the movie is produced by Friday Film House, one of the most talked about production houses in the south, which has delivered many successful and critically acclaimed movies in the past.

Qalb Teaser

Shane Nigam was supposed to act in the Qalb but later replaced. The movie has a fresh and talented crew, including cinematographer Sharon Srenivas,...

Weekend Blockbusters, the production house behind the blockbuster action thriller Rdx: Robert Dony Xavier, is all set to launch their next film with Antony Varghese in the lead role. The film, which is yet to be titled, will be directed by debutant Ajith Mampally, who has earlier worked as an assistant director in films like Wolf and Chathur Mukham. The film is said to be a revenge action drama set against the backdrop of the sea. The pooja ceremony of the film will take place on September 16.

Antony Varghese, who is popularly known by his screen name Pepe, has become one of the most sought-after actors for action roles in Malayalam cinema. He made his debut in 2017 with Lijo Jose Pellissery’s Angamaly Diaries, which earned him critical acclaim and several awards. He then starred in Swathandriam Ardharathriyil, Jallikattu, Ajagajantharam and Rdx, all of which were successful at the box office.

Malayalam cinema, also known as Mollywood, is one of the most vibrant and diverse film industries in India. Malayalam films are known for their realistic portrayal of social issues, cultural diversity, artistic experimentation, and technical excellence. In this article, we will look at the top 10 highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time, based on their worldwide collections.

10. Rdx (2023) Rdx Trailer

Rdx is a new action film of Antony Varghese, Neeraj Madhav, and Shane Nigam. It is directed by Nahas Hidayath and produced by Weekend Blockbusters. The film was released on 25 August 2023 and became a hit, grossing ₹65 crore (US$9 million) worldwide1. The film is about the life of three mysterious individuals who are involved in a series of heists and chases. The film features well-choreographed action sequences and a nunchak fight. The film has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.

9. Drishyam (2013)

This film is a thriller that follows the ordeal of Georgekutty,...

ControversyIn April this year, the Kerala Film Producers Association had said their members would not include these two actors in films because of complaints about their misconduct on the sets.Shane Nigam, Sreenath BhasiKerala film bodies have decided to cooperate with actors Shane Nigam and Sreenath Bhasi, four months after office bearers of various organisations said that they would not include the actors in their films any longer. Following complaints of the actors’ conduct on the sets, allegedly under the influence of drugs, the Kerala Film Producers Association had declared that they wouldn’t include the two actors in their films and that they had communicated the decision to other film bodies such as the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (A.M.M.A.) and Film Employees Federation of Kerala (Fefka). However, they have withdrawn the ‘ban’ after Sreenath Bhasi reportedly apologised to the associations and Shane Nigam agreed to make course-corrections. In April,...

Kochi, Aug 29 (Ians) Kerala film bodies have decided to lift the ban on upcoming actors Shane Nigam and Sreenath Bhasi.

In April this year, various film bodies including Amma, Fefka (19 different organisations) and producers association, producer Renjith had said that the behaviour of actors Shane Nigam and Sreenath Bhasi has crossed all limits and till they do not mend their ways, none from the industry will cooperate with them.

The complaint against them was that the actors do not honour their commitments and arrive late on the sets.

Actor Bhasi has apologised to the associations while Nigam also agreed to make course-corrections.

–Ians

sg/dan...

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,...

Malayalam cinema is known for its rich and diverse genres, ranging from realistic dramas to thrilling mysteries. But one genre that never fails to attract the audience is action. In 2023, there are three action films that are creating a lot of buzz and anticipation among the fans. These are Rdx, Chaaver, and King of Kotha. Let us take a look at what makes these films so special and why you should not miss them.

Rdx: A Commercial Entertainer with Three Leads Rdx Trailer

Rdx is the debut film of director Nahas Hidayath. The film stars Shane Nigam, Antony Varghese, and Neeraj Madhav in the lead roles. The film is produced by Sophia Paul, who has backed some of the most acclaimed films in recent times, such as Bangalore Days, Munnariyippu, and Minnal Murali.

Rdx is an action comedy that revolves around three friends named Robert, Dony, and Xavier, who are...

Malayalam cinema is known for its experiments and innovations in various genres, and horror is no exception. The latest buzz in the industry is that Arjun Ashokan, who has impressed the audience with his versatile roles in films like June, Kumbalangi Nights, and Anjaam Pathiraa, will be playing the lead role in a horror thriller directed by Rahul Sadasivan. The film, which is yet to be titled, will also feature megastar Mammootty as the antagonist, according to sources.

Rahul Sadasivan made his directorial debut with Bhoothakaalam, a critically acclaimed horror film that starred Shane Nigam, Revathi, and Saiju Kurup. The film was praised for its gripping narrative, atmospheric cinematography, and haunting background score. It also won several awards, including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Sound Design.

Bhoothakaalam Trailer

The buzz is that Rahul Sadasivan has roped in Arjun Ashokan to play the protagonist in his next film, which...

Tovino Thomas, one of the most versatile and popular actors in Malayalam cinema, is all set to star in a political thriller directed by Anuraj Manohar. The film, which is yet to be titled, will be produced by Plan J Studios and Anto Joseph Film Company.

Tovino with Team

The announcement was made on social media by the official handle of the project, which shared a group photo of Tovino, Anuraj, Anto Joseph and Jomon T John, the founder of Plan J Studios. The caption read, “After Completing Rajavu Anuraj Manohar Tovino Project Starts! Action Political Thriller Produced By Plan J Studios & Anto Joseph Film Company”.

This will be the second directorial venture of Anuraj Manohar, who made his debut with the romantic thriller Ishq in 2019. The film, which starred Shane Nigam and Ann Sheetal in the lead roles, was a critical and commercial success. It dealt with the theme...

ControversyAfter two hours of a raid on writer-director Najeem’s room, the Excise department had found nothing incriminating, prompting the film body to call the tipoff a conspiracy.Najeem, Unnikrishnan / courtesy - Manorama NewsThe Film Employees Federation of Kerala (Fefka) has strongly objected to the raid conducted on the room of Malayalam scriptwriter and director Najeem Koya and has called for an investigation into the individuals responsible for spreading false information. The raid, carried out by 15 to 20 officials from the Excise Department three days ago, was prompted by a tipoff but yielded no incriminating evidence. B Unnikrishnan, filmmaker and general secretary of Fefka, expressed concerns about a criminal conspiracy to frame Najeem during a press conference held in Kochi on June 8. “Najeem was returning to his hotel after the day’s work – he is directing a web series for Hotstar now. A number of officials came to his room and...

ControversyThe actor made the comment days after actors Sreenath Bhasi and Shane Nigam were called out by film producers for allegedly using drugs and creating problems on film sets.Days after film producers in Malayalam cinema named two actors for their alleged drug use during work, other people from the industry have spoken about the problem of addiction. Actor Tiny Tom, known for his comic performances, said that his wife and he didn’t want their son to act in Malayalam cinema because of the risks of substance abuse in the industry. “Recently, I worked with an actor who is addicted to drugs so much that his teeth are getting affected. But some young people would say he acts well because he uses it,” Tiny Tom said at a public function. He then spoke about an offer that his son got to act as the child of a big actor,...

ControversyThe producer, who also heads the Kerala Film Producers Association, stated that several films were shot in Kasargod recently because of easy access to drugs there.Malayalam film producer M Renjith has expressed his regret for hurting the people of Kasargod. The producer had spoken about substance abuse during a press meet last week, where the Kerala Film Producers Association announced their decision not to cooperate with actors Shane Nigam and Sreenath Bhasi anymore. Renjith, the president of the Association, said that their decision was a result of complaints about the conduct of actors in film sets and attributed it to drug use. Renjith's comment that several of the recent films were shot in Kasargod, the northernmost district of the state, because of the “easy availability of drugs," had offended many. Actor Rajesh Madhavan, who is from Kasargod and has been part of movies shot there, reacted to the comment on Dool News,...

MollywoodProducer Sophia Paul had reportedly cited this letter while filing a complaint against Shane with the Kerala Film Producers’ Association, accusing him of indiscipline and unprofessional behaviour.Shane Nigam / InstagramA letter purportedly written by Malayalam actor Shane Nigam to producer Sophia Paul, requesting that his character in the upcoming film Rdx be given primary importance in the film as well as in the marketing, promotion, and branding stages, is now circulating on social media. It is learnt that Sophia produced this letter to file a complaint against Shane with the Kerala Film Producers’ Association, which became one of the reasons behind the Association’s recent decision to not include the actor in their future films. The Association had also announced its intention to avoid working with actor Sreenath Bhasi, alleging that the two actors have been creating issues on sets with their “indulgence in drugs”. In the letter, Shane has...

CinemaMinister Saji Cherian said the government will seriously look into the issues after a few top Malayalam film bodies raised concerns about the use of drugs in the industry.Kerala Culture Minister Saji CherianWith major stakeholders in the Malayalam film industry expressing deep concern over the "influx of drugs" in the industry, Kerala Culture and Films Minister Saji Cherian, on Wednesday, April 26, said that the government will seriously look into issues. "We plan to hold a conclave extending for even two days by inviting all the stakeholders in the film industry. We expect the cooperation of all towards the efforts of the government," said Cherian. Minister Saji Cherian was reacting to the concerns levelled by a few top Malayalam film bodies on Tuesday admitting that there is use of drugs in the industry and they will approach the state government for a proper probe. "Mere statements will not do good,...

Thiruvananthapuram, April 26 (Ians) With major stakeholders in the Malayalam film industry expressing deep concern over the “influx of drugs” in the industry, Kerala Culture and Films Minister Saji Cherian on Wednesday said the government will seriously look into issues.

“We plan to hold a conclave extending for even two days by inviting all the stakeholders in the film industry. We expect the cooperation of all towards the efforts of the government,” said Cherian.

Cherian was reacting to the concerns levelled by a few top Malayalam film bodies on Tuesday admitting that there is an influx of the use of drugs in the industry and they will approach the state government for a proper probe.

“Mere statements will not do good, if there is a request which comes from the industry into what they raised, definitely the government will seriously look into it, as this is a grave issue,” added Cherian.

Top Malayalam film bodies on Tuesday admitted that there is an influx of the use of drugs in the industry and they will approach the state government for a proper probe.

After a meeting of the various film bodies here, including the Amma (representing the actors), the Fefka (19 different organisations spanning drivers to directors) and the producers association, producer Renjith said the behaviour of actors Shane Nigam and Sreenath Bhasi has crossed all limits and hence till they mend their ways, none from the industry will cooperate with them.

“These two do not honour their agreements and arrive late on the sets. Their behaviour has become intolerable and has become a pain for fellow actors and others and hence we have no other way but to announce that we will, from now on, not cooperate with these two,” he said.

Incidentally, it was on April 18 that the Fefka had met...

ControversyAlleging that the two actors have created issues in the films they work in by their indulgence in drugs, the producers association said that they cannot be held responsible anymore.Shane and Sreenath / Kumbalangi NightsOffice bearers of the Kerala Film Producers’ Association have said that they will not be responsible for the problems created by actors Shane Nigam and Sreenath Bhasi in the films they work with. At a press conference on Tuesday, April 25, producer and head of the association Renjith M said that they have taken a call not to include these two actors in their films, who allegedly created issues by their indulgence in drugs. The producers association has informed other film associations – such as the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (A.M.M.A.) and Film Employees Federation of Kerala (Fefka) – about their decision. However, this is not a ban and any producers and filmmakers who are willing to cast...

Listicle On April 6, 7, and 8, at least six films will be released in various genres, ranging from crime thriller to drama and comedy.Poster of Corona PapersEaster is around the corner, and a number of Malayalam films are ready for release on the weekend. On April 6, 7, and 8, at least six films will be released in various genres, ranging from crime thriller to drama and comedy. 1. Corona Papers - Coming from director Priyadarshan, it is an unexpected genre — crime thriller. The director known for his classic comedies using a plethora of actors have gone against both practices. Shane Nigam and Shine Tom Chacko lead the film, which is also produced by Priyadarshan. Corona Papers releases on April 6. 2. B 32 Muthal 44 Vare - This debut by Shruthi Sharanyam is a well-made satire on the myth of a woman's perfect body. Through the stories of five women and a queer person, the film trashes stereotypes...

OpinionOnce upon a time, toxic love was extensively romanticised on screen. But today, with such narratives under scrutiny, there have been attempts to address the intricacies of toxic relationships.During an interaction for an interview, scriptwriter Sanjay (one half of the Sanjay-Bobby duo) spoke about how liberating it is to no longer see heroes slapping heroines in Malayalam cinema. There was a time when one ‘tight slap’ was mandatory in most films (especially family dramas) to ‘tame’ the heroine so that she would go back to complete the patriarchal happy family picture. But with the political correctness lens firmly fastened on films by social media, writers and filmmakers are thinking twice before sitting complacently on their conditioned belief systems. Once upon a time, love was extensively romanticised and lopsided on screen. There were many instances of toxic love being normalised, as well as celebrated, without question. But today, with such narratives under scrutiny,...

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 26 (Ians) Ace director Priyadarshan, who has made super hit movies in Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, has announced the April release of his latest film, ‘Corona Papers’.

With Shane Nigam and Shine Tom Chacko in the main roles, ‘Corona Papers’ is an action thriller, according to the makers. Gayatri Shankar, who played a significant role in the Malayalam movie ‘Na Than Kesu Kodu’, is the heroine.

Priyadarshan has written the script and is producing it under the banner of the Four Frames production house. The story of the film is by Sree Ganesh.

The movie has quite a formidable lineup of actors, including Siddik, Sandhya Shetty, P.P. Kunhikrishnan, Maninanpillai Raju, Jean Paul Lal, Sree Dhanya, Vijileesh, Biju Pappan, Sreekanth Murali, and Menka Sureshkumar, father of noted Tamil actress Keerthi Suresh.

Divakar S. Mani does the cinematography, Ayyappan Nair presides over the editing table, and M.R. Rajakrishnan is the music composer.

MollywoodMalayalam cinema showcased some great films and exceptional performances this year. Here is Tnm’s pick of the best Malayalam movies of 2022.CrisYear 2022 was in some ways a comeback year for new films, which could once again be released in theatres after the rules of physical distancing brought in by the Covid-19 pandemic faded away. The piled-up movies of previous years were released one by one, and new ones were made. Original stories were told and actors took on unconventional roles. Here is Tnm’s pick of the best Malayalam movies of the year. Bhoothakaalam -- Bhoothakaalam was not a typical horror film although it could send shivers down your spine for several long minutes. But at its centre is the theme of a mother-son relationship going through a rough patch. The horrors of the house in fact appear to help bring them together. Revathy, after a long time, had...

OpinionThe Kfpa has imposed a ‘temporary ban’ on an actor who verbally abused an anchor, but actor-producer Vijay Babu and director Liju Krishna, accused of rape, are yet to face any action.Lakshmi PriyaAllegations of abusive behaviour during a promotional interview has cost Malayalam actor Sreenath Bhasi dear. A day after he was arrested for verbally abusing a woman anchor and was released on bail, he has now been ‘temporarily banned’ by the Kerala Film Producers’ Association (Kfpa). Speaking to the media, the executive members of the Kfpa had said that they were happy with how Bhasi was responding to the consequences of his actions. He had apparently “acknowledged his mistake and expressed regret'', and reacted in a “responsible manner” when he was summoned for an explanation. The association, however, is “duty-bound” to take action, especially considering he is still under police investigation. Fair enough, if one thinks about it.

OpinionThe recent controversy over a Sreenath Bhasi interview has brought back some old debates, including how celebrities are perceived off screen and the way interviews are conducted.CrisInterviewers are clearly not having a good time. Only a few days ago, a reporter had asked Tamil filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon a question about a Mani Ratnam film, apparently mixing up the work of the two directors. Gautham Menon, without losing his cool, answered the question as if he was Mani Ratnam, not bothering to correct the reporter. Naturally, a short clip of this question and answer soon went viral. Bloopers like these, humiliating to the interviewer, but often taken in a lighter vein by everyone else, have been made as long as there have been interviews. But nothing beats the unexpected outburst of Malayalam actor Sreenath Bhasi during an online media interview recently. A woman interviewer was asking him a question...

ReviewThe romantic comedy, directed by Jeevan Jojo, tries to have variety, but for the most part the film is stuck in ancient story structures, ironically falling into the kind of ‘bracket’ the movie tries to go against.CrisScreenshot from the filmIt looked like somebody, while watching glimpses of Jab We Met, had an idea to raise their hands and hold them like brackets, and imagine that the space in between contains chunks of arbitrary events in life. That ended up as Ullasam, the new film featuring Shane Nigam and a talented new actor, Pavithra Lakshmi. The film, a romantic comedy directed by Jeevan Jojo, tries to have variety, and some of it is enjoyable. But for the most part the film is stuck in ancient story structures, ironically falling into the kind of ‘bracket’ the movie tries to go against. Shane is a joy to watch, clearly coming out of...

Death The 58-year-old actor was known for her roles in films such as ‘Kumbalangi Nights’, ‘Virus’ and ‘Vellam’, and she also worked as an assistant director for various films. Tnm StaffInstagram/ Kunchacko BobanActor and assistant director Ambika Rao, known for her work in the Malayalam film industry, passed away on Monday, June 27 after suffering a cardiac arrest. She was 58 years old. The actor, who is known for her role in the film Kumbalangi Nights (2019), was admitted to a private hospital in Ernakulam, where she passed away. As per the Times of India, the actor was undergoing treatment after contracting Covid-19. She is survived by her children Rahul and Sohan. In the hit 2019 Malayalam film Kumbalangi Nights co-starring actors Fahadh Faasil, Shane Nigam, Soubin Shahir and others, Ambika Rao essayed the role of Baby (Anna Ben) and Simmy’s (Grace Antony) mother. She is also known for her performance in films...

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

MollywoodTwo other recently released Malayalam films ‘Pada’ and ‘Veyil’ will also be streaming on Over-the-top (Ott) platform Amazon Prime Video shortly.Tnm StaffScreengrab/ YouTubeThe makers of Tovino Thomas’s recently-released Malayalam film Naradan announced on March 29 that the film will be streaming on Over-the-top (Ott) platform Amazon Prime Video from April 8. Sharing the announcement, Amazon Prime Video shared a poster on Tuesday, March 29 and wrote, “Watch Tovino Thomas and Anna Ben, in Aashiq Abu’s Naradan.” The film hit the big screens on March 3. Directed by Aashiq Abu, the film features Tovino Thomas, Anna Ben, Sharafudheen, and Vijayaraghavan in main roles. Naradan is the dramatic journey of Chandraprakash, a journalist working at News Malayalam. He is a talk show host and television news anchor with a huge audience appeal. He is under pressure to do stories that will increase the channel's rating from his editors and bosses. When a fellow journalist,...

MollywoodHelmed by filmmaker Tk Rajeev Kumar, the film co-stars actor Shaylee Krishen.Tnm StaffShane Nigam/ InstagramMollywood actor Shane Nigam’s upcoming movie Bermuda is gearing up for theatrical release. The actor announced the release date and shared a new post in his latest Instagram post. Bermuda is slated for theatrical release on May 6 this year. “Bermuda theatrical release on May 6th, 2022. Hope your prayers are with us,” Shane wrote. Helmed by filmmaker Tk Rajeev Kumar, the film stars actors Shane Nigam and Shaylee Krishen. Vinay Forrt will also be appearing in the film as a policeman. The poster features the reflection of Shane Nigam’s face in water. The poster and title hint that the movie will be discussing the Bermuda Triangle. A motion poster from the film was earlier released by actor Kunchacko Boban in June last year. “Happy to release the motion poster of movie ‘Bermuda’ Good luck RajivEttan,...

ReviewYou get to see the continuing growth of Shane Nigam as a performer, who can seem rigidly unmoving at one moment and exploding with emotion at another.CrisIt is difficult to pin Veyil to a particular genre of movie. The film is well-made, has some lovely performances, but doesn’t keep you all that engaged. You are interested in the characters and you’d like to know what happens to them, but you lose focus not knowing where the story is going. It is an enjoyable two and a half hours, but would have been more enjoyable at two. Nevertheless, you get to see the continuing growth of Shane Nigam as a performer, who can seem rigidly unmoving at one moment and exploding with emotion at another. Sarath Menon, the debut director and writer, clearly knew what he was doing. It is a shame the film ran into unnecessary controversy...

MollywoodThe retort, with two words of profanity, has been used in multiple memes to call out any misogynistic lines glorified in films in the past.CrisAlert: Spoilers ahead Malayalam film production house Aashirvad Cinemas uploaded a video from Mohanlal’s 2000 movie Narasimham on Valentine’s Day. If one wondered why the misogynistic proposal by Mohanlal to actor Aishwarya was reposted instead of being forgotten forever, well that’s because the production house was unhappy – perhaps even outraged. The scene has been mercilessly trolled – and that’s where the Freedom Fight meme comes in. Last scenes in films, and especially those with sharp comebacks, can sometimes have a rippling effect. It happened after Ishq, when a middle finger was raised dramatically on the face of patriarchy. And now, it is happening after Freedom Fight, an anthology, in which at the end of the first segment, a woman, expected to stay quiet...

FilmsRevathy’s ‘Bhoothakalam’ and Rohini’s ‘Kolaambi’ are only two of the latest examples to prove how little used many senior women actors are.CrisRohini in 'Kolaambi'It needn’t have been so, but seeing the large picture of Revathy in the poster of Bhoothakaalam was strangely alluring. Not because it was dark and looming, but that it was there, as big as the other actor in the poster – Shane Nigam, young and male and budding. Revathy is in her 50s, an actor who was very active at the turn of the 90s when she was young and budding. For so many years now, she moved away from the centre of a film to behind the curtains and the inside rooms where as a mother character, she often parted words of wisdom or shed tears for an erring son or daughter and then disappeared. It’s what several women actors who...

MollywoodThe film’s cast includes actors Suraj Venjaramoodu, Shine Tom Chacko, Merin Jose Pottackal, Shine Tom Chacko, James Elia and Sree Rekha in pivotal roles. Tnm StaffFacebook/ Shane NigamThe release of Malayalam actor Shane Nigam’s upcoming movie Veyil has been postponed due to a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases. The film was initially slated to hit the big screens on Friday, January 28. Actor Shane Nigam took to Instagram on January 27 to announce that the makers have decided to postpone its theatrical release. The official letter released by the makers states that they have postponed it in view of the surge in coronavirus cases while also adding that they will reschedule it for a later date when there is an improvement in the situation. Billed as a family drama, Veyil’s cast includes actors Suraj Venjaramoodu, Shine Tom Chacko, Merin Jose Pottackal and actor Shine Tom Chacko in pivotal roles.

Film CommentaryThe title can be read as ‘the past’ and ‘the time of demons’ and the film is simultaneously about both. How does the past sow the demons that we have to confront in the present? Sowmya Rajendran*Major spoilers ahead. This is not a review but a closer look at the film and its themes. Malayalam film Bhoothakaalam premiered on SonyLiv on January 21 and has become an instant favourite with fans of the horror genre. With a minimal cast and hardly any dependence on visual effects, the film has emerged as one of the scariest horror films to come out in recent times. At the heart of Bhoothakaalam, directed by Rahul Sadasivan, who co-wrote it with Sreekumar Shreyas, is the troubled relationship between a mother and son, Asha (Revathy) and Vinu (Shane Nigam). The title can be read as ‘the past’ and ‘the time of demons’ and the film is simultaneously about both.

Mollywood Veyil, directed by debutant Sarath Menon, will feature actors Shine Tom Chacko, Merin Jose Pottackal and James Eliya in pivotal roles.Tnm StaffFacebook/ Shane Nigam Actor Shane Nigam took to Facebook on Thursday, December 9 to announce that his long-awaited Malayalam film Veyil is set to release on January 28. However, the poster that the actor posted does not specify if the film will be releasing in theaters or have a direct Over-the-top (Ott) premiere. The film was initially slated for theatrical release on June 4, but was postponed due to the pandemic. Touted to be a family drama, Veyil marks Sarath Menon’s directorial debut. It is also written by Sarath. The trailer of the film was unveiled in August last year. Shane Nigam will be seen as a college student who decides to leave his house after there’s a misunderstanding between him and his family. Merin Jose Pottackal and...

MollywoodDirector Anuraj Manohar made his directorial debut with the hit 2019 film ‘Ishq’. Tnm StaffFacebook/ Anuraj Manohar, Nivin Pauly Actor Nivin Pauly took to social media on Sunday, November 28 to announce the title of his next film with director Anuraj Manohar. The upcoming film has been titled Shekhara Varma Rajavu. The script is penned by S Ranjith. Sharing the title poster, Nivin Pauly wrote: “Announcing our next #ShekharaVarmaRajavu Joining hands with director @anurajmanohar and writer @yes_ranjith. Rolling soon”. Anuraj made his directorial debut with the 2019 film Ishq. Written by Ratheesh Ravi, Ishq features Shane Nigam, Ann Sheetal and Shine Tom Chacko in pivotal roles. Nivin was last seen in the Malayalam film Kanakam Kamini Kalaham, which premiered on Over-the-top (Ott) platform Disney Plus Hotstar. The film is helmed by Android Kunjappan Ver 5.25 fame director Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval. Kanakam Kamini Kalaham features Grace Antony opposite Nivin, while the cast also includes Sudheesh,...

Mollywood The motion poster features actor Vinay Forrt as a policeman.Tnm StaffPopular Mollywood actor Kunchacko Boban unveiled the motion poster of the upcoming Malayalam movie Bermuda on Friday. Helmed by filmmaker Tk Rajeev Kumar, the movie stars actors Shane Nigam and Shaylee Krishen. Vinay Forrt appears as a policeman along with a few cats, who are seen peeping into a water body in the motion poster. The first-look poster of the movie also featured Shane Nigam resting his face in the water. The underwater backdrop in the posters as well as the title indicates that the movie is likely to discuss the Bermuda Triangle. Sharing the motion poster on Facebook, Kunchacko Boban wrote, “Happy to release the motion poster of movie “Bermuda” Good luck RajivEttan, Badushah, Shain Nigam, dear friend Vinay Fort and the entire team.” Actor Shane Nigam, who is playing the lead role in the movie, thanked...

“There’s a Shammi in every one of us.” This was said by Shyam Pushkaran, the writer of “Kumbalangi Nights” about the villain of the film. Anyone from Kerala or the whole India itself who watches the film will agree on that. “Kumbalangi Nights” shows a villain who has been portrayed as the image of masculinity among the common man, who thrives on his patriarchal power for decades in cinema. But that is just the tip of the iceberg; the film has a lot to say through a simple story that leaves you with a smile at the end.

Kumbalangi Nights is about the lives of four brothers Saji (Soubin Shahir), Bobby (Shane Nigam), Bonny (Sreenath Bhasi) and Franky (Mathew Thomas) from the fishing hamlet of Kumbalangi and how their lives change with the entry of some characters into their lives. The four brothers live in a...