Chanthupottu (2005) : A Controversy

                            Chanthupottu is a Malayalam movie directed by Lal Jose and released in 2005 . It tells the story of Radhakrishn...

May 31, 2013

Weekly Bulletin - JUNE 01 - Latest Malayalam Movie releases and Cinema News


NEW RELEASES

The monsoon has arrived and as a result there is two releases this week.

1) Abhiyum Njanum :
        This movie is directed by SP Mahesh who has earlier directed the movie My Big Father. The movie is a family entertainer and is Archana Kavi and newcomer Rohit Nayar is the leading cast. They are supported by Lal, Salim Kumar, Menaka, Captian Raju, Sweta Mohan, Suraj venjaramood and Guinnes pakru. Under the banner of Mumbai Cine Talkies, Ramdas Menon is producing this movie. This is the only Malayalam release of this week.

2) Romeo and Juliet :
        Allu Arjun's 'Iddarammayilatho' is releasing in a high note in Kerala in the dubbed Malayalam version named 'Romeo and Juliet'. The movie is releasing in 86 theaters all over Kerala. After 'Badrinath' and 'Gaja Pokkiri', this is third time the Telugu and Malayalam versions are releasing simultaneously. Amala paul and Catherine Tresa are starring opposite Allu Arjun.


MORE HEADLINES......

> '5 Sundarikal' is ready to release - The movie is produced in 'Kerala Cafe' manner and the directors that are working together for this project are Anwar Rasheed, Amal Neerad, Sameer Thahir, Aashiq Abu and Shyju Khalid. The movie is brought up by Amal Neerad Productions. The star cast includes Dulquer Salmaan, Fahadh Faasil, Nivin Pauly, Jayasurya, Biju Menon, Kavya Madhavan, Honey Rose, Reenu Mathews etc.

> 'Samrajyam 2' - The movie directed by Perarasu has completed it's shooting schedule. The movie is likely to be released towards the end of this year.

> Manju Warrier to be seen on-screen at the earliest. If the sources are to be believed, a prominent director is roping her for a new project.

> The biopic film by Kamal 'Celluloid' starring Prithviraj is being dubbed into Tamil. The Tamil version is named as 'JC Daniel'. Upon it's release 'Celluloid' has received 7 Kerala State Awards.

> Suniel Shetty to play a role in Blessy's 'Kalimannu'. This movie has already created many controversies  regarding the shot of real life delivery of Shwetha Menon. Also, Suniel Shetty will be part of an item number along with Shweta Menon.

> 'Swapnam' - Jayaram is in the lead of this Shaji N Karun movie and the shoot is in progress.


May 30, 2013

Everything you should know about Mohanlal



Also view another post of mine Comparing Mammootty and Mohanlal

Basic Information
  •  Full Name : Mohanlal Vishwanathan Nair
  •  Wife : Suchithra    Daughter : Vismaya     Son : Pranav
  •  Widely Known as : Lalettan, Complete actor
  •  Born in Pathanamthitta district and brought up at Trivandrum where his maternal house is situated
  •  Graduatein B.Com from Mahatma Gandhi College, Trivandrum
  • Honarary titles : Padmashree (2001)
                                    Doctorate of Letters ( from Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit )
                                    Bharat
                                    Lt colonel
                                          

Online

Movies

Total Number of Movie appearances : 310+
Languages : Malayalam - 300+
                       Hindi - 3
                       Tamil - 5
                       Telugu - 1
                       Kannada - 1            
Awards : 4 National Film Awards (2 best actor awards + 1 special jury award + Award for best film as a producer)
                9 Kerala State Awards (6 Best Actor)
                9 Film fare Awards (8 Best Actor)
                7 Kerala Film Critics Award (6 Best Actor)

  • Debut movie appearance (not released) : Thiranottam (1978)
  • Debut movie appearance (released) : Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980)
  • Debut as a producer : His Highness Abdulla (1990)
  • Longest running movie in theaters : Chithram (1988) ran for 365 days in Ernakulam Shenoys
  • Blockbuster Rajavinte Makan brought him the label 'superstar'
  • Highest grosser : Narasimham (2000)
  • First Non-Malayalam debut : Iruvar (Tamil) by Mani Ratnam
  • First actor to be given the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army of India

Misc....

  • He was elected as most popular Keralite in a 2006 online poll conducted by CNN-IBN
  • Mohanlal topped the survey conducted by an indian website, as the "Best Actor of Decade" here.....
  • Manjil Virinja Pookal was also the directional debut of director fazil and Mohanlal played the antagonist in the movie
  • First dialogue of Mohanlal on screen is "I am Narendran" in Manjil Virinja Pookal
  • First comedy role of Mohanlal is in Poochakkoru Mookkuthi (1984)
  • Narasimham is considered to be an all time highest grossing movie in Malayalam Cinema when the collection is adjusted to inflation, considering the high increase in number of releasing theaters, ticket rates and money value. It stood as the highest grossing Malayalam movie for over 6 years. The film completed 200 days in a theater and 150 days in three theaters.
  • Mohanlal has sung over 32 songs and the first being Sindooramegham for the movie Onnanam Kunnil Oradi Kunnil (1985)
  • Mohanlal and Priyadarshan has worked together in 30 projects
  • While Mohanlal was in a sixth grade he received best actor award for a stage play
  • Ivide Thudangunnu (1984) by Sasikumar established Mohanlal as a successful hero
  • Mohanlal started his career doing negative roles. In 1983, Mohanlal appeared in 23 film which had him play the negative roles.
  • Mohanlal owns a flat in Burj Khalifa and a villa in Arabian Ranches that is on Emirates road

May 28, 2013

Everything you should know about Mammootty

Three decades long career and more than 360 movies in which the actor in Mammootty mesmerized the Indian audience and critics with his flexibility. A complete fact file about Mammootty, that is the motive behind this post.


Also visit another post of mine Comparing Mammootty and Mohanlal

Basic Information
  •  Full Name : Muhammed Kutty Ismail Panaparambil
  •  Wife : Sulfath    Daughter : Surumi     Son : Dulquer Salmaan
  •  Widely Known as : Mammookka, Mega Star
  •  Born in Kollam district and brought up at Ernakulam
  •  Graduate in LLB ( Bachelor of Laws) and has practiced law for four years
  •  Autobiography : Chamayangalillathe
  • Honarary titles : Padmashree (1998)
                                   Doctorate of Letters ( Twice from University of Kerala and University of Calicut )
                                   Bharat
Online
Movies

Total Number of Movie appearances : 370+
Languages : Malayalam - 350+
                       English - 1
                       Hindi - 4
                       Tamil - 15
                       Telugu - 3
                       Kannada - 1            
Awards : 3 National Film Awards (3 Best Actor)
                 7 Kerala State Awards (5 Best Actor)
                11 Film fare Awards (10 Best Actor)
                11 Kerala Film Critics Award (8 Best Actor)

  • Highest number of National Best Actor Award Winner ( along with Amitab Bachan and Kamal Haasan )
  • Second highest number of lead roles just behind Prem Nazir
  • Debut movie appearance (uncredited) : Anubavangal Palichakal (1971)
  • Debut movie appearance (credited) : Kaalachakram (1973)
  • First film in the lead role : Devalokam (Not yet released)
  • First Super Hit : Thrishna (1981)
  • Longest running movie in theaters : Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha ran 280 days in Sangam Theater Kozhikode
  • Highest grosser : Kerala Varma Pazhassiraja (2009)
  • Holds for record for highest number of double role appearance - 9 times
     

Misc.......

  • Must watch documentary about Mammootty by I-don't-know-who - http://youtu.be/lu185UPEuY8
  • In 1986, almost 35 movies were released as Mammootty in the lead.
  • He has appeared in 11 movies with the character name "Balachandran"
  • Mammootty once injured his leg during the shooting of Sphodanam (1981), it's since then he walks the way he does today by putting less pressure on the injured leg.
  • Mammootty has sung 8 songs for his movies - Onnam kunnumme in 'Jawan of Vellimala', Aarandum Koorikooti in 'Kutty sranku', Manjinte maarala and Changazhi muthumay in 'Loudspeaker', Nagaram in 'Ore Kadal', Vidhiyude kayyopu in 'Kayyopu', Poliyopoli in 'Pallaavoor Devanarayanan' and Ladies collegil in 'Mazhayethum Munbe'.  


May 25, 2013

Weekly Bulletin - MAY 04 - Latest Releases and Malayalam Cinema News


NEW RELEASES

Following are the movies that are releasing this week :

1) English :
       After an experimental movie 'Arike', Shyamaprasad has come up with his new film 'English' which is scripted by Ajayan Venugopal. The movie is produced by Binu Dev under the banners of Navarang Screen. The film stars Mukesh, Nivin Pauly, Jayasurya, Ramya Nambeeshan, Nadia Moidu. Rex Vijayan (part of Avial) is the music composer of the movie. The plot of the movie is based on the lives of Malayalis living in London. The movie is releasing in around 40 theaters.

2) Up and Down - Mukalil Oralundu :
       This movie is a psychological thriller in which 90% of the film features inside a lift. The film is directed by experienced director TK Rajeev Kumar and the script is by Sunny Joseph and Manuel George. The cinematography is done by Jomon Thomas and the dialogues are penned by GR Indugopan. The star cast of the movie includes Indrajith, Ramya Nambeeshan, Prathap Pothan, Meghana Raj. The movie which was finalized to release last week and was postponed.

3) Attakatha : 
        Attakatha is directed by debutant Kannan Perumudiyoor which is based on his own novel Cholliyatam. Eight years after his death, the movie comes up with six songs composed by music maestro Raveendran. Attakatha is a musical romantic movie that tells the story of a french woman (played by a German actress Irina Jacoby) who comes to Kerala to study about Kathakali and her relationship with Kathakali actor Unni (played by Vineeth).


MORE HEADLINES...... 

> Prithviraj to produce three Mammootty movies - Kadal kadannoru Mathukutty, Arival Chuttika Nakshathram, Kunjali Marakkar. All the three movies will start rolling this year itself. Kadal Kadannoru Mathukutty is already in it's final schedules. Prithviraj will be starring along with Mammootty in Amal Neerad's Arival Chuttika Nakshathram. 

> Kaithapram Damodar who is working on his debut film has dropped controversial cricketer Sreeshanth from his movie 'Mazhavillinattam Vare'.

> After the late release 'Hotel California', Anoop Menon and Aji John unites for a new venture named 'Kingfisher'.

> 'Sudhi Valmeekam' - Prithviraj is casted in Renjith's film for the third consecutive time after 'Arjunan Sakshi' and 'Molly Aunty Rocks'.

> Kalabhavan Mani surrenders before Athirapilly Police Station.

> Angry Birds is a comedy movie directed by Saji Surendran and written by Anoop menon. The shooting of the movie starts in Mumbai. The leading pair of the movie is Anoop menon and Bhavana.

> Nishan plays the lead role in the Bollywood remake of Tamil movie Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu.

May 17, 2013

Weekly Bulletin - MAY 03 - New Releases and Headlines



NEW RELEASES

Following are the movies that are releasing this week :

1) Orissa :
       Orissa is directed by M Padmakumar who has previously directed movies like Vaasthavam, Shikkar. The movie is scripted by GS Anil and music is composed by Ratheesh vaga. The lead pair includes Unni Mukundan (as a police officer) and Sanika Nambiar. Kaniha and Tanushree Gosh also plays a key role in this movie which is set in the 80s. The movie which is distributed by Heera films is set to release in 40 Theaters.

 2)  Choodan :
       Lead by Mahesh Babu, Choodan is the dubbed version of the action thriller Telugu movie 'Dookudu'. Dookudu is considered to be one of the all time blockbusters. In Telugu, the movie is rumored to have collected a total gross of 1 billion rupees, the highest ever by a Telugu movie. Samantha is appearing as the female counter part of Mahesh Babu.

 3)  Aaru Sundarimaarude Katha :
       This women centric movie which is directed and scripted by Rajesh Abraham is an entertainment thriller. The movie is all about six women who narrates their own individual story. Nadia Moidu, Lena, Umang Jain, Shamna Kasim, Zarina Wahab and Lakshmi Rai includes in the lead cast. Also, Narain and Prathap pothan are appearing in two important roles. The songs are composed by Deepak Dev while the cinematography is done by Sameer Haq.
                 


MORE HEADLINES...... 

>  Superstar Mohanlal turns 53 on 21st may. Advanced birthday wishes to our beloved Lalettan.

>  Aashiq Abu and Rima Kallingal set to tie knot by next year. Aashiq Abu will start the shoot of his new movie 'Idukki Gold' this week.

>  Nithya Menon to play the lead role in the Tamil - Telugu remake of '22 Female Kottayam'. Prathap Pothan will reprise his original role. The makers have not finalized the actor playing Fahadh faasil's role.

>  Dileep and Joshiy to join hands for 'Sddhan Shivan'.

>  Kunchacko Boban and Fahadh faasil to join hands for the new project of hit-maker Vyshakh.

May 13, 2013

Neram Malayalam Movie Review and Box Office Collection Report

            'Neram' is the directional debut of Alphonse Putharen, who himself has managed the scripting and editing department. Alphonse Putharen is popular for his job in highly popular Nenjodu Cherthu from Yuvvh.               
REVIEW :

            The movie has a simple and familiar plot, but the fresh presentation by Alphonse makes it a watchable movie. The director who is known for his editing skills has kept the movie fast paced with new attempts in cuts. Surely the movie will be liked by all apart from few shortcomings. The first half demanded a better trimming as the movie was slow paced towards the end of first half. First half generates few laughs and nothing else. Second half is far better than the counter part which has got some slow motion fights and all. Also, the climax of the movie was good.
             One of the highlight of the movie is the cast performance, the lead pair as well as the supporting actors were likable. Nivin Pauly has done a commendable job with some good screen presence. Nazriya Nazim has done her first lead performance perfectly and she is lovable. Manoj K Jayan and Shammi Thilakan are the other two who steals the show with their one liners.
             The cinematography by Anand C. Chandran is really appreciable. The movie has got some brilliant shots and camera work. Also, the music done by the debutant Rajesh Murugesan is impressive. The viral 'Pistah song' and the visually beautiful 'Vathil Melle' are well placed in the movie.
             Alphonse Putharen has made a superb debut with Neram. Neram can be an impressive watch for you by keeping low expectations.


POSITIVES :                                                                          NEGATIVES :
- Visualization                                                                   - slow paced first half end
- BG score and Music                                                      - old fashioned repetitive dialogue
- Cast Performance
- Humor


BOX OFFICE :

               The movie was released in around 70 plus theaters all over Kerala. The movie has got very good opening with a collection of 1.15 Crores in first three days. The movie is getting positive word of mouth.
               As Neram completes first week, the box office gross of the movie is figured to be around 2.2 Crores.
               Neram emerges as a HIT and the movie has completed two weeks in seventy plus theaters. The movie has crossed 3,000 theatrical shows. The box office collection of Neram is figured to be 3.30 so far.
               Neram has escaped competitions from new releases and it has completed it's three week run with a gross of 4.50 Crores. The movie has crossed 5,000 theatrical shows and Neram is still holding up in sixty plus theaters.
               'Honey Bee' which has got a better WOM and next week release 'ABCD' are serious contenders for Neram right now. Neram has comfortably collected 5.30 crores in it's four week run. The movie is holding up in around 56 theaters with a total of 5,800 theatrical shows.
               Neram has emerged as a super hit and the collection has reached 5.50 crores. The movie is still running in 45 theaters and the total number of theatrical shows is 6,700.
               Six week update - Theatrical presence in 10 theaters and the total gross estimated to be 5.85 crores with a total of 7,000 theatrical shows.

May 12, 2013

Top Ten - Best Zombie Movies Of All Time

 Are you a fan of zombie movies? I am listing down my favorite zombie movies of all time. Feel free to share your stand about my list and even you can post your own top ten list.
NOTE : not in any particular order

  • Night Of The Living Dead
Undoubtedly, the greatest zombie movie of all time. It is hard to think about any serious horror fan who haven't seen this movie. Interestingly, the dead things are never referred as 'zombies' in the movie. Don't forget the fact that this movie was released 30 years ago. 

  • Zombieland
One of the best horror comedies of all time. It is the most notable zombie comdies of the last decade. As far as box office is considered, this is the most successful zombie movie of all time. Zombieland directed by Ruben Fleischer can be stated as an American answer to the movie 'Shaun Of The Dead'.

  • Dead Alive
 This movie is a cinematic masterpiece which has got many terrifying and hilarious stuffs (Those who have seen it must have got it). Notably, the cast of this movie was terrible, which has helped this movie in one or other way. And this movie comes from the director Peter Jackson who is known for 'The Lord Of The Rings' series and 'King Kong'.

  • Dead Snow
 When a Norwegian movie takes a place in this list, you can imagine how good it would be. This movie has horror and humor balanced well. Dead snow is directed by Tommy Wirkola who has made Hollywood debut lately with 'Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters'.

  • Dawn Of The Dead
Usually, Remakes doesn't work well but in case of 'Dawn Of The Dead' both the versions are worth watching. Surely, Both the versions (1978 and 2004) of this movie will take a position in every horror movie fan's favorites list.


  • 28 Days Later
One of the best sci-fi horror movies of this era. This is one of the most sophisticated horror thriller which will generate true horror and dwelves deeper. The follow up of this movie, '28 Weeks Later' released in 2007 will surely impress you as well.

  • Resident Evil
 A film made out of a horror game of the same name. The movie is combination of style, action, thriller and horror. Though the sequels didn't keep up the expectations, this one is an epic one for it's brilliant story and lead cast.

  • [Rec]
 REC is a POV camera based spanish movie. The movie Quarantine released in 2008 is the American counterpart of this movie.

  •  Shaun Of The Dead
 Released in 2004, Shaun of the Dead is one of the best rom zom com. Most of the comedy genre lovers will have this movie as one of the favorite movies of all time

  • I Am Legend                    
This movie starring Will Smith actually had a greater potential to be the best movie ever. The movie was trimmed, the viewer left with many questions unanswered
and at the end a sudden brake to the thrill. The kind of horror movie creates within us is unexplainable and this movie is worth watching.

May 8, 2013

Hotel California Malayalam Movie Review and BoxOffice Collection Report

                                The successful duo Anoop Menon and Jayasurya is back again with the movie 'Hotel California'. Scripted by Anoop Menon himself, Hotel California is director Aji John's third venture. Hotel California is being produced by Josemon simon. The music is composed by Shaan Rahman. The cinematography is done by Jithu damodar.

REVIEW :

                                Hotel California is a movie not to be taken seriously and which might keep you entertained from the beginning to the end. At the same time, illogical comedys and other unwanted comedy sequences are a big drawback of the movie. As the movie is coming with an A certificate, this can be avoided by those who disliked Trivandrum Lodge. The movie has nothing much as a story and has many confusion situations reminding us of old priyadarshan movies. But as a whole the movie viewers will be confused after watching the movie. I think that Anoop menon wrote this script just for a joke or for a time pass.
                                The main highlight of the movie is the characters played by Anoop Menon and Jayasurya itself. Jayasurya is a grace to watch with his outstanding makeover and cool dialogue delivery. Other casts including Saiju Kurup, Joju, Honey Rose, Dhwani, Aparna Nair, Maria Roy, Thesni Khan and P Balachandran has done their roles neatly. Joju George will surprise you in his new get up and impress you with some of the best lines in the movie. Shankar has got a notable role after a long time and he has done it aptly.
                                Aji John has smartly handled the movie in a quite fast and engaging manner even with a nonsense story. The stylish cinematography by Jithu Damodar is very much impressive and the only saving factor of the movie. The BG score by shaan rahman is an added advantage for the movie. Editing done by Xian is commendable.
                             
   Hotel California will surely make you laugh at parts. At parts, you will feel awkward as well. This is a nonsense movie that can be watched as a time killer.


BOX OFFICE :

              The movie was released in a total of 55 theaters and is receiving mixed average word of mouth. The movie has got an average opening collection of 1.06 Crores in it's first 3 day run.
              The movie has acquired 1.60 Crores as it completes it's first week box office run.
              The movie has suffered removals and reduced shows due to new releases. The movie has completed second week and the collection is figured to be around 2.45 Crores.

May 6, 2013

Mumbai Police Malayalam Movie Review and BoxOffice Collection Report

                 Mumbai Police is an emotional suspense thriller directed by Rosshan Andrrews. The story of Mumbai Police is written by Bobby and Sanjay. The movie is produced by Nisad Haneefa and distributed by Central. The music and background score is managed by Gopi Sunder. The editing is done by Mahesh Narayanan. Mumbai Police tells the story of a police officer Antony Moses IPS (Prithviraj) who was assigned to investigate the murder case of Aryan John (Jayasurya). Later on, he meets with an accident and loses his memory.
        
REVIEW :
       
               With Rosshan Andrrews's entirely different presentation and a recent best script by Bobby-Sanjay, Mumbai Police will be liked by most of the malayalam movie goers. The movie was released after many speculations and delays, and the wait has been worth it. The script by the writers Bobby-Sanjay is power packed with twists, turns and it's truly engaging. The plot 'memory loose and search for yourself' maybe similar to many hollywood flicks but this gotta be a truly thrilling story. Rosshan Andrrews is back on track after casanovva. Roshan has conveyed this suspense thriller entirely in a realistic manner. The performance by the lead Prithviraj, Jayasurya, Rahman is commendable. Prithviraj needs a standing ovation for his willingness to act as the lead in this movie. You will know what I meant after watching the movie.
                 Also, Cinematography by R. Diwakar will surely keep you glued to the screen. The music and BG score by Gopi Sunder has very much helped in the totality of this thriller.
                As an end note, the movie will be entirely a new experience for you. This is one of the best suspense thrillers released in malayalam cinema.

POSITIVES                                                 NEGATIVES
- Screenplay                                               -  Bold elements may not be liked by all
- Narration
- Cast Performance
- Suspense



BOX OFFICE :

        Mumbai Police was released in more than 80 theaters. The movie has got a good opening at box office with a collection of 75 lakhs in it's first day itself.
        Mumbai Police has collected 1.92 crores in it's 3 day run. The movie is receiving encouraging positive WOM.
        As the movie completes it's first week run, the movie has collected 3.25 Crores in a total of around 1900 theatrical shows.
        Mumbai Police is holding strong in the theaters. With 3,200 theatrical shows, the movie is expected to have collected 5.75 crores as it completes two week run.
        Mumbai Police which had the potential to be a super hit is said to be losing it's momentum at the box office. The movie has already collected around 5.75 Crores in it's three week theater run. The climax suspense of the movie is widely discussed by people and even in the media. Not the content but the fact that suspense is revealed maybe keeping the audience away from the theaters.
        Mumbai Police has collected around 6 Crores. 
Finalised collection of Mumbai Police will be around 6.50 crores and can be classified as a HIT. It's so pathetic when movies like Mumbai Police with amazing script don't even reach the Super hit status. And movies like 'Kammath and Kammath' and 'Sound Thoma' are cashing at the malayalam box office with unbearable scripts. Who told that malayalam audience is selective about the script while going to the cinemas?