Mari Selvaraj and Udhayinidhi Stalin to team up for a new film; AR Rahman to score music
After the smashing success of ‘Karnan’, director Mari Selvaraj is next prepping up for a a sports-based movie starring Dhruv Vikram. As per latest reports, the acclaimed filmmaker will then team up with actor-politician Udhayinidhi Stalin. It is learnt that the film will be based on the life of a South Tamil Nadu personality. Maestro AR Rahman will be composing music for this film. More details regarding the project are awaited.
Mari Selvaraj is already among the most wanted filmmakers in Kollywood. Both his films, ‘Pariyerum Perumal’ and ‘Karnan’, are known for their political subtexts and sending out powerful statements against caste and class based discrimination. It will be interesting to see the director join hands with a political figure like Udhayanidhi Stalin, an MLA and also the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.
Reports suggest that Udhayanidhi Stalin will be focussing completely on his political career after this movie.
Rajkummar Rao congratulates Vinay Forrt for his performance in Malik
Vinay Forrt has been getting praise from all corners for his excellent performance in the recently released, ‘Malik’. Starring Fahadh Faasil as the lead, the film has Vinay playing a prominent character named David. It is easily one of the best written roles in his career and the actor has made the best use of it by delivering a well-measured performance.
Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao has messaged Vinay after being impressed by his performance in ”. A screenshot shared by the latter in his social media handle reads,
“Hi Vinay, Rajkumar here. Saw Malik and wanted to congratulate you on a brilliant performance.”
It is worth a mention here that Rajkummar Rao and Vinay Forrt were college mates at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.
‘Malik’ directed by Mahesh Narayanan is an epic film spanning multiple timelines. It follows the story of Ahammadali Sulaiman, who is the leader of the Muslim community in a coastal region. Vinay Forrt essays the role of David, his acquaintance-turned-foe. Nimisha Sajayan, Dileesh Pothan, Joju George and Jalaja essay other major roles. The film is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Malik Review: An ambitious epic backed by solid performances!
‘Malik’ tells the story of Ahammadali Sulaiman aka Alikka, leader of a particular religious community in a coastal area in Thiruvananthapuram. The film follows his life from the 60s to how he went on to become a messiah of sorts for his people.
‘Malik’ begins with a skillfully staged 12-minute long sequence, which involves numerous characters and various emotions. Unlike the usual single take scenes, which are mostly high on action or chase, this is an arresting portion where the protagonist is about to leave for his Hajj pilgrimage. During this stretch, we get to know that Alikka is no ordinary figure. There is a sense of tension and urgency looming around as he prepares to leave and as it turns out, the cops nab him right before he boards the flight and he ends up in a jail. From there, we are taken through Sulaiman’s story from three perspectives.
Like a typical Godfather-story, Sulaiman starts off from humble backgrounds. During this journey, he is accompanied by three other important characters — Aboobacker, Roslin, David. Together, they go through various ups and downs and personal tragedies. Ali and the gang are involved in smuggling foreign goods. Their empire flourishes in no-time and it brings a major upliftment to the people of Ramadapalli. Ali also works for the welfare of the coastal community and emerges as their leader.
The story that spans multiple timelines also establishes the relationship between the two minority communities from the adjacent coastal villages of Ramadapally and Edavathura. The communal harmony worsens over the years mainly due to the power-hungry politicians and religious fanatics. Though director Mahesh Narayanan claims ‘Malik’ to be a work of fiction, it is certainly inspired from a riot and deadly police shooting, which happened in the Beemapally area a few years back.
Mahesh, who has also scripted the film, has done a commendable job in conceiving such an ambitious project. Presented as an epic, the film is technically top-notch with excellent cinematography and marvellous production design. The writing is also layered with each character in the film painted grey, which leaves us thinking about their actions. However, more time could have been invested in establishing how Sulaiman becomes the coastal community’s saviour. Also, the film could have had more novelty and freshness in Sulaiman’s journey. Fahadh Faasil makes up by pulling off yet another fabulous performance and is ably supported by Vinay Forrt, Nimisha Sathyan, Dileesh Pothan and Joju George.
One major disappointment is regarding how an ambitious crime saga like ‘Maik’ could have offered a brilliant theatrical experience. Nevertheless, the film doesn’t disappoint even if it’s on a small screen and keeps one engaged throughout.
Suresh Raina reveals that he enjoyed watching Vijay’s Master along with his daughter!
Former Indian cricketer and Chennai Super Kings’, star batsman Suresh Raina was invited to join the commentary during the opening game of the 5th season of Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). During the commentary session, the flamboyant left-hander revealed that he had watched the Hindi dubbed version of Tamil superstar Vijay’s ‘Master’ along with his daughter and that they both loved the film.
‘Master’ starring Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi as the leads is an action-packed mass entertainer. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film went on to be a smashing success at the box office. Despite the Covid threat, the film hit screens on January 13 this year and emerged as a massive hit. It was later dubbed and released in Hindi and Telugu.
Currently, there are reports about Bollywood superstar Salman Khan expressing his interest to remake the film in Hindi. An official confirmation in this regard is still awaited.
Mammootty and Nayanthara in an Anirudh musical; Omar Lulu’s dream project!
In a recent Facebook post, director Omar Lulu shared some of his dreams that he wants to make true by this coming year. First among them is his much-talked about film ‘Powerstar’ starring Babu Antony as the lead. Omar has also shared about his dream to remake his debut film ‘Happy Wedding’ in Hindi. Next in the list is a mass-comedy family entertainer starring Mammootty and Nayanthara. The director wishes to get Anirudh Ravichander to compose music for this film. It is indeed a dream project if such a combo comes together. Omar’s followers in Facebook wished him luck under the post and some of them also shared their dreams.
Omar’s next to go on floors will be ‘Powerstar’. The film’s shoot got delayed due to the pandemic, which was followed by the unfortunate demise of script writer Dennis Joseph. The veteran was planning to make a strong comeback with it.
‘Powerstar’ promises to be an action-packed mass entertainer revolving around drug deals in Kochi and Mangalore. Kannada star Shreyas Manju, Hollywood actor Louis Mandylor, Riyaz Khan, Baburaj, Abu Salim and retired American kickboxer, Robert Parham are confirmed in the cast. Ravi Basrur, the music director of ‘KGF’ series, has also been signed.
Rajisha Vijayan to make her Telugu debut with Ravi Teja’s Rama Rao On Duty
After making an impressive debut in Tamil with the blockbuster ‘Karnan’, Malayali actress Rajisha Vijayan has now bagged her maiden Telugu film, ‘Rama Rao On Duty’. Ravi Teja plays the lead role in the film. Along with Rajisha, the film also stars Divyansha Kaushik as the other female lead.
Touted to be a thriller, the film is directed by debutant Sarath Mandava. The film has music scored by Sam CS of ‘Vikram Vedha’ and cinematography by Sathyan Sooryan, who has done impressive works in films like ‘Kaithi’ and ‘Master’. The project was originally supposed to begin in May but got delayed due to the Covid second wave.
Rajisha Vijayan also has a couple of projects in Tamil and one in Malayalam. ‘Kootathil Oruthan’ director TJ Gnanavel is helming a new film in which Rajisha is the female lead. Suriya is also part of the film in an extended cameo role.
Rajisha has also been signed as one of the heroines in Karthi’s upcoming film ‘Sardar’, directed by PS Mithran. Raashi Khanna is the other female lead. In Malayalam, Rajisha has ‘Ellam Sheriyaakum’ with Asif Ali gearing up for release.
Alien Aliyan: Tovino Thomas also part of Android Kunjappan sequel
A sequel for the 2019-released hit film ‘Android Kunjappan’ was announced recently. Titled as ‘Alien Aliyan’, the film will be directed by Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval, who helmed the first part as well. The new film will once again revolve around the robot Kunjappan. It is learnt that some major characters from the first part will be retained in the sequel as well. Latest addition to the cast is Tovino Thomas. Details regarding his character are not yet known.
As per the makers, ‘Alien Aliyan’ requires extensive pre-production works and they are already on it. Some portions have been planned to be shot abroad as well. Shoot is most likely to begin next year only after the pandemic situation improves. Santhosh T Kuruvilla’s STK Productions is producing the film.
Apart from ‘Alien Aliyan’, director Ratheesh Balakrishnan also has two other projects coming up. He is teaming up with Nivin Pauly for a film titled ‘Kanakam Kamini Kalaham’, the teaser of which got released only recently. The director has announced another film titled ‘Nna Thaan Case Kodu’. Kunchacko Boban will be seen playing the lead role in it.
Kunchacko Boban and Jayasurya to team up for a new film
Kunchacko Boban and Jayasurya are coming together for a new film. Listin Stephen of Magic Frames will be producing this project, more details regarding which will be out in the coming days. Both the actors have shared photos taken with Listin in their social media handle. It is also learnt that they are teaming up for a fun-filled entertainer.
Kunchacko Boban and Jayasurya are close friends in real life as well. They have acted together in several films like ‘Swapnakoodu’, ‘101 Weddings’, ‘Four Friends’, ‘School Bus’, ‘Three Kings’, ‘Gulumal: The Escape’, ‘LollyPop’ and ‘Kilukkam Kilukilukkam’. ‘Shajahanum Pareekuttiyum’ directed by Boban Samuel released in 2016, was their last film together.
Their off-screen bonding has always reflected on their chemistry together in films. Expectations will be high when the duo team up once again. Stay tuned for more updates regarding their new project.
Ponniyin Selvan confirmed as a two-part epic; First part to be released in 2022
The makers of ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ have released the title poster online. It has been confirmed as a two-part epic, and the first part will be out next year. It is learnt that 70% of the film has already been completed. After a forced break due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the team has resumed shoot in Pondicherry. After a short schedule lasting almost 13-15 days there, the team will head to Hyderabad for the final leg of shoot.
‘Ponniyin Selvan’ is a highly ambitious project that has some of India’s best technicians and stars from various languages. Based on the historical Tamil novel of the same name written by Kalki Krishnamurthy, it tells the story of early days of Arulmozhivarman, who later became the great Chola emperor, Raja Raja Chola I. Mani Ratnam has adapted the screenplay along with Jeyamohan and Kumaravel. Music is by AR Rahman and Ravi Varman cranks the camera.
The cast includes popular actors like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Vikram, Trisha, Karthi, Vikram Prabhu, Parthiban, Sobhita Dhulipala, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Prakash Raj, Sarath Kumar, Prabhu, Kishore, Jayaram, Rahman, Lal and Ashwin Kakumanu.
‘Ponniyin Selvan’ Mani Ratnam’s own banner Madras Talkies and Lyca Productions are collaborating for this mega budget film’s production.
The highly acclaimed Tamil film ‘Asuran’ is being remade in Telugu as ‘Narappa’. Veteran star Venkatesh is playing the titular role, which was done by Dhanush in the original. Manju Warrier’s role from ‘Asuran’ is being essayed by Priyamani. The Telugu version is all set for direct release on Amazon Prime Video tomorrow (July 20). Its trailer has been shared online and it looks like a honest remake.
‘Narappa’ is directed by Srikanth Addala. From the trailer, it is evident that makers have gone for a scene-by-scene remake without any major changes. The film tells the story of a lower caste family’s fight for survival. Director Vetrimaaran adapted ‘Asuran’ from Poomani’s famous novel ‘Vekkai’. Dhanush and Manju Warrier’s performances in the film were widely appreciated. The former even went on to win the National Award for Best Actor.
As ‘Asuran’ gets remade in Telugu, both Venkatesh and Priyamani are expected to come up with equally brilliant performances. Others in the cast include Rao Ramesh, Nassar, Karthik Rathnam, Ammu Abhirami and Rajeev Kanakala.
