Mohanlal not in ‘Shivaji’

After giving lot of thought, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has decided to not star in ‘Shivaji’. Director Shankar and Rajinikanth were seriously trying to get Amitabh Bachchan to play the negative role in their new film ‘Shivaji’. Big B was okay with the offer but everything changed when he fell ill and had to undergo surgeries. The doctors had ordered compulsory bed rest and Amitabh Bachchan had to lose many film offers. ‘Shivaji’ was one such film. Shankar and Rajini began looking for alternatives and that was how they picked Mohanlal up. The Malayalam superstar had his conditions too. He was not in a position to give bulk and prolonged dates for the film’s shooting and he made it very clear that he’d do the role only if he liked the story. Now he has announced that he wouldn’t be doing the film. Salary disagreement is believed to be the reason behind it.

Meera Jasmine refuses to kiss Parthiban

Meera Jasmine had lost a Tamil film offer because she had refused to kiss the hero, Parthiban. It looks as if all is not lost yet for Meera Jasmine in Tamil films. She was recently approached by director/actor R Parthiban for his new Tamil film ‘Pacha Kudhirai’ (coincidentally, Dileep too is making a film in Malayalam under the same name these days). Problem was- according to the script, Meera had to kiss Parthiban on his lips. This was something that was not acceptable for Meera. So, she refused. Later it turns out that she wasn’t the only heroine who had refused to kiss Parthiban. The filmmakers had also approached Namitha for the role. She too had refused.

Director Priyadarshan’s latest Hindi film ‘Garam Masala’ stars two gorgeous heroes in the lead roles- Akshay Kumar and John Abraham in the lead roles. Controversies have started involving the two lead heroes. There are rumors that the senior hero, Akshay Kumar had been pressurizing the film-maker to cut John Abraham’s role short. Priyadarshan vehemently denies these rumors. He says that he had been in the industry long enough to not let actors dictate his films. The promos of ‘Garam Masala’ have created lot of curiosity. In another few days, the director will start acting in the sequel of ‘Kilukkam’, named ‘Kilukilukkam’. This will surely be a welcome relief for the director, whose other Diwali release in Bollywod, the film named ‘Kyon Ki’ failed at the box office. It starred Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor in the lead.

Meera jasmine and Mohan lal together

The day is not far off when Film buffs see their dream pair on the silver screen.

You may find hard to believe your eyes, but it’s true that superstar Mohanlal and National Award winner for Best Actress Meera Jasmine are going to act together. The incredible pair will play the lead roles in Sathyan Anthikad’s new project. Sathyan revealed that the film would be warm and emotional like his earlier films. He also added that he had already decided on the story of the film. Now, his screenplay writers are busy preparing for the film, but he said he might take up the work himself.
Innocent and Bharat Gopi are also going to act in the film but the rest of the cast is yet to be finalized. The news is also doing round that Ilayaraja is going to score the music of the film. It would go to the floors in the month of January. Now, Sathyan and Mohanlal will have to shoulder huge expectations of the
people. They have made many classics before and they could repeat that even now

Mammootty's new role: promoting e-literacy

  Malayalam superstar Mammootty has agreed to be the goodwill ambassador for Kerala's e-literacy drive Akshaya.
Mammokka will reportedly embark on the mission with a teleconferencing with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, on Feb. 25.
Mammootty would interact with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, from Kochi on the day to mark his joining the country's premier computer literacy programme.

Sitting in the state capital, Chandy would talk to Mammootty and formally declare him as the goodwill ambassador of the programme, a state I T Mission release said.

The actor would also interact with mediapersons on the occasion.

Akshaya, which was pioneered in Malappuram district two years back, was recently extended to seven more districts.

The Government is also working out plans to extend the programme to the remaining six districts as well.

review -ammathottil

Anand is an orphan who grew up in a children's home. Through sheer hard work and inherent intelligence he gains admission to a medical college, where he meets Shalini who hails from a well-to-do family. Romance blossoms and the two get married soon after college and embark upon their medical careers - Shalini as a gynecologist and Anand as a pediatrician.

Differences slowly creep into their lives. Anand, who has personally experienced poverty, is a dedicated medical professional always sympathetic to the poor and has a special fondness for children. Shalini on the other hand is out to make money, supports abortion and often adopts unethical means to achieve her goals. This leads to verbal outbursts between the two. In the course of one such outburst Shalini reveals that she had aborted two of their own offspring. Anand is shocked. The relationship turns cold. In the meantime, their teenaged daughter is a mute witness to the deteriorating relationship.

Ammathottil is the first film directed by Rajesh Amanakara, he also does the story and the script. After a long intervel Biju Menon plays the lead role. Mohini is also back after a big silence. She enacts the role of Shalini. Sixteen-year old Pooja Nair is the debutant as she plays the daughter of the couple. This film is produced by Shibu Kizhakkekootu who is from Chicago.

Review-----vargam

Movie Vargam

Director Padmakumar

Cinematographer Shyam Dutt

Cast Pritviraj, Vijayarghavan, Renuka Menon, Devan

t’s time to rejoice. After several hiccups, Pritviraj has come of age with Vargam in which he plays a dirty, corrupt and emotionless cop who sees life in its starkest shades. Director Padmakumar has weaved a story of interlocking destines and the film holds you riveted till it lasts.

Solomon Joseph (Priviraj) is a sub inspector who holds the dubious records of several punishment transfers to his credit as he is corrupt looking always for some fast buck which he spends on wine, women and of course a share to the priest (Rajan P.Dev) who brought him up after his own father left him in an orphanage and had another family.

The film opens when Solomon is posted in Rajakkad a hilly area of Idukki district where he makes a lot of money by being hand-in-glove with Vavachan (Vijayaraghavan) a businessman with ganja cultivation. Their arch rival is Ummachan (Devan) an estate owner and a local politician. Solomon crosses swords with Ummachan’s brother Dennis and in a fit of rage, he pounds him to pulp and also frames him in a prostitution case. He bargains with Ummachan but when his plans go awry, Solomon beats Dennis to death, and hides his body.

Soon Solomon is transferred to Badiadaka in Northern most Kasargod district where the area is controlled by Abubacker Haji (Captain Raju) and his son Sherif (Ananthu). In no time Solomon join hands with them in their nefarious activities including trapping a poor Muslim girl Nadia (Renuka Menon). But soon things take a U-turn after natural justice comes Solomon’s way as he is attacked by Haji and his men and is a vegetable in hospital. He realizes all his mistakes and tries to turn a new leaf but Ummachan is back to take revenge for the death of Dennis!

It is Pritviraj as Solomon who is the life and soul of the film. His performance has to be seen to be believed as the actor has improved leaps and bounds into a matured actor with excellent dialogue delivery and body language. The rest of the cast are also impressive and director has to be credited for making no compromises as the film moves at fast pace and technically it is one of the best films in recent times and the camerawork of Shyam Dutt is pleasing.

However the film has shades of Ranjith written Mohanlal classic Devasuram where the reformation of the rowdy is depicted. On the whole, Vargam is a brave film and certainly it is Paisa Vasool entertainment in these hard-up times.

Usha Uthup acting as Mammootty’s mom!!

Usha Uthup, the original Diva of Indian pop music is making her screen debut in Malayalam films as Mammootty’s mother! The film titled Pothen Vava is directed by Joshy.

Usha Uthup is a name to reckon with in the music scene for over three decades. She has enthralled listeners in many languages and still continues to leave an indelible mark on the music scene in India. She well-known among Malayalees and has a huge fan following in the state. Her husky voice, kancheevaram sarees, huge bindis and glass bangles are a rage among her admirers.

In Pothen Vava written by Benny P.Nayarambalam, she plays a crucial role as Vakil Amma. According to Lal of ‘Lal Creations’ the producer of the film: “Like Anjooran of Godfather, played by N.N Pillai, Vakil Amma in Pothen Vava is the pivot around which the film revolves”. He also said that when they approached her, she immediately jumped at the idea to play this central character.

Pothen Vavais Mammootty’s 2006 Ramzan release and it promises to be a family entertainer.

A legend passes away

Noted music director G. Devarajan (78) died of heart attack at his residence in Chennai today morning. He is survived by wife, a son and daughter.

Devarajan master is perhaps the greatest music director in the history of Malayalam cinema music and his teaming with the late Vayalar Rama Varma has created some of the great classic hits. He graduated from theatre to films in the 50’s and created music of his own and was a part of the left movement in the state. He could understand the then social milieu and has churned out some memorable songs.

Who can forget the song- “Manushyan Mathangale Sristichu….”(Achanum Bappayum), “Shanghupushpam Kannezhuthi…” (Sakunthala), “Sanyasini…” (Rajahamsam) and many many others. The greatest trio of Malayalam cinema music will always be Vayalar- Devarajan-Yesudas .

Some of the popular Malayalam movies for which he had rendered music in the past five decades included Nadhi, Oru Penninde Katha, Swamy Ayyappan and Chembarathi. The mortal remains would be taken to Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday tomorrow where the funeral would take place with state honours.

Suresh gopi talks about Lanka and future films

" Lanka is a trendsetter": Suresh Gopi

Suresh Gopi is a happy man after the release of Lanka. Recently the actor met with an accident on the sets of Rashtram and his right hand is in bandage. He is taking a small break from busy schedules and is busy dubbing for two films. In this chat, he talks about Lanka and future films

Tell us about your new release Lanka?
Lanka is a trendsetter which has opened to mixed response. When I heard the story from writer-director Sajan, I knew that this film would be different from what I have done so far. I think that Malayalam cinema needed a change and let Lanka kickstart the process (Smiles).

But critics say that the film is not suitable for family audience. Please comment?
I think Lanka is for everyone. I will be taking my family to watch the film after my kids exams are over. There is nothing vulgar in it.

How do you rate Mamta’s performance?
She has done a great job, which may even fetch her National award. It is her film, as the subject is female oriented and she has done full justice to her character.

Don’t you think that the character of Captain Sravan goes totally against your current image?
It was deliberate on my part to have change of image. As an artist I wanted to experiment with new roles. It was a great challenge for me to do this flamboyant role of a vagabond womanizer.

What preparations did you take to get into the skin of Sravan?
It was not easy and I had to change my looks, body language and mannerisms for the role. I watched many English and Hindi films which revived the youth in me. Actually I should have done this role in my younger days, but unfortunately it didn’t come to me at that time. Better late than never (Laughs).

What is the message of the film?
The story of Lanka is based on real life incidents that happened in Lanka. It is the story of many Lanka Lakshmi’s whose lives were shattered in their country.

Tell us about the songs?
The songs in Lanka are fast and peppy tuned by Srinivas. It was yet another challenge for me to do such romantic songs shot on the Malpe beaches. Remember that my recent films did not have songs.

The lip-to-lip kissing in the climax was a rude shock to the audience of Kerala. Please comment?
Please don’t see it as a mere kissing scene. It was very essential for the climax and even while we shot the scene it was never conceived as a passionate kissing scene. It was just transfer of poison from Sravan to Lanka. Remember that Sravan’s hands and legs are tied up and the only way that he could kill Lanka was by transferring poison that he had stored in his mouth.

Will we see another character like Sravan soon?
Why not? If I am convinced with the script I will do more films like Lanka. I am talking to director Roshan Andrews on a film and the title is Womaniser! However my next release is Rashtram in which I play a goonda in the first half who becomes the Chief Minister in the latter half. Then it will be Shaji Kailas Chinthamani Kolacase a whodunit thriller and I play an advocate.

Achanurangatha Veedu-review

chanurangatha Veedu produced under the banner of Griha Mithra productions is ready for release. Lal Jose, one of the top commercial directors in Malayalam who has churned hits like Meesa Madhavan Chanthupottu is making a realistic film without any big stars.

Salim Kumar who has made his mark as a comedian is the protagonist, Samuel, an employee of the Irrigation Department who is on the verge of retirement. Although Samuel is a Christian, he was never really included in the fold by certain sections in the community as he was a recent convert.

His wife had died earlier and he had pinned all his hopes on his three daughters. His eldest daughter, Treesa (Suja Karthika), is married to a driver Johnnykutty ( Harisree Asokan).

Samuel's second daughter Sherly (Samvritha) is in love with her cousin. However, as Christians frown upon marriage between first cousins, things take a tragic turn. Samuel wants his youngest daughter, Lisamma (Muktha) to be a doctor. But the Plus Two student does not return home in the evening. The issues that ensue are the focus of the story.

Babu Janardhanan is the scriptwriter. The film also stars Murali, Prithviraj, Indrajit and Madhu Warrier. Lyrics are by Vayalar Sarath Chandra Varma and music by Alex Paul. Manoj Pillai wields the camera.

magic of Santosh Sivan

One of the problems in recent Malayalam flicks has been its utter predictability. The 'image' problem and the easy tendency to go for the typical routines has been its bugbear.

But in Anandabhadram, director Santosh Sivan, making his first Malayalam movie (as director) has chosen to be different. Both his story and its handling do not belong to the regular stream. And that is the reason for the film's appeal.

You may have your reservations against witchcraft and black magic. But it very much part of the cultural landscape of Kerala. And Santosh Sivan uses it to brilliant effect bringing alive the essential phantasmagoria ingrained in such tales. Giving him good company is the art director Sunil, music director M G Radhakrishnan and the acting team of Prithviraj, Kalabhavan Mani and Manoj K Jeyan. Of course, Santosh Sivan own camera work is as good as anything seen on Indian screen ever.

The story (from Sunil Parameswaran) is straight forward. It is a fight between the forces of evil (to sound like George Bush) and the axis of good.

Ananthan (Prithviraj), from the US, comes to his ancestral home to light a lamp at their family temple. It was the wish of his mother (Revathy).

But there is Digambaran (Manoj K Jayan), the evil sorcerer who is out to get the nagamanickam to become a powerful force. Digambaran even blinds Chemban (Kalabhavan Mani) for having the guts to oppose him.

Digambaran even 'possesses' Chemban's sister Bhama (Riya Sen) and uses her for his evil deeds. Ananthan then gets down to put an end to the evil acts. He does so with his lover Bhadra (Kavya).

The movie ends on an eerie and chilling note. Who knows there may even be a sequel?

The film's success lies in the fact that the director is able to maintain the black (almost morbid) feel all through. Manoj's acting rises a notch or two and brings alive chillingly the evil force of a maniacal magician (of sorts). His make up also add to uncanny effect. Prithviraj and Kalabhavan Mani act out their roles with understanding and patience. Kavya and Riya Sen are also adequate.

The production values are certainly one of the best. The music and the background score are all extra attractions.

The film certainly belongs to the high-brow genre.

Lanka - Lanka stands out from the usual

Lanka - Lanka stands out from the usual

Suresh Gopi is definitely a crowd puller. He has proved himself to this status, even after a long period of silence. But he is also an acor whose films don't consistently run, not withstanding weak plots. The makers of lanka could have taken this into account before they jumped off to greater locations, with weaker scripts. Unfortunately, his regained crowd pulling charisma is not put to proper use in the film.

The film is all about captain Shravan, an extremely rich, flamboyant, flirting, vagabondish navy captain, and his love life with Lanka Lakshmi, one of his house keepers in Srilanka. Shravan who arrives on a mission to suppress extremists in Srilanka do not return and is enjoying the riches that he accumulated in the country. Amidst the mission, he kills a lot of locals and became always a target of terrorists.

Then he meets Lanka, a local beauty, graciously played by Mamta, with whom Shravan discourteously ill behave . His reckless rounds of pleasure making aggravates which results in the loss of vision of the girl. It is at this point that the character realizes the his daredevil character can only find peace in such a girl and what is left is a love and revenge story outlined in a odd manner.

Suresh Gopi has tried to work out some of the maneuver for the character, but found himself unimpressive. The film with less cast is shot in exotic locales and also in Lanka which seems to be its only saving grace.

The director A.K.Sajan has tried to do something different, but eventually landed in making one of the most confused films in recent times, with no narrative flow. The film does not offer any cliche themes, scenes or story telling strategies, to its credit.

Even one gets a feeling that, the film was actually planned with an eye on Tamil Nadu and Srilankan audience as the majority of the characters speak tamil all through the film. Mamta excels in her acts but also in her weary dresses has plenty of oomps and get to shoe off her tan in every alternate scenes,which also make this film less vulnerable for a home audience. It could have been a good storyline is wasted and all we are left to do is to bring in a dose of cold cynicism.

So Cinegoers, This is a film for you, Not only for those who want a different one, but also for those who dare to see a difference.