News

With complaints before Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over the manner in which Ranjith, chairman of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy that runs the state film awards selection, is interfering in the decision of the jury when the awards was decided, director M. Lijeesh approached Kerala High Court on Monday, making the controversy murkier.

Lijeesh, in his petition pointed out that since a few people have openly said about the way Ranjith interfered in the selection of awards, the Court should see that the awards that have been declared be cancelled.

Incidentally, soon after the awards were announced last month, popular director Vinayan slammed Ranjith, for interfering in the decision of the jury when the awards was decided.

And to emphasis it, voice clips of members of the jury was also put out and then he approached Vijayan, who ordered a probe into the allegations.

Soon came the All India Youth Front...

The 2005 Malayalam film Albhuthadweepu, which was a fantasy comedy about a land of dwarfs, is all set to get a sequel. The film’s director Vinayan has announced that he is planning to make Albhuthadweepu 2, which will feature Unni Mukundan as the lead actor. According to a report, Unni Mukundan will play the role of a prince from another island who falls in love with a princess from Vamanapuri, the land of dwarfs. The film will also have Guinness Pakru, who played the role of Prince Gajendran in the first part, reprising his character. The director said that he has already completed the script and is waiting for the right time to start the production.

Albhuthadweepu was a hit film that starred Prithviraj and Guinness Pakru in the lead roles. The film was about a young man named Ananthan (Prithviraj) who accidentally lands on an island inhabited by dwarfs. He...

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 3 (Ians) All India Youth Front ( Aiyf), the youth wing of the second biggest ally of the ruling Left Front government Cpi, on Thursday urged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the State Culture Minister Saji Cherian to order a probe by an external agency into the ongoing controversy over the Kerala State Film Awards.

Trouble broke out last week when director Vinayan slammed director Ranjith, presently chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy- that runs the state film awards selection for interfering in the decision of the jury when the awards was decided.

In their complaint to Vijayan- Aiyf has demanded a probe by an agency outside the Academy.

Vinayan also has complained to Vijayan and has given audio clips that reveals that all was not well in the selection of the award winners.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the jury, Goutam Ghose has denied of any external...

Malayalam cinema fans are in for a treat as director Vinayan, known for his blockbuster movies like Adbhutha Dweepu, Yakshiyum Njanum and Little Superman, has announced his next project. The movie will star Siju Wilson, who rose to fame with his roles in Premam, Happy Wedding and Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela. The movie will be jointly produced by Lyca Productions and Magic Frames, two of the leading banners in the industry.

The details of the movie, such as the title, genre, plot and other cast and crew members, are yet to be revealed. However, sources say that the movie will be a family entertainer with a lot of comedy and drama. The movie is expected to go on floors soon and release in 2024.

Vinayan is one of the most successful and versatile directors in Malayalam cinema, who has made movies in various genres like horror, fantasy, comedy and action. He is...

Actor Siju Wilson, who has been garnering praise for his fantastic performance as Aarattupuzha Velayudha Panicker in director Vijayan’s critically acclaimed Malayalam film ‘Pathonpathaam Noottaandu’, has posted a video on Instagram showing the phenomenal challenges he had to overcome to transform into the legendary warrior character for the historical film.

Taking to Instagram, Siju Wilson, while posting the video clip, said: “Long and hard days give you moments to thrive for a better tomorrow.”

He said that as far as he was concerned, he considered his herculean effort only secondary to his desire of ensuring the genuinity of the character he was to play in the film.

“The journey from Vinayan sir’s call till the date (the film released) was hard and proud as ever in my career. Thank you everyone for all the support,” he said.

In the video clip he posted, director Vijayan is seen praising the actor.

Film analysisVelayudha Panicker’s story has been little celebrated even in Kerala, where he fought to end the many inhuman acts unleashed on the oppressed caste.CrisIMDBWhen Siju Wilson is first introduced in the film Pathonpatham Noottandu (‘the nineteenth century’), he appears as a mild-mannered young man, keeping his distance from the ruling class men of the dominant caste. In the few minutes he is inside the premises of their domain, he observes the injustices that go on in there – an oppressed caste virgin forced to go to sleep with a lustful Britishman, two slave men made to fight each other until one of them dies. He finally reacts when one of the men is being asked to kill the other, snatching the weapon, and riding away on a horse. That is how Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker, a social reformer believed to be the first martyr of the renaissance movement in Kerala,...

Actor Siju Wilson, whose horse riding skills in the the just released Malayalam period film ‘Pathonpathaam Noottaandu’ has garnered a lot of praise, has put out a video to show how he mounted his horse in one go without the help of a rope.

Taking to Instagram, the actor put out a video which showed him mounting the horse with practised ease without any external help and wrote a post about the horse he rode in the film.

“Meet Mr Ben… My Sweetheart. He is the one I learnt my horse riding on. I ride on him in almost all the scenes in ‘Pathonpathaam Noottaandu’. He is very naughty, but was very cooperative.”

“Thank you everyone who appreciated me for jumping on a horse in one go. For those who would like to know if I did it with the help of a rope or not, here is the video.

Shruti Vijayan, wife of Malayalam actor Siju Wilson, who plays the lead in the 19th-century period drama, ‘Pathonpatham Noottandu’, has penned an emotional post wishing her husband the best of luck for his film.

The film, which is about the warrior and social reformer Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker, was released on Thursday for Onam.

Taking to Instagram, Shruti wrote: “Finally, the big day is here after waiting for two years. I recall the day when you called me after meeting Vinayan Sir…’Shruti, it’s a huge movie… a historic movie I always wanted to do. This is a great opportunity to learn new things and I want to give my best for this.’

She added: “From that day till this day Siju Wilson, I have seen the spark in your eyes and you did not let it go till this time. I have seen you training like a beast, even...

MollywoodNayanthara and Prithviraj’s ‘Gold’, directed by Alphonse Puthren, was meant to be an Onam release, but got pushed by a week.Tnm StaffIn the past few weeks, multiple movie releases happened every weekend in Kerala’s theatres, in an effort it seemed to make up for the humongous delay for movies that had piled up during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, this week, even with Onam around the corner, there are no big star releases. Nayanthara and Prithviraj’s Gold, directed by Alphonse Puthren, was meant to be an Onam release, but got pushed by a week. Alphonse, who directed movies like Premam and Neram, tweeted that work on the movie has resulted in the delay and that the team hopes to make up for it when the film releases. The movies awaiting release on September 8, Thursday – the main Onam day – are as follows: Ottu – A much-anticipated film, it brings...

The unit of director Vinayan’s eagerly-awaited epic historical drama ‘Pathonpatham Noottandu’ has now released a power-packed song from the film, titled ‘Pootham Varunnedi’. The intense song, starring Kayadu Lohar and Siju Wilson, has powerful dance movements set to some foot-tapping music.

The lead star cast’s rustic looks, aggressive mannerisms and dynamic energy only add to this charm of the song which keeps you hooked from start to finish. Talking about the song, Siju Wilson, who plays the lead in the film, says: “It was exciting to shoot for this high-octane song as it radiates so much energy. To be able to be a part of the song sung by Sayanora and composed by M Jayachandra sir is an experience in itself.”

Lead actress Kayadu Lohar says: “When I first heard the song, I couldn’t stop tapping my feet. Jayachandra sir has created magic and the prowess of...

Mollywood history has been made with its launch in Metaverse of the ’19th century’ trailer. A 3D space for the trailer launch has been prepared in Metaverse in relation to the story environment of this historical film.

Directed by Vinayan under the banner of Sri Gokulam Movies, this big budget film is produced by Gokulam Gopalan.

The event began with director Vinayan and Gokulam Gopalan talking about the film at a function organised in a royal palace. Thereafter, the palace’s durbar hall was turned to a big-screen movie theatre and the trailer was also shown on this screen.

As part of the Metaverse launch, Vinayan, lead actor Siju Wilson, executive producer Krishnamurthy, cameraman Shajikumar and actor Vishnu Vinayan participated in the function held at Kochi.

Vinayan said that he is very proud to have integrated the new concept of Metaverse with this film.

“The art of cinema is closely related to technology,...

Ace music director Santhosh Narayanan, who is one of the top most composers in the Tamil film industry, said that he is proud to make his debut as music composer in Malayalam with director Vinayan’s much-awaited period drama, ‘Pathonpatham Noottandu’.

Taking to Twitter, Santhosh Narayanan, who is known for his work in several critically acclaimed Tamil blockbusters including ‘Pariyaerum Perumal’, ‘Vada Chennai’ and ‘Kaala’, said, “Proud to start my first film in Malayalam as composer through the amazing ‘Pathonpatham Noottandu’.”

Thanking the director and the producer for giving him the opportunity, the he also shared the link of the trailer of the film.

“Thanks Vinayan sir, Gokulam Gopalan sir and the special team for making this epic. Wishing a grand worldwide success. Here is the trailer!,” he said.

‘Pathonpathaam Noottandu’, featuring Siju Wilson in the lead, is scheduled to hit screens on September 8.

The trailer shows how people from...

If someone ever asked me to suggest a movie that captures the inner workings of the Malayali psyche, this would be it. The need to have a good time, is common across the world. And in Kerala, travel and booze are integral to this. But never did I imagine that “Ozhivudivasathe kali” (English translation – An off-day game) could encapsulate what Kerala is, so elegantly unlike any other.

Five friends decide to have a good time on election day which is a holiday declared by the state government to facilitate voting. The group has representation from different sections of society. Thirumeni (Girish Nair), Dharman (Nishtar Sait), Dasan (Baiju Netto), Vinayan (Pradeep Kumar) and Asokan (Arun Nair), though bound by the exhilarating prospect of booze, keep their prejudices and allegiances very close to their hearts. They go to a secluded guest house surrounded by natural vegetation. Geetha (Abhija Sivakala) who attends to...

ObituaryNaushad became popular through the cookery shows he hosted on television; he had also produced films ‘Kazhcha’ and ‘Best Actor’.Tnm Staff Naushad, popular chef and producer of Malayalam films, passed away at a hospital in Thiruvalla on August 27, Friday, at 9 am. He was reportedly 55 years old and had been unwell. Admitted weeks ago, he had also tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Naushad's wife Sheeba, aged 51, had died only two weeks ago. The couple leave behind their daughter, Nashwa, aged 13. The hospital staff told Tnm that he had been sick. The New Indian Express reports that Naushad had abdomen-related ailments for three years. Naushad became popular through cookery shows he hosted on Malayalam television channels. He also became a judge in cooking contests. Naushad ran a restaurant chain in Kochi. He had undergone a bariatric surgery (for weight loss) once and lost 50 kilograms. He made his foray into the...

By Shounak Majumdar

Sanal K Sasidharan is one true maverick maestro who has come up in recent times in Indian cinema. His Malayalam films are rooted in the land he lives in yet they resonate with vibrant emotions with the rest of the country. His second feature length film ‘An Off-Day Game’ is based on a story by Unni R. On the eve of the state election, five middle-aged men get a day off. They decide to enjoy their day off by commuting to a desolate place that the director never really describes to us. Therefore, it carries certain mysticism with it. As soon as they get there the service woman Geetha (Abhija Sivakala) attracts their attention. The silent greedy gaze that hovers around her body in a safe distance wraps the viewer in deep claustrophobia.

Sasidharan’s shooting mode in ‘An Off- Day Game’ is unique in Indian cinema...

InterviewActor Vishnu Govindhan talks to Tnm about ‘Attention Please’, which has been selected for screening at the International Film Festival of Kerala, and his other projects.CrisSix years ago, Vishnu Govindhan stood alongside other delegates of the International Film Festival of Kerala (Iffk), inside a packed theatre, protesting that they too be allowed to watch Mohsen Makhmalbaf’s The President. They had all waited under the sun for two hours in a long queue and when their turn came to get in, the seats were all taken and they were asked to leave. The protesters’ demands finally led to the movie being paused for long minutes until the projectionist said that the license would expire if the film’s not played soon. Everyone quietened down and all of the audience stood up to watch the movie together. This year Vishnu is a guest at the same festival, lead actor of...

MollywoodDirector Vinayan’s historical film ‘Pathonpatham Noottaandu’ will revolve around the lives of Travancore people in the 1800s.Digital NativeNoted Malayalam filmmaker Vinayan has revealed several months ago that he will soon be directing a historical titled Pathonpatham Noottaandu. Around that time, he also said that the film will revolve around the lives of people who lived in the kingdom of Travancore during the 1800s. According to the latest reports, Siju Wilson plays the role of the 19th-century warrior Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker, a revolutionary leader who fought the dominant caste traditions and led an anti-caste resistance. Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker was also instrumental in opening schools and other institutions for the socially backward people. His character is very important to the story and Siju has done a lot of research for it. He has reportedly learnt kalarippayattu and horse riding among other things to get into the skin of the character.

MollywoodThe actor came to the movies from television, doing his first lead character in the 2002 film ‘Oomapenninu Uriyadappayyan’, directed by Vinayan.Digital NativeRecently, Malayalam actor Jayasurya announced his new film titled Sunny, which happens to be his hundredth film. On the launch of Sunny, Jayasurya wrote on his social media page: "By numbers, my 100th movie. By heart, my first. To all of you, who have been a part of this journey, to all the forces that have been integral, I express my heartfelt gratitude. Thank you seems like too small a word. But Thank you. I hope to continue entertaining you with my work. (sic)". On the mention that Sunny is his 100th film, actor Prithviraj Sukumaran wrote: "Congratulations Jayetta @actor_jayasurya on your 100th film! Here’s to the next 100! All the best to the entire team of #Sunny (sic)". Actor Dulquer Salmaan also congratulated Jayasurya. He wrote...

InterviewAshokan from Alappuzha was engaged in painting a house as part of construction work, when he was announced winner of best costume design this year.CrisOn the October day that television reporters gathered outside his house in Paravoor, Alappuzha, Ashok Kumar said that he had to go to work. So they followed him, reporters, cameras and mic sets in cue, to a house one and a half kilometers away, where Ashokan – as he is known – had to do some painting as part of construction work. He couldn’t miss the day’s work or wages that had brought him an income the past six to seven months. That noon, news of his winning the Kerala State Award for Best Costume Designer, had just been announced. After 25 years in cinema, Ashokan won the award for his work in Kenjira, a film on tribal people in Kerala. Read: ‘Kenjira’, a film of...

ObituaryAnil was under treatment at a private hospital in Ernakulam for liver disease.Tnm StaffSouth indian actor Anil Murali, 56, died at a private hospital in Ernakulam on Thursday. He was under treatment for liver disease. The actor was mainly known for his villain roles. Anil had acted in more than 200 films. He had also acted in notable character roles. He was born in Thiruvananthapuram and is survived by his wife Suma, son Adithya and daughter Arundathi. His parents are Muraleedharan Nair and Sreekumariyamma. Lion, Baba Kalyani, July 4, Annan Thambi, Manikkakallu, Thappana, Amen, Ramaleela, Puthen Panam, Double Barrel and Pokkiri Raja are some of his popular movies. He had also acted in more than 15 Tamil and Telugu films, and featured in the 2015 Tamil blockbuster Thani Oruvan. Anil entered the film industry in 1993 with the movie Kanyakumariyil Oru Kavitha directed by Vinayan. His first prominent role was in Valkannadi, starring Kalabhavan Mani.

ReviewActors including Vinay Forrt and Siju Wilson try their best but there’s nothing much they can do when the writing leaves a lot to be desired.CrisA village setting, some tunes of rural flavour, some paddy fields, a toddy shop and villagers who know each other so well. Sounds every bit a Sathyan Anthikad movie of the 1990s but it is not. Perhaps inspired by the veteran director, newcomer Manoj Nair has decided to use those same settings and even the same year, nearly three decades later, for his debut Vaarthakal Ithuvare. The making itself, however, has absolutely no semblance to the old, adored village-based movies. Manoj’s film is a poor version of it, with a very weak script. You see all the various characters at once – Indrans the Communist editor of a newspaper called Arival, Nandhu serving in a toddy shop and having an ongoing feud with...

MollywoodThe actor and the director have earlier worked together in a number of films like 'Ente Mohangal Poovaninju', 'Uncle Bun', 'Sphadikam' and so on.Digital NativeMohanlal may soon be teaming up with director Bhadran for a road movie. Reports are that the actor will be playing a 57-year-old lorry driver travelling across the country for his work. He will also be a multi-linguist fluent in several languages. More details about this film including the cast and crew will be revealed soon, we hear. Mohanlal’s first association with Bhadran was with Ente Mohangal Poovaninju in 1982. The duo then went on to work in films like Changatham, Poomukhappadiyil Ninneyum Kathu, Uncle Bun, Sphadikam, Olympiyan Anthony Adam, and Udayon. They will be working together after a decade and a half. In the meantime, Mohanlal will be completing a slew of films which are in different stages of production. He has Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham...

MollywoodThe actor’s portrayal of a transperson in ‘Njan Marykutty’ won him an international award – Best Actor at the Cincinnati Film Festival.CV AravindRight from appearing as a deaf person in his debut film as hero, Oomapenninu Uriyadappayyan directed by Vinayan, Jayasurya, the mimicry artist who turned TV host and then made a transition to cinema, showed he was an actor with plenty of potential waiting to be tapped. Vinayan also cast him in En Manavanil, the Tamil remake of Oomapenninu, released in the same year, 2002. Jayasurya, who earned a Special Mention from the National Film Jury for his role as a bank manager with a stammering problem in the Ranjith Sankar directed Su Su Sudhi Vathmeekam, has now gone one better by netting an international award for Best Actor at the Cincinnati Film Festival for his outstanding portrayal of a trans person in Njan Marykutty, again directed by Ranjith Sankar.

MollywoodThe director has clarified that the film will be based on Ramayana and the story will be told from Ravana’s perspective.Digital NativeDigital Native Director Vinayan revealed some months ago that he will be working on a project with Mohanlal. While there were various assumptions on this project, the director clarified that it will be based on Ramayana and the story will be told from Ravana’s perspective. On working on a project based on Ramayana, the director had said in an interview to Silverscreen much earlier, “I have a long-standing relationship with Ramayana. In fact, my fascination for stories and literature could be attributed to the legend itself. It began at the age of five when my mother would recite tales about Lord Rama. I had even written a poem about Ravana during my college days. I had always dreamt about making a movie. But when it came to the cinema,...

MollywoodRamya Krishnan will be playing the central character in the film, which is a sequel to the Divya Unni starrer 'Akasha Ganga'.Digital NativeThe shooting of the Malayalam film Akasha Ganga 2 has been wrapped up, confirmed its director Vinayan. On a Facebook post, the director said that this horror-comedy is now in the post production stage with the release being planned for Onam this year. The film is a sequel to the 1999 horror flick Akasha Ganga, which starred Divya Unni in the lead. A major portion of the second part has been shot in Vellinezhi Olappamanna Mana, which is an ancestral house in Cherplassery, Palakkad. Incidentally, this was the same location in which the prequel was filmed two decades ago. Ramya Krishnan will be playing the central character in Akasha Ganga 2. On roping her in, the director pointed out in an earlier interview to Silverscreen, “Her character’s name is Dr Soumini Devi.

MollywoodRarely are the characters portrayed as people with feelings just like everyone else, especially when it comes to romance and enjoying life.Neelima MenonDifference and diversity - physical, neurological, mental - have never been accepted wholeheartedly by our society. Even the most privileged of us have to conform to bodily ‘norms’ and ‘normality’. This being the case, the depiction of persons with disabilities has been consistently below par in Malayalam cinema. Disability depictions often vacillate between a comic interlude, underplayed heroism, liability and burden. It’s also wrongly projected as a medical problem that can be fixed through Ayurveda, occult powers or even plain miracles when the truth is that disability is an irreversible condition that can be reversed only if it is diagnosed earlier. No, an alien cannot cure a disability like it is shown in Koi Mil Gaya. Rarely are the characters portrayed as people with feelings just like everyone else,...

Mollywood It has already been well publicised that veteran actor Ramya Krishnan will be playing the central character in 'Akasha Ganga 2'. Digital NativeDigital NativeIt was announced a few days ago that director Vinayan is planning a sequel to the hit horror comedy Akasha Ganga, which was released in 1999. The latest update about this flick is that the shooting will commence in Palakkad today, April 24. In an interview to Silverscreen, director Vinayan said, “We had originally planned to start shooting on the 16th but postponed it, keeping the elections in mind.” It has already been well publicised that veteran actor Ramya Krishnan will be playing the central character in Akasha Ganga 2. On roping her in, the director pointed out, “Her character’s name is Dr Soumini Devi. She is someone who worships negative energy. Her character also has an interesting connection with the original story. She will join the shoot...

MollywoodThe director recently revealed that the film, based on the Ramayana, will be told through Ravana’s perspective.Digital NativeDirector Vinayan, who recently announced that he is making a film based on the Ramayana with Mohanlal, shared an artist’s representation of the actor as Ravana. This has triggered discussion among fans about the star playing the mythological character. On working on a project based on the Ramayana, the director told Silverscreen in an interview, “I have a long-standing relationship with Ramayana. In fact, my fascination for stories and literature could be attributed to the legend itself. It began at the age of five when my mother would recite tales about Lord Rama. I had even written a poem about Ravana during my college days. I had always dreamt about making a movie. But when it came to the cinema, I got caught up in making smaller movies with newcomers in the lead.

MollywoodThe director will begin work on his film with Mohanlal in the lead, soon after the sequel.Digital NativeDirector Vinayan will be directing a sequel to his hit movie Aakashaganga, a horror film that released 20 years ago. The shooting of the new film will go on the floors next month and groundwork for it is on already. Aakashaganga had Divya Unni, Mayoori, Madhupal and Mukesh in the lead roles. It would be interesting to see who will be making it to the cast for the sequel. Before that, Vinayan has to finish the work of his film Chalakkudikaran Changathi, which is inspired by the life of late actor Kalabhavan Mani. The director has however made it clear earlier, that Chalakkudikaran Changathi is not a biopic of the actor but is inspired from his life. Vinayan also has a film with Jayasurya in the lead – a historical titled Nangeli. The director...

MollywoodThe director explains why he is going to work with Mohanlal after years of differences with the actor.CrisThe photo or the post need not have surprised anyone – a director and a major actor coming together to do a film. But the people in the photo – director Vinayan and actor Mohanlal – had not, at least in the public eye, been the best of friends for decades. Ever since Vinayan took a movie called Superstar with a Mohanlal look alike in the lead back in 1991, and through the years, when the director famously had feuds with the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (Amma), and the Federation Employees Federation of Kerala (Fefka), he has been known to be a rebel. “But those were all issue-based differences. I never had a personal vengeance against Mohanlal,” Vinayan tells Tnm. What changed now, the director says, is Mohanlal becoming the president of Amma last year.

MollywoodFrom 'Ente Upasana' to 'Masterpiece', several Malayalam films have romanticised rape, stalking, and inappropriate behaviour at the workplace.Aradhya KurupFullpicture.inThe #MeToo movement that began on social media is raging on, calling out a lot of men in power from various professions and organisations. While art often reflects life and vice versa, it’s important to note how some of these terrifying accounts also spoke about how women are generally perceived in cinema and media. When women tweeted about being assaulted while they were in an inebriated state, a large population of men typically chose to slut-shame them, blame them for wearing the wrong clothes or for being out after dark. This is also how cinema typically draws the lines between the good and the bad woman. A "good" woman in cinema never drinks, smokes, or goes out unescorted after dark and she only wears “decent” clothes. In Pink, a...

MollywoodWhile some Onam releases have got new dates in September, others have been pushed to October.Tnm StaffWith unpredictable floods causing havoc in the state, Malayalam movies that were supposed to release for Onam had been postponed. There has sensibly been no discussion or talk of the movies in the past few days, and quite a few actors have also been actively involved in helping with the relief work, in one way or the other. As of now Theevandi, a political satire, with Tovino Thomas playing the role of a chain smoker, is going to release on September 7. So is Ranam, a crime drama featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran, says Vikraman, manager at the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce. Mammootty’s comedy entertainer Oru Kuttanadan Blog is now expected to release on September 14. Biju Menon’s gangster comedy Padayottam (which apparently has nothing to do with the old classic by the same...

MollywoodThese stars have made handsome contributions but have remained unrecognised throughout their careers.CV AravindIn the Malayalam film industry, only the so-called upper crust of actors have always remained in the limelight. Also, the industry has always adopted different yardsticks for its male and women actors. Over the years, however, there is a long list of unsung stars who have made handsome contributions but have remained unrecognised right through their careers. Chemmeen, directed by Ramu Kariat, won the President’s Gold Medal for Best Film in 1965 at the National Awards. The film could qualify as one of the earliest multi-starrers with most industry folk landing roles in it thanks to its wide canvas. Two characters in this epic novel by Jnanpith Award winning writer Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai were those of Chemban Kunju and his wife Chakki Marakkaiyi. Kariat chose veterans Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair and Adoor Bhavani for the roles and they turned in superlative performances. But the portrayals by these two actors remained unheralded. Incidentally Sreedharan Nair’s son Saikumar remains one of the most popular villains in Malayalam cinema and also excels in character roles. One of Mollywood’s mainstays where story and scriptwriting is concerned has been another Jnanpith awardee Mt Vasudevan Nair, who has also directed well-known films such as Nirmalyam (1973) and Oru Chiru Punchiri (2000). In Nirmalyam, theatre artiste Pj Anthony, from whom the late Thilakan picked up his craft, was cast in the main role of a velichapad (oracle). The most riveting sequence in the film was the climax. Sword in hand, the character approaches the idol of the goddess who had failed him and his family. With great deliberation he draws the sword across his forehead and begins to bleed profusely. Gathering spittle in his mouth he spews it in a blob mingled with his blood at the deity, collapses in a heap and dies. One wonders whether a scene like this can get past the censors in today’s India. Antony won the National Award for Best Actor that year. He revealed his angst at the raw deal that he had been receiving at the hands of the industry in his acceptance speech. Another actor who could have been utilised much better was the late Premji, who enacted the role of Professor Eachera Warrier, the grief-stricken father of student Rajan, a victim of the Emergency in Piravi (1989). The directorial debut of cinematographer Shaji N Karun, it fetched Premji a National Award but the publicity remained low-key. One actor whose long career witnessed several highs and lows was undoubtedly Thilakan, who had to serve an unofficial ban after some industry bigwigs took offence at some remarks he made. There was a time when Thilakan, who began with small, insignificant roles in films, had become indispensable. And rightly so, for very few of his contemporaries could hold a candle to him where portrayals of diverse characters were concerned. Can one imagine films like Rithubhedam, Mookilla Rajyathu or Spadikam without Thilakan? Directors like Vinayan who too had to face the industry’s wrath on various occasions ensured that Thilakan remained a part of all his films. Director Ranjith, who cast Thilakan as Dulquer Salmaan’s grandfather in his film Ustad Hotel, when questioned on opting for the actor reportedly stood up to the actor’s detractors and demanded that they produce a better actor than Thilakan for the role he had in mind. Thilakan’s contemporaries including the likes of the late Narendra Prasad, no mean actor himself, had the highest regard for him. Thilakan’s departure from the scene has left a void that is yet to be filled. Among underrated actors in Malayalam cinema, the comedians deserve a notable mention. One of the most successful comedians was Jagathy Sreekumar, who was seriously injured in a car accident in 2012 and still remains out of action eight years later. Jagathy was always a delight to watch on screen and, in tandem with actors like Innocent, could bring the roof down with their antics. The laugh riot Kabooliwala, which featured the duo, still remains green in memory. Two comedians who nailed the lie that comics in Malayalam films were good only at slapstick and buffoonery were Salim Kumar and Suraj Venjaramoodu, both National Award winners. Salim won his award for Adaminte Makan Abu, a moving film about a poor man who yearns to go on the Haj against heavy odds. His role in Achanurangatha Veedu as an anguished father whose daughter is trafficked and raped was no less memorable. Suraj proved that he could deliver in serious roles with the Dr Biju directed Perariyathavar, which fetched him several awards including the National Award. Cast as a municipal sweeper, Suraj simply lived the role. In more recent times he did a wonderful job in Dileesh Pothan’s Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum. Such roles have, however, been few and far in between and with the films failing to cut ice with the masses it is back to square one for these fine actors. Siddique (not to be mistaken for the reputed director of the same name) is another actor who has been around for over three decades but is yet to make it to the top bracket. There is hardly any kind of role that Siddique has not done; in some films he has even donned multiple disguises. Like another star who now does character roles after playing the hero for decades, Nedumudi Venu who remains an inevitable part of most films, Siddique too has never had a dearth of assignments. But where star ratings are concerned, Siddique has never been able to rise to the heights of his contemporaries like Mammootty or Mohanlal though he has been an integral part of most of their films. Script and screenplay specialist, actor, director and producer Sreenivasan is another star performer who has given the industry several hits in all capacities. Although his forte has remained the comedy genre, Sreenivasan has also played the hero with aplomb. Films like Sandesham and Mazhayethum Munpe fetched him state awards for Best Screenplay. Sreeni’s son Vineet has now established himself as a singer, actor and director as well and his other son Dhyaan too has followed in his father and brother’s footsteps. It is only in recent times that heroine oriented films have caught on in Mollywood thanks largely to the ability of actors like Manju Warrier, Rima Kallingal and Parvathi Thiruvoth to carry a film on their shoulders. Sharada, a brilliant two-time National Award winning actor, remained in the shadow of superstars like Sathyan and Prem Nazir. It was the late cinematographer-director Vincent who cast her in a woman-oriented film, Thulabharam. Sukumari, a gifted dancer and actor, cousin of the famous Travancore sisters Lalitha, Padmini and Ragini, and director Bharathan’s wife, and Kpac Lalitha, a versatile actor in her own right, are two stars who remained in the periphery right through their long careers. Seema was not director IV Sasi’s first choice for his bold, pathbreaking film Avalude Ravukal. The story of a woman who turns sex worker was pitched to many heroines but Sasi drew a blank as not only was the subject taboo but there were quite a few risqué scenes as well. The film became a blockbuster and Seema was flooded with roles. The one-time background dancer in films would later prove her mettle in the Mt Vasudevan Nair scripted Aaroodam, directed again by Sasi, whom she married. Sasi’s Aalkkoottathil Thaniye was another film in which she delivered a stunning performance. Seema later faded away and was last seen in Tamil TV serials. The petite Jalaja too was another dignified performer in the 1970s and 80s. Introduced by the late Aravindan in Thampu, Jalaja went on to work with ace directors like Lenin Rajendran in Venal and Adoor Gopalakrishnan in Elippathayam. The Malayalam film industry boasts of some of the finest acting talent in Indian cinema. But Dame Luck smiles only on a few of them. But the rest, far from being disheartened, have always laboured with sincerity and devotion to their craft. And their contribution to the industry’s growth has been nothing short of phenomenal. Also read: Her story: 12 Malayalam films where women characters have their own arc...

CinemaAccording to director Vinayan, 'Chalakkudikkaran Changathi' is a tribute to the late actor Kalabhavan Mani.Tnm StaffLate Malayalam actor Kalabhavan Mani had a distinctive style of laughter, that stays with the audience even to this day. So does the variety of characters he played on screen, and his enormously popular 'Thrissur slang.' On Mani's second death anniversary on Tuesday, the first-look poster of the upcoming film Chalakkudikkaran Changathi was released. Mani is a native of Chalakkudi in Kerala's Thrissur district. Director Vinayan chose the occasion of Mani's death anniversary to release the poster of the film, which, according to the director, is a tribute to the late actor. Vinayan released the poster by sharing it on Facebook. The poster shows actor Rajamani – who plays Kalabhavan Mani in the film – stepping out of the driver's seat of an autorickshaw, dressed in a khaki shirt and a bright red mundu. He sports a thick mustache, like that of Mani, and is seen waving in the poster. "Kalabhavan Mani was a great actor, and above all, a great human being… A common man," Vijayan wrote in Malayalam. Giving a sneak peek into what the movie will be about, Vinayan said that the audience can expect to see Mani's humour and tear-inducing moments of his life in the film. Mani passed away two years ago on March 6. His untimely and mysterious death came as a shock to the people of the film industry and the people of the state alike. Director Vinayan had, in August last year, announced that he is set to make a film inspired by Kalabhavan Mani's life. Earlier in an interview, Vinayan had said that Chalakkudikaran Changathi is not a film about Mani's file, but one that is inspired by the actor's life. “The movie is not about Kalabhavan Mani, but is based on his life. The life of a talented boy from a lower caste who makes it big in the film industry and how he slowly loses grip of it. It will shed light on how our society still marginalises dark-skinned people,” Vinayan had said.

EntertainmentKnown for eating enormous quantities of food, Theeta Rappai participated in several eating competitions and won prizes for his achievement. Digital NativeNow, a film on Rappai, commonly known as Theeta Rappai, who became popular for his large appetite, is being made. Interestingly, it will have Rlv Ramakrishnan, the brother of late actor Kalabhavan Mani in the lead. Reports are that the film is planned as a family entertainer with debut director Vinu Ramakrishnan doing extensive research to develop the story and screenplay. It may be mentioned that Vinu Ramakrishnan was an erstwhile associate of veteran director Vinayan. The film will be produced by Kk Vikraman under his banner Kbm Creations. While the story is written by director Vinu Ramakrishnan, it has been scripted by journalist CA Sajeevan. Anwar Aman will be composing the tunes for the songs which have been penned by Rafeeq Ahmad while the cinematography will be done by Ajayan Vincent. Known for eating enormous quantities of food, Theeta Rappai participated in several eating competitions and won prizes for his achievement. His name had been included in the Limca Book of World Records but his desire to enter the Guinness Book remained unfulfilled as he had to retire from participating in the eating competitions due to ill health. He was diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension and passed away while undergoing treatment at the Jubilee Mission Hospital in Thrissur on December 9, 2006, at the age of 67. According to some reports about Theeta Rappai, he would easily polish off 75 idlis for breakfast, a couple of buckets of rice and curries for lunch, and 60 rotis for dinner. Reports are that he would eat 250 idlis and 15 kg of pudding and halwa in a single sitting. In one of the eating competitions, he reportedly consumed 750 idlis, 25 kg appam, hundreds of bananas, and buckets of payasam. Well, a film on him would certainly be interesting!

EntertainmentWe also hear that two songs from the late actor’s films have been included in it.Digital Native Kalabhavan-Mani-Pics_0_0.JPGEver since director Vinayan had announced the film Chalakudykkaran Changathy and made it clear that is based on the life of the late actor Kalabhavan Mani, fans have been waiting eagerly for more information on it. According to latest reports doing the rounds, the first schedule of the film has been wrapped up. We also hear that two songs from the late actor’s films have been included in it. The main lead in the movie, which is inspired by Kalabhavan Mani, will be played by Senthil, a well-known television comedian. The name of his character in the film would be Rajamani. Directed by Vinayan and scripted by Ummer Muhammed, Chalakudykkaran Changathy will have several interesting titbits from the life of the late actor. The film is bankrolled by Shaji under the banner Alpha Films. The technical crew of this movie includes Bijibal for music and cinematography by Prakash Kutty. Hari Narayanan has penned the lyrics for the songs. While the main lead will have Senthil, the star cast also includes Janardhanan, Joy Mathew, Salim Kumar, Honey Rose, Renu and Dharmajan Bolghatty. Kalabhavan Mani, who has acted in several Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films is known for his versatility. He has done various roles and won several awards including the Special Jury Award for Vasantiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njanum in 2000 and Kerala State Film Awards - Special Jury Award for the same film in 1999. Apart from this, he has won several awards and honours. Kalabhavan Mani was not only an actor par excellence but an accomplished mimicry artiste and singer as well. With Vinayan making this film as a tribute to the late star, his fans are waiting eagerly to catch it in the theatres. Enanble Notification: NoTNM Marquee: No...