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.”
One after the other, megastar Mammootty is not looking to stop any time soon. After the massive success of his films ‘Kannur Squad’, and the ongoing spree of success that ‘Kathaal – The Core’ is enjoying, his movie ‘Turbo’ has unveiled a gritty, blazing first look.
The poster was released by the makers on Sunday as they wrote: “Make way for Turbo Jose. Presenting the First Look Poster of @’Turbo’TheFilm Directed by Vysakh, Written by Midhun Manuel Thomas & Produced by @MKampanyOffl”
A rather raw and gritty looking film, and very much rustic in tone, ‘Turbo’ sees the megastar basically wearing very standard clothing, donning little more than a black shirt, and a mundu (a standard dhoti worn in South states, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala), while sporting a very short haircut and beard.
Stepping out of a black jeep amidst a bleak and hazy background, it really is unknown what to make of what the actor really is in the film.
Before this, the actor had revealed that the shooting for the film had already begun back on November 7 revealing a small glimpse of the shooting process.
Much like ‘Kannur Squad’, there are entire sets being designed from scratch and made with excruciating detail. Directed by Vyaskh, ‘Turbo’ marks Mammootty’s third collaboration with the director after previously working together on the films ‘Pokkiri Raja’ and ‘Madhura Raja’.
Also produced by the actor, the script for ‘Turbo’ is written by Midhun Manuel Thomas.
In addition, apart from ‘Turbo’, the actor will also be seen in the film ‘Bramayugam’ with both films hitting theatres sometime in 2024.
The film is slated to hit theaters on November 23, showcasing Mammootty’s relentless commitment to delivering diverse and compelling narratives…reports Asian Lite News
Mammootty, the unstoppable Malayalam megastar, continues his prolific streak with the upcoming release of ‘Kathaal – The Core.’ Following the massive success of ‘Kannur Squad,’ the teaser for Mammootty’s latest venture offers a glimpse into what promises to be a poignant emotional drama.
Narrated by the talented actress Jyotika, the teaser introduces Mammootty’s character, a man distanced from his family and eventually estranged from them, leading to a bitter feud that shatters the once-happy household. ‘Kathaal’ exemplifies the experimental nature typical of Malayalam cinema, renowned for its unconventional storytelling.
Directed by Jeo Baby and written by Paulson Skaria and Adarsh Sukumuran, the teaser sets a haunting and somber tone, not in the fashion of a horror film but due to its raw, down-to-earth, and grounded portrayal. The film is slated to hit theaters on November 23, showcasing Mammootty’s relentless commitment to delivering diverse and compelling narratives.
‘Kaathal – The Core’ unfolds as a mellow and grounded legal-family drama, portraying Mammootty’s character, Mathew, as a serious and reserved individual. The storyline, while not entirely clear, hints at a family in disarray, with Mathew’s wife, played by Jyotika, focusing on her own concerns after more than two decades of marriage.
The trailer suggests a minimalist and rooted approach, with a prominent focus on Mathew’s legal battle involving charges of ‘cruelty’ and hints of a political dimension. The family drama unfolds against a backdrop of perpetual rain, emphasizing the dark and lonely atmosphere permeating the film.
Mammootty’s son in the film faces challenges, contributing to an ominously morose ambiance throughout the trailer. The score by Mathews Pulickan stands out, punctuating the atmosphere with its evocative impact.
As ‘Kaathal – The Core’ gears up for its theatrical release on November 23, audiences can anticipate another compelling performance from the ever-dynamic Mammootty in this thought-provoking exploration of family, loneliness, and societal complexities.
A film’s success is not based on reviews and the best is allow the reviews and the cinema go their own way,” said Mammootty…reports Asian Lite News
A films’ success is not based on reviews and hence, the best bet is allow the two aspects go their own way, superstar Mammootty said here on Monday.
He was reacting to the present impasse in the film industry over reviewing of Malayalam films.
“A film’s success is not based on reviews and the best is allow the reviews and the cinema go their own way,” said Mammootty.
The superstar was interacting with the media ahead of the release of his upcoming film ‘Kaathal’.
“The film-goers watch a film of their choice without being influenced,” he said, adding that film “review” is different from “roasting”.
His statement comes a few weeks after the Kerala High Court directed the state police chief to have a closer look at the vested interests playing truant especially in the social media when new films are released and the Ernakulam Central Police last month registered the first case on this and charged nine persons.
Those charged include social media giants Face book, You Tube and seven others and the police has begun its probe into this.
The Ernakulam Central Police registered the FIR based on a complaint by film director Ubaini Ebrahim after he found that the social media was flooded with negative reviews of his recently released Malayalam film ‘Rahel Makan Kora’.
Incidentally, the High Court in October acting on a petition filed by Mubeen Rauf, the director of the film ‘Aromalinte Adyathe Pranayam’ said that he believed his film got a negative impact due to the alleged foul play by vloggers and sought action.
Mammotty’s son in the film himself is also facing a lot of problems, and there is just an ominously morose sense that is present throughout the trailer. Everybody is alone, and it is just hauntingly lonely…reports Asian Lite News
Megastar Mammootty is taking no time to stop as he’s dishing out one film after another. A somber, and haunting film, the actor’s feature ‘Kaathal – The Core’ is a very mellow and grounded legal-family drama.
What the story is about is not entirely clear, though Mammotty’s character, Mathew is a very serious kind of person who doesn’t talk much to anybody, even with his own wife (played by Jyotika) after being married to her for more than 20 years.
There is some hassle going on and Mathew’s entire family has drifted apart, as his wife Onam is focusing on her matters. There is a very bleak atmosphere throughout the whole trailer with very minimal dialogue, indicating a far more rooted and minimalist approach to the whole thing.
Fighting a case pertaining to charges related to ‘cruelty’, there is also some kind of political angle to the whole thing but at this time it is unclear. Then comes the part of the family drama, where things are even darker. It is raining most of the time and when it isn’t, it’s as if the sun itself does not shine its brightest at all.
Mammotty’s son in the film himself is also facing a lot of problems, and there is just an ominously morose sense that is present throughout the trailer. Everybody is alone, and it is just hauntingly lonely.
The score of Mathews Pulickan may perhaps be the best part about the whole trailer as it really drives in, or rather punches in the atmosphere.
Directed by Jeo Baby, the film is written by Paulson Skaria and Adarsh Sukumuran.
‘Kaathal – The Core’ will hit the theatres on November 23.
The stunt that Mammootty was performing in his car basically was a speeding U-turn and then stopping at the exact moment…reports Asian Lite News
After the massive success of his previous film ‘Kannur Sqaud’, Malayalam megastar Mammootty has begun shooting for his next project ‘Turbo’.
On his official YouTube channel, the actor posted a 48 second clip which marked the commencement of the film’s shooting.
In the short video, the process of action direction and set design was detailed as it showcased the car stunt which the actor pulled off in his black landcruiser.
In addition, an entire set was designed outside to make it look like a small urban cityscape as well as a village.
Meeting up with the cast and crew, the small video was primarily focused on the car stunt of the film as ‘Turbo’ will apparently involve a lot of car stunts.
However, the actor was performing the stunt on his own which was simple enough but hard to time.
The stunt that Mammootty was performing in his car basically was a speeding U-turn and then stopping at the exact moment.
This is incredibly hard to pull off as massive speed doesn’t allow the driver to timely turn their vehicle around, so Mammootty pulling it off was nothing short of one marvelous feat.
The stunt work was performed only during the night on a dimly lit street and was rehearsed several times. In addition, there were small glimpses of props and some other choreography though all in all, the video was all hush-hush on the details.
Directed by Vyaskh, ‘Turbo’ marks Mammootty’s third collaboration with the director after previously working together on the films ‘Pokkiri Raja’ and ‘Madhura Raja’.
Also produced by the actor, the script for ‘Turbo’ is written by Midhun Manuel Thomas.
Social media is awash with heartfelt birthday wishes for the beloved ‘Mammukka,’ the endearing moniker cherished by all. Well-wishers from various walks of life, including politicians, fellow actors, and members of the film industry, have flooded social media platforms with their greetings…reports Asian Lite News
Described by many as an ‘ageless wonder’, Malayalam superstar Mammootty celebrated his 72nd birthday on Thursday.
Even after five decades of donning the grease paint, Mammootty — who has now settled in his home district of Ernakulam — is busy as ever before.
An impressive acting resume of the Malayalam film industry’s first superstar, Mammootty has received three national awards, eight Kerala state awards, a Padma award and numerous others. He has acted in more than 450 films in Malayalam, Tamil, Telegu, Hindi and English.
Starting his career in 1971, he rose slowly and steadily to the top and continues to remain there even after several decades and on an average does four to five movies a year.
Hence he is always a director’s delight, as in the present day, when films bomb at the box office, it’s a rarity, when Mammootty is on the centre stage.
With the passing of time, Mammootty’s behaviour has been known to all and is an accepted fact that he is a bit impulsive and if this was his disadvantage in the past, it has now become his advantage.
But a source close to him who has known the actor for several decades, said that in the post-Covid era, Mammootty is one of the the most likeable persons in the film industry and all the airs that he carried in the past have disappeared and that’s probably because he is the most popular Keralite and will continue to do so.
Social media is awash with heartfelt birthday wishes for the beloved ‘Mammukka,’ the endearing moniker cherished by all. Well-wishers from various walks of life, including politicians, fellow actors, and members of the film industry, have flooded social media platforms with their greetings.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan extended his warm wishes to the megastar on Facebook and the social media platform X. Meanwhile, V D Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, also conveyed his birthday greetings to Mammootty on X. He praised the actor as a paragon of excellence, both in his craft and as a human being, emphasizing his role as a source of pride for Indian cinema. Satheesan’s message read, “He is an actor par excellence, a very fine human being, and the pride of Indian cinema. Birthday greetings to @mammukka #HBDMammootty.”
Sinister avatar in ‘Bramayugam’ poster unveiled
On this special occasion, the creators of ‘Bramayugam’ have unveiled a captivating poster that offers a tantalizing glimpse into the film’s enigmatic world.
In this extraordinary poster for ‘Bramayugam,’ Mammootty steps into an eerie and malevolent persona. The portrayal showcases him bare-chested, hair slicked back, adorned with a beaded necklace, sporting a neatly trimmed beard, and bearing discolored teeth while wearing a devilish grin. His appearance exudes an unsettling atmosphere of darkness and malevolence, hinting at a character deeply steeped in cunning and wickedness.
This visually arresting poster captures Mammootty’s transformation into a character that embodies the essence of a devilish or malevolent force. It introduces a layer of intrigue and mystery to the film’s narrative, leaving audiences curious and eager to unravel the secrets concealed within ‘Bramayugam.’
Mammootty’s portrayal promises an intense and captivating performance that will undoubtedly add depth to the film’s storyline, making ‘Bramayugam’ a highly anticipated cinematic experience.
‘Guns & Gulaabs’ is a captivating series set in the early ’90s within the enigmatic town of Gulaabganj. A tribute to the Bollywood era of the nineties, the series encapsulates the essence of that decade…reports Asian Lite News
Dulquer Salmaan, known for his remarkable performances in numerous successful films, has openly acknowledged his father, the iconic star Mammootty, as his primary inspiration in the industry. Despite this, he firmly expressed his stance against remaking any of his father’s cinematic masterpieces.
Dulquer’s journey began as a business manager at a Dubai construction firm. However, his passion for the world of cinema and acting ultimately prompted him to leave his corporate role and follow in the footsteps of his father.
During a live session on the creator-driven platform Roposo, Dulquer candidly shared that his father, Mammootty, serves as his most significant source of inspiration within the film industry. He highlighted how his father supported his transition from business management to acting.
When questioned about the possibility of acting in a remake of one of his father’s movies—a common trend in the current entertainment landscape—Dulquer surprised many by firmly asserting his stance against it. He emphasized his belief in preserving the sanctity of classics, asserting that both music and movies should remain untouched by the remake trend.
Dulquer also delved into various aspects of his career and personal life during the Roposo session. He discussed his upcoming series ‘Guns & Gulaabs’, recounted a fan-boy moment involving Deepika Padukone, and shared insights into his Valentine’s Day celebrations with his wife, daughter, and mother.
‘Guns & Gulaabs’ is a captivating series set in the early ’90s within the enigmatic town of Gulaabganj. A tribute to the Bollywood era of the nineties, the series encapsulates the essence of that decade.
Additionally, Dulquer is set to grace screens in Raj & DK’s ‘Guns & Gulaabs’. The series is characterized by comedic power struggles and revenge plots, blending genres as it follows a love-struck mechanic, a hesitant heir to a ruling gang, and an upright officer-turned-agent-of-chaos. Its premiere is scheduled for August 18 on Netflix.
Dulquer’s upcoming ventures also include the action-thriller ‘King of Kotha’, marking the directorial debut of Abhilash Joshiy. The film features an ensemble cast, including Shabeer Kallarakkal, Prasanna, Gokul Suresh, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Nyla Usha, Chemban Vinod Jose, Shammi Thilakan, Saran, and Anikha Surendran.
Lijo Jose Pellissery’s film, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, emerged as the victor, securing the esteemed Best Film award out of a staggering selection of 154 films…reports Asian Lite News
The announcement of the 53rd Kerala State Film Awards revealed that out of 154 submissions, thirty films were chosen as nominees. Mammootty was honored with the Best Actor award for his exceptional portrayal in ‘Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam,’ while Vincy Aloshious was recognized as the Best Actress for her remarkable performance in ‘Rekha.’ Additionally, Kunchacko Boban was given a Special Jury mention for his outstanding acting in ‘Nna Than Case Kodu.’
Saji Cheriyan, the Minister for Cultural Affairs, announced the winners of the 53rd Kerala State Film Awards at the PR Chamber Secretariat. A total of 154 films were submitted for consideration, and after a rigorous 33-day screening process, 30 films made it to the final round. The esteemed jury, led by Goutam Ghose, carefully watched and evaluated each film before making their decisions.
Lijo Jose Pellissery’s film, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, emerged as the victor, securing the esteemed Best Film award out of a staggering selection of 154 films. In a close race, Mammootty was honored with the Best Actor accolade for his performance in Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, while Vincy Aloshious was bestowed with the prestigious title of Best Actress for her role in Rekha. The talented Mahesh Narayanan was recognized as the Best Director for his exceptional work on the film Ariyippu.
Kamal KM won the Best Writer award for the film Pada, Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval won the Best Screenplay (Original) award for the film Nna Thaan Case Kodu, and Rajesh Pinnadan received the Best Screenplay (Adaptation) award for the film Oru Thekkan Thallu Case.
Minister Saji Cherian announced that out of 154 films submitted, 49 made it to the final round for consideration. He also highlighted that 19 first-time filmmakers submitted their works, indicating progress in the industry.
In attendance at the event were Ranjith, Chairman of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, and Premkumar, Vice-Chairman. Ranjith expressed that Goutam Ghose, the jury chairman, commended the film industry for its diverse range of films produced in 2022.
Awards & Winners
Best Film- Nna Than Case Kodu Best Director- Mahesh Narayanan (Notification) Best Actor – Mammootty (Nna Thaan Case Kodu) Best Actress- Vincy Aloshious (Rekha) Character Actor- P P Kunhikrishnan (Nna Than Case Kodu) Character Actress- Devi Verma (Saudi Vellakka) Acting (Special Jury Mention) – Kunchacko Boban (Nna Than Case Kodu), Alencier (Appan)
Female and Transgender Award – Shruti Sharanyam (Movie B 32 to 44) Best VFX- Anish T, Sumesh Gopal (Vazhakku) Children’s film- Pallotti: Nineties Kids. Produced by Sajid Yahia, directed by Jithin Raj Debut Director- Ela veezha poonchira (Shahi Kabir) Popularity and Artistic Excellence -Nna Thaan Case Kodu (Directed by Ratheesh Balakrishnan Phuduwal) Choreography-Shoby Paul Raj (Thallumala) Dubbing Artist (Female)- Pauly Valsan (Saudi Vellakka) Dubbing Artist (Male)- Shobi Thilakan (Pathonpatham Noottandu) Costume Design – Manjusha Radhakrishnan (Saudi Vellakka) Best Makeup – Ronax Xavier (Bhishma Parvam) Sound Design – Ajayan Adat (Ela veezha poonchira) Sound Mixing – Vipin Nair (Nna Thaan Case Kodu) Sync Sound-Vaisakh VV (Ariyippu) Art Direction-Jyotish Shankar (Nna Thaan Case Kodu) Editing – Nishad Yusuf (Tallumala) Backing Singer Female- Mridula Warrier (Mailpeeli ilakunnu Kanna, Pathonpatham Noottandu) Playback Singer Male- Kapil Kapilan (Kanave, Pallotti Nineties Kids) Background Music – Don Vincent (Nna Thaan Case Kodu) Best Music Direction-M Jayachandran (Pathonpatham Noottandu, Ayisha) Best Lyricist- Rafeeq Ahmed (‘Thiramalayanu nee…’ ‘Viddikalude masshu’) Best Screenplay Writer- Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval (Nna Thaan Case Kodu) Best Cinematography- Manesh Madhavan (Ela veezha poonchira) and Chandru Selvaraj (Vazhakku) Best Story Writer- Kamal KM (Pada) Best Child Actress (Female) – Tanmaya Sol (Vazhakku) Best Child Actor (Male) – Master Da Vinci (Pallotti 90’s Kids)
