Kala : An unforgettable cinematic experience

Kala (weed)  the Malayalam film directed by V S Rohit is something that any  serious movie buff should watch. The narrative part is a treat. One cannot tell that there is a great story line. The film plays on the human egos and what drives them to take to extreme steps.

The film would not have stood out without Tovino Thomas who accepted a role that is very very far away from his screen image. To top it, he  has given his heart and soul to the role. Apart from this he is also one of the producer's of the film. The start of the hunting of the Tamilan ( Sumesh Moor) labourer by the landlord ( Tovino) that ends in the climax which subtly tells a message is a treat.

This extended hunt that keeps changing from the hunter being hunted and vice versa is something that is a treat to watch. The perfect synch between the cinematographer of the locales and sequences that action choreographer has in mind and two dedicated actors make this long action scene , one of the best in  Indian cinema. It reminded me of Pithamagan and Devar Magan.

The action scenes make you swing your sympathies between Tovino and Sumesh character and finally when you wish that Tovino loses, it happens. Music is yet another plus that does not distract but enhances the proceedings. V S Rohit deserves full ancepraise for this commendable film.

Indian cinema should make more use of Sumesh Moor. He leaves a lasting impression . In fact, the film belongs to Sumesh.

Quite a relief from writing about `power packed performance' of Mammootty and whether `Priest' beat `Master' Collection or One is caught in a whisper campaign.

One - Is Mammootty's performance enough to enjoy a film ?

 I was told that Congress is doing a whisper campaign against the film One as it glorifies Pinrayi. How many times can you say it is a one time watch coz of Mammootty's `power packed' performance ? This is the question that came to my mind after watching the film. The film has no fan moments  or anything that interests you. It need not be a Lucifer but at least should stand scrutiny to an audience that is well versed with the working of a political party.  

The undoing of the film is that the talk about the CM role being modelled on Pinrayi. They probably expected to see the angry  Comrade during his salad days and later as CM . Instead you have a CM who always has a Mr Cool attitude. His opponents finish their strategy in a few whispers. With such enemies, you can afford to be Mr Cool.

A Facebook post issue is the first case that we see the Mr Cool handling it and turning a critical post to his advantage. After that he okays action against corrupt Ministers . Then he turns up at the police station to suspend two officers who kept a woman in police custody without any evidence. The cop deserved it as he nor his colleagues recognised  the woman's father and her brother who got praise for the FB post from the CM. He travels in an auto to reach a college function. Again he uses Mr Cool attitude to handle a heckler.

Now the tagline is that it is a CM you always wanted to have and so he introduces a bill for right to recall MLA's by voters. He loses the votes to push the Bill in the House but we are told that he is still the CM. So people voted him back .

The film after some time starts to drag and by interval, the plot is not unravelled and finally when it does you know the outcome. You don't feel sad or pity for this CM as he walks out of office.

Kamal blames Yechury for no Left alliance - TTV spoiler in 3 key BJP seats

 As fight turns to DMK – Left backed Congress  v/s AIADMK backed BJP in Coimbatore (South), Kamal Haasan has blamed Politburo member Yechury for non- alliance of MNM and Left. He in an interview brought up  the 2019 tie-up with DMK with Left where the former paid Rs 10 crore  towards poll expenses to the latter. Dharapuram from where PM Modi introduces his party candidates  considered the most safe seat  for BJP’s State President Ganesan needs TTV’s AMMK which hold the decisive votes to swing the outcome. Tirunelveli , where Nainar of BJP has the upper hand and Thousand Lights where BJP ‘s Kushboo is evenly matched with DMK ,  AMMK can tilt the balance.

Kamal Haasan in an interview to a TV channel, said that if it was not for the `tough stand’ taken by CPM Politburo member Sitaram Yechury , the alliance between his party and Left front would have taken place. Kamal termed Yechury to be not abreast about changing times and that he had a pre-conceived notion about MNM. Left party leaders have ignored the actor’s TV interview. CPI leader G Ramakrishnan said it was not worth commenting as Kamal knew little of how Left parties functioned. As things stand, it has become a BJP- Congress fight with AMMK candidate, Industrialist `Challenger’ R Doraiswamy giving a tough fight.

The ground reality is that Dharapuram from where Modi kick starts his campaign to Tirunelveli – Thousand Lights and Coimbatore ( South) where BJP’s high profile candidates are contesting , BJP can win only if TTV’s AMMK slackens or transfers votes.  In Dharapuram , BJP-AIADMK- 48% , DMK Allies – 46%, AMMK – 2% NTK -3% is the position. The 2% AMMK voters comes crucial as it could switch to the next winner DMK combo since Modi- Amit Shah is seen as the people who `caged’ Chinna Amma.

Thousand Lights voter share is as follows : DMK 40% , BJP- 39% AMMk-10%, NTK- 8%. If half of the women voters of AMMK go for BJP’s Kushbu, she will romp home. Her plank as a women leader and to implement AMMA programme  for the constituency,  bundled with her screen charisma might pull her beyond the winning post. The frequent shifting of parties and the general feeling in Chennai, that Stalin is next CM might work against her. DMK sources say that Thousand Lights was not considered safe enough for Udhaynidhi Stalin and hence given Triplicane. The change of voter mood has now made the constituency a safe one for DMK, they say.

Though Tirunelveli district will see DMK domination,  in Tirunelveli constituency where Nainar Rajendran of   BJP stands, the voter share is as follows -  AIADMK- BJP  42%, DMK- 39% AMMK-9%, NTK 9% MNM 1%. Here for technical errors ,the nomination papers of MNM, co-ally SMK ( SarathKumar’s party) was rejected. SMK was expected to split Nadar votes. Similarly AMMK’s first choice candidate papers were rejected and the dummy accepted. Talks were on that there was a match fixing going on.

 

UPDATE :Pan Indian Telugu- Kannada films under threat of Lock down coming back

Telugu filmdom and Kannada ( KGF2) Pan Indian releases will take a major hit as all major Bollywood releases including Salman's Radhe Your Most Wanted Bhai directed by Prabhu Deva being postponed due to the quick spread of Covid second wave across Maharashatra. The general refrain is that decision will be taken after Holi. Big B - Emraan starrer `Chehere' along with Bunty Aur Babli 2’ and ‘Hathi Mere Sathi’ have also been postponed due to the second wave of Corona.

Radhey trailer released on March 13th was a huge hit and Salman had agreed to exhibitors for release on Eid ( May 13). Now the producers are hoping that the vaccination drive in Maha and Mumbai takes a more faster pace and puts the brakes on the spread. John Abraham Satyamey Jayate is also set for May 13 release. The news that Paresh Rawal and Sunil Gawaskar who had taken the first dose was found positive has not helped matters.

Prabha's Radhe Shyam- Salaar and  Allu Arjun's Pushpa from Tollywood will be immediately  affected if the current situation continues. Other releases in April are dependent on the AP/TS markets. The CM's of these States have ruled out any total lockdown. Other Tollywood Pan Indian movies can wait till the situation is over, since many of them are yet to finalise the business deals.

KGF2, the Kannada film is complete and the producers are still haggling to get a price bigger than Bahubaali. They might have to wait for more time. Malayalam film Marakkar will have depend on Kerala - South market as well as GCC to get  the money if it plans to release in May. Only Tamil film with Pan Indian appeal is Annathe of Rajinikanth. It is scheduled for November release.

Story published on Feb 20 :

Pan Indian films from Tollywood and KGF2 from Sandalwood might have to forgo Maharashtra especially Mumbai territory , few districts like Adilabad in Telangana that border the districts of Maharashtra which are under lock down after COVID 19 cases see a surge. The lockdown in districts that border Telangana would be a major blow to the Telugu Pan Indian release.

With 6000 cases reported yesterday, Maha Govt has said that if the trend continues, a re-imposition of lock down was inevitable. Maharashtra's district Yavatmal has its border alongside Telangana's Adilabad which had 507 cases of Covid-19 last week, with a scary 11.4 percent positivity rate. When it comes to Amravati, the district reported 2,843 cases inside a week, with a positivity rate of 56.7 percent. It has been said that the new South African strain of Covid could be responsible for such an infection.

“The northwestern districts of TS may be affected due to the movement of people near the borders and those travelling to religious places. It cannot be said how long this transmission will take, but the next three-four weeks will be crucial. The government must be alert because if this is the South African strain, it will spread faster,” Dr GVS Murthy, the director of the Indian Institute of Public Health’s Hyderabad chapter, told the New Indian Express.

It is also feared that the herd immunity acquired by the people of Telangana would not last beyond March as the majority of the infections they had were before September 2020. In our survey, we found that 75 percent of the people in the three rural districts did not have antibodies, which is a cause of concern,” Dr Avula Laxmaiah, scientist and head of Public Health at the National Institute of Nutrition, said. Mumbai city and surrounding region is the biggest contributor to COVID-19 cases. But since February 12, Akola city and district and Amravati city and district have recorded a noticeable spike, reported PTI.

Akola division, including districts of Akola, Amravati and Yavatmal, registered a sudden spike in cases. On February 12 it had a case tally of 76,207 but on Friday it increased by 6,697 and climbed to 82,904.

Hindi films will have no choice but postpone release, if lock down comes in Maha. For Telugu films, the fear comes from the Telangana districts along Maha. Lock Down in affected districts would  mean loss of revenue for Telugu films. Kerala, due to  the COVID cases hovering around 5000 per day, critically acclaimed films like Jai Surya’s Vellam and cyber crime thriller Operation Jawa are not collecting as occupancy rate is less. All eyes are on Maha Govt as to what steps it would take.

Hrithik Roshan in Vijay Sethupathi role - Saif Ali Khan in Maddy role -Vikram Vedha Hindi remake - Varun Dhawan in Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru remake

 Hrithik Roshan (HR) and Saif Ali Khan play the roles reprised by Vijay Sethupathi and Madhvan respectively  in the Hindi remake of Vikram Vedha From April, shoot of the Hindi remake  goes on the floor. Directed by Pushkar- Gayatri who directed n the Tamil version, HR is said to have worked two months to prepare for the role of the wily gangster.  The film is produced by Neeraj Pandey. Yet another Tamil film that is remade in Hindi is Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru which is Sajid Nandiadwala Sanki . Varun plays the role played by Rahman ( disabled cop) in the Tamil.

Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein ( Minnale in Tamil) will have a sequel in Hindi. Producer Vasu Bhagnani is remaking this and announced that Kriti Sanon  will play the heroine and `Mom' director Ravi Udayawar will be directing , Vicky Kaushal is tipped to be playing the hero.After remaking Arjun Reddy ( original) in Hindi as  Kabir Singh, Shahid Kapoor is acting in remake of  Telugu film Jersey which had Nani - Harish Kalyan in the lead. The film won two National awards. It is produced and directed by the same Producer - director of Telugu film.

11th Week TRP -Sun TV in all top 4 - New Reality shows with Sivakarthikeyan - Vijay Sethupathy on Sun

11th Week TRP rating shows Star Vijay's Bhagyalakhsmi has slipped to 6th place and has only Bharathi Kannamma in top 5. Top No 1 Roja onwards the first four are with Sun TV. Even the afternoon slot is dominated by Sun TV> As Cook with Comali is top in reality show, Sun TV to beat Star Vijay has lined up Master Chef with actor Vijay Sethupathi as host. Chumma KiMi a reality show on Sun with actor Sivakarthikeyan as guest is to come, Rowdy Baby is another show that will come on Sun TV.

Archana who took part in Bigg Boss 4 has now become a regular in Star Vijay. She posted photos of her with co-hosts like Ma Pa Anand - DD.

Prithiviraj is the next big STAR in Malayalam to be TV host. He will host the International show MasterChef in Sun Network channel Surya in Malayalam. Suresh Gopi and Mohanlal were the top Stars who hosted TV shows and Suraj Venjaramoodu - Mukesh from filmdom were other actors who were successful. Currently Bigg Boss 3 is being hosted by Mohanlal in Asianet and is going on at Chennai's EVP Film City.  The show is produced by Banijay, who are also producers of Master Chef to be aired on Surya.

Though Bigg Boss 3 proceedings have picked up, TRP's have not not and remain at single digits. The concept though owned by Endemol Shine, the producers of Bigg Boss 3 in Malayalam are Banijay, The highly anticipated show is expected to have a 39-day-long first season with 26 regular episodes and 13 masterclasses. master chief had already been entered Kannada years back but stopped after 2 season on star suvarna

MasterChef India is one of the most popular cooking reality television shows of India. The show is inspired by an Australian show namely MasterChef Australia and it also follows a format similar to the Australian version. MasterChef India season 1 aired in the year 2010. Now the franchise has come up with the 6^th season of the show. 

Star Plus: Master chef India Kitchen Ke Super Star from 11th March

TTV Dhinakaran's web starts to strangle AIADMK

 Minister Kadambur Raju says Sasikala was not involved in any poisoning of AMMA . OPS who started the Dharmayudh against Sasikala has only words of gratitude to Chinnamma. EPS - OPS meet at Salem after the latter's interview to TV channel . Many more voices from ADMK speak in favour of Chinna Amma. Why this change of stance ? The carefully woven web of TTV Dhinakaran with the caste forces and playing the J faithful Sasikala caged for no fault of her has worked and is playing out.

The BJP was told to silence Sasikala and it did the job. TTV Dhinakaran ability to spin a master plan to break the ADMK- BJP chanakyas was underestimated. The backroom players of BJP in Chennai had predicted that isolating Sasikala would only rebound. This too was dismissed as pure theoretical imagery by chanakyas with ear on the ground.

The 60 seats that AMMK gave to DMDK has been mainly in the Northern Districts where PMK is contesting. The DMDK got galvanised after Vijaykanth's wife Premalatha was given ticket to contest from Vridhachalam . The effect of this is that Vijaykanth boarded a vanity van gifted by TTV and started his campaign . He will also go to Karaikudi (TTV constituency). Vridhachalam is where Vijayakanth won. The constituency has 30,000 Muslims ( Urdu speaking and Owaiisi supporters).

By tying up with All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) or more popularly known as Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi's party and giving three seats in Vaniyambadi, Krishnagiri and Sankarapuram, TTV had got the Urdu speaking Muslims in Northern Districts into his side. Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI) added to this and got six constituencies. The choice is significant as it has Muslim areas - Alandhur, Ambur, Trichy west, Thiruvarur, Madurai Central and Palayankotai.

The Agamudayar community votes that form the majority in Thirumangalam(Madurai) will be split by Marudhu Senai Sangam (MSS), ally of TTV. The ADMK candidate is Minister R P Jayakumar who created a storm by saying Vanniyar reservation is temporary at an election meting.

To split Yadav votes, TTV got Gokula Makal Katchi on his side and fielded a candidate in Thali constituency where CPI from DMK fold is pitted against BJP. 

The TTV party's AMMK is not just considered to be getting the Mukolathar Thevars backing but also has a sizeable Dalit backing. In the 2019 Lok Sabha poll, Dalit leader Thol Thirumavalan , founder of VCK , ally of DMK, scraped through in Chidambaram with mere 3210 votes margin . AMMK got 52.309 votes. This should have gone to ADMK.

Kangana Raut on Thalaivi role - Director rejected me first for my accent

 

Kangana Raut was in Chennai for Thalaivi trailor launch. She wore Anamika Khanna organza saree with pale blush colour with work done in blue along with silver sleeveless blouse. She wore a statement jewellery. Her subtle makeup was by Albert Chettiar who works for Mouni Roy.

She spoke about her auditioning for the role. She said later after the audition, she met director Vijay who told her he was still doing the auditions and had zeroed in on a girl from the Charminar city who had the perfect Tamil accent. She complimented South filmdom for not having groups. She got emotional while talking about director Vijay.

ADMK Minister -Vanniyar reservation `temporary' - PMK shocked

 ADMK Minister R P Udaykumarv  shocked the PMK when he said that the 20% reservation for Vanniyars was only for six months and a temporary measure. Coming from a EPS loyalist and  Minister who once advocated that  Chinnamma should be CM and had agreed to vacate his seat for Sasikala to contest after she was elected General  secretary is seen as the mood of the the ADMK candidates who are banking on Thevar and Gounder votes . This has also blunted the PMK claim that it had got reservation for the  caste it represents due to the protests and hard bargaining with ADMK. 

Speaking  at an election meeting near Thirumangalam ( Madurai) , Udaykumar said that many were asking  about the 20% reservation given to Vanniyars. This was necessary as the caste wise census is going on and will finish after 6 months. This legislation is only till then, he said.

PMK leaders were shocked as the whole protest looked like a drama for temporary relief and  were only a posture to hoodwink them and get votes. The speech by R P Udaykumar is not taken  likely as he is said to close to EPS and also a veteran politician who is not known for shooting off his mouth to get claps.

By stating the reservation as temporary, the ADMK was sending out a message that the Rtd Justice Kulasekharan Committee constituted to conduct a caste - tribe wise survey findings would only be the basis of any `permanent' measure. 

ADMK sources say that the candidates are finding it difficult to answer why Vanniyars were given 10.5% within the Most Backward Classes (MBC)- De-notified communities (DNC) when other castes have 10.5% only and Vanniyars 20% ?. The Thirumangalam constituency is dominated by Thevars and Gounders . Udaykumar could have said the truth to pacify these castes, felt ADMK.

The 10.5% internal reservation for Vanniyars has angered the Thevars since they are left with 7.5% and DNC with 2.5%. There are 107 communities in these two groups. The  Anbashankar commission in 1982 put the Vanniyars population at 13% when the District Collectors report put it at 8%.

VCK (Thol Thiruma) and AMMK ( TTV) are already driving home the injustice to the Dalits and Thevars and a caste polarisation is said to be forming against the ADMK which is aligned with BJP seen as upper caste party. Udaykumar could have said this to fend off Thevar anger feels the party sources. The pre-poll survey also points to PMK faring badly in the 23 seats given to them.

Kamal Haasan roped in by Bigg Boss producer to create content

Banijay Asia which is to start Master Chef with Vijay Sethupathi (Tamil) , Prithiviraj ( Malayalam), Venkatesh (Telugu) and Kiccha Sudeep (Kannada) in Sun Network channels in South in a press note said - Content producer and distributor, Banijay Asia has announced its collaboration with Turmeric Media Networks Private Limited and Kamal Haasan to produce content across screens and languages. Combining the massive fan base of Kamal Haasan and Deepak Dhar’s expertise in content creation and production, the two parties will join forces to gain a strong foothold in the South. The partnership will also see the two entities come together to create long and short-form content across OTT and television.

R.Mahendran, founder, Turmeric Media, said, “We are so excited to partner with Banijay Asia. Deepak has an unblemished record of creating success out of many new initiatives in the content space. This association is going to be no different. It is an honour for us to showcase Kamal Haasan’s expertise in the entertainment business. We are confident that this team shall conjure up some brilliant content that will keep the viewers “spellbound”. 

Turmeric Media Networks Private Limited is a Private incorporated on 06 January 2016. It is classified as Non-govt company and is registered at Registrar of Companies, Chennai. Its authorized share capital is Rs. 1,000,000 and its paid up capital is Rs. 100,000. It is inolved in Sporting and other recreational activities.Directors of Turmeric Media Networks Private Limited are Vanitha Shirley, Sai Sanakkayala Dinakar, .

“We wanted to partner with someone who knew the crux of the content creation and production business. Hence we were in a conversation with Deepak for a while now. With his extensive knowledge in the field, we could see the potential of venturing into a new space of creating regional content in India with Banijay Asia. His understanding of the craft and network have been invaluable in making it a reality. We are excited to collaborate with them to create revolutionary content across all screens and languages,” signs off Kamal Haasan.

Deira Diaries ; Worth a watch - Kalidas Jayram- Bagpackers and Harish Peradi's Ice oruthi - pseudo

Deira Diaries, is among the three Malayalam films that were released recently in the Kerala based OTT, that is worth a watch. Tamil film goers will remember Abu Valayamkulam for his appearance in the Vijay Sethupathi production, Merku Thodarchi Malai, and the Malayalam films, Eeda, Kismath and  Anjam Pathira.. Deira Diaries marks Shalu Rahim who has  appeared in Kammattipadam, Maradona, Kali and Edakkad Battalion.

Written and directed by Mushthaque Rahman Kairyaden and produced by Madhu Karuvath. It streams on Neestream. We have had seen films about the good Samaritan's of the Gulf who selflessly help other Indians working with them. This too is the same story but the characterisation of Yusuf is very real and down to earth. To not only those living abroad, but to even to Malayalis working  outside Kerala, the film will relate. You will come across a person like Yusuf, who without any backing of an organisation continues to help fellow Malayali's , be it in Mumbai- Chennai or Bangalore. Music by Shibu Sukumaran and Jo Paul need special.

The meaning of the line that every journey has a return comes out in an unexpected way in the climax. When Yusuf tells that his coming back is not be blamed on any one as he was not there ( physically) in all the good times, is quite haunting. When he unknowingly tells the boy looking over  a bridge with suicide on his mind, " Don't look too long. You might be tempted to jump" and  following events show that even utterances can change a man's thinking.

Kalidas Jayram who recieved lot of critical acclaim for his performance in the Tamil anthologies recently on OTT features in the feature film `Bagpackers' directed by Jayraj ( National - Kerala award winner - 4 the People, Sila Nerangalil). The film  is said to be a real story of a boy and girl suffering from terminal blood cancer and running away to spend rest of their life as they wish.

A splendid theme that in the hands of a Jayaraj should have worked wonders. What comes across is a extended music video album !!!. Kalidas with a bald pate has an artificial plastered smile and heroine Karthika Nair ( new find) is the only one that comes close to acting. The video album comes to a end that is hard to  digest but then the man who treated them has said it. So no appeal.

Next is Ice oruthi. Here it is presence of Harish Peradi, actor of substance ,that brings us the feeling that we are in for something different. Same old story of a dimwitted grown up man who is instilled with the thought of having sex with a woman is ultimate and the fall out. It becomes so boring and tiresome. When you are fed with dialogues that are supposed to speak for liberated woman and outlook of male dominated society , it is time to quit. Ice Oruthi is a fruit drink popular in Calicut and what is the relation of the title to the story except that the friend of Harish runs a shop selling it ? You should have one after you see it.

DMK to sweep Chennai - Kamal - Seeman bigger threat to ADMK

 

Latest survey reports show that ADMK has to contain the threat from smaller parties to overcome the DMK in all regions. Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM)  - Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) are the major threat to the ruling party and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) it’s ally is not going to deliver the numbers that it should. Chennai district is heading for a DMK sweep, says survey reports. DMK has a voter share of 47.27 % and ruling party has 20.81%. The next biggest voter share is MNM with 6.97%.

The Kongu belt always considered the fortress of ADMK shows that the ruling party has 38% vote share whie DMK is only 28% share. At stake are 40 seats for State polls. The voting share of MNM is 9.5% , the highest it gets from any region and NTK gets a 4% share of votes. If these parties increase the voter share, ADMK would have a tough battle as these parties are eating into the ADMK  votes and not DMK’s.

Similarly the central TN is an area where the arch rivals are almost close to each other. The DMK has an edge of 4% over ADMK with 34% voter share. MNM is said to be  garnering 6% and NTK with 4%. It means that these parties can spoil ADMK chances.

South Districts which have been DMK strongholds continue to do so. Here ADMK is seeing ersion of it’s vote banks by MNM taking 6.40% and NMK with7.61%. ADMK is left with24.58% and DMK has 35.90%. In contrast to other regions , MNM and NTK have limited vote share. North districts which includes Chennai show that MNM has only 2.65% ( biggest share is from Chennai) and NTK with 2.68%. DMK fortress remains intact with 42.93% while ADMK is 32.96%. PMK the ADMK ally seems to losing it’s grip and likely to not help the ruling party.

 

Tamil TV 10th week TRP - Sun takes top 3 slots

The 10th week TRP shows that except for Star Vijay's Bharathi Kannama at 2nd spot and Bhagyalakshmi at 5th, all other three positions including Roja ( no 1)

 have come back to top 5. Out of the top 10, 6 postions are with Sun and 4 with Star Vijay. Zee Tamil is out of recknoning.

Star Vijay is shocked that Pandian Stores that was once considered to give Sun's Roja a fight for top slot has slipped to 8th place. Sources said that the director has been changed and a revamp of the creative team has been done. However within the creative team, they feel the director was diverted from Pandian Stores to manage other serials of the chennel and hence the sliding.

Zee Tamil continues to do be ranked outside 10. On the sidelines, Colors Tamil is said to getting some good producers and increasing their movie library. Those who quit Sun TV are getting slots in Colors.

Vikatan is said to have readied a new soap for Sun TV. Sun is also getting a show similar to Vijay's Cook with Komali from Endemol Shine , producers of Bigg Boss. Reports say that Tamil Bigg Boss 5 work is on. Rumours say that if Kamal and party win a few seats, the actor might not host the next season.

Mammooty's The Priest Box Office 6 Day Collection

Mammooty's The Priest released on March 11th in Kerala and GCC collected in 6 days Rs 10 crores Net.Overseas Gross Collection was Rs 11.50 cr. Total Worldwide collections for 6 days is Rs 17.20 cr.

India Gross was Rs 11.80 cr. The overall occupancy rate was high for night shows in Kochi and Kozhikode. The highest collection was from these centres and Trivandrum- Trichur. An average of Rs 2.2 cr per day was maintained  for first 4 days. After that it ranged between Rs 60-90 lakhs. The film is going strong with 119 shows in Kochi, 59 shows in Thrissur  and 92 shows in Trivandrum.

Till March 25th, another Rs 3-4 cr will be collected feels trade. The budget of the film is around Rs 15 cr. The film is termed a SUPER HIT by trade.

Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK) called on  Mammootty at his Kochi residence to thank him for helping in reviving the dwindling theatre business. The Producers  have released a special teaser to celebrate this success. From March 19 the film will be released in major cities outside Kerala.

Actor chooses Star Vijay Raaja Paarvai over Sun TV 's Chandralekha in noon slot

Actor Munnaf who played the character Sanjay in the Sun TV's Chandralekha aired in the 2PM noon slot will now be seen in weekend soap Raaja Paarvai(RP) of  Star Vijay aired at 1 PM. Usually actors who do the main role do not quit Sun TV serials as they command the top TRP. The reverse happens with main leads in soaps aired on other channels quit to join  Sun TV. These channels are then forced to insert an announcement that the actor has been replaced.

The declining TRP of Sun TV soaps could be the reason feels many in the trade. The fortunes of Star Vijay has risen and  after production houses who quit Sun, actors too seem to deserting the leader. Sources say that Sun TV has started to poach the directors of Star Vijay's soaps. 

Sources in Sun say that Jai Dhanush who played the role could not take part due to Covid restrictions and Munnaff was brought in. They had not put in the clause of exclusivity in the contract as they wanted Jai to come back, It is said that Chandralekha gave Munna the boost in his career as the serial launched in 2014 is very popular. Revathi   popular through Sun TV's Metti Oli was  to be part of  RP but the official announcement does not give her name. Rashmi Jayraj of Naam Iruvar Nammuku Iruvar also joins RP.

Munnaf aka Munna plays the role of a visually challenged person in the show. He meets with an accident and loses eyesight. After he meets Rashmi Jayraj, his life changes in a positive way. The romantic drama from 22 March 2021, Monday to Saturday at 1 pm only on STAR VIJAY.

`Vellam' gets a Telugu makeover - Aparna Balamurali's producer files police complaint !!!

Vellam, the Malayalam film will get a Telugu adaptation  which is produced by the man on whose life the subject was based. Aparna Balamurali 's  Tamil film producer has filed a police complaint against top selling Vikatan and the reviewer for writing falsehoods. 

Vellam, the Malayalam movie was based on the life of an ex - alcoholic Murali Kunnampurath, who today is a successful businessman. Now Mural himself is producing a Telugu film with his life story as the subject. Director is Manu Yagna.  Manu says that he will be tackling the subject in his own way and not as a remake of  Vellam,. Manu is waiting for release of  his Sumanth starrer Anaganaga Oka Rowdy.   The Malayalam film had Jaisurya in the lead role. The film received critical appreciation but box office wise, it failed. 

I think for the first time a film producer and his team has filed a police complaint against the reviewer and his publication . The film is Theethum Nandrum , Tamil film with Aparna Balamurali ( popular after Soorarai Pottru) and Lijimol ( Sivappu Manjal Pachai in Tamil and Mahesinte Prathikaram of Fahad Fazil in Malayalam) are the two actors known and along with them you have new faces.

Going through the complaint copy, it seems Vikatan magazine had made observations like don't risk your life going to theatre and that the film has been in the cans for 5 years. The Producer says it was censored only on 2018.

Usually big time publications and even the small time YouTube channels as well as movie news sites ignore new comers  films . Probably presence of Aparna made Vikatan take a look. I don't think there is anything in Police Act that can book film reviewers for bad reviews. It cannot be brought under defamation either. Maybe the producer can claim damage for wrongfully portraying his product as 5 years old but again Nenjam Maruppathuillai too was 5 years old and BO is not bad.

That week ,I decided to sit at home and see Teddy on Disney instead. I had a good sleep as the proceedings were just conducive. As I was curious to see namma ooru ponnu Aparna and lijimol, the Box Office collection of 3 days came in and I gave up the idea.

However my critic friend who saw it at a press show ( no risk factor here like for the public) said that the director Rasu was generous enough to give so much screen space to Aparna and she has made full use of it. He says that the problem is that the same guy who acts in the film gave an unwanted extension to his role and killed the tempo.

The Priest ; Give it a Miss

The Priest is something that you can easily give a miss , even if you are a fan . It has nothing new to offer in the horror genre that it is slotted. The posters of Mammooty in a long overcoat- hat-long beard etc gives you the idea that something deadly is there. All those dark lighting, eerie sounds, close shots of frightened people, after one time make you laugh at the audacity of the director to think that you can be scared by this old tricks.

The Priest is an exorcist. He also helps the cops. A series of suicides in a family is cracked and pinned down to murder for gain with the help of the Priest. This leads to a girl who is possessed but nobody knows it but only  you and the Priest. Why is the girl protective of the teacher ?. To get the answer , investigation moves on slowly at snail pace and comes to an end when the Priest uses literally  a blower to blow away the ghost. In case you are looking for the great pairing up of  Megastar with Lady Superstar to give some scenes that  you can cherish- Forget it. Manju is the GHOST. 

Nikila fits the bill as most of the time she has to look frightened . I thought T G Ravi had settled  abroad but he is back as the doctor. Many others have been included as it was lock down and work was rare.Whoever dubbed for Ameya the possessed girl has done a good job.

I was just getting out of a so called horror film Nenjum marupadatha illai directed by ace genius Selvaraghavan. The Priest is according to a YouTube guy ( comes with 5 videos a day on the film) has smashed all box office records within three days. He predicts a two week minimum run till ONE comes.

Luckily it did not come in OTT or else I would have to put my phone on silent mode. All that good impression and many congratulating me ( as symbol of Keralites film appreciation taste) after Drishyam 2 came would have come crashing. 

Naga Chaitanya replaces Vijay Sethupathi in Aamir Khan film - A R Rahman first time Producer- Writer 99 Songs release date

Aamir Khan 'sForest Gump remake in Hindi will have Naga Chaitanya make his Bollywood debut.  Two time Academy Award Winner A R Rahman who for the first time is turning writer - producer with 99 Songs announced that the film in Tamil- Hindi- Telugu will be releasing on April 16th.  Kalaipuli Thanu breaks the business barrier for Dhanush's Karnan. Navarasa Nayakan Karthik to dance with Sunny Leone and does bike stunts without double.

Aamir Khan had travelled to Karaikudi to narrate the role to Vijay Sethupathi for the Hindi remake of Forest Grump. As Covid played havoc and VS accepted many films in which he also plays the baddie to the hero, both decided to do part ways. Khan wanted VS to allot full month of May for the film. This will upset many big budgeted films in various  languages that VS has committed. 

Vaishnav Tej was to do the film but after Uppena, his diary is full. Now Naga Chaitanya whose LoveStory is releasing in April is to join Khan for the role. Chaitanya is finishing Vikram Kumar's Thank You. Kareena Kapoor completed her portions. Mona Singh plays a vital role. The film is titled Lal Singh Chaddha and was scheduled for a Christmas 2020 release.

 ARR twetted -"Happy to share that #99Songs will release on April 16, 2021, in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Directed by @vishweshk and featuring the talented actors @itsEhanBhat & #EdilsyVargas.”.The film is directed by debutant Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy, who worked as an ad filmmaker before Rahman offered him to direct for his production. Vishwesh is also a musician known for the Mumbai based band Scribe. ARR was co-producer for English film No Man's Land starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

Kalaipuli Thanu is known to be a master in creating larger than life hype for his movies. The latest is Dhanush starrer Karnan directed by Maari Selvaraj. The songs are a super-hit. Now Dhanush previous film in 2020 was Pattas ( cracker) that was just an average sizzler and in 2019, he had Enay noki payyum Thota - a dud. With this track record, Dhanush Karnan should just about get an average response from trade.

Thanu said that Karnan was going to be another Asuran that he produced with Dhanush - A Blockbuster. He was going to distribute it all by himself. Distributors just bought off all the areas and this by date is the highest business that a Dhanush film has done before release.

Some reports are hard to believe. It seems a huge set has been put up in Mumbai for a special number of Sunny Leone with this Tamil STAR. This STAR did all mobike stunts without dupes. The film is about the hero and his love for his sister. Sukunya and Aishwarya Lekshmi are the two ladies. We hope that Aishwarya is playing sister to the hero but as many surprises were already given, we can expect Sukunya to play sister and Aishwarya as love interest of hero.

The hero is Navarasa Nayakan of 80-90's , KARTHIK. Film- Thee Ivan. It seems the fans are waiting for the `comeback'. We Too!!!. Our Photoshop guy took a walk after we told him to do a Sunny- Karthik dance shot.

Sun TV bounces back with Roja - Vanatha Pol in Top 5- 6th Star Vijay Awards countdown starts

9th Week saw Sun's Roja- Vanatha Pol jump upwards to enter the top 5 and break Star Vijay hold to get 3 out of 5 in top. The slot of Bhagyalakshmi- Pandian Stores combo went to Sun. As usual Sun TV's Chandramukhi movie was at No 1.

In a run up to the 6th Star Vijay Award to be telecast on April 11th, the channel started special programmes from Sunday March 14th.Parivattam on 14 March, Enga Veetu Mahalakshmi on 21 March, Enga Area Ulla Varaatha on 28 March, Varuthappadatha Vaalibar Sangam on 04 April and 6th Annual Vijay Television Awards on 11 April.

ENGA VEETU MAHALAKSHMI 21 March Sunday afternoon:

An entertaining Girls party!  To get rid of the pressure and problems in serials all girls gather as fiction characters for a party.

ENGA AREA ULLA VARAATHA 28 March, Sunday afternoon:

An entertaining battle between family members of popular serials on Star Vijay through acts and tasks.  Each family claims they will win maximum awards in the main event. 

VARUTHAPPADATHA VAALIBAR SANGAM 04 April, Sunday afternoon: The hosts of the 6th Annual Vijay Television Awards are none other than DD and Ma Ka Pa Anand. 

Up date ; Championship Over :Thala Ajith 6 medals for Rifle shooting and the Suriya - Karthi Connect

Actor Karth attended the XII South Zone Shooting Championship Competitions held at TN Spl Police 3rd Battalion shooting range, Verrapuram, Chennai where it has come to a close and the valedictory function was  held.Thala Ajith won six medals at the 46th Tamil Nadu State Sniper Championship  held from March 2 to 7. He represented the Chennai Rifle Club which conducted the competition. Rajasekar Pandian, Secretary, Chennai Rifle Club is also the COO of Actor Suriya's 2D Entertainment. Recently was Pandian elected to the Club secretary post. Various sniper competitions were held in more than 60 categories. 52 clubs including Chennai Rifle Club, Madurai Rifle Club and Coimbatore Rifle Club participated in these competitions.

Details of the medals won by actor Ajith in the sniper competition:

* Air pistol 10 m - Gold

* Center Fire Pistol (ISSF) (25m) - Silver

* Center Fire Pistol (NR) - (25m) - Gold

* Standard Pistol (ISSF) - (25m) - Gold

* Standard Pistol (NR) - (25m) - Silver

* Free Pistol (50m) - Gold

Event was presided over by DV Seetha Rama Rao, Secretary General, National Rifle Assn. Of India and Actor Karthi was the chief guest of the evening and gave away the medals to the winners. Mr. Vijayakumar IPS(Retd.), Mr. Ravikrishnan Vice President of TNSA and Deputy Organising Secretary, Mr. M.Gopinath also participated.

“About 800 participants from 5 southern states namely Tamilnadu, Telangana, Andhra, Kerala and Karnataka participated in this competition. A new record was created by a Karnataka shooter Miss.Yukthi, who scored 400/400 in 10mts Air Rifle event under  Senior Women, Junior Women and Youth Women categories, and won  3 individual Gold Medals and she set a new south zone record” said the Organising Secretary of the event and Secretary of Chennai Rifke Club Mr. Rajsekar Pandian

Poll chances of Kushboo from Thousand Lights (Chennai) - H Raja again from Karaikudi - Vanathi v/s Kamal

BJP first list of 6 candidates include Kushboo Sundar from Thousand Lights in Chennai, H Raja again from Karaikudi, BJP Women's Wing Vanathi Srinivasan from Coimbatore ( South). K Annamalai IPS ,BJP State VP will enter political fray in Arvakurichi and State President L Ganesan from Dharapuram. BJP Youth Wing President Vinoj P Selvam is to stand in Harbour ( Chennai). Of these Coimbatore and Karaikudi will see BJP v/s Congress.

Kushboo who did ground work for Triplicane was shifted out to Thousand Lights, in Chennai itself. As Stalin's son Udhaynidhi was fielded in the DMK stronghold, ADMK decided to fight  the seat. Instead it handed over Thousand Lights that it contested several times and lost to stalwarts like Stalin . After Stalin shifted in 2011 to Kolathur, ADMK won  . In 2016, it lost again to DMK.

Last election, MDMK and PMK contested separately and got around 5% and 2% vote share. Now MDMK is with DMK and PMK with ADMK. The victory margin share in 2016 was 6.20%.

DMK candidate is Dr. Ezhilan who works in Kauvery Hospital, Chennai. His father was Deputy Chief State Planning Commission who drafted the manifesto of DMK. Ezhilan is a known face of DMK in TV debates and especially in the anti- NEET stir. ADMK leaders say that their party has a solid vote base of  37-40% in the constituency. 

If Kushboo can like their firebrand Valarmathi who won in 2011, swing the lower income groups and especially the women using her star charisma, Ezhilan will lose. DMK says that ADMK ministry through Corporation evicted slums that were pro DMK to ensure a victory. This however led to a backlash as other squatters and slums have grouped against ADMK . How much the ADMK takes the fight in Thousand Lights seriously will decide Kushboo's victory chances is the general feeling.

H Raja won Karaikudi Assembly way back in 2001. After that he has lost all polls and including a shot at Lok Sabha ( Sivaganga). In 2011, Raja won against the TMC candidate. Before and after, it has been a battle between Dravidian parties and the Congress. in 2011, ADMK staged a massive victory routing INC K Ramasamy by 20,000 votes. In 2016, KR struck back by wresting the seat with 18,000 margin. H Raja can take solace that the INC has  not put KR again.

Kamal says that the previous LS poll numbers ( 3.7%) that his party MNM bagged was not the only reason for him to stand in Coimbatore ( South). He says those numbers need not hold good. Then MNM was a new entrant and today it could be more. He said in the interview to TOI that his idea was not to get 10% vote share and be a player but to be a game changer.

As LS poll voting reflects differently from  State Polls, in 2016 Assembly poll, the battle was with INC and ADMK. INC lost by 17419 votes. The INC candidate Mayura is fielded again and this time BJP's Vanathi stands again with ADMK support.

In 2016, a Third Front of DMDK- TMC- PWF was in the fray. The CPM from this front polled 7248 votes in South seat and BJP got 33113 votes. Now PMK-TMC is in ADMK , Left - MDMK is with DMK front. DMDK votes will not go to ADMK - BJP. Vanathi polled 33,113 votes and add to this the ADMK votes of 59,000 and you have a winner. INC with DMK got 42,369 votes and add a margin of 7000 votes and still you are behind.

Kamal has to  split vertically the ADMK- BJP - INC- DMK votes- close to 1.5 lakh votes to romp home. Assuming that 3.7% of votes in Coimbatore (South) got in Lok Sabha poll is intact and were anti BJP ( also means ADMK) , it does not measure up to a victory. Only by  adding to this the new first time voters not inclined to any political party, disorientation due to absence of Jayalalithaa to lead ADMK,  anti- incumbency factor  and the thrill of electing a cinema icon to Assembly can see Kamal walk up the State Assembly Hall.

Sai Pallavi sister as heroine in stunt director Silva's debut direction - No to Pawan Kalyan

Sai Pallavi known popularly as the Rowdy Baby and Premam girl chooses films that offer her scope to act. She was offered wife role of Pawan Kalyan , who plays Biju Menon role in the Telugu remake of Ayyappan Koshiyum. She politely turned it down. Incidentally, Aishwarya Rajesh , another good performer said no to play wife to Rana Daggubatti ,who essays Prithiviraj role in the remake.

Sai's  sister Puja Kannan will make her debut in the Tamil film directed by Stunt Silva. It is Stunt Silva's debut direction. The permed hair fight master who also acts in films is to  do the film for A L Vijay who will pen the dialogues and screenplay.

Sai's dance number in LoveStory is already a rage. Stunt Silva's film is a love story says a source. Usually stunt master who turns director goes for an action subject but here the focus is on love and action is few but in  an effective way. Some say that the hero might be Silva's brother. Silva's brother in law was shot dead by the  police in the anti-Sterlite protest march. Samudrakanni and Silva act in the film.

Silva did his graduation in Nursing from Stanley Medical College. He worked as a nurse in his home town and joined the stunt union. He was part for stunt choreographer Peter Hein's team. It was S S Rajamouli who made him independent master in Yamadonga (2007). He has worked in all major Indian languages and also in Sinhala films. His latest release is Master ( tamil) and Lucifer (Malayalam).

Why Kamal Haasan from Coimbatore (South) , TTV Dhinakaran from Kovilpatti ,Udhaynidhi Stalin from Chepauk

 

Kamal Haasan is to stand from Combatore(South) , Udhaynidhi Stalin from Chepauk ( Triplicane) in Chennai, TTV Dhinakaran from Kovilpatti. Other Star is Actress - director Sripriya from Mylapore (for MNM of Kamal).

Though the buzz was that Kamal will stand in Coimbatore and Alandur ( Chennai), the decision has been to stand only in one place. Reason being that it might be interpreted as the actor not sure of winning in one place. Major reason is that the two Dravidian parties are not contesting from this place and left it to BJP and Congress. Secondly, the MNM party polled over one lakh votes in the Lok Sabha Poll. 

The winner at the previous LS poll was CPM, It beat BJP heavyweight C P Radhakrishnan by over one lakh votes. The Assembly seat has always been held by AIADMK. The LS reversal was said to be the non cooperation of AIADMK cadres  and surprisingly this time too the party decided to give the seat to BJP. BJP's Vanathi Srinivasan is said to have a great sway in the constituency. Yet another factor that could favour Kamal is that he is considered a friend of Pinrayi Vijayan and given that DMK has given the ticket to Congress, left sympathisers might swing to Kamal.

In Kovilpatti, MNM of Kamal has given the seat  to Sarathkumar's AIASM. AISM has decided to field Radhika Sarathkumar. TTV decision to contest Kovilpatti is from the results of  Thoothukkudi LS poll. This Assembly constituency contributed maximum number of votes to DMK's Kanimozhi. This despite being the home turf of Minister Kadambur Raju. Now a local chieftain Manikaraja, close aide of TTV is said to be the architect of this reversal. Now will not Manikaraja swing it for his BOSS ?

Chepauk (Triplicane) will see Kushboo campaigning for BJP candidate against Udhaynidhi Stalin, actor- politician of DMK supremo. She already started work a few weeks back and some time she had challenged Udhaynidhi to stand against her. Chepauk, once represented by Karunanidhi, is considered the DMK stronghold in Chennai. It could be smooth sailing as DMK cadres would ensure  Thalapathy's son victory. 

Chennai has another Star in the fray. Yesteryear actress Sripriya is contesting from Brahmin dominated Mylapore, a ADMK stronghold. The sitting MLA R Nataraj IPS of ADMK who has a clean and efficient track record is contesting again. A retired IAS officer is fielded by MNM in  Velachery, home to IT professionals in City suburb.

DMK cadres in Chennai are excited that Stalin has kept his word to two departed leaders. One is  Late J Anbazhagan the T Nagar MLA . His brother J Karunanidhi has been given the seat. Other is Late Prof. Anbazhagan. His grandson Vettri has been given Villiwakkam seat.

Yet another person from filmdom is R Moorthi ,who owns idreams, the single screen movie hall with ultra latest facilities at Royapuram, a suburb in North Chennai.  He is contesting on DMK ticket against Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar. The theatre was once a landmark in Royapuram and called Brighton Cinema. The area dominated by Anglo Indians , the movie hall was named after the seaside resort in UK, as in the backdrop is the sea. The movie hall was inaugurated by M K Azhagiri in 2009.

Villain of Tamil Singam 3 is hero in Hindi remake

Singam 3 the cop series by Suriya had a menacing baddie Vittal Prasad, powerful and ruthless, CEO Vittal Steels , 28th richest man in India . He was the main antagonist and played out by Thakur Anoop Singh.  Rohit Shetty after the first part remake, went to make further versions of the character in his own way,Singam 3 will now be directed by Guddu Dhanoa, who produced Shah Rukh Khan's Deewana. The twist in the tale is that Thakur Anoop plays Suriya's role in the remake.

The actor spoke to the Singam and told him about it. Suriya was very happy and told that he should have patience and work will follow. Thakur says that working with Suriya had taught him many lessons. Singh says he will add his own touch to the charachter.

The Singam franchise in Hindi was turned into a Cop Universe and the latest is Suryavanshi releasing on April 30. After Singam Returns, Rohit in third part Simbba brought in Ranveer to play main lead and Ajay Devgan who played Singam in earlier two parts comes in the climax. It was Telugu film Temper's remake. The 4th Edition is Suryavanshi in which Akshay Kumar enters playing the title role and the two cops Ajay and Ranveer will join him.

An actor in TV soaps, Thakur's first role in a movie was  S3.He acted in Kannada -Telugu films. S3 remake will be his first as hero.

Simran signs film with Vikram and Prasanth - Manju Warrier debut Hindi film with Madhavan

 

The  hit pair of  Tamil cinema, Prasanth- Simran started work in remake of Andhadhun . Simran  has signed  `Chiyaan 60' of Vikram . Manju Warrier had debuted in Tamil with Dhanush and now enters Bollywood with Madhavan as co-Star. Her first film with Mammooty is getting released on March 11th.

Prasanth and Simran had paired in Kannedhirey Thondrinal directed by Ravichandran. It was released in September 1988 and went on to be a blockbuster. They worked in Jodi, Parthen Rasithen and Tamizh, all hits. The film a remake of Andhudhun is directed by Prasanth's father Thiagarajan . Shooting began at Prasanth Gold Tower in Chennai .

As Vikram completes the shooting of Cobra, he moves on to join a film directed by Karthik Subburaj. It has his son Dhruv as co- Star. Vani Bhojan is paired opposte Dhruv and Simran opposite Vikram. Simran had a guest role in Pitamaghan which had Vikram and Suriya share screen space. Her full length role with Vikram was in Dhruv Natchatram directed by Gautam Menon,which is to be released. She also acted in Suriya's Vaaranum Ayiraam directed by  Gautam and also acted with him in one of the shorts in the anthology `Paava Kadhaigal' . Producer of Cobra is bankrolling Chiyaan 60.

Manju Warrier makes her Hindi debut in Amriki Pandit’ and it will have her sharing screen with R Madhavan. This film is directed by debutant Kalpesh and Alphonse Roy is the cinematographer.

Will Mammootty be the protective mask of Kerala Cinema ?

 The fans are booking HUGO BOSS Mask ( after The Priest media meet photos went viral) on one portal and movie tickets for The Priest  releasing March 11. But the Kerala filmdom is biting their nails. The question is not whether Mammootty's  The Priest will be a hit but whether it will be a mega hit like Master and bring cheer to the theatres that have not seen more than a dozen people for a show - post COVIID.  Kerala theatres are spruced after a gap almost a year to welcome the real BIG Malayalam Movie that will bring in the crowds, the hysterical fans.

Ever since the theatres were allowed to open with 50% occupancy and a 9AM- 9PM working hours, the only time the crowds ( Thalapathy Vijay fans) came in was for Tamil film Master.. When Producer Antony Perumbavoor sold the sequel of Drishyam to OTT, exhibitors were crest fallen. A sure fire hit film of a Superstar could have worked wonders. It would have brought in the family audience and to a great extent removed the mental bloc to come to movie halls.

The teaser-trailor of The Priest are all hits. Online booking sites indicate all shows booked for next five days. March 11 is a holiday for Sivaratri. All looks good. Night show is allowed. The exhibitors want not just the fans but the family to come in and break the fear. The teaming up of Manju Warrier for the first time with Mammooty is also a reason for family audience to come to movie halls.

Coming soon is yet another Mammooty film One, a political thriller scheduled for March 25th release. Industry people feel that if The Priest brings in crowds that keep seats full till One comes, Kerala filmdom is back on it's feet. All prayers and hopes are on The Priest.