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Kanguva editor Nishad Yusuf diest at 43 ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Editor Nishad Yusuf, who had recently worked on the much-awaited Suriya starrer fantasy-action film Kanguva, was found dead in his Kochi home in the early hours of Wednesday (October 30). He was 43 years of age. According to a news report in India Today, some Malayalam reports state that his body was found in his house in Panampilly Nagar, Kochi, at 2 am. The police investigations have begun, and till now, no statement has been released by the authorities on the cause of death.

The Kanguva editor’s death was confirmed by The Film Employees Federation Of Kerala (Fefka) Director’s Union on their Facebook page. Sharing a picture of Nishad Yusuf, the federation’s statement said, “The unexpected demise of Nishadh Yusuf, film editor, who played a major role in determining the contemporary future of the changing Malayalam cinema is not something the...

Indian streamer SonyLIV has unveiled a slate of more than 20 new and returning shows for 2024 and is expanding its content focus.

2023 saw several hits bow on the service including “Scam 2003,” “Chamak,” Agatha Christie adaptation “Charlie Chopra & The Mystery Of Solang Valley” and “Fauda” remake “Tanaav,” which has been renewed for a second season, besides Season 2 of Emmy-nominated series “Rocket Boys.”

2024 will see shows in the Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, Punjabi and Marathi languages, in addition to Hindi. “We wanted to go with a very robust multi-language content lineup,” Danish Khan, executive VP and business head, SonyLIV and StudioNext at Sony Pictures Networks India, told Variety.

The Hindi-language lineup includes renowned filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya (“Uunchai”) making his streaming debut with “Badaa Naam Karenge,” a family drama that is due to premiere during the Diwali holiday frame in November. “That’s a big one for us,” Khan says. Sudhir Mishra directs...

Disney+ Hotstar, the leading streaming platform in India, is all set to launch its second Malayalam web series after the success of Kerala Crime Files. The new web series, titled Pharma, will feature Nivin Pauly, Sruthi Ramachandran, Rajit Kapur, Veena Nandakumar, and Narain in pivotal roles.

The series is directed by PR Arun, who helmed the critically acclaimed film Finals, and produced by Krishnan Sethukumar, who has backed films like Unda, Ivide, and James And Alice.

Ferrari Furst Look

According to reports, The series promises to be a potent mix of drama, suspense, and action that will keep the viewers hooked till the end. The series also boasts of a talented technical crew that includes cinematographer Abhinandan Ramanujam, music composer Jakes Bejoy, and editor Sreejith Sarang.

Pharma will be released on Disney+ Hotstar as part of its Hotstar Specials banner. The release date and trailer of the series are yet to be announced.

Nivin Pauly will be seen in the web series ‘Pharma’, which marks the actor’s very first long format web series. Nivin said: “Really excited to be a part of Pharma and with the universe it creates. I think it’s a story that must be told and shared.” Rajit Kapur, a celebrated name in Bollywood, will also grace the screen, marking his return to Malayalam entertainment after a decade.

Rajit Kapur added, “Excited to join ‘Pharma’, marking 25 years since my role in ‘Agnisakshi’. Eager to work with P R Arun and Kerala’s talented team. Trusting the well-prepared producers and their thorough research.”

While the director, PR Arun, said “Inspired by hundreds of True stories, Pharma is a story close to my life and heart.”

Directed by the dynamic PR Arun, the man behind the feature film ‘Finals’, the series promises a potent mix of drama and depth. It’s produced by Krishnan Sethukumar,...

Nivin Pauly will be seen in the web series ‘Pharma’, which marks the actor’s very first long format web series. Nivin said: “Really excited to be a part of Pharma and with the universe it creates. I think it’s a story that must be told and shared.” Rajit Kapur, a celebrated name in Bollywood, will also grace the screen, marking his return to Malayalam entertainment after a decade.

Rajit Kapur added, “Excited to join ‘Pharma’, marking 25 years since my role in ‘Agnisakshi’. Eager to work with P R Arun and Kerala’s talented team. Trusting the well-prepared producers and their thorough research.”

While the director, PR Arun, said “Inspired by hundreds of True stories, Pharma is a story close to my life and heart.”

Directed by the dynamic PR Arun, the man behind the feature film ‘Finals’, the series promises a potent mix of drama and depth. It’s produced by Krishnan Sethukumar,...

Ashiq Usman Production No. 17 is an upcoming Malayalam movie directed by Austin Dan, who is also an actor known for his roles in movies like Kumbalangi Nights and Jallikattu. The movie is written by Nishad Yusuf, who is the editor of the popular online magazine Thallumaala and the co-writer of the critically acclaimed movie Unda. The cinematography is done by Jimshi Khalid, who has worked on movies like Kappela.

Ashiq Usman Production No. 17 is the 17th production venture of Ashiq Usman, who is one of the most successful producers in Malayalam cinema. He has produced movies like Love and Thallumaala. He is also the co-producer of the upcoming movie Kurup, starring Dulquer Salmaan.

The movie is expected to release in 2024 and will be distributed by Ashiq Usman Productions. The movie will be shot in various locations across Kerala and will have music composed by a renowned musician. The movie is...

Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, who is known for his versatile roles in films like Anarkali, Ennu Ninte Moideen, and Lucifer, has reportedly confirmed his next project with director Khalid Rahman. Rahman, who made his debut with the critically acclaimed Anuraga Karikkin Vellam, has also directed films like Unda, Love, and Thallumaala.

Empuraan Trailer

According to sources, Prithviraj liked the story narrated by Rahman and agreed to be part of the film. The project is said to be in the initial stages of pre-production and is expected to start rolling from December 2023. The official announcement of the film is likely to be made on October 16, which happens to be Prithviraj’s birthday.

Thallumaala Trailer

The genre and other details of the film are yet to be revealed, but it is expected to be a different and exciting venture from the duo. Prithviraj is currently busy with the shooting of his second directorial Bro Daddy,...

Mammootty, the megastar of Malayalam cinema, has two exciting projects lined up for his fans. One is Kannur Squad, a cop thriller directed by Roby Varghese Raj, and the other is Abraham Ozler, a medical thriller starring Jayaram in the lead role. Both the movies are expected to release soon and have generated a lot of buzz among the audience.

Kannur Squad is Mammootty’s fourth production venture under his banner Mammootty Kampany. The movie is written by Muhammad Shafi and Rony David Raj, and has music by Sushin Shyam. The movie revolves around a squad of police officers who specialize in catching culprits. Mammootty plays an Asi in the movie, and his first look poster was released on February 26, 20231. The movie also features actors like Arjun Ashokan, Jagadheesh, Dileesh Pothan, Anaswara Rajan, and Senthil Krishna in significant roles. The movie is touted to be the first game thriller in...

Indian streamer SonyLIV has revealed a robust 35-strong series slate, including some returning hits, with a further expansion into South Indian languages in addition to its Hindi-language slate.

Headquartered in Mumbai, the streamer now has three content offices in South India, in Kochi, Hyderabad and Chennai. SonyLIV also now has 24 million paid subscribers, SonyLIV head of content Saugata Mukherjee told Variety.

In the Tamil language, after the success of “Tamil Rockerz” in 2022 and “The Story of Things” earlier this year, SonyLIV has saga “Journey,” headlined by R. Sarathkumar with Cheran Pandian (“Autograph”) serving as showrunner; and “The Madras Murder,” set against the backdrop of the Tamil film industry in the 1950s and 1960s, with A.L. Vijay (“Kireedam”) as showrunner.

The streamer’s push into the Telugu language continues with a raft of commissions. These include detective show “Brinda,” starring Trisha Krishnan (“Ponniyin Selvan: 1”), directed by debutant Surya Manoj Vangala; and “Kanyasulkam,...

ReviewThallumala, obviously, is not everyone’s cup of tea. You can either enjoy it or not, or else understand that this is something appreciable and just not your kind of thing.CrisThey know how to name a film, the folks who gave the title Thallumala to the new Tovino Thomas movie. There is thallu – meaning fighting – in the beginning, thallu in the end, and thallu in the middle. Enemies are made by thallu. Friends are made by thallu! Stories are told through thallu. And whatever little time is left between each thallu – precious few minutes if you count – is so loud and colourful you might be lost in a Marvel comic book. Khalid Rahman – the same man who made films like Unda and Love – has left absolutely no trace of him in his new venture, and quite smoothly manages to pull it off. No hiccups, no stone unturned (literally). It...

MollywoodThe film has not only achieved box office success but also critical acclaim — a combination that has often evaded Mammootty in recent times.Sowmya RajendranAmal Neerad’s Bheeshma Parvam, starring Mammootty in the lead, has taken the box office by storm. The Malayalam film, which is a tribute to The Godfather and is also inspired by the Mahabharata, has seen a phenomenal response from the audience and critics alike. For Mammootty, the film comes as a shot in the arm. It has not only achieved box office success but also critical acclaim — a combination that has often evaded him in recent times. In the film, Mammootty plays Michael, a fair-minded don who is also the patriarch of a large family. With several stars such as Nadiya, Soubin, Sreenath Bhasi, Shine Tom Chacko, Srindaa, Lena and others in the cast, the film takes an oft-repeated tale and turns it into an engaging narrative about crime,...

AwardsThe ninth edition of the Siima Awards ceremony will be held on September 18 and 19 in Hyderabad, and will include nominations for both 2019 and 2020. Tnm Staffhttps://siima.in/The nominees for the South Indian International Movie Awards (Siima) 2019 and 2020 have been announced under various categories for all four south Indian languages— Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. The ninth edition of this award ceremony will be held on September 18 and 19 in Hyderabad. The 2020 ceremony was cancelled due to the pandemic, and the awards for 2019 and 2020 will be held in September. Under the category of Best Film for 2019, Ajith and Nayanathara’s Viswasam, Mammootty’s Peranbu, Dhanush and Manju Warrier starrer Asuran, Karthi’s Kaithi and Sivakarthikeyan’s Namma Veettu Pillai are the nominees. In Telugu, Mahesh Babu’s Maharshi, Nani’s sports drama Jersey, Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Akkineni’s Majili, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy and F2, which featured an ensemble cast of actors.

Interview“I had no godfathers and there was pressure from home to go to the Gulf," recalls Lukman.Neelima MenonScreengrab/VCinemasInternationalPC Biju Kumar is part of the nine-man police unit from Kerala, led by Sub-Inspector Manikandan Cp, assigned election duty in the Maoist ridden state of Chhattisgarh. The soft-spoken Biju, a favourite of his superior, is also at the receiving end of his colleague's casteist barbs. He is constantly reminded of his tribal identity and talked down upon. And then one fine day, he decides to stand up for himself and stitches together a poignant speech in front of his colleagues, expressing in no uncertain terms the instances when he was humiliated and how he felt he deserved to be treated as a human being. It is one of the most memorable scenes in Unda, bringing attention to the actor who performed it with such subtlety. Lukman Lukku is easily...

After grabbing attention for its interesting award nominations and winners’ list last year, Critics’Choice Film Awards are back again with even more intriguing nominations spread across eight Indian languages.

While the first edition of Critics’ Choice Film Awards witnessed Best Film category for varied languages, for the second season the makers have upped the ante by introducing Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Film as well as Best Writing across Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, Malayalam, Gujarati and Kannada.

Offering a surprising twist to the usual nomination lists as usual, this year there are surprises with Best Actor nominations including names like Manoj Bajpayee for SonChiriya and Gulshan Devaiah for Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, Geetika Vidya Ohlyan for Soni, and Hamid bagging a nomination for Best Writing. Critics’ Choice Film Awards holds its ground to honour cinematic brilliance irrespective of the mass appeal of the films.

Film...

MollywoodThis is Khalid’s next film after the critically acclaimed ‘Unda’ in which Mammootty played the lead. Digital NativeDetails about director Khalid Rahman’s next are out. He has roped in Tovino Thomas and Sharafudheen to play the lead roles in the film, according to a report by the Times of India. Muhsin Parari is penning this film in association with Ashraf Hamza. The technical crew for this flick will comprise Jamshi Khalid for cinematography, Rex Vijayan and Shahabaz Aman for composing the soundtrack and Sushin Shyam for the background score, Noufal Abdullah for editing, Vishnu Govind-Sree Sankar for sound designing, Ronex Xavier for make-up, Mashar Hamsa for costume designing, Gokul Das for art direction and Badusha as project designer. This untitled film will be bankrolled by Aashiq Usman under his banner. Khalid Rahman’s last directorial was Unda, an action-comedy that was bankrolled by Moviee Mill's Krishnan Sethukumar and Gemini Studios.

MollywoodAt the start of the millennium, Malayalam cinema had reached the nadir of mediocrity, with directors and filmmakers pandering to the superstar cult. Omkar PoojariIn a career spanning over four decades and 400 films, Mammootty – one half of the big two Ms of Mollywood – has donned the khaki on the silver screen several times. But his latest cop avatar as Si Mani in Khalid Rahman's Unda sprung more than a few surprises. With a slight paunch and gentle mannerisms, Si Mani – fondly called Mani Sir by his colleagues – is anything but the flamboyant macho cop that we see so often in Malayalam movies. Tasked with leading a bunch of rookie Kerala policemen from Kerala on election duty in the Naxal hotbed of Bastar, Si Mani is a man full of insecurities and vulnerabilities. When the naxalites open fire unexpectedly at their camp, in the middle of the night, Si Mani doesn't take charge.

Mollywood On International Men's Day, Popcult.tribe, a popular page on Facebook and Instagram, shared 9 takeaways from Malayalam films which have broken away from toxic masculinity. Sreedevi JayarajanImage credits: Popcult.tribe/Facebook For decades, commercial Malayalam cinema has showered us with scores of cookie-cutter male protagonists - the mass ‘hero’ who oozes masculinity, twirls his moustache, beats up a 100 goons and wins over the unsuspecting female lead. This template has been used and reused so much that when a real and well-etched male character finally comes alive in a rare appearance, it becomes a breath of fresh air. On November 19, International Men’s Day, PopCult, a popular Facebook and instagram page which discusses Malayalam cinema, compiled a list of 9 takeaways from films which have broken away from toxic masculinity and have presented us with very real and vulnerable characters. There is nothing shameful in asking to be loved: Dasharatham, the...

Film FestivalTitled ‘Reform the Iffk’, the group of film personalities accuses the organisers of the festival of not watching the films before rejecting them.Tnm StaffA few filmmakers have come together to protest against the selection process of the prestigious International Film Festival of Kerala which will have its 24th edition this December. Titled ‘Reform the Iffk’, the group of film personalities accuses the organisers of the festival – the Kerala Chalachitra Academy – of not watching all the films before rejecting them, and also choosing popular films in the Malayalam Cinema Today category. The films in the Malayalam Cinema Today category this time include Ishq, Kumbalangi Nights, Virus, And The Oskar Goes To, Uyare and Unda, all of which had a good run at the theatres. “For years the organizers of the International Film Festival of Kerala - Iffk Official have been flouting rules and the very purpose of a film...

InterviewIn this interview, Chinnu speaks about her trepidation in doing the role and how she deals with body-shaming in real life.CrisAfter the short sequences of Chinnu Chandni riding a scooter in Thamaasha were shot, the next scene was in a park where she meets Vinay Forrt, who plays the hero of the film. Chinnu walked in with the script in her hands, shivering. After the first one or two takes, Chinnu felt low. She thought she had messed it up, that it was a big mistake that the director had made, casting her in this role as the heroine of the film. But then she watched Ashraf Hamsa, the director, walk to her and tell her that she had done nothing wrong, reassuring her that all was fine. Months later, when the movie came out and Chinnu began getting many calls appreciating her performance as the young woman who...

MollywoodDirector Geetu Mohandas announced in a Facebook post that actor Roshan Mathew, who is part of her film 'Moothon', has landed a role in Anurag’s next.Digital NativeDirector Geetu Mohandas has announced on her social networking page that actor Roshan Mathew, who is part of her film Moothon, will be doing the lead role in a film by noted Bollywood filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. Her Facebook post says, “When I was filming Moothon, I got close to all my actors, rooting for them and wanting the best to happen in their lives always . That ‘want’ will be forever. I’m so proud to announce that my actor and good friend, Roshan Mathew with his unbelievable performance in Moothon, has landed himself a beautiful project as the lead in none other than the maverick filmmaker Anurag Kashyap ‘s latest. The shoot commences tomorrow in Bombay. I wish you the world Roshan.

InterviewShine, who recently played the villain in 'Ishq', is playing a cop in the upcoming Mammotty film 'Unda'.Neelima MenonOn an average day, Alvin goes to church with his wife and daughter, socialises with his friends and occasionally drinks. But at night, when he catches a young couple inside a car, the mask quickly slips, to reveal a creepy pervert who wants to know the details of their intimacy. Alvin, in the recently released Ishq, is that typical double-faced 'pakal manyan' and Shine Tom Chacko is riveting in the role. It also reinforces our belief in him as a competent actor, who hasn't been getting his due in Malayalam cinema. Up next is Unda, starring Mammootty and directed by Khalid Rahman, in which he is one of the 10 primary characters in the film. Tnm caught up Shine ahead of the release. You are part of a large ensemble in Unda.

MollywoodMammootty's film 'Unda' has been postponed, much to the disappointment of his fans.Tnm StaffIf in the past few weeks, there were very few Malayalam movie releases, this week, there are quite a few of them coming out. With the festival of Eid falling on June 6, there are releases beginning from June 5, Wednesday, through June 7, Friday. However, Unda, starring Mammootty in the lead, has been pushed to June 14 because the post production work is yet to be completed. This has come as a huge disappointment to Mammootty fans. Thottappan: The film with Vinayakan in the lead, is based on a short story by Francis Nerona. Director Shanavas K Bavakutty, known for his debut film Kismath, has said it is centred on a man who becomes guardian to a girl he is not related to. Other actors in the film include Priyamvada, Roshan Mathew, Lal, writer Raghunath Paleri and director Dileesh Pothan.

Mollywood‘Ganagandharvan’ is being directed by comedian-turned-director Ramesh Pisharody and produced by actor-producer Maniyanpilla Raju.Digital NativeMohanlal made a surprise visit to the launch event of Mammootty’s new film Ganagandharvan on Saturday. Directed by comedian-turned-director Ramesh Pisharody, the film had its official launch on Saturday and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal came to wish the entire crew of the film. The film has Mammootty playing the lead character named Kalasadanan Ullas. The project was announced last year and the title poster of this film was unveiled on the Kerala Piravi Day and it was played in all theatres that screened Mohanlal’s Drama, which released on the same day at the theatres. Though it was announced last year the film only went on floors now as Mammootty had to wrap up his big-budgeted period action drama Maamankaam. Produced by Maniyanpilla Raju under the banner Maniyanpilla Raju Productions, the makers have roped...

MollywoodThe film, a political one, is written by the scriptwriter duo Bobby and Sanjay.Digital NativePopular scriptwriters Bobby and Sanjay are working on a project that will have Malayalam megastar Mammootty in the lead, according to Onlookers Media. Touted to be a political film, it will have Mammootty playing the Chief Minister of Kerala. Santhosh Viswanath of Chirakodinka Kinavukal fame has been roped in to wield the megaphone for this venture. Reports are that this film has been titled One. While there is still no clarity on the rest of the cast, we hear that Vishnu Unnikrishnan, Renji Panicker and Sreenivasan have been signed up to play supporting roles. Bobby and Sanjay’s last script was for Uyare, the Parvathy starrer that portrayed her in the role of an acid attack survivor. The film and the script have been much appreciated. The scriptwriter duo, who have been behind most of...

MollywoodThe film is a historical based on a medieval fair for the warriors known as Chaaverukal, who plotted against the Zamorin rulers to overthrow them.Digital NativeIt was announced a few days ago that for the final schedule of Maamaankam, the team will be erecting grand sets on 18 acres of land and that about 200 junior artistes would be engaged. The latest is that the sets have been erected in Nettoor and the shooting is on. Thorough research has been done for the climax portions, say sources. The previous schedules have been shot in different locations such as Kannur, Ernakulam, Ottappalam, Vagamon and Athirapally. Made on a budget of Rs 50 crore, Maamaankam began its production with debut director Sajeev Pillai wielding the megaphone. But due to creative differences with the producers, noted filmmaker Padma Kumar was brought in by the filmmakers while to replace Sajeev Pillai. The film is a historical...

MollywoodThe historical film had begun its production with debut direct Sajeev Pillai who was later replaced following creative differences with the producer. Digital NativeThe final schedule of the Mammootty starrer Maamaankam is currently on. According to the latest update about this film, we hear that extravagant sets have been erected on a location spanning over 18 acres of land for this schedule. Earlier, Maamaankam was shot in different locations such as Kannur, Ernakulam, Ottappalam, Vagamon and Athirapally. Reports are that the final schedule will span over two months and nearly 2000 junior artistes will be brought in. Made on a budget of Rs 50 crore, Maamaankam began its production with debut director Sajeev Pillai wielding the megaphone. But due to creative differences with the producer, noted filmmaker Padma Kumar was brought to replace Sajeev. Read: ‘Maamaankam’ controversy: Ousted Malayalam director Sajeev Pillai explains his side The film is a historical based on a...

Mammootty’s upcoming film has an interesting title and it is Unda. Though the reason behind this unique title has not been revealed yet, movie buffs are curious to know what it is all about.

Directed by Khalid Rahman, Unda will be bankrolled by Anwar Rasheed. While the title Unda has created a sense of curiosity among the fans, a section of the netizens is having a field day trolling the title. Well, the director should have a valid reason for titling the film Unda, we hope.