Operation Java censored with clean U; Release on February 12

‘Operation Java’ has been censored with a clean U certificate. With the final hurdle before release clear, the film is now all set to hit screens on February 12. Written and directed by debutant Tharun Moorthy, the film promises to be an investigative thriller. It is produced by V Cinemas International.

‘Operation Java’ is based on some real-life incidents. The makers had recently released a 51-second long teaser that increased the expectations. Vinayakan, Balu Varghese, Shine Tom Chacko, Mathew Thomas, Binu Pappu, Irshad, Lukman, Dhanya Ananya, Mamitha Baiju, Vineetha Koshy, Johny Antony and Prashanth Alexander play major roles in the film.

On the technical front, ‘Operation Java’ has cinematography by Faiz Siddik, who has also wielded camera for the upcoming films ‘Aanaparambile World Cup’, ‘Wolf’ and ‘Adi’. Nishadh Yusuf handles the edits and Jakes Bejoy is in charge of the music department. Sound designers Vishnu Govind and Sree Sankar, costume designer Manjusha Radhakrishnan and art director Dhundhu Renjeev are also part of the technical crew.

Gautham Menon to play the villain in Simbu’s Pathu Thala

As reported by us earlier, Simbu and Gautham Karthik are starring in the Tamil remake of blockbuster Kannada film ‘Mufti’. The remake version has been titled as ‘Pathu Thala’. The film is being directed by Obeli N Krishna of ‘Sillunu Oru Kaadhal’ and ‘Nedunchalai’ fame.

The makers have roped in ace filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon to play the antagonist’s role. Earlier, the director had done a negative role in the Malayalam film ‘Trance’. Recently, he had also acted in substantial roles in films like ‘Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal’ and ‘Paava Kadhaigal’.

‘Mufti’ is a neo-noir action-thriller starring Shiva Rajkumar and Sriimurali as the leads. Narthan, the director of the orginal, was supposed to helm the Tamil version as well. However, it got shelved at the initial stages itself after a tussle between the director and producer KR Gnanavel Raja of Studio Green. Simbu was also irregular in attending shoots.

‘Pathu Thala’ screenplay has been adapted in a different style to suit the sensibilities of the Tamil audience. RS Ramakrishnan is penning the dialogues. The cast includes Priya Bhavani Shankar, Manushyaputhran, Kalaiyarasan and ‘Asuran’ fame Teejay.

Pathinettam Padi to be dubbed and released in Telugu as Gangs of 18

2019-released Malayalam film ‘Pathinettam Padi’ is all set to be dubbed and released in Telugu as ‘Gangs of 18’. The makers have released a poster featuring a majestic-looking Mammootty. Written and directed by actor-turned-filmmaker Shanker Ramakrishnan, ‘Pathinettam Padi’ is a coming-of-age story of a bunch of a high school students. It focusses mainly on the rivalry between two gangs from a local government school and a private school.

Mammootty played a cameo role in the film as John Abraham Palackal. The superstar’s stylish look with a pony tail hairstyle had grabbed attention during the time of its release. Prithviraj Sukumaran, Unni Mukundan, Saniya Iyappan, Priya Mani and Arya also appeared in guest roles in the film. A bunch of teenagers were also introduced in the film. Others in the cast include Ahanaa Krishna, Maala Parvathy, Biju Sopanam and Nandu among others.

The technical side of ‘Pathinettam Padi’ had mostly newcomers. Cinematography was by Sudeep Elamon while music was done by KH Kaashif. Bhuvan Sreenivas handled the edits. August Cinemas produced the film.

Release date announced for Allu Arjun’s Pushpa

Allu Arjun and hit maker Sukumar are reuniting for a new film titled ‘Pushpa’. Right from time of its announcement, the film had grabbed attention thanks to Allu Arjun’s rugged, local look. The makers have now announced that this highly anticipated film will be hitting screens worldwide on August 13. It will have a multilingual release in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada.

‘Pushpa’ marks Allu Arjun’s reunion with director Sukumar and composer Devi Sri Prasad after the blockbuster success of ‘Arya’ and ‘Arya 2’. Along with announcing the release date, the star also added that they are hoping to create the same magic one more time. His tweet reads,

#PUSHPA loading in theatres from 13th August 2021. Excited to meet you all in cinemas this year.Hoping to create the same magic one more time with dearest @aryasukku & @ThisIsDSP (sic)

‘Pushpa’ initially had Tamil star Vijay Sethupathi in a major role. The fact that two big stars like Allu and Vijay Sethupathi were set to act together for the first time had raised a lot of expectations on the film. However, due to the unexpected Covid-19 crisis and following date issues, Vijay Sethupathi had to pull out of the project. It is not yet known who the makers have roped in as a replacement.

‘Pushpa’ has Rashmika Mandanna as the heroine. Prakash Raj, Jagapati Babu, Harish Uthaman, Vennela Kishore, Anasuya Bharadwaj, Anish Kuruvilla and many others are part of the film’s supporting cast.