Stars to descend on Maharajas College

National award-winning actor Salim Kumar, who won critical acclaims for his movie Adaminte Makan Abu will be honoured by his alma mater Maharaja’s College.

The programme organised by the Maharaja’s College Old Students’ Association (OSA) will be held at Centenary Auditorium at 3 pm on Saturday.

The programme will be a get-together of people from the film industry who had studied at Maharajas, said OSA president and Kerala Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Dr K R Viswambharan and general secretary Sunny Mathew.

“If the college gave Mammootty in the 70s, it was Dileep and Salim Kumar in the 90s. Talents from Maharajas have made their mark in all fields,

including direction, and

the reception for Salim Kumar will be a get-together of them all,” Viswambharan said.� The programme will start with an ‘Old is Gold’ musical programme led by Biju Narayan and T S Radhakrishshnan. Mammootty and Dileep will inaugurate the function.

Script writer Jogn Paul will deliver the principal address. Prof C R Omanakuttan and Balachandran Chullikkad will speak at the occasion.

Directors Siddique, Kalabhavan Ansar, Amal Neerad, Anwar Rasheed, Ashiq Abu, Vinod Vijayan, Vinu Joseph, cinematographers Rajiv Ravi, Suresh Kumar, Samir Tahir, actors Tini Tom, Ramesh Kurumassery, Sajan Palluruthy, Jyothirmayi and Sarayu will participate.

The NRI organisation of former students Overseas Reunion of Maharaja’s Alumni and 1986-96 alumni will present mementos to Salim Kumar.

T A Razak turns director with 'Soumyam Deeptham'

Renowned scriptwriter T A Razak would turn director soon with the film 'Soumyam Deeptham'.

The film would be scripted by the director himself, and would tell the story of Soumya, who was brutally pushed off a running train and later brutally raped and murdered by a vagabond Govindachami.

A new face would don the role of Soumya in the film. Asif Ali would play the role of her suitor, while Mamta Mohandas would play the role of a girl who comes to her help in the train. The actor who would play Govindachami hasn't been finalized as yet. Tamil actor Samudrakkani would play the role of Govindachami's lawyer.

The shoot of the film, the scripting of which is almost complete, is expected to start soon.

Mammootty with T V Chandran again

Every time director T V Chandran and actor Mammootty had come together for a film, the duo has been able to create magic on screen.

'Ponthanmada', 'Ormakal Undayirikkanam' and 'Danny' have all been films that have been acclaimed and much discussed.

Now it has been reported that Mammootty and T V Chandran would come together again for another film.

Chandran, who is busy shooting for 'Shankaranum Mohanum' with Jayasurya in the lead role, has already had a discussion about his new film with Mammootty.

Film lovers in the state are all excited with the announcement of this new project, that would once again bring together two titans of Malayalam cinema.

City of God - Review

It all begins with a fatal accident and takes us along to the intricate events that lead to the crash. Obviously it involves the lives of a few individuals and it intertwines in a peculiar way. The format made famous by several spectacular films like Amores Perros, Babel and Crash among many others has been repeated by scenarist Babu Janardhanan and director Lijo Jose Pellissery in City of God.

Jyothilal (Prithviraj) is a criminal, who is ready even to risk his life for his boss Sony Vadayattil (Rajeev Pillai), a wealthy businessman. Viji Punnoose (Swetha Menon) is a widow who has to settle some scores with Jyothilal. Sooryaprabha (Rima Kallingal) is an actress with a sad past that continues to haunt her. Marathakam (Parvathy) is a Tamil labourer, who has come to Kochi, from Palani. She has fled from a failed marriage and is in love with a fellow Tamil worker named Swarnavel (Indrajith).

How their lives come across at certain points, is the interesting aspect here. In all fairness, the storyline is by and large, pretty convincing. But the problem is that in the pursuit of adhering to the film’s format, the pace gets affected in a big way. Also, several details that would have made the narrative more engrossing get sidelined.
There are too many events happening and the characters go through curious situations all the time. After a while, the viewer tends to get bored and lose interest as the story is not focused anywhere. Only a few characters make an impact in the viewer’s mind as well.

Babu Janardhanan’s script lacks the depth that has been the strength of the films in the genre. Lijo Jose Pellissery, who showed great promise with his maiden film ‘Nayakan’, comes up with flashes of brilliance but it is not just working perfectly well here. The visuals by Sujith Vasudev and the music by Prasant Pillai are also good in parts.

Prithviraj has to maintain a sober face all along, which he does pretty well. Indrajith is good as the Tamil labourer. Parvathy, who appears in a thoroughly deglamourised look, is just brilliant. Rima Kallingal looks fine but Swetha Menon has a limited role to play. Rohini, Rajeev Pillai, Sudhir Karamana, Jagadeesh and the rest of the cast have done their roles in a decent way.


City of God has dared to tread an unconventional path and the willingness to experiment, which is quite unlike most Malayalam films during these days, is something to be appreciated. But the question is that if the attempt has been a successful one. Sadly, too many plots have ruined the fun here to a great extent and things even get pretentious at times. As the end credits start rolling, one gets the feeling that this film could have been much better. An earnest experiment that fails to get the perfect results, perhaps!

Resul Pookutty to do a cameo

Oscar winner Resul Pookkutty is donning a  new role.

Resul is making a cameo appearance in the film Sneham+Ishtam= Amma, directed by Jayachandran Ayilara.

Revathy is playing the central character.

Though Resul had done some ad campaigns earlier, this is his first appearance in a movie.

Nedumudi Venu, Jagathy, SurajVenjaramoodu and Kalpana are in the supporting cast.

Music is by MG Sreekumar and Sajeevan. Screenplay is by Haja Moidu. Movie is produced by Bharath Samuel.

Dileep's Mr Marumakan has started rolling

Dileep starrer Mr Marumakan has started rolling in Kochi. The film had a pooja function held at DD retreat Kochi before the start, last Friday. Kaviyoor Ponnamma lighted the lamp in the presence of Dileep, K. Bhagyaraj and Sanusha. Tamil director-actor Bhagyaraj is playing an important role in the movie. Sanusha is the heroine. Dileep Bhagyaraj combination scenes are going on in Kochi. Earlier the shoot was planned in Hyderabad. But then it has been changed to Kochi. Movie is directed by Sandhya Mohan and scripted by Siby Udayan duo.

Kamal Haasan at Traffic 100 days Celebration

The first hit of 2011 Traffic celebrated its 100th day in the presence of Dr Kamal Haasan.

Kamal who is rumoured to be doing the Tamil remake was the star attraction of the function held at Gokulam Convention Centre Kochi last Wednesday.

He was in all praise for the director Rajesh Pillai and screenplay writers Bobby and Sanjay.

The entire Traffic team was present at the function.

Kunjakko Boban who was busy with Joshy's Sevens at Kozhikode couldn't attend the function. Buzz is that Rajesh Pillai will direct the movie in Tamil.

Prithviraj weds Supriya Menon Marriage Photos

Prithvirajs wife supriya menon photos

Prithviraj weds Supriya Menon Marriage Photos

Prithviraj weds Supriya Menon Wedding Photos

Prithviraj weds Supriya Menon Reception Photos

Prithvirajs wife supriya menon Photo Gallery, Image Gallery, News

Prithviraj weds Supriya Menon Marriage Images

Prithviraj weds Supriya Menon Wedding Images

Prithviraj weds Supriya Menon Reception Images

Prithviraj's Bride Supriya Menon Photos

Prithvirajs wife supriya menon photos:

A hush hush wedding for Prithviraj, Supriya Menon

Prithviraj, sources claim, will tie the knot with Supriya Menon today! 

Much has been written about Prithviraj and his marriage plans to Supriya Menon. Though he hasn't spoken much about the girl, Prithviraj has gone on record to state that there are no marriage plans in the offing.

However, sources continue to state that the actor will indeed be getting married today, April 25, to Supriya in a hush hush wedding at a resort in Palakkad district where his to-be wife hails from.

We are told that Prithviraj wanted his wedding to be a personal and private affair without cameras, and flashlights. Thus, only about 50 people (friends and family included) will be in attendance. If talks are to be believed, Prithviraj intends to host a reception a couple of days after the wedding where he'll invite one and all.

Supriya Menon marries Malayalam actor Prithviraj

BBC World journalist Supriya Menon is getting married to Malayalam actor Prithviraj. As per reports, the couple met more than a year back while Supriya was reporting on southern cinema. Prithviraj used to fly in to Mumbai to meet her. The couple is tying the knot today in Palakkadu. After the traditional wedding, a grand reception has also been planned in Thiruvananthapuram for the film industry and fans.

Prithviraj to tie the knot today!

(courtesy:sify)

Sify.com broke the story of Malayalam star Prithviraj's secret romance with Supriya Menon, a Mumbai based news reporter.

At that time, we had said he had plans to marry after the release of his ambitious film Urumi, sometime in April.

However, the actor was miffed and refused to acknowledge in public about his lady love.  In fact Prithviraj totally denied his marriage plans.

He went out of his way to trash the report and even called it "idiot journalism".

He did not clarify or deny about his lady love and wedding, and gave three interviews to leading Malayalam publications denying the "report of him getting married".

Now sify.com has found from impeccable sources that Prithviraj is likely to tie the knot today (April 25) at a "hush-hush wedding" at a resort near Palakkad. Though some sources swear the star is getting engaged and the wedding will happen at a temple later.

Remember Prithviraj's fiance's family roots are in Palakkad. A source close to the girl's side said: "Prithviraj wants his wedding to be a private affair and not  to make it a celebrity circus wedding. He does not want to marry in front of hundreds of cameras, and create unnecessary frenzy. Please respect his privacy, as he will be throwing a big reception at a later date."

The buzz is that less than 50 "select people" mainly relatives and close friends have been invited for marriage. The resort has turned into a fortress and nobody other than those with 'special identity cards' is allowed to attend the "exclusive wedding".

Meanwhile a Malayalam tabloid has reported: "Prithviraj has already booked the banquet hall of the five star Le Meridian in Ernakulam for the grand reception to be held on May 1."

Wedding Bells for Prithviraj

Young Malayalam-Tamil superstar Prithviraj has tied the wedding knot with a Mumbai-based news reporter Supriya Menon in a low-profile ceremony held on Monday morning in Thenkurissi Heritage Villa, Palakkad in the presence of his mother Mallika Sukumaran, brother-actor Indrajith, close relatives and friends. According to a reliable source, the ceremony was attended by around 50 people. The newly-wedded couple will soon arrange a party for their friends in the media and the film industry. A Malayalam tabloid reported that Prithviraj has already booked the banquet hall of the five star Le Meridian in Ernakulam for the grand reception to be held on May 1. The story of Prithviraj's secret romance with Supriya Menon was big news in the South last month, but Prithiviraj had denied the same. Surpiya Menon is a reporter in a leading English news channel and works in Mumbai.

Prasanna to debut in Malayalam

Tamil actor Prasanna, a very fine actor is debuting in Malayalam with Akku Akbar in Dileep's untitled new film which has Indrajith and Kavya Madhavan in supporting roles.

Prasanna impressed in critically acclaimed films like Anjaathey, Achamundu Achamundu and a few others.

The actor, who had lived for some time in Kerala, can speak fluently in Malayalam.

Prasanna was impressed with Aku Akbar's narration and has a very powerful role in the film for which shooting started last week in Chennai.

He was to do Lucky Jokers,  a Malayalam film for Tamil production house Aascar Films, but backed out at the last minute

Urumi - Review

Santosh Sivan’s Urumi is a miniature masterpiece of moods, emotions, anxieties ruled by a thirst for revenge. The film unfolds like a ballad and is a sweet and simple fairy tale. The 170 minutes film works to a large extent to its perfect casting, fantastic performances, soothing score and technical brilliance.
Santosh has made it like how a period drama should be made without too much talk about freedom struggle, no bombastic dialogues or playing to the gallery for heroism. His vision and concept gives this epic the feel of a Brave Heart or Gladiator.

It provides us a new insight into the hearts and minds of ancient heroes and shot in locations that reflect the period as everything looks fresh, green and clean and one can feel even the mist. Another major plus is that there are hardly any CG special effects that one would associate with a period war film.

Shankar Ramakrishnan’s script is simple and straightforward and keeps the narrative absorbing and inspiring. The film starts in the present day with a modern don’t care youth Krishna Das (Prithviraj) and his friend (Prabhu Deva) having a jolly good time. A big corporate offers Krishna Das a bomb for his ancestral property in Kerala.

On his arrival in Kerala to sign the papers, he learns the truth about his land and ancestors, which is told in a flashback. A brave warrior (Arya), wants to kill Vasco da Gama, the Viceroy of Portuguese Empire in India. But he is brutally killed by the invaders and his son Chirakkal Kelu Naynar (Prithviraj) is out to take revenge with a golden Urumi, that he makes with the ornaments of dead women and children who were burnt alive in a ship that was going to Mecca. It was set on fire and sunk under the instructions from Vasco Da Gama.

The film is spread between the second and third visit of Gama to India and chronicles a varied version of how Gama could have met a bloody death in 1524 AD. Kelu is supported by his childhood Muslim buddy Vavvali (Prabhu Deva). In the journey he meets warrior princess Ayesha (Genelia), who has her own axe to grind against the foreign invaders. Will they be able to kill Vasco Da Gama ?

The major highlight of the film is the performances of its lead actors. Prithviraj as Kelu Naynar is dashing. You cannot take your eyes of him, it’s a difficult role and he has come out with flying colours especially in the climax scene. Prabhu Deva is there in as many frames as Prithviraj, and is a real treat to watch. He does comedy and romance with ease and the chat song with Nithya is a scream.

However it goes without saying that this is Genelia’s show. She has shed her bubbly image for an out of the world controlled performance and her Kalaripayattu action scenes are thrilling. Nithya Menen looks pretty and is a scene stealer, while Jagathy is outstanding. Amol Gupte, Alex, Robin and others are lifelike. There is also walk in cameo appearances by Arya, Vidya Balan and Tabu.

Music of Deepak Dev enriches the film with Aaro nee aaro, Chimmi Chimmiand the theme music is haunting. A pat for Shankar Ramakrishnan for his intricately crafted script, super editing by Sreekar Prasad without any gimmicks and eye catching beautiful camera work by Sivan and his assistant Anjuli Shukla.

Santosh Sivan has come out with a story of valour with an admirable degree of craftsmanship and clarity. The producers Santosh, Prithviraj and Shaji Natesan can be proud of this epic.
Urumi is a fairy tale fantasy film that has a heart and technical artistry. Go for it.

SouthShowBiz Rating - 4/5

Urumi Censored with 'U' certificate

Santosh Sivan magnum opus Urumi was censored today morning (March 30) by the Thiruvananthapuram Regional censors. The censors have cleared the film with a clean 'U' certificate without any cuts.

Urumi which has Prithviraj, Prabhu Deva, Arya, Genelia, Nithya Menen , Jagathi Sreekumar in the lead and special appearances by Vidya Balan and Tabu.

The film has been appreciated by the censors.

The film opens on March 31 in 70 screens in Kerala, and is expected to take an earth shattering opening

My Malayalam films are gifts for my parents : Vidya Balan

Actress Vidya Balan, who is one of the busiest artistes in Bollywood has taken a special interest in Malayalam films.

The actress had recently done a cameo in 'Urumi', directed by Santhosh Sivan.

Vidya would also be doing a key role in the Mohanlal - Priyadarshan film 'Arabiyum, Ottakavum, P Madhavan Nairum'.

Vidya was originally supposed top make her debut in films through Lohithadas' 'Chakram', in which she was paired with Mohanlal, Unfoprtunately the film was shelved.

Vidya says that she is all excited about doing Malayalam films. Hailing from Palakkad, she is a Malayali. "My Malayalam films are gifts for my parents'" the actress says with a smile.

Joshy announces his new film

Veteran Director Joshy is a happy man after the super opening of Christian Brothers. The film is slowly turning out to be  a hit at the box-ffice

And now Joshy has announced his next project.

The director who is a master in making multistarrers like Twenty Twenty andChristian Brothers is taking a different route this time.

He is using young talents for his foot ball based entertainer titled Sevens.

Kunjakko Boban Asif Ali, Vineeth Kumar and Nivin Polly are playing the lead roles in the movie.

Films shoot will start at Kozhikode by April 5th. Movie is produced by Santhosh Pavithram.

Screenplay is by Iqbal Kuttipuram and music is by Bijipal. Sevens is expected to  release in the month of July.

August 15 - Movie Review

Director Shaji Kailas has taken the character of the likeable cop Perumal from the 1988 film August 1 (directed by Siby Malayil) and has made the thriller, August 15.


While the earlier film (inspired from the 1973 movie The Day of the Jackal) was full of lively and powerful characters, including a tough looking professional killer played by Captain Raju, the new version is a letdown, without a credible storyline or a worthy script.

A feel of the earlier movie is intentionally maintained all along, but it turns out to be a meek looking misadventure.

Chief Minister Vasudevan (Nedumudi Venu) is in a critical condition in the hospital following a stroke and the top brass of the police is shocked to learn that actually he had been poisoned by someone.

The search for the culprit begins soon and the investigation is entrusted with Perumal (Mammootty).

The killer and the main persons who plot against the chief minister are revealed pretty early and then, it is the investigation process that should be a gripping one. Sadly, it doesn’t happen so and the unraveling of the mystery is a boring affair here.

With an old narrative style, the film appears to be a never ending affair for the viewers, though the length is about two and a half hours. S N Swami’s script is too old fashioned and is based on a rather flimsy plot. The visuals by Pradeep Nair are okay.

In a role where his heroism is celebrated in virtually every frame, Mammootty looks handsome and has done the role in a devoted way. But all the efforts are not enough to salvage a poorly written film. Of course, there is enough for the gallery, as he takes on even the fiery criminals all alone, in style with his sunglasses intact and often without a gun!

Meghna Raj and Swetha Menon, the female leads as per the posters, have nothing much to do. Lalu Alex, as a silly ADGP, does manage to tickle the funny bone at times. Now, it is certainly not fair to compare a character in a film with one in the earlier version, but the professional killer played by Siddique is nowhere near the one made famous by Captain Raju.

You’ve to admit it,August 15 which is meant to be a thriller, fails to do so. Even if you are a hardcore fan of Mammootty, it won’t entertain you much.



for more visit, 
http://mammoottyspecial.blogspot.com

Urumi Audio Launched

The much talked about Urumi audio launch fizzled out.

The audio of the film went straight to the stores without any fanfare. 

However, television channels in Malayalam started showing songs from the film.
Santhosh Sivan has shown the magic of song picturisation in Urumi with his brilliant camerawork.  The Prithviraj, Prabhudeva, Tabu song sequence Arane Arane composed by Deepak Dev was shown on the
channels.
The song sequence shot in Malsej Ghat is truly eye catching. The beautiful song sequence has hyped the expectations about the movie which is releasing in 70 screens in  Kerala on March 31. 

The film produced jointly by Shaji Natesan, Prithviraj and Santhosh Sivan is said to be one of the the costliest film ever made.