Groove to the Beats of 'THE ONE' in Suriya's Retro

The eagerly awaited Tamil movie ‘Retro,’ starring Suriya and Pooja Hegde, has sparked excitement among fans with the release of its latest song, ‘THE ONE.’ Composed, arranged, and programmed by the acclaimed Santhosh Narayanan, the song features lyrics penned by Vivek and vocals by Sid Sriram and Santhosh Narayanan, with an electrifying rap segment by SVDP. Mahalakshmi, Ananthu, and Victor contribute their talents in backing vocals, adding depth to the musical composition.

Directed by Karthik Subbaraj and produced by Jyotika and Suriya under their banner, ‘THE ONE’ encapsulates the film’s essence with its captivating melody and vibrant rhythm. Cinematographer Shreyaas Krishna’s visuals complement the song’s energetic vibe, promising a treat for music and movie enthusiasts alike.

Scheduled for release on May 1, 2025, ‘Retro’ not only boasts stellar performances by Suriya and Pooja Hegde but also features a talented ensemble cast including Joju George, Jayaram, and Karunakaran. With Santhosh Narayanan’s music setting the stage, anticipation is high for ‘Retro,’ expected to be a cinematic and musical extravaganza that will resonate with audiences across Tamil Nadu and beyond.

Stay tuned for more updates on ‘Retro’ as it gears up for its much-anticipated theatrical debut, promising to be a blockbuster event in Tamil cinema this summer.

Alappuzha Gymkhana Review: A Knockout Combo of Laughter, Action & Youthful Dreams

Reviews

Meriya Antony

April 14, 2025

Alappuzha Gymkhana Review: A Knockout Combo of Laughter, Action & Youthful Dreams

Introduction

Alappuzha Gymkhana, directed by Khalid Rahman, is a sparkling sports comedy drama that packs a punch—literally and emotionally. With its unique blend of youthful energy, laugh-out-loud humor, thrilling boxing action, and heartfelt drama, the film lands as a knockout entertainer for the masses, especially the youth. The movie doesn’t just aim for the laughs—it has goosebump-inducing moments, a touch of romance, and a story that reflects the aspirations of a generation. With a promising cast and a solid technical backbone, Alappuzha Gymkhana delivers far more than one might expect from a typical sports-based comedy.

Plot

The film follows a group of young boys who, after failing their plus two board exams, are left at a crossroads. Instead of giving up or repeating the year, they find an alternate route: securing admission to a local college via the sports quota. With no sports background, the gang comically settles on boxing, purely out of convenience and luck. As the gang stumbles its way through district-level boxing competitions, the real challenge begins at the state levels. What follows is a rollercoaster of training montages, comical blunders, unexpected victories, rivalries, and emotional growth. And yes—plenty of punches, both in and outside the ring.

Direction and Screenplay

Khalid Rahman, known for his fresh and vibrant storytelling, once again proves his mastery over youth-driven narratives. Co-writing the screenplay with Sreeni Saseendran, the duo creates a pitch-perfect balance between comedy and drama. The film is peppered with hilarious one-liners (dialogues by Ratheesh Ravi are a treat), but never loses its emotional depth. The transitions from laughter to adrenaline-pumping sports sequences and then to heartfelt romantic or friendship moments are smooth and natural. The film’s pacing keeps the audience glued, and the underdog narrative feels refreshing despite a familiar arc.

Performances

Naslen K. Gafoor as Jojo Johnson leads the film with confidence and charm. His comic timing, expressions, and raw emotional delivery make him instantly relatable and lovable. This is easily one of his most entertaining performances yet. He has been terrific in boxing scenes too. His physical transformation for this character was stunning.

Lukman Avaran, playing Antony Joshua, brings a layered performance. He portrays vulnerability and strength with equal ease, and his chemistry with the rest of the gang adds a lot to the film’s soul.

Sandeep Pradeep as Shifas Ahammed is a revelation. His scenes are packed with energy and mischief, yet when the story demands seriousness, he nails it effortlessly.

Ganapathi as Deepak Panikkar delivers a very grounded performance. He is the emotional anchor of the group and shines in the more intense and dramatic moments.

Anagha Ravi adds a breezy charm to the film. Her character isn’t just a romantic interest—she gets moments of her own, and Anagha pulls it off with grace and natural flair.

The supporting cast adds plenty of flavor to the film. Franco Francis, Baby Jean aka Aabish Rahman, Shiva Hariharan, Shon Joy, and Karthik, Nanda Nishanth each play their parts with conviction, contributing to the team spirit and comedy. Seasoned actors like Shine Tom Chacko, Kottayam Nazeer etc make strong appearances, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. Noila Francy also deserves a mention for her graceful screen presence.

Technical Brilliance

Visually, the film is a treat. Jimshi Khalid’s cinematography captures the essence of Alappuzha beautifully—be it the narrow lanes, the boxing rings, or the vibrant local culture. The frames feel alive. The way he captured the boxing scenes also deserves applause. The editing by Nishadh Yusuf is crisp, especially in the training montages and boxing sequences which are edited with high tempo and rhythm. Vishnu Vijay’s music enhances the emotional beats of the story. The background score elevates both the comic and intense moments, while the songs are catchy and complement the youthful vibe of the film.

Final Verdict

Alappuzha Gymkhana is not just a sports movie—it’s a celebration of friendship, dreams, and youthful madness. With a tight script, hilarious dialogues, emotionally resonant moments, thrilling boxing sequences, and a fabulous young cast, this film is one of the most entertaining Malayalam movies of the year. It offers laughter, adrenaline, romance, and hope—all in a perfect mix. Whether you’re a teenager, a sports lover, or someone looking for a feel-good ride, this movie will leave you smiling wide. Khalid Rahman and his team have delivered a sure-shot winner.

First Look of ‘Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira’ Unveiled: Fahadh Faasil and Kalyani Priyadarshan Pair Up for a Romcom Adventure

Latest News

Meriya Antony

April 14, 2025

First Look of ‘Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira’ Unveiled: Fahadh Faasil and Kalyani Priyadarshan Pair Up for a Romcom Adventure

The much-anticipated first look of ‘Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira’ has set hearts racing, promising a delightful rom-com experience. Starring the dynamic Fahadh Faasil alongside Kalyani Priyadarshan in their first on-screen collaboration, the film is directed by Althaf Salim, who is celebrated for his comedic prowess and unique dialogue delivery in Malayalam cinema.

The poster reveals Fahadh Faasil, adorned in an intriguing character, seated confidently on a horse, capturing the essence of adventure and romance. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Kochi, Chennai, and Bangalore, the film promises to blend humor with heartwarming moments, much like Salim’s previous success, ‘Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela.’

Produced by Ashiq Usman and featuring a stellar cast including Suresh Krishna, Lal, Vinay Fort, and more, ‘Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira’ is nearing completion with final shoots underway in Bangalore. Music maestro Justin Varghese adds to the excitement with his melodic compositions, ensuring a memorable cinematic journey.

As fans eagerly await its release, the film’s first look has already sparked enthusiasm across social media, highlighting Fahadh Faasil’s versatility and the director’s knack for crafting entertaining narratives. ‘Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira’ promises to be a refreshing addition to Malayalam cinema’s romcom genre, poised to captivate audiences with its charm and wit.

‘Bazooka’ Struggles at the Box Office with a Dull Opening Day Worldwide

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Latest News

Meriya Antony

April 12, 2025

‘Bazooka’ Struggles at the Box Office with a Dull Opening Day Worldwide

The much-hyped Malayalam action game thriller Bazooka, directed by debutant Deeno Dennis and headlined by Mammootty, released on April 10 to mixed reviews. While Mammootty’s screen presence and the last 20 minutes of the film have been appreciated by a section of the audience, the overall response has been lukewarm at best. This underwhelming reception is clearly reflected in the film’s Day 1 box office figures.

In Kerala, Bazooka managed to collect ₹3.23 crore on its opening day. The rest of India contributed an estimated ₹50 lakhs, showing a weak turnout across other states. Overseas numbers also paint a grim picture. In North America, the film earned just $5,180, while in the UK and Ireland, it collected £12,529 and £2,598 respectively. In Australia, it made A$13,781, and New Zealand contributed NZ$4,943. Overall, Bazooka’s overseas gross (excluding GCC) stands at around $40,000 (approximately ₹35 lakhs).

The film’s worldwide first-day gross is unlikely to cross ₹7 crore, which is disappointing given the film’s scale and Mammootty’s massive fan base. Early audience feedback suggests that aside from Mammootty’s charisma and the final act, the screenplay and direction have failed to strike a chord. With poor word-of-mouth and dwindling interest, Bazooka faces an uphill battle in the coming days.

Buzz Around Amal Neerad and Mammootty’s Next: A New Collaboration in the Works?

Latest News

Meriya Antony

April 12, 2025

Buzz Around Amal Neerad and Mammootty’s Next: A New Collaboration in the Works?

A fresh wave of excitement is sweeping through Mollywood as reports suggest a new collaboration brewing between acclaimed filmmaker Amal Neerad and megastar Mammootty. Though not officially confirmed, the buzz is that the duo is planning a new project, with an announcement tentatively expected between June and July this year. As per sources, the film will be backed by Amal Neerad Productions in association with Udaya Pictures and Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films. While the commencement date is still under wraps, the news alone has stirred anticipation among fans and cinephiles.

Amal Neerad and Mammootty have previously teamed up for celebrated films like Big B (2007), which became a cult classic, and the stylishly shot Bheeshma Parvam (2022), which was both a critical and commercial success. Their collaborations are known for blending sleek visuals with compelling narratives, setting a benchmark in Malayalam cinema. Naturally, any indication of another team-up has left fans hopeful for yet another cinematic treat.

Interestingly, amidst this new buzz, one project remains in limbo—Bilal, the long-awaited sequel to Big B, which was officially announced back in 2017. Despite high expectations, the film continues to be on hold with no clear update on its production status. As fans wait for clarity on Bilal, all eyes are now on this potential new venture that could mark another landmark entry in the Mammootty-Amal Neerad legacy.

Thudarum Unveils Intriguing Arrival Teaser: Mohanlal and Shobana Set to Mesmerize

Video Songs
Videos

Meriya Antony

April 12, 2025

Thudarum Unveils Intriguing Arrival Teaser: Mohanlal and Shobana Set to Mesmerize

Rejaputhra Visual Media has set the stage for an exhilarating cinematic experience with the unveiling of the arrival teaser for Thudarum, slated for release on April 25th. Directed by the talented Tharun Moorthy and produced by M. Renjith, the film promises to be a captivating journey into the realms of mystery and intrigue.

Thudarum is poised to showcase Mohanlal and Shobana in roles that are sure to leave audiences spellbound. The film, helmed by Tharun Moorthy and co-written by KR Sunil and himself, boasts cinematography by the acclaimed Shaji Kumar. With editing handled by Shafeeque VB and Nishadh Yusuf, the teaser hints at a visual spectacle complemented by the evocative music and original background score crafted by Jakes Bejoy.

Fans eagerly anticipating the release can expect a narrative woven with suspense and depth, echoing the hallmark of Tharun Moorthy’s directorial prowess. As anticipation mounts, Thudarum is poised to make a significant impact on the cinematic landscape with its unique storytelling and stellar performances by industry stalwarts Mohanlal and Shobana.

Stay tuned as Thudarum prepares to enthrall audiences when it hits theaters on April 25th, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience that blends mystery, drama, and the allure of its talented cast and crew.

https://youtu.be/AeZ-xl6k2MY

“Resamale” Video Song from United Kingdom of Kerala Becomes a Viral Hit with 1.1 Million Views

Video Songs
Videos

Meriya Antony

April 12, 2025

“Resamale” Video Song from United Kingdom of Kerala Becomes a Viral Hit with 1.1 Million Views

The latest video song Resamale from the upcoming Malayalam film United Kingdom of Kerala (UKOK) has taken YouTube by storm, crossing 1.1 million views within a short span of time. The high-energy number is composed and produced by Premam fame Rajesh Murugesan, with vocals by Kapil Kapilan, Fazzy, and Rajesh Murugesan himself. The lyrics are penned by Shabareesh Varma. Dedicated to the youth who dream, build, and belong, Resamale has emerged as an anthem of inspiration, striking a chord with audiences across age groups.

The biggest highlight of the song is lead actor Ranjith Sajeev’s electrifying dance performance, which has drawn widespread praise on social media. Viewers are calling it one of the most energetic dance acts by a Malayalam actor in recent times. Choreographed with vibrant visuals and an infectious rhythm, the video has not only showcased Ranjith’s versatility but also added to the buzz around the film’s release.

Directed by Arun Vaiga, United Kingdom of Kerala features a strong ensemble cast including Johny Antony, Indrans, Manoj K Jayan, Sangeetha, Manju Pillai, Sarangi Shyam, and Premam director Alphonse Puthren in prominent roles. With cinematography by Sinoj P Ayyappan and production by Anne, Sajeev, and Alex under the banners of Fragrant Nature Film Creations and Pooyappally Films, the film is expected to hit theatres on April 17. As the song continues to trend, expectations are rising for UKOK to deliver a complete entertainment package.

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s NOBODY Begins Rolling with Grand Launch in Ernakulam

Latest News

Meriya Antony

April 11, 2025

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s NOBODY Begins Rolling with Grand Launch in Ernakulam

The highly anticipated Malayalam film NOBODY, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, officially began its journey with a traditional pooja and switch-on ceremony at the scenic Wellington Island in Ernakulam. The film, which brings together an exciting blend of talent and vision, is directed by the critically acclaimed Nissam Basheer, known for his previous hits Kettyolanu Ente Malakha and Rorschach. Written by Sameer Abdul, NOBODY promises to deliver an intense and emotionally powerful cinematic experience.

The film boasts a stellar cast featuring Parvathy Thiruvothu, Hakim Shajahan, Ashokan, Madhupal, Lukman Avaran, Ganapathi, and Vinay Fort, alongside Prithviraj. Backed by the prestigious banners of Prithviraj Productions and E4 Experiments, NOBODY is jointly produced by Supriya Menon, Mukesh Mehta, and C.V. Sarathi. The film’s music will be composed by Harshavardhan Rameshwar, who garnered wide acclaim for his work in Animal, adding a rich sonic layer to the film’s intense atmosphere.

The technical crew includes Dinesh Purushothaman as the cinematographer, Gokul Das as the production designer, and Dhanya Balakrishnan as the costume designer, while Ronnex Xavier handles makeup. With Harris Desom serving as the executive producer and Rinny Divakar as the production controller, the film’s behind-the-scenes strength looks as promising as its on-screen ensemble. Promotions for the film will be handled by Poffactio. With such a powerful team, NOBODY is gearing up to offer Malayalam cinema a thrilling and unforgettable ride. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the sets.

Rajinikanth’s Coolie Set for August 14, 2025 Release

Latest News

Meriya Antony

April 11, 2025

Rajinikanth’s Coolie Set for August 14, 2025 Release

The much-anticipated action thriller Coolie, starring Superstar Rajinikanth and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has officially completed filming sometime back. Sun Pictures, the powerhouse behind the film, confirmed the wrap with an exclusive behind-the-scenes promo, offering fans a glimpse into the making of the high-octane entertainer. The video released earlier features Rajinikanth in action mode under Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction, along with key supporting actors, including Nagarjuna, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, and Soubin Shahir.

Bringing an end to speculation, the makers have now locked Coolie’s theatrical release date for August 14, 2025. The decision strategically aligns with the Independence Day weekend, ensuring a massive opening at the box office. While several Tamil and Telugu biggies are also eyeing the same period, Coolie’s pan-Indian appeal and Rajinikanth’s star power are expected to give it an edge. The film, mounted on a grand scale, is currently in post-production, with an official announcement from Sun Pictures expected soon.

Rumored to revolve around gold smuggling, Coolie features an ensemble cast, including Upendra, Reba Monica John, and a special cameo by Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan. Pooja Hegde is also set to appear in a high-energy dance number. With a stellar technical crew comprising cinematographer Girish Gangadharan, editor Philomin Raj, and music director Anirudh Ravichander, Coolie promises to be a visual spectacle packed with action, drama, and Rajinikanth’s signature mass appeal.

Bazooka Review: Mammootty Shines Amidst Spectacle in an Ambitious Yet Flawed Malayalam Thriller

Reviews

Meriya Antony

April 11, 2025

Bazooka Review; Mammootty Shines Amidst Spectacle in an Ambitious Yet Flawed Malayalam Thriller

In Malayalam cinema, only a few stars command the kind of screen presence that Mammootty does. His latest venture, Bazooka, directed by debutant Deeno Dennis (son of veteran scriptwriter Kaloor Dennis), sets out to merge the gritty intensity of a game thriller with the stylized finesse of modern action cinema. With a title as explosive as its lead character’s name — Bazooka — expectations were naturally sky-high. And while the film delivers in terms of visual spectacle and Mammootty’s towering performance, it doesn’t quite detonate the way it should have in terms of story and emotional payoff.

Plot

Set against the neon-lit backdrop of Kochi, Bazooka introduces us to Bazooka Rajan, a former video game designer with a mysterious past. After a botched robbery and an ensuing kidnapping, the story twists into an intricate game of psychological warfare, driven by themes of revenge, deception, and digital duality. The movie starts with a bang — literally — but as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that the film is more about style than substance.

There’s a fascinating premise at play here: the blurring of lines between reality and virtuality, crime and gameplay, justice and vengeance. But instead of diving deep into these themes, Bazooka skims the surface. It wants to be a cerebral thriller like Fight Club or The Game, but often falls back on formulaic writing and underdeveloped characters.

Direction and Screenplay

Deeno Dennis shows undeniable potential as a filmmaker. His eye for stylish visuals, atmospheric tension, and layered sound design is impressive. From the slow-motion walk-ins to the close-up tension-building shots, you can see the influence of slick action thrillers, both Hollywood and Korean. But the screenplay, penned by Dennis himself, needed tighter execution. The pacing is uneven, especially in the second half, and the character motivations get muddled. There are moments of brilliance — the flashbacks, the symbolism, the hacker-style setups — but they don’t always connect seamlessly. The film meanders aimlessly until the final 20 minutes, testing the audience’s patience with its sluggish pace and lack of engaging developments.

Performances

At the center of it all is Mammootty, in beast mode. Whether it’s his stoic calm, his explosive anger, or the subtle grief he carries in his eyes, the veteran actor is magnetic from start to finish. This is a role that demands both physicality and emotional restraint, and Mammootty handles both with effortless swag. Even when the plot dips, he never lets your attention stray. His performance alone makes Bazooka worth the ticket price.

Gautham Vasudev Menon, cast as one of the central characters named Benjamin, doesn’t quite hit the mark. His voice and screen presence are undoubtedly classy, but the character lacks menace. His dialogues feel over-rehearsed and the emotional weight he should bring to the table feels diluted.

Iswarya Menon, despite being among the main female leads, gets barely any scope to perform. Her character feels underdeveloped and exists merely to serve the story without any real impact. Hakkim Shah has a fairly extensive role in the film, but the writing doesn’t give him much room to deliver anything noteworthy—he remains just another part of the background noise. Divya Pillai, Sidharth Bharathan, Babu Antony, Sumit Naval, Shine Tom Chacko, Abin Bino, and Joemon Jyothir all have fleeting roles that do little to elevate the film. Most of them are reduced to glorified extras, with no memorable scenes or emotional weight. It’s disappointing to see so many capable actors barely utilized, especially when the narrative could have benefited from stronger character moments and supporting arcs.

Technical Aspects

Where Bazooka truly scores is in its technical department. Nimish Ravi’s cinematography is stunning — moody, edgy, and perfectly in sync with the film’s darker tones. The color grading adds a neo-noir flair, while Saeed Abbas’s music pulses with tension, especially during the action sequences. The background score is arresting, though occasionally overused. The editing by Nishadh Yusuf and Praveen Prabhakar is slick but could’ve benefited from trimming certain lagging sequences.

Final Verdict

Bazooka is a film that dares to be different — a blend of revenge saga, techno-thriller, and stylized action — but it doesn’t always hit the bullseye. It has flashes of brilliance and a haunting central performance from Mammootty, but the inconsistent writing and lack of emotional depth hold it back from greatness.