Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies, starring Roshan Mathew and Arjun Ashokan in the lead roles, is all set to hit the big screens soon. If you’re planning to catch the film in theatres, here’s everything you should know about it.
Everything to know about Chatha Pacha
Chatha Pacha is slated for release on January 22, 2026. The film has reportedly completed its censoring process and has been granted a U/A certificate. Moreover, the runtime is said to be 2 hours and 14 minutes.
The movie follows the story of a group of misfits who form a wrestling collective in Fort Kochi. As the narrative unfolds, the film focuses on their rivalries and humorous brawls, which eventually lead them to bigger challenges.
Directed by Adhvaith Nayar, the film is co-written by him along with Sanoop Thykoodam. It stars Roshan Mathew, Arjun Ashokan, Vishak Nair, Ishan Shoukath, Siddique, Lakshmi Menon, Rafi, Carmen S. Mathew, Dartagnan Sabu, and several others in key roles.
Moreover, reports and the recent trailer indicate that Mammootty will appear in a cameo role. The makers have teased a character named Walter, who is likely to be played by the veteran superstar.
The trailer reveals intense and action-packed moments from the story and is touted as the first Malayalam film inspired by WWE-like elements.
The action-comedy features songs composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, while Kalamkaval fame Mujeeb Majeed handles the background score. Anend C. Chandran serves as the cinematographer, with acclaimed filmmakers Jomon T. John and Sudeep Elamon handling additional visuals. The film’s stunt choreography is crafted by Kalai Kingson.
Roshan Mathew and Arjun Ashokan’s work front
Roshan Mathew was last seen in a lead role in the Malayalam film Ithiri Neram, a romantic drama directed by Prasanth Vijay and co-starring Aattam fame Zarin Shihab. The film is currently available for streaming on SunNXT.
Meanwhile, Arjun Ashokan was last seen in Khajuraho Dreams. The actor is set to make his Tamil cinema debut alongside Ravi Mohan and SJ Suryah in Ravi Mohan Productions’ first film.
Trigger warning: This article mentions the death of an individual.
Malayalam cinema’s veteran actor and celebrated writer Sreenivasan passed away on December 20, 2025. The 69-year-old filmmaker succumbed to his ill health after battling a prolonged illness for several years.
As we remember his countless contributions to Mollywood, here’s a list of Malayalam films that celebrate his legacy and prove why he was truly one of the greatest screenwriters in India.
5 Must-Watch Malayalam Films Written by Sreenivasan on OTT
One of the greatest and most memorable films in the history of Malayalam cinema is Nadodikkattu. The film, penned by Sreenivasan, is based on a story written by the filmmaker duo Siddique–Lal.
The story follows Dasan and Vijayan, two youngsters struggling to lead stable lives due to their inability to secure jobs. As they find it tough to make ends meet, the duo decides to seek employment in Dubai by ferry.
However, their lives take a wild turn when the ferryman dupes them and takes them only to Chennai, catapulting them into a poverty-stricken situation. What follows is how Dasan and Vijayan manage to overcome their hardships, inadvertently landing themselves in several humorous predicaments.
The social relevance and the effectiveness of the film’s dialogues remain fresh in the minds of anyone familiar with Malayalam cinema’s pop culture. The movie was later remade in multiple languages, including Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu.
2. Vellanakalude Nadu (1988)
Cast: Mohanlal, Shobana, Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair, M. G. Soman, Karamana Janardanan Nair, Sreenivasan, Maniyanpilla Raju, Jagadish
Vellanakalude Nadu is yet another gem in the long list of collaborations between Mohanlal and Sreenivasan. The film explores the story of Pavithran Nair, a small-time contractor.
The narrative focuses on his battles with the municipal corporation, petty politics, and the bureaucracy embedded within the system. As he navigates a new project while attempting to reconnect with his former lover, now an IAS officer, the story charts his transformation from a corrupt pawn of society into someone who exposes the system’s flaws.
In 2010, the film was remade in Hindi by Priyadarshan himself as Khatta Meetha, starring Akshay Kumar and Trisha Krishnan.
3. Azhakiya Ravanan (1996)
Cast: Mammootty, Sreenivasan, Bhanupriya, Kavya Madhavan, Biju Menon, Cochin Haneefa, Innocent, Rajan P. Dev
Director: Kamal
Genre: Romantic Comedy Drama
Runtime: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Where to watch: ManoramaMAX
Azhakiya Ravanan, starring Mammootty in the lead role, may not align with the sharp satire that defined much of Sreenivasan’s work. However, its emotional depth, especially in the culmination of its long-standing romantic thread, speaks volumes.
The film follows Shankar Das, a wealthy and boastful businessman who returns to his native village without revealing his true identity, hoping to reunite with his former love, Anuradha.
Persuaded by his friend and writer Ambujakshan, Shankar Das decides to finance a film and appoint a young director, Sharath, to helm it. However, he soon discovers that Sharath is Anuradha’s current love interest. The rest of the film explores the consequences of this revelation and questions whether old love will rekindle or give way to new beginnings.
Sandesam is a political satire infused with sharp black humor and remains one of the finest commentaries on Kerala’s socio-political landscape. The flick revolves around Raghavan, a retired railway employee who wishes to spend his remaining years in peace with his family.
However, his life is constantly disrupted as he is forced to mediate between his sons, who adhere to opposing political ideologies and frequently clash. The film effectively portrays family discord, financial struggles, and the absurdities arising from ideological extremism.
Over the years, Sandesam has come to be regarded as a cult classic and a benchmark for political satire in Indian cinema.
Udayananu Tharam is a satirical comedy-drama that humorously critiques the film industry and the hypocrisy within it. The movie narrates the story of Udayabhanu, an ardent cinephile and assistant director living in Chennai, who dreams of becoming a successful writer-director.
His scheming friend and aspiring actor, Rajappan Thengummoodu, shares the same space and ambitions. When Udayabhanu pens a brilliant screenplay, Rajappan steals the script and turns it into a film starring himself, eventually becoming a superstar.
As Udayabhanu faces personal and professional setbacks, his life takes a turn when he finally gets the opportunity to direct a film and settle scores with Rajappan (now Saroj Kumar) once and for all.
The films mentioned above are just a few of the many masterpieces written by Sreenivasan during his illustrious career. As the saying goes, legends never truly die, and this iconic writer-actor of Malayalam cinema will forever be remembered through his words and stories.
With only a few days remaining for the arrival of Mammootty’s much awaited Kalamkaval, the makers have dropped an unexpected announcement that has instantly set social media buzzing. A newly unveiled poster confirms that Rajisha Vijayan is part of the film, marking the first official word about her involvement. Until now, the team had kept her appearance completely under wraps, making this reveal a genuine pre release surprise.
Kalamkaval marks the directorial debut of Jithin K Jose, who has co written the film with Jishnu Sreekumar. The story is set against a moody crime thriller backdrop with Mammootty in the lead, supported by Vinayakan who plays a police officer with considerable impact. The cast also features Dies Irae actor Jibin Gopinath in an important role. Behind the scenes, the film brings together a strong technical team that includes cinematographer Faisal Ali, editor Praveen Prabhakar, composer Mujeeb Majeed and production designer Shajie Naduvil. Produced by Mammootty Kampany and distributed in Kerala by Wayfarer Films, the project has already been cleared with a U/A 16+ certification.
The announcement of Rajisha’s presence adds a final stroke of mystery to the film’s promotion. With the poster focusing entirely on her steely presence, the makers seem to be hinting at a character who holds narrative weight within Kalamkaval’s tense world.
A welcome Malayalam return for Rajisha Vijayan
For Rajisha, this film marks her return to Malayalam cinema after a brief gap. She was last seen in the 2023 release Amala in a cameo appearance and her most recent full length Malayalam role was in Madhura Manohara Moham in the same year. Since then, she has been active in Tamil cinema, including a key role in Mari Selvaraj’s Bison Kaalamaadan, where she shared the screen with Dhruv Vikram and Anupama Parameswaran. Her performance drew praise, reinforcing her reputation as one of the more dynamic talents among the younger generation of actors.
She is also part of Karthi’s Sardar 2 where she is expected to reprise her earlier role from the first film. With this slate, Rajisha is clearly moving between industries with impressive versatility. Her presence in Kalamkaval therefore raises curiosity about the tone and texture of her character and how it fits within the film’s shadowy world.
Given the nature of the story, Rajisha’s role could be a pivot in the unfolding mystery or a character who carries emotional depth that enriches the central conflict. The team has not revealed anything about her character apart from the poster, which has only amplified speculation.
The film gathers momentum as release day approaches
Kalamkaval arrives with the promise of a dark investigative thriller set in a border region where tension runs high from the first frame. Promotional material has so far positioned Mammootty and Vinayakan at the centre of a slow burning narrative built on suspicion, conflicting loyalties and hidden motivations. The teasers and stills have created an atmosphere filled with unease, suggesting that the story explores the shadows that lie beneath seemingly ordinary lives.
The addition of Rajisha to the ensemble deepens this intrigue. The makers appear to be saving details of her role for the theatrical experience, a strategy that makes the lead up to the release even more engaging. As the film heads to cinemas on December 5, the audience now has one more reason to anticipate its arrival.
Kalamkaval is shaping up to be a compelling thriller with a strong cast, a new directorial voice and a narrative that promises grit and emotional complexity. Rajisha’s surprise entry only heightens the expectation.
India won its 9th Asia Cup in a thrilling final last night, defeating Pakistan in Dubai. However, after the match, India refused to accept the trophy or medals from ACC President and Pakistan’s PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi, citing tensions between the two countries, especially after the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year. Several Indian celebrities took to social media to celebrate India’s win and congratulate the team. Some also trolled the Pakistan team.
Actor Anil Kapoor wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “India Zindabad.” Superstar Mammootty shared a picture and expressed, “Team India didn’t just win the Asia Cup, they owned it. Champions without a single defeat. Absolutely magnificent!”
Anupam Kher added, “Bharat Mata ki jay! Kya baat hai (Wow)! What a game! Oh my God. Jeetenge bhai jeetenge. Bharat Mata ki jay (We will win. Hail India)! Vande Mataram. Khush ho gaya dil. Kya bolun main (I’m so happy. What do I say?). Superb. Proud of my country, proud of this cricket team. Fantastic, very well played. God bless them.”
Meanwhile, Amitabh Bachchan took this opportunity to troll former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar. For some context, Akhtar recently made a slip of the tongue and referred to Indian cricketer Abhishek Sharma as Abhishek Bachchan. He said in an interview, “If Pakistan manage to get Abhishek Bachchan out in a hypothetical situation, what happens to India’s middle order?” before he was quickly corrected by the host. Reacting to this, Abhishek had tweeted, “Sir, with all due respect… don’t think they’ll even manage that! And I’m not even good at playing cricket.”
Big B referred to this while trolling the Pakistan team after their defeat. He wrote, “Jeet Gaye! Well played ‘Abhishek Bachchan’ Udhar zabaan ladkhadai, aur idhar bina batting, bowling fielding kiye, ladkhada diya dushman ko!! Bolti bandh! Jai Hind! Jai Bharat! Jai Maa Durga!! (We won! Well played ‘Abhishek Bachchan’. A slip of tongue there, and here a slip on the field, we shut down the opponent with our perfromance! Hail Maa Durga)
T 5516(i) – जीत गये !! 🇮🇳🇮🇳 .. well played ‘Abhishek Bachchan’ .. उधर ज़बान लड़खड़ाई, और इधर, बिना batting bowling fielding किए, लड़खड़ा दिया दुश्मन को !! बोलती बंद !! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 जय हिन्द ! जय भारत ! जय माँ दुर्गा !!!!
Several other celebrities, such as Sidharth Malhotra, Ali Fazal, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Ranveer Singh, Angad Bedi, Preity Zinta, Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, among others, cheered for India. Take a look at their reactions:
The Ba***ds of Bollywood actor Raghav Juyal, who was in Dubai, told ANI, “Bohot acha laga aaj. Aur main apne bacchon ko bataunga ki main ye legendary match dekhne aaya tha. Bilkul kamaal ho gaya (It felt so good today. I will even tell my children that I came to watch this legendary match. Absolutely amazing).”
Amidst a lowkey month for the South Film Industry, it was the Malayalam Film Industry that shone the brightest again. Despite initial setbacks, both Aavesham and Varshangalkku Shesham impressed the audience and won big at the box office.
With the start of May, the platter is diverse but it is the folks from Kerala who are making the most noise once again. So, what are these films? When are they releasing? Let’s find out!
Malayalee from India is a Malayalam language film starring Nivin Pauly as the ‘Malayalee’ from India. The film is an attempt at political satire and is more on the comical side as compared to Dijo Jose Anthony’s last political film Jana Gana Mana, which was more on the heavy side.
Slated as Nivin Pauly’s comeback film, Malayalee from India has been released on May 1st in theatres.
2. Nadikar (Malayalam)
Cast: Tovino Thomas, Soubin Shahir
Director: Lal Jr.
Release Date: May
Nadikar is a Malayalam film starring Tovino Thomas and Soubin Shahir in the lead roles. As the film’s title suggests, Nadikar (translating to actor) follows the story of David Padikkal, a superstar struggling to handle fame in an unforgiving industry.
The film was originally titled Nadikar Thilakam but was later revised to Nadikar due to a request from Prabhu, Sivaji Ganesan’s son, claiming that the original title had sentimental values associated with fans of Sivaji Ganesan.
3. Aranmanai 4/ Baak (Tamil/Telugu)
Cast: Tamannaah Bhatia, Raashii Khanna
Director: Sundar C
Release Date: May 3
Aranmanai 4 or Baak (Telugu) is the fourth installment in Sundar C’s Aranmanai franchise. The film boasts a stellar cast of Tamannaah Bhatia, Raashii Khanna, and Sundar C in the lead roles. Much like Sundar C’s previous Aranmanai films, Aranmanai 4 is also a horror comedy. The film has been released on May 3rd, with mixed reviews pouring in from the audience.
4. Aa Okkati Adakku (Telugu)
Cast: Allari Naresh, Fariah Abdullah
Director: Malli Ankam
Release Date: May 3
Aa Okkati Adakku is a Telugu language comedy drama starring Allari Naresh and Faria Abdullah in the lead roles. The film promises to bring back the ‘Allari’ Naresh of the past with the comic one-liners and the snappy dialogues. The film has been released on May 3rd with much hype and is directed by Malli Ankam, with music by Gopi Sundar.
5. Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil (Malayalam)
Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Basil Joseph
Director: Vipin Das
Release Date: May 10
Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil is a Malayalam language comedy-drama, directed by Vipin Das. Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil is about a wedding gone wrong as a young man marries a woman who hates him, making his life a living hell. As lengthy as the film’s title is its stellar list of actors in the film, from Prithviraj Sukumaran, Basil Joseph, Anaswara Ranjan to Yogi Babu and many others.
6. Star (Tamil)
Cast: Kavin
Director: Elan
Release Date: May 1
What is better than cinema? A film revolving around cinema, and Star offers exactly that. The film is an inspiring journey of an actor and his struggles as he embarks on an unforgiving journey to become a ‘Star’. The movie has been directed by Elan of Pyaar Prema Kaadhal fame, with Yuvan Shankar Raja composing the music.
7. Krishnamma (Telugu)
Cast: Satyadev, Athira Raj
Director: V.V. Gopala Krishna
Release Date: May 10
Krishnamma follows the story of three orphans who grow up together on the banks of the Krishna River in Vijayawada. When they get caught up in a case, they embark on a journey of revenge and crime. The film’s pre-release event saw chief guests and maverick directors SS Rajamouli, Koratala Siva and Anil Ravipudi on the same stage. As the film gears up for its release on May 10th, the expectations are sky-high.
8. Gangs of Godavari (Telugu)
Cast: Vishwak Sen, Hyper Aadi
Director: Krishna Chaitanya
Release Date: May 17
Gangs of Godavari is an upcoming Telugu film that chronicles the story of Lankala Rathna and his rise from a nobody to a revered individual in the coastal region of Godavari. The film is scheduled to hit the big screens on May 17th and has been directed by Krishna Chaitanya and bankrolled by Naga Vamsi under the Sithara Entertainments banner.
Superstar Rajinikanth’s 73rd birthday recently became a joyous festival as colleagues and well-wishers flooded social media with warm wishes. Esteemed stars such as Mammootty, Mohanlal, Jr NTR, Dhanush, and others expressed their heartfelt sentiments, highlighting the iconic actor’s enduring influence in the Indian film industry.
Kamal Haasan’s heartfelt tweet:
A notable aspect of the celebration was Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth’s longtime competitor and friend, who tweeted in Tamil to extend his warm wishes. Despite the competition, their great relationship continues to be a testament to the friendship between these two legendary actors.
Mammootty’s Early Greetings and Potential Reunion:
Mammootty, who played a memorable role in Rajinikanth’s 1991 film Thalapathi, was among the first to convey birthday wishes. There are speculations about a potential reunion of the duo in Lokesh’s upcoming movie, Thailaivar-171.
Mohanlal’s Tribute to Kindness and Humility:
Mohanlal, another prominent superstar, shared heartfelt wishes, hailing Rajinikanth as a true embodiment of kindness and humility. This acknowledgement not only reflects respect within the industry but also recognizes Rajinikanth’s inspirational impact on millions of fans. They recently acted together in the blockbuster Jailer.
Jr NTR’s Admiration for Thalaivar:
Devara star Jr NTR, expressed his admiration for Rajinikanth on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the timeless charisma of the superstar. His message underscores the cross-industry appeal and the enduring inspiration that Rajinikanth provides for generations to come.
Dhanush’s whistle-worthy wishes:
Dhanush, a self-proclaimed Rajinikanth fan, took to social media to convey his wishes in a style reminiscent of the legendary actor’s on-screen persona. Known for his love of whistling for Rajinikanth, Dhanush’s short but powerful tweet added another layer of enthusiasm to the birthday celebrations.
Vishnu Vishal and Sivakarthikeyan Join the Celebration:
Vishnu Vishal, starring in the upcoming movie Lal Salaam, directed by Rajinikanth’s daughter, Aishwarya Rajinikanth, shared birthday wishes similar to Dhanush’s. His tweet, accompanied by a picture of Rajinikanth and his wife, Jwala Gutta, added a personal touch to the celebration. Sivakarthikeyan, inspired by Rajinikanth, expressed his wishes in Tamil, highlighting the enduring influence of the superstar on fellow actors.
The outpouring of wishes from South Indian superstars on Rajinikanth‘s 73rd birthday paints a vivid picture of deep respect and admiration for the legendary actor. As Rajinikanth continues to inspire and entertain, the love and support from his colleagues solidifies his legacy in the hearts of many.
The accomplished Malayalam filmmaker KG George has passed away at the age of 77. He breathed his last at an old age home in Kakkanad, Ernakulam, today, September 24. As per reports, the Malayalam cinema legend was in treatment for a stroke. He was reportedly facing age-related health problems for a while. For the uninitiated, KG George ranks among one of the most acclaimed directors in Malayalam film history. His films have been a source of inspiration for many filmmakers who came after him.
Referred to as the pathbreaker in the Malayalam film industry, KG George’s loss is certainly hard for the Malayalam film industry and its consumers. Many notable figures have taken to their social media handles to pay tribute to the great filmmaker after the news of his passing away was made public. Fans and celebrities have been mourning the loss of the absolute legend.
KG George had a pathbreaking career in cinema
KG George has been an influential figure in cinema. Many notable personalities from the Malayalam film industry have referred to him as a big influence for them entering into films. In the 1980s, KG George, along with other exemplary filmmakers like Bharathan and Padmarajan, was credited with founding a new school of filmmaking in Malayalam cinema. His directorial debut came with the 1975 film Swapnadanam. Such was the impact of the film that it went on to win both the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film and the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam. The film was not just a critical hit but also a box-office success.
Swapnadanam paved the way for the kind of filmmaker that KG George would go on to become. He did not follow the conventionalities of mainstream cinema and made movies against the popular tide. Thereby, KG George emerged as a true pathbreaker in cinema. A few of his notable works include the musical-romantic drama Ulkkadal, the political satire Panchavadi Palam, and the psychological thriller Irakal. Other notable films of KG George are Mela, Yavanika, Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback, Adaminte Vaariyellu, and Mattoral, all of which feature Mammootty in them.
KG George’s last film was the 1998 period drama Elavamkodu Desam, featuring his frequent collaborator Mammootty along with other notable names like Rajeev, Khushbu, Thilakan, and Babu Namboothiri.
The year 2023 was a mixed bag as far as Malayalam movies are concerned. Of course, there wasn’t any shortage of good and inventive cinema. But the quality of these films failed to replicate itself in their box office collections. There have been fewer than five clean hits in the industry this year. But the films that did attain commercial success turned out to be blockbusters. Take, for instance, Romancham, which became the surprise hit of the year, or 2018, which went on to become the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time.
Alas, the theatrical success of these films is a conversation for another day. Right now, let’s look at the best Malayalam movies that came out in the first half of this year, in no particular order.
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam
Movie Genre: Comedy, Drama
Running Time: 1h 44m
Movie Star Cast: Mammootty, Ramya Suvi, Ramya Pandian, Ashokan
Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery
Writer: S Hareesh
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
As Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam brought together a cinematic legend and an out-of-the-box filmmaker, people had already rated the film very highly even before watching it. Lijo Jose Pellissery and Mammootty created a film that wasn’t as chaotic as the filmmaker’s previous directorial ventures but was intriguing nonetheless. Mammootty’s towering presence hooked the audience to the screens. Pellissery, one of the most exciting filmmaking voices in the country today, did not indulge in any spoon-feeding and let the audience think for themselves.
2018
Movie Genre: Survival thriller
Running Time: 2h 34m
Movie Star Cast: Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, Narain, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Aparna Balamurali
Director: Jude Anthany Joseph
Writer: Akhil P. Dharmajan, Jude Anthany Joseph
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Sony Liv
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
The 2018 Kerala floods was a disastrous event for the people of the state. As the film was based on a true incident that impacted the lives of every person living in Kerala, in some capacity, people connected with the film in a way that was almost unprecedented. Jude Anthany Joseph crafted a film that pulled people’s heartstrings and spoke to the audience’s emotional core. To add to its success, 2018 was also a technically solid film.
Purusha Pretham
Movie Genre: Procedural drama, Satirical comedy
Running Time: 2h 33m
Movie Star Cast: Alexander Prasanth, Jagadish, Darshana Rajendran, Maala Parvathi
Director:Krishand
Writer: Ajith Haridas, Manu Thodupuzha
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Sony Liv
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
The police procedural movie featured the year’s breakout star, Alexander Prasanth. The film revolves around humorous commentary on the daily lives of police officers. With the intricate characterization of its lead character, SI Sebastian, Purusha Pretham was intriguing, inventive, and engaging. The film is a satirical take on a serious issue, and the way the narrative was explored was unique.
Iratta
Movie Genre: Drama, Thriller, Mystery
Running Time: 1h 52m
Movie Star Cast: Joju George, Anjali, Arya Salim, Srikant Murali
Director:Rohit M G Krishnan
Writer: Rohit M G Krishnan
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Featuring Joju George in dual roles, Iratta was haunting in every sense of the word. Joju played a huge role in pulling the audience into the world of Iratta with his masterful performance. The film keeps you wondering till the end, and the reveal is sure to give you literal chills. Also to note, this isn’t a preferred watch for anyone looking for a jovial time at the movies. Iratta is a disturbing watch that is sure to make you uncomfortable.
Thankam
Movie Genre: Crime, Drama
Running Time: 2h 25m
Movie Star Cast: Biju Menon, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Aparna Balamurali
Director:Saheed Arafath
Writer: Syam Pushkaran
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Thankam is written by one of the most trusted writers in Malayalam cinema at the moment, who has consistently delivered quality content. Written by Syam Pushkaran, Thankam was an immersive watch that deserved more appreciation for what it did with an intriguing core plot. The well-acted and well-made film revolves around the world of gold dealing in Thrissur. What makes the film even more exciting is that it is based on true events.
Romancham
Movie Genre: Comedy, Horror
Running Time: 2h 9m
Movie Star Cast: Soubin Shahir, Arjun Ashokan, Sajin Gopu, Siju Sunny
Director:Jithu Madhavan
Writer: Jithu Madhavan
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Romancham may not be the most layered or intricate film on this list, but it definitely managed to connect with the Malayali audience in a way that no other film in recent times could. A relatable film about friendship and the Ouija board struck a chord with the general audience. It was a film made for theaters, as Romancham reminded everyone that movies are, at the end of the day, a collective experience. It is the kind of film that you watch with your friends to have a good time and relax.
Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum
Movie Genre: Comedy, Drama
Running Time: 2h 51m
Movie Star Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Anjana Jayaprakash, Dhwani Rajesh, Viji Venkatesh
Director:Akhil Sathyan
Writer: Akhil Sathyan
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum, set in the Sathyan Anthikad universe of feel-good films, is anything but complex. That is also the beauty of it. With Fahadh Faasil’s incredible comic timing and three wonderful female characters from three generations, the film was successful in what it set out to achieve. Fahadh was back in his Njan Prakashan and Oru Indian Pranayakadha zone for this one. Anjana Jayaprakash as Hamsadhwani, Dhwani Rajesh as Nidhi, and Viji Venkatesh as Laila were magical in their respective roles.
Iruvar, the 1997-released Tamil period political drama, which is helmed by Mani Ratnam, has been considered one of the finest films ever made in this genre in Indian cinema. The movie, which is largely inspired by the lives of former Tamil Nadu Cheif Minister trio MG Ramachandran, M Karunanidhi, and J Jayalalithaa, is a must-watch for any movie lover. Mohanlal played one of the protagonists, Aanandan – a character based on the legend MGR, while Prakash Raj appeared as Thamizh Selvan, a role based on M Karunanidhi.
When Mammootty auditioned for the role of Thamizh Selvan in Iruvar
For the unversed, director Mani Ratnam was very keen to bring Malayalam cinema’s biggest superstars – Mammootty and Mohanlal together, for Iruvar. While Mohanlal was roped in to play the role of Aanandan, Mammootty was approached to essay Thamizh Selvan. The megastar even underwent an audition and screentest for the character, which was a very rare thing in Indian cinema, in those days. However, Mammootty decided to back out from the project reportedly because of the difficulty in pulling off his character’s dialogues – which were mostly poetic and written in pure Tamil.
Even though Mammootty was fluent in the Tamil language, the megastar understood that he might not be able to do justice to the heavy Tamil poems mouthed by his character by Thamizh Selvan. His keen interest in playing with the dialogues and voice modulation also prompted him to walk out of the project. The megastar reportedly also suggested director Mani Ratnam choose an actor who can easily pull off Tamil language in all its glory. Eventually, the role went to Prakash Raj, and he won a National Award for his performance in the film.
Mammootty is currently basking in the success of his recently released film Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery. The film has received good reviews and applause from audiences and critics alike. While the director was praised for the storyline, aesthetics, and cinematography, Mammootty was lauded for his performance. Now, after almost two months of release, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam has been accused of plagiarism.
Director Halitha Shameem, who directed films like Sillu Karupatti and Poovarasam Peepee, accused director Lijo Jose Pellissery for plagiarizing the aesthetics of her film Aelay in Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam. She took to her Facebook handle and mentioned that she was shocked to watch the aesthetics copied in the Mammootty starrer. The director also pointed out how director Lijo made minor changes and copied her aesthetics, which became a key point in Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam. She stated that the ice cream seller, and houses in her film Aelay have become milkmen and others in Tamil and Malayalam film.
Halitha Shameem accused Lijo Jose Pellissery of plagiarism. and wrote a post on her facebook page that read, “Stealing all the aesthetics from a film isn’t acceptable. For Aelay, we prepared a village and its people and shot the film there for the first time. I am happy that Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam was shot there with the same people. However, it is disappointing that all the aesthetics that I added with deliberate care have been copied throughout the film (Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam).
She also mentioned in her long post that she is writing this to stand up for herself. The director called out the director and said she will not keep quiet that her ideas and aesthetics from her film Aelay are mercilessly ripped off.
Take a look at Halitha Shameem’s post about plagiarism on Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam
About Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam features Mammootty in the role of a middle-aged Malayali Christian man who suddenly wakes up and behaves like a Tamil man named Sundaram, who went missing two years ago. The film marks the first onscreen collaboration of Mammootty and director Lijo Jose Pellissery. The project is scripted by Theni Eshwar and features a stellar star cast including Ashokan, Ramya Pandian, late Kainakari Thankaraj, T Suresh Babu, Chethan Jayalal, Rajesh Sharma, Thennavan, Pramod Shetty, and others in the supporting roles. The project is jointly produced by the actor and director duo under their home banners Mammootty Kampany and Amen Movie Monastery.
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam has been released on the OTT platform, Netflix for streaming in Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu.
Malayalam film industry’s beloved megastar Mammootty is currently on a signing spree and has some highly exciting projects in his kitty. The veteran actor’s list of upcoming films includes projects directed by both established filmmakers and some new talents. Mammootty took to his official social media handles on December 27, Tuesday, and announced his upcoming project, which is touted to be an investigation thriller. The untitled project will mark the directorial debut of young cinematographer Roby Raj Varghese, who is best known for his excellent body of work in Malayalam cinema.
Mammootty and Roby Raj Varghese’s project
As per the reports, the Mammootty starrer which is directed by Roby Raj Varghese is a unique investigation thriller that revolves around a murder mystery. The megastar is said to be playing a senior police officer in the movie, which will be widely shot in the various locations of Pala in Kerala, and North India. The project started rolling on December 27, Tuesday with a pooja ceremony. The veteran actor, who is also producing the project under his home banner Mammootty Kampany, is expected to start shooting for the untitled project on January 1, 2023. The much-awaited project will be distributed by Wayfarer Films, the home banner of Mammootty’s son and renowned actor Dulquer Salmaan.
Check out Mammootty Kampany’s announcement post below:
As Mammootty is now set to launch yet another new filmmaker, let’s have a look at the 7 popular filmmakers launched by the megastar in Malayalam cinema…
1. Amal Neerad
The popular cinematographer-director, who is best known for his unique style of filmmaking and visualisation, was launched in the industry by Mammootty. Amal Neerad made his debut as an independent cinematographer with Black, the 2004-released Ranjith Balakrishnan directorial, which featured the megastar in the lead role. He later made his directorial debut with Big B, the 2009 released neo-noir action thriller that featured Mammootty as the celebrated character Bilal John Kurissinkal. Later, the duo teamed up in 2022 for the mega-blockbuster Bheeshma Parvam. Mammootty will soon reunite with Amal for the sequel to Big B, which has been titled, Bilal.
2. Anwar Rasheed
The talented filmmaker got a chance to make his directorial debut with Rajamanikyam, the 2005-released blockbuster quite unexpectedly. The Mammootty starrer was originally supposed to be directed by Ranjith Balakrishnan, but the senior filmmaker walked out of the project owing to creative differences. Later, the megastar himself suggested the name of Anwar Rasheed, who was an assistant director at that time, to direct the film. After the massive success of Rajamanikyam, the actor-director duo once again teamed up in 2008, for Annan Thampi. If the reports are to be believed, Mammootty and Anwar might reunite for a project very soon.
3. Blessy
The Aadujeevitham director, who has been considered one of the finest filmmakers in contemporary Malayalam cinema, made his debut with the family drama Kaazhcha, in 2004. Mammootty played the central character Madhavan in the heartbreaking film, thus paving way for the entry of one more talented filmmaker into the industry. Kaazhcha is still deeply loved by family audiences for its excellent making and fantastic music. Later, Mammootty and Blessy reunited for another family drama Palunku, in 2006.
4. Lal Jose
The celebrated filmmaker, who was a long-time assistant of senior filmmaker Kamal, decided to make his directorial debut with the film Oru Maravathoor Kanavu in 1998. Mammootty, who loved the storyline of the film, asked Lal Jose to cast him in the role of the central character Chandy, in the film. They later teamed up for many films including Pattalam, Kerala Cafe, and Immanuel.
5. Aashiq Abu
The path-breaking filmmaker, who was also an assistant of Kamal, made his directorial debut with the Mammootty starrer Daddy Cool in 2009. The movie, which ended up as a box office failure, however, earned much love from the audiences after its television premiere. The actor-director duo later teamed up for Gangster, the 2014-released action thriller which also ended up as a flop. However, this doesn’t prevent Aashiq Abu from establishing himself as one of the top filmmakers of the Malayalam cinema.
6. Martin Prakkat
Mammootty teamed up with the popular celebrity photographer Markin Prakkat for his directorial debut Best Actor, in 2010. The movie, which featured the megastar as an aspiring actor in his mid-40s, earned immense love from the audiences. Martin later helmed many acclaimed films including the Dulquer Salmaan starrer Charlie and Nayattu, the acclaimed social thriller that featured Kunchacko Boban, Joju George, and Nimisha Sajayan in the lead roles.
7. Ratheena
One of the finest performances of Mammootty in recent times was in Puzhu, the social drama directed by newcomer Ratheena. The megastar was originally planning to launch the filmmaker with a big-budget thriller, but the project was put on the back-burner owing to the pandemic, and later Puzhu went on floors. The actor-director duo is now in talks to revive their delayed project.
Prithviraj Sukumaran is going through an excellent phase in both his acting and filmmaking careers, with some highly exciting projects in his kitty. The actor-filmmaker’s latest theatrical release Kaduva emerged as a massive box-office success. The movie, which is an ode to the vintage mass action films of Malayalam cinema, marked Prithviraj Sukumaran’s reunion with the senior filmmaker Shaji Kailas. The makers of Kaduva recently celebrated the massive success of the film in a grand event held in Kochi.
Prithviraj Sukumaran confirms Kaduva prequel
The leading man, who addressed the audience at the success bash of Kaduva, confirmed that the Shaji Kailas directorial will get a prequel very soon. Prithviraj Sukumaran, who played the central character Kaduvakunnel Kuriachan, revealed that the prequel will depict the story of Kuriachan’s father, Koruthu Mappila. For the uninitiated, the makers had hinted that Kaduva might get a sequel or prequel based on the character of Koruthu Mappila, by mentioning his daring and adventurous life in some of the film’s most important scenes.
Prithviraj reveals his wish list of actors for the role of Koruthu Mappila
At the event, Prithviraj Sukumaran also revealed his wish list of actors for the role of Koruthu Mappila. Interestingly, the actor-producer revealed that he wants to cast Mammootty, Mohanlal, or Suresh Gopi as the central character in the Kaduva prequel. However, Prithviraj also added that he might dye his hair and play the role of Koruthu Mappila, who is in his 60s if all the three superstars of Malayalam cinema deny the offer.
Meanwhile, the audiences who revisited Kaduva after the film got released on Amazon Prime Video, have noticed a painting of Koruthu Mappila in the film, which has an uncanny resemblance to megastar Mammootty. The film fanatics now believe that the veteran actor is already roped in to play the role in the Kaduva prequel, and are expecting an official announcement very soon.
About Kaduva
Kaduva, which marked director Shaji Kailas’s comeback to filmmaking after a long gap of 7 years, features Prithviraj Sukumaran in the role of Kaduvakunnel Kuriachan, a rich planter from the Kottayam district of Kerala. Vivek Oberoi played the lead antagonist in the film. Samyuktha Menon, Kalabhavan Shahjohn, Arjun Ashokan, Baiju Santhosh, and Alencier Ley Lopez appeared in the supporting roles.
Mammootty, the megastar of Malayalam cinema is once again rediscovering himself as an actor, with some bold film choices. The veteran actor is joining hands with the acclaimed filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery for his upcoming project Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam. The movie, which is touted to be a satirical fantasy drama, has garnered attention with its unique teasers, and posters. Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, which is slated to have its world premiere at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) this year, has now got its theatrical release date.
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam gets a release date
According to the latest updates, the makers are planning to release Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam on December 16, this year in theatres. Before the theatrical release, the highly anticipated movie will have its world premiere at IFFK 2022, which is slated to begin on December 9, this year. If the reports are to be believed, the makers are planning to officially announce the release date of Mammootty and Lijo Jose Pellissery’s film with a major update, in a couple of days.
Mammootty and Lijo Jose Pellissery to reunite for a new project
After Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, Lijo Jose Pellissery was planning to reunite with Mammootty for the upcoming untitled Netflix anthology series, which is based on legendary writer MT Vasudevan Nair’s short stories. The filmmaker was supposed to direct the segment titled Kadugannawa Oru Yathra in the series, but he later opted out of the project due to his busy schedule. Senior filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan replaced him as the director of the segment, thus reuniting with Mammootty after a long gap.
But now, the reports suggest that Mammootty and Lijo Jose Pellissery are planning to team up for another project, next year. The untitled film, which will be bankrolled by Mammootty himself, will start rolling after director Lijo wraps up his upcoming project that features Mohanlal in the lead role. However, the actor-director duo might officially announce the project soon after the release of Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam.
This week of October has been interesting with back-to-back updates and festive releases. While movies like Alone, Padavettu, Sardar, Head Bush were released in theaters, rumours about Hansika Motwani’s wedding, Vignesh Shivan and Nayanthara’s surrogacy row, and more. As we move on to next week, take a look at the top newsmakers of the week
Ravi Teja’s Dhamaka teaser
The fans of Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja are in for a treat as the makers of the mass entertainer Dhamaka have unveiled the gripping teaser of the film. The film seems like a total firecracker. In the clip titled “Mass cracker”, the protagonist can be seen performing some high-octane action sequences and picking a fight against the bad elements of society.
Kajal Aggarwal’s 6 months celebrations of Neil
Kajal Aggarwal dropped a picture of a smiling Neil lying on the bed on her Instagram handle and penned a heartwarming note baby boy Neil, on commemorating the special occasion of 6 months. Sharing her experience of balancing work along with mommy duties, she wrote, “Ofcourse, balancing full time work and ensuring I never compromise on my time, attention, love, nurturing care for you- is extremely challenging, I wouldn’t want it any other way and I never imagined enjoying, so much, these fleeting moments of Babydom!
Mammootty, and Jyothika’s film
The two talented actors of South, Mammootty, and Jyothika have teamed up for an upcoming film titled Kaathal- The Core. Today, on the occasion of Jyothika’s birthday, the Malayalam megastar shared the announcement with the title poster. The film is directed by Joe Baby of The Great Indian Kitchen fame.
Chinmayi Sripada’s pregnancy
Playback singer Chinmayi Sripada and her actor-husband, Rahul Ravindran who recently welcomed twins, put end to surrogacy speculations as he shared the first pic with her baby bump. In a bid to shut down the trolls and clap back about her pregnancy, Sripada took to Instagram and dropped a mirror selfie, flaunting her baby bump and wrote, “The only selfie I took throughout pregnancy. The only. Here at almost 32 weeks.”
Hansika Motwani’s wedding rumours
Hansika Motwani is currently in the headlines for her wedding reports that took the internet by storm. The rumour mills suggest that she will be tying the knot in December this year. It is believed that the nuptials will take place at the Mundota Fort and Palace in Jaipur, which is around 450 years old.
Samantha’s Yashoda release date
Samantha Ruth Prabhu is gearing up for the big release with her upcoming film Yashoda. She took to Twitter and unveiled a new poster from the film to announce the release date. Yashoda will hit the cinema halls next month, on November 11, in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi.
Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan’s surrogacy row
Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan’s arrival of their twin boys via surrogacy rose to controversy after the Tamil Nadu government called for an inquiry on them. Following the inquiry, Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan filed an affidavit and mentioned that they have registered for their marriage six years and welcomed twins via a surrogate, who is her relative.
