Film festival to be held in Kozhikode

The Kerala State Chalachithra Academy will be organizing the sixth edition of the National Film Festival in Kozhikode from August 3 to 6. It will be inaugurated at the Tagore Centenary Hall by Minister for Culture M.A. Baby at 6.30 p.m.

16 films will be screened in three categories: Malayalam Cinema, NFDC section and Indian Cinema. Major attractions of the festival will be Firaaq by Nandita Das, Gulabi Talkies by Girish Kasaravalli, Bhoomi Malayalam by T.V. Chandran and Bioscope by K.M. Madhusudhan

Saranya Mohan is back

Saranya Mohan, the charming petite actress, is back with Chemistry. She made her debut as child artist in Fazil's Aniyathipravu and then made quite an impression with her supporting role in Yaradi Nee Mohini (Tamil). After a string of Tamil films like Jayam Kondaan, Vennila Kabadi Kuchu and Mahesh Saranya Mattrum Palar, she went back her home town to complete her education. And now, she is back in front of the camera. The young actress, very cautious while choosing her films, is now getting set to make a mark in Viji Thanmpy's Malayalam movie Chemistry in a prominent role. The shooting is progressing at Angamaly. Bhimlee Kabaddi Jattu, a Telugu film, is next on her platter.

Swantham Lekhakan: First schedule completed

Cinematographer-turned-director P. Sukumaran's Swantham Lekhakan is progressing fast. Gopila makes her comeback opposite Dileep. The film is scripted by Kalavoor Ravikumar and produced under the Colour Factory banner.

Dileep plays a journalist working for a newspaper and leading a happy life with his wife Gopika. Dileep's simple happy life gets complicated after he reports the death of a famous writer. The film is being shot in the main locations of Thodupuzha. Gopika has almost completed her parts in the movie and will soon be returning to Ireland (where she now lives with her husband).

I’m not just an art filmmaker: Adoor Gopalakrishnan

Award winning Malayalam director Adoor Gopalakrishnan refuses to accept that he only makes art films.
“I’m in the middle of a mainstream movie so it is wrong to say that I only make art films. This is an absolutely wrong statement,” Adoor told reporters here Thursday after the preview of his movie “Oru Pennun Randu Annum”.

This is Adoor’s 11th film, which has four separate chapters, each based on independent short stories written by master storyteller late Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai.

“The central theme about crime, which is narrated in different contexts and situations, progresses from one to the other and it is complete when one sees the last chapter. From the response that I have received, the story is just not relevant to Kerala, it has a universal appeal,” said the 69-year-old.

Film’s leading actors, who were also present there, were all praise for their director.

Character artiste and popular comedian Jagadeesh, who plays a lawyer in the film, was also present there. He said that Adoor is a perfectionist.

“The discipline that is there on Adoor’s set is unimaginable and his greatness is that he never makes any adverse comments on one’s acting style. He is a total perfectionist in all aspects of filmmaking,” said Jagadeesh.

M.R. Gopakumar and Ravi Vallathol, who are playing important roles in the film, also said the director gives absolute freedom to his actors.

Ramba produces a Malayalam film

Ramba was a leading actress those days. She produced her film Three Roses sine there was no offers. But this film also did not do well at the box office.

She had incurred heavy losses because of this. After this she was lying low. Now she is producing a Malayalam film in which she is doing the lead role. Prakash Raj, Riaz Khan and Mumaith Khan are also starring in this film. The shooting of the film is taking place in Sri Lanka. This film is not yet been titled. Ramba is planning to release this film for Onam Festival.

Malayalam Actor Rajan P. Dev died

Veteran Malayalam character actor Rajan P. Dev died here early Wednesday following brief illness, family sources said. He was 58.

Dev died at a private hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment for a liver disorder.

The funeral will take place at St. Xavier’s church in Angamaly, about 40 km from here, Thursday morning.

Born in Chertala in Alappuzha district, Dev began his film career in 1980 with small roles. He soon became popular as a villain.

In a career spanning close to three decades, he acted in about 180 films, including those in Tamil, Telegu and Kannada.

Dev also immortalised the character Kochu Vava in the hit play “Kattukuthira” that was staged over a thousand times across Kerala.

However, when the drama was made into a film with the same name, the role was played by another veteran actor Thilakan.

“Malayalam films will be poorer with Dev’s death but his characters will live for a long time,” Thilakan told IANS.

Dev’s last film was “Ee Patanathil Bhootham”, starring superstar Mammootty, which is currently running in theatres.

Rajan P. Dev Movies as Actor
Karthik Anita (2009) - Krishnamurthy
Naalai Namathe (2009) - Maha Ganapathy
Kalidasu (2008)
Lakshmi Putrudu (2008) - Ayurveda specialist
Yogi (2007)
Aathi (2006)
Sukran (2005)
Bunny (2005)
Balu (2005)
Bharathchandran I.P.S (2005) - Pookkoyi
Thaskara Veeran (2005) - Arakkalam Kuttappan
Thommanum Makkalum (2005) - Thomman
Aparichithan (2004) - Police Officer
Arya (2004) - Avataram
C.I. Mahadevan 5 Adi 4 Inchu (2004) - Nambyar
Gudumba Shankar (2004)
Natturajavu (2004) - Captain Menon
Sethurama Iyer CBI (2004) - Bahuleyan
Thekkekara Super Fast (2004) - Philipose
Vajram (2004) - Father Varghese
Vamanapuram Bus Route (2004) - Ousepp
Vellinakshatram (2004)
Okkadu (2003) - Home Minister
Swantham Malavika (2003)
Aadi (2002) - Shiva Reddy
Jagathi Jagathish in Town (2002) - Vishwanathan
Kaiyethum Doorath (2002) - Sadasivan
Oomappenninu Uriyadappayyan (2002) - Chellappa Chettiar
Karumadikkuttan (2001) - Neelakantan
Nakshathragal Parayathirunnathu (2001) - Rajashekharan
Rakshasa Rajav (2001)
Sharja To Sharja (2001) - Karunan Kappithan
Vakkalathu Narayanankutty (2001)
Kushi (2000) - Shanti's father
Cover Story (2000)
Dada Sahib (2000) - Skaraia Sachariah
Aakasha Ganga (1999)
Crime File (1999)
Deepasthambham Mahascharyam (1999)
Ezhupunna Tharakan (1999) - Kumbanadan Lasar
Independence (1999)
Panchapandavar (1999)
Swastham Grihabaranam (1999)
Chhota Chetan (1998) - Biology teacher
Kallu Kondoru Pennu (1998)
Vismayam (1998) - Thumpasseri Kurup
Janathipathyam (1997) - Pillai
Junior Mandrake (1997)
Varnapakittu (1997)
Mr. Clean (1996) - Madhavan Thampi
Aniyan Bava Chetan Bava (1995) - Kunjan Bava (Aniyan Bava)
Oru Abihibhashakante Case Diary (1995) - Sugunapal
Puthukottyile Puthu Manavalan (1995) - Govindan
Spadikam (1995)
The King (1995) - Govinda Menon
Tom & Jerry (1995) - Krishnadas
Appu (1990) - Varma
Ente Mamattikkuttiyammakku (1983) - Thomas George

Filmography as director
Achante Kochumolku (2003) - director
Achammakuttiyude Achayan (1998) - director

Priyamani waiting to dub her films in her own voice

She lost Kerala state government best actress award for “Tirakatha” because she didn’t dub it in her own voice. Southern actress Priyamani doesn’t regret it, but at the same time she is keen to dub in her own voice.
The prestigious award eluded her because the jury refused to consider her as she hadn’t dubbed for the film herself and eventually the trophy went to Priyanka.

“I have been craving to dub in my own voice in my films, but it is up to the director to use my voice. I know I could not dub for ‘Tirakatha’ because I was little busy and the film unit was not able to wait for me to finish the dubbing work. And I don’t feel sorry for missing the award also because if I was destined to get the award, I would have got it even otherwise,” Priyamani told IANS.

“I don’t act in films to get awards. I never expected that I would be getting a National Award for my Tamil film ‘Paruthiveeran’. I think, it is all part of destiny and I would accept these minor setbacks as occupational hazards in my career,” Priyamani said.

Priyamani, who is now shooting for her Telugu film in Hyderabad, says she has not dubbed for any Telugu films so far.

“I have not dubbed even for my first Kannada film ‘Raam’ where I am working with Puneet Raj Kumar. Many directors feel that my voice doesn’t suit the characters that I have been playing. But many top Hindi actresses like Rani Mukerji are dubbing in their own voices despite having a screechy voice like me,” she said.

“It is now up to the film directors to use my voice or not. I cannot force them to use my voice because ultimately it is the director or producer’s discretion to use voices that suit the characters,” said Priyamani.

“Raam” producer Audithya Babu says Priyamani speaks in Kannada perfectly, but they could not use her voice because of the needs of the character.

“Priyamani has a base voice. And director Maadesh felt that a better voice could be used… Priyamani plays the role of a naughty, prankster born to a rich family who falls in love with a fun loving commoner. We did not want a hard voice for that character. We spoke to Priyamani and she was convinced with our argument,” said Audithya Babu.

Aarya and Nayanthara together in a Malayalam movie

Actor Aarya has become busy these days shooting for many films simultaneously at the same time. Apart from “Madrasapattinam’ and “Chikku Bhukku’, he has been filming for Malayalam film and Telugu films too. On the pars, Nayanthara too is busy with hectic schedules of Surya starrer “Aadhavan’.
Right now, sources have revealed that Aarya and Nayanthara will team up for an untitled Malayalam film directed by Shyam Prasad. But a million dollar question remains, whether Nayanthara has enough time to give dates for this film, as she is looking forward for Bollywood offers. Nothing has been officially announced by Shyam Prasad who had earlier made a great film titled “Ore Kadal’ starring Mammooty, Meera Jasmine, Naren and Ramya Krishnan in lead role. Well, we’ve got to wait and watch whether this alluring missy from God’s own country will pair up with Aarya.

Mammootty launches reality show to find fresh talent

Malayalam superstar Mammootty, who promised to launch fresh faces through his recently launched production company Play House, has started a talent hunt show in search of new faces.
The reality show titled “Mammootty, The Best Actor Award 2009″, went on air on Asianet TV Saturday.

“Sixteen contestants have been selected and each of them will have to perform on the reality show. This is just to give talented youngsters an opportunity to come out,” said the three-time national award winning actor.

Among the 16 selected, 10 are men and most of the participants are in their early 20s. They were shortlisted from among more than 1,000 aspirants.

There will 13 episodes that would be telecast every Saturday. The grand finale will take place in October in Dubai where Mammootty will announce the winners.

Yesteryears actress Sheela, ace comedian Jagathy Sreekumar along with Urvasi, Sreenivasan, Nedumudi Venu and popular director Siddique are judging the show.

Mammootty is the chairman of the Communist Party of India-Marxist backed Kairali TV, but he launched his reality show on a competitor’s channel. Asked why he did so, the superstar laughed and said: “The proposal came from Asianet and I felt it was a good idea and agreed.

“My job in the reality show is limited. Since it was the first episode that was aired last night (Saturday), I decided to be present. I have committed that the films produced by my production house will feature many contestants,” said the actor who is known for his powerful performances in movies like “Aalkootathil Thaniye”, “Adiyozhukkukal”, “Oru CBI Diary Kurippu”, “Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha” and “Mathilukal”.

After being active in the Malayalam film industry for 26 years and featuring in more than 300 films and picking up three national awards for his performances, Mammootty launched Play House in June this year.

So far the company has three films for distribution and one for production, in which Mammootty will play the lead.

Mammootty turns Panchayat president

After Smart City, super hit Madambi and IG, scriptwriter-turned-director B. Unnikrishanan is ready with his fourth directorial venture titled Pramaani, which will have super star Mammootty in the lead role. The flick is expected to hit the floors by the end of 2009 and is produced by B.C. Joshi, under the banner of Surya Cine.
There’s news going around that superstar Mammootty will play a corrupt Panchayat president named Raghava Panikkar, while the heroine, who is yet to be finalized, will portray the character of his secretary. The other star cast includes Jagathy, Salim Kumar, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Innocent and Siddique.

Respect to Lohithadas

There’s news going around that producers are planning to pay homage to scripting wizard Lohithadas, who met with an untimely death last month, by making films on the story ideas which Lohi has narrated to various producers.One of the scripts planned for the team of Sibi Malayil-Mohanlal duo titled Bheeshmar which Lohi was trying to complete in his last days, will most probably get into theatres in a year.Since this script was almost complete, the makers will not find it a big deal to transform it into a movie.

Sohanlal’s next

Young director Sohanlal cemented his place in the glam-world after winning accolades for his debut flick Orkkuka Vallapozhum, and the director is all set to start working on another yet to be titled project.The new flick will feature Jayasuriya is the lead. The other cast and crew is yet to be finalized. The movie is going to be scripted by Deedi Damodharan, who became famous with her debut script Gulmohur.We hope that Sohanlal succeeds in adding yet another hit film to his name.

I am not in love with anyone says Nayanthara

Recently while addressing the media, gorgeous Nayanthara denied any kind of affair with Prabhu Deva, “I am not in love with anyone. I love only the films I act.”Further replying to media’s inquiry about her silence on the same, the actress said, “There is no necessity for me to reply to anyone about these silly things. I have no time to explain about the rumours spread about me. The only people I should explain to; are my parents. They have faith in me and have given me full freedom. I will not take advantage of this.”Nayanthara also spoke about the wedding photos of her with Prabhu Deva, “Those were graphic generated images. I was totally upset seeing these pictures. In fact I lost my balance.” About her recent meeting with Simbhu, Nayanthara clarified, “we have met recently only to discuss about a story. There is no other reason. This meeting was purely professional and not personal. I am not in love with anyone.”

Rahasya Police to be released on July 24

Veteran director K. Madhu and writer S.N. Swamy who have earlier given some of the best investigative thrillers, have yet again teamed up for a murder investigation thriller Rahasya Police, starring Jayaram and three heroines Samvrutha Sunil, Sindhu Menon and Ananya.
Rumoured to be based on Peter Sellers’ ‘The Pink Panther’ series, Rahasya Police has been approved by the Censor Board and is all set to hit the theatres on 24th of July. It’s going to be a double treat for Jayaram’s fans as the actor will be seen in a double role as an honest, funny cop and a goon called Chalai Mani in the film. Veteran Siyad Kokker is producing Rahasya Police.

Mammootty and director Shafi team up again for Chattambinaadu

Earlier, superstar Mammootty and veteran director Shafi has given mega hits like Mayavi and Thommanum Makkalum, and now the two are teaming up again for a comedy-based action thriller titled Chattambinaadu which has been penned down by Benny P. Nayarambalam.
Mammootty will be portraying the character of Veerendra Mallaya, a Karnataka-based Malayalee estate owner with a Kannada accent, which will be one of the highlights of this movie which will have three heroines. Mukesh will also be seen in a vital role. The film which is expected to hit the floors by the end of September is been produced by Mammootty’s own distribution house Play House.

Actress Nayanthara in a supernatural thriller

Actress Nayanthara- “Queen of controversies’ is going through unfortunate moments with persistent flops in box office. In the past couple of years many producers had to drop her out of projects, as she never compromised about reducing salary, despite her market falling flat. Even her Telugu films had failed terribly and no one came forward with any offers.
Apart from Surya’s “Aadhavan’, Nayan has no films in Kollywood. But fortune seems to have knocked her doors in Tollywood now. Kodi Ramakrishna who had recently made a grandiloquent flick “Arundhathi’ has roped her for a film based on same genre. Sources have revealed that it would be a bilingual film simultaneously made in Tamil and Telugu with Nayanthara in lead role.

Sienna Miller’s remedy for perfect bikini bottom

American actress Sienna Miller has the perfect remedy for women who are straining to get their backside in shape in time for the bikini season-go with friends who will not care.

Miller, 27, who already has a perfect figure, and is incidentally a size 10, finds bikini season tedious.

“Oh God! Every year it’s a nightmare,” the Daily Express quoted her as having told Glamour magazine.

“I always say I’ll do some bum exercises beforehand but never do. And they say you should use a scrub on your skin. I never do any of it.

“My tip is to go on holiday with really close friends who aren’t going to judge your bum,” she added.

Kalabhavan Mani turns Sub Inspector

Versatile actor Kalabhavan Mani would now be seen portraying the character of a sub inspector named Tomy Sebastian, who gets transferred to a new village where, he is induced to fight the mighty land mafia in his upcoming flick Pramukhan, made under the direction of Salim Baba.
The trailers of the flick is about to hit the theatres soon showcasing the actor in some stunt scenes which has been performed without using any dupes. The movie also stars Saikumar, Sreejith Ravi, Anoop Chandran, Reghu, Santhosh, Machan Varghese, Urmila Unni, Pooja and Lakshmi Sharma and Srelakshmi.
Anil Gopinath is capturing the film in his camera while Shyam Dharman has composed the music for lyrics jotted down by Vayalar Sharath Chandra Varma and Fazal Naadapuram. Rajesh Kalpathoor is the art director. The movie has been produced by Biju John and Priyesh George under the banner of Cinema Movies.

Finally it seems that Mamtha Mohandas has found the path of success. An actress who had been finding it increasingly difficult to grab good projects, she is now getting the benefits of the meticulously done role in the recent hit ‘Passenger’.

After the experimental movie which was an upset hit, Mamtha is now becoming the part of more and more good projects and bigger banners. She will now don the female lead of the new movie directed by veteran Kamal, which will have her opposite Dileep. This yet to be titled movie, scripted by Kalavoor Ravikumar will start its shoot by the last week of August.

Mamtha will also have a release in the coming months in the movie ‘Musafir’ directed by Pramod Pappan, in which she is paired opposite Raguman.

Malayalam movie ‘Daddy Cool’ Scheduled for this 31

Daddy Cool is Mammoty's upcoming malayalam movie which features Mammooty and Richa Palood in the central roles. This is the second movie of mammooty in 2009 and He needs a big hit now. Mammoty has a recent release "E pattanthil Bhootham" which is also failed to get response from the audience.

The latest news about Daddy Cool is that the movie is all set for a release by July 31st. The movie is directed by debutante director Aashiq Abu's . The movie produced by Ananya films and distributed by Marikar films will get to theaters by the 31st of this Month. Daddy Cool is a family thriller based on a story by the director, and the movie will narrate the cool life of Antony Simon, a police officer, his wife and their cricket loving child Aadi.
Mean time Mohanlal's Alexander the Great , Unnai Pol Oruvan and Prithviraj's Puthiya Mugham will also be there as a competition for Daddy cool. Lets hope the best for the movie.

Top five movies at the Box office

The unprecedented heavy rains that the state has been witnessing for the last couple of days had marred the prospects of many new movies at the Box Office. With the superstar movies like ‘Ee Pattanathil Bhootham’ and ‘Bhramaram’ in the fray, the BO was expecting interesting collections all over for at least a couple of weeks. But with the heavy rains and floods that had its say at many parts of the state, the opening collections dip low in the last few days. On Thursday and Friday, most of the theatres could hardly manage the show with less than forty percent collections.

Any how, the top five movies at the Box office are


1. Ee Pattanathil Bhootham - This effects-heavy movie has indeed started with a surprising opening which persisted for the first four days, after which the houses are registering a dip at sixty percent. The movie has already changed its marketing tactics with children now at the end of target points. Let us have to wait for another couple of week to say how this five crore adventure, will finally fare at the Box office.


2. Bhramaram - The movie from Blessy has ignited good reviews and discussions and is widely opined as one of the best seen in recent times. But in its third week the movie is witnessing heavy fall in collections with some small stations even shifting for new Tamil movies.

3. Ivar Vivaahitharaayal - The debut movie from Saji Surendran, in its fifth week has surprised everyone with the steady collections that it had in the first three weeks, though this week was pathetic for this movie too. The movie is already declared as a hit, in fact the first solo hit for it lead hero Jayasuriya.

4. Bhagyadevatha - This already declared hit ‘Bhagyadevatha’ is nearing its hundred day run in four theatres in the state. The movie also receive good collections from shifting centres.

5. Passenger - The surprise hit from Dileep - Sreenivasan team is in its 75 days. The movie continues its run in three centres. The shifting centres also shows interesting collections.

The week though immersed in heavy rains will have the new flicks like ‘Winter’ and ‘Puthiya Mukham’, which is expected to make a better opening. Also in the theatres are Tamil movies like ‘Vamanan’ and ‘Thoranai’, and Hindi movie ‘Kambakkht Ishq’ and Newyork’.

Jaycey website launched

Renowned Malayalam director Sathyan Anthikad has recently launched the website of Jaycey Foundation (www.jayceyf.com) in Kochi.
The website will provide a comprehensive view of the contributions made by the late Jaycey, renowned film director and writer.
Recollecting his association with Jaycey; Anthikad said, the director had always encouraged youngsters. Jaycey was also instrumental in shaping their careers, he said.
Jaycey Foundation representatives said the website will have details about the films and plays of the late director. It will also have information about the winners of the awards instituted by the foundation.

Prithviraj has his hands full with films

Talented Malayalam actor Prithviraj is rejecting the film offers as his kitty has been already overloaded with a number of films.

He seems to be the one who believes in doing justice to the projects he takes on and is therefore refusing the offers. The actor is currently busy with Mani Ratnam’s Raavan and also has Ninaithaale Inikkum apart from many other films.

He is also part of a Telugu flick titled Police Police, which has completed its shooting and is all set to hit the theatres soon. Prithviraj has reportedly signed two more Telugu films and is eagerly looking forward to start working on the same.

It’s been said that the actor’s diary is filled with dates till 2010 and the poor producers who want to sign him up would have to just wait up

Namitha wants a figure like Angelina Jolie

Namitha Kapoor, the glam queen of south India, wants to emulate her idol Angeline Jolie in terms of figure. It is said that she has hit the gym with a vengeance and is determined to achieve a figure as stunning as the Hollywood siren.

Her detractors say that her decision is prompted by the criticism she had to hear for her flabby figure in the recently released 'Indira Vizha'. Since glamour is her USP, she has to maintain a good figure so as to survive in cinema, they say.

The Surat-born scorcher is one of the hottest actresses in south India and commands a fan following that would put some of the superstars to shame. Her fans have made a temple with her as the goddess.

Namitha's forthcoming films include 'Jaganmohini' and 'Deshdrohi' in Tamil and Telugu and 'Black Stallion' in Malayalam. In all these films, she plays glam roles.

Kalabhavan Mani as Sub Inspector

Director Salim Baba's Pramukhan is yet another action flick by Kalabhavan Mani, known for his versatility in acting and singing. In this mass entertainer, Kalabhavan Mani plays the role of sincere Sub Inspector Tomy Sebastian, who gets transferred to a new village where he is induced to fight the mighty land mafia.

The major highlight of Pramukhan, which will grace theatres shortly, is Kalabhavan Mani's fight sequences, picturised without dupes. Also in the cast are Saikumar, Sreejith Ravi, Anoop Chandran, Reghu, Santhosh, Machan Varghese, Urmila Unni, Pooja and Lakshmi Sharma and Srelakshmi.

Anil Gopinath wields the camera. Shyam Dharman has scored music for lyrics penned by Vayalar Sharath Chandra Varma and Fazal Naadapuram. Rajesh Kalpathoor is the art director. Produced by Biju John and Priyesh George under the banner Cinema Movies, Pramukhan is brought to theatres by Unique Movies.

Pappy Appacha rolls

Pappy Appacha, Dileep's forthcoming humorous adventure laced with action and sentiments, directed by debutante Mamas Chandran (an associate to Shafi and Rafi-Mecartin), is all set to start rolling by the end of July, sources indicated.

Set in the backdrop of a Christian family, this comedy entertainer is produced by Dileep's brother Anoop under the banner of Grand Productions. It will feature veteran actor Innocent as Dileep's father. A newcomer will be the heroine.

Meanwhile, after playing a journalist in Calcutta News (2008), Dileep is now preparing to don the same role in a movie to be directed by P. Sukumar. Scripted by Kalavoor Ravikumar, this untitled film will be jointly produced by Madhuwarrier and P. Sukumar under the banner of Color Factory.

Shankar turns director with Keralotsavam 2009

Malayal Actor Shankar Panickar, who hit the limelight with the mega hit Manjil Virinja Pookkal, turns director with Keralotsavam 2009, starring Vinu Mohan and Vishnupriya in the lead. The shooting is progressing at various locations including an old bungalow at Althara junction near Guruvayur.

"My experience in cinema during the past three decades helps me as a director. I turned to direction in the 90s, when I became less active as an actor and made a few documentaries some time later. Keralotsavam 2009 is an entertainer-cum-suspense thriller," Shankar said.

The story goes thus: Padmanabhan Embranthiri (Nedumudi Venu) has retired from Kerala Kalamandalam and is in the process of starting a cultural group called Kalanikethan and organizing a cultural festival. His daughter Ganga (Vishnupriya), a dancer, helps him. Sandeep Subramaniam (Vinu Mohan), a Kalarippayattu exponent, joins the troupe.
However, the troupe members suspect Sandeep has an ulterior motive in joining the troupe. Sandeep is caught in a quandary when a strong bond blossoms between Ganga and him. Kalabhavan Mani plays a RAW officer who is in charge of an investigation.

Keralotsavam 2009 is produced under the banner of Grace International. Shyam Dharman is the music director. Lyrics are by Vayalar Sarath Chandra Varma. Screenplay and dialogues have been written by Vinu Narayanan. Others in the cast are Salim Kumar, Kishore Sathya, Sivaji Guruvayur, Prakash and Abhirami Suresh.

Malayalam Movie Puthiya Mukham Review

Puthiya Mukham is the upcoming malayalam movie which features prithviraj and Meera Nandhan in the central Roles. After a not so successful debut with the political movie ‘Leader’, director Deepan, an associate to ace filmmaker Shaji Kailash is getting ready to come up with a new flick. Titled ‘Puthiya Mukham’, the movie will feature . The movie will be a campus based family one, and ‘Puthiya Mukham’ will feature National Award winning actor Priyamani and Meera Nandhan as the heroines.The movie is Scripted by ‘Mulla’ fame M Sindhuraj, the movie will feature Prithvi as Krishnakumar, a Brahmin youth living in a quite village of Kalppathy near Palakkad. A nice lad who is quite shy and soft spoken, he is the pet of all in the village. A man who stick to his traditions and family, he plays “mridangam” and even teaches music to kids of his neighbourhood. He also have a crush with Sreedevi, a daughter of their family friend, who is residing closer to their village.
The hassle free life of Krishnakumar gets changed with his admission in an engineering college in Kochy. There he meets Anjana and Sudhi, whose marriage are almost fixed. With their company blossoming up, newer issues also come up in their life, which create abrupt changes in Krishnakumar's life. These unexpected happenings heavily changes the life of all of them, making them to takes new avatars.The movie's bare thread give you a feel of the story lines similar to Vikram's ‘Sethu’ which revived his career as never before. The movie is very important in the career of Prithvi, as he hasn't created a single hit in the last year. Prithviraj sports a new look in the entire movie without his characteristic moustaches, much similar to his appearances in Mani Ratnam's ‘Raavan’. prithviraj has also sung the title song of the movie in the lyrics of Kaithapram, which is set to music by Deepak Dev.Other cast in the movie are Nedumudi Venu, Jagathy Sreekumar, Sai Kumar, Vijayaraghavan, Sudheesh, Kalasala Babu and Sona Nair in other important roles. Bharani K Dharan is the cinematographer of the movie, which was shot at Kochi, Palajkakd, and Irinjalakkuda. Produced under the banner of Bathestha productions, the movie will be brought to theatres by Time Ads.

Navya Nair’s wedding

Navya Nair rubbished reports that she is gearing up for her wedding. Navya said that there were no wedding discussions and she was amused by the media reporting about her wedding plans. The actress says that she has just completed her MBA and she has other goals to achieve before entering the wedlock. Navya, however, refused to disclose further details about it.

Navya is currently working in Aval Peyar Thamizharasi and a few other projects. Her refusal to accept new projects gave rise to the rumors that she is planning to quit acting.

Padmapriya clears rumours

Gorgeous actress Padmapriya clears out the rumours about her running behind money.
While speaking to the media at the location of a Malayalam flick in Kerala, she said,”I am busy acting in Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam and Telugu films. The shooting of the film Pokkesham is over. Now I am currently acting in Irumbu Kottai Murattu Singam. I am donning the role of a village cowboy. This is a first time I am acting with different costumes and role. I have not agreed to do Tamil films except this one. My call sheet is full till the end of this year. It is not true that I am not acting in Kannada film because of low fee. If that is the case, I wouldn’t be acting in Malayalam films, where the salary is very less. I am not a person who acts for money alone. If there is good story and role, money and language is no criteria.”

Namitha tired of skin shows

Actress Namitha, best known here as the sex siren, is reportedly bored of skin shows. The actress, whose ‘Indira Vizha’ opens today, says she would like to do performance oriented roles too.

“I would like to be part of interesting, acting oriented films like ‘Sadma’. But I know people here will never cast me for roles like this,” rues the actress. But she has moved out of the glamour mould in her own way, by deviating now to do an action film. The movie, titled ‘Desadrohi’ that has her playing a serious cop. “It’s such a welcome difference to do different things on screen than just grope about in a bikini. People who saw my stunts actually thought I was the second version of Vijayashanthi in doing them.”

Following these, the actress is doing the lead role in ‘Jagan Mohini’ too, in which she plays a ghost. “Just because I am famous as a sex siren, it doesn’t mean that I have to wear a bikini all the time. I equally love wearing kurthas,” says the actress. Are the directors listening?

Jayasurya and Roma in Uttaraswayamvaram

Jayasurya and Roma are once again to come together with 'Uttaraswayamvaram', directed by debutant Ramakanth Sarju.

The movie, scripted by J. Pallasserry, will narrate the story of the love that a young, easy going guy named Prakashan has for Uttara, the daughter of the richest man in the village.


Humour will have enough scope in the film, which will also feature Balachandra Menon, Laloo Aalex, Nedumudi Venu, Salim Kumar, Suraaj Venjaramoodu, Harisri Ashokan, Indrans, Bijukuttan, Geetha Vijayan, Shafna, Sukumari, Shobha Mohan etc in the cast.

Lal Jose and M.T.Vasudevan Nair join hands to remake “Neelathamara”

Neelathamara, an old movie made by Yousafali Kecheri has been decided to remade by the two most prominent personalities of Malayalam film industry - Lal Jose and M.T.Vasudevan Nair. The older version was released in 1979 and had become quite a sensation in those days. The movie had Malayalam actress Ambika playing a very important role along with actors like Ravikumar and Sathar. This was also the debut movie of Ambika and brought her enough fame to become one of the leading actresses of that time.
The present movie will be directed by Lal Jose and the script will be written by M.T.Vasudevan Nair. The movie also has the speciality of the first ever Malayalam movie to be remade in Malayalam itself. The movie will be remade with the same concept, but with periodical modifications. Though most of the casting members have not yet been decided, there are rumours that new comer Archana will be playing the role of Ambika and Ambika’s brother Suresh and Kamlesh will be playing the roles of Sathar and Ravikumar respectively. The shooting of the movie has already been started and is supposed to hit the theatres by the mid of July. The music will be given by Vidyasagar for the lyrics of Vayalar Sarath Chandra Varma.
Cast and Crew

Director : Lal Jose

Script : M.T.Vasudevan Nair

Producer: G.Suresh Kumar under the banner of Revathy Kalamandir

Music Director: Vidya Sagar

Lyrics : Vayalar Sarath Chandra Varma

Cameraman : Vijay Loknath

Malayalam movie ‘Winter’ for this 16

After the success of his debut movie ‘Crazy Gopalan’ featuring Dileep, director Deepu Karunakaran will release his next movie ‘Winter’ by 16th of this month. Featuring Jayaram and Bhavana for the first time together, the movie is a horror thriller.

Actually winter was poised to become the first release from Deepu. The movie which was completed a couple of years ago, got stuck in the cans due to the bad times of its hero Jayaram. Now that the actor has rejuvenated himself to increasing popularity levels, this movie produced by K. Radhakrishnan will get into theatres in a couple of weeks. Manoj K Jayan, Jayan, T G Ravi, Baby Rehna and Baby Marena are also in the cast of the movie.

Vinoo and Bhama again

Two final finds of scriptwriter-director Lohithadas who recently met with a shocking death, will unite once again for a new movie. Vinoo Mohan and Bhama, the lead stars of Lohi's last film ‘Nivedhyam’ will team up for the movie ‘Najangalude Veedu’. To be directed by débutante Binukumar, the movie will be based on a script by Santhosh Rajasekharan, Jayashree Kumar and N B Suresh.

‘Njanagalude Veedu’ will be produced by KP Sureshkumar in the banner of Bhagayathara Productions. M J Radhakrishnan will crank the camera while Vayalar Sharath and Jaison J Nair will handle the music section of this movie, which will start rolling soon. The pooja of the movie was held at Vailoppilly Samaskithy Bhavan, last week.

Dileep with newcomers

After the super success of debutante Renjith Sankar's ‘Passenger’, its hero Dileep is now after a bunch of newcomers for his next projects. His next movie will be ‘Pappy Appacha’ directed by debutante Mammas.

The movie will have Innocent as the father of the character, played by Dileep. This hilarious movie which is also scripted by the young director, is expected to start by the end of August.

After ‘Pappy Appacha’, Dileep will join the movie of another debutante Thomson, a popular associate who has been in the industry for long. This untitled project, to be scripted by Sibi K Thomas-Udhay Krishna, will start its shoot by the end of October.

Jayasuriya romances Roma again

After their onscreen romance in Shaiju-Shaji duo's average hit Shakespeare MA Malayalam, Mollywood's vibrant youngsters Jayasuriya and Roma will be once again seen together in debutant Ramakanth Sarju's next venture Utharaswayamvaram. The pooja of this movie was held in Kochi on July 2. Shooting will begin by the end of July. Set in the backdrop of a Palakkad village, the film tells a humorous story scripted by J. Pallasseery. Produced by Pavithram Creations, the film also has Balachandra Menon, Nedumudi Venu, Lalu Alex, Suraj Venjarammood, Sukumari and others in the cast. Cinematography is by Saloo George and music by M. Jayachandran.

Priyamani opposite Dileep

Reigning South Indian star Priyamani will be Malayalam actor Dileep's heroine in Master, directed by Sandhya Mohan and produced by Radha Krishnan Doha under the banner of Our Creations.

This is the first time that Priyamani and Dileep team up in a film. Sibi-Udayan team handles the screenplay. The film will be distributed by Varna Chitra. According to initial reports, Master is likely to begin shooting by the end of 2009. More details are awaited.

Priyamani is now busy with five films: Ninaithale Inikkum (Tamil), Puthiya Mukham (Malayalam), Arumugam (Tamil), Raam (Kannada) and Ravan (Tamil/ Hindi).

After the tremendous success of his recent Passenger, Dileep is currently busy with veteran director Siddique's Bodyguard, starring Nayantara as heroine. The film will grace screens during Ramzan.

Vineeth's begins directing on July 16

Noted Malayalam playback singer and actor Vineeth Sreenivasan's debut directorial venture titled Malarvadi Sports and Arts Club will start rolling in Kochi from July 16. It is heard that Vineeth Sreenivasan had a detailed discussion with his dad Sreenivasan last week and gave the final touches to the script. Most probably, Vineeth will be the hero. Dileep will have in a key role, while all others will be newcomers. Produced under the banner of Dileep's Grand Productions, Malarvadi Sports and Arts Club is scripted by Vineeth himself. More details are yet to be announced.

Jackson influenced the Malayalam film industry: Music director

While calling the 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson the 'greatest musician', music director M. Jayachandran said here Saturday that the legendary singer had also influenced the Malayalam film industry with his style.

Engineer turned musician Jayachandran who won the state award for the Best Music Director said that Jackson's style of music is visible in the Malayalam film industry too.

'I don't thing that there is anything wrong when people bring Jackson's style to the film industry here. He has been the master of neo-modern dance choreography that has been adopted here,' Jayachandran said.

Jayachandran began his career in the Malayalam film industry as an assistant to veteran music director G. Devarajan.

Journey of Sasikumar

Not many have the talent to become an all rounder. One should inherit the right mixture of talent, ambition, confidence and determination to bring a change, to do something unique. One should know the art of gliding smoothly from one destination to another; and at the same time maintain one’s cool and simplicity. One such persona is Sasikumar, whose journey from a producer, director, distributor, exhibitor to actor, reflected his fine transcendental qualities.

His recent film, ‘Naadodigal’, proved that a hero need not necessarily have a stunning or Greek god face and a hero can be born as simple guy-next-door, in tune with down-to-earth features. And thus, Sasikumar went on to establish himself in the minds of the people with his impressive acting skills. He created a niche for himself in the film industry by producing movies at a low cost and with fresh faces. According to him, “Tamil cinema is a melting pot and our audiences are always looking for change. I’ve just been experimenting with the content, cast, presentation, publicity and marketing to evolve new ideas.” Sasikumar takes it as a responsibility to showcase something good and innovative through his movies and at the same time he feels scared, as he believes to create a good impression in the film industry.

His first movie, ‘Subramaniampuram’, as a debut director reflected his choice of actors, who were visibly simple, rustic and models of common people. ‘Pasanga’, his second attempt as a producer, also repeated the same essence of being realistic, and gave the main stage to children to carry the whole story. This is another example of low budget movie from his production house and bringing Pandiraj for the first time as a director. And now, ‘Naadodigal’, went on to capture the audience and set a trailblazing impression. Sasikumar, through all his three movies, tried to portray that reality holds the crux of a movie’s success. Real people inspire reel life. Movies are meant to relate oneself to the storyline and that pulls the strings of sensitivity of the masses. He says, “The characters in my films are ordinary people that you will meet in your daily lives. I also feel that casting new actors in a film enriches it.” According to him, a story need not necessarily depend on the hero itself. Equal importance should be given to all the other characters in the movie. Other characters, besides the hero, too can take a story ahead.

Having tasted the success as an actor, one might feel Sasikumar will face the camera more often, now on. But it is not so, for the director in him pulls him back, behind the camera. He has already made plans for his next directorial release with fresh talents in terms of casts. It is also said that for a change he will be shooting the movie here in Chennai altogether with a new genre.