Malayalam Actor Prithviraj in Director Blessy's Next Movie

2010 seems to be a great year for young Malayalam-Tamil actor Prithviraj as he has got plenty of prestigious releases ahead, including ace Mani Ratnam's much anticipated Raavan, bilingual Police Police (Telugu and Tamil) and Mammootty-Shriya starrer Pokkiri Raja (Malayalam). According to latest reports, Prithviraj's 2010 movies will also include another prestigious film from Blessy, one of the most promising directors of Mollywood! The director has recently chosen Prithviraj to play the hero in his untitled film to be shot extensively at Gulf deserts. This project is expected to go on floors by mid-August. More details about the film are awaited.

Source:Galatta

Malayalam Actor and Superstar Mohan Lal launches Anti-terrorism campaign.

On Thursday, Malayalam superstar and brand ambassador of Act of Humanity Mohanlal launched the second phase of the anti-terrorism campaign at the European Union Market in Kochi, which is led by magician R.K. Malayath. Mohanlal and former Kerala High Court judge P.K. Shamsudeen handed over the flag to Malayath, marking the start of the awareness rally. Malayath performed magic to drive home the message. In his short address, Mohanlal urged the crowd to make this attempt a success and convert Kerala into a terrorism-free state. The tour will end at Kasargod on April 21.

Source: Galatta

Discovery Channel Meets Malayalam Superstar Mammootty

Discovery Channel's 'Travel and Living' programme's host Anthony Bourdain and his crew had an unique experience on Wednesday when they met megastar Mammootty for a personal chat on the sets of his new movie Pokkiri Raja in Kochi. Apart from spending enough time to answer their questions about the delicacies of Kerala, Mammootty shared home-made 'puttu' and 'meen curry' with Anthony Bourdain and crew. Anthony Bourdain reportedly left the sets very impressed, not just with the delicious food that the state had to offer, but also with the hospitality of one of its biggest film stars.

Source:Galatta

Malayalam Super Star Mohan Lal Elated.

Having done a few army-related films, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal is elated after completing his three-day post commission training with the 122 Territorial Army battalion here Saturday. The actor is now its brand ambassador.

'This is India's Army and I had a wonderful feeling in the last three days. Now I know the value of a soldier. I had a feel of this by a doing a few army-related films. Now being a part of that training is something unbelievable,' Mohanlal told reporters here.

The Territorial Army is a part of the Indian Army. Volunteers receive military training and can be mobilised during war or natural disasters.

Dressed in army dress, Lt Col (Honorary) Mohanlal said his job would be to propagate this feeling among Keralites.

'I consider that each one should give something back to the nation. The army is highly disciplined. There is nothing called 'no' in the army, and it is a tough job,' said Mohanlal. The actor underwent various training including night firing.

Colonel Davidson Kolath, who commands the battalion in Kannur, said that in future there would be refresher courses for Mohanlal.

The superstar earned himself an honorary commission last year after it was cleared by President Pratibha Patil, supreme commander of the armed forces.

The actor said: 'Cinema is a make-belief world. But being a brand ambassador of the Territorial Army is a once in a life time achievement. People of Kerala should think how they can serve the nation through this. School children should be given adequate exposure about it.'

Mohanlal's interest to don the uniform came after he did his first major role as an army officer in 'Keerthi Chakra' directed by Major Ravi, a former commando with the National Security Guards, in 2006.

In 2008 came 'Kurukshetra,' also directed by Ravi, about the Kargil war. It was then that the superstar decided to get an honorary commission.

Source:IANS

Malayalam Superstar Mohan lal gets real Action.

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, who joined the Territorial Army (TA) last year, will indulge in real action for the next three days without his customary grease paint while undergoing his post-commission training at the 122 TA Battalion here.

Speaking to IANS, Col. Davidson Kolathu, who is commanding the TA battalion here, said that Mohanlal is expected to arrive any time now (Thursday) and would be with them till March 28.

'Lt. Col Mohanlal will be involved in all sorts of training which includes weapon drill and handling, field craft, night firing, and etiquettes besides knowing what the task of a TA brand ambassador is,' said Kolathu.

The superstar earned himself an honorary commission last year after it was cleared at the highest level by the supreme commander of the armed forces, the President of India.

According to rules, those joining the Territorial Army should be under 42 years, but for honorary-commission officers the training is not mandatory and also there is a relaxation in age.

'His presence in our unit for the next few days is certainly going to be a morale booster for my boys. While four companies of our battalion are in Jammu and Kashmir, right now we have two companies here. Why not, he will also visit our boys doing duty in J&K in due course,' said Kolathu.

Mohanlal became interested in wearing the uniform after his first major role as an army officer in the 2006 movie 'Keerthi Chakra' directed by Major Ravi, a former commando with the National Security Guard (NSG).

Then in 2008 came another blockbuster of the superstar 'Kurukshetra', again directed by Ravi. It was about the Kargil war.

After the movie, the superstar decided to get an honorary commission.

Thursday night the superstar will be joining the unit members here for a dinner and a civic reception would also be held before he leaves here.

All eyes are now set on critic Sukumar Azhikode who for the past one month has been lashing out at the superstar and went to the extent of asking Defence Minister A.K. Antony to come out with an explanation as to why Mohanlal was endorsing a jewellery shop.

Source:IANS

Malayalam Movie Film Star Progressing

Director Sanjeevraj's Film Star, which narrates a story set within the film industry, is progressing at a brisk pace in Paathaalam near Aluva. Dileep is the hero. He dons the role of a scriptwriter named Nandagopan, while Kalabhavan Mani plays a film star Surya Kiran. Rambha and Muktha are the heroines. The film revolves around Malayalam screenplay writer Nandagopan, who wishes to make a film casting popular Tamil actor Surya Kiran as hero. He reaches Chennai with the script to meet Surya Kiran. But Surya Kiran rejects the script. Disappointed, Nandagopan leaves Surya's room leaving the script there. This incident makes Surya Kiran to read the script. He gets interested in the subject and searches for Nandagopan, but in vain. What happens next forms the rest of the film. The film is produced by Appu Johns and Sanjeevraj under the banner of Wide Screen Cinema. The cast includes Valsala Menon, Jagathy, Vijayaraghavan, Suraj, Devan, Thalaivasal Vijay, Sadique, Baburaj and others. Salu George is the cinematographer. Lyrics, penned by Suresh Babu and Anil Panachooraan and Benny Johns, are set to music by by Vijayan Punjaar.

Source: Galatta

Ace Director Guatham Menon Set to Direct malayalam Movie.

After making some blockbusters in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, South India's much-acclaimed love story teller Gautham Menon is all set to debut in Malayalam. It is reported that master director Gautham, whose mother isTamil and father is Malayalee, recently had a brief discussion with popular Malayalam comedian-turned-director Dileep about his Malayalam flick and Dileep has in principle accepted the hero's role. Reports suggest that Gautham Menon's Malayalam film will be a bilingual with music composed by A.R. Rahman, who had last composed the music of a Malayalam film years back for Mohanlal starrer Yodha. The shooting will begin rolling in a couple of months. Stay with us for more details.

Source: Galatta

Tamil Actor Arun Vijay replaces Super Star Suriya.

Arun Vijay, son of reputed character actor Vijay Kumar, will reportedly replace Suriya in Major Ravi's upcoming Tamil-Malayalam bilingual Kandahar (also starring Malayalam superstar Mohanlal and Amitabh Bachchan). Suriya was chosen to play the role of a commando in the film but had to opt out due to unavailability of dates. It is also reported that Naadodigal girl Ananya has a role in this film. Amitabh will be seen as the father of a passenger on the ill-fated plane that was hijacked and Mohanlal will play a commando chief. Produced by Mohanlal's own Pranavam Arts, the film is inspired by the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 in 1999. It was hijacked by five Pakistani militants while on its way from Kathmandu to New Delhi on Christmas Eve and was forced to land in three different airports (Amritsar, Lahore, and Dubai) before spending a week on the tarmac in Kandahar with 186 hostages on board. Kandahar will be shot in Delhi, Nepal and Kerala.

Source: Galatta

Bollywood Siren in Debuts in Malayalam

Sameera Reddy won the hearts of millions in the South with her tantalizing performance as Meghna in Suriya's Vaaranam Aayiram. She was later seen in Aasal opposite Thala Ajith. Now the Bollywood babe is getting ready to debut in Malayalam opposite super star Mohanlal in Oru Naal Varum. The actress is currently shooting at the backwaters of Kerala for the film. The actress described Kerala as a 'breathtaking place' in her Twitter page recently. Sameera was also seen for a few seconds in the Simbu-Trisha starrer Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa. Sources say that the actress will soon be in Chennai to continue work on her untitled thriller directed by Gautham Menon. That shot you see is from my upcoming Tamil thriller that's being directed by Gautham Menon, said the actress to a leading English daily.

Source: Galatta

Malayalam Star Prithviraj's Movie Thanthoni Releases on March 18th

Upcoming superstar Prithviraj's much-awaited Malayalam film Thanthoni, directed by debutant George Vargheese, is getting ready to grace the screens on March 18. Touted to be an action packed entertainer laced with comedy and sentiments, the film has Prithviraj playing Kochukunju, an arrogant rich angry young man. Distributed by Marakkar Films, it has Telugu-Malayalam-Tamil actress Sheela as the heroine. The others in the cast are Suraj Venjaranmoodu, Jagathy Sreekumar, Suresh Krishna, Sadiq and Ambika. After many years, veteran singer Udayabhanu has lent his voice for a song in this flick. Prithviraj too has rendered a song.

Source: Galatta

Malayalam Superstar Mohan Lal Under Fire.

For the second day running noted critic Sukumar Azhikode blasted Mohanlal for using his army uniform to endorse products such as jewellery and khadi.

Sukumar Thursday asked Defence Minister A.K. Antony, who made Mohanlal an honorary Lt. Colonel in the Territorial Army, for an explanation.

"Just because he has acted in a few films as an army officer he was commissioned into the TA battalion. And now he uses that (his uniform) to sell jewellery. Antony owes an explanation for this," Azhikode told reporters.

Azhikode and Mohanlal have been at loggerheads ever since the former came out in the open to defend thespian Thilakan whose outbursts against superstars led to his suspension from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) on Monday.

"The state government should appoint a committee to inquire about the undesirable activities in AMMA where there are allegations of sexual exploitation taking place," said Azhikode.

It was a disgrace that Mohanlal was made the brand ambassador to promote the use of Khadi products by the Kerala government, he said.

" A person who endorses liquor is now endorsing Khadi products. This is a disgrace to Mahatma Gandhi," Azhikode said.

Source: IANs

Prithviraj may be in Malaylam remake of 'Kakki Chattai'.

Industry sources reveal director Pramod Pappan is all set to remake Kamal Haasan's 'Kakki Chattai'.

The director has approached Mollywood's rising star Prithviraj to play the role essayed by Kamal Haasan in the original. Prithvi is yet to sign on the dotted line.

Prithviraj upcoming movies include 'Raghupathi Raghava Rajaram', 'Raavana', 'Police Police' and 'Anwar'.

Source: FilmySouth

Tamil Actor Suriya to Act in Malayalam Movie Along with Superstar Mohan Lal

After Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, Tamil star Suriya has given his nod to act in the Malayalam film 'Kandahar', based on the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight to Afghanistan in 1999, along with Mohanlal.

Suriya will don a commando's role in the film, its director Major Ravi told us.

"It would take another 3-4 months for the shooting to begin. I am still in the process of getting permission from the Army and selection of locations etc. The spade work is going on," he said.

Bachchan, who will be playing the role of the father of a hijack victim, will be making his appearance in the second half of the film. Major Ravi denied that Bachchan's role was only a guest appearance. The story line was narrated to the Big B during his visit to Kerala earlier this month and he liked it and readily gave his nod.

Resul Pookutty, who won the Oscar in 'Slumdog Millionaire', is likely to mix the sound for the film. The female lead has not yet been decided, Ravi said.

Major Ravi, a former commando himself in the Indian Army, who led the mission to capture the suspects in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case in Bangalore, has three of his films which have a military background.

'Kurukshetra', on the Kargil war, has Mohanlal essaying the role of Colonel Mahadevan, 'Keertichakra' is based on Kashmir militancy also with Mohanlal and 'Mission 90 days' with Mammootty in the lead role was based on his experience in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

Asked about the budget of the new film, which is being made in three languages -- Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi and with a big star cast, Major Ravi said he was confident of completing the film within Rs 10-12 crore.

Suriya, son of veteran Tamil actor Sivakumar, had made his debut in Tamil film 'Nerrukku Ner' in 1997 and has emerged one of the successful young stars. Among his hit films are 'Kakka Kakka', 'Pitha Magan' and 'Ghajini', which was made into Hindi starring Aamir Khan in the lead.

Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) Under Criticism

Referring to the tight battle between actor Thilakan and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), popular Malayalam writer, orator and critic Sukumar Azhikode said that AMMA was trying to impose a military rule of sorts.

"Solving problems between members is the prime duty of an organisation. Artistes are independent people and they cannot be subjected to any disciplinary action. It will be like the Sahithya Akademi directing writers not in its good books to stop writing," he added.

Notably, this is the second time Sukumar Azhikode criticise film personalities. Earlier, he lashed out at superstar Mohanlal, saying that he is selling the recognition and fame earned through acting by appearing in jewellery shop advertisements. Azhikode had alleged that Mohanlal is hungry for money and that is why his is acting in romantic ventures even at his age.

Source: Galatta

Multi Lingual Southern Actress Happy about her Bollywood Debut!

Multilingual actress Padmapriya is quite excited about the feedback she has received for her first Hindi film 'Striker'.

"I think 'Striker' has received a huge patronage from viewers of YouTube, where it was premiered. I am very happy about the feedback for my performance in the film," Padmapriya said.

"But I am not sure whether I would act in some more Hindi films in the near future. It all depends on the quality of roles that I am offered. But nothing is finalised yet and talks are still on," says the actress.

Padmapriya, who has finished shooting for Shivaraj Kumar-starrer Kannada film 'Thamassu' directed by Agni Sridhar, says she is interested in dubbing in her own voice for the film.

"I have completed the shooting of the film and I am extremely happy about my experience. I play the role of an advocate who believes in 'ahimsa' (non-violence) and the law of the land."

"The director (Sridhar) has written very strong dialogues in some scenes. I am really interested to deliver these dialogues in my own voice. I really think the film deserves my voice, but everything depends on how I will deliver my goods while dubbing for the film," says Padmapriya.

Five of her films in Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil will be released in the next three-four months. The films include 'Thamassu', Telugu film 'Andhari Bandhvaya' with Shravanand and Tamil film 'Irumbu Kottai Morattu Singham' with Lawrence.

Source: IANS

Malayali Actress Ananya Plays Superstar Mohanlal's Female Lead.

'Nadodigal' fame Ananya will play the female lead in Mohanlal's 'Shikaar', directed by M Padmakumar.

The Superstar will start shooting for the film once he completes his 'Cassanova', directed by Rosshan Andrews.

The thriller revolves around the intense relationship between a father and his daughter. Mohanlal plays the lovable father and Ananya, his daughter.

S Suresh Babu has penned the script for the movie. 'Shikaar' will be shot in the rustic locales of Andha Pradesh. This is the first time Mohanlal attends a shoot in AP.

Source: www.filmysouth.com

Prithviraj Dons the role of Teacher in his new Malayalam Movie.

Prithviraj will don the role of a school teacher in M Mohanan's 'Manikya Kallu'.

The film revolves around Vinaya Chandran, a school teacher who gets transferred to a remote village. The theme of the film is reportedly the relationship between a teacher and his students.

The female lead of the film has not been finalized. The rest of the cast includes Innocent, Salim Kumar, Mukesh, Jagathy, Kottayam Nazeer, Jagadeesh and K P A C Lalitha.

Prithviraj is currently busy with the shooting for 'Thanthonni' and 'Pokkiri Raja'. His upcoming film is Mani Ratnam's 'Raavan'.

Source: Filmysouth

Malayalam Superstar Mohan Lal will Play Kalidasa!

Superstar Mohanlal returns to stage as Kalidasa, the legendary Sanskrit poet.

The play is based on noted Malayalam poet ONV Kurup's poem 'Ujjaini'.

The actor, who impressed one and all with 'Karnabhara', his first foray into theatre, followed it up with another sterling performance in 'Chayamukhi'.

Mohanlal will bring to stage a multitude of characters in the play through his expressions and voice. Mukesh and his troupe, who produced 'Chayamukhi', are behind this production as well.

Source: Filmysouth

Vidya Balan Will Act in Malayalam Movies in 2010

Vidya Balan, who made a name for herself in Bollywood with films such as 'Parineeta', 'Munna Bhai MBBS' and 'Paa', plans to do a Malayalam film in 2010. The actress, born in Palakkad in Kerala, says she has many offers from the language and will decide on one soon.

She was supposed to debut in films with Mohanlal starrer 'Chakram'. But the film got shelved later. The film she signed next was 'Run' in Tamil, in which she was replaced by Meera Jasmine.

It took her another six years before she could make her debut in films 'Bhalo Theko' (2003) in Bengali. Soon, 'Parineeta' happened and she became a name to reckon with in Bollywood.

In her latest release 'Paa', Vidya plays the onscreen mother of Amitabh Bachchan. Her performance in the film has been widely appreciated.

Source: FilmySouth

Malayalam Actress Meera Nandan Celebrates her Birthday in Los Angeles

Malayalam actress Meera Nandan celebrated her 19th birthday in Los Angeles last week. The shy actor has many offers from all the south Indian cinemas.

Currently, she is shooting for Adhi starrer 'Ayyanar' in Chennai. She had gone to US for a stage show organised by a NRI Malayali association. She enjoyed every bit of her stay in US as this was her first trip to the country. She said that since her birthday (Nov. 26) coincided with the Thanks Giving Day, she had a ball out there.

Meera debuted in films with Dileep starrer 'Mulla' in Malayalam. Her forthcoming releases include KT Kunjumon's 'Kathalikku Maranamillai', 'Ayyanar' and 'Suriyanagaram'.

Source: FilmySouth