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The remarkable resurgence of Malayalam cinema’s performance in the first quarter 2024. ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

During the first quarter of 2024, Malayalam cinema witnessed a remarkable resurgence. Movies such as ‘Premalu,’ ‘Bramayugam,’ ‘Manjummel Boys, and ‘Aadujeevitham’ have not only achieved success at the box office but have also earned praise for their high-quality content, attracting audiences not only from Kerala but also from neighboring states. Furthermore, significant releases like ‘Abraham Ozler’ and ‘Anweshippin Kandethum’ have also managed to draw decent crowds to theaters throughout the first quarter of the year.

The industry’s films cater to a broad audience, reaping rewards for average audiences and film buffs. Once again, the Malayalam film industry shines brightly, standing tall amidst challenges faced by Bollywood and other film sectors.

In 2023, according to Manorama, despite a staggering 220 film releases, only around 15 managed to turn a profit. It marked a record-breaking year for Malayalam cinema, with...

Anjana Jayaprakash, the rising star of Malayalam cinema, has bagged a big project with none other than the megastar Mammootty. The actress, who impressed the audience with her performance in the web series Queen and the film Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum, will play the female lead in Mammootty’s next action entertainer, directed by Vysakh and written by Midhun Manuel Thomas.

The film, which is tentatively titled Adi Pidi Josum Indulekhayum, is produced by Mammootty’s own banner Mammootty Kampany. The shoot of the film is expected to start soon, after Mammootty wraps up his ongoing projects. This will be the first time that Midhun Manuel Thomas, the creator of the popular Aadu franchise, will pen a script for Mammootty.

#AnjanaJayaprakash (Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum fame) will be the heroine of Mega @mammukka – Vyshak – Midhun Manuel Thomas' team's Mass Action Entertainer… next one from Mammootty Kampany

Shoot starts soon…

Rumoured title – അട...

ReviewIt is no mean task, playing a character well over a decade older than you, but Shanthi Krishna carries the role of the illustrious Dr Malathy with a deeply impressive conviction.Screengrab: YouTube / Bijibal OfficialIn debutant director Indu Lakshmi’s Nila, it is through sheer serendipity that the film’s protagonist Malathy (Shanthi Krishna) stumbles upon Nila, a young woman with a mellifluous voice and a distinct Kannur slang, who lives next door to her in a high-rise apartment. For the septuagenarian who has been confined to her bed due to an accident that broke her spine, Nila comes as a balm for her loneliness, someone she can talk to and share her day with. As she sings to her from the adjacent balcony, Malathy sighs with a smile while lying on her bed, immersing herself in her younger friend’s soothing voice and nodding along in contentment. It is a heartwarming friendship,...

For anybody who has grown up on Sathyan Anthikad movies, it is not news that he is known for directing soulful dramas about daily life and relationships. Many of his films are a testament to how drama can be subtle without any theatrics. As an extension of his style of storytelling and filmmaking, his son Akhil Sathyan brings you Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum, which loosely translates to Pachu’s magical lamp. The movie is about a man whose change in travel plans brings him unexpected luck. There are elements of love, loss, struggle, determination, and an overall understanding in this film dealt with the utmost care. A wholesome film such as this one takes the viewer on a pleasant journey.

Spoilers Ahead

Pachu’s Life In Mumbai

Prashanth, who is known as Pachu, runs an Ayurvedic store in Mumbai, and it has been a while since it has seen some progress...

Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil, who is awaiting the release of his comedy drama film ‘Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum’, has shared that the film presents an emotional journey peppered with comedy and drama.

Written and directed by Akhil Sathyan, the film stars Fahadh Faasil as the protagonist – Prashanth Rajan aka Pachu, with Anjana Jayaprakash, Mohan Agashe, and Indrans in pivotal roles. It narrates the story of a Mumbai-based middle-class Malayali businessman – Pachu, who travels to Kerala for an errand.

Talking about the film, Fahadh Faasil said, “My character, Pachu, is an ordinary man, who lives an ordinary life but suddenly finds himself on this extraordinary journey, which changes his perspective of life and everything in it. ‘Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum’ is a beautiful story of an emotional journey, sprinkled with comedy, and drama, making it a light and engaging watch for audiences of all ages.”

During Pachu’s visit, a series of unexpected...

InterviewBy asking her to play the Ummachi in Fahadh Faasil’s ‘Paachuvum Albuthavilakkum’, director Akhil Sathyan has changed her life, says the 71-year-old cancer care professional in an interview with Tnm.By the time we meet Ummachi in Akhil Sathyan’s Paachuvum Albuthavilakkum, enough has been said to create some mystery around her. This is the woman Fahadh Faasil’s character has to accompany on a train journey – a 71-year-old who, for some reason, refuses to take a plane to Mumbai to meet her son. When she appears on screen, there is the immediate effect of seeing a refreshing face with untellable expressions, making you wonder about her. You will wonder more when you find out about Viji Venkatesh, the actor who played Ummachi. Looking up Viji Venkatesh will give you pages about her long professional career working with cancer patients. She has authored books and has been holding a...

InterviewIn an interview with Tnm, Akhil Sathyan discusses how he made his mark despite his famous last name, how Fahadh Faasil came to star in ‘Paachuvum’ after the initial plan with Nivin Pauly, and more.The story, Akhil Sathyan was sure, would not be confined to the familiar territories of Kerala. It would spread to Mumbai, to Goa, to the trains along the way. That and his documentary making experience was going to make people look beyond the ‘feel-good’ genre that his first film as a director would be categorised as, he knew. When Paachuvum Albuthavilakkum finally came out after three years of hard work, that’s just what happened – people did look beyond the genre that Akhil’s famous father, filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad, is known for. They saw a well-made film, and a fresh and unique treatment of a not-so-unusual theme. “That is one reason I took it away...