Kishkindha Kandam: Set for Ott Release in a Few Days (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Kishkindha Kandam faced tough competition when it was released alongside films like Arm, which turned out to be a massive hit, and Kondal, which, despite its pre-release hype, ended up being a theatrical flop. Unlike those films, Kishkindha Kandam had little buzz before its release. It premiered during the Onam season, a major festival in Kerala, its primary market. Despite these challenges, the film surprisingly became a sleeper hit. Now, it’s set to make its debut on Ott.

Cast and Crew of Kishkindha Kandam

Directed by Dinjith Ayyathan, the film features a story, screenplay, and dialogues written by Bahul Ramesh. The cast includes Asif Ali, Aparna Balamurali, Vijayaraghavan, Jagadish, Ashokan, Nishan, Gibin Gopinath, and Kottayam Ramesh. Music is composed by Mujeeb Majeed, with editing handled by Sooraj E.S. Cinematography and Bahul Ramesh, while Sajeesh Thamarassery manages the art direction.

What to Watch This Weekend: November 1st to 3rd – Your Ultimate Guide to Theatres and Ott Releases! ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

This week, theaters are the star of the release space, with significant films hitting the big screen. We’ve picked the top 5 theatrical releases of the week, though there are many more to explore. Highlights include franchise continuations like Singham Again, the next installment in Rohit Shetty’s cop universe, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, expanding the popular horror-comedy genre that’s had a strong year. In Telugu cinema, Lucky Bhaskar stars Dulquer Salmaan, adding cross-industry appeal as he hails from the Malayalam film industry. Kannada cinema brings the superhero film Bagheera, while Tamil gives us a patriotic drama Amaran.

On the Ott front, Netflix continues to dominate with four entries, including The Great Indian Kapil Show and Thangalaan. Disney+ Hotstar joins in with the much-anticipated Malayalam film Kishkindha Kaandam. Scroll...

A look at Kishkindha Kaandam’s closing collections! (Photo Credit – Facebook)

The Malayalam box office saw an astounding success in the form of the thriller flick Kishkindha Kaandam. The Asif Ali and Aparna Balamurali starrer received a thumbs-up from the critics and masses alike and witnessed a stellar run at the box office. The movie now closes its theatrical run with a blockbuster verdict and a worldwide collection above 75 crore milestone.

Kishkindha Kaandam Closing Box Office Collection

As it closed its theatrical run, the Asif Ali and Aparna Balamurali starrer’s India net collections reached 41.55 crore. At the same time, the gross collection came to 49.02 crore. The movie earned around 27.50 crore from its overseas collection. The worldwide collection results in 76.52 crore. It has been a tremendously successful run for the movie. Mounted at a limited budget of 7 crore, its box office success has been one for the history books.

Worldwide...

Kishkindha Kaandam, the 2024 mystery drama directed by Dinjith Ayyathan, has taken the Malayalam film industry by storm. Released during Onam 2024, the film has become one of the standout hits of the season, with lead actors Asif Ali, Vijayaraghavan, and Aparna Balamurali delivering powerhouse performances. If you missed catching it in theaters or simply want to watch it again, you’re in luck! The Hindi-dubbed version of Kishkindha Kaandam will be available to stream on Disney+ Hotstar from November 1, 2024.

Can I Stream Kishkindha Kaandam on Netflix, Prime Video, or Max?

At present, Kishkindha Kaandam is exclusive to Disney+ Hotstar. The movie has secured post-theatrical streaming rights on the platform, with no plans to make it available on Netflix, Prime Video, or Max. Given that this film has been one of the biggest hits of Asif Ali’s career, Disney+ Hotstar subscribers can enjoy it from the comfort of their homes starting...

“Raayan“: Tamil superstar Dhanush’s latest action thriller, “Raayan,” has made a remarkable start at the box office. Released on July 26, the film earned an estimated ₹12.5 crore on its opening day, reflecting strong audience interest and anticipation.

Box Office Breakdown

“Raayan” grossed ₹12.5 crore net in India on its first day. The Tamil and Telugu versions of the film performed well, earning ₹11 crore and ₹1.5 crore, respectively. However, the Hindi version did not generate significant revenue, indicating less traction in the Hindi-speaking markets.

A Record-Breaking Start

“Raayan” surpassed Dhanush’s previous record set by “Karnan,” which earned ₹10.40 crore on its first day. With a first-day collection of ₹12.5 crore, “Raayan” has become Dhanush’s highest-earning movie on Day 1. The film’s impressive start was bolstered by strong bookings, with 4,36,704 tickets sold and ₹6.15 crore collected pre-release.

Directorial and Cast Details

Directed by Dhanush himself, “Raayan” is his second directorial venture. Produced by Sun Pictures,...

Actor Dhanush recently stirred controversy with his speech at the audio launch of his upcoming film “Raayan.” He referred to himself as an “outsider” and recounted how he worked hard to buy a house in the prestigious Poes Garden, known for housing Rajinikanth and the late Jayalalithaa. Dhanush described his journey from a 16-year-old dreaming of living in such a posh locality to finally purchasing a house there as a gift to his younger self.

However, his comments sparked debate online, with many reminding him of his film industry background. Critics pointed out that his father, director Kasthuri Raja, financed his first film and that Dhanush was married to Rajinikanth’s daughter early in his career. Some accused him of downplaying his privileged background, calling his narrative misleading and likening it to similar stories from his ex-father-in-law, Rajinikanth.

Its funny when a Nepo Kid like #Dhanush is talking about starting from a scratch.

South Asia-focused streaming platform ZEE5 is set to launch “Manorathangal,” a nine-part Malayalam-language anthology series premiering August 15. The project celebrates the 90-year legacy of literary icon M.T. Vasudevan Nair and brings together top South Indian talent.

Penned by Nair himself, the series explores human duality against Kerala’s backdrop. Kamal Haasan introduces the anthology in which each story probes the interplay between noble and primal human impulses.

The anthology boasts a roster of A-list actors and directors. Mohanlal stars in “Olavum Theeravum” (“Ripples and the River Bank”), directed by Priyadarshan. Mammootty leads “Kadugannava Oru Yathra Kurippu” (“Kadugannava: A Travel Note”), helmed by Ranjith. Priyadarshan also directs “Shilalikhitam” (“Inscriptions”) featuring Biju Menon. Parvathy Thiruvothu stars in Shyamaprasad’s “Kazhcha” (“Vision”), while Aswathy Nair directs Madhoo and Asif Ali in “Vilpana” (“The Sale”).

Fahadh Faasil leads Mahesh Narayanan’s “Sherlock.” Jayarajan Nair directs an ensemble cast, including Kaillash, Indrans and Nedumudi Venu,...

Srk Recovers, Janhvi-Orry In Ahmedabad, Pushpa 2’s Angaaron, Huma In Toxic, Parkin Makes It To Oscars Library – Top Trending News ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

What’s trending today in the entertainment world? Shah Rukh Khan is recovering well and expected to attend the Ipl finals, while Alia Bhatt showed her support for Deepika Padukone, who is facing online bullying. In film news, Aamir Khan’s production Laapataa Ladies is racing for the top spot on Netflix India, while Janhvi Kapoor encountered some overzealous fans in Ahmedabad.

Down south, Dhanush’s upcoming film Raayan has finalized its cast, and the makers of Pushpa 2 announced their song Angaaron. Huma Qureshi joins Yash for the intriguing Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups and Harish Kalyan’s film Parking continues to impress, with its screenplay being added to a prestigious library and remake rights secured. Scroll down to read the full stories!

Shah Rukh Khan Recovering Well,...

Veteran Tamil actor Saravanan has joined the cast of Tamil superstar Dhanush’s second directorial ‘Raayan’. On Tuesday, Dhanush took to his X and shared the look of Saravanan from the film. In the monochromatic picture, Saravanan can be seen sitting on a chair with his head tilted down as raindrops cloud the frame.

Dhanush wrote in the caption, “Saravanan sir from Raayan”.

‘Raayan’ also marks Dhanush’s 50th film, and also stars Sundeep Kishan, Kalidas Jayaram, Selvaraghavan, S.J Suryah, Prakash Raj, Dushara Vijayan, Aparna Balamurali and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar.

‘Raayan’, which has been written by Dhanush himself, is expected to be a gangster drama, set against the backdrop of North Madras. Dhanush is rumoured to be playing the lead character of a cook who was formerly a gangster.

This is Dhanush’s 2nd directorial after his ‘Pa Paandi’, which starred Rajkiran and Revathi.

Talking about ‘Raayan’, the film is backed by Sun Pictures.

The Malayalam film ‘2018: Everyone Is A Hero’, which was selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category, has failed to make it to the final shortlist of the 96th Academy Awards. The film, directed by Jude Anthany Joseph and featuring an ensemble cast of Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, Indrans, Asif Ali, Tanvi Ram, and Aparna Balamurali, among others, was a survival drama set against the backdrop of the devastating 2018 floods in Kerala. The film was a tribute to the heroes who saved lives during the calamity and also highlighted the global issue of climate change and its impact on the environment and humanity.

The film was chosen by the Film Federation of India (Ffi) as the country’s official entry to the Oscars from among 26 entries, including films like ‘The Disciple’, ‘Sherni’, ‘The Great Indian Kitchen’, and ‘Pinki Elli?’. The Ffi selection committee,...

Jude Anthany Joseph, director of India’s international feature Oscar contender “2018,” has started work on his next film.

The untitled investigative thriller is being written by the filmmaker alongside journalist Josy Joseph. The film is based on the true story of Kerala Shipping Corporation’s cargo ship Mv Kairali that disappeared in 1979 with a crew of 49 and 20,000 tonnes of iron ore on board while sailing from Margao, India to Rostock, Germany, via Djibouti.

“It’s really fascinating to learn the historical importance of this incident and how the investigation never succeeded. As a filmmaker it is a challenging subject to execute,” Joseph told Variety. Production is due to commence in the last quarter of 2024.

Meanwhile, “2018” screened at the ongoing International Film Festival of India (Iffi), Goa and the producers threw a lavish party to celebrate the film’s progress. The survival drama based on the climate change-caused floods that...

The Malayalam film ‘2018: Everyone Is A Hero’, which stars Tovino Thomas and Kunchacko Boban, has been selected to represent India as the country’s official entry at the 96th Academy Awards, by the Film Federation of India on Wednesday. Hereafter, the film will compete in the Oscars if it is selected by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the final nomination list.

The film narrates the stories of humanity overcoming the adversity set against the backdrop of the 2018 floods that devastated parts of Kerala. Tovino Thomas essays the role of a young man in the film who leaves the Indian Army with a fake medical certificate and redeems himself during the floods. The film also stars Asif Ali, Lal, Narain, Kunchacko Boban and Aparna Balamurali in prominent roles.

Reacting to the news, actor Tovino Thomas said, “Being chosen as India’s official entry for the Oscars...

The Malayalam film ‘2018: Everyone Is A Hero’, which stars Tovino Thomas and Kunchacko Boban, has been selected to represent India as the country’s official entry at the 96th Academy Awards, by the Film Federation of India on Wednesday. Hereafter, the film will compete in the Oscars if it is selected by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the final nomination list.

The film narrates the stories of humanity overcoming the adversity set against the backdrop of the 2018 floods that devastated parts of Kerala. Tovino Thomas essays the role of a young man in the film who leaves the Indian Army with a fake medical certificate and redeems himself during the floods. The film also stars Asif Ali, Lal, Narain, Kunchacko Boban and Aparna Balamurali in prominent roles.

Reacting to the news, actor Tovino Thomas said, “Being chosen as India’s official entry for the Oscars...

Malayalam cinema, also known as Mollywood, is one of the most vibrant and diverse film industries in India. Malayalam films are known for their realistic portrayal of social issues, cultural diversity, artistic experimentation, and technical excellence. In this article, we will look at the top 10 highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time, based on their worldwide collections.

10. Rdx (2023) Rdx Trailer

Rdx is a new action film of Antony Varghese, Neeraj Madhav, and Shane Nigam. It is directed by Nahas Hidayath and produced by Weekend Blockbusters. The film was released on 25 August 2023 and became a hit, grossing ₹65 crore (US$9 million) worldwide1. The film is about the life of three mysterious individuals who are involved in a series of heists and chases. The film features well-choreographed action sequences and a nunchak fight. The film has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.

9. Drishyam (2013)

This film is a thriller that follows the ordeal of Georgekutty,...

TributeSiddique, who passed away on August 8, had, along with his friend Lal, made some of the most memorable comedies in Malayalam cinema through the 80s and 90s.One of the first actors to pen a tribute to filmmaker Siddique after his passing on Tuesday, August 8, was the usually withdrawn Fahadh Faasil. In a rare emotional post, he said, “You will be missed forever dear Sidhikka.” He was also among those who went to pay homage to Siddique at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Kochi on Wednesday. He, along with his father Fazil, a renowned director of the 1990s, held and hugged Lal, Siddique's closest friend in films, who stood by, crying. Siddque and Lal's names were at one time always spoken together, the two springing up with a new brand of comedies in the late 80s, writing and directing some of the most popular films in Malayalam. Lal appeared inconsolable by his friend's side,...

Padmini, a comedy drama film directed by Senna Hegde and starring Kunchacko Boban, Aparna Balamurali, Madonna Sebastian and Vincy Aloshious in the lead roles, is all set to stream on Netflix from August 11. The film was released in theatres on July 14, 2023 and received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.

The film tells the story of Rameshan, a poet and lecturer, who becomes the laughing stock of the village after his wife runs away on their wedding day. When he tries to overcome these taunts and get married again, he faces further complications. The film is expected to offer lighthearted entertainment, drawing audiences into its charming narrative.

Padmini Trailer

The trailer of the film was released on July 6 and has already garnered over 200k views on YouTube. The trailer showcases Kunchacko Boban’s performance as a teacher who is also a poet. The film also features an ensemble cast of Malavika Menon,...

Dhanush is one of the most popular actors in the Tamil film industry, and his 50th film, ‘Raayan’, is one of the most anticipated films of the year. The film is a revenge drama set in North Chennai, and it stars Dhanush, Sj Suryah, Sundeep Kishan, Kalidas Jayaram, Aparna Balamurali, and Dushara Vijayan.

‘Raayan’ is Dhanush’s directorial debut, and he has assembled an all-star cast and crew for the film. Ar Rahman is the music composer, and the film is being shot in AdityaRam Studios, Chennai, with a massive set of 600 houses. The film promises to be a visual spectacle, with stunning cinematography and action sequences. The film is also expected to be a major social commentary, with a strong message about the importance of justice and equality.

D50 First Look Source : Sun Pictures

In ‘Raayan’, Dhanush plays a young man who seeks revenge for the death of his family.

Netflix is bringing two exciting films from the South Indian cinema industry to its platform soon. One is Maamannan, a Tamil political thriller that will premiere on July 27. The other is Padmini, a Malayalam film that will be released later.

Maamannan, directed by Mari Selvaraj, features an ensemble cast of Vadivelu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Fahadh Faasil and Keerthy Suresh. The film explores the conflict between an Mla from an oppressed community and a district secretary from a dominant community, who are both members of the same party. The film has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, but has been appreciated for its performances and social message.

Padmini, directed by Senna Hegde, stars Kunchacko Boban, Madonna Sebastian and Aparna Balamurali in the lead roles. The film is a fun-filled tale of Rameshan, a part-time poet and a full-time college teacher, whose life takes a standstill when an extremely embarrassing situation makes...

Netflix is bringing two exciting films from the South Indian cinema industry to its platform soon. One is Maamannan, a Tamil political thriller that will premiere on July 27. The other is Padmini, a Malayalam film that will be released later.

Maamannan, directed by Mari Selvaraj, features an ensemble cast of Vadivelu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Fahadh Faasil and Keerthy Suresh. The film explores the conflict between an Mla from an oppressed community and a district secretary from a dominant community, who are both members of the same party. The film has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, but has been appreciated for its performances and social message.

Padmini, directed by Senna Hegde, stars Kunchacko Boban, Madonna Sebastian and Aparna Balamurali in the lead roles. The film is a fun-filled tale of Rameshan, a part-time poet and a full-time college teacher, whose life takes a standstill when an extremely embarrassing situation makes...

Padmini is a Malayalam comedy-drama film directed by Senna Hegde and written by Deepu Pradeep. The film stars Kunchacko Boban, Aparna Balamurali, Madonna Sebastian, and Vincy Aloshious.

Padmini is a film that is both funny and heartwarming, but it is also a bit of a mess. The film’s humor is sharp and witty, and the performances are all top-notch. Kunchacko Boban is particularly good as Ramesh, and he brings a lot of heart to the role. Aparna Balamurali, Madonna Sebastian and especially Vincy are also excellent, and they have great chemistry together. However, the film’s plot is a bit convoluted, and the film have no logic and unbelievable at times. Additionally, some of the film’s humor is a bit crude. The film also suffers from some major miscasting.

Padmini Trailer

Overall, Padmini is an enjoyable film, but it is not without its flaws. The film’s strengths are its humor,...

Review‘Padmini’, which has Aparna Balamurali, Madonna Sebastian, and Vincy Aloshious opposite Kunchacko Boban, manages to find a new path – original and a wee bit hilarious, but not entirely engaging.When there are three women playing lead opposite a single man in a romantic comedy, you imagine it treading the path of several movies that successfully trod it before: Premam, Boeing Boeing and the like. But Padmini, which has Aparna Balamurali, Madonna Sebastian and Vincy Aloshious opposite Kunchacko Boban, manages to find a new path, original and a wee bit hilarious, though not entirely engaging. Director Senna Hegde, who gave us the wonderful Thingalazhcha Nishchayam and an enjoyable 1744 White Alto, offers a fun film with Padmini, scripted by Deepu Pradeep. But despite its interesting premise, the film loses focus. Like all of Senna’s films, Padmini goes directly into the thick of Rameshan’s story, beginning with a traditional wedding,...

EntertainmentFrom ‘Maheshinte Prathikaaram’ to ‘Soorarai Pottru’ and her more recent work, Aparna Balamurali appears to widen her range as an actor with every passing film.Aparna / InstagramActing alongside Fahadh Faasil in one of his most celebrated movies, Aparna Balamurali made quite a mark with Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016), director Dileesh Pothan's debut. This was not Aparna's first movie, however, just the one that brought her recognition. In the next few years, she would go on to gain a lot of appreciation, especially for her Tamil film with Suriya, Soorarai Pottru (2020), for which she won the National Film Award for Best Female Actor. Aparna has already had three Malayalam releases this year, including 2018 and Dhoomam. She will also be seen in an upcoming film Padmini with Kunchacko Boban, and appears to be widening her range as an actor with every passing film. Here are a few notable performances from her decade-long career.

The theatres in Kerala are all set to welcome movie buffs with a variety of films releasing this week. From Hollywood action to Malayalam drama, there is something for everyone to enjoy on the big screen.

Mission Impossible Trailer

The first release of the week is Mission Impossible 7, the latest installment in the popular franchise starring Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, the agent who never gives up on his missions. The film promises to deliver high-octane stunts, exotic locations and a gripping plot. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film also stars Rebecca Ferguson, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames and Vanessa Kirby. Mission Impossible 7 hits the screens on July 12. The film has received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, and has a high rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Voice of Sathyanathan Trailer Padmini Trailer

Padmini is an upcoming Malayalam comedy film starring Kunchacko Boban in the lead role. The film is directed by Senna Hegde,...

EntertainmentBesides two Hollywood biggies, there is much to look forward to in India’s cinemas this July — some more exciting than others. Here are some films to catch in theatres this month.Between Greta Gerwig’s wild live-action meta-comedy Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s epic historical drama Oppenheimer, Hollywood film fans are spoiled for choice this July. The widely different genres of the two films, the anticipation surrounding both, and the decision to release them on the same day (July 21) have tickled many a funny bone, with the internet even christening the face-off ‘Barbenheimer’. But besides these two Hollywood biggies, there is much more to look forward to in India’s cinemas this July — some more exciting than others. Here are seven films, across industries and languages, that we can’t wait to catch in theatres this month. Maamannan - In theatres Mari Selvaraj’s Maamannan was released in theatres...

ReviewThis is a 2-hour 23-minute drill on how smoking can kill you, delivered in the breathless fashion of a lecturer who is trying to cover the entire syllabus before the bell rings. In Pawan Kumar’s Dhoomam, Avinash (Fahadh Faasil), the marketing genius of a tobacco company, proposes that they make an anti-smoking ad that people would actually want to watch – and slyly promote smoking through it. The idea behind Dhoomam seems to be loosely based on this thought. A thriller about the ill-effects of smoking that would catch the audience’s attention. Except, there is nothing sly or subtle about the messaging. This is a 2-hour 23-minute drill on how smoking can kill you, delivered in the breathless fashion of a lecturer who is trying to cover the entire syllabus before the bell rings. Pawan, known for experimental Kannada thrillers like Lucia (2013) and U Turn (2016), makes his Malayalam debut...

MollywoodPawan Kumar, who is known for acclaimed Kannada films 'Lucia' and 'U-Turn', is making his Malayalam debut by writing and directing 'Dhoomam'.Screengrab: Hombale Films / YouTubeHombale Films, the production house behind the Kgf franchise and Kantara, has released the highly anticipated trailer for their upcoming suspense thriller Dhoomam. Pawan Kumar, who is known for acclaimed Kannada films Lucia and U-Turn, is making his Malayalam debut by writing and directing the film. Even more exciting is that he is collaborating with Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil, known for his remarkable performances in films including Kumbalangi Nights, Vikram, Pushpa, Trance, and Joji. Produced by Vijay Kiragandur under the Hombale Films banner, Dhoomam’s ensemble cast will also feature Aparna Balamurali, Roshan Mathew, Achyut Kumar, Vineeth Radhakrishnan, Anu Mohan, Joy Mathew, and Nandhu. The trailer for Dhoomam, which offers a tantalising glimpse into the movie, sees Avi (Fahadh) and Diya...

Chennai, June 8 (Ians) Hombale Films, the production house behind the ‘Kgf’ franchise and ‘Kantara’, has released the highly anticipated trailer for their upcoming suspense thriller ‘Dhoomam’.

The trailer offers a tantalising glimpse into the intense world of the movie. Written and directed by Pawan Kumar, who is known for his acclaimed films ‘Lucia’ and ‘U-Turn’, and produced by Vijay Kiragandur under the Hombale Films banner, ‘Dhoomam’ features an ensemble cast, including Fahadh Faasil, Aparna Balamurali, Achyut Kumar, Roshan Mathew, Vineeth Radhakrishnan, Anu Mohan, Joy Mathew and Nandhu.

‘Dhoomam’ marks Hombale Films’ debut in the Malayalam film industry and the next big release following the tremendous success of ‘Raajakumara’, the ‘Kgf’ series and ‘Kantara’. The movie will be released across 300-plus screens in Kerala.

‘Dhoomam’ sees Avi (Fahadh) and Diya (Aparna) finding themselves entangled in a race against time. Danger lurks around every corner and ghosts from the past are close behind,...

WeddingFahima married Mubeen Musthafa, son of Siraj International Group chairman Musthafa Mullikote, at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi on June 4.A star-studded, extravagant affair. There are few other words to aptly encapsulate the wedding of Fahima Ashraf Ali, the niece of Lulu Group chairman and managing director Ma Yusuff Ali, which took place at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, June 4. Fahima’s opulent wedding with Mubeen Musthafa, who is the son of business tycoon and Siraj International Group chairman Musthafa Mullikote, was a four-day affair filled with festivities and elaborate dance routines. Ranging from Malayalam cinema’s superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal to UAE’s Minister of State for Tolerance Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, several prominent personalities attended the grand event. A host of other popular Malayalam actors including Tovino Thomas, Jayasurya, Kunchacko Boban, Aparna Balamurali, Asif Ali, Joju George, Jayaram, Kalidas, and others marked their attendance.

Mollywood Theatre owners in Kerala are miffed that movies are not doing well, and in the rare occasion they do, the theatres cannot reap much benefit. For representation / Courtesy - Vimaljoseph93 / Wiki CommonsOn the day that 2018, a Malayalam film that has been doing really well in theatres, is coming out on an Ott (Over The Top) platform, several movie houses in Kerala are remaining closed in symbolic protest. The decision to shut down theatres associated with the Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (Feuok) on June 7 and 8 was announced on June 6. K Vijayakumar, president of Feuok, said that theatre owners took the drastic step since 99% of the films were failing and the rare movie that worked was being taken out of theatres too soon. The film 2018, based on the devastating floods of Kerala in that year, released on May 5 and within two weeks, crossed the Rs 100 crore mark. It became...

The Tovino Thomas-starrer ‘2018 Everyone Is A Hero’ has emerged as the biggest industry hit in the history of Malayalam cinema. Continuing its dream run in theatres across the world, ‘2018’ first became the fastest-ever Malayalam film to collect Rs 100 crore worldwide. The movie has now surpassed another milestone by minting Rs 160 crore worldwide in just 25 days, with an overwhelming run in five languages now.

For the first time in Mollywood history, a movie is being hailed nationwide and the response have given the Malayalam film industry a new identity across states and countries. ‘2018 Everyone Is A Hero’ is said to be getting standing ovations in theatres everywhere.

Directed by Jude Anthany Joseph with an ambitious budget, ‘2018’ has a prominent star cast comprised of Tovino, Asif Ali, Kunchako Boban, Lal, Narain, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Aparna Balamurali and Tanvi in lead roles.

The director has succeeded in recreating the Kerala floods with...

Filmmaker Jude Anthany Joseph’s critically and commercially acclaimed Malayalam film ‘2018’ which had hit the screens on May 5 is continuing its dream run at the box-office. Having received such great response from the audiences and critics all across, makers of ‘2018’ are now gearing up to release the film nationwide.

‘2018’ narrates the story of the devastating Kerala floods that occurred in 2018 when people from all walks of life came together to survive the calamity. The film effectively takes forward the message that humanity can win over adversity.

Starring Minnal Murali fame actor Tovino Thomas, Indrans, Kunchacko Boban, Aparna Balamurali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Asif Ali, Lal, Narain, Tanvi Ram, Sshivada, Kalaiyarasan, Aju Varghese, Siddique, Joy Mathew and Sudheesh, ‘2018’ will have a massive pan-India release on Friday May 26th this week in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu languages, further taking the box-office by storm. As per insiders, the Hindi version of the...

Filmmaker Jude Anthany Joseph’s critically and commercially acclaimed Malayalam-language film “2018,” which released on May 5, will bow pan India on May 26 in the Hindi, Tamil and Telugu languages.

The Hindi-language version of the film will be released via E4 Entertainment.

“2018” narrates the story of the devastating Kerala floods that occurred in 2018 when people from all walks of life came together to survive the calamity. The film aims to convey the message that humanity can win over adversity. It stars Netflix’s “Minnal Murali” lead Tovino Thomas alongside Indrans, Kunchacko Boban (Netflix’s “Ariyippu”), Aparna Balamurali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Asif Ali, Lal, Narain, Tanvi Ram, Sshivada, Kalaiyarasan, Aju Varghese, Siddique, Joy Mathew and Sudheesh. It released in its home state Kerala and in a few neighbouring states and has earned more than $16 million theatrically so far, including U.S. and U.K. box office.

Joseph said: “We are so delighted...

Thiruvananthapuram, May 14 (Ians) The Malayalam Tovino Thomas-starrer ‘2018 Everyone Is A Hero’, directed by the award-winning popular director, Jude Anthany Joseph, is having a dream run and moving toward the Rs 100-crore club, a rare feat for a Mollywood movie.

And coming as it does at a time when ‘The Kerala Story’ is attracting nationwide attention, people close to the Malayalam film industry are saying that ‘2018’ is “the real Kerala Story” and not the one that claims to be one.

The film is centred around stories of humanity triumphing over adversity in the backdrop of the 2018 floods that devastated parts of Kerala. It is the second Tovino project to attract national attention and draw an adulatory audience response after the 2021 superhero movie ‘Minnal Murali’. And it also brings back memories of his performance in ‘Virus’, the 2019 film about the Nipah outbreak in Kerala.

Tovino, incidentally, volunteered his services for flood...

Social MediaTovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, and Aparna Balamurali appear in prominent roles in the film, which is based on the stories of unity that Kerala had witnessed at the time of the 2018 floods.Malayalam film 2018, telling the story of that year’s devastating Kerala floods, came out the same day as The Kerala Story, a Hindi movie that many have dubbed as propaganda against the state. People watching the Malayalam film began posting about the stories of unity that Kerala had celebrated at the time of the flood. Several people shared real life instances adapted to the movie, asserting that this is the ‘real Kerala story’. On Monday, May 8, four days after the movie came out, hashtags celebrating the film are trending on social media. “This movie will show you how entire Kerala and its people fought against a disaster. This will show you how we faced that disaster with courage,...

ReviewThe film, despite its staginess, deserves a pat for making you remember the forgotten sacrifices.Spinning a movie from the havoc caused by the 2018 rains that lasted many weeks in Kerala and the human stories around it would have been demanding on Jude Anthany Joseph and team. The effort they took comes out in the meticulously captured frames and the sound and fury of the devastating rains and floods will keep ringing in your ears minutes after the movie has ended. Though the scripting makes heroic moments appear staged, knowing the real stories behind them would still move you. It would also take you back five years and let you relive some of those experiences. 2018, the film, despite its staginess, deserves a pat for making you remember the forgotten sacrifices. Stars keep tumbling out in the first few minutes – Tovino Thomas, an easygoing runaway army man, Kunchacko Boban who sits in a control room office,...

EntertainmentPM Modi, on his 2-day visit to Kerala, interacted with young people in Kochi at a programme titled Yuvam Conclave on Monday, April 24.In a post about meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, actor Unni Mukundan sounded excited as he described the 45 minutes they spent together. Pm Modi, on his two-day visit to Kerala, interacted with young people in Kochi at a programme titled Yuvam Conclave on Monday, April 24. Unni Mukundan was one of the actors from the Malayalam film industry present on stage, along with Aparna Balamurali, who won the National Award for best actor (female) last year, and Navya Nair, who recently made a comeback to films. "This is the most electrifying post from this account!Thank you sir, from seeing you afar as a 14 year old and now finally Meeting you, I’m yet to recover! Your, “Kem cho Bhaila” on stage literally shook me up! It was...

MollywoodA number of prominent actors including Kunchacko Boban, Aparna Balamurali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Tovino Thomas and Asif Ali play major characters in the film.Incessant rains, dams opening, houses flooded and people panicking are among the familiar scenes chosen for the trailer of the upcoming Malayalam film 2018, directed by Jude Anthany Joseph. The film, also written by Jude, is based on the destructive floods of 2018 that struck Kerala, killing hundreds of people and damaging houses and property. A number of prominent actors including Kunchacko Boban, Aparna Balamurali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Tovino Thomas and Asif Ali play major characters in the film. It will be released on May 5. The trailer, which came out on April 23, shows glimpses of the characters - a man scared to work in the army (Tovino), someone else going through a divorce (Vineeth), a concerned official (Kunchacko) and a reporter (Aparna). It also shows Lal and Narein taking on...

NewsThis marks the production house's second venture in the Malayalam film industry after Tyson.Hombale Films, known for their successful films like Kgf and Kantara, is all set to release their next offering titled Dhoomam. The first look poster of the film was revealed, leaving fans intrigued. Starring Fahadh Faasil and National Award winner Aparna Balamurali, the film is directed by Pawan Kumar and marks the production house's second venture in the Malayalam film industry after Tyson. The first look poster of Dhoomam showcases Fahadh Faasil looking bruised with taped lips, as other characters lurk in the background brandishing a firearm and donning a mask. The caption on Hombale Films' social media page reads, "There is no smoke without fire, here is the first spark. Presenting #Dhoomam First Look #DhoomamFirstLook." Dhoomam is a thriller and will be released in four languages - Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu, aiming to cater to a wider audience.

Bengaluru, April 17 (Ians) Having set a distinct benchmark in the industry with mega-blockbusters ‘Kgf’ and ‘Kantara’, the production house Hombale Films is getting ready with ‘Dhoomam’ starring Fahadh Faasil and national award winner Aparna Balamurali.

After the film was announced with a mahurat shot, the makers have now released the first look of Dhoomam.

Sharing the first look poster of Dhoomam, Homable Films shared the intriguing and captivating first look featuring the leads, Fahadh Faasil and Aparana Balamurali. They captioned it: “There is no smoke without fire, here is the first spark. Presenting #Dhoomam First LookA #DhoomamFirstLook.”

Made under the direction of Pawan Kumar, ‘Dhoomam’ marks the second announcement from Hombale Films into the Malayalam Film Industry, after the announcement of ‘Tyson’ earlier.

‘Dhoomam’, a thriller, will be released in 4 languages: Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu.

Apart from ‘Dhoomam’, Hombale Films is looking ahead with pan India films like ‘Salaar...

OTTDirected by Saheed Arafath, the crime drama is produced by National Award-winning actor Fahadh Faasil along with Dileesh Pothan and Syam Pushkaran.FilePhoto Malayalam movie Thankam, starring Biju Menon and Vineeth Srinivasan, will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video from February 20, the streamer announced on Saturday. Directed by Saheed Arafath, the crime drama is produced by National Award-winning actor Fahadh Faasil along with Dileesh Pothan and Syam Pushkaran. It was released in theatres in January. The movie also features Vineeth Thattil David, Aparna Balamurali, and Girish Kulkarni in pivotal roles. Syam Pushkaran has penned the script. Thankam revolves around three friends Muthu (Biju Menon), Kannan (Vineeth Sreenivasan), and Bijoy (Vineeth David), who are involved in the gold trade in Thrissur, the gold capital of India. "Trouble starts when the trio heads out to Tamil Nadu for a business-cum-pleasure trip. However, their plans go awry when a murder case...

EntertainmentAparna’s last film was Thankam which also starred Biju Menon and Vineeth Sreenivasan. Actor Aparna Balamurali has announced her next film Rudhiram in Malayalam, directed by Jisho Lon Antony. The film will feature Kannada filmmaker Director Raj B Shetty. Making the announcement on Tuesday, February 14, the actor shared on Instagram, “Need all your blessings for Rudhiram. Can’t wait to start the adventure with @rajbshetty and @jisholonantony.” In response to the post, Raj Shetty wrote, “The excitement is mutual. come soon to the set @aparna.balamurali.” The pooja ceremony was held on Tuesday, and the production of the film has started already. Aparna’s last film was Thankam which also starred Biju Menon and Vineeth Sreenivasan. The film received a lukewarm response. The News Minute’s review said, “Thankam takes off without noise, unexpectedly seeps into mystery, takes you on a round trip across Indian cities, and leaves you with more questions than emotions.

ReviewThankam takes off without noise, unexpectedly seeps into mystery, takes you on a round trip across Indian cities, and leaves you with more questions than emotions.CrisImages, like they were caught on a still camera, stick to your head long after Thankam is over. Click: Vineeth Sreenivasan in a car with that perpetual smile of his, a face that his co-star in the film Biju Menon says no one can say no to. Like most movies written by Syam Pushkaran, characters just walk into the screen and behave like you have always known them, not bothering to introduce themselves by way of dialogue or song. For a change, there is a title song, quite a devotional one, reminding you of the ‘Pavanarachezhuthunnu’ song that Vietnam Colony (a 90s Mohanlal film) begins with. Thankam takes off without noise, unexpectedly seeps into mystery, takes you on a round trip across Indian cities,...

Kochi, Jan 20 (Ians) Ernakulam Law College student, who had misbehaved with National Award-winning actress Aparna Balamurali during her campus visit to promote her upcoming film, was suspended for a week on Friday.

Early this week, the second year student Vishnu, during a function organised at the College campus as part of promotion of film, ‘Thankam’ suddenly rushed to the stage, handed a flower to Aparna who was sitting, shook hands before forcing her up and putting his hands on her shoulder for a photo.

Later, on the stage, an office-bearer said “sorry” at which the student again approached the actress for a handshake, but she refused.

A video of this incident shows Aparna trying to move away from the student.

After the video turned viral, the Ernakulam Law College Union apologised for the boy’s behaviour but as the encore increased, it suspended him from the college for a week.

Ernakulam Law College student, who had misbehaved with National Award-winning actress Aparna Balamurali during her campus visit to promote her upcoming film, was suspended for a week on Friday.

Early this week, the second year student Vishnu, during a function organised at the College campus as part of promotion of film, ‘Thankam’ suddenly rushed to the stage, handed a flower to Aparna who was sitting, shook hands before forcing her up and putting his hands on her shoulder for a photo.

Later, on the stage, an office-bearer said “sorry” at which the student again approached the actress for a handshake, but she refused.

A video of this incident shows Aparna trying to move away from the student.

After the video turned viral, the Ernakulam Law College Union apologised for the boy’s behaviour but as the encore increased, it suspended him from the college for a week.

In an apology,...

The theatrical trailer of Malayalam movie ‘Thankam’ was released on Tuesday by acclaimed actor Fahadh Faasil, who is also producer of the film. Faasil, who was recently seen in ‘Pushpa: The Rise’ and ‘Vikram’, released the trailer on his Facebook page, wishing the team success.

‘Thankan’ is directed by Saheed Arafath with a star cast featuring Biju Menon, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Aparna Balamurali, Gireesh Kulkarni, and a number of Marathi, Hindi and Tamil actors.

Bhavana Studios, the makers of ‘Kumbalangi Nights’ and ‘Joji’, partnered by Fahadh Faasil, Dileesh Pothan and Syam Pushkaran, is all set to release the upcoming crime drama worldwide on January 26.

‘Thankam’ has been penned by national-award winning Syam Pushkaran, who had earlier scripted the much-acclaimed ‘Maheshinte Prathikaram’, ‘Kumbalangi Nights’ and ‘Joji’.

The movie marks the debut of Gireesh Kulkarni in a south Indian movie. The trailer shows Gireesh playing a Maharashtra police officer, who along with his...

When ‘Kaapa’ released in theatres on December 22, 2022, the rousing audience response instantly proved that the film had broken new ground. The Shaji Kailas directorial headlined by Prithviraj Sukumaran in a charismatic and gritty avatar, is set in the crime-ridden underbelly of Thiruvananthapuram and has won praise for redefining the gangster genre in Malayalam cinema. While critics are praising its hyperlocal setting and transcendent story that depicts the vulnerabilities and compulsions of hardened gangsters, the film, even in its third week, is drawing huge crowds.

Based on the novel ‘Shankumukhi’ by Gr Indugopan, the film also stars Aparna Balamurali, Asif Ali, Anna Ben and traces the rise of a gang leader who turns into a politician.

Prithviraj Sukumaran adds, “Playing a character like Kotta Madhu was challenging because he rules his world with an iron fist and yet, abides by a certain version of right and wrong. This film has a...

CinemaHombale Films is known for bankrolling hit films like ‘Kantara’, the ‘Kgf’ franchise and ‘Salaar’.Tnm StaffTwitter/Hombale FilmsHombale Films, known for movies like Kgf, Kgf: Chapter 2, Kantara and Salaar, has announced that they will be investing Rs 3000 crores in the next five years into the entertainment industry. The production house said through a statement on Monday, January 2, that, “Cinema entertainment has been there since time immemorial and it has been viewed, lived and appreciated by everyone. Whether good times or bad, it has been a huge medium of relief and joy. It has also been a strong carrier of our culture, tradition and history through which we have been showcasing our identity to the world at large.” The statement also said that India is “a land of diversity” and that it “presents us a wide opportunity to unlock the vast potential that is available in the youth of the nation.

KollywoodHere are 10 interesting Tamil films that caught the attention of fans and critics alike this year. Tnm Staff2022 was an important year for Tamil cinema, for it marked the industry’s return to normalcy after the pandemic lull. Not only did films like Vikram and Ponniyin Selvan have a stupendous run at the box office having broken several previously held records, but films like Natchathiram Nagargiradhu and Witness also pushed boundaries in terms of representation on screen. We bring to you a list of ten interesting films that caught the attention of fans and critics alike this year. Vikram Starring Kamal Haasan, Fahadh Faasil, and Vijay Sethupathi in the lead, and Suriya in a cameo along with an ensemble cast of many other actors, the star-studded action drama Vikram was helmed by filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj. In addition to garnering praise for keeping audiences on the edge of their seats, the...

ReviewShaji Kailas’s Prithviraj starrer doesn’t work as a mass-action film because it doesn’t have enough originality. Sowmya RajendranFacebook/Prithviraj SukumaranKAAPA stands for the Kerala Anti-social Activities Prevention Act, and Shaji Kailas’s action thriller Kaapa (written by Gr Indugopan based on his novel Shangumukhi) is about a person who unexpectedly finds herself on the goondas list. This seems like a fresh idea, but unfortunately, the film plays out like a pale imitation of many, many gangster sagas that we have seen over the years. Prithiviraj wears the mantle of alpha gangster Kotta Madhu, with veteran actor Jagadish playing his chief henchman. Madhu is Superman in general, but there is a past with which he is yet to make peace. Prameela (Aparna Balamurali) is his fiery wife who can make him bend to her will. There is another couple – Anand (Asif Ali) and Binu (Anna Ben) – whose lives intersect with theirs,...

ListicleThe December lineup are all theatre releases, with Ott platforms bringing out movies that have already had a theatre-run or festival release.Tnm StaffEven though there are no superstar releases in Malayalam this Christmas and New Year, quite a few others are lined up to come out in the next two weeks. These are all theatre releases. Most of the Ott releases this month are films which have already had a theatre-run, like Gold and Udal. 1. Kaapa - Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran will work with director Shaji Kailas in a film that delves into the world of crime and gang wars. Set in Thiruvananthapuram, the story is by noted writer Gr Indugopan. Apart from Prithviraj, actors Aparna Balamurali, Anna Ben, and Asif Ali also play prominent roles in the film. Kaapa is expected to release on December 22. 2. Thuramukham - A much anticipated film by critically acclaimed director Rajeev Ravi, Thuramukham's release...