MollywoodThe Mahesh Narayanan directorial starring Fahadh Faasil and Nimisha Sajayan in the lead roles will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on July 15.Tnm StaffScreengrab/ YouTubeThe makers of Fahadh Faasil’s much-awaited political drama Malik released the trailer of the movie on Tuesday, July 6. The trailer comes days after Amazon Prime Video announced that the movie will be premiering on the Ott platform on July 15. Sharing the trailer, Amazon Prime Video wrote, “A journey from the streets of Ramadappally to its throne. Trailer out now. Meet #MalikOnPrime July 15.” The trailer gives a sneak peek into the life of Sulaiman (played by Fahadh) and hints at an engaging political-thriller. We meet the younger Sulaiman, actively engaging in the local political turmoil in Ramadappally. In one scene, we see him urging people to fight for their own land. We hear him say: “We know how to protect our land”. In another scene, he says,...
- 7/6/2021
- by SaradhaU
- The News Minute
MollywoodThe political-thriller was initially slated for theatrical release on May 13 this year, marking the festival of Eid.Tnm StaffActor Fahadh Faasil’s most- anticipated political drama, Malik, is all set to premiere on Over-the-top (Ott) platform Amazon Prime Video. Helmed by C U Soon fame director Mahesh Narayanan, the movie will release on July 15. Sharing the news with fans, Amazon Prime Video wrote, “fafa is our maseeha Meet #MalikOnPrime July 15.” The political drama stars actors Fahadh, Biju Menon, Nimisha Sajayan, Joju George, Dileesh Pothan and Vinay Forrt in pivotal roles. Fahadh will be essaying the role of Sulaiman Malik in the film. Fans are eager to watch the actor’s performance since Fahadh had to undergo massive physical transformation in order to prepare for the role. His look from the promo and trailer videos, have gone viral on social media. The film was initially slated for theatrical release on May 13, marking the festival of Eid.
- 7/1/2021
- by SaradhaU
- The News Minute
Review The film opens to 74-year-old Kg George intensely watching a Federico Fellini film.Neelima MenonVeethi.comThirty minutes into the narrative we are introduced to Selma George, Kg George’s wife. She sits next to her husband and calmly recounts their 44 odd years of married life with this line— “He is a great artist but not a great family man. He has no sentiments for his family. Marriage meant only sex and good food for him. But he is undoubtedly one of the greatest filmmakers in the country.” George listens to her with an indulgent awkward smile and almost feebly cuts in— “Selma, that’s what I am.” That was perhaps the most stunningly revelatory part of that 125-minute documentary. However much of a cruel paradox that sounds, considering the repertoire of brilliantly nuanced female characters he has created on screen, anyone who has explored his filmography will be quick...
- 4/28/2021
- by Sowmya
- The News Minute
Mollywood In the trailer of the Mahesh Narayanan directorial, we see both actors in different avatars.Tnm StaffScreengrab/ YouTubeMalayalam actor Fahadh Faasil’s upcoming movie Malik is one of the most anticipated Mollywood movies of 2021. Putting an end to the long wait, the trailer of the film was released on Thursday. Malik is scheduled to hit the big screen on May 13 this year, coinciding with Eid. We see two different avatars of Fahadh in the one minute and 45 seconds long video. We are first introduced to an older version of Sulaiman (Fahadh’s character in the movie) who appears to be calm, spiritual and collected despite knowing that the police are plotting to kill him. Dressed in a white mundu and shirt, he comes across as an influential person who seems unshakeable. As the trailer progresses, we see the younger version of Sulaiman. Glimpses of Sulaiman leading political campaigns, handling crises and leading a mob,...
- 3/25/2021
- by SaradhaU
- The News Minute
MOLLYWOODThe actor reportedly shed close to 20 kilos for his role as Sulaiman Malik. Digital NativeDigital NativeThe makers of Fahadh Faasil's upcoming Malayalam film Malik have announced that the film will be releasing on May 13, 2021, on the eve of Eid. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, Malik have Fahadh Faasil playing the younger version of the character Sulaiman Malik. Reportedly, the actor had to lose 20 kilos for the role. The makers of Malik had released a working still from the set earlier this year, when fans saw the actor’s transformation for the first time. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mahesh Narayanan (@maheshnarayan_official) According to reports, Malik is based on a true story and it covers different time periods starting from the 1960s. It is said to be a film set in the coastal region where the minority communities are under threat of dislocation, and the hero...
- 12/23/2020
- by AditiKumar
- The News Minute
MollywoodThese unnerving scenes are sure to give you sleepless nights.Neelima MenonScreenshot: Disney+ HotstarIn this short list are some of the most psycho-esque moments in Malayalam cinema, captured and served to perfection. Dare we say winter is coming. It’s time to let the chill run down your spine. Some spoilers ahead! Mayaanadhi: In the climactic sequence of this Aashiq Abu directorial, written by Syam Pushkaran and Dileesh Nair, Mathan (Tovino Thomas) kneels near the riverside and the cops circle him. Despite foreseeing the event, as they take aim for an encounter shootout, we are still unprepared for when the bullet eventually knocks him down. Almost concurrently, it hits us like a bolt from the blue and the pain is as searing, physically and emotionally to the viewer. The next scene has Appu (Aishwarya Lekshmi) strolling into the night, peering over the shoulder for Mathan to run next to her.
- 11/20/2020
- by Vidya
- The News Minute
MollywoodThe film was earlier supposed to be penned by Rafi.Digital NativeDigital NativeAround late last year reports emerged that Fahadh Faasil will be playing the lead role along with Joju George in a film to be directed by debutant Sajimon. It was also reported that Rafi would pen the script for this film. It was to have gone on the floors early this year but had to be postponed due to the pandemic. Now, we hear that Sajimon, who had worked as an associate to directors Mahesh Narayanan, Vk Prakash and Venu, is gearing up to get this film on the floors early next year but there is a change in crew. Instead of Rafi, the script will be penned by noted editor-turned-director Mahesh Narayanan. Incidentally, Mahesh Narayanan’s directorial debut was with the Fahadh starrer Take Off. Also starring Parvathy, Kunchacko Boban and Divyaprabha, Take Off was not only...
- 10/29/2020
- by Vidya
- The News Minute
MollywoodThe actor has shed close to 20 kilos for some portion of the movie, which will be covering different time periods.Digital NativeThe makers of the upcoming Malayalam film Malik released a working still from the sets and fans are in awe over the total transformation of its lead actor Fahadh Faasil. The star, looking extremely skinny, can be seen listening into the conversation that the film’s director and the cinematographer are having. Earlier, Malik’s director Mahesh Narayanan said in an interview to the Times of India that Fahadh had to lose 20 kilos to play the younger version of the role Sulaiman Malik he plays in the movie. The director was quoted as saying, “He shed close to 20 kilos to play those portions. The other challenge was that we didn’t shoot the portions chronologically. We shot the entire thing in reverse; we started with the elder portions and then went to the younger.
- 4/27/2020
- by Cris
- The News Minute
MollywoodThe actor has shed close to 20 kilos for some portion of the movie, which will be covering different time periods.Digital NativeThe makers of the upcoming Malayalam film Malik released a working still from the sets and fans are in awe over the total transformation of its lead actor Fahadh Faasil. The star, looking extremely skinny, can be seen listening into the conversation that the film’s director and the cinematographer are having. Earlier, Malik’s director Mahesh Narayanan said in an interview to the Times of India that Fahadh had to lose 20 kilos to play the younger version of the role Sulaiman Malik he plays in the movie. The director was quoted as saying, “He shed close to 20 kilos to play those portions. The other challenge was that we didn’t shoot the portions chronologically. We shot the entire thing in reverse; we started with the elder portions and then went to the younger.
- 4/27/2020
- by Cris
- The News Minute
MollywoodThe actor also said that he will remain there until the end of the lockdown.Digital NativeMalayalam actor Joju George is currently in Wayanad undergoing a weight loss treatment. The actor, in a video released recently, said that he began the weight loss treatment even before the lockdown was announced but has decided to stay there until it ends. The Indian Express has quoted the actor as saying, “I came here before the coronavirus scare started. I'm undergoing treatment for weight loss and I haven't gone out at all. I intend to stay here until the lockdown is lifted.” The actor was in full praise for the Indian government and appealed to every citizen to abide by the government’s order and stay indoors. Joju George also said that everyone should stay united during these tough times and added, “This too shall pass, and we will come out of this happy.
- 4/3/2020
- by vignesh@thenewsminute.com
- The News Minute
MollywoodThe actor also said that he will remain there until the end of the lockdown.Digital NativeMalayalam actor Joju George is currently in Wayanad undergoing a weight loss treatment. The actor, in a video released recently, said that he began the weight loss treatment even before the lockdown was announced but has decided to stay there until it ends. The Indian Express has quoted the actor as saying, “I came here before the coronavirus scare started. I'm undergoing treatment for weight loss and I haven't gone out at all. I intend to stay here until the lockdown is lifted.” The actor was in full praise for the Indian government and appealed to every citizen to abide by the government’s order and stay indoors. Joju George also said that everyone should stay united during these tough times and added, “This too shall pass, and we will come out of this happy.
- 4/3/2020
- by vignesh@thenewsminute.com
- The News Minute
MollywoodAkhil Sathyan makes his debut as a director with this film.Digital NativeFahadh Faasil starrer Malik has been completed and will most likely release next month depending on the pandemic situation. Fahadh Faasil has now moved on to his next film which is to be directed by Akhil Sathyan. The upcoming film will go on the floors once things settle down, say sources. In the meantime, Fahadh will be gaining the weight which he shed for his role in Malik. Reports are in that he will be playing a Mumbai-based Malayali youth in the Akhil Sathyan directorial. Sources in the know say that, Viji Venkatesh, Dhwanu Rajesh, and Anjana Jayaprakash have been roped in to play the female leads in this flick. Of the three, Viji Venkatesh is a popular author while Anjana Jayaprakash played a role in the Tamil-English web series Queen. Teenager Dhwani Rajesh, who played a role...
- 3/23/2020
- by vignesh@thenewsminute.com
- The News Minute
MollywoodAkhil Sathyan makes his debut as a director with this film.Digital NativeFahadh Faasil starrer Malik has been completed and will most likely release next month depending on the pandemic situation. Fahadh Faasil has now moved on to his next film which is to be directed by Akhil Sathyan. The upcoming film will go on the floors once things settle down, say sources. In the meantime, Fahadh will be gaining the weight which he shed for his role in Malik. Reports are in that he will be playing a Mumbai-based Malayali youth in the Akhil Sathyan directorial. Sources in the know say that, Viji Venkatesh, Dhwanu Rajesh, and Anjana Jayaprakash have been roped in to play the female leads in this flick. Of the three, Viji Venkatesh is a popular author while Anjana Jayaprakash played a role in the Tamil-English web series Queen. Teenager Dhwani Rajesh, who played a role...
- 3/23/2020
- by vignesh@thenewsminute.com
- The News Minute
MollywoodThe makers recently released Fahadh Faasil’s look from the film, in which he's seen as a 57-year-old man.Digital NativeThe character poster of actor Nimisha Sajayan from the upcoming movie Malik is out on social media. Nimisha, with salt-and-pepper hair and glasses appears older than her real self and this look is winning praises from all quarters. Her character's name is Roslin in the film. The film has been scheduled to hit the marquee on April 12, to coincide with Vishu. Confirmation on this is currently awaited. The makers recently released Fahadh Faasil’s look from the film, in which he's seen as a 57-year-old man. Director Mahesh Narayanan revealed that this look was inspired by his grandfather. Fahad plays the character named Sulaiman, the leader of the coastal community in Kerala. It is also said that Fahadh Faasil will be appearing in four different get-ups, across four different timelines in this film.
- 3/19/2020
- by Anjana
- The News Minute
Mollywood‘Aviyal’ is a short film based on a true story and directed by Shanil.Digital NativeJoju George and Anaswara Rajan are playing the lead pair in the short film Aviyal. The teaser was shared by actors Tovino Thomas, Murali Gopy, Asif Ali, and Antony Varghese through their social media accounts and received a positive response. The short film, based on a true story, will also feature Athmiya, Ketaki Narayan, Sinil Sainudeen, and Anjali Nair among others. Shanil has directed Aviyal with Sujith Surendran bankrolling it. The technical crew of this short film includes Sudeep Elamon, Jimshi Khalid, Ravi Chandran, and Gikku Jacob Peter for camera work, Rahman Muhammad Ali and Lijo Paul for editing, and Ranganath Ravi for editing. Joju George currently has a slew of films including Chuzhali. Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, the film also has Chemban Vinod Jose, Soubin Shahir, Vinay Forrt, and Dileesh Pothan in the cast.
- 3/14/2020
- by Cris
- The News Minute
MollywoodIt is said to be a film set in the coastal region where the minorities are under threat to dislocate and the hero would end up starting a rebellion movement. Digital NativeFahadh Faasil’s new look in his upcoming film Malik, as a 57-year-old, draws inspiration from his grandfather, we hear. The look was revealed recently online and the star’s fans are excited about it. Fahadh plays the role of Sulaiman, the leader of a coastal community in Kerala. Reports are that Malik will cover different time periods starting from the 1960s. It is said to be a film set in the coastal region where the minorities are under threat to dislocate and the hero would end up starting a rebellion movement. On getting Fahadh to transform for the role, its director Mahesh Narayanan said in an interview to the Times of India, “He was actively involved in Trance and Malik,...
- 3/6/2020
- by Cris
- The News Minute
MollywoodIt is said to be a film set in the coastal region where the minorities are under threat to dislocate and the hero would end up starting a rebellion movement. Digital NativeFahadh Faasil’s new look in his upcoming film Malik, as a 57-year-old, draws inspiration from his grandfather, we hear. The look was revealed recently online and the star’s fans are excited about it. Fahadh plays the role of Sulaiman, the leader of a coastal community in Kerala. Reports are that Malik will cover different time periods starting from the 1960s. It is said to be a film set in the coastal region where the minorities are under threat to dislocate and the hero would end up starting a rebellion movement. On getting Fahadh to transform for the role, its director Mahesh Narayanan said in an interview to the Times of India, “He was actively involved in Trance and Malik,...
- 3/6/2020
- by Cris
- The News Minute
MollywoodThe director also revealed that Malik is based on some real-life incidents.Digital NativeDigital NativeDirector Mahesh Narayanan has revealed that his upcoming film, Malik will hit the marquee on April 12 to coincide with Vishu. In an interview with the Times of India, the director spoke about his film and was quoted as saying, “At its core, Malik is a political thriller. The story is relevant because, in Kerala, there has been an increase in land acquisition cases, especially in sensitive coastal areas. This film revolves around a place where there was a resistance against this constant threat of displacement of a minority community and a person who was responsible for making his people rise up.” The director also revealed that Malik is based on some real-life incidents. Not wanting to reveal anything further, he added that the audiences who faced the issue will understand the film better. Reports are that...
- 3/4/2020
- by Luke
- The News Minute
MollywoodIt is in the most banal sequences of 'Yavanika' that Kg George’s directorial poise comes through.Sreehari NairKG George’s masterpiece Yavanika was released 37 years back. Revisiting the film, this author finds it is time to unravel the long stretches of dreary stage sequences to clearly see the strong foundations of a stage, a story and a narrative that all come together like a painting set to chaotic life’s music. When things get really bad at the movies, so bad that you can feel a crick in your neck, and when the little rings in your seat-arms appear too small for your hands and the soda-pop too flat, it’s worthwhile to think about the first reactions to old masterpieces. Sometime in the December of 1993, my 74-year-old great grandmother walked out of a theatre in Mavelikkara happy at having spent her time with a ‘lady possessed’ and the...
- 2/29/2020
- by Sowmya
- The News Minute
MollywoodThe film is reportedly about a murder investigation and Joju plays the police office in charge of it.Digital NativeThamara, the upcoming Malayalam film, will be an investigative thriller. Joju George will be seen as a police officer in this film which will also have Anumol and Kichu Tellus in the lead roles. Incidentally, Joju was last seen playing a cop in Joseph and was lauded for his performance in it. The film is reportedly about a murder investigation. Joju, playing the role Binu Police, will be in charge of a murder case of a girl. Kichu Tellus will be seen playing the murdered girl’s brother seeking revenge. Anumol, the witness to the murder, will be seen in the title role Thamara. Director Kareem, who had made films like Agninakshathram and Ezharakoottam, is wielding the megaphone for Thamara. The film is scripted by Rasheed Parackal. Cinematographer Madesh has cranked...
- 2/7/2020
- by Cris
- The News Minute
MollywoodThe shooting of the film, which is being helmed by Mahesh Narayanan, was wrapped up recently. Digital NativeDigital Native The first look poster of Fahadh Faasil starrer Malik was officially launched by actor Mohanlal. The shooting of the film, which is being helmed by Mahesh Narayanan, was wrapped up recently. The film's shooting commenced in Kochi after which the team moved to Thiruvananthapuram and then Lakshadweep. Fahadh Faasil will be seen sporting four different looks for the film, for which he has shed close to 10 kilos of weight and is seen sporting a completely different look. Recently, a few leaked stills from the sets have the movie buffs in awe. The stills featuring its lead star Fahadh Faasil have turned out to be the talk of the town as the actor has undergone a major physical transformation. A few interesting details about this film have emerged which is sure to make the movie buffs excited.
- 1/18/2020
- by Luke
- The News Minute
MollywoodIn pictures released on Twitter, the actor appears to have undergone a major physical transformation for the film, directed by Mahesh Narayanan. Digital NativeA few stills from the sets of the upcoming Malayalam film Malik was posted on Twitter. The stills featuring its lead star Fahadh Faasil have received a lot of attention as the actor has undergone a major physical transformation. He has shed close to 10 kilos of weight and is seen sporting a completely different look. Reports are that Malik is based on a true story and that it covers different time periods starting from the 1960s. Fahadh will be appearing in multiple looks in Malik as his character is traced out from 20 years of age to 57 years, we hear. The film set in the coastal region where the minorities are under threat to relocate with the hero being responsible for starting a rebellion movement. The shooting of...
- 1/6/2020
- by Cris
- The News Minute
MollywoodThe shooting of Malik is happening at a brisk pace in Kochi after which the team will be moving over to Thiruvananthapuram and then Lakshadweep.Digital NativeDigital Native The shooting of the Malayalam film Malik commenced a few days ago and is progressing well. It was announced that the Hollywood stunt director Lee Whittaker joined the sets of Malik on December 11 to choreograph some important stunt sequences in the film. Reports made the rounds that the stunt director has choreographed a stunt with Fahadh Faasil and Vinay Forrt so far and it has come out well. The shooting of Malik is happening at a brisk pace in Kochi after which the team will be moving over to Thiruvananthapuram and then Lakshadweep, state sources in the know. The technical crew of Malik includes Sanu John Varghese for cinematography, Sushin Shyam for music, Vishnu Govind and Sree Sankar for sound designing and Santosh Raman for production designing.
- 12/19/2019
- by Luke
- The News Minute
MollywoodReports are that 'Malik' is based on a true story and that it covers different time periods starting from the 1960s.Digital NativeDigital Native Hollywood stunt director Lee Whittaker joined the sets of Malik on December 11 to choreograph some important stunt sequences in the film. Reports are that the award-winning stunt director has choreographed a stunt with Fahadh Faasil and Vinay Forrt so far and it has come out well. The shooting of Malik is happening at a brisk pace in Kochi after which the team will be moving over to Thiruvananthapuram and then Lakshadweep, state sources in the know. The technical crew of Malik includes Sanu John Varghese for cinematography, Sushin Shyam for music, Vishnu Govind and Sree Sankar for sound designing, and Santosh Raman for production designing. On the star cast roped in for Malik, we hear that Nimisha Sajayan, Dileesh Pothan, Vinay Forrt, Indrans, Sudhi Koppa, Chandhunath,...
- 12/14/2019
- by Luke
- The News Minute
MollywoodBiju Menon had to opt out due to date clashes in the film, directed by Mahesh Narayanan.Digital NativeAfter actor Biju Menon had to opt out of the film Malik, Joju George has been brought to replace him. The film is directed by Mahesh Narayanan, the director of Take Off. Biju Menon was roped in to play an important role but he had to opt out due to date clashes. Fahadh Faasil plays the male lead in the film. The shooting of Malik is happening at a brisk pace in Kochi after which the team will be moving to Thiruvananthapuram and then Lakshadweep. The technical crew of Malik includes Sanu John Varghese for cinematography, Sushin Shyam for music, Vishnu Govind and Sree Sankar for sound designing and Santosh Raman for production designing. We hear that actors Nimisha Sajayan, Dileesh Pothan, Vinay Forrt, Indrans, Sudhi Koppa, Chandhunath, and Jalaja are in the cast.
- 12/3/2019
- by Cris
- The News Minute
MollywoodThe film’s main lead Fahadh Faasil will be seen sporting four different looks for the film, we hear.Digital NativeDigital Native Fahadh Faasil is currently busy with the Mahesh Narayanan directorial Malik. The film is bankrolled by Anto Joseph under his banner on a huge budget costing around Rs. 25 crore. On the star cast roped in for Malik, we hear that Nimisha Sajayan, Dileesh Pothan, Vinay Forrt, Indrans, Sudhi Koppa, Chandhunath, and Jalaja form the supporting cast. Malik is expected to hit the marquee next year. A few interesting details about this film have emerged which is sure to make the movie buffs excited. Reports are that Malik is based on a true story and that it covers different time periods starting from the 1960s. It is said to be a film set in the coastal region where the minorities are under threat to be relocated and the hero...
- 11/28/2019
- by Luke
- The News Minute
MollywoodFrom Prem Nazir to Parvathy, these love songs featuring our favourite actors speak of troubles of the heart.Neelima Menon"Between what is said and not meant and what is meant and not said, most of love is lost" goes a Khalil Gibran quote. We bring you a compilation of beautiful melodies from Malayalam cinema that speak about the anguish of lost love, about those memories that are too deep and profound to get over and a heart that seems to take its own sweet time to heal. 1. 'Kaathirunnu Kaathirunnu' from Ennu Ninte Moideen (2016): A song that encapsulates Moideen (Prithviraj) and Kanchanamala’s (Parvathy) love story, as they correspond mostly over handwritten love letters, their endless patient wait to unite despite family opposition. Singers - Shreya Ghoshal Music - M Jayachandran Lyrics - Rafeeq Ahammed 2. 'Ennodenthini Pinakkam' from Kaliyattam (1997): In Jayaraj’s version of Othello, we have the...
- 5/31/2019
- by Sowmya
- The News Minute
MollywoodThe actor will be playing an aspiring director in the film.Digital NativeActor Tovino Thomas will play the lead in National Award winning filmmaker Salim Ahamed’s upcoming film titled And The Oscar Goes To… The film, which is inspired by the lives of several aspiring filmmakers, will have Tovino playing one. In an interview given to the Times of India, the actor said, “I have watched Adaminte Makan Abu while I was frequenting film festivals and his other films also in theatre. He’s someone who I have a good rapport with. When we met at Filmfare awards two years ago, we could instantly strike up a conversation and spend a long time discussing films. So, in a way, I’m excited to be part of this film.” Salim Ahamed has won the National Award twice before. Adaminte Makan Abu won him the best feature film award and Pathemari, the best feature film in Malayalam. The director has also won the Kerala State Award for best feature film and best screenplay for Adaminte Makan Abu besides a host of other awards. Reports are that the shooting of And The Oscar Goes To will commence in September in La, USA and then move to Canada for another schedule. Sources in the know say that a major portion of the film will be shot in foreign locations. While Anu Sithara has been roped in to play one of the female leads, the film will have a foreigner playing the other lead. Salim will be making an official announcement regarding the film very soon, we hear from sources. Besides this, Tovino has a number of films in different stages of production. His Oru Kuprasidha Payyan has reached the post production stage and he is currently busy with the shooting of Luca. The actor also has two Tamil movies – Ondraga and Maari 2 – lined up for release this year. Yet another project Chengezhi Nambiar is expected to go on floors later this year. (Content provided by Digital Native) Also read: Thilakan, Jagathy, Seema, Jalaja and others: The long list of Mollywood’s unsung stars...
- 7/3/2018
- by Monalisa
- The News Minute
KollywoodThe film will be a complete entertainer, promises the team.Siddarth SrinivasFacebook/ThiruThis weekend’s marquee release Mr Chandramouli brings together the real-life father and son pair of Karthik and Gautham Karthik for the first time. The film is being promoted as an "emotional" thriller, as it pays heed to all the commercial elements as well, apart from its core subject. We speak to three key members of the team on the film’s specialty and the experience on the whole. First up, we catch actor Gautham Karthik, who has just come back from his A-rated entertainers to do a genuine crowd pleaser. Asking him on what made him pick up this project, he says, “I loved the script and how our director Thiru had organised the characters and their travel throughout. Mr Chandramouli comes off as a complete entertainer with something in it for everybody. Moreover, it gave me a wonderful opportunity to share the screen with my dad. I play a boxer in the film.” Gautham cannot help but smile when he's asked about the first opportunity of shooting with his father Karthik. “During my school days, I couldn’t spend much time with my dad as opposed to what everybody thinks, as I studied in Ooty. I never had the experience of visiting his sets or watching him work. When we came to the shooting spot of this film, it was a magical feeling to observe his every move and tactic. I didn’t realise why people call him a legend, until I actually felt it all here," he says. Gautham will soon start shooting for his rural entertainer Devarattam directed by Muthaih of Komban and Marudhu fame. Manjima Mohan pairs up with him in the film. Next in line is Thiru, the director of Mr Chandramouli. After making three successive films with Vishal, ie. Theeradha Vilayaatu Pillai, Samar and Naan Sigappu Manithan, it’s certain that his brand of thrillers always have an entertainment quotient embedded in them. “After Naan Sigappu Manithan, I was in talks with actor Vikram for a project named Garuda. We even went for the recce to the Gulf, but the film didn’t take off for various reasons. I also worked on another family-based thriller with Jai and Taapsee, but unfortunately, the shoot got stalled in the middle. For close to one and a half years, myself and Gautham had been in talks to work on a film together. When Mr Chandramouli came up, we had no qualms in going ahead with the project and somehow convinced Karthik sir to be a part of it," he says. Speaking about the genre, he adds, “The film is a mix of three elements – a beautiful father-son relationship, a worrying scam related to cab services which we regularly read about in the news these days, and a third surprise factor that is under wraps for now. Just like my earlier films, I have conceived a new idea in Mr Chandramouli too. We have not revealed it before the release as it would spoil the movie-watching experience, but I am sure that the audiences will enjoy it. Post the interval, the characterisation of the hero will take a huge turn. It is definitely something new in Indian cinema, I could not even take references from anywhere.” One of the most important selling points of the film has been the beach song ‘Yedhedho Aanene’, which has come out beautifully. Thiru has something to say about that too. “Gautham and Regina worked out for close to a month and a half to get their bodies right in order to fit into the costumes well. I wanted the end result to be aesthetic, and not vulgar. If not for cinematographer Richard and choreographer Brinda master, it would have been impossible to get the output that we have in hand today.” Actor Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, who has constantly been in the news for her upcoming biggies like Sarkar and Maari-2, has a special role in Mr Chandramouli. “For me, this film is unlike anything I’ve done so far in my career. I play a bubbly but mature character, and the unit keeps saying that my role is the heart of the story. Thiru has experimented with both my looks and my onscreen behaviour,” she says. After the success of Vikram Vedha, Varu is a part of close to half-a-dozen films, with each role varying from the other. Talking about being picked in alternative shades mostly, she says, “It’s about the interest that a character creates for me. An actor should be able to do everything, and not just get typecast in heroine roles. I play a loud and furious lady in Sandakozhi-2, a journalist in Velvet Nagaram, a village girl in Kanni Raasi, and Sarkar – let it be a surprise!” Also read: Thilakan, Jagathy, Seema, Jalaja and others: The long list of Mollywood's unsung stars...
- 7/3/2018
- by Monalisa
- The News Minute
TV ShowsThe journalist-anchor's style of interviewing his celebrity guests, especially women, tends to be voyeuristic.Aradhya KurupScreenshot/Kairali TVWhile interviewing model-turned actor Parvathy Omanakuttan on his show Jb Junction, journalist John Brittas lolls back on the sofa, a pen tethered between his teeth and hands, sizes her up and asks—“Have you lost weight since the last time I met you in Mumbai?” Omanakuttan, who has her Miss India grooming up her sleeve, where they are trained to tackle any kind of dubious queries with practiced ease, doesn’t let this offhand probe daunt her. She handles it with grace and a slow smile. But it’s enough to leave the audience squirming in their seats. Welcome to Jb Junction, a weekend show where veteran journalist and MD of Kairali TV John Brittas brings over a host of celebrities from various walks of life and holds conversations about everything under the sun. He also gets the guest’s family or friends to ask questions through previously-recorded video clips. Since the show began in 2014, he has brought in an eclectic bunch of talents from cinema, art, politics, business, hospitality, and social work on his show. Brittas also regularly invites known/unknown news makers on his couch. The Brittas style If one goes by the rulebook, Brittas is a seasoned interviewer—1) He meticulously researches his subjects; 2) It’s clear that he never makes chaotic last minute changes and updates; 3) And very often he asks the right questions. If you have witnessed those interview sessions, they help you get a candid picture about the celebrity, probably a lot of their little known facets. One of the most notable aspects of his interview is that he gives the impression of being genuinely interested in your life, no matter how popular or not you are. So what made actor Meera Vasudevan cry foul on her Facebook post, following her appearance on his show? She was asked about the now-forgotten nude scene with Mohanlal in the Malayalam film, Thanmatra. The actor spoke about the behind-the-scenes memories of that particular scene, which we assume was something that was previously agreed upon by the anchor and the invitee. But what was not apparently in contract was how it was finally played out in the promos. She wrote on Facebook—“A lot of my actual words have been misrepresented and clippings that I have not seen, like the intimate clip from my movie Thanmatra was added separately to make it look sensational.” That aside, the interview was a detailed probe into the actor’s personal and professional life, where he painstakingly dug up every delicately intimate fact of her hitherto unknown life. That’s quintessentially John Brittas. Or what he is known for. During an interview with actress Jalaja, when her sister came on the video clip to ask her a question, Brittas remarked that the latter “seemed to be on the heavier side unlike Jalaja.” Such instances of body shaming are a constant feature in all his interviews. Particularly if the guest is a woman. Actor Shwetha Menon, for instance, was subtly censured for the various choices she made in life. From being called an irresponsible daughter to a ship without an anchor, Brittas persisted with her marital life, her role play, her pregnancy controversy, and eventually reduced her to tears. Shwetha Menon has posted on her Facebook that she had no problems with how she was interviewed. However, the show is not between the actor and Brittas alone - it is meant for public viewing and normalises such comments. Actor Ananya’s husband was taunted for his weight, with the anchor even casting aspersions about how the match happened in the first place. His interview with danseuse Methil Devika was probably the most deplorable of the lot. Not only did he begin and end the show with her marriage to actor Mukesh and the kind of equation they shared, her credentials as a dancer were hardly given any mileage on the show. “Would you have called me if not for Mukesh?” she asked him pointedly, clearly annoyed at this shift in power play. “He knows what sells and he sells it. I have always felt that he isn't being compassionate when he is listening to the sob stories and personal tragedies and probably is just laughing inside because his programme is getting more masala,” observes Aswathy Gopalakrishnan, film critic. That all his interviews run on this format is evident. Some of the names who sat on his show also seem debatable, considering they have been out of the marquee for a long time. Recently, actor Charmilee’s interview looked like a slyly engineered Trp strategy, where she was asked mostly about her past and present relationships. He made sure she washed a lot of dirty linen in public, with hardly any mention about her films. “He reminds me of a peeping Tom in these interviews,” says Mukesh Kumar, a popular film reviewer on Facebook. Brittas also indulges in an unhealthy dose of name dropping. From Mohanlal to the newest actor on the block, he maintains they are people he is very close to and he uses the leeway to cunningly mock or judge them. Recently, it was uncomfortable to watch him address actor Aparna Balamurali as “Edi” “Nee” (Malayalam expressions to address a person close to you and unless it’s used with permission it’s considered disrespectful). “I have always found it problematic that the undue focus of the show is on a celebrity’s personal life. The anchor mostly asks prying questions which are aimed to elicit juicy responses which will in turn up the TRPs. The show and its anchor lack any kind of depth,” maintains Praveen S.R.P., journalist with The Hindu. Brittas had no qualms in slyly persisting with a query an elderly woman actor put forward to actor Jewel Mary about starting a family. Broken affairs, broken marriages, second marriages, reviving old and new love affairs, recalling intimate celluloid scenes are some of the issues topmost on his agenda. And mostly, it’s the female actors who are at the receiving end of this prodding. Everything is accompanied by a sneer, a sort of insolence in his bearing. The flipside is the question as to why these celebs appear on his show, knowing its nature. “It’s probably because he has the reputation of being a successful senior journalist. And he gives a trustworthy vibe, which is of course not what it appears to be and they discover it only much later,” says Aswathy. When interviewing Sam Mathew, who rose to infamy after he wrote a poem about a girl developing affection for her rapist, Brittas shocked the wits out of viewers when he playfully told Sam- “Oh, please don’t take this as an encouragement to rape women.” This often vulgarly inquisitive style has not always worked in his favour. Mohanlal refused to rise to his bait despite Brittas trying every trick in his book. Director Siddique and actor-director Lal were called separately and tersely asked about their ancient rift. But the duo smartly dodged the trap. Also, when it comes to men, the questions, though exhaustive and searching, somehow don’t give the impression of being voyeuristic. Understandably, the channel he heads has come under the weather previously for its insensitive stand towards women in various issues. Such instances invariably point fingers at the man on top—John Brittas and his brand of news making. In the race to garner Trp ratings, Brittas and co seems to have forgotten a golden new age adage--“Ratings don’t last, Good journalism does. “And add humanity to it. This article was first published on Fullpicture.in. The News Minute has syndicated the content. You can read the original article here.
- 1/22/2018
- by Editor
- The News Minute
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