Popular Malayalam film director Joshiy’s house was robbed in the early hours of Saturday.
Joshiy resides in the upscale neighbourhood of Panampilly Nagar in Kochi
Reports indicate that the thief gained entry through the kitchen.
Joshiy informed the police that the robbery occurred after he had gone to sleep around 1.30 a.m.
The perpetrators made off with cash, jewellery, and expensive watches, totaling an estimated Rs 1 crore.
The police have initiated an investigation.
The 71-year-old boasts a career spanning close to five decades, during which he has directed around 80 films, predominantly in Malayalam.
He has worked with industry veterans such as Prem Nazir, Jayan, Mammootty, Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, and Dileep, and continues to be active in the industry.
Joshiy resides in the upscale neighbourhood of Panampilly Nagar in Kochi
Reports indicate that the thief gained entry through the kitchen.
Joshiy informed the police that the robbery occurred after he had gone to sleep around 1.30 a.m.
The perpetrators made off with cash, jewellery, and expensive watches, totaling an estimated Rs 1 crore.
The police have initiated an investigation.
The 71-year-old boasts a career spanning close to five decades, during which he has directed around 80 films, predominantly in Malayalam.
He has worked with industry veterans such as Prem Nazir, Jayan, Mammootty, Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, and Dileep, and continues to be active in the industry.
- 4/20/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Even if it’s more than three and a half decades since Malayalam film’s legendary personality Prem Nazir passed away, his achievements continue to be discussed. It was on this day in 1989, that the then 62-year-old Nazir breathed his last at a hospital in Chennai.
Besides for the string of records Nazir created on the silver screen, he is always remembered by all as a down to earth person with a big heart.
Hailing from the suburban village at Chiryinkeezhu in the capital district, he first donned the grease paint in the film ‘Marumakal’ in 1952 and was unstoppable till he breathed his last.
And when he finished, he had a string of records which included the Guinness World Records for playing opposite the same heroine in 130 films (Sheela), and previously held the record for playing the lead role in a record 720 films.
He also holds two other records, for...
Besides for the string of records Nazir created on the silver screen, he is always remembered by all as a down to earth person with a big heart.
Hailing from the suburban village at Chiryinkeezhu in the capital district, he first donned the grease paint in the film ‘Marumakal’ in 1952 and was unstoppable till he breathed his last.
And when he finished, he had a string of records which included the Guinness World Records for playing opposite the same heroine in 130 films (Sheela), and previously held the record for playing the lead role in a record 720 films.
He also holds two other records, for...
- 1/16/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Top actor Vijayakanth, who passed away in Chennai on Thursday, had worked for a shampoo company in the Kerala capital as its representative and also worked as a salesman at a jewellery shop in the heart of the city in the early 1970s, old associates recalled.
R S Mohandas, who owns a popular theatre here, said that he remembers Vijayakanth before he became an actor.
Thiruvananthapuram had three theatres which screened Tamil films and he often used to come to watch the films, he said, adding that he was also a great fan of evergreen Malayalam actor Prem Nazir, whose films he never used to miss.
Vijayakanth had come to the city to work as a sales representative of Velvet Shampoo company and later, became a salesman at a local jewellery shop here.
“He, after becoming a star, visited here a few times and was always the same person as...
R S Mohandas, who owns a popular theatre here, said that he remembers Vijayakanth before he became an actor.
Thiruvananthapuram had three theatres which screened Tamil films and he often used to come to watch the films, he said, adding that he was also a great fan of evergreen Malayalam actor Prem Nazir, whose films he never used to miss.
Vijayakanth had come to the city to work as a sales representative of Velvet Shampoo company and later, became a salesman at a local jewellery shop here.
“He, after becoming a star, visited here a few times and was always the same person as...
- 12/28/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Kalyani Panicker daughter of popular actress Bindhu Panicker — is all set to make entry to the Malayalam film industry.
She will essay the role of daughter of superstar Mohanlal in the film ‘Rambaan’ which will be directed by director Joshiy.
“I am really excited to get such grand debut. This is huge,” said Kalyani.
It was Chemban Vinod a multifaceted Malayalam film personality who got Kalayani to play the role of daughter in ‘Rambaan’.
The film is about the story of father and daughter.
Director Joshiy (71) started his career as director in 1978. He has directed over 82 films so far, many of whom have been blockbusters.
He has directed legendary actors like Prem Nazir, Jayan, Mammootty, Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, and Dileep.
The new film will start rolling in 2024 and is slated for release in 2025.
Both Panicker and Saikumar are active in the industry and are known for their free flowing acting.
She will essay the role of daughter of superstar Mohanlal in the film ‘Rambaan’ which will be directed by director Joshiy.
“I am really excited to get such grand debut. This is huge,” said Kalyani.
It was Chemban Vinod a multifaceted Malayalam film personality who got Kalayani to play the role of daughter in ‘Rambaan’.
The film is about the story of father and daughter.
Director Joshiy (71) started his career as director in 1978. He has directed over 82 films so far, many of whom have been blockbusters.
He has directed legendary actors like Prem Nazir, Jayan, Mammootty, Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, and Dileep.
The new film will start rolling in 2024 and is slated for release in 2025.
Both Panicker and Saikumar are active in the industry and are known for their free flowing acting.
- 12/7/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Kalyani Panicker daughter of popular actress Bindhu Panicker — is all set to make entry to the Malayalam film industry.
She will essay the role of daughter of superstar Mohanlal in the film ‘Rambaan’ which will be directed by director Joshiy.
“I am really excited to get such grand debut. This is huge,” said Kalyani.
It was Chemban Vinod a multifaceted Malayalam film personality who got Kalayani to play the role of daughter in ‘Rambaan’.
The film is about the story of father and daughter.
Director Joshiy (71) started his career as director in 1978. He has directed over 82 films so far, many of whom have been blockbusters.
He has directed legendary actors like Prem Nazir, Jayan, Mammootty, Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, and Dileep.
The new film will start rolling in 2024 and is slated for release in 2025.
Both Panicker and Saikumar are active in the industry and are known for their free flowing acting.
She will essay the role of daughter of superstar Mohanlal in the film ‘Rambaan’ which will be directed by director Joshiy.
“I am really excited to get such grand debut. This is huge,” said Kalyani.
It was Chemban Vinod a multifaceted Malayalam film personality who got Kalayani to play the role of daughter in ‘Rambaan’.
The film is about the story of father and daughter.
Director Joshiy (71) started his career as director in 1978. He has directed over 82 films so far, many of whom have been blockbusters.
He has directed legendary actors like Prem Nazir, Jayan, Mammootty, Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, and Dileep.
The new film will start rolling in 2024 and is slated for release in 2025.
Both Panicker and Saikumar are active in the industry and are known for their free flowing acting.
- 12/7/2023
- by Agency News Desk
The Thiruvananthapuram Film Fraternity will be honoring actor Madhu over two days here on Friday and Saturday on the occasion of him turning 90. Hailing from the state’s capital, Madhu has featured in over 400 Malayalam films, as also in the Amitabh Bachchan debut ‘Saat Hinudstani’.
The veteran, now an avid YouTuber, has seen it all in a career that began in 1963 and today he leads a retired life at his small home in the capital, along with his only daughter Uma, who lives next door to him.
noted producer G Sureshkumar who is the live wire of the two-day event to be held here said on the first day that they will be screening “a 45-minute documentary on Madhu Sir shot by Pushpan Divakaran.”
“The next day will see a four-hour long cultural event programme which will see songs sung by our seasoned veteran singers . Present on the occasion will...
The veteran, now an avid YouTuber, has seen it all in a career that began in 1963 and today he leads a retired life at his small home in the capital, along with his only daughter Uma, who lives next door to him.
noted producer G Sureshkumar who is the live wire of the two-day event to be held here said on the first day that they will be screening “a 45-minute documentary on Madhu Sir shot by Pushpan Divakaran.”
“The next day will see a four-hour long cultural event programme which will see songs sung by our seasoned veteran singers . Present on the occasion will...
- 9/16/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
The Thiruvananthapuram Film Fraternity will be honoring actor Madhu over two days here on Friday and Saturday on the occasion of him turning 90. Hailing from the state’s capital, Madhu has featured in over 400 Malayalam films, as also in the Amitabh Bachchan debut ‘Saat Hinudstani’.
The veteran, now an avid YouTuber, has seen it all in a career that began in 1963 and today he leads a retired life at his small home in the capital, along with his only daughter Uma, who lives next door to him.
noted producer G Sureshkumar who is the live wire of the two-day event to be held here said on the first day that they will be screening “a 45-minute documentary on Madhu Sir shot by Pushpan Divakaran.”
“The next day will see a four-hour long cultural event programme which will see songs sung by our seasoned veteran singers . Present on the occasion will...
The veteran, now an avid YouTuber, has seen it all in a career that began in 1963 and today he leads a retired life at his small home in the capital, along with his only daughter Uma, who lives next door to him.
noted producer G Sureshkumar who is the live wire of the two-day event to be held here said on the first day that they will be screening “a 45-minute documentary on Madhu Sir shot by Pushpan Divakaran.”
“The next day will see a four-hour long cultural event programme which will see songs sung by our seasoned veteran singers . Present on the occasion will...
- 9/16/2023
- by Agency News Desk
MollywoodPromos and video songs from Neelavelicham have been creating ripples among those who remember the old settings in Basheer novels, and the music of Baburaj. With a telling tune in the background of a picture of Tovino Thomas, the Neelavelicham team has announced the date of the film’s release. Director Aashiq Abu's newest, based on a short story by the legendary writer Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, Neelavelicham (The Blue Radiance) is slated for worldwide release on April 21. Aashiq has also produced this film along with Rima Kallingal, his partner for the Opm Cinemas banner, as well as the female lead of the movie. Roshan Mathew also plays an important role in the film. Promos and video songs from the film have been creating ripples, with more than a small touch of nostalgia for those who remember the old settings in Basheer novels, and the music of Baburaj. Legendary musician...
- 3/21/2023
- by Cris
- The News Minute
DiscriminationThe practice of putting dark makeup on fair-skinned actors has existed from Malayalam cinema’s black-and-white days, and refuses to die down even now.Revathy / musiczonemovies, Tovino / Instagram, Sheela / empirevideo Towards the end of December last year, Malayalam actor Tovino Thomas shared stills from a new film, in which he looks unnaturally dark. It might not have seemed unnatural if his face was not so well-known, the makeover done exceptionally well. The look is for a special project called Adrishya Jalakangal, he wrote, directed by Dr Biju, in which he plays a ‘nameless young man’. It triggered a not-so-heated discussion on the propriety of darkening faces of fair-skinned actors to play dark-skinned characters. Not at all a new practice in Malayalam cinema, and by the looks of it, not one that is dying down any time soon. “But Tovino is not playing a dark-skinned character in the film. It is...
- 2/3/2023
- by Cris
- The News Minute
Success tides over sentiments and is the same in real life or reel life, as one presently analyses the latest news in the Malayalam tinsel world, now caught in a discussion after hugely popular director Sibi Malayil expressed his displeasure in the way on how superstar Mohanlal has given him the go-by, despite he giving the latter numerous super duper hits, early in his career.
None will ever forget the immortal hits the team of Malayil – writer Lohithadas and Mohanlal has gifted to the Malayalam film industry which ranges from ‘Kireedam’, ‘Dasharatham’, ‘His Highness Abdullah’ to name a few, which took place in the late eighties and nineties.
65-year-old Malayil known for his soft and pleasing manners and never has any sort of demeanour, of someone who has tasted so much success, is pained the way he has been treated by Mohanlal.
But going through his own admission, Malayil said...
None will ever forget the immortal hits the team of Malayil – writer Lohithadas and Mohanlal has gifted to the Malayalam film industry which ranges from ‘Kireedam’, ‘Dasharatham’, ‘His Highness Abdullah’ to name a few, which took place in the late eighties and nineties.
65-year-old Malayil known for his soft and pleasing manners and never has any sort of demeanour, of someone who has tasted so much success, is pained the way he has been treated by Mohanlal.
But going through his own admission, Malayil said...
- 8/31/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
TributeActor, director and ad man Pratap Pothen died of a heart attack at his Chennai apartment on July 15.CrisA day ago, Pratap Pothen was still writing posts on Facebook, taking digs at life and death with his trademark dark humour. "When you treat the symptoms of a problem without treating the root cause of it, then you will start to be dependent on the pharmacy," said one post. Quoting American comedian George Carlin, he wrote another, "Death is caused by swallowing small amounts of saliva over a long period of time." By the morning of July 15, Pratap was found dead in his sleep in his Chennai apartment. A heart attack in the middle of the night took the maverick actor and filmmaker's life. By then he was close to 70 years of age and had contributed much to films, Tamil and Malayalam most of all. Pratap was divided between the two languages,...
- 7/15/2022
- by Cris
- The News Minute
FilmChiranjeevi had narrated an incident in 1988 when he had flown down to Delhi for the National Film Awards and found that the organisers knew little about south cinema. PTIIt was "humiliating" for him as an artist from the south to see Indian cinema being defined just by Hindi films, veteran actor Chiranjeevi recently said, recalling a visit to Delhi in 1988. The 66-year-old star of Telugu cinema said he is proud that filmmaker SS Rajamouli's Baahubali movie series and latest release Rrr have helped make southern cinema popular across the country as well as globally. In 1988, Chiranjeevi had flown down to Delhi for the National Film Awards and found that the organisers knew little about south cinema. Even the hoardings were dominated by Bollywood stars. "It was very humiliating for me. I felt insulted, very hurt that Indian cinema meant only Hindi cinema and this was projected for a long time.
- 5/2/2022
- by BNitin
- The News Minute
TributeJohn Paul, the scriptwriter of a number of celebrated Malayalam films in the 1980s and 90s breathed his last on April 23.CrisTowards the end of Yathra, a Malayalam film directed by Balu Mahendra and scripted by John Paul, Mammootty, playing a grand old man released from prison, finishes telling his life story to co-passengers in a bus, full of students and their teachers. He ends the story with a letter he wrote to his lover of a long time ago. He had broken all ties with her in the years he spent in jail, asking her to choose a different path. But in the letter he writes days before his release, he asks if she is still free and waiting for him – one corner of his mind selfishly hopes that is so – to light a single lamp by the tree in her village they once used to meet at. As...
- 4/25/2022
- by Cris
- The News Minute
DeathSeveral people from the Malayalam film industry including actor Mammootty took to social media to offer their condolences.Tnm StaffMammootty/ FacebookVeteran Malayalam actor Kainakary Thankaraj passed away at his residence in Keralapuram on Sunday, April 3. He was aged 77. He is popular for his performances in films like Ee Ma Yau, Lucifer, Amen and Home. He made his debut with Prem Nazir starrer Aanappaachan which released in 1978, while his last film was Lijo Jose Pellissery’s upcoming movie Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, which stars actor Mammootty in the lead. Kainakary Thankaraj is the son of popular theatre artiste Krishnankutty Bhagavathar. He has reportedly acted in over 10,000 plays and has also bagged the award for best theatre actor. Several people from the Malayalam film industry took to social media to condole Kainakary Thankaraj’s death and extend their support. “Tributes to Sri Kainakari Thankaraj who gifted us remarkable roles from the drama world,...
- 4/4/2022
- by SaradhaU
- The News Minute
MollywoodBarring exceptions like Manju Warrier and Nayanthara, women actors in Malayalam cinema hardly see any fan-led celebrations like the kind enjoyed by their male counterparts.CrisAmong all the folks that Malayalam movie makers like to thank at the beginning of a film are groups after groups of fan associations. Promptly, applause – ranging from loud to feeble depending on the strength of each group – breaks out in the theatre. If you screw your eyes and read through the names of these associations, chances are that you will be quite impressed. For you’ll very likely find a fan club for the newest male actor on the block, whom you hardly recall. Naturally, if you’re in the habit of introspecting, you’ll wonder where all the groups for women actors are. Surely, if the little known chap has one, the much senior women actors would have a few, you think. To that,...
- 2/27/2022
- by Cris
- The News Minute
MollywoodMalayalam cinema has always shared a close bond with Madras/Chennai, and the portrayal of the city in Malayalam films has gradually changed over the years. Sowmya RajendranIn Vineeth Sreenivasan’s Hridayam (Heart), an earnest Arun Neelakandan (Pranav Mohanlal), who’s on his way to Chennai to pursue an engineering degree, asks a former student what the city is like. The response he gets from the fellow Malayali is that when it’s time for him to leave, the city will tug at his heartstrings. A dreamy Arun lands in Chennai, with a Tamil song in the background that celebrates Tamil Nadu’s beloved tradition of welcoming outsiders — vantharai vaazha vaikkum Tamizh Nadu. Bengaluru, in contemporary Malayalam cinema, has often been portrayed as the city of adventure where Malayalis lose their inhibitions and experiment with lifestyle choices. Several Malayalam films like 100 Days of Love and Bangalore Days have referenced Bengaluru...
- 2/1/2022
- by Sowmya
- The News Minute
DeathThe actor passed away due to a heart attack.Tnm StaffPopular yesteryear actor Nallenai Chitra who has acted in several Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada films passed away on Saturday, August 21. She was 56. According to reports, Chitra, who was living with her family in Chennai’s Saligramam, suffered a sudden heart attack. Chitra was introduced as a child artiste by director K Balachander in his 1975 film Apoorva Raagangal, which starred Kamal Haasan, Srividya, and was Rajinikanth’s debut film. The film which is among Balachander’s biggest hits went on to win the National Award for the best feature film in Tamil. Through the 80s and 90s, Chitra went on to star opposite big actors both in Malayalam and Tamil. She also acted as a child artiste in the Tamil film Rajaparvai. In her first film as an adult, she acted opposite Mohanlal and Prem Nazir in the 1983 movie Attakalasham. She...
- 8/21/2021
- by Sreedevi
- The News Minute
MollywoodThe films could be remakes of older films or bear absolutely no connection to its predecessor.Tnm StaffPoster of Mamankam (1979)/ Courtesy - m3db.com and Mamangam (2019)Just as the recent Malayalam film Nayattu was about to release, a Google search of the title threw up another 1980 film by the same name. Starring Jayan, it had released 11 days after the actor’s death as a result of a daredevil stunt in another film. Both the Nayattus tell police stories but have no other similarities. It’s not the first time that the title of an earlier film was reused years later for a film with absolutely no connection to its predecessor. Critic B Vijayakumar writes on Malayalam Music and Movie Encyclopaedia that Sthree (1970) was perhaps the first such film to have a repeated title. Another film called Sthree had released 20 years earlier (in 1950), as an adaptation of a play by the same name.
- 4/21/2021
- by Cris
- The News Minute
ReviewA subtle gender role reversal has been effected in the films of this anthology, by three brilliant directors – Jay K, Aashiq Abu and Venu.CrisAlthough the movie is titled Aanum Pennum – Male and Female – you tend to remember more of the Pennu in it. All three films of this anthology have equal participation of man and woman in its neatly woven tales. If you look carefully, it is not that there is more of the woman than the man. It is that a subtle gender role reversal has been effected in the films, by three brilliant directors – Jay K, Aashiq Abu and Venu. The anthology begins with Savithri, Jay K’s contribution. Samyuktha Menon plays Savithri, a Communist on the run, in mid 20th century Kerala. The next is Venu’s segment – Rachiyamma, played by the versatile Parvathy Thiruvothu. Finally there is Aashiq Abu’s Rani, which has Darshana Rajendran...
- 3/27/2021
- by Cris
- The News Minute
MollywoodThe film titled 'Neelavelicham' will be directed by Aashiq Abu.Tnm StaffAashiq Abu is all set to convert Malayalam writer Vaikom Muhammad Basheer’s short story Neelavelicham into a feature film. The title is the same as the famous short story and Aashiq has roped in Prithviraj Sukumaran, Rima Leena Rajan, Soubin Shahir and Kunchako Boban to play the main characters. Incidentally, the filmmaker announced his new project on the 113th birth anniversary of the renowned freedom fighter and writer of Malayalam literature. Making the announcement on Facebook, Aashiq wrote that it has been his “long term dream to make a movie out of Neelavelicham, by adding colour over colour and light over light”. He added that the opportunity presented itself only now. “I am both proud and happy to bring this news to you on the 113th birth anniversary of the king of letters.” He also added that the...
- 1/21/2021
- by Sreedevi
- The News Minute
ComicsTony Davis and Sreeram Kv are behind the documentary series ‘Kadha Vara Kadhakal’ on YouTube.CrisOld Malayalam comics / Courtesy - Muhammed Thattacheri (Poompatta Facebook Group)That day, Sreeram Kv and Tony Davis were attending a quiz as part of an event by Chai Pe Quiz, an informal quiz club in Kochi. A question was asked about Kannadi Viswanathan and Tony was quick to answer it. Viswanathan is the creator of one of Tony’s favourite Malayalam comics, Cid Moosa. After the quiz, Sreeram and Tony began chatting, about their love for cinema and their love for comics. That little chat would lead them to begin creating a documentary series on the history of Malayalam comics, now being released part by part on Youtube -- Kadha Vara Kadhakal. Poster of Kadha Vara Kadhakal “I was a member of the library that Tony had begun with two friends in Kochi, for comic books,...
- 11/21/2020
- by Cris
- The News Minute
Obituary Ab Raj had directed many popular films like ‘Sasthram Jayichu Manushyan Thottu’ and ‘Lottery Ticket’.Tnm StaffAB Raj/ Courtesy - Yoursnayak / Wikimedia Commons / Cc By-sa 3.Ab Raj, also known as A Bhaskar Raj, noted filmmaker of Malayalam cinema, passed away at his home in Chennai on Sunday, film industry sources said. He was 95 years old and died of cardiac arrest, informed his son-in-law Ponvannan. Raj has been active in the film industry for decades since 1951, directing, producing and writing films. Kaliyalla Kalyanam was his first Malayalam movie. Sasthram Jayichu Manushyan Thottu, Lottery Ticket, Pachanottukal, Danger Biscuit, Kazhukan, Irumbazhikal, Light House and Thaalam Thettiya Tharattu are some of the other popular Malayalam movies directed by Raj. Prem Nazir, known as the evergreen hero of Malayalam cinema, acted in many of his films. Born in Madurai in 1925, Raj started his film career in the late 1940s under the guidance of Tr Sundaram.
- 8/25/2020
- by Cris
- The News Minute
MollywoodWe look at star kids, the opportunities they have got and most importantly, how have outsiders fared?Neelima MenonSushant Singh Rajput's death has reopened that discussion about nepotism in cinema, with quite a few Bollywood actors calling out the unfairness of the system and how it has made them lose out on several opportunities. Back home, Neeraj Madhav spoke about the need to have “a fair share in the race” and how “having a legacy keeps you in a safe zone” in Malayalam cinema. “It is foolish to insist that there is some moral compulsion on successful parents to deny their kids, even miserable misfits, what their money and clout could get for them. But big names flooding the film industry with their uninspiring progeny could be the theme of a comic dystopian fantasy but never the reality. The common sense of the market will unfailingly prevail,” observes R Ayyappan,...
- 7/23/2020
- by Sowmya
- The News Minute
Entertainment The grand unveiling of the statue in Hyderabad was done on the occasion of Vijaya Nirmala's 74th birth anniversary. IANSImage: Twitter/Telugu FilmnagarTelugu superstar Mahesh Babu, along with his father, veteran actor Krishna, unveiled the statue of his stepmother and well-known actor-filmmaker Vijaya Nirmala on Thursday in Hyderabad. The grand unveiling was done on the occasion of Vijaya Nirmala's 74th birth anniversary. Vijaya Nirmala, who had starred in over 200 films and had directed 44 in her illustrious career of over three decades, passed away in June 2019. She made her acting debut at the age of five in the 1950 Tamil film Machcha Rekkai, and at 11 she made her Telugu debut with the film Panduranga Mahatyam. She rose to stardom opposite Prem Nazir in the 1964 Malayalam film Bhargavi Nilayam, and went on to work with him again in Udhyogastha. Pictures from #VijayaNirmala gari statue inauguration!#MaheshBabu #Krishna #KrishnamRaju @ItsActorNaresh pic.twitter.
- 2/20/2020
- by Nitin
- The News Minute
Entertainment The grand unveiling of the statue in Hyderabad was done on the occasion of Vijaya Nirmala's 74th birth anniversary. IANSImage: Twitter/Telugu FilmnagarTelugu superstar Mahesh Babu, along with his father, veteran actor Krishna, unveiled the statue of his stepmother and well-known actor-filmmaker Vijaya Nirmala on Thursday in Hyderabad. The grand unveiling was done on the occasion of Vijaya Nirmala's 74th birth anniversary. Vijaya Nirmala, who had starred in over 200 films and had directed 44 in her illustrious career of over three decades, passed away in June 2019. She made her acting debut at the age of five in the 1950 Tamil film Machcha Rekkai, and at 11 she made her Telugu debut with the film Panduranga Mahatyam. She rose to stardom opposite Prem Nazir in the 1964 Malayalam film Bhargavi Nilayam, and went on to work with him again in Udhyogastha. Pictures from #VijayaNirmala gari statue inauguration!#MaheshBabu #Krishna #KrishnamRaju @ItsActorNaresh pic.twitter.
- 2/20/2020
- by Nitin
- The News Minute
Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu, along with his father, veteran actor Krishna, unveiled the statue of his stepmother and well-known actor-filmmaker Vijaya Nirmala on Thursday here.
The grand unveiling was done on the occasion of Vijaya Nirmala's 74th birth anniversary.
Also Read:?Mahesh Babu reveals moment from a movie set that he will cherish forever
Vijaya Nirmala, who had starred in over 200 films and had directed 44 in her illustrious career of over three decades, passed away in June 2019.
She made her acting debut at the age of five in the 1950 Tamil film "Machcha Rekkai", and at 11 she made her Telugu debut with the film "Panduranga Mahatyam".
She rose to stardom opposite Prem Nazir in the 1964 Malayalam film "Bhargavi Nilayam", and went on to work with him again in "Udhyogastha".
As a leading lady, she made her Telugu debut with "Rangula Ratnam" alongside Vanisri and Anjali Devi.
In 1967, she starred in Telugu...
The grand unveiling was done on the occasion of Vijaya Nirmala's 74th birth anniversary.
Also Read:?Mahesh Babu reveals moment from a movie set that he will cherish forever
Vijaya Nirmala, who had starred in over 200 films and had directed 44 in her illustrious career of over three decades, passed away in June 2019.
She made her acting debut at the age of five in the 1950 Tamil film "Machcha Rekkai", and at 11 she made her Telugu debut with the film "Panduranga Mahatyam".
She rose to stardom opposite Prem Nazir in the 1964 Malayalam film "Bhargavi Nilayam", and went on to work with him again in "Udhyogastha".
As a leading lady, she made her Telugu debut with "Rangula Ratnam" alongside Vanisri and Anjali Devi.
In 1967, she starred in Telugu...
- 2/20/2020
- GlamSham
MollywoodFrom Pj Antony to Surabhi Lakshmi, here is a list of talented actors who made their way to movies from theatre.Aradhya KurupWhere did they come from? Those life-like characters, those people who made our favourite films whole merely by their presence. Give them one dialogue, one scene, one act - they make sure it holds meaning in the viewer’s mind. Where did they come from? Theatre, of course! Not in any particular order. 1. Pj Antony: The first Malayalam actor to win the National award Antony was a force to reckon with in professional theatre. He primarily worked with Kpac, known for their communist leanings in drama and established his own theatre in Kochi called Pratibha Theatres. Antony has appeared in over 60 films, besides dabbling in direction, scripting, short stories, novels, poems and lyrics. 2. Sathyan: After serving in the Indian army during World War II and later working as a police officer,...
- 10/29/2019
- by Cris
- The News Minute
MollywoodTouted to be a thorough commercial entertainer, 'Driving License' is about a superstar who is crazy about luxury cars.Digital NativeActor Deepti Sati, who shot to fame for her role in Neena, will play the female lead in Driving License. Prithviraj is playing the male lead in the film and Deepti will be seen as his wife. Driving License will be helmed by Jean Paul Lal alias Lal Jr. Prithviraj is bankrolling the project under his home banner Prithviraj Productions in association with Listin Stephen’s Magic Frames. The script for Driving License has been penned by Sachy. Touted to be a thorough commercial entertainer, Driving License is about a superstar who is crazy about luxury cars. It goes without saying that Prithviraj will be playing the role of the superstar in this flick. The film also stars Suraj Venjaramoodu in a prominent role and he will be seen as a vehicle inspector.
- 8/28/2019
- by Cris
- The News Minute
MollywoodThe actor is now making debut with ‘Brother’s Day’, in which Prithviraj plays the male lead. Digital NativeTamil actor Prasanna is all set to make his debut in the Malayalam film industry with Prithviraj’s Brother’s Day. Recently, Prasanna’s look in the film was revealed and he looks stylish. Apparently, he plays the villain in this film. However, in an interview to the Times of India, Prasanna recalled that an offer to make his debut in Mollywood came to him several years ago but he could not take it up due to date clashes. He said in the interview, “I was approached for Pramani, but I had to shoot abroad for a Tamil movie for two months and couldn’t do that. Lal Jose sir also called me for Neelathamara, but again there was a date clash.” And now Prasanna has bagged a performance-oriented role in Brother’s Day.
- 8/24/2019
- by Cris
- The News Minute
MollywoodMammootty’s first film 'Anubhavangal Palichakal' was released on this day, August 6th 1971. Digital NativeIt’s been 48 years since Mammootty forayed into the film industry and has successfully emerged as the megastar over the years. In order to commemorate this achievement, Mammootty’s fans have started the fastest tweet marathon which carries the hashtag #48YearsOfMammoottysm. The specialty of this tweet marathon is that those tweeting should add a line or picture of the star. The hashtag marathon has become a huge hit with the number of tweets increasing every minute. Sources in the know say that the tweets will reach the 1 million mark in no time. Mammootty’s first film Anubhavangal Palichakal was released on this day, August 6th 1971. Incidentally, he played an uncredited role in this flick with the lead characters being played by Prem Nazir and Sathyan. The megastar currently has a number of films needing his attention including Maamangam,...
- 8/6/2019
- by Cris
- The News Minute
MollywoodSome of these artistes – especially the women – had to fight many odds to be in showbiz in the 1950s and 60s, when society was not too kind to actors.Tnm StaffAn actor since the 1950s, a radio artiste of decades ago, a singer of the 70s, a woman comedian of black and white movies — 14 such artistes from the Malayalam film industry were honoured at the Kerala State Film Awards in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday. Tr Omana, Cs Radha Devi, Neyyatinkara Komalam, Gk Pillai, Vipin Mohan, Tn Krishnankutty Nair, Latha Raju, Sivan, Sreelatha Namboodiri, B Thyagarajan, Raghunath, Stanley Jose and Jagathy Sreekumar were the 14 artistes honoured. Some of these artistes – especially women – had to fight many odds to be in showbiz in the 1950s and 60s, when society was not too kind to actors. While new actors win their state awards – Nimisha Sajayan for best female actor, Jayasurya and Soubin for best...
- 7/28/2019
- by Cris
- The News Minute
MollywoodMiya George, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Prayaga Rose Martin and Aima Rosmy Sebastian have been roped in to play the female leads in this film.Digital NativeThe official teaser of the upcoming Malayalam movie Brother’s Day is out and it looks like the film is a commercial entertainer in every way. Expectations are high on this film as it will mark the debut of actor Kalabhavan Shahjohn as director. The teaser shows Prithvi mimicking Prem Nazir in a song, and then wearing a suit and saying, “I just have the looks, I am an oola (useless person).” Listin Stephen is bankrolling the film under his banner Magic Frames on a budget of Rs 15 crore. Prithviraj plays the male lead in the film. Miya George, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Prayaga Rose Martin and Aima Rosmy Sebastian have been roped in to play the female leads in this film. It may be noted here that...
- 7/22/2019
- by Cris
- The News Minute
CommemorationShe rose to fame playing the ghost in the horror classic ‘Bhargavi Nilayam’, and went on to direct more than 40 films in south Indian languages. CrisVijaya Nirmala in 'Bhargavinilayam'; Source: www.msidb.orgVijaya Nirmala must have been all of 20 when she became the ghost in Bhargavi Nilayam, a horror classic of Malayalam cinema made in 1964 – four years after Hitchcock’s Psycho. Less than a decade later, she directed her first film, Kavitha, in Malayalam – even though she’d been acting predominantly in Telugu – and became the first woman to do so. Malayalam cinema therefore lost a legend when Vijaya, 75 years old, passed away on Thursday, after a heart attack in Hyderabad. She was born in Tamil Nadu and began acting as a child in films – in Tamil and Telugu – before she came to Malayalam for Bhargavi Nilayam and turned famous. As Bhargavi, she played the ghost who would guide a...
- 6/29/2019
- by Cris
- The News Minute
Veteran Telugu actor-filmmaker G. Vijaya Nirmala died on Thursday, her son Naresh has confirmed. She was 75.
Naresh, who is also a popular Telugu actor, took to Twitter to announce the death of his mother.
"I regret to inform you that my mother, senior artiste, prominent producer and director Dr.A G Vijaya Nirmala passed away during early hours today, that is, 27.6.2019, at Continental Hospitals, Hyderabad, due to sickness. She was 75," Naresh tweeted.
"Her body will be kept at our residence from 11 a.m. Final rites will be held tomorrow (Friday)."
Vijaya Nirmala started her career as a child actor. At the age of five, she made her acting debut in 1950 Tamil film MacHcha Rekkai?and four years later she forayed into Telugu cinema with the film Panduranga Mahatyam.
It was through 1964 Malayalam film Bhargavi Nilayam, she rose to stardom and got noticed. She went on to work with Prem Nazir again in Udhyogastha.
Naresh, who is also a popular Telugu actor, took to Twitter to announce the death of his mother.
"I regret to inform you that my mother, senior artiste, prominent producer and director Dr.A G Vijaya Nirmala passed away during early hours today, that is, 27.6.2019, at Continental Hospitals, Hyderabad, due to sickness. She was 75," Naresh tweeted.
"Her body will be kept at our residence from 11 a.m. Final rites will be held tomorrow (Friday)."
Vijaya Nirmala started her career as a child actor. At the age of five, she made her acting debut in 1950 Tamil film MacHcha Rekkai?and four years later she forayed into Telugu cinema with the film Panduranga Mahatyam.
It was through 1964 Malayalam film Bhargavi Nilayam, she rose to stardom and got noticed. She went on to work with Prem Nazir again in Udhyogastha.
- 6/27/2019
- GlamSham
MollywoodSheela not only has over 475 films to her credit but was also one of the most bankable stars in the Malayalam film industry for well over two decades.CV AravindSheela in a scene from ‘Chemmeen’An eminent jury chaired by veteran filmmaker Ks Sethumadhavan has chosen yesteryear’s versatile actor Sheela for the prestigious Jc Daniel Award for outstanding contribution to Malayalam cinema. The award is bestowed under the aegis of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy that functions under the state’s Ministry of Culture. Sheela becomes only the second woman to receive the award after another accomplished artiste – Aranmula Ponnamma. No eyebrows are likely to be raised on the honour coming Sheela’s way as she not only has an impressive body of work with over 475 films to her credit but was also one of the most bankable and highly paid stars in the Malayalam film industry for well over two decades.
- 6/23/2019
- by Vidya
- The News Minute
MollywoodThe 1980s – considered the golden era of Malayalam cinema – is said to have created strong women characters, but were they really so?CrisAmmukutty (Seema), alone and looking after her old uncle in a Kerala village, is the heroine and unnamed subject of the title – Aalkoottathil Thaniye, ‘Alone in a Crowd’. Rajan (Mammootty), her cousin – the old uncle’s son with the big job in the city – had once been in love with her. But he is married to another now – city-bred Nalini who gave him a son. When they visit the ailing father, Rajan cannot hide his remorse looking at the old lover who had given “her all” for him, including the little money she earned as a schoolteacher to send him to the city for higher studies. He loathes the wife, rich and ambitious and wanting to leave for a better career. IV Sasi’s 1984 film is an example...
- 6/17/2019
- by Cris
- The News Minute
Veteran actress Sheela, 76, has been honored with the prestigious J.C. Daniel Award in recognition of her contribution to the Malayalam film industry.
This award is the Kerala government's top film award for a film veteran.
The award, which includes a cash prize of Rs 500,000 and a citation, was announced, here on Tuesday, by State Minister for Culture and Cinema A.K. Balan. It will be presented next month.
Sheela, still active in the industry, along with evergreen actor Prem Nazir hold a world record for acting in the largest number of films -- 110 -- together as heroine and hero in the 1960s and 1970s.
Even though she began her career in the Tamil film "Paasam" opposite M.G. Ramachandran, Sheela reigned supreme in the Malayalam industry in the sixties and seventies alongside the giants, including Sathyan, Nazir, Madhu, and Jayan.
In the latter part of her career, she shared screen...
This award is the Kerala government's top film award for a film veteran.
The award, which includes a cash prize of Rs 500,000 and a citation, was announced, here on Tuesday, by State Minister for Culture and Cinema A.K. Balan. It will be presented next month.
Sheela, still active in the industry, along with evergreen actor Prem Nazir hold a world record for acting in the largest number of films -- 110 -- together as heroine and hero in the 1960s and 1970s.
Even though she began her career in the Tamil film "Paasam" opposite M.G. Ramachandran, Sheela reigned supreme in the Malayalam industry in the sixties and seventies alongside the giants, including Sathyan, Nazir, Madhu, and Jayan.
In the latter part of her career, she shared screen...
- 6/4/2019
- GlamSham
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 book, titled ‘Nithyaharitham’, will be released at a special event to be held at Tdm Hall in Kochi on Sunday.Digital NativePrem Nazir was the icon of the Malayalam film industry before the era of Mammootty and Mohanlal began. Now, the two stars are going to release a book on the legendary actor. The book, titled Nithyaharitham, will be released by Mammootty and Mohanlal at a special event to be held at Tdm Hall in Kochi at 6 pm on Sunday. The event will be attended by the state culture minister Ak Balan, along with a long list of film celebrities such as Kunchacko Boban, Jayaram, Kamal, Tn Krishnankutty and Sibi Malayail. A special cultural programme has also been planned at the event. G Suresh Kumar, chairman of the Prem Nazir Foundation, revealed that the team has been working on the venture for the past 18 months. Initially, it was planned...
- 3/22/2019
- by Vidya
- The News Minute
MollywoodFrom depicting Adivasis as foolish to viewing them only as objects to be exploited, Malayalam cinema has a long history of misrepresenting the community.Neelima MenonRecently journalist and anti-caste activist Divya Kandukuri, while breaking down how Brahmin-Dvija feminism is considered mainstream feminism, made a valid observation. When you type “Brahmin women” and “Adivasi women” on Google, the images that are shown are proof of how they are perceived in the public domain. Fair-skinned, bejeweled, or it can be popular mainstream actors, or married women doing rituals as opposed to the images and videos of Adivasi and Dalit women getting beaten up, paraded naked and raped. The possibility of such exploitative images of a Brahmin woman reaching Google is highly unlikely. This is also true of the representation of Adivasis/ethnic minorities in mainstream Malayalam cinema. The 2002 Ali Akbar directed Bamboo Boys, revolves around four “tribal men” who step into the...
- 3/13/2019
- by Sowmya
- The News Minute
OpinionBalachandra Menon's cinema is well-known for chauvinistic lines and sentiments, but he appears to believe that he's been "respectful" towards women all along.CrisImage courtesy: Facebook.comIf only, the therapists and marriage counsellors of this world had earlier thought of consulting Balachandra Menon, so many divorces could have been avoided, so many heartbreaks prevented. Balachandra – actor, writer, filmmaker – has revealed a simple solution, hitherto known only to him, to end the problems that happen between man and woman. Of course, he does not really believe that there has ever been any problem, but just in case there is, it can be solved with – hold your breath – a ‘nottam’ (look) and a ‘kallachiri’ (naughty smile), he writes in his Facebook post in response to newspaper articles on subjects like masturbation and menstruation. The line sounds straight out of one of the many “family dramas” that he had scripted in the 1980s.
- 3/11/2019
- by Cris
- The News Minute
Mollywood'Bhayanakam' won three National Awards this year.CV AravindFacebook/Jayaraj NairMalayalam cinema has reaped a rich harvest at the National Awards for 2017 and three of those awards were won by the yet to be released film Bhayanakam. The awards were for Best Direction (Jayaraj), Best Adapted Screenplay (Jayaraj) and Best Cinematography (Nikhil S Praveen). For director Jayaraj who helmed his first film Vidyarambham in 1988 and is still going strong, this was his second National Award for Best Director. The first came way back in 1997 for the internationally acclaimed Kaliyattam starring then mainstream hero Suresh Gopi in the lead role. Apart from several National Awards, Jayaraj's work has also won international honours at various film festivals. An engineering graduate, Jayaraj was drawn to films after being fascinated by classics like Akiro Kurosowa’s Rashomon and Vittorio De Sica’s Bicycle Thieves. Fortunately for the young man, he had as his neighbor one of Malayalam cinema’s most celebrated directors, Bharathan. Bharathan took Jayaraj under his wing and their first collaboration together was Chilambam. Jayaraj assisted the veteran in six more films, including the lavishly mounted Vaishali. After getting his first break with Vidyarambham, Jayaraj went on to direct several films that did precious little to further his career. Most of them were commercial ventures like Aakasha Kottayile Sultan, Johnnie Walker, Highway, Arabia, Kudumbasameham etc. But the first film in which Jayaraj showed flashes of his brilliance was Desadanam, released in 1997. The film which eschewed commercial ingredients in toto, narrated the story of a young boy all set to renounce material life and embrace the life of a sanyasi and the emotional churn in the lives of his parents who are loath to part with him. The film turned out to be a commercial success and also won the National Award for the Best Regional Film. But the film that created a greater impact was Kaliyattam, also released in 1997 an adaption of Shakespeare’s Othello. The principal characters of Theyyam artistes were played by Suresh Gopi, Lal and Biju Menon, with Lal playing Iago to Gopi’s Othello and Manju Warrier, with her large expressive eyes was cast as Desdemona. Misled by Paniyan ( Lal), Kannan Perumalayan (Suresh Gopi) suspects his wife’s fidelity and slays her, only to realise later that she was innocent of his suspicions. Stung with remorse, Perumalyaan kills himself. Jayaraj won the National Award for Best Director for the film and Suresh Gopi was adjudged the Best Actor. After flirting with comedy in Thilakkam, starring Dileep and Kavya Madhavan, Jayaraj again captivated audiences with his hard hitting film 4 The People, a story of four engineering college students who raise a banner of revolt against corruption. The major highlight of the film, however, was Jassie Gift’s music score with a few numbers turning into chartbusters. While 4 The People was a hit, the other two films which were part of the trilogy - By the People and Of the People turned out to be damp squibs. Jayaraj embarked on a series of films, dubbing them as a ‘navarasa’ series and the culmination of the journey was Bhayanakam. The films were titled Shantham, Karunam, Bheebats (Hindi with Seema Biswas and Atul Kulkarni), Adhbudham, Veeram and Bhayanakam. Except Bhayanakam which is expected to hit the screens this month, all the other films were released commercially to varying degrees of success. Veeram, which had Bollywood actor Kunal Kapoor in the lead, was an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and was a period film set in 13th century Kerala. A painstaking effort by Jayaraj, his cast and technicians, the film which had Kerala’s celebrated martial arts discipline ‘kalari’ as a backdrop met with little success at the box-office. Bhayanakam was based on a couple of chapters that were a part of Jnanpith winning author Thakazhi Sivashankara Pillai’s epic novel Kayar. A simple film with a few characters, Bhayanakam is set in the days of World War II and the protagonist isa postman (Renji Panikkar) who delivers money orders from soldiers to their kin in a village in the pre-war days. With the outbreak of war, the same postman turns into an omen of death, carrying telegrams conveying tragic news of ultimate sacrifice on the war front and becomes a dreaded figure. Among the oeuvres of this director who has always trodden his own path, was Naayika, the story of an actor. It had Urvashi Sharada in the role of a diva past her prime and Padmapriya as her younger version. Jayaram, as the evergreen hero of Malayalam cinema Prem Nazir, played his part to perfection, bringing to life the mannerisms of the star and his perfect diction as well. Naayika won critical acclaim but bombed at the box office. But, perhaps the one film that should deserve a pole position among Jayaraj’s works was the much admired Ottaal, the plot of which he borrowed from the play Vaanka by the Russian playwright and author Anton Chekov. The film narrated the story of an emotional bond between a young orphan boy and his grandfather, with their simple joys and profound sorrows forming the nucleus. Brilliant acting by Ashank Sha as the young boy and Kumarokom Vasudevan (a fisherman in real life), as the grandfather, haunting visuals and Jayaraj’s deft directorial touches were the highlights of the film. Ottaal won all the major awards at the International Film Festival of Kerala and also the Crystal Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. The film also had the distinction of being the first Malayalam film to be released in the theatres and online simultaneously. While Jayaraj has worked with superstar Mammootty in three films Johnnie Walker, Loudspeaker and The Train, he is yet to make a single film with the other reigning superstar Mohanlal. Jayaraj has plans to direct films based on the arts, Shringara, Roudram and Hasyam in the coming days. His greatest strength so far has been the discerning viewer and most of his films have catered to that segment of film aficionados.
- 5/2/2018
- by Monalisa
- The News Minute
SandalwoodAfter Dr Rajkumar, it was Ambareesh and Vishnuvardhan who ruled the Kannada film industry.CV AravindMGR and Sivaji Ganesan after their long tenures at the top passed on the baton to Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. The duo ruled the roost in Kollywood for decades. Likewise, Sathyan and Prem Nazir, the superstars of Malayalam cinema, ceded their positions to Mammootty and Mohanlal. A similar phenomenon also prevailed in Tollywood where Nt Rama Rao and A Nageswara Rao had able successors in Chiranjeevi and Nagarjuna. However, in Sandalwood, the one hero who held the fort for a considerable length of time was Dr Rajkumar who ploughed a lonely furrow till two young men who would eventually metamorphose into macho heroes appeared on the scene in the early seventies. Vishnuvardhan and Ambareesh have had long and illustrious careers in Kannada cinema. Vishnu, however, passed away in 2010 when he was just a year shy of his sixtieth birthday, having served the industry for close to four decades. Ambareesh, currently in the autumn of his acting career, has been balancing politics and films and has now taken to doing character roles in a few Kannada films. Both the actors have been prolific and have more than 200 films to their credit. Vishnuvardhan was introduced to films in the year 1972 by actor-director Girish Karnad in the National Award winning film Vamsa Vriksha, based on the novel by the same name penned by Sl Byrappa. But the real mentor for both Vishnuvardhan and Ambareesh was one of Sandalwood’s most acclaimed auteurs Puttana Kanagal. The film Nagarahavu featured Vishnu as a hot-headed young man Ramachari and in his first full fledged role, the actor revealed flashes of his potential. Incidentally, Ambareesh had only a cameo role in the film that marked his debut in Sandalwood. Nagarahavu was a super duper hit at the box office and was the launching pad for the two stars. Some of Vishnu’s films that afforded him a lot of scope to reveal his mettle were Rajendra Singh Babu's Bandhana, Muthina Hara, S Narayan’s Veerappa Nayaka, Simhadriya Simha, Gandhada Gudi, Sooryavamsa and Santosh Sivan’s ‘Navarasa’. Among his latter day films. P Vasu’s remake of Manichitrathaazhu, Aptha Mithra and its sequel Aptha Rakshaka fared well at the box office. Incidentally, Aptha Rakshaka was released in theatres after Vishnu breathed his last. Many of his earlier films were directed by Rajendra Singh Babu and the 1984 film Bandhana in which he was paired with Suhasini still remains green in memory. More so, it was the biggest hit in his career. Vishnu has also acted in films in other languages. His Tamil films like Alaigal, Mazhalai Pattalam and Kauravar caught the audience's attention. In Telugu, he did a couple of films Okkadu Chalu and Sardar Dharmaanna. In Malayalam, Vishnu worked in films like Adima Changala, Mazhakala Megam and Samarpanam. He made his debut in Bollywood with Ek Naya Ithihas and went on to do films like Inspector Dhanush, Ashanth and Zalim. Vishnu brought to bear a great deal of charm and grace in his portrayals and looked every inch a swashbuckling hero. Dubbed the Phoenix of Kannada cinema for his comebacks, Vishnuvardhan was also fondly called as ‘Sahasa Simha.’ Veteran singer S P Balasubramanian who sang for Vishnu in Nagarahavu remained his favourite playback singer and even in his last film Aptharakshaka Spb rendered as many as five hit numbers. Incidentally, Vishnu himself was no mean singer and had sung in as many as twenty films, apart from cutting a few discs comprising religious songs. His duets with acclaimed singers like P Susheels, S Janaki and K S Chithra were all chart busters. The careers of Vishnu and Ambareesh ran parallel to each other and the duo’s popularity levels too matched a lot. Ambareesh who earned the title ‘Rebel Star’ impressed audiences as a tough as nails Inspector Amarnath in Chakravyuha and went on to act in successful films like Diggajaru (with Vishnu), Antha, Ranganayaki, Ellu Suttine Kote, Masanada Hoovu, Shubamangala, Gaddu Bheranda, Operation Antha (sequel to Antha) and Sree Manjunatha’ among others. He later went on to do supporting roles in films like Upendra’s Katari Veera, Surasundarangi.It was his performance in the film Chakravyha that fetched him the title ‘Rebel Star’. Ambareesh also excelled in dual roles in Antha as a cop and a prisoner. He matched strides with thespian Rajkumar in the film Odahuttidavaru. Ambi Ning Vayassaithu and Kurukshethra where he plays the role of Bheema are the films that the star is presently shooting for. Vishnu and Ambareesh shared a lifelong friendship and were like two peas in a pod before the icy hand of fate snatched Vishnu away. Both married co-stars and while Vishnu tied the knot with Bharathi, Ambareesh found his soul mate in Sumalatha. Their saga of success had a lot to do with the way they shaped their careers. They knew their limitations and range and their directors too ensured that the kind of roles that they signed up for were right up their street. A remarkable aspect in the long innings that the duo essayed on the silver screen was that they managed to keep their fan bases intact. Nearly eight years after his passing, Vishnu’s birth and death anniversaries are observed by his diehard fans who do their best to contribute to the charitable causes that he espoused during his lifetime.
- 3/28/2018
- by editor
- The News Minute
MollywoodThe actor was shooting for his upcoming film ‘Mamangam’ but it is learnt that there is no cause for concern as he is doing well.Digital NativeMalayalam mega star Mammootty sustained minor injuries while shooting a fight sequence for his upcoming film Mamangam. The news was posted on Facebook by the film team recently. However, we hear that there is no cause for concern as the star is doing well. Directed by Sajeev Pillai, Mamangam is a film based on the fair that was celebrated during 850 Ad to 1755 Ad in which warriors from different parts of the Malabar region came together to wage battles to prove their courage and valour. The festival was held on the banks of the Bharathapuzha in Tirunavaya. Evidently a historical film set in a different era, sources in the know say that Mammootty would be donning four different get-ups in this film. However, the role that he is playing in the film has been kept a secret for now. Made on a budget of about Rs 50 crore, elaborate sets have been erected for the purpose of filming some important portions of the movie. Reports indicate that Mamangam will be released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and English as well. Being made on a high budget, the filmmakers are planning to have it released across the globe. Also, it will feature some of the top league Bollywood stars in pivotal roles, say sources. It may be mentioned here that a film on the same subject was made in 1979 with the title Maamaankam. Directed and produced by Navodaya Appachan, the film had Prem Nazir, Jayan, Jose Prakash and Alummoodan in the lead roles. Mammootty is currently busy with a slew of projects which are in various stages of production. His upcoming releases this year would be Parole, Uncle, Peranbu and Abrahaminte Santhathikal apart from Mamangam. Mammootty has another historical, Kunjali Marakkar, lined up and its shooting is expected to commence in mid 2018. (Content provided by Digital Native)...
- 2/19/2018
- by Editor
- The News Minute
MollywoodMohanlal will play the role of Ithikkara Pakki, a short cameo but a powerful one.Digital NativeMohanlal has joined the sets of the upcoming movie Kayamkulam Kochunni. He began shooting for his portions on Wednesday, February 14, confirm sources close to the film. The film’s other lead star Nivin Pauly had also posted pictures from the sets much to the excitement of film buffs. In the movie, Mohanlal plays the role of the great robber Ithikkara Pakki, while Nivin Pauly will be seen essaying the title role of Kayamkulam Kochunni, the legendary Robin Hood type hero who stole from the rich to feed the poor. Reports say that Mohanlal’s role will be a short cameo but a powerful one. The film is being directed by Rosshan Andrrews and produced by Gokulam Gopalan under his banner Sree Gokulam Films. Gopi Sunder is the music composer for this film with Binod Pradhan cranking the camera and A Sreekar Prasad editing it. The shooting for Kayamkulam Kochunni began in Udupi last September and the team is currently stationed in Mangaluru where the shooting is in progress. It may be mentioned here that a movie on Ithikkara Pakki with the same title was released in the year 1980. Directed by J Sasikumar, the film starred Prem Nazir and Jayan in the lead roles. And much earlier, in 1966, director Pa Thomas made a film on Kayamkulam Kochunni under the same title. The film had Sathyan playing the titular role with Adoor Bhasi, Manavalan Joseph and Kj Yesudas in the star cast. With two films already made on the legendary characters, film buffs wonder what Rosshan Andrrews has in store this time around. Sources in the know, however, say that the director will certainly add a new perspective to the plot that will have the audiences glued to their seats. Well, with Superstar Mohanlal in the star cast along with Nivin Pauly, it should be an interesting narrative! (Content provided by Digital Native)...
- 2/16/2018
- by Editor
- The News Minute
Veteran actor Sharada has been selected for the prestigious Prem Nazir award.
A three-time National Award winner, she won the Best Actress award for her performance in 1968 for Thulabharam (Malayalam), in 1972 for Swayamvaram (Malayalam) and five years later for Nimajjanam (Telugu). Apart from the National Awards, she has been bestowed with several prestigious awards such as the Kerala State Film Awards, Filmfare Awards South, and Nandi Award.
A three-time National Award winner, she won the Best Actress award for her performance in 1968 for Thulabharam (Malayalam), in 1972 for Swayamvaram (Malayalam) and five years later for Nimajjanam (Telugu). Apart from the National Awards, she has been bestowed with several prestigious awards such as the Kerala State Film Awards, Filmfare Awards South, and Nandi Award.
- 8/5/2017
- by TNM NEWS
- The News Minute
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