Naslen- Kalyani Leads over Mohanlal / Only one says Pradeep / Mirna Menon with Lokesh

 Coming to the first superheroine movie, Lokah, it opens with blockbuster WOM and reviews. With such huge positive talk alongside the advantage of being a franchise film, Kalyani Priyadarshan’s Lokah surpasses Mohanlal’s movie.

Hridayapooravam is a family genre, and Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra took a very big lead from the evening shows on the first day. 

With Mohanlal’s stardom, Hridayapooravam opens bigger than Lokah on the first day, but today, which is the second day of both films, Lokah takes a clear lead, and it is trending over double of Mohanlal’s film.

The same trend is likely to continue in the coming days, which means Hridayapooravam might emerge as a decent success, whereas Lokah will be heading for a massive blockbuster run. Dulquer Salmaan is being appreciated for producing this female centric superhero film. Many have praised Kalyani Priyadarshan for her performance, calling it stunning and powerful, adding to the film’s growing reputation among Malayalam and pan-Indian audiences. Trade experts believe Lokah is a true pan-Indian film from Malayalam cinema, even without big stars. If the film performs well at the box office, it could inspire other industries to shape small-budget pan-Indian movies with strong storytelling. Though Lokah did not open big, the positive word of mouth is now driving ticket bookings upward. All eyes are on how it performs in the coming days and whether it sets new records in collections across India.

Director Lokesh Kanagaraj is all set to make his debut as a lead hero with a film directed by Arun Matheswaran. The latest news is that he pairs up with Mirna Menon.

The film’s pre-production work is going on currently, and it is being said that the team is discussing with Mirna Menon to pair up against Lokesh Kanagaraj in this action drama. She was previously seen in Jailer as Rajinikanth’s daughter-in-law.

Produced by Sun Pictures, this film will go on floors this year-end, and the Kaithi director also took part in some training to play a lead hero. 

As said above, it is an action film, and Lokesh will be excited to show up on screen as a lead hero and enthrall his fans, who are disappointed with his recent directorial, Coolie, starring Rajinikanth.

Pradeep Ranganathan’s upcoming two films, LIK and Dude, have been announced for Diwali release, and there was a report that both films will arrive on the same day. But Pradeep Ranganathan confirms that only one film will be released this Diwali.

A few days ago, both films’ teams started promotions with the festival release tag. Lately the LIK (Love Insurance Kompany) team released a teaser, and Dude released its first single.

With this, audiences expected that they would witness a surprise clash on Diwali, as both films feature the same hero. But Pradeep Ranganathan officially confirms that only one film will arrive this Diwali. LIK, as per the plan, has to release first, but due to some financial issues, the movie’s progress was delayed. Now, if they are able to sort the issues, then it will be the only film that is likely to arrive for Diwali, or else Dude will be released in its place.

there were huge expectations on Sai Abhyankkar  young music director, and his 1st single is out now, i.e., Pradeep Ranganathan’s Dude in both Telugu and Tamil. But the song failed to reach the expectations, as the listeners did not like it and felt that the music, visuals, lyrics, and vocals were completely out of sync. The majority opinion is that the song is a big mess. 

Mohanlal gets snubbed by Aryan In BiggBoss Malayalam - Show gets TOXIC

 Three weeks down, Bigg Boss 7 Malayalam has hit a new low. The host Mohanlal has been royally snubbed by a contestant Aryan Kathuria. Aryan Kathuria is  actor and model known for his  roles in movies like "1983," "Ormakalil," and "Falimy," and for being part  in over 50 national advertisements. A Punjabi from Malappuram, Aryan  yesterday at the weekly interaction with host Mohanlal given a hat to wear as part of the game and a punishment He made a dig at Lal by asking a tongue in cheek comment- Should I wear it while taking a bath ?. Lal was quick to notice it and retorted Are you trying to pull my leg ? , Aryan continued with- Should I it  be worn while sleeping ?.  He has been directly nominated for eviction but he seems to be at his toxic best. He has openly termed Lal as being partial and stated that if he were to go, it would do him no harm. He has claimed that his family owns resorts in Kerala.

Aryan who was Captain of the House in last week is part of the majority of cpntrdtants who give scant regard to Bigg Boss dictates and have a free run in the house. The start of disregard has now reached the show hosted by Mahanlal. The most toxic elements in the House at the weekend with Host turn timid. In earlier seasons, Lal was a soft Host compared to counterparts Kamal Haasan- Vijaysethupathi- Nagarjuna- Kiccha Sudeep. However this season, promos promised a tough Lal and clas in the attire from Thudarum. The promo even took a dig at the soft Lal along with other contestants who use tricks to stay on in the show. The only difference is that Lal does some tough talking but the other end – contestants seem to have no fear of it. Om a Tamil BB OTT edition hosted by STR, a contestant got into a tiff with him and in following weeks, she got badly mauled by STR fans oon social media. In fact she later realised that what it would be outside, apoligized and STR had to promise that she would face no wrath. Another errant housemate is Gizel Thakural= a Malayalali with mixed parentage and an actress – model in Bollywood. She is a constant offender who disobeys BB dictates. She gets several last warnings but is not shown the door as she is only one with curves inside.

Why Coolie Poster used IMAX Logo ? BENZ Laleetan Conforms BIGGBOSS Malayalam 7

 

Coolie makers have got nod to screen the non IMAX version in IMAX screen   in Chennai -two screens offered in Phoenix and Nexus Malls IMAX in chennai are digital IMAX not true IMAX. Coimbatore IMAX too is on the list. Apart from this Coolie will not screen in any IMAX screens across India and that includes Prasad Multiplexes IMAX. As Coolie is not Filmed for IMAX’ it cannot advertise so and only say watch it in IMAX. In contrast WAR 2 releasing along with Coolie is filmed in IMAX amd will carry on posters Experience in IMAX.

This explanation comes after a section of media went to town about Coolie makers having violated IMAX conditions and putting in on the poster featuring Aamir the lone watch it on IMAX and along with it other formats D-Box and 4DX that will screened. WAR2 IMAX only posters will feature that the film has been shot it is shot in IMAX.

Aa per reports in Bollywood Hungama, “It is common knowledge that War 2 and Coolie are releasing on the same day, August 14, and the former has inked an exclusive deal with IMAX. As per this deal, no other Indian film will be played in the IMAX version in India and key properties across the world during that period. Hence, the IMAX mention is shocking because Coolie’s IMAX release hasn’t been approved by the IMAX Corporation. And yet, they have gone ahead and prominently displayed the IMAX logo on the posters.”

Colie was at first to be shot in IMAX and read our story quting the cameraman. https://southfilmy.blogspot.com/2023/10/lokesh-rajini-film-on-imax-camera-leo.html

After much anticipation, the makers of television's much-loved reality TV show Bigg Boss 7 have finally announced the return of Malayalam superstar Mohanlal as host. The makers have just dropped a power-packed teaser and confirmed that the Thudarum star will be returning to the show as host for BB 7. Interestingly, Bigg Boss 7's casting is officially underway.

The short teaser opens with Mohanlal riding a bike into a rugged garage setting — a combination that has fans cheering already. The bike's number plate boldly reads BB 7, with his wristwatch also displaying the same. Dressed in his signature black shirt and mundu, Mohanlal channels pure charisma and intensity. Mohanlal, donning his signature swag and dressed to kill in a standout ‘benz’ costume

Drishyam 3 same acript in all Languages says Director/ Kerala Censor revenge for Empuran fiasco

 

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Drishyam 3 director Jeethu Joseph confirms that the Hindi, Malayalam, and Telugu versions will follow the same script, with adaptations for cultural context. Ajay Devgn, Mohanlal and Venkatesh return to lead their respective versions. A simultaneous release in 2026 is being discussed.

In an interview with ETimes, the director said, "The script of the third film is nearing completion. There have been reports that the Hindi version will have a different story, but that's not true. The Hindi film will also be based on my story. Once I complete my script, it will be shared with the Hindi team, who will then adapt it to suit their setting and make suitable cultural changes."

There’s also growing interest in whether the Malayalam, Hindi, and Telugu versions will be filmed simultaneously. While the director said that it's too early to confirm parallel shoots due to actors' availability, with Mohanlal, Ajay Devgn, and Venkatesh leading the Malayalam, Hindi, and Telugu versions, respectively. The team is seriously considering a simultaneous release.

Joseph added, "There was a request from their side for a simultaneous release. So, we have been discussing the prospect of releasing the films simultaneously, not just the Malayalam and Hindi versions, but the Telugu one as well. In this OTT age, they feel that releasing on different dates might reduce the film’s impact in the other languages."

'Drishyam (2013) showed how Mohanlal’s character Georgekutty tried to protect his family after an accidental death in self-defence. In the second part, which came out on OTT in 2021, trouble increases when a new witness comes forward. The story of the third part is still being kept a secret

Kerala CBFC has done it again. After goofing with L 2 Empuran, the board that gave a +13 certoficate to Janaki v.s Kerala State and with Union Minister Suresh Gopi in the lead has now withdrawn the certificate and that too with days to go for release. Read on.

According to Onmanorama, the film passed CBFC certification without a single cut and was even praised, at least according to that report.

Although the CBFC had no issues with the content of the film, it raised one major concern. The CBFC has prevented the release of the film due to its title and the name of its titular character, Janaki.

The General Secretary of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), B. Unnikrishnan, confirmed that the directive was delivered orally. He mentioned that the request was too strange to be put into writing as an official order. According to him, the exact reason the CBFC objects to the name “Janaki” is that the character is portrayed as an abuse victim, and Janaki is an alternative name for Goddess Sita. He communicated this to Onmanorama.

One of the lead roles in the film is played by Union Minister Suresh Gopi. According to Kerala Kaumudi, he directly intervened in the matter, but his efforts did not bear any fruit. In 96 places, Suresh Gopi says Janaki in the film and CBFC wants it removed along with it the title changed. Why did CBFC take a late reaction and that too after release date fixed ? Was it to embrass Suresh Gopi and show that guidelines are so stupid and does not spare a Union Minister ? A revenge for Regional Officer being in the dock over L 2 Empiran ?

Ajith Kumar post GBU Hit in Belgium Race / Empuran end India race as Loser

A week after the release of his Tamil film Good Bad Ugly, actor Ajith Kumar has reached the Circuit De Spa in Belgium. He is gearing up for the GT4 series and will be preparing to intensify his preparations for the upcoming races, that are bound to test the endurance levels of drivers. On Wednesday, the actor’s racing team, Ajith Kumar Racing, took to its X timeline to post a video clip of the actor on the trackside, watching race cars zoom past and wrote, “Ajith Kumar, trackside today at Circuit de Spa, Belgium. Soaking in the atmosphere, gearing up for the endurance challenge ahead.”

The GT4 series is a premier sports car championship featuring GT4-spec vehicles competing across Europe's renowned circuits. The series emphasizes cost-effective racing and serves as a platform for amateur drivers. It includes multiple classes, such as Silver, Pro-Am, and Am, to accommodate varying driver experience levels.

Ajith has a long list of racing events this year. The actor is to participate in the race in Zandvoort circuit, which is to be held between May 16-18. The actor will again be seen in action between June 26 and 29 at the Spa circuit and between July 18 and 20 at the Misano circuit. In August this year, Ajith is to race at the Nurburgring circuit before finally rounding off the season at Barcelona, the race at which is to be held between October 10 and 12.

About Ajith Kumar's racing team

Ajith’s racing team has done the country proud ever since the actor announced its formation. Earlier this year, the team emerged third in the 991 category of the 24H Dubai 2025 event. It followed it up with another third place in the intensely contested 12H Mugello car racing event in Italy.

For the uninitiated, Ajith is not only racing but is also the owner of the team Ajith Kumar Racing. Ajith's other teammates who participate with him in races are Mathieu Detry, Fabian Duffieux and Cameron McLeod. Ajith’s team has roped in Bas Koeten Racing as its technical and logistical partner.

Overall, L2: Empuraan earned 105.11 crore net at the Indian box office, as per Sacnilk. This collection is a blockbuster sum for a Malayalam film, but considering the film’s exorbitant price tag, it’s not up to the mark. Reportedly, L2: Empuraan was made on a massive budget of 180 crores. Against this cost, 105.11 crores have been collected. So, the biggie has recovered 58.39% of the total cost and still needs to earn 74.89 crores to enter the safe zone. . In India, after the 1st weekend, the film did not see big numbers. Everyone expected it would be the 1st 100 Cr grosser for Kerala, and even they thought it would open the 150 Cr club and many more milestones, but L2 Empuraan did not match the expectations that was created by Empuran team.

 

Jason Sanjay hero film bombs / Suriya - Lal clash in Kerala / March 7th OTT clash of Blockbusters

Jason Sanjay’s first directorial film’s hero Sundeep Kishan film Mazaka in Telugu flopped badly. After the flop of “Mazaka,” Sundeep Kishan will struggle to land more movies. He is acting in two web series, though. He will play a key role in “The Family Man 3” (Amazon Prime) and “Subbu” (Netflix).

After 10 years, Mohanlal and Suriya will clash at the Kerala box office. Lal’s Thudarum is set for May1 release and so is Retro of Suriya. After Vijay, Suriya has most fans in Kerala. In 2014, Lal’s Peruchazhi and Suriya’s Anjaan clashed but it was Prithviraj Saptamashri Thaskara that released along with it that won. Lal and Suriya together worked in Kappan but it did only average box office in Kerala.

March 7 OTT clash of Blockbusters and April Box office Fire Kudumbasthan On Zee 5 With Good Night and Lover, Manikandan created his mark for Telugu audiences as well. His films are working pretty well on OTTs. His latest film, Kudumbasthan, is a family entertainer and his biggest blockbuster at the Box office, collecting more than 25 Cr gross in Tamil Nadu. Thandel On Netflix Thandel is the biggest blockbuster in Naga Chaitanya’s career and will be up for streaming from 7th March in all languages. Co-starring Sai Pallavi, the film performed exceptionally well in Telugu. While it couldn’t replicate the same success in other language Rekha Chithram On Sony Liv There is a huge demand for Malayalam thrillers on OTT platforms, and the audience will soon get to experience another epic thriller. Asif Ali’s Rekha Chirthram is being lauded as one of the best investigation thrillers in recent times, and it emerged as a sensational blockbuster at the box office by collecting around 60 Cr gross worldwide. Laila, Vishwak Sen’s latest film, was released on this Valentine’s Day, and it ended up as a big failure, The film is set to stream on 7th March on Aha. Chhaava OTT streaming details are out, as the sensational blockbuster is arriving on Netflix on 11th April in all languages. Dragon will be Streaming from March 28th in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam & Kannada on Netflix. The sensational blockbuster is still going strong in theatres and has collected around 120 Cr till now. Akhil in the lead role and the film and with Mammootty , directed by Surender Reddy, is arriving on OTT. The film will be available for streaming from 14th March, according to the official announcement of Sony Liv.

KOLLYWOOD SUMMER 2025 WILL BE ON FIRE April 10 - Good Bad Ugly and Idly Kadai ( AK and Dhanush) April 21 - Gangers (Sundar C - Vadivelu) May 1 – Retro ( Suriya- Subburaj) May 16 - DD Next Level ( Santhanam) June 5 - Thug Life (Kamal Haasan- Mani) June 20 – Kubera (Dhanush)

Keerthy Suresh gets dragged into Dad's v/s Mohanlal Producer war / Vidamuyurchi Netflix date out

Keerthy Suresh has been dragged into the war between her Dad Suresh Kumar and Producer Antony Perumbavoor over the budget leak about forthcoming film Empuran The Malayalam film starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj. Suresh who is vice president of Kerala Producers association had stated that among many things, increasing renumeration of actors as a reason for production costs increasing and films failing to make the box office cut. As a counter right from Vinakayan Jailor villain to TV star turned supporting actor Jayan Cherthala has pointed that Suresh should rein in his daughter who is taking crores for a film. Keerthy has acted in few Malayalam films and the last was Vaashi opposite Tovino that was produced by her father. The film though a dud at theatre release made a profit by OTT rights as Keerthy and Tovino post Minnal Murali were known outside Kerala and hence got a good price. Even in Tamil – Telugu and in Bollywood ( Baby John ) , she never got paid in crores for a film , even it it was opposite big names like Thalapathy Vijay and Sivakarthikeyan .

With Antony the Producer of Empuran going full blast at Suresh for revealing the budget , latest controversy is that in an interview to Kaumudi Movies, Keerthy’s Dad mentioned that he avoids shooting in Kochi locales as the `culture’ does not suit him. Many on Reddit have slammed him for this. Suresh declined to elaborate on this Kochi culture. Kerala Producers Association has stood by Suresh while Actors body AMMA has backed Antony Petumbavoor. Mohanlal and Suresh are Thiruvanthapuram based and were schoolmates. Suresh was Mohanlal’s first Producer.Both maintain cordial relationship but this time they are on opposite sides. Many have asked Keerthy to rein in her Dad who like a bull in a China shop is raging every day. Mohanlal shared Antony’s FB post criticizing Suresh and commented Lets us be with Cinema. Film Exhibitors Federation chairman and producer Liberty Basheer denounced the unilateral decision by the producers' association to not screen films from June 1

Ajith Kumar's Vidaamuyarchi hit the big screens on February 5. Vidaamuyarchi is expected to debut on Netflix on March 7, 2025 ..

Mohanlal Directorial debut faces BIG Threat / Next with Blessy /

 Mohanlal first Directorial venture Barroz which is a fantasy animation film in 3D faces stiff opposition from heavy duty action films Marcos of Unni Mukundan and Ashiq Abu's Rifle Club. In fact Marcos is the biggest threat as it was released yesterday and box office numbers are jumping every day and that too in crores. Marcos is the fourth-best opening of the year 2024 after Aadujeevitham, Turbo, and Malaikottai Vaaliban. It has surpassed Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil and Fahadh Faasil‘s Aavesham at the box office. Barroz releases on December 25th and by then Marcos fever would have gripped the Kerala box office. As Lal ettan is not playing any character that is star material, except for his fans, the opening would be average. Lal said that when he teamed with Santosh Sivan - Iruvar, Kalapani and Vanaparasatham, Sivan got awards. He failed to mention that all these films were flops. Read what Santosh Sian has to say about Barroz - https://southfilmy.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-minus-of-barroz-is-hawa-hawai-song.html. The Hindi dubbed is releasing on December 27th.

We hear that Lal has signed a film with Director Blessy, It will start in 2026 only. Based on writer Iran Muhamed the film has screenplay by Shankar Ramakrishnan. Previous outings from the combo were Thanmatra , Brahmaram, Pranayam. Ashirwaad and Fragrant Nature Films are producers.

While we are on the Malayalam films , The highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2024 was Manjummel Boys, with a collection of 241.56 crore worldwide. The survival drama earned a total of 142 crore in India.

Malayalam Film Industry in 2024, a blockbuster with Manjummel Boys and three superhits with Premalu, Vaazha: Biopic of a Billion Boys, and Kishkindha Kaandam. There were four hits with Abraham Ozler, Thalavan, Ajayante Randam Moshanam, and Sookshmadarshini. A lot of films recovered their budgets and were successful. These included Anweshippin Kandethum, Bramayugam, Aadujeevitham, Varshangallku Shesham, Aavesham, Guruavayoor Ambalanadayil, and Pani.

Here are the most profitable Malayalam Films Of 2024. 

1. Premalu: 745.5%
2. Manjummel Boys: 610%
3. Kishkindha Kaandam: 493.5%
4. Vaazha: 369.2%
5. Sookshmadarshini: 179.2%
6. Thalavan: 135%
7. ARM: 113.33%
8. Abraham Ozler: 110%

The minus of Barroz - Is Hawa Hawai song being filmed for Prabhas film ?

 

December is going to see all big Superstars of South languages gearing up release and  prominent among them is Barroz that has Mohanlal in the director's seat and also as the actor. Next is Pusha 2 in first week of December and being a sequel, it has already created a huge  buzz. In Kannada we have Upendra with UI. Only Tamil Nadu remains free from top draws.

Barroz has lot of actors from other countries and they all speak the language that are alien to Malayalee audience and so the film is full of subtitles. You have to catch the dialogues from the subtitles. Secondly, the star of the film is not Mohanlal and it is a girl.  The character that Mohanlal is doing is very gigantic but not anything heroic about it. Fourth reason is that there is so many fantasy elements that will excite the children but will it work in theatres ?

Why did Mohanlal direct Barroz, If I do only it it will happen, otherwise nobody will do this  was Lal's answer. This what Cinematographer of Barroz Santosh Sivan told OTT Play. The film is in 3D format and it means shot in 2D and converted to 3D. Most of this films are bit tacky to watch.

As we are on subject of Lal as Director, lets us hear what he has to say about direction - It is only in Malayalam filmdom that an actor gets blamed for a film's failure. In other languages, it is the Director. As an actor I can only make my role in the film great and after that it is in hands of public. It is not an actor's responsibility as we go to another film and a role.

So if Barroz clicks, Director Mohanlal will be the winner !

The iconic Hawa Hawai song in Mr India is to be shot for Prabhas Raja saab is the talk. The song danced by Sreedevi is an evergreen experience. The film is a Boney Kapoor film and rights has been bought. The buzz is that it will be filmed on Nayanthara but again it seems Malavika Mohanan is also a contender. Whether it will be a shot by shot remake or have a new choreographer movements ?

Left to actress Nazirya, she would say Actor Nani is best suited to play her hubby Fahadh Faasil in Avesham telugu remake. Co actor Basil revealed this in an interaction for promotion of the Malayalam film that both of them co star. He said that after Nasriya acted with Nani in a Telugu film, she is his fan. Ravi Teja is to play the Fahadh role in remake.

Kamal still in Chennai - Jeyam Ravi is single - Book on Dilip case and Lal's Nostalgia trip

Kamal Haasan is still in Chennai and with Thug Life crew. This is news about after almost all media mainstream and off stream had reported that Kamal is gone to USA for AI training. Cinema Murasam Editor Devi Mani confirms this. The news that Kamal had gone to USA was bad news to Sivakarthikeyan fans as Amaran audio is due but now we hear that Ulaganayakan is personally planning the function.

What was seen as figment of a gossip press has come true. Jeyam Ravi and wife Aarti have legally parted. When aarti deleted photos of them together in Instagram, it led to parting of ways reports. Later when Aarti posted a post hailing her hubby's first Jeyam, everybody said that poor girl was victim of a gossip press. From what we hear, Editor Mohan, father of Ravi had bought some time but finally it went beyond control. It seems that Sujatha the mother of Aarti who produced films with her son in law was one of the reason for the final split. Anyway Ravi has three big films and two of them are big banners- red Giant and Vels. Director's Bala's divorced wife and aarti are friends.

Mohanlal the FAMILY MAN - Kaumudy - Book on Dilip case and others I happened to see Kerala Kaumudi TV interview of Mohanlal. I enjoyed it as Lal spoke about Trivan drum and many names he spoke are my friends, his Mudavanmugal house and nostalgia were all a good viewing. It took me on a nostalgia days of Coffee House – Ashokan and Thiranottam gang. It was after the interview as over and I spoke about it to a friend about how Narendran the interviewer did a good job and got Lal’s pat. He then asked Did Lal say anything new about AMMA or latest Hema report fall out ?, It struck me like a bolt. Bloody hell NO. He said PR guys damage control work is on. He then forwarded a clip of Lal voice speaking about Mammootty on his birthday. He then asked “ Does this not give you the Complete Family Man picture ? “. He further asked me “ Which interviewer at this time not ask about AMMA and Sidiqque – Mukesh bail etc ?”. Looking back, it was true. All that came near it was a query about Lal who You asked why all of a sudden have I become stranger to you (media) all at press meet . As an Onam viewing it was pleasant and that too the Trivandrum nostalgia and Kaumudy , both go hand in hand. Anyway another bit of news – A X post A Suitable Agency @ASuitableAgency ·A Suitable Agency is delighted to announce that we will be representing @NidhiSuresh_’s forthcoming book on sexual violence. It follows her six-year-long investigation into multiple cases of sexual violence, including “[the] sexual assault that unmasked Malayalam cinema.”

Prithviraj - Listin support vital for Kerala Filmdom Reforms - After Bigg Boss now Space trip contest

Is WCC the Women’s Collective giving shape to a new trade union for Kerala Filmdom ? This is the talk in Kochi. As Ashiq Abu the Director quit the trade union FEFKA, there is a talk that many more are to follow him. Abu’s wife Rima is part of WCC. It seems Director Vinayan whose MACTA was sidelined by FEFKA is said to be backing Abu. In his media interaction, Mohanlal said that anybody was free to form a union as AMMA was not a trade union. B Unikrishnan of FEFKA is said to be a stooge of the Superstars and part of the so called Power Group. The backing of Listin Stephen President of Distributors Association and a close aide of Actor Prithviraj is crucial. However Listin is currently Producer of a Dilip film and this could be a thorn to the WCC, that was formed after the alleged sexual attack on actress Bhavana. Listin is acceptable to all the Superstars and his stance could be crucial. Prithviraj had a few days ago recalled the days when he was unofficially blacklisted . Now he is a saleable actor and successful Director with a Mohanlal film under production. From AMMA, actor Jagadish is said to be spearheading a move to bring back the executive body that resigned . Through this he aims to bring the General Body and go in for a new set of office bearers. Mohanlal hinted that he was not anymore a player in the politics that would unfurl now.

Banijay Asia Producers of Bigg Boss , one of the popular reality shows is to launch a new show that will select an ordinary Indian citizen who will get a seat in the Blue Origin Sheppard Mission that goes on a trip to Space. Six ordinary people from across the Globe will be selected through the realty show and they be onboard the rocket that will go past the Karman Line , the recognized boundary line of space. US based Space Exploration research Agency is collaborating with Banijay. The journey will last for 11 minutes in the space. The contestants will have to undergo various fitness tests and finally one will be selected. Banijay Asia’s Group CEO Dhar says that among all fiction and non fiction shows, Bigg Boss is the most profitable and recently launched Marathi Bigg Boss is a big hit. Banijay and Sony has agreed to do remake of former’s International scripted series for Indian audience.

Mohanlal Barroz story a copy ? Yash- Naga Chaitanya- NTR Jr hit by 8-8-8 sentiment

Mohanlal Directorial debut film Barroz is based on a book Maya written by a German- Malayalee writer Thundiparambil is the claim in a legal notice send by the author. George Thundiparambil travels between India and Germany since 1997. He has written a historical novel Maya in English, published in India in 2008 and has also written many articles on religion for online platforms. Barroz is said to be based on a book written by Jijo Punnose, Director of My Dear Kuttichthan the first 3D film of India. Jijo’s book said to have published in 2017 also deals with the myth of Muthapan Kappiri. This Muthappan Kappiri has now become a deity in Fort Kochi. There are around 20 Kappiri wals in Mattanchery of Fort Kochi where offerings are made. Kappiri is a local name for African slaves that came with the Portugese. While fleeing the Dutch, the Portguese killed the Kappiris and along with them buried gold. Portugese believed that the souls of Kappiri would protect the Gold. Now George novel has a girl Maya who can see Kappiri and communicate with him and in turn becomes the guardian of the buried treasure. A similar plot is the story of Barroz, claims George. He says that his book was given to Director T K Rajeev Kumar and latter said that he would he would give it to Jijo. The film has been in the making since 2021. Jijo who has written the book had copyrighted it in 2017. Due to several changes in script and actors, Jijo opted out of Direction and screenplay writing. Mohanlal turned Director and T K Rajeev Kumar as Assistant. Plans were to release trailor in Abhu Dhabi and theatrical release on September 12.

8-8-8 sentiment has Nag Chaitanya getting engaged to Shobitha , Yash- Geethu Mohandas film and NTR – Prasanth Neel film getting launched. Actor & Producer Yash was spotted visiting several temples in Karnataka with producer Venkat K. Narayana and their families. Throughout the day, they were seen at the Shri Sadashiva Rudra Surya Temple, Shri Manjunatheshwara Temple in Dharmastala, and Kukke Subramanya Temple in Subramanya, in Karnataka. Fans welcomed this unexpected sighting, noting that it aligns with Yash's ritual of visiting temples before beginning any new project. According to a confirmation from a source, the film, which is being directed by Geetu Mohandas, will go on floors on August 8, 2024.(8-8-8) in Bangalore. Interestingly, this date adds up to, 8-8-8. The number 8 has a strong association with Rocking Star Yash. It also matches his birth date and date on which the official announcement of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups was made.

Jolt for Mohanlal group in AMMA poll - Suriya film to give Akshay a comeback

July will see yet another Hindi film directed by a South Director that will rock Bollywood like Kalki and that is Sarfira starring Akshya Kumar and Radhika Madan. It is directed by Sudha Kongara. Releasing on 12 July, the film trailor has created a record and suggests that the film will be a comeback for Akshya Kumar. According to boxofficeworldwide.com about the trailor - It has amassed 66 million views in just 11 days, surpassing the views of Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon’s Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (59 million+), making it the number one Hindi movie trailer of the year as of June 29. In the all-time most-viewed Indian movie trailer list, Sarfira currently holds the 69th spot. It is expected to break into the top 50 in the coming days. The trailer’s growing viewership indicates high anticipation for the movie. If this momentum continues, Sarfira could be a surprise hit at the box office. Apart from the Director who is from South, the film co-producers are Actors Surya and Jyotika. This is remake of Soorarai Pottru that had Surya in lead. The film had only an OTT release as it was a Cobid time. It win national awards too. The film’s songs, “Maar Udi” and “Khudaaya,” have alreadt created a buzz and the music is from G V Prakash also from Tamil Industry. Written by Sudha Kongara and Shalini Ushadevi, with dialogues by Pooja Tolani, and music by G.V. Prakash Kumar, Sarfira is produced by Aruna Bhatia (Cape of Good Films), South superstars Suriya and Jyotika (2D Entertainment), and Vikram Malhotra (Abundantia Entertainment). Ajay Devgan film Auron mein ---- releasing in July is likely to be postponed is the talk in trade and that gives Sarfira a free run. On August 15th Khel Khel Mein of Akshya and Tapsee is releasing.

Meanwhile the elections to Kerala Actor’s body AMMA was over yesterday. Siddique of the official panel led by Mohanlal group has bagged crucial seats, a major upset is the win of Jayan Cherthala the actor who is not from official panel and he defeated Manju Pillai to become joint secretary along with Jagadish. This has sent shockwaves in the official panel. Yet another shock was Ramesh Pishardy considered close to Mammootty was defeated and that too for the post of executive committee. Ramesh recently joined Congress and is an active campaigner. Though Siddique win as general secretary is good news for Mohanlal camp, the coming days are going to be turbulent as the rival group has also a strong presence.

Indian 2 Hindi function in Delhi = Lal- Kamal to exit BB

Two shockers – Kamal Haasan – Mohanlal to not figure in Bigg Boss next season and Indian 2 Hindi will have a launch in New Delhi on first week of July. Lets start with first shocker or is it a relief to many ? Bigg Boss Hindi officially announced that next season host is Anil Kapoor and not Salman Khan the current host. The Season 6 of Malayalam has brought heavy brickbats for the company Banijay- Channel Asianet and host Mohanlal. The biggest casualty is Lal as many feel that he should have asserted more and taken public opinion in guiding the show instead of hiding behind a clause that says that he is is bound to recite only what Bigg Boss producers want. Apart from this Asinet big honcho is accussed of soliciting female contestants and according to a contestant Sibin who was forced to quit , there was an attempt to drug him and and make him play according to their wishes. He has threatened to expose the official if the guy is not sacked. As far as Tamil is concerned , Kamal Haasan is all set to be an Rajya Sabha MP from Tamil Nadu in 2025 and will field candidates in 2026 State polls as he is in alliance with DMK. It is said that Raj Kamal has a stake in Bannijay – Endemol that holds the BB rights and so it will have a say in choosing next host. In all probability, STR who came as replacement in an earlier season will be the first choice. STR is part of Thug Life and also signed a film for Rajkamal. Our guys at Indian 2 audio launch in Chennai said that Shankar revealed that Kajol Aggarwal does not figure in Part 2 and comes on Part 3. So the song Paara in female voice is for whom ? So is Part 2 full of young Kamal ?. Mow the Hindi Indian 2 will have a function in New Delhi on July1st. The function will be more of the INDIA Block leaders on stage. A national trailor of Kamal’s entry to Delhi politics.

Sex - sleaze - Bribes rock Mohanlal Bigg Boss - Rajini- Amitabh intro song - Prabhu Deva apology

As we reported that Indian 2 is not coming in June, many reported about an audio launch of the film to take place on May 2 and that Rajinikanth and Ram Charan are coming for it. Nothing happened and now we hear that Rajinikanth and Big B are in Mumbai filming for Vettaiyan. Our sources say that the shoot was an intro song of Rajinikanth along with Amitabh. As we are informed that Amitabh and Big B are officers of a Customs squad that has employed them on a contract basis to break the gold smuggling racket that has shifted from Mumbai to Chennai and Trichy airports. The duo are ex Customs official now posing as gold smugglers. This song sequence is a major chunk that was waiting for the shoot to finish.

As heat wave conditions prevail in Chennai, an organization decided to get 100 kids assembled at a city stadium for a feat that will enter Guniess Book. !00 hours of dancing to Prabhu Deva songs is the feat. Chief Guest Prabhu Deva did not turn up and many kids standing in the heat wilted and some were taken sick. A heavy backlash took place and finally Prabhu Deva put out a video saying sorry and that he was caught in a shoot at Hyderabad. Speaking about heatm Ram Charan and Shankar were shooting in Chennai city for Game Changer.

Bigg Boss franchise in Malayalam has entered sixth season. For the first time in history of Bigg Boss conducted across Hindi -Tamil – Telugu and Malayalam , a contestant jaw bone was broken by a left hook by a co- contestant. A previous winner of the contest says that two officials of the channel that airs the programme had struck a deal with contestants that they should give a major cut of the weekly wages to get a place and in some cases, the women aspirants were asked to spend a night. A contestant send out saying that he had a mental collapse has gone on record saying that he recovered from it and was told that he will e back in the show but was abruptly packed off by the show director. The ex-winner claims that the contestant who was diagnosed of mental disturbance was given medication for bipolar disorder that he was not suffering from. Two contestants Jasmin and Gabbri closeness both physical and emotional and the open show in the 24 x 7 Hotstar platform has angered family audiences. To top it, Host Mohanlal is appearing to be soft on the lovers. The controversy has affected the credibility of the reality show and the host Mohanlal is blamed for it. Though Lal defenders say that he is only a host that does what the show Directors say, many have put the blame on the actor and wants him to take an intervention role and bring it back to course.

Mohanlal in Sivakarthikeyan -ARM film -Gautham Menon next on cricket

 

Mohanlal has been roped in join the Sivakarthikeyan – A R Murgadoss project. This will be the next outing of Mohanlal after Jailer. Mrunal Thakur and Vidyut Jamwal are also in the film with Anirudh scoring the music. Film is produced by SriLakshmi Movies. It is comeback of ARM after failure of Rajini’s Darbar.

Gautham Vasudev Menon in an interview to Galatta Plus opens up why he is not doing love subjects and the fascination of Producers and heroes towards action and  Pan Indian films’ He also talks about the ordeals that he is going through to release the film Dhruva Natchithran (DN) on November 24^th.

He traces out the path by which the film got into a problem as there was a communication problem between makers and the investors and it got stuck and adding to it two years of pandemic coming in. He says that those who are out of Court has to be settled and is running around to get OTT to buy the film. He has sold theatrical rights of Kerala and Karnataka and will close Tamil Nadu soon. The non release of  the film has affected as many actors say that we will collaborate after your liabilities are cleared. He revealed that DN was told to Suriya and later to Rajinikanth.

Despite having given a hit love film Vinnaithandi Varuvayya , Producers say only action films will run and actors ask what is there in it for a love subject. He however plans to do a love subject with new faces on a small budget. He said that Vels International is waiting to do a film after the previous collaboration with Simbhu was a hit.

He tells about Vinayakan who played the antagonist in DN before Jailer did not pick up his calls after he got Rajini film. Menon has to bring in other characters to cover up Vinayakan absence. His next film is the same lines of Vendhu Thirutthaa Kaadu. He means a rustic backdrop hero character. Reason being that Directors who do rustic based subjects get lauded and those who do urban based subjects get stamped. Talking about heroes wanting over the top action scenes, he said that S J Suryah was different and they might work together soon. If DN works then has a sequel ready with Vikram again. Menon speaking on Star Sports Tami during commentary on World Cp Semis said that his next is a cricker based film and it about two village guys getting a spot in National cricket team and is based on Sachin and Ganguly.

Pradeep eviction from BiggBossTamil gets slammed - Mohanlal directorial gets release date

 

Pradeep Antony elimination from Bigg Boss 7 Tamil has angered many on social media. The protests are for defaming him and sending him for woman safety. His friend Actor Kavin who has acted with him has tweeted that “People who know you will ALWAYS KNOW YOU!”. Lyricist Snehan, a former ‘Bigg Boss’ contestant himself, and his wife, actress Kannika, extended their support by penning a poem in Tamil that says, “There is no pain or scars that you have not encountered in your life…This too shall pass…Life is not in any house but outside…welcome.'

Except for three contestants, all others ganged up and complained about the brash behaviour and abusive language to them. Women contestants said that they feared for their safety in the house but did not complain as Pradeep was getting claps from the audience and so did not want to take a chance of losing on votes. Many felt that the ganging up of female contestants and eliminating Pradeep will set a new order where this gang will start doing to those who are not in their favour.

Vichitra who too was targeted by Pradeep did not join the anti Pradeep gang and instead asked that he kept inside with a warning. Her view was that his life outside the house with a tag of anti women and a toxic man would affect him.

Mohanlal first directorial Barroz in 3D format has got a release date – March 28 2024. Camera by Santosh Sivan and based on a story written by Jijo who directed first Indian 3D film My Dear Kuttychathan there Spanish actors and music is by Mark  Kilian of Hollywood.