Birthday wishes poured in, with his senior colleague Mammootty sharing a photo of the two, marking the first birthday wish of the day….reports Asian Lite News
Superstar Mohanlal, one of Kerala’s most beloved personalities, is celebrating his 64th birthday on Tuesday.
Mohanlal’s success story is built on hard work, dedication, and commitment, not privilege. His career began in 1978, but his first film, ‘Thiranottam,’ wasn’t released until a quarter-century later. He fully entered the film industry two years later and quickly rose to superstardom.
In 1980, he was cast as a villain in ‘Manjil Virinja Pookal,’ a box office hit. Despite the unconventional start, his career soared, and he soon became a superstar.
Now at 64, Mohanlal is working on his 360th Malayalam film, yet to be titled, and is pairing with Shobana for the 56th time. Birthday wishes poured in, with his senior colleague Mammootty sharing a photo of the two, marking the first birthday wish of the day.
This birthday coincides with the upcoming release of Mohanlal’s first directorial venture, ‘Barroz.’ Throughout his career, he has earned five national awards, including two for best actor, a special jury mention, and a special jury award for acting and producing the best feature film. Additionally, he has won nine state film awards and became the first actor to be awarded the honorary rank of Lt. Colonel in the Territorial Army.
Kochi: Actor Mammootty after casting his vote in the second round of the Lok Sabha election at Christ King Convent School
The controversy ignited when the director’s spouse claimed in an interview that the film targeted a specific community, while also criticizing Mammootty for his role in the project….reports Asian Lite News
Political leaders from the Left and Congress parties in Kerala have united in support of Malayalam superstar Mammootty, who is facing online harassment from certain right-wing sympathizers regarding one of his movies released two years ago.
The controversy revolves around claims on social media platforms that the movie ‘Puzhu,’ a psychological drama directed by Ratheena P T, is anti-Brahmanical.
Critics even resorted to using Mammootty’s birth name, Muhammed Kutty, to target the actor in connection with the film.
The spark for the controversy came from an interview given by the husband of the movie’s director, where he asserted that the film was against a particular community and criticized Mammootty for his involvement.
Dismissing the social media campaign against the acclaimed actor, prominent figures including state Ministers V Sivankutty and K Rajan, and AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal, voiced their support for Mammootty.
V Sivankutty, also the General Education Minister, shared a photo of himself with Mammootty on Facebook, declaring the actor as the pride of Malayalees.
Similarly, CPI leader and Revenue Minister K Rajan hailed Mammootty as the pride of Kerala and Malayalees, attributing the controversy to “Sangh Parivar politics” and asserting that such tactics wouldn’t succeed in Kerala’s secular society.
AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Kerala’s secular society would not endorse such propaganda.
Venugopal emphasized that Mammootty, with his clear political views and acting prowess, cannot be confined to the narrow boxes of religion and caste.
He condemned the hate campaigns targeting the actor and called upon Kerala society to protect Mammootty from the divisive agenda of vested interests.
The Congress leader stressed that branding Mammootty solely based on his birth name reflects the contemptible mindset of those behind the hate campaigns.
Venugopal’s post read, “In Sathyan Mash’s last film ‘Anubhavangal Palichakal’, he became the voice and face of Malayalam cinema from a 20-year-old boy who stood beside actor Bahadur for the first time in the silver light in a minute-long scene. The name Mammootty stands among the actors who have given Malayalam cinema a beautiful address at the top of world cinema during his half-century of career.”
Venugopal highlighted the efforts by 72-year-old Mammootty for Malayalam cinema. “When Malayalam cinema was going through historical stages of its growth, actor Mammootty was able to shoulder it alone and overcome the weaknesses. Mammootty has been able to simultaneously be the figure of authority in Bhaskara Patel and the figure of a subordinate in ‘Ponthanmada’. That man cannot be tied to the framework of any religion or caste. Only those with specific political goals were behind it. The fact that Mammootty is still Muhammad Kutty today is due to the hatred in the minds of those hate mongers. “
He concluded his post, “The secular society of Kerala will not cooperate no matter how much they try to slander a person with a correct political view and sense of acting. Mammootty’s caste and religion are the same as Mammootty’s voice and face seen in Malayalee meals and sleep for fifty years. It is Kerala that needs to wrap Malayalam’s Mammootty away from the poison of hate campaigns. It has no colour of politics, no colour. Mammootty alone is enough.”
The actor added: “Our model is not that, we need to finish the film and release the film to demonstrate its potential before it gains traction on OTT platforms…reports Asian Lite News
Malayalam star Fahadh Faasil, acclaimed for his recent release ‘Aavesham’, has chalked out the line of difference between Malayalam cinema and the rest of Indian cinema.
The actor, renowned for his roles in ‘Kumbalangi Nights’, ‘Maheshinte Prathikaaram’, ‘Malik’, ‘Joji’, and others, highlighted that Malayalam cinema still lacks substantial support from OTT platforms.
In a conversation with the YouTube channel Galatta Plus, Fahadh said: “The trade has grown for Malayalam cinema, but our cinema even now doesn’t have a solid back-up of an online streaming platform. We need to prove our mettle in theatres for any of these things to come in. Unlike the rest of India, where almost 80 per cent of films are sold even before the shoot is started, things are different for us.”
The actor added: “Our model is not that, we need to finish the film and release the film to demonstrate its potential before it gains traction on OTT platforms. This approach has influenced our industry’s cinematic culture, emphasising the importance of crafting compelling stories and producing quality content.”
With its blend of drama, love, and resistance, “Daya Bharati,” directed by K. G. Vijayakumar, promises to offer audiences a unique cinematic experience….reports Asian Lite News
The excitement surrounding the upcoming Malayalam film “Daya Bharati” reached a crescendo as the title poster was revealed to the public.
Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker K.G. Vijayakumar, the unveiling occurred on Director Vinayan’s social media platform, laying the foundation for what is anticipated to become a cinematic masterpiece.
Under the banner of Thamburan International Film and Events, helmed by K. G. Vijayakumar, the movie marks a significant milestone for Thamburan Chitti Funds Private Limited, as it ventures into the realm of filmmaking for the first time. With producers B. Vijayakumar and Charangattu Ashokan at the helm, the project boasts a star-studded cast and crew, including renowned playback singer Hariharan in a leading role.
A notable aspect of the film is its focus on addressing socially relevant themes, set against the backdrop of tribal settlements. The narrative revolves around the challenges faced by two teachers who take a stand against tribal abuse, only to encounter fierce opposition. The arrival of Hariharan’s character in the village sets off a chain of events that form the crux of the storyline.
Led by Niya Sankarathil as ‘Bharati’ and Neha Saxena as ‘Daya,’ the film features a diverse ensemble cast, including National award winner Nanjamma and a multitude of indigenous artists. Shot across picturesque locales in Athirappally, Anakkayam, Thiruvananthapuram, and Attapadi, the movie is currently in post-production and is slated for a theatrical release in March.
With its blend of drama, love, and resistance, “Daya Bharati,” directed by K. G. Vijayakumar, promises to offer audiences a unique cinematic experience. As anticipation builds for its release, the film stands as a testament to Thamburan International Film and Events’ commitment to delivering impactful storytelling on the big screen.
Behind the scenes, the film boasts a talented crew, with cinematography by Melbin and Santosh, and musical compositions by Stilju Arjun, featuring lyrics by Prabha Varma, Jayan Thodupuzha, and Darwin Piravom.
Hariharan, Nanchiamma, Radhika Ashok, Oviatus Augustine, and Haritha V. Kumar IAS lend their voices to the soundtrack of the film. Editing is undertaken by Ratheesh Mohan, with Bipin Boban and Johnson serving as associate editors.
Sebin contributes as an associate, while Sukesh Tanur designs costumes and Shyam Dharman creates the background music. The film is co-directed by Ayyappan, Anil, and Reshma, with Dragon Jirosh overseeing conflict direction and Lalu Thrikkulam handling art direction. George Colan captures stills, Master Sriselvi choreographs, and Irene, Nimmi, and Dhanya handle makeup.
DI is managed by Mahadevan, while Nikhil PV and Shaiju M provide sound effects. Visual effects are executed by Sabreesh Balasubramaniam Live Action Studios, with Priyanka Jayaprakash serving as VFX producer. Production is controlled by Anukuttan Ettumanoor, and sound engineering is overseen by Sergeant Thomas, with Farooq Ahmadali as assistant engineer. Pushpa Chennai manages finance, Anish Varghese serves as finance manager, and Gauri Shankar assists in the office. Suresh Athirapally is the location manager, and the film is shot at Chitranjali Studio, In Studio Mumbai, and Vismay Film City. Vazhur Jose acts as P.R.O., CB Padiyara serves as media executive, and Rojin K Roy manages digital marketing (Movie Tags).
‘Kedaya Antharvahinikalude Yard’ transcends conventional boundaries by constituting a collection of post-modern poems that delve into the multifaceted conflicts experienced by individuals…reports Asian Lite News
Abin M. Devasia’s ‘Kedaya Anthatvahinikalude’ Yard stands as a pioneering work in Malayalam literature, marking the inception of a novel approach that integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) creatively into the realm of poetry. This innovative initiative not only breaks traditional barriers between literature and science but also reflects the omnipresence of AI in shaping various aspects of human life, from thought processes to daily routines. At the same time, this initiative gives us the realization that ultimately it is human beings themselves who are controlling the AI.
We are giving it instructions, and it is acting according to that. This work is an example of how AI can be used in the creative space. It is more like an experiment, after all, using AI-generated illustrations for each of his poem. The intersection of literature and science has historically been confined within distinct disciplinary boundaries. However, in contemporary times, AI has permeated every facet of our existence, influencing our cognition, decision-making, and even our aesthetic sensibilities. This makes us think about how we can use AI rather than it using us.
Devasia’s work, with its utilization of AI-generated illustrations for each poem, signifies a groundbreaking convergence of literature and science. The process involves providing prompts that encapsulate the implied meanings of the poems, thereby guiding the AI in generating illustrations that complement and enhance the literary experience. It is noteworthy that the iterative nature of this creative collaboration ensures that the final output undergoes multiple refinements, highlighting the dynamic interplay between human intent and machine-generated creativity. Today, Prompt Engineering also has many possibilities for people out there who have knowledge in both language and AI. To use AI for poetry, we need to have the ability to convey the meaning of each poem to a non-human entity. Every picture used in this book is the result of multiple attempts at giving prompts.
‘Kedaya Antharvahinikalude Yard’ transcends conventional boundaries by constituting a collection of post-modern poems that delve into the multifaceted conflicts experienced by individuals. Each poem in this work has life engraved in it. It talks about freedom, religion, caste, women, regionality, nationalism, childhood, art, and so on. His way of expression is more connected to his way of life. He takes poetry as a tool to voice against the nuances of society. Each of his poems makes the readers think about the changes happening in their life, society itself. It is more like a political act. This work is an experimental act of exploring how literature and technology can be intertwined without losing its aesthetic sensibility. We should understand the challenges and limitations of making a machine understand human emotions and giving an output according to it.
The illustrations used for each poem are an attempt for this. It paves the way for more people to explore this interdisciplinary approach, not only expanding the horizons of literary expression but also underscoring the transformative potential of integrating AI into the creative process. Devasia’s work can be viewed as a scholarly contribution that challenges established paradigms, offering a nuanced exploration of the symbiotic relationship between literature and AI. By intertwining human agency with technological innovation, ‘Kedaya Antharvahinikalude’ Yard not only expands the canvas of Malayalam poetry but also serves as a significant milestone in the ongoing dialogue between the humanities and emerging technologies.
Set against the nostalgic backdrop of the late eighties, the mystery/romance film is a testament to the fusion of education and artistry….reports Asian Lite News
Excitement abounds in the Malayalam film industry as ‘Riptide’ secures a spot at the 53rd Rotterdam International Film Festival.
Written, directed and edited by Afrad VK, a promising newcomer, the film will be featured in the Bright Future category, known for its groundbreaking and unconventional cinematic endeavours. The festival is scheduled to run from January 25 to February 4, offering a global stage for emerging talent.
‘Riptide’ is not just a film; it’s a collaborative effort by film studies students from MediaOne Academy, where the project took root. Set against the nostalgic backdrop of the late eighties, the mystery/romance film is a testament to the fusion of education and artistry.
The cast includes Swalah Rahman and Faris Hind, both newcomers, adding a fresh and vibrant energy to the screen. Cinematographer Abhijit Suresh brings visual finesse to the project.
Produced by Komal Unawnay under McBrant Productions, with co-production credits to Jomon Jacob and Afrad VK, ‘Riptide’ represents a new wave of Malayalam cinema breaking onto the international scene.
Hamna Shireen and Sahla PT handle production design, while costume design is by Afrad VK and Fathima Dansha. Hashin Muhammed serves as Chief Associate Director, and Siraj Ul Hasan creates the musical backdrop. Jithin Jospeh manages sound design, and Siju Siby is the colourist. Rogin K Roy leads public relations efforts as the project’s PRO.
The Rotterdam Film Festival, known for championing experimental and independent films, has previously featured Malayalam gems like ‘Family’ by Don Palathara and ‘Malik’ by Mahesh Narayanan. ‘Riptide’ follows in these footsteps, promising to captivate global audiences with its unique narrative.
Notably, the festival has also honoured Indian films with the Tiger Award for Best Film, a recognition earned by the likes of ‘Koozhangal’ by PS Vinodraj and ‘Sexy Durga’ by Sanal Kumar Sashidharan.
As ‘Riptide’ prepares to make its mark in Rotterdam, it symbolizes a significant milestone for Malayalam cinema, showcasing the industry’s potential on the world stage. The global audience eagerly anticipates the film’s screening, recognizing it as a beacon of innovation and storytelling excellence. ‘Riptide’ is poised to ride the cinematic wave at the Rotterdam International Film Festival, representing the best in contemporary Malayalam filmmaking.
After the hits ‘Adventures of Omanakuttan’ and ‘Iblis,’ ‘Tiki Taka’ brings back the dynamic duo Asif Ali and Rohit VS…reports Asian Lite News
Fans are raving about Asif Ali’s latest transformation, with the picture released on his social media sparking lively discussions across the digital realm.
Get ready for a cinematic treat as Asif Ali unveils a fresh look in the highly-anticipated film ‘Tiki Taka,’ directed by Rohit VS, following the success of ‘Kala.’
The title poster of this mega-budget film is already creating waves on social media, giving a sneak peek into Asif Ali’s most significant cinematic venture to date.
Following the success of ‘Adventures of Omanakuttan’ and ‘Iblis,’ ‘Tiki Taka’ marks the reunion of Asif Ali and Rohit VS. The star-studded cast includes Harishree Ashokan, Lukman Avaran, Wamiqa Gabbi, Naslen, Sanjana Nataraj, and Santhosh Prathap, adding to the excitement.
Produced by Juvis Productions under the Adventures Company banner and jointly helmed by Siju Mathew and Navis Xavier, this film is currently in the midst of an 80-day shoot spanning diverse locations in and out of Kerala, with Kochi serving as the present hotspot. The project is being expertly managed by PRO Rojin K. Roy.
With Asif Ali’s charm and Rohit VS’s creative touch, ‘Tiki Taka’ is set to be a blockbuster. Keep an eye out for more updates—it’s going to be one thrilling ride!
Coming in December, the film cleverly combines humor with the serious issue of oxygen shortage, reflecting the heightened demand for oxygen cylinders during the global COVID-19 pandemic…reports Asian Lite News
Following the success of their acclaimed film “Appan,” Pauly Valsan, Anil K Sivaram, and Joseph Chilamban are back with a breath of fresh air—literally! The trailer for their latest project, “Achuthante Avasana Shwasam,” has just been released, and it’s making waves.
Actor Sunny Wayne shared the much-anticipated trailer on his social media, sparking excitement among film enthusiasts. This venture, written and directed by debutant Ajay, stands out as the first Malayalam film to dive into the eco-comedy genre.
Ajay shares that the film is a creative attempt to shed light on the global issue of air pollution. Set in an era where air quality is a pressing concern, ” Achuthante Avasana Shwasam” narrates the story of Achuthan, a character dependent on an oxygen cylinder for survival. Leading the cast is Joseph Chilampan, renowned for his roles in films like “Maryam,” “Chattambi,” “Sajan Bakery,” and “Appan.”
Scheduled to hit theatres in December, the film cleverly intertwines humour with the serious issue of oxygen shortage, drawing parallels to the increased demand for oxygen cylinders during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The narrative is set to unveil the comical consequences of this shortage on Achuthan’s life.
In addition to Chilampan, the film features promising newcomers Kiran, Devraj, Madanakumar, Simon Tannayar, and Sarath in crucial roles. Produced by Leenu Marie Antony under the banners of LMA Film Productions, Presto Movies, and Perfect Picture Studios, ” Achuthante Avasana Shwasam” has Sabu Presto and Tarun Kumar Bafna as co-producers.
The creative team behind the scenes includes DOP Tarun Sudhakaran, Music & BGM by Milan John, Editing by Ashwin Neruvambaram, Art by Majinu PK, Makeup by Subin Kattapana, Lyrics by Sabu Presto, Malayalam Music by Akhil Raj, Sound Design by Ramesh, and much more.
With its unique blend of comedy, social commentary, and stellar performances, ” Achuthante Avasana Shwasam ” is poised to breathe new life into Malayalam cinema. As the first of its kind, this film promises to leave audiences both entertained and enlightened. Get ready to catch your breath in theatres this December!
Citing Paatal Lok and Delhi Crime as the main inspiration for coming up with this dark thriller, Ashiq Aimar is sure to stir up an exciting watching experience never ever seen on the Malayalam screen…reports Asian Lite News
Come June 23 2023 and the long wait for Kerala’s first thriller web series would be answered with the release of ‘Kerala Crime Files’ streaming on Disney+Hotstar.
Written by Ashiq Aimar and directed by Ahammed Khabeer, the trailer of the web series has been the talk of town and the buzz of excitement in the air has been on the surge.
With the modern Malayali audience who are well acquainted with binge watching web series and movies on platforms like Disney+Hotstar, Netflix and Amazon Prime, the announcement of this project comes with high expectations.
In an interview with the New Indian express, Ashiq Aimar narrates the pressure to deliver a quality screen experience with an equally important script that would keep the audience hooked to their seats and be mind-blowing simultaneously.
When asked about the choice of casting for the project, he says that it was a deliberate attempt to drop the big names in order to ‘avoid the predictability factor’. “Normally, when a big star is playing the investigator, people immediately assume they’ll easily catch the killer. But when you cast someone who doesn’t have the burden of a superstar persona, you get to make them look like ordinary human beings”, The New Indian Express quoted Ashiq Aimar as saying.
“When you cast someone who doesn’t have the burden of a superstar persona, you get to make them look like ordinary human beings”– Ashiq Aimar
This was a prerequisite for roles of the police officers who would appear as ordinary human beings who were bound to err in their line of duty, without which they would not do justice to the expertly crafted characters. By choosing many people’s favourites, the casting is crucial as their performance would add layers to complexity of the series.
Speaking of the format of episodic narration, he finds it quite liberating, for the space of an episode could crafted with more detailing, leading to a sound building up of the escalating suspense and intensity of unpredictable twists.
With 6 episodes running 30 minutes each, the story follows the investigation carried out by Aju Varghese and Lal in the lead roles following the murder of a prostitute along with probing into ‘the lives of the cops, their struggles, and problems in the police system and bureaucracy’.
Citing Paatal Lok and Delhi Crime as the main inspiration for coming up with this dark thriller, he is sure to stir up an exciting watching experience never ever seen on the Malayalam screen.
The trailer of this venture oozes with a gripping, dark, gore plot and promises the audience nothing short of a classic, masterpiece in the genre of a crime investigation thriller.
‘Tiki Taka’ will be one of Asif Ali’s biggest endeavour to date….reports Asian Lite News
The upcoming film Tiki Taka, featuring Malayalam actor Asif Ali, has movie fans on the edge of their seats with great excitement.
The film’s first look motion poster is now trending on social media and has already enthralled the movie buffs across the country.
The project has already grabbed attention from every corner as the distribution of rights of movie are going to be bagged by a Bollywood giant for a whopping amount.
Something huge is brewing! ⚡#TikiTaka directed by Rohith VS starring Asif Ali is getting bigger as its distribution rights are going to be bagged by a famous distribution company from Bollywood for a whopping amount. #JuvisProductions#RohithVS#AsifAlipic.twitter.com/v1BiXMMDQV
The movie, which will likely be released this year, is directed by Rohit VS, who is best known for his previous movie, “Kala,” which starred Tovino Thomas. Billed as an action drama, was produced by Siju Mathew and Navis Xavier.
According to sources, the movie will be one of Asif Ali’s biggest endeavour to date.
The movie also brings Asif Ali and Rohit back together after Adventures of Omanakuttan and Iblis. Harisree Asokan, Lukman Avaran, Wamiqa Gabbi, Nasleen, Sanjana Nataraj and Santhosh Pratap are also acting in the film.
Along with them, many prominent actors from Malayalam and Tamil are lining up in the film.
Apart from Asif Ali, a big star from Mollywood is also ropped in for the film. Also stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Nazlin, Hairsree Ashokan, Lukman, Sanjana Natrajan.
