Kalidas Jayaram looks dashing in this new still from ‘Argentina Fans Kaattoorkadavu’ sets
Post-Poomaram, Kalidas Jayaram has been experimenting a lot with his looks. In Jeethu Joseph’s ‘Mr and Mrs Rowdy’ he looks tough with long hair and thick unkempt beard. For Santhosh Sivan’s ‘Jack n Jill’, he sports a totally different look with a unique coiffure and rounded specs. Last day, Kalidas uploaded a new photo of him from the sets of ‘Argentina Fans Kattoorkadavu’. The youngster looks dashing in a close cropped hair and neatly trimmed moustache.
‘Argentina Fans Kattoorkadavu’ is directed Midhun Manuel Thomas. The movie touted to be a fun entertainer has Aishwarya Lekshmi as the female lead. Midhun Manuel and John Manthrikal have scripted the movie based on a short story by Ashokan Charuvil. From the title, we presume the movie to be a fun entertainer revolving around a bunch of football fans
In a recent interview, Kalidas said that the Malayali audience will be able relate to every scene in ‘Argentina Fans Kattoorkadavu’. He also added that the movie would be cherished by all the football frenzy fans of the state. The makers have roped in some real-life football crazy fans to play various roles.
The movie’s technical crew has ‘CIA’ fame Renadive cranking the camera and Noble Thomas handling the edits. Gopi Sunder has been signed as the composer. Ashiq Usman is producing under the banner of Ashiq Usman productions. Central Pictures will be distributing the movie in Kerala.
Confirmed: Mammootty and K Madhu set to reunite for CBI series fifth part
Malayalam cinema has had a very few franchises. Unarguably the most famous among them is the CBI series featuring Mammootty as Sethurama Iyer. The brilliant investigating officer who solves his cases using brain over brawn, is among the star’s most celebrated characters of all-time. Four installments of the series have been made and all the four films were helmed by K Madhu and scripted by SN Swamy.
On New Year’s Day, director K Madhu took to his social media handle to inform that that they are working on a fifth part. Though he didn’t mention about when they are planning to start shoot, it has been confirmed that the iconic Sethurama Iyer will be making a comeback very soon.
The CBI series started off in 1988 with the blockbuster movie ‘Oru CBI Diary Kurippu’. The following year, the trio came up with the second part ‘Jagratha’. It took another fifteen years for the third part ‘Sethurama Iyer CBI’ to materialize. ‘Nerariyan CBI’ was the last to release, fourteen years back in 2005.
K Madhu had earlier announced a huge two-part project based on the lives of Travancore’s legendary kings, Marthanda Varma and Karthika Varma. ‘Baahubali’ star Rana Daggubati was signed for the first film, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma – The King of Travancore. Current status of this ambitious project is not known.
Meanwhile, K Madhu will be producing two films this year under his banner Krishna Kripa. First to go on floors will be a movie directed by M Padmakumar and scripted by Robin Thirumala. Arun Gopy, who is a former associate of K Madhu, is also doing a film under his mentor’s banner, details regarding which are not yet known.
Soubin Shahir’s next titled as Android Kunjappan Ver 5.25
Ever since the superhit success of ‘Sudani From Nigeria’, Soubin Shahir has become selective taking up very few projects. Though he is working on the pre-production of his next directorial with Kunchacko Boban, Soubin also has a couple of films coming up as a lead actor. On New Year’s Day, a new project of his has been announced. Titled as ‘Android Kunjappan Ver 5.25’, the movie will be directed by debutant Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval.
The movie’s first look was shared online by actor Fahadh Faasil. The poster features Soubin and a robot, and from the quirky title, we presume it to be a fun film revolving around a humanoid robot. Sanu John Varghese, who has worked in films like ‘Karthik Calling Karthik’, ‘Wazir’ and the ‘Vishwaroopam’ series has been signed as the cinematographer. Santhosh T Kuruvilla of Moonshot Entertainment is producing the movie. More details regarding the other team members and when shoot starts are expected to be announced shortly.
Soubin has some other interesting films in the pipeline. He is playing the lead in ‘Ambili’ directed by ‘Guppy’ fame John Paul George. He will also be seen in a major role alongside Kalidas Jayaram and Manju Warrier in the upcoming Santosh Sivan directorial ‘Jack n Jill’.
Official: Unni Mukundan joins Mammootty’s Maamaankam!!
Shoot for Mammootty’s period flick ‘Maamaankam’ has been put on hold after completing a couple of schedules. Quite a few controversies had struck the movie, but leaving all that behind the team is now set to resume shoot. Latest to join the cast is the young star, Unni Mukundan. The actor himself shared the news with his followers in social medias along with his New Year wishes.
Maamankam is directed by Sajeev Pillai, a former associate of Adoor Gopalakrishnan. The movie is based on the medieval fair, Maamankam, where brave warriors from across the country would come together to showcase their skills at combat. Mammootty plays a ferocious ‘Chaaver’ (warrior) in this movie, which revolves around the life of warriors who plot to defeat the Zamorin rulers.
Recently, ‘Queen’ actor Druvan was ousted from the movie. Though the reason behind the same is not yet known, it is has been confirmed that he has been replaced. It remains to be seen if Unni Mukundan has been signed to replace Druvan. Since its a period film with a story about warriors, it is only ideal that Unni has been roped in. He is among the very few actors in Malayalam with a strong physique.
Unni is currently awaiting the release of ‘Mikhael’ in which he plays the villain opposite Nivin Pauly. He also has debutant Binu Peter’s ‘Chocolate Story Retold’ coming up.
Here’s a new poster of Tovino’s And The Oscar Goes To
After a super successful 2018, Tovino will be hoping to continue his rich run this year. His next release will be ‘And The Oscar Goes To’, directed by award winning filmmaker Salim Ahmed. Shoot for the movie has already been wrapped up and post-production works are currently underway. A new poster of the movie was released today on the occasion of New Year’s day. Tovino and a foreign actress feature in the poster.
‘And The Oscar Goes To’ has Tovino playing the role of a young passionate filmmaker. The movie tells the story of a film taking its director to the Oscars. Before its theatrical release, ‘And The Oscar Goes To’ will have its premiere at an international film festival. Tovino himself revealed this in a recent interview. According to him, it is an international film made in a completely commercial format.
Salim Ahamed scripted the movie after being inspired by the real lives of several filmmakers. Siddique, Anu Sithara, Lal, Sreenivasan, Salim Kumar, Zarina Wahab and Appani Sarath are part of the supporting cast. The movie has got some big names in the technical side as well. Madhu Ambat has cranked the camera and Bijibal handles the music department. Resul Pookutty is working on the sound design and mixing.
Allen Media Presents the movie in association with Canadian Movie Corp.
Here’s a New Year special poster of a Pathinettam Padi
As reported by us earlier, actor-writer Shankar Ramakrishnan is making his directorial debut with a movie titled ‘Pathinettam Padi’. The movie has a bunch of newcomers in the lead roles. Megastar Mammootty is playing an extended cameo role in the movie. A new year special poster was released on midnight. The poster has been designer like the famous last supper painting with Mammootty at the centres surrounded by a group of teenagers.
‘Pathinettam Padi’s lead cast includes youngsters from all 14 districts of the state. According to the makers, Mammootty plays the role of John Abraham Palackal, who is the mastermind of all the proceedings. The actor had joined the sets only recently. His presence is certain to boost the commercial aspects of the movie. A couple of other big stars will be also be appearing in guest roles, details regarding which will be revealed by the makers shortly. The movie is funded by August Cinema.
‘Pathinettam Padi’ technical crew comprises of cinematographer Sudeep Elamon, music director KH Kaashif and editor Bhuvan Sreenivas. The movie is expected to hit screens by the first quarter of the year.
KV Anand’s next with Suriya and Mohanlal titled as Kaappaan
As informed earlier by the makers, the title of Suriya’s next with KV Anand has been announced today, on New Year’s occasion. The movie has been titled as ‘Kaappaan’ and a couple of posters were also released along with it. While one of the poster features Suriya alone, the other one has Suriya with the other two major actors – Mohanlal and Arya.
Touted to be a big-scale action thriller, this movie has Mohanlal playing the Indian Prime Minister’s role while Suriya will be seen as a high-rank National Security Guard (NSG) officer, who is in charge of the PM’s security. Mohanlal and Suriya had shot together for their combination scenes in London, Chennai and in several locations in North India. Shoot is still progressing and the makers have planned to shoot in over ten different countries.
‘Kaappaan’ has Sayyeshaa as the female lead. Boman Irani, Samuthirakani and Prem Kumar are also part of the cast. The movie has cinematography by MS Prabhu and music by Harris Jayaraj handles the music department. Lyca Productions is producing this big budget movie.
Onlookers Top 10: Here’s the list of best debutants in Malayalam cinema 2018
Malayalam cinema has always been very welcoming of newcomers. 2018 was also no different with some great talents bursting the scene. Let’s take a look at best some of the best debut performers of the year.
10. Shahi Kabir
The policeman-turned-scriptwriter penned ‘Joseph’ as a wonderful drama-cum-thriller. The protagonist here is a retired policeman who is still the go-to-man for his seniors to solve a case. Shahi Kabir’s experience of working in the department has come handy while detailing the criminal proceedings. Apart from the crime part, he has also wonderfully sketched the emotional turmoil that Joseph goes through in his life.
9. Tinu Pappachan
Coming from the Lijo Jose Pellissery school, Tinu Pappachan made a striking impression with his debut work, ‘Swathanthryam Ardharathriyil’. Though the plot was shaky, Tinu made up for that with his extraordinarily stylish making. Aided by Antony Varghese, Vinayakan, Chemban and a brilliant technical crew, Tinu came up with an absolute edge-of-the seat thriller.
8. Kailas Menon
His music set the ball rolling for ‘Theevandi’. Despite the multiple-release postponing, the movie was always in the talks courtesy the smashing success of ‘Jeevamshamayi’ — arguably the song of the year. Kailas’ entry to the film industry is indeed a fairytale stuff. Music lovers are eagerly waiting for his upcoming works. Hopefully, he lives up to the expectations.
7. Rathish Ambat
A veteran in the ad film industry, Rathish Ambat made his feature film with ‘Kammara Sambhavam’. Though the script by Murali Gopy had its loose ends, the former’s skills as a filmmaker deserves praise. While the so-called big budget films failed miserably to impress, Rathish’s spectacular work had grandeur written all over it. He is indeed a filmmaker to watch out for.
6. Ranjin Raj
From a reality show participant to a hit composer, Ranjin Raj’s journey is quite inspiring. Ranjin made his debut this year with ‘Nithyaharitha Nayakan’, but it was his work in ‘Joseph’ that got people talking. All four songs in the movie emerged as big hits. The tracks ‘Poomuthole’ and ‘Karineela Kannulla Pennu’ have the classic feel of Malayalam music, something that has been dearly missed of late.
5. Neeta Pillai
Except for Kalidas, almost the entire cast of ‘Poomaram’ had newcomers. The most impressive among the lot was Neeta Pillai who played the role of Irene, the dynamic chairperson of St Treesa’s college. Neeta’s powerful dialogue delivery and screen presence while inspiring her college mates gave glimpses of an extremely talented actor. She is certain to get many plum roles in the near future.
4. Dhanesh Anand
E4 Entertainment introduced a bunch of newcomers with their film ‘Lilli’ and one of the most noted among them was Dhanesh Anand. He played the role of a psychotic killer in the movie and his performance was widely talked about during the time of release. He displayed a flawless performance while playing a cold-blooded eccentric villain. Much is expected from this talented actor.
3. Samuel Abiola Robinson
While ‘Sudani From Nigeria’ is a huge audience favorite, Samuel’s performance in the movie has rarely been talked about. Most part of the movie had his character (also named Samuel) bed-ridden, so he had to perform mostly with his facial expressions. His helplessness, hopes of survival and the warm relationship he shared with the ummas were earnestly brought on screen.
2. Zakariya Mohammed
The captain of Sudani’s ship, Zakariya Mohammed has already won several top awards. Along with Muhsin Parari, Zakariya scripted a simple tale of compassion and brotherhood that won hearts unanimously. Within the limits of a simple rural story, Zakariya addressed relevant issues like refugee crisis, basic human compassion and communal harmony. Hands down, the debutant director of the year.
1. Savitiri Sreedharan and Sarasa Balussery
Down the years, Zakariya’s ‘Sudani From Nigeria’ will still be remembered for several reasons. On top of everything else would be the adorable performances of the two ummas, who are convincingly portrayed as the epitome of humaneness. Savitri Sreedharan and Sarasa Balussery were so apt for Jameela and Beeyumma that it felt like they were just living in their roles. They both are easily the find of the year and I’m sure there won’t be any further arguments on that.
No Malayalam releases for Dulquer Salmaan in 2018!
Dulquer Salmaan is fast establishing himself as a pan-Indian actor. The actor had only two releases this year – his debut Telugu film Mahanati (Nadigayar Thilagam in Tamil) and his debut Hindi flick, Karwaan. He also had a Tamil film, Kannum Kannum Kollai Adithaal, scheduled for release this year but it got postponed due to some unknown reasons. Interestingly, the actor has not a release this year in his home turf – Malayalam industry.
After starting his acting career with Second Show in 2013, this is Dulquer’s first year without a Malayalam release. Though he didn’t have a release, he shot briefly for his upcoming movie ‘Oru Yamandan Premakadha’, which is reportedly slated for mid-2019 release. Another Malayalam film that Dulquer has in his kitty is ‘Kuruppu’, which will be directed by Srinath Rajendran. The movie which is based on the real-life story of Kerala’s most wanted criminal Sukumara Kurup is expected to go on floors early next year.
For the last few months, Dulquer has been shooting for his Hindi movie, ‘The Zoya Factor’, which has him paired with Sonam Kapoor. He also has a Tamil film titled ‘Vaan’ coming up. Touted to be a romantic travelogue, the movie reportedly had Dulquer playing multiple roles.
Busy times ahead for the actor.
Onlookers Top 10: Here’s the list of best songs of 2018
As 2018 is coming to a close, let’s take a look back at some of the best Malayalam songs this year. Note that the list is in no particular order.
1. Cherukadha Pole and Kinavu Kondu (Sudani From Nigeria)
Top 10 Best Malayalam Songs Of 2018
It is only apt that a heartwarming film like this has two soothing melodies. The beautiful relationship that Sudu shares with the two ummas and his club manager Maji is beautifully captured in these songs.
Cherukadha Pole:
Composer – Rex Vijayan
Singer – Rex Vijayan
Lyrics – BK Harinarayanan
Kinavu Kondu:
Composer – Rex Vijayan
Singers – Neh Nair, Imam Majboor
Lyrics – Anvar Ali
2. Poomuthole and Karineela Kannulla Pennu (Joseph)
Top 10 Best Malayalam Songs Of 2018
Rookie composer Ranjin Raj struck gold with ‘Joseph’ as all the songs in the movie were noted, with ‘Poomuthole’ and ‘Karineela Kannulla Pennu’ becoming instant favourites.
Anjali Menon’s emotional tale of relationships had some fine songs that were instrumental in storytelling. She hired the services of two composers, M Jayachandran and Raghu Dixit, and both delivered their best. ‘Koode’ is easily one of the best soundtracks of the year.
Another album that oozed freshness is ‘Maradona’ from the extremely talented Sushin Shyam. It is a complete album which includes a couple of delightful melodies and a striking Malayalam rap track.
This Jakes Bejoy track is a first-of-its-kind song in Malayalam with a completely unique tune. It has an international appeal with a mix of English, Malayalam and Tamil lyrics that paints a brief picture on the city of Detroit where the story is happening.
Composer – Jakes Bejoy
Singer – Ajaey Shravan, Jakes Bejoy, Neha S Nair, Saint TFC
Lyrics – Manoj Kuroor
6. Jeevamshamayi (Theevandi)
Top 10 Best Malayalam Songs Of 2018
The blockbuster song of the year, ‘Jeevamshamayi’ topped the music charts for several weeks on the trot. Besides that, the movie has some other lovely foot-tapping tracks like the fun ‘Oru Theepattikum Venda’ and ‘Maanathe Kanalali’.
This Romeo-Juliet story set in the backdrop of Kannur politics didn’t get a fair run in the theatres but the song ‘Mizhi Niranju’ was well received. A beautiful melody that traces the blooming stages of an intense relationship between two youngsters from different backgrounds.
Composer: John P Varkey
Singers: Amal Antony, Roshni Suresh
Lyrics: Anvar Ali
8. Vennilave (Queen)
Top 10 Best Malayalam Songs Of 2018
Jakes Bejoy’s chartbuster songs played a vital role in the movie emerging as a sleeper hit. A broken hero, who has realized the need to ‘move on’, attending the mehendi function of his ex-girlfriend and wishing her luck is not something we normally see in South Indian movies. Usually, it’s the perfect situation for a drunk-soup song, but not here. That’s why ‘Vennilave’ is the pick of the album.
Composer – Jakes Bejoy
Singers – Harisankar, Sooraj Santhosh, Zia Ul Haq, Ajaey Shravan
Lyrics – Jyothish T Kasi
9. Rasaathi (Aravindante Athidhikal)
Top 10 Best Malayalam Songs Of 2018
Vineeth Sreenivasan’s track record as a playback singer is impeccable with almost all his songs turning hits. And, when he teams up with Shaan Rahman, he never fails to deliver the best. ‘Rasaathi’ is easily one of the best from the superhit combo of Vineeth and Shaan.
Composer – Shaan Rahman
Singer – Vineeth Sreenivasan, Liya Susan Varghese
Lyrics – BK Harinarayanan
10. Poomaram
Top 10 Best Malayalam Songs Of 2018
This Abrid Shine directorial has a stellar soundtrack comprising of 10 songs. While the movie has received extremely polar reviews, its music has won hearts unanimously. Its imposible to single out one out from this gem of an album.
Composers – Perumbavur G Raveendranath, Gopi Sunder, Faisal Razi, Leela L Girikkuttan, Arackal Nandakumar, Nasil P, KA Aneesh, Vishnu Sivasankar, Saayojya Das
