Actress Sukumari is in a stable condition. The veteran Malayalam-Tamil actress, who has been in the industry for more than 60 years and has acted in over 2,000 movies, was admitted to the NIMS hospital, Neyyatinkara, near Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday because of a sudden heart attack. According to sources, she underwent heart surgery and is recovering now. Her relatives and friends from the film industry visited her. She had recently inaugurated a function to felicitate the same hospital for carrying out free heart surgeries for the poor.
Malayalam actress Mamta Mohandas has had to cut short her professional commitments owing to her constant fever. The actress, who has also appeared in several Tamil and Telugu films, had signed on two Malayalam films, but she has been unable to work because of her fever. Severe fever has reportedly made Mamta Mohandas to walk out of a couple of Malayalam projects. Doctors have advised her to rest at home and stay away from work, because of the swine flu panic. According to sources, she is getting better now.
Many films have cut their shooting in foreign locations short because of the swine flu scare. Some of them are Ajith starrer Asal and Telugu film Sankham.
The laugh riot, In Harihar Nagar (1990) is about to have its second sequel, four months after the release of its first sequel, To Harihar Nagar (2009). The second sequel is titled In Ghost House Inn and Lal, the director of the original In Harihar Nagar, is set to direct it. It is going to be a horror comedy thriller. The original team– Mukesh, Siddique, Jagadish and Asokan will return. Nedumudi Venu, Harisri Asokan, Augustine and five heroines are expected to join the cast. Camera will be by cinematographer Venu. The shooting will commence on October 25 in Ooty and will hit theatres on April 1, 2010.
Actress Sridevika is ready to tie the knot and settle down with Mumbai-based pilot, Rohit Ramachandran in late August next year. According to the actress, it is an arranged marriage with the consent of their families. Ramachandran’s family has been friends with her family for many years. Sridevika is the daughter of an agriculturist Sethumadhavan and Shoba.
She will continue appearing in films even after she is married, as her fiancé is fine with it. Sridevika is pursuing a correspondence course in MBA after graduating in English Literature. She won a best model title in 2003 and had her movie debut with Jai Akash’s Kannada film, Ramakrishna. She has since appeared in all South Indian language movies, except Telugu.
Some of her popular films are Anbe Vaa and Gnabagangal in Tamil, My Autograph, Neela Kanda, Santha and Kshana Kshana in Kannada and Avan Chandiyude Makan, Parthan Kanda Paralokam, Chembada and Manchadikkuru in Malayalam. She is presently working on a Malayalam film, Samayam and a Tamil film, Sarithiram.
Kannada-Malayalam-Tamil actress Chaya Singh got married to a hardware engineer from Hyderabad on August 7. The actress debuted in films with director Dinesh Babu’s Chitte. She was then seen in Kannada films like director Indrajith’s Thuntaata, director Dinesh Babu’s Akasha Gange and Sai Prakash’s Rowdy Aliya. Her most successful film was Thiruda Thirudi in Tamil with superstar Dhanush. She received fabulous reviews for her performance in Vallamai Tharayo opposite Parthiban.
She is currently shooting for director Naga’s Ananthapurathu Veedu. It is produced by S Pictures. The actress has expressed her desire to continue acting even after marriage. She plans to direct a film called Gandhi Bazaar, which will be made in Kannada and English.
The Jai Hind Utsav Film Awards Ceremony, organized by Jai Hind TV at Corporation Stadium, Kozhikode, will be held on Sunday to celebrate its second anniversary. It has announced Mammootty as the winner of the “Actor of the decade’ award, according to M.M. Hassan, MD of the channel and K.P Mohanan, CEO of Jai Hind TV.
Some of the other awards go to Ranjith (best director); Jayaram (most popular actor), Jagathy Sree Kumar (overall contribution to Malayalam cinema); Sreenivasan (excellence in different aspects of film-making); Siddique (second best actor); Dileep (producer of Twenty:20 best film); Prithviraj (best actor); Gopika (best actress); Samvruta Sunil (second best actor); G. Venugopal (best singer); Manjari (best female singer); and Lalu Alex (special award).
Blaze and Vasundhara Das are expected to give musical performances at the award ceremony. Actress Sweta Menon will groove to a few dance numbers and a segment of the show will be dedicated to singer Mohammed Rafi and music composer Baburaj.
Jithu Joseph can breathe easy now! Superstar Mohanlal has finally given the young director dates for his new movie, Mummy and Me. The star was very impressed by the idea for the movie and has agreed to become a part of it. The shooting of the film will commence by the end of this year.
Produced by Joy Thomas Sakthikulangara under the banner of Jithin Arts, the film will also feature Jagathy, Revathy, Innocent, Mukesh and Suraj Venjaramoodu in important roles. Jithu Joseph proved his directorial skills after his debut film Detective with Suresh Gopi playing twin roles in it.
Meera Nandan (of Mulla fame) has been cast opposite popular actor, Kalabhavan Mani in director Anil K. Nair’s Pulliman (Malayalam). This is the first time they are working together as a pair. The script of the film is by Nair and it has been produced under the banner of Rubens Media International.
The remaining cast includes Mamukoya, Ponvarnnan, Mukesh, Nedumudi Venu, Innocent, Ravikumar, Jaffar, Prathap Pothen, Siddique, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Sharanya, Shari, Bindu Panickar and K.P.A.C. Lalitha. The lyrics are by Kaithapram, Vayaalar Sarath and Vighnesh and the music is by Sarath. The shooting will commence soon.
Actress Meera Nandan is presently busy with the shooting of Kadhalukku Maranamillai in Tamil and Pathaamnilayile Theevandi in Malayalam. She is also set to appear in Producer P.L. Thenappan’s Tamil movie, Ayyanar opposite Mridugam Aadi. The film will be produced under the banner of Rajalakshmi films.
Prithviraj has hiked his salary from Rs.25 lakhs to 40 lakhs The actor who was seen in the super hit Puthiya Mugham, which grossed over Rs. 2 crores in just 17 days. The film has already established him as an action hero in Malayalam films.
Prithviraj is presently shooting for a number of films; Mani Ratnam’s Raavan- Ashokavanam, Police Police, Robin Hood, Ninaithale Inikkum and Raghupathi Raghava Rajaram. He is in a jam-packed schedule till 2010.
Ninaithaale Inikkum, which is a remake of the popular film, Classmates, is set for a September release by Sun Pictures. Robin Hood has been scheduled to hit the screens on September 18. Some of his other upcoming films are I Have a Dream, Kerala Cafe, Thanthonnee, Paathira Manal, Veettilekkulla Vazhi, and The 19th Step.
Parayaan Marannathu is slated to hit the theatres on August 14. The film has been directed by debutant director Arun Bhaskar and produced by V.S. Sheeja under the banner of Nandanam Films.
Parayaan Marannathu is about the life of a kind tailor, Chandran (Biju Menon), who loves his wife Rema and daughter Maalu deeply. Chandran’s neighbour, Madhavi, a laundrywoman, was born rich but fell into misery after her husband and family rejected her for some reasons. Her daughter, Gauri, is a plus-two student.
A young man from the village named Manikantan always tries to help Madhavi and Gauri. His motive behind doing so is to impress Gauri, who never reacts to his advances. Another young man who makes a big change in Gauri’s life enters, thus forming the movie’s climax.
The cast includes Lakshmi Sharma, Madhupal, Baby Parvathy, T.T. Usha, Sooraj Venjaranmoodu, Arun, Vidya, K.P.A.C. Lalitha, Kalalranjini, Kozhikode Naryanan Nair, Jaffer Idukki, Githa Balan, Munshi Venu, Lalu B. Paul and others. The cameraman is Praveen Panicker.
There is more to Asin than being a film actress. The beauty with talent who won Bollywood fans’ hearts with her debut film Ghajini also has a philanthropic side. Our source close to the actress reveals the talented beauty is actively associated with various NGOs in Kerala and Chennai.
“Whenever she finds some time, Asin secretly visits these NGOs and loves being actively involved with all the charity work that they do,” our source further reveals.
“She personally looks after the disabled and the needy in these NGOs. However, unlike other stars she prefers to remain mum about it and not make it a self publicity exercise. These are things that are not meant to be spoken about, she feels. She has been doing this for years now and has been a regular visitor to various institutions in Chennai and Kerala. Being philanthropic is Asin’s second nature and she puts her heart and soul in it,” our source further adds.
Mammootty starrer “Kutty Srank” has been selected for screening at the Montreal World Film Festival starting Aug 27. The veteran Malayalam film superstar won’t be able to attend the event but says it’s an honour that his film is being showcased at Canada’s oldest movie extravaganza. Directed by internationally acclaimed director Shaji N. Karun, “Kutty Srank” is the story of a sailor who transports goods from one place to another in his boat. Mammootty plays the central role. The film will be screened in the World Greats section of the 12-day festival. This is Mammootty’s first film with Shaji who began his career as a cinematographer and later turned to direction with “Piravi” in 1988. His directorial debut won him the prestigious Camera d’Or - Mention d’honneur at the Cannes Film Festival in 1989. Since then every film by Shaji has hogged international attention and this is the fifth full length feature film of Shaji. Talking about “Kutty Srank”, Shaji said: “Set in the mid fifties in Kerala, the story is about the association of the sailors from the point of view of three woman - an aristocratic woman (Padmapriya), a local danseuse (Kamilina Mukharjee) and a mute girl (Sri Lankan actress Meena Kumari).” For the film, Shaji teamed up with Anjuli Shukla, the first women cinematographer in the Malayalam film industry. “Kutty Srank” is expected to hit screens in September or October.
“Of course, I’m happy because this has been included in the World Greats section. Since I am busy in finishing a film here, I will not be able to attend the festival,” said Mammootty.
“Hey There Asin Thottumkal Is Using Twitter,” declares the latest social networking website, and then goes on to give us gems like “I want to act in Tamil movie” from the actress.
There’s just one problem. Asin is not on Twitter…or any of the social networking websites. And she can’t laugh off the impersonations any longer.
Asin has a very serious problem. She has impersonators on all the major social-networking websites. “I was ready to overlook these fake IDs using my name as long as they weren’t harmful. But now the problem is getting out of hand.”
The other night a colleague had a whole long conversation with “Asin’ and called up the next day to share her excitement about what an intimate conversation they had.
“I nearly fell off my chair. I won’t name this actress. But she said we shared our most intimate secrets on Facebook. I nearly fell off my chair and asked her whom did she share her secrets with. Because most certainly, it was not me. Two days ago, a journalist came to interview me and said she got all the information on me from what I had written on Twitter. For the record, I’m not on any of the social-networking websites. Apart from my own website, I am not on the Internet for any other purpose.I started blogging even before Aamir did in August 2005,”Asin declares proudly.
Asin is aghast. “I was clubbed with Chetan Bhagat and Shashi Tharoor, and put on a social networking website. But I’m not on Orkut, Facebook or Twitter. Apparently there are lots of fake profiles.”
The lies about Asin don’t end at virtual reality. “It’s been ages since I have had non-vegetarian food. For all practical purposes I’m a vegetarian. But I read this horrible report about how I love all kinds of exotic meats. I haven’t been approached by PETA. But that doesn’t mean I’ve to go the other way.”
In the age of twittering, BlackBerrys and 24×7 connectivity, two influential Kerala film industry groups — Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and the Producers Association — Monday decided to ban the use of mobile phones during film shoots. The decision came after a meeting between the two associations here to discuss means to reduce the cost of film production in face of dwindling profit margins. “The recommendations that were discussed included limiting the shooting period to a maximum of 45 days per film and an upper limit to the quantity of film roll that can be used,” Unnikrishnan said. He said a 14-member committee, which will also include the actors’ group — the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes — will look into all proposals discussed in the meeting. “A final guideline would be ready after the committee clears the proposals,” said Unnikrishnan. The Malayalam film industry, faced with a series of box-office failures, has been discussing ways and means to bring about financial discipline. More than 30,000 families are dependent on the industry.
“Barring production executives and the producer, no one can use a mobile during the time of film shooting. There is no problem in using it during shooting breaks,” FEFKA general secretary B. Unnikrishnan told reporters. He said the use of mobile phones had become a menace during the shooting.
Murali : Biography
Murali was born at Kudavattor of Quilon district in Kerala as the eldest son of Mr.P.Krishnapillai and Mrs.K.Devaki Amma. He completed his schooling at L.P.S and U.P.S Kudavatoor, while he finished his higher school studies at SKVHS Thrikkannamangal. Later he attended M.G. College Thiruvananthapuram, D.B College, Sasthamcottah and Law Academy Law College, Thiruvananthapuram. he got the Kerala State Award for the Best Actor for his performance in the film Neithukaaran. Murali's First film was ‘Njattadi’
Acting career
Murali debuted into films with the lead role in Njattadi, directed by Gopi. But the film never released. He then got chance to act in Chidambaram, directed by national award winning filmmaker Aravindan. He then acted in Meenamasathile Sooryan and Panchagni, directed by noted filmmakers Lenin Rejendran and Hariharan, respectively. Panchagni got released first and it gave his the break in his acting career. He then quickly got established as a powerful actor in the Malayalam film industry. Adharam--Vijesh (talk) 10:17, 6 August 2009 (UTC), directed by George Kittu was the first film to get released with Murali in lead role. He acted in a variety of roles ranging from lead roles to villain roles, and won accolades. Some of his other notable films include Nee Ethra Dhanya, Dhanam, The King, Veeralippattu, Achan Kombathu Amma Varambathu, Meenamasathile Sooryan, Swarnam, and The Truth.
Awards
Murali got his first Kerala State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Amaram, directed by filmmaker Bharathan. He later went on to win the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for his role in Aadharam. Murali again won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for his powerful portrayal of Appumestri in Neythukaran, directed by Priyanandanan. The same role won him the National Film Award for Best Actor for the year 2002.
Murali's wife is Ms. Shylaja,and daughter Karthika M.S.
Kavya Madhavan who recently made into news headlines for being a part of an Mallu masala film scandal has attempted suicide recently. According to close sources of her, she tried to commit suicide on Saturday night, but was calmed and pacified by her family. When she heard the news that she was dragged into a scandal which involves a well known swamiji she was disturbed a lot. But her phone kept ringing from her relatives and friends and she tried for a suicide attempt which was flopped by her family members
Filmstar Mohanlal who was recently bestowed the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel of the civilians’ voluntary army force Territorial Army (TA) is said to honored at the inaugural function of the State-level Onam Week celebrations which will be held at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram from September 1, minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said during a press conference on Monday.
The Nishagandhi open-air auditorium, the Sooryakanthi exhibition grounds, the Poojappura maidan, Tagore Theatre, Theerthapada mandapam, Gandhi Park, VJT Hall, Sreevarahom and Akkulam are some of the places where the celebrations would be held and Mohanlal is said to lead the cultural programs after the inaugural function.
Ganamela, drama, Kathaprasangam, various dance forms, folk and classical art forms, musical concert, Kalaripayattu and melams will be shown in the venues from Sept 2-6. Along with the television channels, the print media will also be presenting mega programs. The show will conclude on Sept 7 evening.
An Athapookalam competition, a drawing and painting competition for children, a trade fair, a food festival and sports will also be organized as a part of the show.
From girl-next-door to bikini bombshell, Lakshmi Rai has come a long way. Though her initial films did not do well at the B.O. the leggy lass sure got noticed. Hers has been a steady rise to fame cemented by Dhaam Dhoom where she played a lawyer.
She has had a fair share of rumors though what put the media on overdrive was her link-up with Indian Cricket Captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Her bike rides with him made headlines and speculations about a brewing marriage. We quiz her on Dhoni, her no-holds barred bold onscreen attitudes and more.
BW: How did you get your break?
Lakshmi Rai: I was a model to begin with and later enrolled myself in an acting school. After completing my course, I won Miss Karnataka crown which fetched me a role in a Kannada film with Rajkumar’s son. When I was doing it, I got an offer in Karka Kasadara and I just continued.
You have worked in different languages, which industries do you think you really fit in?
Undoubtedly, it is the Tamil industry as I have many projects here. I have also done many films here and this industry is the one that has brought me recognition. After this only, I became popular and a star in Malayalam film industry.
You have done a lot of glamour? Will you go beyond this?
Well, if a character needs ultra-glamour, I will definitely do it. However, I will not do glamour just for the sake of glamour. I will do as much glamour as a role requires and not cross my limits.
How comfortable are you doing intimate scenes?
" I will not do glamour
just for the sake
of glamour "
If my character demands it, say to kiss my co-star or anybody and it’s a deep love story, I will do it. The comfort level has to be created and the kissing scenes cannot be shot on the first day of the shoot. If the director feels that a particular scene is needed, there must be good chemistry which needs to be worked between the pair in question. And that’s when the scene would turn out well. If the character demands, there is nothing wrong and I am open to doing such scenes.
You have been the target of a lot of gossip. How do you react to this?
" Gossip is unavoidable
in this profession "
Gossip is unavoidable in this profession. There will be some gossip today and something tomorrow, one must listen to it with one ear and let it out through the other. It’s part and parcel of this industry and I don’t react to it. It’s only me and the person who is linked (with me) will know the truth. I am used to all these now. When you say Lakshmi Rai, there will be a lot of gossip. Once you become a star and are known, there will be gossip.
Can you say something about your relationship with Dhoni?
Dhoni and I are friends. I am an actress and he is the Indian cricket team’s captain. Dhoni is a national figure and I am a popular figure. So linking both of us is news that sells. He has been linked with many people but the names have not been repeated, but in my case it has been repeated and this is a selling point for the media. It’s just to create an attention. Some people in the audience will believe it and some won’t. We tell the truth but if they don’t believe it, what can be done? We have nothing in our hearts.
" Dhoni is a national figure
and I am a popular figure "
You are from a non-filmi background. How does your family react to all this gossip?
My family is completely non-filmi and conservative. Initially they were taking rumors too seriously. It was my duty to convince them that this was part of my profession. Soon, they got used to it. Only my family knows what I am doing and where I am, they don’t believe in outside news. But it is only natural for any parent to become anxious about these things. They do feel insecure sometimes but realize that I am not the only one who is targeted and there are also other actresses who are at the receiving end. Bollywood is all about rumors and it happens only when you are famous. So every industry has gossips and rumors but it depends on one’s mentality in taking it. My parents know what I am and they trust in me. Without their knowledge I will not do anything.
How was the experience working with Jeeva in Dhaam Dhoom?
Firstly, I would like to say he was amazing, fantastic and it was an unforgettable experience working with him. He was so professional, dedicated and is extremely motivating. While shooting he is a different person and while not shooting he is completely different. He used to tell me never to club friendship and professionalism. While shooting, he kept friendship aside as he wanted the best output. It’s very sad we lost him. I still can’t believe it; it’s a very great loss for the industry.
What about the Number 1 dancer tag?
I don’t know about this. I dance well and it’s up to the audience to say whether we are good dancers or bad dancers. As a dancer I feel I am ok and do my best.
Will you do item numbers?
No.
Tell us something about your role in Irumbukottai Murattu Singam
" You need energy,
stamina and strength
to ride a horse "
I wanted to do something different as I want every film of mine to be different. My audience should enjoy them. When director Simbu Devan told me the story of Irumbukottai Murattu Singam where I will be in a cowboy getup, I found it good and agreed. My character has developed a lot and gained importance and you will realize this when you see the film. The film has been shot with a brownish tone that gives it a Hollywood look. It’s an action film and I play a brave bold girl. I learnt to ride a horse and this is not an easy joke. It looks easy, but there are so many things to learn. You need energy, stamina and strength to ride a horse. The horse is not in our control and there must be perfect understanding
between the horse and the rider. You can’t change horses in the film and have to use the same one throughout. There were plenty of riding and chasing scenes. The first few days I had a lot of body pain. This film is one of those with sky- high expectations this year and has been shot like an English film. It’s very good and has a fun theme.
Your first few films did not do well. Did you think of quitting at that point?
My aim was to be a good actress in the Tamil industry and not to become famous. When you give your best you become famous. My aim was not to earn, I was born with a golden spoon and money was not important. My first few films did not give me recognition. Karka Kasadara was a not a bad film, it was a good entry. However after that I made wrong film choices but had belief in myself. I took a break of six months before Dhaam Dhoom and this was like a re-launch. I had a strong gut feeling and a resolve that I would only do a good film. I want to earn a name as a good actress.
" When you give your best
you become famous "
Heroines today are more of an eye candy. What do you think of this trend?
The generation is changing and people who are making films are trying something new. Everyone is making films that have everything for everyone.
Did you make any specific preparations before wearing a bikini?
" You can’t wear a bikini
just like that "
You can’t wear a bikini just like that. When the director told me about it, he told me to be prepared. You have to plan to carry it off well. For my type of body, everything in my wardrobe looks good but to sport a bikini, I had to lose weight. I prepared by working out and toning my body. For a bikini shot, you really need to be confident.
Tell us something about Jai as he was your costar in Vaamanan?
The first day Jai was very formal and reserved. But soon, he became friendly and it was like we had known each other for years. He has given two big hits like Chennai 600 028 and Subramaniapuram but has no attitude whatsoever. He makes you feel very comfortable and we were good friends working together. I enjoyed Jai’s company and we had a rollicking time on the sets.
Malayalam actress Kavya Madhavan's split from his husband Nischal Chandran is the hottest topic of discussion in South Indian film circles these days! The actress claims that Nischal and his mother were torturing her mentally, alleging that she had an affair with a top Malayalam actor, which led to the split. But a top Tamil magazine has something very different to say!
A popular Tamil magazine (widely known for its exclusive interviews of the late sandal smuggler Veerappan) recently published an exclusive story, revealing some shocking news about the Kavya-Nischal spilt. The magazine claims that her marriage is on the rocks after Nischal obtained some obscene pictures and videos featuring the actress in hot positions from a special nude pooja, allegedly held a few years ago by a self-proclaimed Swami in Aluva. Kavya is said to have held the pooja to secure the No. 1 position in Malayalam!
The magazine further states that the controversial materials were sent to her husband by Kavya's old friend Ammukkutti aka Nandini, former manager in a Kozhikode star hotel, who allegedly shot Kavya's hot scenes during the pooja without her knowledge. Later, Nandhini started blackmailing Kavya for money, but the actress made a complaint to the hotel management, which fired Nandhini. It is alleged by the magazine that this incident irked Nandhini who revealed the controversial materials to Nischal.
Though the veracity of the magazine reports is yet to be established, the entire scenario raises some confusion among readers: Is it mere yellow journalism? How did a Tamil magazine gain such crucial info about a Malayalee actress? Who is Nandini? With more doubts and curiosity, let's wait and see what is revealed next!
