Lal turns egoistic

After 'Casanova' which had the super star in a high flying character, Renjith's new movie 'Spirit' will have him in an earthly role. Mohanlal will appear as an egoist who resist to realise the life in the lower strata of society. The movie is expected to get back the Superstar to the ordinary characters like the one that he had recently done in 'Snehaveedu'. Venu is the cinematographer of the movie expected to be on floors by the mid of March.

Vineeth eyes for the Big M's

Though his father, actor-director Sreenivasan was in all airs against the 'superstar rule' in Mollywood through his latest 'Padmasree Bharath Dr. Saroj Kumar',  Vineeth Sreenivasan seems to be thinking the other way. The young director in Vineeth is all fascinated with any possibility of having Big M's in his films. Vineeth's highest dreams in Malayalam includes the movies with Superstars, which he likes himself to script After the debut hit 'Malarvady Arts Club', Vineeth is currently busy with the new film 'Thattathin Marayathu' that would be jointly produced by Sreenivasan and Mukesh.

Indrajith to ask 101 questions

After garnering much critical applause with the new movie 'Ee Adutha Kalathu', Indrajith will soon start shooting for his new movie titled as '101 Chodyangal'. Directed by actor Siddharth Shiva, who had been in noticeable roles in movies like 'Thirakkatha', 'Ivar Vivaahitahrayal' and ' Bodyguard', the movie will tell a socially relevant theme through the eyes of a school child. Indrajith comes up as the school teacher of this child while Jagathy, Lena, Sudheesh and Nishanth Sagar also don the other prominent roles. Expected to be on floors by next month '101 Chodyangal' is produced by Thomas Kottakkakom in the banner of seven paradises.

Kajal Aggarwal opposite Akshay Kumar!

Kajal Aggarwal, a popular name down South in the Tamil and Telugu film industries has her priorities set right, to carve a pan Indian image for herself. The actress has bagged yet another biggie in Bollywood and has signed a film opposite the Khiladi himself, Akshay Kumar! The film that bears the working title 'Special Chabbis', will be helmed by Neeraj Pandey of 'A Wednesday' fame that is based on a 1987 jewellery heist in Mumbai. Remember the director is known for his close to reality approach? His 'A Wednesday' had garnered critical acclaim and was remade in Tamil as 'Unnaipol Oruvan' with Kamal Haasan and Mohan Lal, two top notch actors in the south. Kajal made her B-town debut with 'Singham' (a remake of Suriya starrer 'Singam'), which became a blockbuster hit. It is further said that Akshay was smitten by her performance and found her apt for this film and was keen in featuring her as his lead lady. She currently has two biggies in Tamil with actors Vijay and Suriya. The going is indeed great for Kajal! The pretty damsel will start work on the film come March 9.

Laljose for more small budget flicks

Following the likes of Renjith and Anwaar Rasheed, who had earned a name by creating quality films in low budgets, ace filmmaker Laljose is also planning to concentrate on more quality films than pucca commercial entertainers. 'Lalu's M T Movie 'Neelathamara' was an eye opener for the director himself who earned much critical acclaim for its creation. Now the director who had made half a dozen hits in Mollywood says that he will be more into small budget, but high quality films than running after big stars with films featuring many song and dances. His new movie Diamond Necklace is in the making at Dubai with Fahad Fazil and Samvrutha Sunil in the lead. This year Laljose will also direct a few more films including the Mammootty film in the scripts of a newcomer and another featuring Prithviraj in the lead. Laljose will also be producing some of these projects starting with 'Diamond Necklace' under the banner of L J films.

Aashiq Abu completes 22FK

As all eyes are on Aashiq Abu  who had created the most entertaining hit of 2011 in 'Salt N Pepper', the director has called the final pack up of the shoot of his new film '22 Female, Kottayam' which is under production. A thriller set in the backdrop of nursing students, the movie will feature Reema Kallingal as the title character who movies on to Bangalore to study  nursing. Fahd Fazil is the hero of this movie which will tell a different story with much of grey shades. Shyju Khalid is the cinematographer while Bijibal and Rex Vijayan handle the music section. The movie is expected to be on theatres, this Vishu.

Prakash Bare receives John Abraham Awards

Prakash Bare the producer and protagonist of Ivan Megharoopan received the prestigious John Abraham Awards from Anand Patwardhan.

The prestigious John Abraham Awards was  instituted in 1999 by the Federation of Film Societies of India (Keralam) as an annual award for the best Malayalam Feature, Short Feature and Documentary in memory of late director  John Abraham

Ivan Megharoopan was a biopic film written and directed by P. Balachandran. The film is based on the life of Malayalam poet P. Kunhiraman Nair.  Prakash Bare, who is the producer of the film, also played the protagonist K. P. Madhavan Nair

Bare received the special mention award from Anand Patwardhan, pioneer of independent documentary film making in India.  The function was held on Feb 21st in Palakkad, at the closing ceremony of SIGN 12 short and docu film festival organized by Federation of Film Societies of India. 

Others present were Jayapala Menon who was honored for his overall contribution to Malayalam cinema. President of FFSI VK Joseph, Film critic GP Ramachandran and director of Aadi Madhyantham. 

The citation of the John Abraham special award appreciated director P Balachandran and Prakash Bare for the portrayal of the poet in a realistic manner. 

'Karmayogi' to release on March 9

After waiting in the cans for some months V K Prakash's take on Shakespeare's  'Hamlet' will hit the theatres on March 9. Titled 'Karmayogi' the movie scripted by Balram Mattanoor will have its lead role is played by Indrajith. 'Karmayogi' presents the story in the backdrop of customs and traditions of the yogi community. The movie will feature Padmini Kolhapurie for the first time in Malayalam. Ably supported by Nithya Menon, Manikuttan and Anirudh, the movie tells the story of Rudran, aka Kaleriaasan who gets into panic following his father's unnatural death and faces troubles with different choices in his life.  The film which was a part of the Indian Panorama section had opened to a good reception there and in the last edition of IFFK.

A techie story in 'Mayflower'

The IT professional turned directer, Ranjith Shankar is finally turning the camera towards his own first profession. After the critically acclaimed films like 'Passenger' and ' Arjunan Sakshy', Ranjith's new movie titled 'Mayflower' will be a musical love story with the life of the IT professionals in the focus. Prithviraj and Jayasuriya will lead the cast in this movie which will tell the untold facets in the life of people in technology and software parks, working day and night under immense pressure. The shoot for the movie will kick start in a matter of few months at Kochi.

Indrajith to lead in M T -Hariharan movie

The week seems to be a good one for young actor Indrajith. After getting good critical acclaim for his performance in 'Ee Adutha Kalathu' which is on theatres this week, the actor has got a surprising call from Chennai. Veteran director Hariharan was at the other end finalising indrajith for his new movie, scripted by M T Vasudevan Nair. The classic combo of Mollywood who has delivered many classic in Malayalam is expected to offer the career best role to Indrajith. It is not yet clear when MT and Hariharan are planning to kick start the shoot of this movie, which is said to be in a theme of much social significance.

Baburaj turns hero

After taking a U- turn from his villainous roles, and working well as the comedian in the mega hit 'Salt N Pepper', Baburaj will now turn the hero material. The new movie titled as 'Naughty Professor' will have him as the title character who is trying to stay young at heart. The movie to be directed by Harinarayanan will have a big cast including Tini Tom, Innocent, Janardhanan, Rajeev Pillai, Lena, Malavika and master Vikas. Lekshmy Gopalaswamy and Kathal Sandhya are the heroines of the movie scripted by Baburaj himself. While Jassie Gift is in charge of songs and music, Bijith Bala does the editing. Sajeth Menon handles the camera. The movie to be produced by Annamala films will have its pooja on the 29th of this month at Ernakulam. Baburaj will also don the hero role in the new movie 'Prabhuvinte Makkal' by Sanjeev Anthikkad which will also get into sets in a short while.

Mohanan brings in Asif, Anoop and Mukesh

'Katha Parayumpol' fame M Mohanan has been able to create another fairly good movie in 'Manickyakallu' which was one of the hits of last year. Now the director who is all set to kick stat his third movie will bring in young star Asif Ali with Anoop Menon. Both the actors had earlier worked together for the movie 'Traffic' which was the first hit of 2011. Apart from the Asif and Anoop, Mukesh will also come up in an important role in the new movie which is yet to be titled. Mohanan is planning to start the shooting of this project by this March. Watch this space for more updates on this movie.

Great hopes on 'Ee Adutha Kalathu'

As Priyan's editor Arun Kumar Aravind is back with his new offer 'Ee Adutha Kalathu', big expectations are on the film to break new grounds in Mollywood. A surreal multinarrative written by Murali Gopi, the movie features Indrajith, Anoop Menon, Mydhili, Nishan and the scriptwriter as five different characters from different strata's of the society.

This is the second script from Murali Gopi after 'Rasikan', and he has taken special care to present the characters not in a uni-dimensional way, but with positive and negative traits surfacing in each character at different points. The movie, based on a real incident, is weaved in such a way that a set of events tie the lives together of which the characters have little control. And it is only when certain actions of theirs initiate a flow of occurances that we realize the complete picture.

The director and scriptwriter is also said to have taken care of presenting several voices of the capital city, with characters speaking in different accents and languages. Produced by Raju Mallyath, 'Ee Adutha Kalathu' will have camera work by State award winner Shahnad Jalal and music by Gopi Sundar.

After a challenging debut in 'Cocktail', Arunkumar is looked upon as another director who could keep up the spirits and aspirations of the new generation always after differently made products. 2012 also has worked the similar way with the only movie that became a hit being 'Second Show' that excelled in its narratives. Let's wait for a couple of days to know whether Arun and his crew can manage to come up with a differently made hit.

Husbands in Goa

The shoot for the new Saji Surendran movie 'Husbands in Goa' will kick-start today at Kochy. This is another movie produced by Ronnie Screwwala in the banner of U T V motion pictures.

Saji and his scriptwriter Krishna Poojapppura will be weaving a humorous tale as usual centred on infidelity issues. Jayasuriya, Asif Ali, and Indrajith will appear as three husbands in the movie, who are fed up with their wives and are planning to enjoy a secret vacation at Goa. The movie will take a turn as they meet Sunny Abraham, the character played by Lal in their train to Goa.

M G Sreekumar is the music director while Anil Nair is the cinematographer. 'Husbands in Goa' which will be on theatres this summer, is expected to end the flop run of the young director whose latest 'Four Friends' and 'Kunjaliyan' met with unexpected failure at the Box office. 

'Ee Adutha Kalathu' takes on 'Nidhra'

After a complete shutdown strike yesterday, two movies will grace the theatres today. Indrajith's 'Ee Adutha Kalathu' and Siddharth's 'Nidhra' are the two movies which is opening in centres all across Kerala.

'Ee Adutha Kalathu' is an experimental movie from Arun Kumar Aravind while 'Nidhra' is the remake of the eighties hit with the same title. 'Nidhra' will also become the launch pad of Siddharth, the son of late director Bharathan as an independent director. Featuring Jishnu and Rima Kallingal in the important roles, the movie will have the director playing the lead role. Produced by Lucsam creations, the movie also have Sameer Thahir as the cinematographer and Jassie Gift as the music director.

Lal Jose crew brave sandstorm in Dubai

Lal Jose new film Diamond Necklace, is fast progressing in UAE and recently the cast and crew of the film encountered a blinding sandstorm in Dubai outdoors.

The unexpected Shamaal (desert wind), which according to weather experts mark the change in season, had the crew struggling to complete the film according to schedule. 

Despite the sandstorm that fanned desert dust and sand across the city, Lal Jose and team continued the shoot, canning some important outdoor shots that are crucial to the movie.

To safeguard the equipment, the production crew had to go the extra length, while the raging winds played havoc with the sets. 

Fahad Fazil and Samvritha Sunil play lead roles. Dr Iqbal Kuttipuram scripts the film, joining with Laljose after Arabikatha, which was also shot in Dubai. 

The cast also has Rohini, Gauthami, Anushree, Sreenivasan and Jagathi Sreekumar.

Three Malayalam releases today

Siddharth Bharathan’s directorial debut Nidra, Cocktail director Arun Kumar Aravind’sEe Adutha Kaalathu and Ali Akbar’s Ideal Couple are the three Malayalam films to hit the screens today.

Siddharth Bharathan and Rima Kallingal play the lead in the remake of the 1981 film Nidra, originally directed by Bharathan. 

The film also marks the return of actor Jishnu Raghavan, who was launched by Kamal along with Siddharth in the 2002 film, Nammal.

Ee Adutha Kaalathu has Indrajith, Anoop Menon, Nishaan, Murali Gopi and Maithily in the lead. The film has been scripted by Murali Gopi, legendary actor Bharath Gopi’s son. Arun Kumar Aravind has been an editor for quite a number of films by Priyadarsan.

Ideal Couple has Vineeth and Lakshmi Menon in the lead and has been released in a few theatres in the state. The cast also includes Thilakan, Nassar and Usha Uthup. The heroine, Lakshmi Menon, is the heroine of the forthcoming Tamil film Kumki by Prabu Solomon.

Thanichalla Njan is based on a real story

Award winning Director Babu Thiruvalla has made a film based on a real incident, of two friends, Razia Beevi, a Muslim woman who is also the vice-president of the Ambalapuzha grama panchayat and Chellamma Antharjanam, an 85-year old Namboodiri woman who was saved from the railway track by the former 10 years ago.

Malayalam actors, Kalpana and KPAC Lalitha are giving life to the two friends in the movie and both of the actors, along with the Antharjanam and Razia Beevi, had attended the pooja of the film recently. 

The film has been titled Thanichalla Njan and has Kalpana plays the Muslim woman, while KPAC Lalitha is doing the role of the Namboodiri lady.

The shooting of the film has been completed at various locations near Alappuzha. Babu Thiruvalla has earlier directed the well-appreciated film Thaniye.

Currently Thanichalla Njan is in the midst of a controversy as writer K S Noushad has filed a complaint in which he has stated that the story was written by him based on a real incident and Babu is refusing to give credit for his script now.

Ee Adutha Kaalathu on Feb 24

Director Arunkumar Aravind’s Ee Adutha Kaalathuwill hit the theatres this Friday.

Editor turned filmmaker, Arunkumar’s maiden filmCocktail with Jayasurya, Anoop Menon and Samvritha Sunil in the lead was a frame to frame copy of Shattered aka Butterfly on a wheel.

Ee Adutha Kaalathu has been scripted by Murali Gopi. According to the official version, the film plots five characters who unknowingly get swept up in the tides of life and they take the viewers along on a ride where there are no winners or losers.

The film’s cast includes Indrajith, Anoop Menon, Murali Gopi, Maithily and Lena.

Rajeev Pillai denies the 'Bhavana affair'

Actor Rajeev Pillai, who is yet to make a big impression on screen but has been the star of the Kerala Strikers team in the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) has denied rumours where a section of the media had linked him and actor Bhavana.

It was after the CCL, where Bhavana was the brand ambassador of the team that the rumours started appearing. 

Though both the parties involved decided to ignore the news, Rajeev has clarified this in his interview with a Malayalam publication that the alleged affair was just someone’s imagination.

There were reports that team owner Priyadarsan had offered a role for the actor in his next Bollywood production and Rajeev wanted Bhavana to be part of the project as well. But Rajeev denies this as well.

Okay, let us rather believe the young actor for now.

Mohanlal's mother hospitalis​ed

Superstar Mohanlal’s mother Santhakumari (76) was hospitalized on Thursday evening . 

She has been admitted to the Amritha hospital in Ernakulam due to cerebral hemorrhage. 

She was shifted to the ICU after a surgery. Her condition is said to be critical.

Mohanlal, who was in Ernakulam shooting for B Unni Krishan’s UTV Motion Pictures Grand Masters reached the hospital immediately. 

Mohanlal has been very close to his mother and always made it a point to spent a few days with her every month in spite of his busy schedule. 

The King and Commissioner on March 23

The eagerly awaited The King & the Commissioner written by Renji Panicker and directed by Shaji Kailas, is confirmed to release on March 23. 

The film is slated to open in nearly 200 screens worldwide. It was earlier scheduled torelease for Christmas and then February middle.

The King and Commissioner has Mammootty and Suresh Gopi in lead roles and is asaid to be a sequel to The King (1995) and Commissioner (1994).  

However, director Shaji Kailas reportedly said that the film features a new story in a new background where the lead characters of his and Renji Panicker’s films (Joseph Alex IAS & BharathChandran IPS) are coming together.

The film has a strong supporting cast of  Jagathy,Ganesh Kumar, Nedumudi Venu, Samvrutha Sunil, Sanjana, Salim Kumar and others. It is said to be an action packed thriller based on recent political events in Kerala.

Ordinary on March 17

Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Biju Menon, Jishnu Raghavan, Shritha and Ann Augustine play the lead in debutant director Sugeeth’s Ordinary. The story of the film is being narrated with a KSRTC ordinary bus running between Gavi and Pathanamthitta, as the backdrop.

Kunchacko Boban is playing a KSRTC bus conductor named Eravikuttan Pillai. He is actually not confident about his name and also about his job, which he got when his father died.

Ordinary could prove crucial for both Kunchacko Boban and Asif Ali, who are not going strong right now, not able to live up to the huge expectations that they had on their shoulders. The failure of Asuravithu and Unnam has made the going tough for Asif Ali. 

Kunchacko Boban, who has been on a signing spree, has also been affected by the poor showing of some of his films, including the recent Spanish Masala.

Ordinary, with some of the young prominent names amongst the heroes in its cast will release a week before the much-awaited The King and The Commissioner hits the screens.

Asif with Sreenivasan

After his debatable take on superstars in the movie 'Padmashree Bharat Dr Sarojkumar', Sreenivasan will join the team of youngsters shortly. His new project will be the one with debutante director Joe Chalissery, which will feature him with Asif Ali, who is looked upon as a promising star in the making. This yet to be titled movie, scripted by its director will be presented by David Kachapilly, and will have Shwetha Menon, Innocent, Jagathy, Salimkumar, Suraj, Nedumudi venu, Manianpillai Raju, Namitha Pramod in other important roles. Sreenivasan will also don an important character in the new movie by director Anoop Kannan, which will have Megastar Mammootty in the lead.

Sreejith turns busy

There was much of a confusion in the part of young actor Sreejith Vijay, when director T K Rajeevkumar came-up with the  role of the lead player  in his remake of Rathinirvedham. The movie with plenty of intimate scenes was predicted to end the career of a 'starter'. But Sreejith valorously took up the assignment. And as the movie ended up as a hit, Sreejith is now a winner with plenty of movie projects under his sleeve. The immediate one from him to grace the screens will be   'Chekkanaum Pennum' whose shoot is almost complete. This movie by 'Oridam' fame Pradeep Nair will have debutante Deepthi is in the female lead, which will also feature Aparna Nair and Midhun in important roles. The movie, basically a new age love story will have scripts by the director and Rajesh Varma. Sreejith will again become the hero in the new movie 'Vannnethum Munpe' directed by Sudev. Featuring Mydhili and Meghna Raj as the heroines, the movie will have plenty of popular actors including Mukesh, Thilakan, Jagathy, Bindhu Panikkar and Rejath Menon in other important roles. Anyhow, Sreejith is riding on a good time.

Reemma Sen's big surprise

Talk about the month of love and gifts! Reemma Sen was in for a big surprise as her beau, Shiv Karan Singh gifted her a brand new BMW 5 series!
 
Reemma flew down to Delhi to spend her Valentines' Day with Shiv and when she landed at the airport she was surprised with this brand new Havana coloured BMW 5 by Shiv!
 
Sources also have it that the young entrepreneur decorated the car with red ribbons and balloons and actress was all glee about the surprise gift.
 
The duo will be pronounced man and wife come March 11 in a grand four day ceremony that includes Mehandi, Sangeeth, a gala reception and the wedding. The who is who of all the film industries and Delhi are touted to grace the occasion, remember Reemma is a popular name in the South and the North.

Prakash Raj joins hands with Mohanlal

A mega Malayalam movie is in the making, by bringing together two big actors of south Indian cinema-Mohanlal and Prakash Raj. The latter was in Cochin recently to sign the project and has confirmed this on his microblogging page.

"Finalized a film in Malayalam. Due for a long time. Mohanlal + Kaniha + Prakash Raj in director Renjith's "SPIRIT". Shoot in March. Cheerss!!!" That's something to cheer about, indeed!," Prakash Raj wrote.

Meanwhile, the actor-producer-director is happy with the media reviews for his maiden directorial venture in Tamil, 'Dhoni', which hit the screens a couple of weeks ago. "The media has been extremely supportive."

Sources close to Prakash Raj say that he would continue his avatar as a director, but without compromising his acting career. "Because it is only from acting he gets the financial muscle to produce and direct meaningful ventures."

'Avalude Ravukal' yet to fix heroine

With the exceptional theatre run of 'Rathinirvedham', more and more film makers from Malayalam have opted to remake old movies with erotic themes and skinny sequences. The producer of 'Rathinirvedham' remake, Sureshkumar who seems to be spearheading this movement of presenting aphrodisiac sensuousness in the package of 'classic remakes' has already started working on his new movie in the similar lines- 'Chattakkari' with Shamna Kassim as the heroine. Still many others in Mollywood are in various stages of remakes of their versions of 'Ina and 'Rasaleela'. Seeing the potential of these kind of remakes, the super director of yesteryear's, I V Sasi has also announced the new version of his 1978 hit -Avalude Ravukal which he expects to be a shortcut to hit making in 2012. But even after a year from its announcement, the director and the crew are yet to find the right actress to don the central role of the prostitute Rejani that Seema has made immortal in the original. Priyamani was said to be in consideration for the role but the age factor has resisted the makers to cast her and to look for someone younger. Liberty Basheer is the producer who is getting ready to fund this remake. And once the actress to give lips to the song 'Raagendhu Kiranagal' is finalised, the movie will start canning immediately.

Kaniha makes a strong comeback

Kaniha is making a strong comeback to Malayalam films after her marriage and motherhood. 

In fact her comeback film was Bhagyadevatha which was a hit. 

She is now become hot as she is one of the heroines in Cobra with Mammootty and Lal in the lead. She has signed Ranjith’s ambitious project titled Spirit opposite Mohanlal and Prakash Raj.

Ranjith is undoutedly the hottest director after the mega successes of his last three projects, Thirakatha, Pranchiyettan and The Saint and Indian Rupee.

Makrand Deshpande in No.66 Madurai Bus

Bollywood actor-director and theatre personality Makrand Deshpande is playing the baddie in director M A Nishad’s No.66 Madurai Bus. 

The shooting of the film has now been completed and the postproduction works are on.

Makrand says that “I had a great time shooting for the film and of course, I will do more films in Malayalam if good offers come my way. Nishad had narrated the story really well and the character was absolutely interesting.”

Makrand, who was earlier seen in several Hindi TV serials including Circus with Shah Rukh Khan, shot into fame with films like Satya, Sarafarosh, Swades and Guzaarish among many others. He has directed films likeHanan, Danav and Shahrukh bola Khoobsurat hai.

Pasupathi, Padmapriya and Shwetha Menon include the cast of No.66 Madurai Bus.

Ee Yaathrayil modeled on Kerala Cafe

Five directors have joined hands to make Ee Yaathrayil, which is a compilation of five short films. All the stories will join together at a certain point of time.

Now, this pattern was adopted during the making of Kerala Cafe, which was a ten-film anthology, a few years back. 

The five films have been directed by Major Ravi, Priyanandanan, Vinod Vijayan, Mathews and Rajesh Amanakara.

Janardhanan, Sukumari and Jayakrishnan include the cast in Major Ravi’s film titledAmma. 

In Priyanandanan’s Marichavarude Kadal, Vineeth Kumar and Remya Nambeesan play the main roles. Kannan Pattambi plays the main role in Rajesh Amanakara’sHoneymoon. 

Surabhi and Anil Murali are the actors of Vinod Vijayan’s Sarva Siksha Abhiyan. Mathews’ I love you my papa has Jayan and Lakshmi Gopalaswamy in the lead.

Akkarakkazhchakal star in Cherukkanum Pennum

Josekutty Valiyakallumkal, who plays the hugely popular character named George Thekkummoottil in the hilarious sitcom Akkarakkazhchakal is making his debut in 

Malayalam films with director Pradeep Nair’sCherukkanum Pennum.

The shooting of the film, with Sreejith Vijay and Deepthi Nambiar in the lead, has started in Kochi. The cinematographer is M Manoj.

“I am playing the role of Sreejith’s father in the film and it is a really interesting character,” says Josekutty. His role as an ‘American Malayali’ has great fan following, especially through the videos of the various episodes of Akkarakkazhchakal in the Internet.

“I have been part of some cultural programmes in the US and the popularity ofAkkarakkazhchakal has been beyond our wildest imaginations. We have done a movie version, which will soon be released in India. I have already received a few offers to act in movies and I am definitely interested if I get good offers,” says Josekutty.

Priyamani's next

Though she is reported to have missed out of the demanding lead role in the remake of 'Avalude Raavukal',  Priyamani who made an impression in Hindi with her short role in the debut movie 'Raavan' will be seen more in Bollywood in the coming days. After being in a realistic role in RGV's 'Rakthacharithra', she will be seen in the new Hindi movie opposite Rithesh Deshmukh. To be directed by Chandrakanth Singh, this National Award winning actress   is also considered for many other Bollywood projects in pipeline. Priyamani's new film in Mollywood includes Superstar Mohanlal's 'Grandmaster' directed by B Unnikrishnan.

Padmapriya's drama

All the world is a stage. Living up to this popular line is Padmapriya. The actress, who has always had a penchant for dramas, has now turned her focus on it. In association with like-minded persons, she will soon be part of stage dramas.

"I am basically a theatre artiste. However, after stepping into cinema, I did not get much opportunity to act in plays. The idea to be a part of dramas again cropped up while discussing with some like-minded people recently," she says.

Giving more details, Padmapriya says, "Malayalam actress Ann Augustine, director V K Prakash, writer Jayaprakah Kulur and I have planned to produce quality dramas and to take it to a wide range of audience. We are making some popular works into stage plays."

On the cinema front, Padmapriya is currently part of 'Thangameengal', a film directed by 'Katradhu Thamizh' fame Ram and produced by Gautham Vasudev Menon. The 'Pokkisham' girl is also acting in three Malayalam movies.

Udayathara to tie the knot

Udayathara, who is popular for films like 'Thee Nagar', 'Kannum Kannum', 'Bayamariyan' and 'Vilai', will marry a Dubai-based pilot in April. Before that, their engagement will take place in Kottayam come March. According to sources, elders in Udayathara's family have fixed her marriage with Jubin Joseph, a Kerala native who is currently working as a pilot in Dubai. "The marriage will take place in April, after Udayathara completes her professional commitments," they say. The actress, who is popular in Mollywood as well, is currently acting in Tamil films 'Vettaiyadu' and 'Brahmaputra'. "Shooting schedules of these movies will end in March. So Udayathara will be free by April," sources add. Stating that the engagement ceremony scheduled to take place next month would be a simple affair, the sources say the marriage and reception in April would however be grand.

Amala Paul's big week

Malayalee girl Amala Paul will have one of the greatest fortnight in her acting career with two movies that were released in the alternate weekend emerging hits in the Box Office. We are talking about the Tamil films from Amala released last week - 'Muppozhudhum Un Karapnaigal' and 'Kadhalil Sodhapovathu Eppadi'.

The first has Adharva as the hero while the later has Sidharth in the lead role. Both the romantic comedies have opened well and the actress is appreciated for the gorgeous looks and meticulous performances in both the movies. Interestingly, the first movie is an urban tale of love and loss while 'Kadhalail Sodhapovathu Eppadi' by first time director Balaji Mohan is a humorous tale, another quirky rom com. The success of these two flicks will definitely give her pretty more chances to emerge the numero uno actress in Tamil.

Amala Paul had earlier been to Malayalam for her initial films like 'Neelathamara' and 'Ithu Nammude Katha' which didn't gave much impetus to the career of the actress. She will be seen more in the home language in films like 'Aakashathinte Niram' and 'Diamond Necklace' which are currently on sets.

Pokkiri Raja gets dubbed into Tamil

Pokkiri Raja a super hit Malayalam film is getting dubbed into Tamil as Raja Pokkiri Raja. 

The Vysakh directed Pokkiri Raja (2010) has Mammootty, Prithviraj and Shriya Saran in the lead.

In the film Mammootty and Prithviraj are playing brothers and doing the roles of rowdies. The film has music by Jassie Gift. 

It is an out and out masala entertainer. Raja Pokkiri Raja is releasing in March.​

Ananya reacts strongly against all rumours

Actor Ananya’s recent engagement to businessman Anjaneyan has been hogging the headlines, for all the wrong reasons. 

There were reports of the engagement going sour, after the actor’s father filing a complaint against the beau, as he was allegedly a married man and the father of two kids.

The latest is that Ananya has reacted strongly against all rumours and insists that the marriage is still on. 

The grapevine has it that her father has withdrawn the complaint against Anjaneyan and now they blame the media for blowing the issue out of proportion.

The actor is now shooting for The Reporter, directed by Venugopan. The film also stars Kailash, Samuthirakani and Abhinaya.

Hope all is happening for the good, for Ananya and Anjaneyan.

Madhu in Prabhuvinte Makkal

Veteran actor Madhu plays a businessman and father of two, in director Sajeevan Anthikkad’s Prabhuvinte Makkal. 

While one of his sons is religious, the other is an atheist. Years later the two sons teams up with a cop to take on their father’s rivals.

Kalabhavan Mani, Vinay Fort, Jijo, Swasika and Arun include the film’s cast. 

Prabhuvinte Makkal has been produced under the banner of Free Thought Cinema.

Narain in 'Mumbai Dhosth'

After making a retreat from Mollywood for almost a year, young actor Narain is back with a bang. The actor who is donning a prominent role in the new movie 'Grandmaster'  with Super star Mohanlal,  has found another good role to continue with his comeback flicks. He will be seen with Prithviraj for the movie 'Mumbai Dhosth' to directed by debutante Fazil, an associate to Rafi-Mecartin and Shafi. Naren had earlier appeared with Prithvi for 'Robinhood' which was an appreciable hit.

'Mumbai Dhosth' in the scripts of rafi-Mecartin will be produced by Howly Pottur under the banner of Dream Team productions.The movie will also feature Tamil star Sharath Kumar in an important role. The shoot for 'Mumbai Dhosth' is expected to be kick off by the month of April.

Madhupal gets ready for 'Ozhimuri'

After the much acclaimed debut movie 'Thalappavu', actor turned director Madhupal will start the new movie 'Ozhimuri' shortly. To kick start at Thakkulay near Nagercoil, the movie will be scripted by Jayamohan, famous for Tamil films like 'Angaditheru'. Asif Ali, Lal, Bhavana, Mallika  and Shweth Menon are the lead characters of the flick produced by P N Venugopal under the banner of P N V Associates. The movie which will be shot mostly at locales in Tamil Nadu will have music by Bijibal, while Azhagappan will be in charge of Camera.

'Nidhra' for next week

A Few weeks ago, we have reported about debutante director Siddharth Bharathan's feat of completing a movie shoot much below it proposed budgets. And by next week, we can see whether the director has done justice to the narratives, though he was shooting it under budgets.

Yes, actor turned director Siddharth, the son of late director Bharathan will be ready to greet the Mollywood audience with his debut film 'Nidhra' by the end of next week. Planned for a release on the 24th of February, the movie also have him donning the lead role with Rima Kallingal.

Jishnu, one of the young stars who debuted with Siddharth in 'Nammal' will make a comeback to filmdom with a prominent character in the movie.

A remake of an eighties movie with the same title, the narratives of 'Nidhra', according to the director, still holds relevance even to the new age audiences. let's  wait and see how far the debutante director who had been with veteran  Priyadarshan for long, will stick to his observations.

Issac Newton comes to Mollywood

Yes, Issac Newton is getting ready to visit Mollywood. But this time, he is coming up as the son of Philippose.

'Issac Newton, Son of Philippose' -Interestingly this happens to be the title of the new movie directed by V Bose who had been an associate to many front line directors of Mollywood. Biju Menon and Lal will appear as the title characters of the movie which will be scripted by Harish Unni.

The hilarious movie will tell an amusing tale of a father and son. Anil Mathew produces the movie under the banner of Mary Matha productions.

​Nidra to release on Feb 24

The remake of Bharathan’s 1981 film, Nidra, will hit the screens on Feb 24.
Bharathan’s son, Siddharth, has directed the film and is also playing the lead role. Rima Kallingal plays the heroine.
The original version had Vijay Menon and Shanthi Krishna in the lead. According to Siddharth, “this turbulent love story of a couple has been set in the current times.”
Jishnu, who was launched in films along with Siddharth by Kamal in his Nammal is doing an important role in Nidra. Sameer C Thahir, who recently directed Chappa Kurishu is the cinematographer. The music director is Jassie Gift.
“Nidra finds relevance even now and that is the reason why I decided to remake the film,” says Siddharth.

Lal with no clues over Shankar film

It was a news that had his fans in extreme excitement. Yes, the news of our own Mohanlal teaming up with the greatest showman of south, Shankar. The last couple of weeks had media debating over who will be the lead girl of the movie and about the technical crew. But the latest we hear is that Superstar Mohanlal has got no clues over the film, that is much in discussion among people. Talking to media lal revealed that he has not yet got any offer form Shankar and had never hold any talks with the director on such a project.

The fans of the star who still keeps hope will have to wait a few more days to know whether such a project will materialise. Meanwhile, Mohanlal who is into the final stages of shooting of his latest 'Grandmaster' will shortly join the sets of the new movie by Ranjith.

Vineeth Sreenivasan's next is Thattathin Marayathu

After making his debut as a writer-director with Malarvady Arts Club, Vineeth Sreenivasan has announced his next film, Thattathin Marayathu.

The film is being produced by his dad Sreenivasan’s production house Lumiere Films.

Nivin Pauly, who was found during the talent hunt for Malarvady Arts Club and played the lead in the film, is reportedly the film’s hero.

Jomon T John is the cinematographer and Shaan Rehman scores the music.

Actor Remya Nambeeshan has recently recorded a song for the film. The shooting will start in April.

Dileep marries Biju Menon

In Mayamohini, the shooting of which is currently underway in Kochi, Dileep plays Biju Menon’s wife. 

The film, scripted by Siby K Thomas and Udayakrishna, is being directed by Jose Thomas.

Mayamohini is produced by P Sukumar and Madhu Warrier, under the banner of Color Factory. The cinematographer is Anil Nair and the music is by Berny and Ignatius.

Dileep has earlier played an effeminate guy in Lal Jose’ hit movie, Chanthu pottu. He is doing the makeover in Mayamohini after hours of make up.

Dileep’s latest release, Spanish Masala, had received mixed reviews and the hero is keen to come back to his winning ways with a bang.

Lakshmi Rai and Maithily play the heroines in Mayamohini. Baburaj, Vijayaraghavan, Sphadikam George, Kochupreman and Kalabhavan Shajon include the film’s cast.