Showing posts with label Malayalam Movie News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Malayalam Movie News. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

An interview with the woman who ate the great ICECREAM


അര കിലോമീറ്ററോളം യഥാര്‍ത്ഥവഴിയില്‍നിന്നു
തിരിഞ്ഞാണ്‌ ഞങ്ങള്‍ നടന്നത്‌. റോഡരികില്‍ വണ്ടി നിര്‍ത്തിയപ്പോഴും പലരും
വീക്ഷിക്കുന്നുണ്ടായിരുന്നു. എങ്കിലും കാര്യമാക്കാതെ മുന്നോട്ടു നടന്നു.
ഇടവഴികളും വയലേലകളും താണ്ടി. ചുറ്റും കഴുകന്‍ കണ്ണുകളുമായി പലരും.
ഐസ്‌ക്രീം പാര്‍ലര്‍ കേസിലെ വിവാദ നായിക റജീനയുടെ അഭിമുഖത്തിനായുള്ള യാത്ര.
ഐസ്‌ക്രീം പാര്‍ലര്‍ കേസില്‍ റൗഫും കുഞ്ഞാലിക്കുട്ടിയും പുതിയ
വെളിപ്പെടുത്തലുകള്‍ നടത്തിയതിനു പിറകെ ഞങ്ങള്‍ റജീനയുടെ
വീട്ടുപരിസരത്തെത്തിയിരുന്നു. അന്ന്‌ വീടിന്റെ പടം പോലും എടുക്കാന്‍
കഴിയാത്ത സാഹചര്യമായിരുന്നു. ചിലര്‍ പറഞ്ഞു. 'സൂക്ഷിക്കണം. നിങ്ങളെ
നിരീക്ഷിക്കുന്ന പലരുമുണ്ടിവിടെ.'
All the content presented here are found from various blogs and forums.
കണ്ടപ്പോള്‍ തന്നെ വീട്ടിലേക്ക്‌ കയറിയിരിക്കാനും
പത്രക്കാരാണല്ലേയെന്നും ചോദിച്ചായിരുന്നു റജീനയുടെ സ്വീകരണം. സിറ്റിയില്‍
നിന്നും 13 കിലോമീറ്റര്‍ അകലെ തീര്‍ത്തും ഉള്‍പ്രദേശമായ പന്തീരങ്കാവിലെ
മുതുവനത്തറയിലെ റോഡിനോടു ചേര്‍ന്നു നിര്‍മിച്ച വീട്ടില്‍ ഭര്‍ത്താവ്‌
പ്രമോദിനും കുഞ്ഞിനും ബാപ്പയ്‌ക്കുമൊപ്പം താമസിക്കുകയണിപ്പോള്‍ റജീന. പുതിയ
വെളിപ്പെടുത്തലുകളാല്‍ നുരഞ്ഞുപൊങ്ങിയ ഐസ്‌ക്രീം പാര്‍ലര്‍ വിവാദത്തിന്റെ
പശ്‌ചാത്തലത്തില്‍ റജീനയുടെ വെളിപ്പെടുത്തലുകളുടെ പ്രധാന ഭാഗങ്ങള്‍...

? ഐസ്‌ക്രീം കേസ്‌...

റജീന : ആ ... അത്‌ അവരു കുടുംബക്കാര്‍ തമ്മിലല്ലേ ഇപ്പോള്‍ പ്രശ്‌നം.

? റൗഫ്‌ ഈയിടെ വന്നിരുന്നോ

റജീന : ഉവ്വ്‌ .കുഞ്ഞാലിക്കുട്ടിക്കെതിരേ പറയണമെന്നു പറഞ്ഞ്‌ റൗഫ്‌ക്കാ രണ്ടാഴ്‌ച മുമ്പ്‌ വന്നിരുന്നു.

? കേസുമായി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട്‌ നിങ്ങളെ മാനസികരോഗി വരെയാക്കാന്‍ ശ്രമം നടത്തിയിരുന്നോ? അതില്‍ ആര്‍ക്കായിരുന്നു പങ്കുള്ളത്‌.

റജീന:
അതു പിന്നെ എനിക്ക്‌ ആദ്യമേ ദേഷ്യം വരുന്ന സ്വഭാവമുണ്ടായിരുന്നു. ഇതു
കാണിക്കാനായി ഉമ്മയുടെ നിര്‍ബന്ധത്തിനു വഴങ്ങി ഞാന്‍ വിവേക്‌ ആശുപത്രിയില്‍
ചികിത്സയിലുണ്ടായിരുന്നു. വിവരം അറിഞ്ഞ്‌ എത്തിയ റൗഫ്‌ക്കായാണ്‌ എന്റെ
പേര്‌ റജീനയാണെന്നും മറ്റുമുള്ള വിവരങ്ങള്‍ ആശുപത്രിക്കാരെ അറിയിച്ചത്‌.
ഇതിനുശേഷം ഞാന്‍ ആശുപത്രി വിട്ടു. അല്ലാതെ എന്നെയാരും മാനസികരോഗിയാക്കാന്‍
ശ്രമിച്ചിട്ടില്ല.

? കേസില്‍ മൊഴിമാറ്റിപ്പറയണമെന്ന്‌ പഠിപ്പിച്ചതാരായിരുന്നു.
എവിടെ വച്ച്‌. മൊഴിമാറ്റം പഠിപ്പിക്കാന്‍ ഏതെങ്കിലും വക്കീലന്‍മാരോ മറ്റും
ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നോ


റജീന : മൊഴിമാറ്റം(എന്ത് മൊഴിയാണ് മാറ്റിയത് ഇത് തെളീക്കേണ്ടത് അല്ലേ ) പഠിപ്പിച്ചത്‌
റൗഫ്‌ക്കായാണ്‌. അവരുടെ ഓഫീസില്‍ നിന്നാണ്‌ ഇതെല്ലാം പഠിപ്പിച്ചത്‌.
വക്കീലന്‍മാരൊന്നും ഇല്ലായിരുന്നു.

? മുന്‍ മന്ത്രി കുഞ്ഞാലിക്കുട്ടിയുമായി എന്തെങ്കിലും ബന്ധമുണ്ടായിരുന്നോ.

റജീന
: കുഞ്ഞാലിക്കുട്ടിയെ ഞാന്‍ നേരിട്ടു കണ്ടിട്ടുപോലുമില്ല. അവര്‍ക്കെതിരേ
പറഞ്ഞതില്‍ ഇന്നു ഞാന്‍ പശ്‌ചാത്തപിക്കുകയാണ്‌. അതൊക്കെ മഹാപാപമായാണു ഞാന്‍
കാണുന്നത്‌. മാധ്യമങ്ങളോട്‌ കേസ്‌ ഉണ്ടാകുന്നതിനു മുമ്പേ അതുപറയ്‌, ഇതു
പറയ്‌, എന്നൊക്കെ പറയാന്‍ പറഞ്ഞത്‌ റൗഫ്‌ക്കയാണ്‌.

? അപ്പോള്‍ കുഞ്ഞാലിക്കുട്ടിയുമായി ഒരു ബന്ധവുമില്ലെന്നാണോ


റജീന : അതെ. പിന്നെ കുഞ്ഞാലിക്കുട്ടിയുടെ കാറില്‍ പോയിട്ടുണ്ട്‌. 'ആ മുകളില്‍ ചുവന്ന ലൈറ്റൊക്കെ പിടിപ്പിച്ച കാറുണ്ടല്ലോ അതില്‌ '
(ഇത് ഒരു അന്തക്കെട് പെണ്ണിന്‍റെ ജല്‍പ്പനം മാത്രമാണോ )
? ആരായിരുന്നു കാറില്‍ കുഞ്ഞാലിക്കുട്ടിയായിരുന്നോ.

റജീന : അല്ല. ഡ്രൈവര്‍ അരവിന്ദന്‍.

? ഏങ്ങോട്ടായിരുന്ന യാത്ര

റജീന : അതു പറയില്ല. ഷൊര്‍ണൂരില്‍ നിന്നുമാണ്‌ കാറില്‍ കയറിയത്‌. മൂന്നിടങ്ങളില്‍ പോയി

? ആരായിരുന്നു അവിടെ


റജീന : അതു പിന്നെ പറയാം

? ഐസ്‌ക്രീം കേസുമായി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ടല്ലേ നിങ്ങള്‍ക്ക്‌ ഈ വീടും സൗകര്യങ്ങളും എല്ലാം ലഭിച്ചത്‌. ഇതു കുഞ്ഞാലിക്കുട്ടിയുടെ പണമല്ലേ.

റജീന
: സ്‌ഥലം ഞങ്ങളുടേതാണ്‌. പിന്നെ വീടും മറ്റെല്ലാ കാര്യങ്ങള്‍ക്കും പണം
തന്നത്‌ കേസുമായി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ടാണ്‌. റൗഫ്‌ക്കായാണു പണം കൊണ്ടു വന്നത്‌.

? കുഞ്ഞാലിക്കുട്ടി കൊടുത്തയച്ച പണമാണിതല്ലേ

റജീന : അല്ല. കോഴിക്കോട്ടെ ക്യൂന്‍സ്‌ ബേബി, ഖാദര്‍ , പി.എ റഹ്‌മാന്‍ തുടങ്ങി 15 ഓളം പേരുടെ പണമാണിത്‌.

Monday, January 31, 2011

An interview of Pankaj Udhas (in malayalam)

Pankaj Udhas (born 17 May 1951) is a ghazal singer from India. He is credited in the Indian music industry, along with other musicians like Jagjit Singh and Talat Aziz, with bringing the style to the realm of popular music. Udhas rose to fame for singing in the film Naam (1986 film), in which his song Chitthi Aayee Hai became an instant hit. Following that, he has also performed as a playback singer for numerous films. He has recorded many albums since then and tours the world as an accomplished Ghazal singer. In 2006, Pankaj Udhas was awarded the Padmashree.



To Download Pankaj Udhas Songs

Friday, August 20, 2010

Vande Mataram to release soon

Vande Mataram, the mega budget Tamil-Malayalam extravaganza starring Arjun and Malayalam Super Star Mammootty, is ready. Produced by Henry, this bilingual with 3D effects and D1 graphics will have Sneha as an Air Force officer opposite Mammootty. The latest buzz is that the film will grace theatres by August end.

“We couldn’t release the film on Independence Day. It will release in the last week of August. The film will mark my debut in Malayalam and I enjoyed working with my co-star Mammooty,” Arjun said.

Thriller satellite rights sold for 1.45 crores

The satellite rights of Prithviraj’s B. Unnikrishnan directed Thriller (Malayalam) have been acquired by a yet-to-be-launched TV channel owned by Manorama News for a whopping Rs 1.45 crores, creating a new record in Prithviraj's career.

Normally, the TV screening rights of a Prithviraj solo film are sold only for Rs. 75 to 85 lakhs, but this time Thriller fetched this record price. Sources say this took place due to Prithviraj’s newfound star status after the runaway hit of ace Mani Ratnam's Raavanan in which the actor played a cop opposite Vikram.

Traffic launched

Upcoming Malayalam director Rajesh Pillai’s second directorial venture Traffic, starring Kunchako Boban, Vineeth Srinivasan, Roma and Ramya Nambisan in the lead roles, was launched in a function held at Avenue Centre in Kochi August 17.

Veteran actor-director-writer Sreenivasan gave the first clap in the presence of Sandhya and Asif Ali. Regular shooting will commence in September. A road flick scripted by Bobby Sanjay with a cameo appearance by Vineeth's father Sreenivasan, Traffic is based on a traffic jam in Ernakulam.

Vineeth Kumar weds Sandhya

Popular Malayalam actor Vineeth Kumar, who entered films as a child artiste and later turned hero through Kanmashi, will marry Sandhya, an engineering student and daughter of K. Kunjiraman of Kuttipala House, on August 19 at the famous Sreekrishna temple in Guruvayur.

The wedding ceremony will take place between 9.15 a.m and 10.15 a.m. and a reception will be held at Gokulam Sabari after the ceremony. Vineeth Kumar, who was seen in meaty roles in Devadoothan and Sethuraayyar CBI playing second fiddle to Mohanlal and Mammootty respectively, is currently acting in Ithu Njangalude Kadha directed by Rajeesh Jayaraman.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Advocate Lakshmanan Ladies Only Movie Review

Cast:Mukesh, Jagadish, Mallika Kapoor, Harishree Ashokan, Prem Kumar
Direction:Pappan Payattuvila
Production:S. Mohan
Music:Mohan Sithara

A potential one-liner, but poor writing and tacky situations. Add to that some very shoddy direction and routine performances…. There ends the chances of a film, particularly one that features old names like Mukesh and Jagadheesh.
‘Advocate Lakshmanan, Ladies Only’ is the latest movie which suffers with all these causalities to end up as a below average fare. Had the movie on a same plot line, but with inspiring writing and direction made on a more crowd pulling hero, it may have worked well with the audience. But given the present situations, there is no chance.
The film revolves around an advocate named Lakshmanan, quite famous for ‘liberating’ women from the clutches of evil husbands. ‘A divorce case’’ specialist, Lakshmanan sees to it that once the divorce is sanctioned, he even helps them to live an independent life by offering them jobs in his Pickles factory named ‘Ladies Only’. A man with number of fans among the fairer sex, for his cunning ways to secure divorce for hapless women, he always comes with loggerheads with his own brother –in –law (Suraj Venjaramoodu), another advocate who is destined to fail in every situation.
After establishing the premise in not so funny ways, the real turn happens in the life of Lakshmanan when an ‘Aaradhika’ started calling him regularly for his big deeds. After some days she reveals herself to be ‘Annie’ a college lecturer in a city college. She has her share of problems with a former lover ‘Alex’ following her. Lakshmanan who had already started admiring her decides to jump into the case which further complicates the life of the protagonist. The rest of the film is all about some twists in tale, revenge stories and finally the advocate is destined to turn a new leaf, realising his problems in accessing behaviors of others.
Among the stars Mukesh is on another routine role with nothing special, not even much funny dialogues that could have saved the movie for a reasonably better opening. The lady lead played by Mallika Kapoor need to better herself many fold to shine in a Mollywood flick. Others in the movie like Ashokan, Jagadheesh and Suraj Venjaramoodu are in familiar territories trying to be in the same mould of what they had been for quite some time. Many sequences, involving Harishree Ashokan and other comedians fail to impress.
The directorial side by Pappan Payattuvila is a major letdown, particularly in the former half. He seems to have given little care to check for continuities that may catch the eyes of even an ordinary viewer. Writing by K S Padmakumar remains half baked. Though the camera side is better, most of the times it seems to settle some where in a moving crane.
All in all, ‘Advocate Lakshmann: Ladies Only’ is a movie which doesn’t start off as a hilarious comedy nor ends as an engaging suspense mystery. A half-baked attempt in all counts, the chances of the movie at the Box Office is really dismal.
 

Sakudumbam Shyamala Movie Review

Banner:Kunchu Veetil Films      







Cast:Urvashi, Saikumar, Bhama, Kunchakko Boban
Direction:Radhakrishnan Mangalath
Production:S. Gopakumar
Music:M G Sreekumar

She can be loud but still be appreciable. And when it comes to comedy there is no other star to beat her in Mollywood ...Yes, Urvashi, once again proves why she is one of the most demanded actress in Mollywood even in her comeback with a senior look. In the movie 'Sakudumbam Shyamala', built on very illogical storyline ala channel comedy soaps, the title character offers plenty of space for its lead actor to show off her finesse in comic timing and acting.
Directed by debutant Radhakrishanan Mangalthu, who is known for his over the top comic serials of mini screen, ‘Sakudumbam Shyamala’ is a very light take on the silly fighting life situations of a brother and sister. District collector Sekharan IAS (Nedumudi Venu) who had brought up his kid sister Shyamala (Urvashi) with great affection is devastated when Shyamala elopes with Vasudevan (Saikumar), a tutor in a parallel college. Later Vasudevan becomes an office staff with Shekharan and is also living in the neighbourhood of the collector, but never do the sister and brother see eye to eye and both take every step to harass each other for that lone incident that happened 25 years ago.
Shyamala, meanwhile nurtures hopes of getting her only son, Aakash, a video editor by profession, married with a girl of an NRI parents, though Aakash is in love with a channel anchor Nandhana (Bhama), the daughter of an idealist Viswanathan. On the insistence of Pappan (Suraj Venjarmoodu) a leader of a local party, Shyamala accidentally becomes an MLA and later a minister, but the fights between the collector and the new revenue minister is the only agenda that goes on, now in public. The movie moves on to tell what dramatic events make an U- turn in the life of Shyamala who had by now turned into an epitome of greed and selfishness
Krishna Poojappura, after his two big hits, weaves a full length film around a very few characters and succeeds in taking it to the last scene with links, that never appear genuine. You may find prototypes in real life who managed to make big names just by getting lathi-charged in front of the secretariat. And you could even remember visuals of party men trying to stain themselves with the blood of some other workers who were assaulted by the police, to emerge newsmakers. But here the transfer of a homemaker to the revenue minister is the least believable episode of many more that are offered.
Urvashi makes a cake walk through the role of Shyamala and it is her caricaturist performance with intense comic flair that keeps our interests in the proceedings. Nedumudi Venu and Saikumar plays to their roles while Bhama returns with a role that aptly suits her, though her modern dress codes in the songs doesn't. Kunchakko Boban has a limited role that he dons with flair while Suraj and Jagadheesh appear as sidekicks in every scene trying to elicit some laughter with their regular numbers, that we had been part of in the past.
Jibu Jacob has created some fine visuals once again while Manoj has also done some decent cuts. But the musical scores by M G Sreekumar and their picturing can be easily forgotten without any regrets. And that chroma-keyed fantasy song is totally out of date and strictly unwanted.
'Sakudumbam Shyamala' is for those who don't demand any quality entertainment to make loud laughs. It may appeal to family viewers and can kill their 137 minutes, if they can admit that every movie is not made to be a classic on decent logic. Some movies like this one are insignificant, on mushy scripts but can entertain you in parts.
               

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Urumi: Santosh Sivan's next

Santosh Sivan, the man behind the visual excellence of Mani Ratnam's magnum opus Raavanan/ Raavan is all set to start his next project, but this time as a director.

This Malayalam-Tamil bilingual, a period drama tentatively titled Urumi (a flexible sword), will star Prithviraj and the hot and happening Genelia in the lead roles. Reportedly Urumi is about a group of men who wanted to assassinate Vasco Da Gama, the Portuguese explorer who set foot in Kappad in Calicut in 1498.

“I’m making a film titled Urumi with Prithvi and Genelia. The rest of the cast is yet to be finalised. Urumi is the 8 feet-long long flexible sword used in Kalari fights since a long time. Sankar Ramakrishnan, who had directed the promising short film Island Express in the Kerala Cafe anthology, is writing the script. The film, a bilingual, is set in the 15th century and will be made for international audiences,” Santosh Sivan said to a leading English daily.

“The filming of Urumi will commence in August in Kerala. I have directed and photographed all my films,” he added.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Subair passes away




Popular Malayalam film and serial actor Subair, who played several roles mostly as villain in around 200 films including Crime File, Bharath Chandran IPS and Raudram, passed away at Medical Trust Hospital, Kochi around 8 p.m. on Wednesday following a massive heart attack.

Subair was with his family on a drive for Onam shopping when he suffered the cardiac attack. He was immediately admitted to the hospital, but was pronounced dead after some time. He is survived by wife and two sons. The funeral will be held today in Tellichery, his home town. Subair debuted in films in 1992 with Maanthrika Cheppu.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Bhavana's second Kannada film opposite Sudeep

Looks like Bhavana is having a dream run in Sandalwood! This bubbly artist from Kerala, who has successfully completed the shooting of her debut Kannada film Jackie, has signed her second film in Kannada opposite Sudeep and shooting has already begun. In Jackie, directed by Soori, one of the best directors in Kannada film industry, Bhavana's hero is Powerstar Puneeth Rajkumar; her second film is with another superstar Sudeep.

Bhavana is currently shooting for this untitled film produced by Dwarakish and directed by debutant director V. Kumar. The other heroine is Priyamani. Bhavana is likely to complete shooting all her parts in this film in September.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Apoorva Raagam Movie Review

Cast:Nishan, Asif Ali, Rithu, Nithya Menon
Direction:Sibi Malayil
Music:Vidyasagar
In his 25th year in films Sibi Malayil seems to have attempted a different genre in 'Apoorva Raagam'. The director in a distinctive story has accomplished to make a ‘watchable’ movie, though not in the league of his bests. The director who had rarely attempted movies with fresh faces, finds it difficult to make them play to his tunes and that seem to be the biggest flaw in the movie which is otherwise a passable fare with some brilliant twists.
The movie has Roopesh (Nishan) and Tommy (Asif Ali) as college mates and best friends who are always found together in the campus. When Roopesh develops an interest towards Nancy (Nithya), Tommy finds ways to unite them through very innovative ways. And when they realise that Nancy's millionaire dad wouldn't allow them to live together, Tommy with the help of their friends gets them married before a registrar. We are in no position to narrate any further as it will be a spoilsport for all those who are getting ready to meet these youngsters at theatres.
The narrative of the film takes a different course from the ordinary and is structured as a campus love story in the former half and a thriller in the later. It may not be the most interesting film produced in the recent times, but it does hold your attention intermittently. Together with the fresh writers, Sibi spins a tale that's good in parts.
The graph of the film slides downwards in the post-interval portions, where the narrative suddenly gets slow, the turn of events aren't as captivating with a share of loose ends. The revelations ala Abbas-Mustan films ,that comes up after an hour appear as a big blow in your face and you are sure to find faces in the theatres unable to digest the shockers in the  proceedings .
The technical crew of the movie is in par with the narratives with Ajayan Vincent's cinematography creating some eye pleasing visuals. Though the songs of the movie are by Vidyasagar, none of them has the soul to find themselves in the hit charts, which is a big letdown for a movie with youngsters.
Of the leads of the film Nithya Menon once again proves herself to be able to handle heavier roles with ease. While her male partners are not so convicting in their roles, Asif Ali is Ok in parts and seems to have taken the role a bit more casual. Nishan continues with his 'Rithu' makeover, but appears less impressive with wooden faces towards the climax that demanded much more. Vinay as Narayan is another promising find who mesmerises you with his makeovers. He portrays the gamut of emotions with aplomb and delivers a flawless performance, becoming another highlight of the movie. Some of the actor's including the one who played the heroine's dad fails to rise up to the demands of the roles.
'Apoorva Raagam' is definitely an appreciable attempt for its different content. Though a prospect for a taut edge of the seat thriller, which it isn't due to its not-too-happening post-interval portions. But Mollywood audience who always keeps a double standards in analysing movies, may not be the easiest customers to satisfy by this movie, especially as it is coming from Sibi Malayil. 

Malarvadi Arts Club Movie Review

Banner:Grand Productions
Cast:Dileep, Nedumudi Venu, Jagathy Sreekumar, Suraj Venjaramood, Salim Kumar, Kottayam Nazeer, Revathy, Geethu
Direction:Vineeth
Production:Dileep
Music:Shaan Rehman
Though a very fragile subject for a movie, many renowned directors have created beautiful movies on 'friendship' that has enthralled the audiences. Over the years, the films on friendship has done quite well in Hindi and Tamil, which were equally lapped by Kerala audience. Going by these precedences is Vineeth Sreenivasan in his debut flick, who has woven a well made movie with sequences that much of generation can connect with in their life .Yes, that seems to be the catch line of 'Malarvadi Arts Club',- films with which people can identify always work. And for that, Vineeth has carefully done his homework and brought in five youngsters as his protagonists who all come from average families, in the movies.
His protagonists Prakash, (Nivin Pauly), Kuttu (Aju Varghese), Purushu (Bhagath Manuel), Santhosh (Shravan) and Praveen (Harikrishnan) come from a small village named Manassery in the north of Kerala. After completing their studies, they are now getting ready to face the ups and downs in their life with their unshakable bond of friendship. Pampered and mended by Kumarettan (Nedumudi Venu), who also runs a hotel in Manassery, the five known by the name 'Malarvadi Boys' after their club, consider him more like a father than their senior friend.
The first half of the movie is dedicated to all the adventurous life of the five some, taking up fights for the local cadre party  and making trips to Mahi for tax-free boozing, while also making some serious digs on the societal life all around. And there comes all those events like harthals and reality shows. As Santhosh's family suddenly lands up into financial ruins following a court case, the friends convince him to try a chance in a realty show. The camaraderie between the friends suddenly goes out, as Santhosh is selected as the winner of a popular show and his parents intervene, playing fowl in their friendship
The movie has been explicitly inspired from many of the recent Bollywood flicks like 'Rock On’ and ‘Dil Chahta Hai'. The highlight of the movie is that, each of the five has their own defined characters, maintained well all through the film. All the actors have put in very good performances, though Nivin Pauly, Bhagath Manuel and Aju Varghese were exceptional in many of the sequences and displays rare maturity for a first-timer. Like his father's script lines, Vineeth Srenivasan also comes up with delightful little nuggets of humour, sprinkled all through, with realistic and refreshingly witty dialogues.
The technical side is also in sync with the quality of the narratives with P Sukumar creating another good work behind camera. Renjan Abraham could have sync the shots in the music interludes, much better than what he had done now. The art director and costumers also have worked well to sustain the moods of the young generation flick. Though the BG scores of the movie worked well, some of the songs by Shaan Rehman could have been better. The title song and the marriage song seem to be pick from the all five, in the movie.
‘Malarvadi Arts Club’ also works because you can relate to the characters, you can relate to the moods, their egos, the highs and the lows. The movie is dedicated to all those thick friends, who have different outlook of life, but respect each other for what they are. Yes, ‘Malarvadi’ remains so far as one of the strongly recommended films of the year, for its sincerity and for the portrayal of sensitive relationships.

Yakshiyum Njanum Movie Review

Cast:Sajan Madhav, Jubin Raj, Megha Nair
Direction:Vinayan
Production:Ruben Gomas
Vinayan’s ‘Yakshiyum Njaanum’ has elicited tremendous response for varied reasons…the primary one being that it is the first film from Vinayan after his long tug of war with the various filmy organizations of Mollywood. Two, the pre-release hype, the frenzy in the media, the various associated problems like release and censoring has kept ‘Yakshiyum Njaanum’ constantly in news. The movie is one-of-its-kind horror-romantic comedy to be shot in RED cameras, with a big chunk of footage devoted to VFX. Then there was the launch of plenty of youngsters like Goutham, Richy, Meghna and Jubil, who were for the first time on the screen. Added to that, a flurry of first timers in technical departments and most importantly, the launch of Sajan Madhav, late music maestro, Raveendran’s son as music director. All this has helped Vinayan to set the movie for the best release this Onam in more than seventy centers.
But the big question was that, will the movie work for this Onam? The answer may be a partial nod which can fall for both ways. Scripted by the director, the movie admittedly has plenty of rough edges, and viewers accustomed to Vinayan’s scheme of proceedings may get interested, but for others this may end up as a not so happening flick filled with plenty of mass masala elements and visual effects. And speaking about special effects – it may work only if a movie has a rock-solid base: Content. Unfortunately, ‘Yakshiyum Njaanum’ gives more preference to special effects, while the writing takes a complete backseat.
The movie has Goutham as Shyam, a recently recruited member of a quotation gang, who is trying to make big money instantly for the heart operation of his sister. He secretly grabs one assignment -to kill a guy who is in love with the daughter of a state minister. Shyam accomplishes his mission and is sent to an old guest house to hide from media for quite some time. As usual, the idleness with this haunted house makes Shyam to look for some company in Aathira, a girl from the neighborhood, who passes by the guest house to take bath in the nearby river. Shyam falls in love with Aathira, but it is later that he realizes that Aathira is a Yakshi, who has plenty of back stories associated with this house.
Many twists later, Shyam is now left to take revenge on many including those who have ill-mannered with Aathira to finally make her a blood thirsty Yakshi. Then, there are plenty of horrifying serpents, black cats and dark hounds and sound effects sprinkled all through to create the necessary ambiance of a horror movie.
Director Vinayan is letdown this time, by his own script with plenty of loose ends. Given a title and plot like this, the film ought to evoke strong emotions, at least towards the second hour, when the romantic developments take its central points. But technical wizardry and VFX dominate this hour, with no emotional moments to evoke any reactions. Actually, your heart does not pine for the lovers and that's why this horror love story hardly creates any impact.
Added to that the newly finds desperately try to put in some form of acting, which is hardly seen on screen. The protagonist played by Gowtham maintains a wooden face all through and don’t interest us. His dubbing is total mayhem. So is the case of the other newcomers like Ricky and Jubil. The only silver line in the movie is Meghna Nair who comes as the Yakshi. Though not reluctant to go for plenty of skin show, she is also adequate and impressive in acting too, which holds the movie. The actress is expected to find greener pastures in the south soon.
The other television stars, who comes in various roles to elicit laughter fails big-time, and their buffoonery is quite a big headache in the proceedings. Senior stars Thilakan, Captain raju and Maala Aravindan play safe in regular roles.
The technical side of the movie is very good. Nawaz impresses with his frames and tones and captures the best for his songs. Another sure name in the list of promising Malayalee cinematographers, this young man is got to go. Pradeep Emily in editing and Shajahan’s art direction also impresses and remains the soul of this fast paced flick.
Debutant Sajan Madhav’s music is tuneful. All of his songs have the potential to become chart toppers though ‘Vrindaavanamundo’, ‘Ponamame’ and  ‘Anuragayamuna’ stand out. Special effects are topnotch, matching international standards.
On the whole, ‘Yakshiyum Njaanum’ rests on a thin unimpressive plot and poor performances from the major leads, which would curtail its reach to a major extent.

Raama Ravanan Movie Review

Banner:Thushar International
Cast:Suresh Gopi, Mithra Kurian, Nedumudi Venu, Lena, Sudheesh, Biju Menon, Vijayakumar, Jagathy, Suraj, Baburaj, Krishna
Direction:Biju Raveendran
Music:Kaithapram
Big filmmakers in Mollywood didn't have a chance to open with a story written by Madhavikutty. But scenarist turned director Biju Vattappara who got such a big offer almost seems to have ruined his chances of making a remarkable flick. His debut movie ‘Raama Ravanan’ based on acclaimed writer Madhavikutty’s story, ‘Manomi’ end up as a confused product unable to make better of the base plot. In an attempt to make it a thriller, the movie loses its much of its emotional impact and gets extremely predictable towards the end.
The movie is all about a poet turned LTTE terrorist fugitive and his attempt to capture his lost love from the opposite front; a theme handled umpteenth times in Bollywood flicks. Here Sureshgopi appears as Thiruchelvam, a fugitive on the run finding refuge in a deserted bungalow somewhere in Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. The mansion is not afresh to Thriruchelvam as he had been there almost a decade ago. It was there that he found a Singhalese girl Manomi, who took care of his wounds and helped him to come back to normal life. Though she was aware that he was a member of an outfit that killed her father in Sri Lanka, she falls in love with him. Though she had expressed her intentions of marrying Thiruchelvam to her caretaker uncle Annadurai, the terrorist leader couldn’t take care of her because of his dedication to his ideology and his mission.
In his comeback to the same house narrowly escaping from the Sri Lankan Army, Thriuchelvam has got some mission before the cops arrive to nab him. He had to find his mother whom he hasn't met for years and also wants to meet Manomi whose love he had turned down years go. Meanwhile, the state police lead by Sooryanarayanan (Bijumenon) who has got reliable information about the fugitive and his hideout is all set to grab him, which leads into the settings of a thriller.
The biggest problem with the movie is the lean onscreen chemistry that exists between the lead pairs. Though Sureshgopi appear restrained and cold, Mithra Kurian as Manomi appears beautiful and gives a convincing performance in an author backed role. But its Baburaj and Lena as LTTE activists, who take the cake with sparkling performances. Nedumudi Venu as Annadurai and Sudheesh as a blind singer also come up with good performances while Bijumenon appear stylish and tough, all through.
The movie with a genuinely good storyline could have worked well, if the screen writer and the director has shown little more sincerity and sensitivity in etching out a more believable, engaging product. The movie appears melodramatic most of the times, with very limited number of characters on the frames. The debut director fails to bring in the grand ambiance necessary for a film that needed more splendors on the screen.   The technical side of the movie with Jibu Jacob’s cinematography and Samjith’s editing is just up to mark, while the music by Kaithapram is mediocre.
All in all, ‘Raama Ravanan’ fails to explore the themes of futility of war and the emotional and ideological conflicts of its protagonists in a needed level. The little which that is attempted appears loud and off the track. A wasted effort that had the potential of becoming a new age classic, ‘Raama Ravanan’,   though lacking the emotional depth and coherence expected of a story by Madhavikutty, call for an one-time watch, if you have some free time.
   

Neelambari Movie Review

Cast:Vineeth, Anoop Menon, Bhama, Vidya, Suraj Venjaramood, Indrans, P. Sreekumar, Kalasala Babu, Ambika Mohan, Bindhu Ramakrishnan
Direction:Hari Narayanan
Production:Premananthan
Music:Kaithapram Vishwanath
Neelamabari' is the Onam offering from Harinarayanan who debuted with last year's award winning 'Nanthuni'.A melodramatic presentation intended to be a romantic musical, the movie hams big time mainly due to its predictable plot and regular scheme of things.The very conventional style of making, added with uneven editing also makes its narratives less appreciable.

The movie has Bhama as Parvathy who has a bossom friend in Lekshmy(Divya) residing in  her neighbourhood in a ''Palakkad''an Brahmin Gramam. As parvathy  lost her mother at birth, she is brought up along with lekshmi,  by the latter's mother. The two girls who live like twins share the same thoughts,and  dresses and Paru is even thought of to become the bride of Vidhyadharan, the brother of Lekshmy.But Vidhyadharan soon becomes a spolit brat by engaging in college politics and ending up in jail.
When Parvathy and Lakshmi join the music College,  Parvathy falls in love with Devanand, their music  lecturer. Without realising  this,  Devanand's brother plans to get him married to Laskhmi, when the music lecturer is away on a foreign trip. Parvathy keeps her longing to herself  but when she has to reveal her love to his father, he commits suicide and the parvathy finds herself abandoned on the streets.When Lekshmy realises parvathy's love for devanand, she also deserts her. This leads into the suspicious missing of the girl from her home.The story told as a flashback after three years from these happenings,  goes on to reveal how all the pains end up in happiness of some sorts.
Apart from being in a predictable stuff, the biggest letdown of the movie  is that the depth of relationships between the lead ladies or with other characters are rarely depicted with needed intensity. The scripts are mediocre unable to add the colour neither with dialogues nor with the sequences.The former half of the movie just movies in the neeeded pace but the  later half of the movie drags bigtime.

All the actors in the frame appear fairly good, though none are exceptional. Bhama gives a safer performance in a demanding role, while Divya is also apt for the role. Anoop Menon with his funny wigs  have overdone the role of Thenkasi Thankaraj, a lorry driver cousin of Lekshmy who is after her. Vineeth as Devanand appaer in  very few scenes in the  entire movie.
The highlights of the movie is its songs by Kaithapram Vishwanath( who also appear in an undemanding role).All the five songs in the movie are hummable, though not visualised in best of the ways.Sasi Ramakrishna;'s camera is ok in parts but Sunny jacob's editing is abrupt and not in sync.
All in all, a product that is without any big charm,  'Neelambari ''ends up as an ordinary fare that may find some patronage at few centres.

Plus Two Movie Review

Banner:Risun Pictures
Cast:Shafna, Roshan, Vishnu Mohan, Justine John, Deepak Murali, Sajin
Direction:Shebi Chavakkad
Production:Ramesh Babu
Music:Manu Rameshan

In a season of fresh dependable inputs into Mollywood like 'Apoorvaragam' and 'Malarvady Arts Club', the latest arrival in theatres 'Plus Two'- the   debut feature by Shebi Chavakkad also qualifies into a movie that can be watched. Though with predictable narratives which take some cross-connections with its attempts in the later half, an almost decently made flick is more than what you can ask for, in a month of absurd movies that came out in dozens last week.
The scripts by Jain George  tells an engaging coming of age story of teens, with five students of senior secondary level studying in an international school -Prince, Faizal, Shambhu, Mathews and Ranjith- in their audacious life stages of adolescence. And when Prince, the son of NRI parents, spot an young girl Meenakshy, left in a situation with no one to take care of, he invites her to his home where he is staying alone .Within days, his friends spot Meenakshy in the house .The initial adventure about the plans to hide the orphaned girl in the house, turns serious as Prince falls in love for her.
 The highlight of the movie is that it is not exaggerated and remains modest with a passable narrative on a not so believable plot. The initial reels show plenty of promise and take into account every aspects of thinking lines of the age group of its protagonists. But the pace drops drastically in the second half and even Mahesh Narayan’s editing doesn’t help the narrative from occasional dragging.  One can’t overlook the loose ends in the story for its lighthearted storytelling. Had the script been trimmed to let out the unwanted sequences, the movie would have been a lot better.
The movie also offers occasional smiles with Salimkumar and Suraj Venjaaramoodu aiding the proceedings. Shebi succeeds in extracting decent performances from the entire cast, including the five fresh faces in the lead who are adequate in their roles. Shafna gives a mature, controlled performance to hold the movie. Also on the upside, the film is blessed with a brilliant musical score by Manu Rameshan , of which ‘Kannolam…’ seems to be the pick of some effectively visualized songs. Also his treatment to the background score is refreshingly different and aptly complements the flavor of the film. Cinematographer Dileep Raman imparts colorful richness to the frames. Dialogues by Jain George are funny at instances but some romantic discourse sounds labored and verbose. Slick editing by Mahesh Narayanan is another highpoint of Plus Two’.
 The directorial side of the movie is promising with Shebi easily qualifying as some one to look forward to in future Mollywood. In the Box Office, the movie is expected to end up an average fare, with the rains and fasting season taking on much of its collections. All in all, this 'Plus Two' remains a simple and small movie which can easily qualify for your hassle-free, undisturbed viewing for the weekend.