Debutante Malavika Sreenath paired with Nivin Pauly in Rosshan Andrrews' next.

After the success of ‘Kayamkulam Kochunni’, Nivin Pauly and Rosshan Andrrews are teaming up for a new film. This yet-to-be titled film went on floors last month in Dubai. Last day, the director took to his social media handle to announce the film’s female lead. Debutante Malavika Sreenath has been paired with Nivin in the film.

Sharing a photo with her, Rosshan Andrrews wrote in his Facebook page,

Really happy to welcome Very talented Malvika in my new movie opposite to Nivin Pauly. You are such an amazing person and wishing you all the very best and today is the best day in your life . A new beginning. I am sure one day You will make a mark in this industry . May GOD bless you. @malavika_sreenath

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdrEaIXheGv/

The film’s cast also includes Siju Wilson, Aju Varghese, Saiju Kurup, and Saniya Iyappan. R Diwakaran, who has worked with Rosshan Andrrews in ‘Notebook’, ‘Mumabi Police’, ‘Evidam Swargamanu’ and ‘How Old Are You’, is the DOP of this film as well.

Don: Sivakarthikeyan lights up this cracker of an entertainer

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Meriya Antony

May 15, 2022

Don: Sivakarthikeyan lights up this cracker of an entertainer

From the promos, Sivakarthikeyan’s ‘Don’ promised a colourful campus based entertainer. The star is playing a college student’s role for the first time in his career and a campus film always excites youngsters. Let’s see if it delivers what it promised.

‘Don’ begins with Sivakarthikeyan’s character Chakravarthi risking a tough road journey from Idukki to his college in Tamil Nadu. The film is narrated from his perspective during this drive. From his childhood, Chakravarthi is in search of where his real talent lies. He wants to prove a point to his controlling father that one can succeed in life even without being academically brilliant. Even after his father forces him to join engineering, Chakravarthi is still in pursuit of his real life. Whether he manages to find one and succeed in life is what ‘Don’ says in an out and out entertainer format.

Sivakarthikeyan is best suited for roles like these where he can play to his strengths — comedy, dance, and romance. In this film, the actor is good with emotions as well. The final act, which is emotionally stirring is done effectively by Siva.

The initial college portions are high on comedy. SJ Suryah plays Bhoominathan, a strict college professor in the film and his encounters with Chakravarthi make way for a lot of fun moments. Sivakarthikeyan’s ‘Doctor’ co-star Priyanka Arul Mohan is the female lead in this film as well. Like in the previous outing, their chemistry works superbly.

‘Don’ also star Sivaangi, Bala Saravanan, Radha Ravi, Soori, Munishkanth, Kaali Venkat and RJ Vijay in supporting roles. Sivakarthikeyan’s frequent collaborator Anirudh is the composer for the film and it goes without saying that music is one of the biggest highlights of ‘Don’. The already chartbuster songs ‘Jalabula Jangu’ and ‘Bae’ are enjoyable in the film.

In a nutshell, ‘Don’ is a paisa vasool entertainer with Sivakarthikeyan in great form.

Puzhu Review: Watch it for Mammootty’s acting masterclass

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Meriya Antony

May 14, 2022

Puzhu Review: Watch it for Mammootty’s acting masterclass

From the time of its announcement, ‘Puzhu’ has garnered attention for a lot of reasons. Mammootty introducing yet another director, him teaming up with Parvathy or the fact that he is playing a full-fledged negative character, all of this ensured that the expectations were sky-high.

Ratheena’s directorial debut is a slow-paced film in the psychological thriller space that explores some very important and relevant themes. Mammootty plays an upper-class widower who lives with his son in a posh apartment where only people from his community live. He is a former IPS officer who lives in constant fear of someone trying to kill him. There’s always something or the other worrying him. He can’t stand the sight of his sister who married a Dalit person out of her choice. He treats everyone with a sense of entitlement and he’s unempathetic even to do a dog.

Interestingly, all through the film he is called Kuttan by his near ones but there’s no mention of his real name. A control freak with OCD, he is the embodiment of a toxic parent as he draws boundaries on everything that his son should do. Naturally, his son despises him. The kid is in his happy space only when the father is away. The film takes a lot of time to establish these things but it’s engaging. The screenplay by Harshad, Suhas and Sharfu move at a worm’s pace but it keeps the viewer intrigued.

‘Puzhu’ is a character-driven film that attempts to expose the caste-based discrimination in the society. But the problem is most of these scenes are verbal and loud. There’s a stage play popping up at frequent intervals to convey the same but even without it, things are conveyed effectively. Where the film falters the most is its crucial final few minutes. The desperate attempt to squeezs in Islamophobia into a narrative that deals with something else for the majority of its runtime backfires. It appears forced and leaves a bad aftertaste.

It is Mammootty who shoulders ‘Puzhu’ single-handedly with an extraordinary performance. The veteran is terrific with his controlled and restrained act that doesn’t give away anything about his nature easily. His characteristics are peeled off only gradually. The character has a justification for everything he does and Mammootty convinces with his stellar performance. Surprisingly, Parvathy doesn’t have much to do in the film. She hardly gets screentime but her presence is important to the film. Some of her choices stay true to what the actress has been preaching off-screen and kudos to that.

To put it simply, ‘Puzhu’ is a film that does have its share of flaws. It loses focus in its attempts to address too many issues. But still, it is worth a watch for mainstream films like these are rare to come by in Malayalam. If not for anything else, watch it for Mammootty’s stunning performance alone.

Laththi was an experience for a lifetime with Peter Hein: Vishal

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Meriya Antony

May 12, 2022

Laththi was an experience for a lifetime with Peter Hein: Vishal

Vishal’s new film ‘Laththi’ is gearing up for release. Written and directed by A Vinoth Kumar, the film has Vishal playing the role of a police constable. Though the actor has done cop roles before, this promises to be something different. In a recent tweet, Vishal himself confirmed this. He added that ‘Laththi’ was an experience for a lifetime with Peter Hein, who has choreographed the stunts in the film.

Sharing the first look of Laththiz Vishal has written,

Yes, hav done many films in the past in diff roles, diff action seq wit many action dirs. but dis 1 is special and experience for a lifetime wit @PeterHeinOffl.
Here is the first look of #Laththi #Laatti.
The constable with a difference!

#LaththiFirstLook
#LaattiFirstLook

As per a report, the film is about a police constable, who gets trapped in a building with his 10-year-old kid, and how they escape from the building surrounded by a group of enemies. Sunaina plays the female lead’s role in the film, which has music by Yuvan Shankar Raja.

‘Laththi’ is set for release in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and Malayalam.

CBI 5 Review: Mammootty shines in his comeback as Sethurama Iyer

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Meriya Antony

May 12, 2022

CBI 5 Review: Mammootty shines in his comeback as Sethurama Iyer

The CBI series is regarded as the longest running film franchise in the country, with the same director, writer and lead actor. As the trio of K Madhu, SN Swamy and Mammootty reunite for the fifth installment, expectations were sky-high. Let’s see if they manage to live up to the hype.

With ‘CBI 5: The Brain’, the makers have followed the templates as such. Mammootty’s Sethurama Iyer comes late into the film after quite a lot of build up. The criminal is right among the several characters who appear regularly but is only revealed in the final few minutes.

The film begins with a set of new recruits attending a session by senior CBI officials. Renji Panicker and Ramesh Pisharody head the session where they discuss about a case they consider as the most difficult case in CBI history. It is then shown how the team headed by Sethurama Iyer cracked a series of killings that occurred a few years back and the conspiracy behind it.

Named as ‘Basket Killing’ for some weird unknown reasons, the series of killings begin with the death of a State Minister. His personal doctor then dies mysteriously during a trek, one of his assistants goes missing and a police officer investigating these cases gets killed on road. Cops smell a conspiracy and a team headed by DYSP Sathyadas (Sai Kumar) begin the investigation. Known to be a highly corrupt official, Sathyadas’ ways are questionable. He is soon removed as the case is handed over to the CBI. Enters Sethurama Iyer from Delhi and he soon begins untying the knots. Like in all the other four films, the narrative then introduces multiple twists and turns before exposing the mastermind behind the killings.

Mammootty once again gets the Iyer act spot on. There is not one moment where he steps out of the character as he effortlessly pulls off the iconic walk and other mannerisms. Known for his poise and nonviolent approach, Iyer smartly connects the dots and with Mammootty in fine form, everything is convincing. While Mukesh makes a brief appearance as Chacko, Iyer’s associate in the previous films, it is Sai Kumar who scores heavily as Sathyadas. Be it with how he mimicks Sukumaran (whose son he is playing in the film), or his brash approach or his dynamics with his advocate wife (Asha Sarath), Sai Kumar is excellent.

Easily among the best scenes in the film is the one featuring Jagathy Sreekumar as Vikram. It felt so heartening to see the veteran on screen after all these years. And credits to the makers for including the scene not just the sake of it but as a crucial juncture in the plot. When Iyer thanks the Almighty after realising that Vikram is still in his senses, it is just the reflection of what an average Malayali audience might have felt after watching Jagathy performing on screen.

K Madhu and SN Swamy might belong to the old school of filmmaking but they still manage to mask it to a large extent. The final twist (which one can predict if keen attention is paid) and how the crime is solved might not go well with the youth who are exposed to thrillers from across the globe, but it still will work among the families and loyal fans of the CBI franchise. Jakes Bejoy’s recurring usage of the iconic CBI theme music also makes even insipid moments work.

In a nutshell, ‘CBI 5’ works predominantly because of Mammootty and his effortless performance. Sethurama Iyer is one of those rare lovable characters which the audience will lap up each time he returns back to solve a new puzzle. With hints of a sixth part already shown, let’s wait for his return.

Jana Gana Mana Review: Prithviraj and Suraj Venjaramoodu outperform each other in this preachy but important film

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Meriya Antony

May 12, 2022

Jana Gana Mana Review: Prithviraj and Suraj Venjaramoodu outperform each other in this preachy but important film

Jana Gana Mana begins with a courtroom hearing where Prithviraj’s character is convicted. He is escorted by a group of policemen with medias hovering all around him. The film then cuts to the main plot where a body is found burnt near the Bengaluru highway. It is learnt that the dead is a college professor named Saba Mariyam (Mamta Mohandas), who is popular among the students in her university to raise voice against any sort of injustice. Her killing earns widespread media attention and a special police team is formed to investigate.

Assistant Commissioner Sajjan Kumar (Suraj Venjaramoodu) heads the investigation and he is quick to act. He seems like a man on a mission as he gives words to Saba’s family that the accused will be nabbed within 30 days. Sajjan, who appears to be an upright man-on-a-mission-cop connects the dots and nabs the four accused. At this film takes a problematic stand and it gets even worse when the audience in the theatre are seen cheering for it. The interval block gives a mixed feel about the politics of the film.

However, things get subverted in the latter half when Prithviraj’s Aravind Swaminathan enters the scene. He is once again introduced in a courtroom, this time as a lawyer who moves with the help of a walking stick. What follows is a fiery courtroom drama where Aravind Swaminathan unravels the real motive behind the crime and more importantly exposes the bigger picture.

It is in the latter half where the film gets to its real elements. Writer Sharis Mohammed and director Dijo Jose Antony try to incorporate several real-life incidents that have occurred in the country for the past few years to drive home the point of how politics of hate and discrimination work. Rohith Vemula’s suicide in Hyderabad university, Unnao rape case, JNU issues, Dadri lynching, the killing of Adivasi youth Madhu, custodial death of P Jayaraj and Bennicks and the encounter killings of rape accused in Hyderabad are some of the topics that the film touches upon, rather discreetly.

Jana Gana Mana is preachy, on the face film but it is important. It serves as a mirror to the current socio-political issues in the country. It is quite a daring attempt to make a film like this given the current political climate but the makers could have done away with squeezing in so many issues and thereby losing focus at many points.

Despite the minor shortcomings, the actors ensure that the film and its intentions stand tall. Prithviraj has delivered one of his finest performance as he uses his often-criticised over dramatisation to good effect. The second half of the film entirely belongs to Prithviraj as he goes on a never-ending monologue trip to ask several questions. Suraj Venjaramoodu in a diametrically opposite role brings out an astutely restrained act, which is imperative for his characterization. The actor looks and plays the part with so much conviction that it’s hard to read anything from his face. The ever-trustable Mamta Mohandas efficiently handles a crucial role with grace and poise. Among the plethora of supporting actors, Vincy Aloshious makes a lasting impression.

The final few minutes of Jana Gana Mana acts as a prelude to the second part. The stage is set up nicely by showing glimpses of Aravind Swaminathan’s past, his tussle with the political bigwigs and equation with Suraj Venjaramoodu’s Sajjan Kumar. If the first part is anything to go by, more questions will be raised and more the attention.

First single from Nani-Nazriya starrer Ante Sundaraniki is here

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Meriya Antony

May 12, 2022

First single from Nani-Nazriya starrer Ante Sundaraniki is here

Malayali actress Nazriya is making her debut in Telugu cinema with a musical rom-com titled ‘Ante Sundaraniki’. The film stars Nani as the male lead. Vivek Athreya of ‘Mental Madhilo’ and ‘Brochevarevarura’ fame is directing the film. After the excellent response for the trailer, the makers have shared the first single online. The song titled Entha Chithram is penned by Ramajogayya Sastry, and sung by Anurag Kulkarni and Keerthana Vaidyanathan. Vivek Sagar has composed the track.

From the earlier released trailer, we understand that the film is a light-hearted entertainer about how two people from different religious backgrounds fall in love and the problems they face. While Nazirya’s character is a Christian, Nani plays a Hindu guy who comes from a highly orthodox family.

‘Ante Sundaraniki’ also has another Malayali actress – Tanvi Ram – as part of the film’s cast. Naveen Yerneni and Ravi Shankar Y are jointly producing the film under the banner of Mythri Movie Makers. On the technical front, Vivek Sagar handles the music department and Niketh Bommi of ‘Soorarai Pottru’ fame cranks the camera.

‘Ante Sundaraniki’ is slated for theatrical release on 10 June 2022.

Saani Kaayidham Review: Keerthy Suresh is a revelation in this gloriously shot revenge drama

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Meriya Antony

May 12, 2022

Saani Kaayidham Review: Keerthy Suresh is a revelation in this gloriously shot revenge drama

‘Saani Kaayidham’ is the sophomore directorial of Arun Matheswaran, who made a noteworthy debut with ‘Rocky’ last year. In a sense, ‘Saani Kaayidham’ is an extension of ‘Rocky’ as both the films are driven by revenge, have high high on violence and bloodshed and are set in similar terrains.

The narrative of ‘Saani Kaayidham’, like ‘Rocky’, is divided into a multiple chapters. It begins with Ponni (Keerthy Suresh) and Sangiah (Selvaraghavan) murdering a woman in a remote dilapidated building. The woman is stabbed multiple times and is burnt alive before getting some crucial information from her. Thankfully, the violence is shot sensitively and not gorily.

As the film progresses, we learn that Ponni was a police constable, who had a husband and a school-going daughter. Sangiah is Ponni’s half-brother but she can’t stand the sight of him. When her lower-caste husband Maari gets into a tussle with his employers, they plan to finish him and his family. The upper-caste rogues brutally gang rape Ponni, while Maari and their daughter are killed by setting ablaze their house. When they escape prison with the help of a scheming cop and an advocate, Ponni and Sangiah vow to kill them all. What follows is a journey of brutal killings and bloodbath.

‘Saani Kaayidham’ is high on violence but Yamini Yagnamurthy’s cinematography is realistic and not intended to discomfort the viewer. Instead of full-blown gore, there are suggestions of sexual violence and scenes of blood shed. The film employs effective usage of minimal lighting, wide frames and monochrome shots.

Like in ‘Rocky’, Arun Matheswaran concentrates more on the visual grammar and falters on the writing part. The writing is basic and skims through the surface. The performers make up though. Keerthy Suresh and Selvaraghavan, who hog most of the screentime, are superb with their portrayals. This is easily Keerthy’s best after the National-award winning performance in ‘Mahanti’ and once again proves how brilliant a performer she is when in the hands of a right director. Selvaraghavan also gets his moments and his character’s kindness for the visually-impaired boy is heartening in what is otherwise an intense watch.

To put it short, ‘Saani Kaayidham’ is a gripping film that genre lovers would find bold and brave. Arun Matheswaran proves that he isn’t a one-film wonder and there’s more firepower in his arsenal.

Salman Khan, Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj launch Major trailer

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Meriya Antony

May 10, 2022

Salman Khan, Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj launch Major trailer

The trailer of Telugu actor Adivi Sesh’s upcoming film ‘Major’, inspired by the life of late National Security Guard (NSG) commando, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, had a grand release last day. Salman Khan, Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran launched the trailer in different languages. Releasing the Malayalam version trailer, Prithviraj wrote in his social media handle,

As a Malayali Sainik School Cadet who grew up idolising the armed forces, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan represents the ultimate hero. A true embodiment of courage, valour and selflessness! So so looking forward to seeing this film inspired from the life of an immortal brave heart of our nation.
All the very best to the entire team of #MAJOR
Its an honour to release the Malayalam trailer of this ambitious film.

Sandeep Unnikrishnan was a valiant soldier who saved the lives of numerous hostages before being martyred by terrorists in the Taj Mahal Palace attack on the 26th of November, 2008. The film is directed by Sashi Kiran Tikka while lead actor Adivi Sesh has written the story and screenplay. The makers did extensive research on his life and have also added cinematic elements to it. According to them, the film is more about the way he lived and not the way he lost his life.

‘Major’ stars Sobhita Dhulipala, Saiee Manjrekar, Prakash Raj, Revathi, Murali Sharma and many others. It is produced by superstar Mahesh Babu under his banner G Mahesh Babu Entertainment, in collaboration with Sony Pictures India and A+S Movies. The film is set for theatre release on June 3.

Article 15 Tamil remake; Trailer of Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Nenjukku Needhi out

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Meriya Antony

May 10, 2022

Article 15 Tamil remake; Trailer of Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Nenjukku Needhi out

We had earlier reported about the acclaimed Hindi film ‘Article 15’ getting remade in Tamil with Udhayanidhi Stalin as the lead. The film titled ‘Nenjukku Needhi’ is directed by Arunraja Kamaraj of ‘Kanaa’ fame. Last day, its trailer got launched in a grand event.

Bollywood-based producer Boney Kapoor is backing ‘Nenjukku Needhi’, which has Udhayanidhi playing a cop’s role for the first time in his career. Tanya Ravichandran plays the female lead. Ilavarasu, Aari, Shivani Rajashekar, Yamini Chander, Suresh Chakravarthi, Mayilsamy, Abdool lee, Ratsasan Saravanan, Ramesh Thilak, Sayaji Shinde and many others are part of the cast.

‘Article 15’ directed by Anubhav Sinha had Ayushmann playing a city-bred police officer who investigates the missing of three teenage girls from a village. It slowly turns into his fight against the caste system after he realized that caste-based discrimination and other crimes are dismissed in rural India.

‘Nenjukku Needhi’ is backed by Zee Studios and BayView Projects in association with Romeo Pictures. The film is slated for theatrical release on May 20.