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'Hello' stays on top despite new Malayalam releases
By Paresh C. Palicha

Kochi, Two new films, "Mission 90 Days" and "Sooryan", hit the Malayalam marquee last fortnight, but they couldn't dislodge "Hello" from the top spot.

The top five Malayalam films are:

1. "Hello" - Directors Rafi-Mecartin have presented Mohanlal in an out-and-out comic role. The actor has enthralled audiences with his performance and it shows in the
box-office collections.

2. "Mission 90 Days" - Major Ravi is back with the story of a National Security Guards (NSG) team tracking down the assassins of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. The
film, which has Mammootty in the lead, has received a mixed response from viewers.

3. "Arabikatha" - Sreenivasan plays a man who holds leftist ideals close to his heart. There is a twist in the tale when he has to go to the Middle East to earn money.
Director Lal Jose beautifully captures the turmoil and confusion of the protagonist.

4. "July 4" - The title was supposed to bring Dileep good luck, but could not make up for this mishmash of many films.

5. "Sooryan" - Actor Jayaram and director V.M. Vinu team up to tell the story of a classical singer, but end up with a heavy concoction that leaves viewers unmoved.

 
Kerala laps up 'Hello' numbers
The popular numbers of "Hello" still stay on top of Malayalam charts. The rest of the list remains largely unchanged except for the inclusion of a song from the recently released film "Sooryan".

The top five Malayalam songs are:

1. "Kadukkittu" - Film: "Hello; Music: Alex Paul; Lyrics: Sarath Varma; Singers: M.G. Sreekumar and Sangeetha Prabhu. Wholesome entertainment by Mohanlal's
standards means that his fans should have everything they want from their idol. And they are certainly enjoying his dancing skills in the song.

2. "Thirike" - Film: "Arabikatha"; Music: Bijibal; Lyrics: Anil Panachooran; Singer: Yesudas. The song conveys the craving for one's homeland when one is in foreign lands
and strikes a chord with listeners.

3. "Kattupoocha kurumbi" - Film: "July 4"; Music: Ousepachan; Lyrics: Shibu Chakravarthy; Singers: Afsal and Sayonara. It is a typical Dileep song that does not make
much sense, but goes down well with young fans.

4. "Chella thamara" - Film: "Hello"; Music: Alex Paul; Lyrics: Sarath Varma; Singers: K.S. Chitra and Sangeetha Prabhu. The melodious song still holds on to its position in
the chart.

5. "Ishtakkari" - Film: "Sooryan"; Music: Ilayaraja; Lyrics: Girish Puthencherry; Singers: Madhu Balakrishnan and Manjiri. The song has techno beats to lure young listeners.
 
Santosh Sivan on road to Hollywood
From terrorism to historical characters, Santosh Sivan has tried his hand at everything. And now he transcends borders with his period film "Before the Rains" which has Hollywood actors and producers.The film, about a British planter in colonial India who wants to build a road to the hills to commercially tap the spices grown there, will be premiered at the Sep 6-15 Toronto
International Film Festival.

 
Filmmaker Ravi regrets not catching Rajiv Gandhi murder mastermind
Malayalam filmmaker and retired army commando Major Ravi still rues that he could not catch Sivarasan, the mastermind behind former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, in Bangalore due to a delay in storming into the house where Sivarasan was hiding. Ravi was here with his second Malayalam film "Mission 90 Days" which tells the story about the trial of the killers of Gandhi. It stars veteran actor Mammootty in the role of Captain Ravindran, the name by which Ravi was known during those days.

  
Santosh Sivan's first Hollywood film to premier in Toronto festival
Thiruvananthapuram, July 11 The world premiere of ace cameraman and film maker Santosh Sivan's first Hollywood film "Before the Rains" will be held at the 32nd Toronto International Film Festival in September this year.

 
Chikungunya hits Mohanlal and Meera
The Malayalam film industry has been badly hit by chikungunya. Apparently, more than 40 Malayalam actors are suffering from the mosquito-transmitted diseases of chikungunya and dengue.
 
'Vinodayathra' stays on the top of the best film list
By Paresh C. Palicha

Kochi, Despite a couple of small releases showing a lot of promise at the state's box-office, "Vinodayathra" continues to be at the top of the Malluwood list.

1. "Vinodayathra": This pleasure trip has been good for Dileep. His first venture as a hero with director Sathyan Anthikkad is the real super-hit among Vishu releases.

2. "Time": Suresh Gopi finds yet another hit with favourite director Shaji Kailas. They just tweaked the formula of their filmmaking brand to find success.

3. "Chhotta Mumbai": Rasheed Anwar, the director of this film, turns out to be the man with the Midas Touch, as his two successive films has become Malluwood megahits.

4. "Pranayakalam": Debutant director Uday Ananthan makes a love story of the '80s with newcomers and finds a place in this list due to lack of any serious competition.

5. "Akasham": Comedian Harisree Asokan attempts to play a serious role as the lead character in this film directed by A.K. Sundardas. The film has had limited success
due to its poor script.
 
Single organisation favoured for Malayalam film industry
Thiruvananthapuram, Thespian Malayalam actor Thilakan favours one common organisation for all the people associated with the Malayalam film industry to end its problems.
 
'Nagaram': A Malayalam commercial film on garbage
"Nagaram", a new Malayalam film that opened in theatres last week, tells the tale of a village which has to suffer from the waste dumped by a nearby city.The films features 33 Malayalam film stars, including Kalabhavan Mani, Seema, Gopika, Telegu actress Laxmi Sharma, Jagathy, Jagadish and thespian actor Thilakan.
 

Mammootty and Kavya team up for 'Nasrani'
Thiruvananthapuram, Veteran Malayalam superstar Mammootty, who has been teaming up with young Malayalam heroines of late, has been cast alongside Kavya Madhavan in the film "Nasrani". Mammootty first acted with Kavya a long time ago when she was a child artiste. Although she has been part of the supporting cast of films starring Mammootty, this is the first time the two are the leading pair in a film. Mammootty is past 50 while Kavya is in her mid-20s. Of late, Mammootty has been acting with very young heroines. Meera Jasmine stars with him in "Orae Kadal", for which shooting has just ended. He was paired with Gopika in his last release "Mayavi". Whenever asked about the age gap between him and his heroines, Mammootty, unfazed, poses the question: "Isn't your wife younger to you?" Fans have huge expectations from "Nasrani" because accomplished director Joshy is directing the film. Nasrani is a colloquial term for a rich Syrian Christian and Mammootty plays the role of a Syrian Christian estate owner. It was Joshi who gave Mammootty's career a huge boost in the 80s with the film 'Sanghom' in which the actor essayed the role of a rich Syrian Christian. Since then whenever Mammootty has played similar roles, the film has been a huge hit. The script for the latest film has been written by Renjith, who himself is a talented director and a close friend of Mammootty. "This is certainly going to be an interesting film because it is incident-based and right from the start one incident leads to another," said Renjith. The cast of "Nasrani" also includes Lalu Alex, Kalabhavan Mani, Biju Menon, Vijayaraghavan, Captain Raju and K.P.A.C. Lalitha. The film is slated for release in August during the Onam festival and is expected to give Mohanlal's forthcoming film "Alibhai" a tough competition.

 
Munnar demolition drive: Mammootty's land inspected
Munnar (Kerala), Malayalam superstar Mammootty's landholding near Munnar Tuesday came under the scanner of a special team tasked to evict encroachers from the popular hill station.
  
Mohanlal celebrates birthday with new film, fans
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal Monday celebrated his 47th birthday in style with the launch of his new film "Alibhai" apart from cutting a cake with his family and thousands of fans.Over 2,000 of the actor's fans had turned up at the Kinfra Film and Video Park campus, on the outskirts of the state capital, where he owns a studio. Mohanlal's mother and wife were also present.
  
Mammooty to play royal monarch
Malayalam superstar Mammooty is all set to don royal robes in his next film "Pazhassi Raja".
He plays the title role of the 18th century king who fought the British in the jungles of Wayanad in Kerala. The film is being directed by Hariharan.
 
Gopika changes 30 dresses in one song!
Actress Gopika claims to have outdone other actresses by displaying 30 costumes in a single song sequence in her forthcoming Tamil film "Vellitthirai".
 
Malayalam films have become commercial products: Kamal
Thiruvananthapuram, Malayalam films have now become commercial products and need to be vigorously marketed to get the audience, believes ace Malayalam film director Kamal. "It was a different scenario not long ago when film-goers came on their own. The role of a film director is over the moment the film is released, but now we have to shout from the rooftops and appear on TV channels asking the audience to come and see the film. A Malayalam film now has become like any product and has to be vigorously marketed," Kamal told reporters here Saturday.
Into the 16th year as director, Kamal Friday saw his 38th film 'Goal' released."My new film is totally different from my last film 'Karutha Pakshigal'. 'Goal' follows the current trend of a film made for youngsters and so compromises have been made to make it palatable to the changing times," he said."Karutha Pakshikal", starring superstar Mammootty, was about a Tamil migrant who ekes out a living pressing clothes in Kerala. It was a thoroughly serious film."I don't think I have the same level of satisfaction for 'Goal' as compared to aesthetically superior 'Karutha Pakshigal'. Both are totally different and since I have to cater to all sections, compromises have to be made," said Kamal.Football is the central theme of "Goal" and has quite a few young actors making their debut. Shot in the picturesque hill station in Ooty, the film revolves round an international school.

  
Kerala plans golden oldie Prem Nazir's statue
Thiruvananthapuram, A statue of legendary Malayalam film hero Prem Nazir, who broke acting records with his roles in over 700 films, is likely to come up here in a year's time.Along with the bronze statue of Nazir, who passed away in 1989, the Trivandrum Film Fraternity is also planning a theme museum based on some immortal characters essayed by the late actor.Filmmaker Lenin Rajendran and superstar Suresh Gopi told reporters Thursday that sculptor Jeevan Thomas, who had sculpted the statues of S.K. Pottekad and Herman Gundert, will make Nazir's statue."Work on the statue will begin here May 14 and is expected to be completed within a year. Nazir was one of the actors who had dedicated his life to developing Malayalam cinema as an industry," said Gopi.Nazir, a Padma Sree awardee, and actress Sheela hold the unique distinction of acting as a hero-heroine pair in more than a 100 Malayalam films - for which they entered the Guinness Book of Records."The suggestion to install the statue came up before the fraternity a fortnight ago and it was finalised without much discussion. The exact location where it would be installed would be announced in due course after discussions with the Kerala government," said Gopi.A panel comprising producer G. Suresh Kumar, former Chalachitra Academy chairman T.K. Rajiv Kumar, Rakesh and Kalliyoor Sasi has been formed for executing the project.The Trivandrum Film Fraternity was formed in 1995 to promote professionalism in the industry and take up welfare activities for those working in different departments of cinema. It also functions as a forum for holding a dialogue between the industry and the state government.
 

'Vinodayathra' beats other Vishu releases
By Paresh C. Palicha,

Kochi, With all Vishu releases still going good, the surprise winner is director Sathyan Anthikad's "Vinodayathra".

The top five Malayalam films are:

1. "Vinodayathra" - Dileep appears as the protagonist in a Sathyan Anthikad film for the first time and the team clicks. The film has Meera Jasmine as the female lead. The right balance of humour and sentiment has worked well for the veteran director.

2. "Big B" - Amal Neerad, the young cameraman-turned-director, who has worked with the likes of Ram Gopal Varma, has succeeded in making a slick action thriller with Mammootty in the main lead.

3. "Chotta Mumbai" - Director Anwar Rasheed's second outing after "Rajamanickam" is an unpretentious entertainer with Mohanlal in the lead. Scriptwriter Benny P. Nayarambalam deserves equal credit for the success of the film.

4. "Athisayan" - Director Vinayan tries to cash in on the vacation period with a fantasy film targeting kids. The film has ensemble cast that consists of big names like Jackie Shroff, Jayasurya, Mukesh and Kavya Madhavan.

5. "Panthayakozhi" - This film tries to project young Narain as a star attraction, but has to settle for the fifth position.

 
Malayalam film stars join hands for fund-raiser film
Almost all leading Malayalam film stars will come together to act in a film, officially launched Monday and being made by the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) to raise funds for the association's activities.The yet untitled film, which was planned last year itself, will be produced by actor Dileep and a major portion of the box office collections would go to AMMA, said ace comedian Innocent, who is also president of AMMA.
 
Kajol's heart is set on Malayalam 'Heartbeats'
Bollywood actress Kajol is all set to play a lead role in a Malayalam film tentatively titled "Heartbeats". In 1996, she hit it off with the Tamil audiences with her first south Indian love story "Minsarakanavu". The film, which also had dancing wizard Prabhu Deva and Arvind Swamy, was noted for Kajol's sprightly performance as well as its song sequences. The film was remade in Hindi as "Sapnay".
 
Cameras to roll inside parliament for film on A.K. Gopalan
Three decades after the death of A.K. Gopalan Nambiar, one of the leading lights of the Indian communist movement, his life and the long years he spent as a parliamentarian will be captured on celluloid as shooting begins inside parliament's precincts.National award-winning director Shaji N. Karun has got permission from Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee to shoot some aspects of the life of Gopalan, who was popularly known as AKG, in the Indian parliament building for his short film titled "AKG".

 
Kerala hums songs from Vishu films
By Paresh C. Palicha,

Kochi, Songs from films released during Vishu make it to this list, with "Thala" from "Chotta Mumbai" topping the charts.

The top five Malyalam songs are:

1. "Thala" - Film: "Chotta Mumbai"; Music Director: Rahul Raj; Lyrics: Sarath Varma; Singers: Sankar Mahadevan, Arjun Sasi, Sangeeth and Rahul Raj. This is a song full of zest from a fun-filled film.

2. "Kaiyetha" - Film: "Vinodayathra"; Music Director: Ilayaraja; Lyrics: Sarath Varma; Singer: Manjari. We get soulful music whenever director Sathyan Anthikkad and maestro Ilayaraja team up, and this song continues the trend.

3. "Sankathinu" - Film: "Panthayakozhi"; Music Director: Alex Paul; Lyrics: Sarath Varma; Singers: Vineeth Sreenivasan and Ramesh Babu. This is a philosophical, but 'danceable' song.

4. "Mandarapoo mooli" - Film: "Vinodayathra"; Music Director: Ilaiyaraja: Lyrics: Sarath Varma; Singers: Swetha and Madhu Balakrishanan. This well-picturised romantic song on Dileep and Meera Jasmine was bound to be a hit with listeners and it is.

5. "Muttathe mulle" - Film: "Maayavi"; Music Director: Alex Paul; Lyrics: Sarath Varma; Singers: K.J. Yesudas and Manjari. This song still remains on the charts, but not on the top any more.

 
Malayalam screenplays turn up as books
Thiruvananthapuram, More and more Malayalam film screenplays are now coming out as books, with publishers admitting that the business of turning movie plots into novels is a roaring one.
"Film appreciation has become a hot subject for students on the verge of entering the film and television industry. We ourselves have in the recent past come out with a dozen such books," N.E. Balakrishnan, chief of the TBS Publishers and Distributors of Poorna Publications, told reporters here Tuesday.
  

'Vinodayathra' offers an enjoyable ride despite pitfalls - Review
Film: "Vinodayathra"; Cast: Dileep, Mukesh, Meera Jasmine, Murali and Nedumudi Venu; Director: Sathyan Anthikkad; Music: Ilayaraja; Producer: M.M. Hamsa
 
Mammootty's 'Maayavi' a mega Malayalam hit
By Paresh C. Palicha,

Kochi, "Maayavi" continues to rake in the moolah in these pre-Vishu days and tops the fortnight's list of Malayalam films. The lack of serious competition is helping the film further.

The top five Malayalam films are:

1. "Maayavi" - This is one of the biggest Mammootty hits in recent times. Directed by Shafi, the film has stayed on top for months.

2. "Payum Puli" - Actor Kalabhavan Mani's 'masala' fest directed by Mohan Kupleri occupies the second place in this list.

3. "The Speed Track" - Dileep's sports saga made by a new director Jayasurya continues to be in the race.

4. "November Rain" - This is a film on the underworld made by an ambitious team of youngsters headed by director Vinu Joseph.

5. "Anandabhairavi" - Veteran director Jayaraj returns with the offbeat theme of a kathakali artiste and his relationship with his prodigiously talented son. Sai Kumar has won the second best actor state award for his performance in this film.
 
Kerala politico's son to wed actor's daughter
Rumours of a romance have been doing the rounds for some time, but it is official now -- Malayalam cinema's comedy king Jagathy Sreekumar's daughter and leading politico P.C. George's son are likely to get married soon. Dismissing reports that his son Shone and Sreekumar's daughter Parvathy have already registered their marriage, Kerala Congress-Secular leader George says his political adversaries had been spreading "canards".

 
Mammootty's 'Maayavi' rules Malayalam box office
Mammootty's "Maayavi" still rules the box office and is number one on this list of top five Malayalam films:

1. "Maayavi" - The Mammootty film directed by Shafi is the first real blockbuster of the year.

2. "The Speed Track" - The much-delayed Dileep film is getting its due at the box office and introduces a new director, Jayasurya, to Malayalam cinema.

3. "Detective" - Another debutant director, Jithu Joseph, gives a much-needed hit to actor Suresh Gopi with the film.

4. "Avan Chandiyude Makan" - Veteran director Thulasidas has roped in Prithviraj in this family entertainer scripted by Babu Janardhanan and succeeded.
 
Mammooty, Jasmine together onscreen first time
Thiruvananthapuram, Malayalam superstar Mammootty and talented actress Meera Jasmine will be seen together onscreen for the first time in director Shyamaprasad's "Ore Kadal". Mammootty, who's currently shooting for the film in Chennai, said he is quite excited about the project. "I play the role of Dr. Nathan, an eccentric economic scientist who is a drunkard but is intellectually superior. The problem is that he does not believe in relationships, be it love or even a good friendship," Mammootty told over telephone. He added: "No, this is not an off-beat film like Shyamaprasad's earlier films. In fact this is a more serious film."
 
Mohanlal is brand ambassador for Kerala AIDS campaign
Thiruvananthapuram, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, who attracted much flak in Kerala for a liquor advertisement, is the state's goodwill ambassador for an AIDS awareness campaign."As an actor, it is my responsibility to take part in such programmes and I decided to become the goodwill ambassador," said the superstar at a function to felicitate his new role Monday.
 
"Celebrating Kerala Cinema" at US festival
Washington, Noted director Adoor Gopalakrishnan's masterpiece depicting the life and times of famed Kathakali dancer Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair marked the opening of a Kerala Film Festival here.The screening of the Malayalam film with English subtitles at the Smithsonian 'Freer and Sackler Gallery' Friday was followed by a Kathakali performance by Anupama Dinesh Kumar and Seekala Varma. The film includes fascinating backstage views into performers' lives and magical footage of Kathakali performances.The "Celebrating Kerala Cinema" festival from March 2-18 presents six films from the state's distinguished cinematic tradition and marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the south Indian state.Other films being screened are Anup Kurian's moving, tragi-comic love story, "Manasarovar"; Govindan Arivindan's sensitive blend of the political and the personal, "Vasthuhara; T.V. Chandran's moving film about the caste-transcending friendship, "Ponthan Mada"; P.N. Menon's tale of tragic love "Olavum Teeravum"; and M.T. Vasudevan's intensely primal cinematic fable "Nair Nirmalayam".The series has been co-sponsored by Varghese and Rani George in collaboration with the Asia Society Washington Centre in association with the Embassy of India.On the eve of the festival, Raminder Singh Jassal, deputy chief of the Indian mission, hosted a dinner attended by a cross-section of American and Indian American communities.

 
'Maayavi' overtakes 'Inspector Garud' at box office
Kochi, Mammootty starrer "Maayavi" gets to the top, toppling "Inspector Garud". Suresh Gopi's "Detective" is the only new entry this fortnight.

The top five Malayalam films are:

1. "Maayavi" - Mammootty comes up with yet another entertainer under the directorial baton of Shafi, proving that he can make both 'the masses and the classes' happy.

2. "Inspector Garud" - A typical Dileep-brand film. His friend Johny Antony has directed it.

3. "Detective" - Suresh Gopi, who plays a cop and a politician, is at home in both the roles. Directed by newcomer Jithu Joseph, the thriller is expected to do well in the coming days.
 
Mammootty has miraculous escape on shoot
Kochi, Malayalam superstar Mammootty Tuesday had a miraculous escape during shooting of an action scene of his latest blockbuster "Big B" when a flying metal piece from an exploding car missed him by inches.Mammootty told that he was shooting for a scene where a car was blown up by a petrol bomb. "A portion of the exploding car flew inches away from my face. God is great. After the incident we saw it replayed on the video and only then we knew the gravity of the situation. It was a narrow escape," said Mammootty.

 
Awards are like appetizers, says Mammootty
New Delhi, Popular Malayalam film star Mammootty, who has given a brilliant performance in his recent "Kayyoppu" (signature), says that awards are like appetizers that give momentary satisfaction, but one yearns for them again after a while. "Awards are like appetizers or meals. You are satisfied when you have them. But you always need more. I expect an award every year," Mammootty, who has won three National Awards, told in an interview.Mammootty was in the national capital last week, along with filmmaker Ranjith, for a special screening of "Kayyoppu". The film attempts to explain the trauma of innocent victims of terror through the story of a struggling, introvert but genius writer, played by the superstar.The movie, which looks intensely personal in the first half, culminates into a relatively universal issue - terrorism.
 

Row over Kerala film awards gets murkier
New Delhi, The controversy over the Kerala state film awards does not seem to die down as a noted filmmaker Thursday alleged that some jury members had no knowledge of cinema.
"It is highly unfortunate that the state awards were decided by a jury in which some of the members did not know anything about cinema or its technology," Ranjith, who was in the national capital for exhibiting his latest movie, the Mammootty-starred "Kayyoppu" ('signature'), told reporters. The state film awards, announced last week, had surprised many as young star Prithviraj was chosen for the best actor prize, beating many brilliant performances by
reigning superstars.

 
Priyadarshan's new Hindi film in controversy
Thiruvananthapuram,  Veteran director Priyadarshan's next Bollywood venture faces controversy as the author of the original Malayamam film, on which the new project is based, has said the story was being changed without his permission. Madhu Muttom, who wrote the story for "Manichithrathazhu", told reporters here Thursday that Priyadarshan had not taken his consent while basing his new project on the award-winning Malayalam film. "This story of 'Manichithrathazhu' is mine. Isn't it only proper that if this story is going to be used, they should at least speak to me? It is not proper to mutilate my story. I am raising this issue not from a monetary aspect but from the point of a writer who is the creator," Muttom told "Manichithrathazhu" was a super-hit in 1992-93 and shot the lead pair of Mohanlal and Shobana to dizzying heights.
 
Sukumari questions Padma Shri award
Thiruvanathapuran, Veteran south Indian actress S. Sukumari, who received the Padma Shri award in 2003, is questioning the utility of the honour conferred on her. "I don't understand why I was given the award and of what use it is. By showing this award I can't get even a seat in a train. But someone may give me a seat if I say I am actress Sukumari," she told media.

Padmapriya defends ageing Malayalam superstars
Thiruvananthapuram, Young southern Indian actress Padmapriya who has acted with three of Kerala's 40-plus superstars - Mammootty, Mohanlal and Suresh Gopi - says age is not an impediment for actors. "These superstars handle their characters so well and they are sensible and sensitive actors. Every fruit has its own flavour and an apple cannot replace an orange," the actress told reporters here. "Amitabh Bachachan is past 65 and still the most sought after star in Bollywood. This is true in Hollywood and the Malayalam film industry," she added.
 
Mammootty bags best actor award
Thiruvananthapuram, Malayalam superstar Mammootty was Monday named best actor at the Atlas Film Critics Awards here for his poignant performances in "Kaioppu" and "Karuthapakshigal". "Karuthapakshigal", in which Mammootty plays a Tamil migrant worker eking out a living by ironing clothes, went on to bag six more awards. It was adjudged the best film
for the year 2006 and Kamal got the best director award for it. Padmapriya was adjudged best actress for her role in "Karuthapakshigal" and "Yes Your Honour". Mammootty said he was delighted. Asked if this would set the stage for his fourth National Award, Mammootty said: "I hope so. I have done my job." Manarakayam Baby, secretary of Atlas Film Critics, said that many of their award winners had gone on to win the coveted National Award. The awards, sponsored by Middle East-based jeweller Atlas Ramachandran, are to be given away April 22 at Kozhikode.
 

Mammootty's Kathaparayumbol :
Mammootty endorsing social issues through his films, After nearly three decades of work in commercial films, Malayalam superstar Mammootty has now started endorsing social issues through his films and is even forgoing remuneration at times. "Kathaparayumbol" is being produced by veteran film stars Sreenivasan and Mukesh. "We went to his home and discussed the project and Mammootty instantly agreed to work in it. When we tried to discuss his remuneration, he said, 'Don't worry, I will take money only if it is going to bring in the audience'," Sreenivasan, who has written the story, script and dialogues of the movie, said here. "Yes, the film is unique and its one major attraction is the return of two-time National Award winning actress Shobhana to Malayalam films," said Sreenivasan. Veteran comedians Jagathy Sreekumar and Innocent will also play a crucial role in the film. Debutant director Mohan will direct the film.

 
Malayalam film stars march against piracy
Thiruvananthapuram, Thousands of members of the Malayalam film industry, including superstars like Mammootty and Mohanlal, marched to the state secretariat Wednesday in appreciation of the government's crackdown against piracy. Top actors Suresh Gopi, Jayaram and Dileep, apart from several actresses, participated in the march and asked that authorities continue the drive. They were joined by over 2,000 members of various film industry associations, representing producers, distributors and technicians.

Mammootty's Malayalam film Big B

I am missing the National Award: Mammootty
Thiruvananthapuram, Malayalam superstar Mammootty confesses that he misses receiving the coveted National Award, which he has already been honoured with three times earlier."Isn't it some time now since I have won it? And of late, I am missing it," Mammootty told IANS from the sets of his upcoming film "Big B". The versatile actor hopes that two of his recent films - "Palunku" and "Kaioppu" - help get some awards."Both 'Palunku' and 'Kaioppu', which are currently running in theatres, carry a socially relevant theme. They are doing good business though they might not be drawing huge crowds. While "Palunku" is directed by Blessy, "Kaioppu" has been made by Ranjith.

 
Malayalam filmmaker Blessy eyes new frontiers
Thiruvananthapuram, Upcoming Malayalam filmmaker Blessy, who has made it big with family dramas, says he is a creator and is looking for new frontiers. "I am moving out to new frontiers because I am a creator. My next film, a blend of comedy, black magic and romance, would be shot entirely in Kolkata," Blessy told reporters here after his latest film 'Palunku' was screened for the media. Produced by Thampi Antony, a US-settled actor, the new film would have Dileep and Meera Jasmine in lead roles. 'Palunku', the third film of Blessy released during the Christmas last year, has not done well at the box office as expected, compared to his all-time hits like 'Kazcha' and 'Thanmatra'.

 
Chief minister roped in to promote film?
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, a man usually busy attending party meetings, was seen in a movie hall here Friday night, watching a Malayalam film along with its director. The grapevine is that 'Palunku', directed by Blessy, whose previous two films 'Kazcha' and 'Thanmatra' were roaring box office hits, has not been able to draw crowds. The director has, however, refused to comment whether he brought the chief minister to the theatre for publicity.
The film is about the chief minister's pet subjects of farmer suicides and harassment of women.
 
I have become selective, says Murali
Thiruvananthapuram, National award winning Malayalam film actor Murali says he will be seen fewer times on the silver screen henceforth because he has become selective on roles. "I really can't digest several of the films which are being made today because it is really testing the patience of many. So I decided I will be selective," Murali
 

Kerala traders protest raids on video libraries
Thiruvananthapuram, Traders across Kerala downed their shutters Tuesday to protest against police raids on video libraries to check video piracy.The shutdown, called by the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, the biggest trader's body in the state, saw all shops and trading establishments in the state closed except hotels and medical stores. Trouble began brewing in December since Inspector General of Police Rishi Raj Singh, the officer in charge of piracy, landed up at the office of Riyan Studio at Kochi that is owned by the wife of Singh's colleague and another inspector general, Tomin J. Thachenkary. Singh's visit saw him being relieved of the post. But Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan intervened and Singh was put back in his job. From then on, the officer has been strictly rounding up all errant video shop owners. "We are not against the police rounding up offenders but against the irresponsible raids and arrest of shop owners. We feel this is being done to please the north Indian video lobby that is trying to enter Kerala in a big way," said T. Naseruddin, president of the trader's bod

 
Mohanlal starrer 'Baba Kalyani' is on top

Mammootty, Mohanlal reign in 2006
Thiruvananthapuram, Mammootty and Mohanlal, the two superstars of the Malayalam film industry, continued their reign in 2006 with several hits to their name. While Mammootty had seven releases, Mohanlal had six of the total 64 films this year. Three of Mohanlal's movies were rated as the year's best. But the film that became the biggest hit was "Classmates", which had neither of the two stars. The movie by Lal Jose revolved around college life and brought together young actors like Prithviraj, Jayasurya and Indrajith. According to box office reports, "Classmates" raked in a record Rs.100 million.

Yes your Honour review

'Yes, Your Honour' pleads for junior lawyers (REVIEW)
 
Film: "Yes, Your Honour"; Cast: Sreenivasan, Padmapriya, Innocent, Jagathy Sreekumar, Sai Kumar; Director: V.M. Vinu; Music: Deepak Dev; Producer: P.V. Gangadharan

Karutha Pakshikal review : Mammootty excels in 'Karutha Pakshikal' (REVIEW)

Film: "Karutha Pakshikal"; Cast: Mammootty, Padmapriya, Meena and Baby Malavika; Director: Kamal; Music: Mohan Sithara

Mohanlal starrer 'Baba Kalyani' is the winner
 
Santosh Sivan goes global in 2007
Thiruvananthapuram, Filmmaker Santosh Sivan has an exciting year ahead of him as he has several prestigious international projects, including one on AIDS, lined up for 2007. "First I have a film on AIDS for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Mira Nair, Kamal Hassan, Vishal Bharadwaj and myself will shoot four 12-minutes films on AIDS," Sivan told IANS in an interview.
Apart from that, the National Award winning director will be busy with his first movie for BBC Films based on Afghanistan war. "It is a fiction and is given a working title - 'Wedding Party'. Right now, work on script is on. The shooting will begin in 2007," said Sivan, who was at his home here to attend the fourth death anniversary of his mother. And then he has "World According to Gopalakrishnan", which has been close to his heart for a long time. The film, parts of which have already been shot in three countries, will be made in Malayalam and English.

Prithviraj Pakal and Sreenivasan Yes Your Honour

Kerala capital gears up for international film fest
Thiruvananthapuram, The International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK 2006), beginning here Dec 8, promises to be a week-long treat for cinema buffs with 143 films from different parts of the globe set to be screened. IFFK, which is into its 11th year, will see as many as 15 films compete for the Golden Pheasant Award for the best film, including movies from Asia, Africa and Latin American countries. The festival will be launched in an innovative yet traditional way. Two bullock carts will be flagged off on the evening of Dec 7. They will go through the city streets announcing that IFFK 2006 has arrived. The festival, known for it maximum audience participation, hopes to increase its viewership base even more this year. As the first step, organisers have already begun screening films shown in past IFFKs at select schools in the city. "Children should be educated to appreciate good films too. This has already begun and has won wide applause," V.K. Joseph, vice chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy that organises IFFK.
 
Mammootty believes in reinventing his characters
Thiruvananthapuram, Ace Malayalam actor Mammootty said he was able to play different roles over the years as he continuously reinvented his characters. Mammootty's forthcoming films include "Palunku" directed by Blessy, "Orae Kadal" by Shyamaprasad, Renjith's "Kaioppu" and "Pazhassi Raja" by Hariharan. The actor says most of these films would fit into the mould of emotional cinema.

Karutha Pakshikal and Vasthavam malayalam movies
 

'Watch films with mind, heart not intellect'
Thiruvananthapuram, Ace film director Kamal has said that filmgoers should approach a film with mind and heart and not with intellect. He said this to reporters here, Sunday after his latest and 37th film "Karutha Pakshikal" was screened. "This is a film where I am happy to say that I have not made any comprises unlike popular films of mine because this tells the tale of poor and the downtrodden. It is here that the average filmgoer should approach the film with his heart and mind," said Kamal. Admitting that he was apprehensive about the film because it is a serious film, he said he is more comfortable after a week of its release because high opinions of the film
have started pouring in. Mammootty teams up with Kamal in the film after their last successful outing in "Raapakal".

I am not worried about my image: Sreenivasan

Ace Malayalam film star Sreenivasan, Sunday said that he is not unduly worried about his image or his market value when it comes to selection of roles. "Since I don't have an image to be worried about, I am not concerned about it when it comes to selection of my roles. You should know that there are heroes here who are unduly worried about each role they portray," said Sreenivasan while interacting with reporters after his latest film "Yes Your Honour" was screened here.
 

I gel well with mature actors: Padmapriya

Thiruvananthapuram, Darling of the Malayalam filmgoers, Padmapriya, Sunday said she gels well with mature actors like Mammootty and Mohanlal. "I feel they are more mature and it is the directors who decide the cast when it comes to a film and I have no problem acting with superstars," said Padmapriya while interacting with reporters here, after her latest Malayalam film "Yes Your Honour" was screened. Padmapriya, in her early twenties, has played the lead opposite to ageing superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal, who are more than twice her age.
 

Malayalam comedian Innocent launches website

Kochi (Kerala), Innocent, a popular comedian of Malayalam cinema, Sunday launched his own website as a galaxy of stars led by Mohanlal applauded him. The site,www.innocent.sifymax.com, was formally launched by veteran filmmaker Sathyan Anthikkadu in the presence of film personalities, including actors like Dileep, Sidhique, Nedumudi Venu, Mukesh and Bindu Paniker.
Innocent said he was very excited to have his website which would bring him closer to his fans and help him keep in touch with them through mails and chat. "Sifymax.com is the ideal medium for me to nurture relationships and widen my fan base while also showcasing my work to a global audience," said the star comedian who is also the president of the Association Malayalam Movie Actors.

Director Priyadarshan on a roll (INTERVIEW)
By Sanu George,

Thiruvananthapuram, Ace director Priyadarshan, who started his career with Malayalam films, has four mega projects in hand and is likely to tie up with an international film company.

Priyadarshan held talks also with Walt Disney on a possible film collaboration during his recent US visit, but was rather upset with its attitude. "I was called by them because they found out that I make the best comedy films in Asia. But I realised that there was an attitudinal impediment between us. I just can't digest the way they look down on us," Priyadarshan told IANS in an interview.

On the deal with an international film company, he said: "See I am getting old and I have to secure my future. I am finalising my talks with the foreign film company. Since I have a non-disclosure clause with them, I am unable to divulge any details regarding it at the moment." The director has his hands full with four mega projects lined up.

His upcoming "Bhagam Bhag" is a multi-starrer that includes Akshay Kumar, Govinda, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal and Lara Dutta. It is slated for release
Dec 22.

"This film is shot in London and it sees the return of actor-turned-politician Govinda after a gap of five years," said the director who was here recently.

Priyadarshan's next is "Dhol" starring Tusshar Kapoor, Sharman Joshi and Tanushree Dutta. It goes on floor Nov 17 in Pune.

"This is a thriller-comedy where four boys cook up a story to hook up a girl by getting her sympathy. But to their dismay, it turns out be a true story of people who are in hot
pursuit of these four boys," he said.

Also in the pipeline is the Hindi version of blockbuster Malayalam film "Manichithrathazhu" which was recently made into Tamil.

"Then I have a project with Amitabh Bachchan which is about an assassination. It is similar to 'The Day of The Jackal'. Bachchan and I have discussed this film and it is in the scripting stage. Apart from this, there is a film for Shah Rukh Khan's production house."

The director is also making a Tamil film "Kanchipuram" which is not commercial in nature.

"This is a 90-minute film on the weavers of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu and is set in the period between 1942 and 1957. I have to finish it before August 2007. The film stars actor Prakash Raj apart from other Tamil theatre actors," Priyadarshan added.

 
Malayalam cinema too much dependent on superstars: Lohithadas
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 12  Heavy dependence on a few superstars does not augur well for the Malayalam film industry, ace director Lohithadas said Sunday.

"Current day films here are woven to suit the image of a few superstars and that isn't good for the industry. It is happening only in the Malayalam industry. This happens because of the commercial aspects of film making here," said the director while interacting with reporters, after his latest film "Chakaramuthu" was screened.

"I wanted to try out new faces but producers are not willing to take the risk. But in my latest film barring the lead pair of Dileep and Kavya Madhavan, I have tried out new faces and they have done a good job," added the director.

The Malayalam film industry for the past two decades is heavily dependant on superstars Mammootty and Mohanalal. And with Suresh Gopi making a comeback, he too appears to have regained his lost ground.

The only superstar who has come up in recent years has been Dileep.

"In my next film 'Chembattu' which would be shot in north Kerala, I am casting a new hero and today wherever I go I am looking for 'that' actor. The heroine for the film is Meera Jasmine," said Lohithadas who is also an accomplished scriptwriter.

"Acting is not a great thing, because every minute everyone is acting. The only problem arises when people face the crowd and lights," said the director.

Reacting to the controversy when his name was linked to Jasmine, which made waves in the state, he said: "Of course, it hurt us both very badly, but I did not care much and soon it passed off without any problems. It was nothing but gossip."
 
A hesitant Mohanlal enjoys safe chopper ride
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 11 Malayalam film star Mohanlal was initially quite apprehensive, but finally managed to enjoy a helicopter ride Saturday - a day when Kerala newspapers carried photographs of an aircraft that had to land in a paddy field.

The ace actor arrived around 4 p.m. after his helicopter landed at the helipad of the agricultural ground at Vellayani on the outskirts of the city to take part in the first anniversary celebrations of Flash, a tabloid from the stables of Kerala Kaumudi Saturday evening.

"Of course he was a bit worried. Last evening and today morning he made sure that some of us go to the temple and do the offering of breaking a few coconuts. That was done by us," Suresh Krishna, a close aide of the actor, told IANS.

The newspapers and TV news channels here had reported the miraculous escape of the five naval personnel after their aircraft landed Friday in a paddy field near Kottayam following a snag.

Lt. Col. S.B. Nair, who flew Mohanlal's helicopter, said that the actor was fully composed and really enjoyed the flight which left Palakkad at 2.20 a.m.

"He told us that he was extremely comfortable and enjoyed the helicopter ride," said Nair.

In 1980, the Malayalam film industry had lost one of its superstars in a helicopter accident when action hero Jayan was acting a stunt scene for "Kolilakam" in an airfield in Tamil Nadu.
 

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Adoor's films showcased in Oman
Dubai, Nov 7  To celebrate the golden jubilee of the formation of Kerala, a film festival showcasing select works of noted south Indian filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan was inaugurated in Muscat.

The "Adoor Film Fest" was inaugurated Monday by Indian High Commissioner to Oman Ashok Kumar Attri.

"Adoor Gopalakrishnan certainly does not need any introduction in the Malayali community in particular and Indian film in general," he said. The five films being featured are classic works of Adoor and display his extraordinary talent in film direction, he said.

The festival is being organised by Muscat's Indian Social Club (ISC) and is supported by the Indian mission, according to Oman Tribune.

Abraham Mathew, convener, ISC Malayalam wing, said the film festival was being organised as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of ISC Malayalam wing and the golden jubilee of the formation of the state of Kerala.

There is a huge population of Indians in the Middle East, most coming from Kerala and other south Indian states.
 
Media house looks to filmdom for promotion
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 8 Kerala's leading media house Kerala Kaumadi, headquartered in the capital city, has roped in film stars to celebrate the first anniversary
of its mid-day tabloid Flash on Saturday.

To make it a grand affair in true filmy style it has roped in film personalities of two generations, one led by veteran superstar Mohanlal and his classmates who all made it big
in the Malayalam film industry and the other consisting of the present lot of film stars who starred in the block buster movie 'Classmates', now running to packed houses.

And the presence of thespian actor Madhu, one of the last film personalities of yet another generation, is expected to bring back memories of the yesteryears.

"At the function we would honour two of the greatest film personalities in the Malayalam film industry, ace director Priyadarshan and veteran comedian Jagathi Sreekumar,"
said B.C.Jojo, executive editor of Kerala Kaumadi, to reporters here, last night.

Priyadarshan would see his classmates, superstar Mohanlal, veteran cameraman S.Kumar, director Ashok Kumar and block buster producer G.Suresh Kumar, all on the
stage where the entire cast of the film 'Classmates' would be present too.

They include Prithiviraj, Indrajith (both sons of former actor P. Sukumaran) Jayasurya and Kavya Madhavan and Navya Nair, the two leading ladies of the Malayalam film
industry now.

"You see, film stars in Kerala are always close to the heart of the Keralite. Like that, 'Flash' is also close to the hearts of many. So we decided that the presence of the film
stars would be the best way to celebrate the occasion," said Jojo.

Flash launched its first edition here last year and the media house has in the last six months launched seven editions.
 
Pothen Vava review  :

 
'Pothen Vava review' - a case of wasted potential
By Paresh C. Palicha, Indo-Asian News Service

Film: "Pothen Vava"; Cast: Mammootty, Gopika, Usha Uthup and Nedumudi Venu; Director: Joshiy; Producer: Lal; Music: Alex Paul

Mammootty and Joshiy team up for "Pothen Vava" about a person brought up without a proper name and religion.

Usha Uthup, the original diva of Indipop, plays an important role and is an added USP of the film penned by Benny P. Nayaramblam.

It offers a heady mix for sure. But how much kick do we get out of it? Yes, you get high initially with Usha showing an energy reminiscent of Philomina's character in the "Godfather".

This is followed by Mammootty's grand second entry (the first one happened before the flashback) and incessant flow of witty dialogues, which builds Vava's character.

You stay excited as the film proceeds to tell a promising story.

It is about Vava (Mammootty) born to a Christian mother (Usha Uthup) and a Nampoothiri (Nedumudi Venu) father. They were divorced when he was just a baby. The court gave the baby to the mother and said he would have the right to choose his religion when he is mature enough.

The choice does not seem to happen and Vava continues his nameless, religion-less existence, till one dramatic event forces him to become Christian.

But his mother puts down the condition that Vava should seek his father's permission before taking the final plunge. Till this the going is great. The downward spiral begins post-intermission when Vava chases down his father, who has now become a renowned Carnatic singer.

The hero saves his father after a life-threatening road accident. It turns out to have been an attempt on the singer's life for his property and suddenly you find yourself face to face with a theme typical of the Sai Kumar-Babu Raj team.

This film could have been outstanding had it not diverged from its initial course and continued as in "Kunjikoonan" and "Chandupottu" (both scripted by Benny P. Nayarambalam). But the filmmaker chose the tried and tested route, leading to the most contrived climax in recent times.

Mammootty does a good job, but when the film becomes packaged material we can only feel sorry for him. Though he tries hard to retain the spontaneity and sparkle of the first half, the situation lets him down.

Why do our heroes have to be Tharvadi Themmadis, why not ordinary folks as they were in the past?

Usha as Mariamma Vakil is also good, but her presence is not utilised fully. The initial push she gives to the film slowly loses its force. Gopika as Gladys, the former assistant of Mariamma, exudes charm.

"Pothen Vava" is a film of wasted potential.
 
Malayalam singer Radhakrishnan to perform in Dubai
Thiruvananthapuram, Ace composer and light music exponent M.G. Radhakrishnan will be performing in Dubai on Nov 11 along with artists like Venugopal and Ravi Shankar.

"I have planned a totally different kind of event. It will not be the normal film based stage programmes staged in the Middle East. It will be a purely musical evening with no frills and devoid of dance and fancy lighting," said Radhakrishnan.

The event would be staged at the Indian consulate hall in Dubai. The songs being featured in the evening are those composed by the veteran himself.

"We are reaching Dubai on Nov 7. Those who would sing include accomplished singers like Venugopal, Ravi Shankar, Radhika Tilak and Unni Bhaskar," said the 66-year-old music veteran.

Radhakrishnan is considered a master in the light music arena. In the 1960s and 1970s, his music lessons on All India Radio here were a hit and aired for several years.

He was also a popular playback singer in the Malayalam film industry and later went on to compose music.

Playback singer M.G. Sreekumar is his younger brother.
 
Tearful farewell to actress Srividya

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 20 Friends and well-wishers of veteran south Indian actress Srividya bid her a tearful final farewell here Friday.

Srividya passed away at a private hospital Thursday evening after suffering from cancer. She was 53. The actress was accorded a state funeral by the Kerala government.

Many of her colleagues were in a sombre mood, trying hard to hold back their tears.

Malayalam superstar Mammootty said his association with Srividya as an actor was one that had no barriers. "Except for playing the role of my daughter, she has played all roles - as my wife, lover and mother. This is a big loss for the industry," said Mammootty.

Veteran actress Sukumari said Srividya was like a daughter to her.

"We lived nearby for a long time and she was often in my house. I went and met her five days ago and we talked for a long time. She pleaded not to make her laugh because her stomach would pain. I never knew this would happen so fast," said Sukumari.

Maneka, a former Malayalam actress, said Srividya had gone without fulfilling one of her dreams. "She wanted to set up a dance and music school, and this dream of hers will now remain unfulfilled," she said.

Apart from being an actress, Srividya was known as a dancer and a singer as well. She also worked in a few television serials.

Born in Tamil Nadu in 1953, Srividya wore the grease paint in nearly 900 south Indian films. Daughter of veteran Carnatic classical singer M. L. Vasanthakumari, she acted in over 300 Malayalam films, and played the female lead with all the big names of the film industry - from Sathyan to Mammootty.

Srividya also acted in a few Hindi films too. She began her illustrious film career at the age of 13.

Her body was taken from her residence here early Friday to the VJT Hall, where Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, along with several fans, paid his last respects.

Leader of Opposition Oommen Chandy had visited her residence earlier.

"She will be mi