Mammootty Speech Irks Marxists as Lal - Kamal Escape

 Mega Star Mammootty speech at Kerala’s India’s First Extreme Poverty-Free State event has not gone down well with hardcore Marxist supporters. They feel that he made a dig at CPM Government by saying that highways and other developments cannot be an achievement without eradicating poverty itself. In short he debunked the claim that freeing 64,000 families from extreme poverty was not such a great feat, From what we know Kamal Haasan was very much in Chennai and had no public function and Mohanlal too was in Chennai shooting for BB Malayalam in Vel Film City on October 31. Whether he left for Dubai in wee jours of November 1 st is not known. These Two celebs did not turn up at Thiruvanthapuram to be part of the Kerala State Government prrogramme to mark India’s First Extreme Poverty-Free State: It was left to Mammootty who after a stint in Hyderabad and UK to come to Thiruvanthapuram to make the event special. On sidelines, Actor Prem Kumar who was acting Chairman of Chalachithra Academy was replaced by Resul Pookutty Oscar winner and reason was that ASHA workers protest got a support from Kumar. A Look at Controversey behind Mammootty Speech

Mammootty's speech at an event declaring Kerala "extreme poverty-free" on November 1, 2025, was not inherently controversial itself. Instead, the controversy stemmed from the opposition and ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers boycotting the government's entire event and its core claim, arguing that the state was not truly free from poverty and that using film stars was a political gimmick. 

Mammootty's Statements

Key Points of Mammootty's Speech

• "Only extreme poverty has been eradicated; poverty still remains": This was the central point of his speech. He noted that while the state had achieved the significant milestone of eliminating extreme poverty, the larger problem of general poverty had yet to be fully addressed, placing a greater responsibility on the Chief Minister and the government.
• True development is not just infrastructure: Mammootty stressed that development is not merely about constructing "highways and large buildings" but about improving social life and eradicating poverty completely. He stated that "any amount of dazzling developments will have no value before a starving stomach".
• Call for collective effort: He called for the public to stand "shoulder-to-shoulder" with the government to continue the fight against poverty, emphasizing mutual love, trust, and brotherhood as Kerala's true social wealth. 
• Nuanced Remark: In this highly charged political environment, Mammootty's statement distinguishing between "extreme poverty" and "poverty" was interpreted by some as a subtle acknowledgement of the opposition's arguments or a non-partisan stance that avoided fully endorsing the government's celebratory claims without directly criticising them. 

Overall, Mammootty's speech was widely reported as a thoughtful, responsible, and largely apolitical take on a politically contentious event, rather than a controversy caused by an inflammatory statement. 

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Context of the Controversy

 

The controversy was related to the event itself and the state government's declaration: 

• Opposition Boycott: The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) boycotted the event and a special Assembly session, calling the government's claim a "pure fraud" and a "publicity stunt" ahead of elections.
• ASHA Workers' Protests: ASHA workers, who were involved in identifying the impoverished families, held protests and wrote an open letter to the invited actors (Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Kamal Haasan), urging them not to attend. They argued that many ASHA workers themselves live in extreme poverty on meager daily wages (₹233) and that the state could not be called "extreme poverty-free" while they suffered.
• Expert Skepticism: Developmental economists also reportedly brushed aside the government's claims, noting a lack of a proper study to support the conclusion. 

His speech acknowledged the limitations of the declaration, which was seen by some as a subtle recognition of the protestors' concerns. In a personal note, Mammootty mentioned that he has not been active in public forums or his hometown... "But looking now, I see that in this period, a lot of astonishing development has taken place,"

The ceremony concluded with Mammootty formally receiving the extreme poverty eradication project report.

 

 

Mega Star Mammootty's Patriot London shoot / Sundar C and Rajinikanth

Mammootty has arrived in London to commence the next crucial phase of filming for Patriot, the much anticipated political espionage thriller directed Mahesh Narayanan. This update was officially announced on Monday by the film’s producer, Anto Joseph, through various social media platforms, leaving fans excited. Mammootty arrives in London for Patriot shoot A recently shared video captured Mammootty as he made his way through the bustling London International Airport, accompanied by his close-knit team. In the footage, the senior actor was seen warmly engaging with fans who had gathered at the terminal to catch a glimpse of him. The actor was also seen obliging fans with pictures at the airport. A video of the actor is going viral on social media. About Patriot London schedule The London schedule marks a pivotal segment in the making of Patriot, following the successful completion of the Hyderabad filming schedule earlier this month. The team is slated to begin shooting in London from October 15, with plans to continue production into mid-December. This extended schedule is indicative of the film’s grand vision and the elaborate storytelling that it promises to deliver. Produced by Anto Joseph alongside partners CR Salim and Subhash Manuel, Patriot boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes industry heavyweights such as Mohanlal, Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, Revathy, Darshana Rajendran, and Zarin Shihab. The film’s visual narrative is being shaped under the expert guidance of cinematographer Manush Nandan, whose notable previous work includes films like Dunki and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. His involvement ensures a compelling and visually rich cinematic experience. Set against a tense backdrop of political power plays, surveillance, and state control, Patriot is described as a high-stakes political thriller that dives deep into themes of intrigue and authority. Earlier this month, the release of the Patriot teaser generated significant buzz, particularly due to the much-anticipated on-screen reunion of Mammootty and Mohanlal after more than a decade. In addition to Patriot, Mammootty is also gearing up for the release of his next project, Kalamkaval, which is expected to hit theatres in November. Fans have been eagerly awaiting this cinematic moment, which adds to the film’s allure. The movie is slated for a grand theatrical release during Vishu 2026.

Thalaivar to do a quick project in between Jailer 2, RK X KH project and Lokesh film. It will be a contrasting genre of comedy which Rajinikanth is donning after films like Thillu Mullu, Thambikku Enna Ooru, Raja Chinna Roja and Guru Sishyan. All these 4 films were massive massive hits. Hoping for a Sundar C. styled classic comedy entertainer. The only old director to give hits in this current generation is thalaivan Sundar C. only. Dundar has wrapped up a major portion of Mookuthi Amman 2 starring Nayanthara. It is produced by Vels Film International.

MEGA STAR MAMMOOTTY IN HYDERABAD ; REPORT

 We had reported on September 20 th about Mammootty coming nack ; Read the link :https://dhakshinscreen.blogspot.com/2025/09/mammootty-in-hyderabad-on-oct-1.html. Now Mega Star met media at Chennai airport in company of Anto Joseph to board flight to Hyderabad. Read on anout Hyderabad end of Mammooty meet with Director Anurag Kashyap and film crew etc. We learn that after a week schedule likely by October 9th, Mammooty is to leave for UK for next shoot schedule.

Veteran actor Mammootty has officially resumed work, and his return has already created a buzz on the internet. The actor, who reached Hyderabad on Tuesday for the next schedule of Mahesh Narayanan’s much-anticipated multistarrer MMMN, was warmly welcomed by fans and well-wishers.

Just before checking into his hotel, Mammootty was seen meeting acclaimed Bollywood filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. Producer Anto Joseph, a long-time collaborator of the actor, shared a short video of their interaction on social media, quickly drawing attention from cinephiles. The clip, showing the two exchanging smiles and greetings, has already set off a wave of speculation online. It is not yet clear whether Anurag, who is also an actor, will be part of the cast of MMMN, or if the meeting signals the possibility of a new collaboration. Fans are already wondering if Anurag was trying to pitch a potential project to the veteran actor.

It is also not certain if the entire ensemble of actors will join Mammootty in the Hyderabad schedule of MMMN. The film, reportedly titled Patriot, features a powerhouse cast that includes Mohanlal, Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, Revathi and Darshana Rajendran.

Mammootty took to social media to reveal that the teaser for his multistarrer film, MMMN, with director Mahesh Narayanan, will release at 12:00 pm tomorrow. The political espionage thriller also stars Mohanlal, Fahadh Faasil, Nayanthara, Kunchacko Boban, Darshana Rajendran and Revathy, among others. "Bringing together the Big M's of Indian cinema," says the MMMN teaser release announcement post, alluding to Mohanlal and Mammootty's reunion for the film after a long time. The last time the two appeared together in a film was in 2013 for Ranjith's Kadal Kadannoru Mathukutty. However, their last collaboration in key roles was for director Joshiy's 2008 film Twenty:20.

Vishal Kicks out Director / Mammooty Lucky Charm For HIT FILMS/ Priya is junior actor in Jhanvi film

 According to industry buzz, Ravi Arasu and his team have stepped away from Magudam due to certain issues. Now, Vishal is said to have taken charge of directing the film himself. Sources claim this information was revealed by someone from the crew after a shoot took place under Vishal’s direction. The update has quickly spread across social media, sparking mixed reactions from fans. While some are excited to see how Vishal handles direction, others are critical. They point out a similar situation occurred earlier during Thupparivalan 2, when director Mysskin exited the project and Vishal continued it on his own. With this happening once again, critics feel the recurring issue may not be with the directors but with Vishal. However, there has been no official confirmation from the production team so far. Fans will have to wait and watch whether Vishal truly directs Magudam and how the final product turns out.

Mammootty lends his voice to Moothon, a character whose physical presence is not revealed in Lokah but will come in next instalments us a voice cameo. However fans point out that the Mega Star ‘s film’s songs have proved to be lucky to those who used him. In Lokah Malayalam song "Kiliye Kiliye"  ..from Malayalam revenge thriller Aa Raathri. .. featured Mammootty alongside Poornima Bhagyaraj, Rohini, and Anju is played in the background in a scene. Music is by Illaiyaraaja,

Rekhachithram the first hit of Malyalam cinema features the sing "Devadoothar Paadi." from Bharathan drama Kathodu Kathoram. .. It also played a significant role in the 2022 satirical legal comedy. The original track, composed by Ouseppachan with lyrics by ONV. Mohanlal's character dancing to "Shanthamee Ratriyil," a popular song from Mammooty film1992 thriller Johnnie Walker in 2025 Rs 100 cr club film Thudarum is another example of the lucky charm working. The original song was composed by SP Venkatesh . It was  the first Malayalam song to be choreographed by Prabhu Deva. "Thottu Thottu Pesum" from the 1999 Tamil film Ethirum Puthi m another Mammootty film featured in Ajith Good Bad Ugly. Simran and  Raju Sundaram took part in this song as guest in the original with score by Vidyasagar and Vairamuthu lyrics. In Ajith film Arjun Das and Priya Varrier took part .

Fans are quick to spot Priya Prakash Varrier the wink girl in a scene in Param Sundari featuring Siddharth and Jhanvi. She has a closeup and no dialogues and is part of relatives of Jhanvi in the film. Why this junior artiste role asks fans.

Not HouseFull 5 but Sivaji's Vasantha Maligai and Mammootty- Mohanlal Harikrishnan had TWO ENDINGS

Housefull 5A and 5B: Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh starrer hit the theatres on June 6. During the trailer launch, producer Sajid Nadiadwala claimed that this approach of two endings is unprecedented, but netizens quickly debunked this by referencing the 1998 Malayalam film Harikrishnan, which also offered two endings, 27 years ago. Similarly Vasantha Maligai the Sivaji Ganesan film released in September 1972 had two endings.

Many netizens are pointing out Harikrishnans as the first to try two endings but it was not so. As a Sivaji Rasikar Manram fan club member in Thiruvanthapuram, I remember waiting for the print to come. As the custom, Sivaji film opened in two theatres within a one km radius. We felt very sad to see the Thespian die in the climax – heartbroken. Soon in two days we got news that a new ending has been shot and it is coming. In the happy ending- Sivaji is hospitalized and is welcomed back by his lover and ends with the hit song -Mayakkamenna.

Now fan club members were divided and so one theatre showed the sad ending and other the happy ending. The reason was that Tamil Nadu Sivaji fans could not digest the sad ending. Later as a journalist when I met Sivaji , I told him that I was his official fan club member, He asked me which film  I liked most- without waiting to think I told him Vasantha Maligai. He shot back – Kudikara payal- Drunkard boy. I seen it atleast 14 times in first run and fun was alternating between sad and happy. Years later the film got released in Manadeveli Theatres – Kabali. I saw it there too.

Coming to Malayalam , the two endings for Harikrishnan was that single heroine Juhi Chawla in the climax chooses Mohanlal over Mammootty. It was said that  forNorthern Kerala, climax was changed to please Mammootty fans. I also heard that  the film was a commercial success, the two endings also led to some controversy. According to Wikipedia, only the Mohanlal version was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for censorship approval, and the board sent a notice to the producer after both versions were released Director was Fazil and he only discovered Mohanlal and at same time close to Mammootty.

However, Mammootty gave  a different version. He said that the idea was to screen the film with two endings in two theatres in same city and have both run housefull. When the prints got coming to Kerala, the Mammootty getting girl went to theatres from Ernakulam to North Kerala and Lal climax to South and Central Kerala. Hde was trying to play down the North- South divide. IF two prints  for two  theatre were marker per city and one print was playing , then where did other print go ? It was the print box film reel era and not the Qube
 

Vijay Sethupathi ACE first Single / Mamootty Family to USA

Makkal Selvan Vijay Sethupathi starrer ‘ACE’ First Single Release The first single and video song of ‘Urugudhu Urugudhu’ from Makkal Selvan Vijay Sethupathi’s forthcoming release ‘ACE’ has been released now. This film, directed by Aarumuga Kumar, features Makkal Selvan Vijay Sethupathi, Rukmini Vasanth, Yogi Babu, P.S. Avinash, Divya Pillai, Bablu, Rajkumar and many more prominent actors in the star-cast. Karan Bahadur Rawat is handling cinematography, and Justin Prabhakaran is composing music for this movie. Fenny Oliver is overseeing editing works. A.K. Muthu is the art director. The film is a commercial entertainer is produced on a grand scale by Aarumuga Kumar of 7CS Entertainment. The film, extensively shot in malaysia, had witnessed tremendous response for its title teaser and glimpse released earlier, thereby scaling millions of views. As anticipation builds for the film, the highly-awaited first single, 'Urugudhu Urugudhu,' along with its captivating video song, has just been launched.Thamarai wrote the lyrics, and Shreya Ghoshal and Kapil Kabilan crooned the song. Justin Prabhakaran’s mellifluous composition has grabbed the attention of music lovers all over the world. https://youtu.be/IOTrFaElipE

Mammootty who is in Chennai will be leaving for USA . This trip abroad happens every year and it is to avoid the summer heat and also the Ramadan month of fasting. Usually he gets producer to arrange for shootings abroad during this period. His daughter who studied in USA and it has been the practice to go abroad. Here too he shoots during day and spends time in the evening with family and his friends. This time as usual, Mammootty with wife- son- daughter arrived in Chennai to go to USA. However the news doing rounds is that he is suffering from colon cancer first stage and is going abroad. Mammootty completed his Delhi schedule for Mahesh Narayanan film. Many YouTube videos from Doctors are giving opinion on colon cancer. As a source said that the actor uses the yarly trip for a checkup.

Kamal Haasan Brand KH to launch watches and look at Mammootty and Prithviraj watch

Kamal Haasan will be the only actor in India to have a wrist watch named after him. His brand KH that has clothes made out Khadi and also perfumes is soon going to launch wrist watches. Recently he gifted luxury watch to Suriya and Director Shankar. Soon he will be gifting KH brand watch. He has a Rolex – Cartier – Graham ,Longines and Movado brands. We or rather me are familiar with the first four. Movado brand details : MOVADO JURO QUARTZ DIAMOND BLACK REF: 0605722 LAST KNOW RETAIL PRICE: $1,895/- ₹1,38,500/- Silver-tone stainless steel case with a two-tone stainless steel bracelet. Fixed gold-tone stainless steel with diamond set bezel. Black dial with gold-tone dauphine hour and minute hands hands and the signature Movado dot appears at the 12 o'clock position hour markers.Functions: hour, minute.Dial Type: Analog. Quartz movement. Scratch resistant sapphire crystal. Pull / push crown. Solid case back. Round case shape, case size: 36 mm, case thickness: 6.5 mm. Hidden deployment clasp. Water resistant at 30 meters / 100 feet. Scratch resistant scratch resistant sapphire crystal. Stainless steel case back. Includes additional black toile bracelet. Case dimensions: 49 mm x 43 mm. Case thickness: 13 mm. Hidden deployment clasp. Water resistant at 100 meters / 330 feet. Only those who are watch collectors and similarly of sunglasses can recognise a brand by just looking at it, and many like me it looks like a watch or what they call chronometer.

See Prithviraj watch: Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Squadra World Chronograph REF : Q702T4087 LAST KNOW RETAIL PRICE: $17,000/- ₹12,32,600/- Grey titanium case with a black leather strap. Fixed silver-tone stainless steel bezel. Black dial with silver-toned hands and Arabic hour markers. Minute markers around the outer rim.Functions: chronograph, hour, minute, second, world time. Dial Type: Analog. Chronograph - three sub-dials displaying: 60 second, 30 minute and 12 hour. Jaeger LeCoultre Calibre JLC 753 Automatic movement, containing 44 Jewels, composed of 366 parts, bitting at 28800 vph, and has a power reserve of approximately 65 hours. Scratch resistant sapphire crystal. Pull / push crown. Rectangle case shape, case size: 42.5 mm x 36 mm. Double fold over clasp. Water resistant at 50 meters / 165 feet.

Mammootty is a watch collector and one of his watch ; DE BETHUNE DB25 MOON PHASE STARRY SKY REF: DB25LWS3V2 RETAIL PRICE: $69,500/- ₹51,84,300/- CASE WHITE GOLD – DIAMETER 44 MM HANDS:CURVED IN HAND-POLISHED STAINLESS STEEL SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL, 1800 VICKERS HARDNESS WITH DOUBLE ANTI-REFLECTIVE TREATMENT CROWN AT 3 O’CLOCK, SETTING IN THREE POSITIONS OPEN BACK IN POLISHED WHITE GOLD AND LINEAR POWER RESERVE ON THE BACK SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL (1800 VICKERS HARDNESS) WITH DOUBLE ANTI-REFLECTIVE COATING DB2105 CALIBRE SELF-REGULATING TWIN BARREL, DE BETHUNE INNOVATION (2004) - SILICON ANNULAR BALANCE ENCIRCLED BY A WHITE GOLD RING, DE BETHUNE PATENT (2010) - "DE BETHUNE" BALANCE-SPRING WITH FLAT TERMINAL CURVE DE BETHUNE PATENT (2006) - SILICON ESCAPE WHEEL - SPHERICAL MOON PHASE INDICATION ACCURATE TO A DEGREE OF ONE LUNAR DAY EVERY 122 YEARS,DE BETHUNE PATENT (2004) - TRIPLE PARE-CHUTE SHOCK-ABSORBING SYSTEM DE BETHUNE INNOVATION (2005) STRAP EXTRA-SUPPLE ALLIGATOR LEATHER, ALLIGATOR LI

Empuran must do a KGF for Lyca and Antony

Will Empuran bring much needed moolah for Lyca Productions ?. The Kerala Film Producers Association leader Suresh Kumar says that the film’s budget so far is Rs 141 crores and Mohanlal the hero and Director’s Prithviraj salaries are not included. Film is produced by Antony Perumbavoor who is said to be Mohanlal’s alter ego and so Mohanlal salary could be the investment and probably Prithviraj too has joined in on profit sharing. Rest of the money is probably from Lyca and it was advertised as the company’s first foray into Mollywood. . Lyca cannot take the investment from Kerala alone and Empuran has to do something like KGF or Kantara. Antony was bitter over Suresh Kumar talking about the big risk that Empuran is taking. Suresh is childhood friend of Lal and has the distinction of being the Producer of his first film and sounded the clapboard for first shot featuring Lal maiden film. Anto Joseph like Antony is Mammootty’s alter ego and he has got together his hero and Mohanlal together in a film directed by Mahesh Narayanan Anto talking to OTT Play reasons - “Certain films, irrespective of artistes’ remuneration, help make the industry bigger,” he says. “For instance, Kantara came at a time when Kannada film industry was going through a crisis. As a maker of a film like KGF and that too with an actor like Yash, you would never expect it to recover its budget from Kannada industry alone. But the movie helped make the industry one of the biggest in the country. And soon after that you had Kantara.” To a query that Tamil films and other language films are getting figures in Kerala , Anto has this to say -“Let me ask this, if a Rajinikanth or a Vijay film releases in Kerala, we Malayalis go to theatres to watch them and give them record-breaking openings. But none of our Malayalam films get that. Our audience wait for reviews and good reports before doing that for our films,” he says. For Tamils and other language film viewers, what makes them take to Malayalam films in a big way ? What made Manjumel Boys and Premalu run in Tamil Nadu and Andhra/ TS ? Was it reviews ?. Was it the promotion gala ? Word of mouth alone. Pushpa 2 was nowhere in Tamil Nadu and so was Game Changer. If Antony Perumbavoor dream of Empuran turning into a KGF comes true, then only Lyca will benefit but also Malayalam film industry will attract outside producers and corporate firms. Film is releasing on March 27th. We can expect promotions to start in major capitals in South.

Mammootty- Nayanthara to join Rajini in Hukum -Fahadh Faasil main ilwad n Bollywood

 Mammootty and Nayanthara are to join Rajnikanth in Hukum the Jailer 2 sequel is thye buzz. Promo has been shoy in EVP. Announcement on December 12th. Directed by Nelson, Ramya Krishnan who played Rajini's wife is not to play the role, while other actors like Mohanlal, Jackie Shroff, and Shivarajkumar, who are expected to reprise their roles. Technicians remain the same. Nayanthara has acted with Rajinikanth in six films starting from Chandramukhi.

Fahadh Faasil is all set to make his debut in Bollywood. Director is Imtiaz Ali. Imtiaz Ali is one of the most celebrated directors of our time and his work like Jab We Met, Tamasha, Rockstar, Amar Singh Chamkila

Peeping Moon reports; Plot details of the movie have been kept confidential, but sources suggest it will be an unconventional love story, in line with the genre Imtiaz is popularly known for. The Jab We Met director is currently putting the final touches on the script and aiming to commence production in the first quarter of 2025. Imtiaz will also produce this film under his banner, Window Seat Films. “Fahadh Faasil will make his Bollywood debut with this film, and he's extremely excited to begin his journey in Hindi cinema with Imtiaz Ali, who is one of his favorite Bollywood directors.

They've been discussing this project for months, and it was recently finalized contractually. Triptii’s pairing with him adds an exciting and unique dimension to this collaboration. Imtiaz is known for pushing boundaries in love stories, and this one promises to stand out in his repertoire,” revealed a source close to the development. While this marks Fahadh’s entry into Hindi cinema, Triptii Dimri will have a sort of homecoming moment with this project. Imtiaz co-wrote and presented Triptii’s debut film, Laila Majnu (2018), directed by his brother, Sajid Ali.

After performing on his written material, the Bulbul actress is set to be directed by Imtiaz himself, furthering her reputation as a sought-after actress in Bollywood. The actress, who has become a top choice for every filmmaker and producer since Animal’s tremendous success, will shoot for Imtiaz’s film after completing Vishal Bhardwaj's gangster thriller with Shahid Kapoor. She also has Suresh Triveni’s comedy-drama with Madhuri Dixit, scheduled to start production around April 2025.

Mammootty in Sri Lankan Political thriller - Madhu turns 91

 

Mammootty – Mahesh Narayanan political thriller will be funded by Lyca Productions . The film will have Mohanlal in an extended cameo and screen time of 20 minutes. The shooting portions of the film has around 30-40 days in Sri lanka and this film being a political thriller, is the film anything to do with Sri Lankan politics ? What adds to this theory is that the film has an equally long schedule in London. We all know that London is also a hub for overseas Tamils of Sri Lankan origin. Similarly New Delhi is another major locale. The fact that Lyca’s owner Subhaskaran is a Sri Lankan Tamil adds to the likely angle of the thriller.

Yet another aspect is that Mammootty Kampany and son Dulquer’s Wayfarer films are coming together with Lyca. A photo of Mammooty with Mohanlal and Producer Antony of Aashirvad Cinemas together led to a speculation that Mammootty is playing a cameo in underproduction film and sequel to Empuran directed by Prithviraj.

About the Mahesh Narayanan film, we learn that de-aging technology is to be used for younger days of Mammotty. In the anthology based on MT stories, Mammootty portions were shot in Sri Lanka. If Mahesh Narayanan is the director can it be with without Fahadh Faasil?

Shooting has started in Nagercoil for Mammootty film directed by Jithin  K jose began without Mammootty. Vinayakan is playing a guy who is targeted by by a bad cop played by Mammootty in the film. Dulquer is the Producer.

A short nostalgic trip . A news item that Madhu has turned 91 , prompted me to pen a few thoughts about him. Though I had interviewed Madhu several times in Trivandrum for Screen, it was my chat with him in Palmgrove Hotel Chennai that lingers in me. Madhu had a soft corner for me as he has seen me when I used to accompany my grandfather Ayyappan Pillai ( ex Trivandrum Corporation Comissioner) to Sri Moolam Club known as SMC. While my grandfather sat inside and played cards , I sat in the lounge and read the magazines. Madhu was also a card player.

After the card game, I would help my grandfather board the car and go to our house. Sometimes, our car would not be available and anybody from the card game set gave a lift. Many times Madhu has given us a lift. I learnt from my grandfather that Chemeen’s Bombay show and publicity was all coordinated by S S Pillai then Editor of Screen weekly in Bombay. Pillai is none other than my grandfather’s younger brother. A side track- my aunt Udaya Tara Nayar later became Editor and later yours truly headed the South Bureau of the magazine.

Many times on my visit to Trivandrum ( I was by then based in Chennai for Screen ), I used to see him and talk to him at SMC. My cousin was a member of SMC. Cinema Express , Tamil fortnightly from Indian Express ( Madurai ) group was part of our group. The Editor Ramamurthy and I shared a good friendship.. I suggested Madhu name to Cinema Express Awards Life Time Achievement award. I went to Trivandrum and invited him. I asked him which hotel he wanted to stay. He said that Palmgrove and quipped if it still exists.

He came one day earlier. He told me that he had not informed anybody about his visit to Chennai and said that he would feel bored if there was nobody to talk. As I had a few invites to give, I told him that he could start the `session’ and I would join later.

When I arrived, Madhu was in full form. I joined him. I had told him that a car was at his disposal as soon as he arrived. I asked him if he went anywhere. He said no and said that he spoke to some and they were all not very active. He asked me what was the rent  of the cottage that he was staying and I said that it was Rs 5000 per day.

This sparked a nostalgic trip in him. He said that for Chemeen , he was paid Rs 2000 and adde that Sathyan got paid Rs 12,000. “ I had most of the scenes than Sathyan “ he added. Do you know that the film totally cost Kanmani Babu Rs 8 lakhs ? he asked.

He wanted to go to actress Srividya’s house and said that he was having dinner with her. I gave the exact route to her house then located in Alwarpet.

After the function , he was leaving next day early morning for Trivandrum. I bid him goodbye at the hotel and told him that office car and driver was parked in the hotel. Next day, the car driver came with a big smile – “ What a gentlemen ! He carried his own suitcase and tipped me a Rs 100 . He pushed it in my shirt pocket. No VIP has even bothered to even goodbye leave alone give a tip”.

May you live for many more years – Madhu Saar.

Mammootty film not an entry for Award - Why ? Chiyaan fans in loincloth in theatres - Kerala snub for Rahman

Chiyaan Vikram fans answer to critics The opening day of Thangalaan in Chennai was a shocking surprise to some. At the theatre was a huge bunch of fans clad in loin cloth, long unkempt hair. They were dressed like Vikram was in the film. Not only that, they screamed and behaved like they were from the Stone age. This frightened some kids at the theatre but all the same was a big hit. Some say that Chiyaan was pissed off when a reporter at the Madurai function of the film promo was asked why he had less fans than Vijay and Ajith. This loin cloth guys were to show that he had as crazy as can be fans too. Though his answer to the reporter was not an exact answer but a below the belt reply and uncalled for., Opening Day India net stands ar Rs 18 crores.

Mammootty ‘s Film Kampany the Producers of Nanpakal nerathu mayakkam never submitted the film for National awards. A R Rahman score in Aadujeevitham the Malayalam film went unnoticed by Kerala State Government Film jury. When Nanpakal was submitted for FilmFare awards South and it got Mammootty the best actor, why was it not send to National awards ?. First reason could be that the actor is a CPM supporter and so he knew that there was no point in entering it. Does that not deny other technicians and actors who worked in the film from competing for National awards ?. Anyway Mamootty fans can stop crying foul . Coming to Kerala Film awards which was announced o same day. Legendary AR Rahman who scored music for Aadujeevitham was bypassed and instead Best background score went to Mathew Pulikal for Kathal The Core and Best song Director to Justin for Chaver. Blessy Director of Aadujeevitham which won 7 State awards voiced his disapproval and also pointed out that one song from the film had been a hit across many languages. “The song Periyone was a hit and was accepted and appreciated globally. I saw videos of children in relief camps after the Wayanad landslides singing the song, and even sent them to him. We expected him to win a state award today for the film. The jury failed to recognise the legend,” he said.

Parvathy's nature beauty frock and Wayanad Relief Work - Jo gets FilmFare Award - Nazir REAL BIRTH DATE

Nature’s fury at Wayanad and at Filmfare South Awards, we saw Parvathy Thiruvothu wearing a frock incorporating the idea of 'nature's beauty. The actress wore a black frock with heavy work adorned with flowers. The dress, incorporating the idea of 'nature's beauty', is embellished with trees, flowers, and birds. This what is the description given about the dress in media and we only reproduced it from onmanorama.com. Our guys are bad at describing a girl’s dress. We are told that Shruti Haasan called it beautiful. We heard the clip where Parvathy says that her red carpet walk was her rooting for Kaathal. Jo did get the award. Anyway, some unkind souls felt that all that nature on her dress lookd too sensational or loud and for all the souls of the dead in Wayanad, she should have toned down her dress. Maybe a black gown !. Meanwhile Lt Col Mohanlal in army uniform turned up at the disaster site and announced Rs 3 cr to build a school that was washed away and also gave Rs 25 lakhs as immediate help. Suresh Gopi Union Minister came after Lal and visited all relief camps. Now Major Ravi a director and actor who is said to Kerala’s last word on anything connected with Armed Forces is said to have violated Army rules be wearing his old uniform while accompanying Lal and horror of horror posting selfies from the affected sites. Wonder what the punishment is ? Interesting Ravi directed a film on Kandhar hijack and now a web series is coming from Month end. Kollywood we saw Suriya family, Vikram among others donating to CM relief. Chiru family has too given a hefty amount – Rs1 crore.

Mammootty got his award for Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam and not for Kathal. Jo got it for Kathal. So is this a trail run of National Awards ?. read https://southfilmy.blogspot.com/2024/08/jyothika-tipped-for-national-award.html

To set the record straight- Prem Nazir birthday is 10th day of the Meenam month in the year 1104 as per the Malayalam calendar. The corresponding date in the English calendar is March 23, 1929. An English documentary on Nazir has led to makers R Sarath and Vinu to confirm this as other dates are mentioned - April 7, 1926 ( Wikipedia) sane sate but year 1927 in autobiography and 1929 in his passport.

Jyothika tipped for National Award - Ashika opposite Karthi

The news coming from Capital Dilli is that Jyothika is a strong contender for Best Actress Award for her performance in Kathal The Core. The 70th National Film Awards 2022 winners will be announced in August midweek. Sudhir Mishra is the National jury Chairperson. Director Priyanandan and Azhagappan ( cameraman ) had headed two juries to shortlist the applications numbering 160 and send 30 films for jury to decide. The films certified in 2022 are in the contest. Jyothika played Omana in the film and Mammootty her husband. Reviewer on onmanorama.com wrote - Omana's pain is two-fold – having lost 20 years of her life with a homosexual man whom she now wants to help come out. The mischief in Jyothika's eyes, which made her a heartthrob of millions, transform into Omana's pain and reflects Mathew's agony . Yet, she isn't miserable; her eyes are always moist with kindness born out of her long suffering... This is also the first time that Mammootty and Jyothika shared screen. Malayalam film superstar Mammootty had said that Jyotika's simplicity is her trademark. Reacting to his comment, Jyotika said that her simplicity is coming from her husband Suriya. “Suriya is very simple. Even Suriya’s family have always been grounded. I have now lived with them for 16 years in that house. It is all coming from there. I think we just become like that. It’s nature.” Suriya had won the National Award for Soorarai Pottru . It was remade in Hindi as Sarfira with Akshay Kumar. Mammootty is also in the reckoning and if he gets it, it will be his fourth National award.

As we on Suriya and Jyothika, it seems Karthi’s next release will 96 fame Prem Directorial Meiyazhagan with Aravind Swami for company. It seems Ashika Ranganath who did not have a successful Tamil debut with Atharva’s Kabbadi film is to joing Karthi in Sardar 2. There is also a news that Karthi is playing a role in Brother ‘s Kanguva and that too in a negative role. He was also seen at a function related to re- release of Malayalam film Devadhoothan. At the function was Appachan the Producer of Friends the film that had Vijay and Suriya on board and was a big hit.

Mammootty in GVM's Suriya reject role ? Sushmitha Bhat Mammookka heroine

Our Trackers from Kochi said out a line of the Mammootty- Gautham Menon film and our guys here tell us that it was the basic plot line that Menon had told Suriya . he actor wanted a full script before deciding and Menon is not one who works out of a script and takes liberties as film progress. Also Suriya did not ask for a script when he worked with Menon in two of his earlier films.Highlight of the film is that the film is a thriller with liberal comedy. It is like a Sherlock Holmes type role and it could be a welcome to see a comic Detective after the Swamy of CBI Diary kuripu. Last time Mammootty did comedy was in Hitler. Sushmitha Bhat the Kannada actress makes her debut as heroine in Malayalam with this film. She is popular in Kannada TV for her role in serial Kavyanjali and her recent release was Chow Chow Bath , a comedy film directed by Kenja Chethan Kumar.

Aishwarya Lekshmi is playing a pivotal role in an upcoming Web series in Tamil that will be streamed in Sony Liv. The series is produced by makers of Bommai Nayagi, Nakashatram Nagaraithu and Kuthirvaal. She has yet to start work on Thig Life. Her Malayalam film with Sharafdeen is due to release.

Tovino and Korean Lalettan as baddies- Mammootty - GVM- Dulquer - STR in news

Tovino Thomas is all set to make his Kannada debut in Geethu Mohandas directed film Toxic with Yash as leading man. Tovino plays the baddie.You might have known that Kiara Advani is playing sister to Yash in the film and the leading lady is Nayanthara and Huma Qureshi. There is a 200 day shooting schedule that includes a stint in London. The 10th film of Yash and one after KGR 2 coming after almost two years after the last release, the film has evoked a lot of response from Yash fans. This is also first production from Yash. Already a schedule was shot in March. Unconfirmed reports said that Kareena Kapoor and Shruti Haasan are part of the film. Film is about a drug cartel that is operating in Goa. KVN Productions are co-producers. Yash is committed to Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayan and he plays Ravan.

Coming September 7th, Dulquar Salmaan film Lucky Bhaskar will be releasing in Tollywood and this release date is very special as it is birthday of his father Mammootty. Di;quer film though Telugu is set in Mumbai and tells about the life of a bank cashier in the 1980- 90 period. Meenakshi Chaudry is the heroine and G V Prakash scores the music and Venkyt Atluri directs. Venky last release was Vaathi / Sir with Dhanush. Meanwhile Mammootty – Gautham Menon Malayalam film was launched in Kochi today. Bazooka directed by Deen Dennis son of writer Dennis Joseph is soon to come and in it Gautham co stars with Mammootty. Viji Venkatesh the lady who acted in Fahad Faazil Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum as the one who assigns the job to track her missing servant girl is cast in the GVM film . This film ptoduced by Mamootty Kampany has Gokul Suresh and Lena. Reports say that Samantha who was to play the lead is not available and instead it coulf be Nayanthara or a Kannada actress. DOP - Vishnu Dev (Dhruv Natchathiram) Music - Darbuka Shiva are the other credits. Mammootty parachute pants and oversized shirt kind of gave a style statement.

Now we hear that as part of a rift with Vels International and STR , a compromise formula was made. As per the deal, Malayalam film 3018 director Jude Anthany will do film with STR and has Mohanlal in a pivotal role.

Talking about Mohanlal, South Korean Actor Don Lee who is known to Kerala audience as Korean Lalettan as they feel that he has a physical resemblance to their idol will be the baddie in upcoming film Spirit starring Prabhas and directed by Sandeep Vanga of Animal fame.

G V Prakash - Dhanush are Gay !!! Sangh Parivar Ban Mammootty Film

Suchithra singer who was in news some time back for her so called Suchi Leaks has resurfaced. Her interview to Kumudam YoiTube Channel has once gain kick started a controversy. She claims that both Dhanush and wife Aishwarya were indulging in flings , even after marriage. She labelled her ex hubby Karthik, the standup comedian of being a gay and a drug addict. Karthik has denied this. Most interesting part is that Suchithra says that Dhanush and G V Prakash were closeted for hours along with her hubby for hours and says that they are gays. Now she also blamed Saindhavi for the mess. Coming on heels of GVP divorce , now was Suchi open talk the reason for divorce ?.

Gautam Vasudev Menon is said to have narrated a storyline to Mammootty and most probably it will be locked says a source. The film is a Tamil film or a Malayalam film, we do not know. Meanwhile Sharshad , husband of Ratheena PT , Director of Puzhu , has stated that Mammootty had himself volunteered to do the film as it showed Hindu culture in a bad light. On hearing this, Sangh Parivar has called for a boycott of Turbo, next release of Mammooty. Turbo on the other hand is most awaited film of Mollywood. Meanwhile our guys say that Geethu Mohandas is in talks with Huma Qureshi for her film with Yash. We had reported that Nayanthara is to play a sister to Yash as sister. On that same angle, it seems that Lokesh approached Sathyaraj to play a baddie in his film with Rajinikanth. Sathyaraj who has acted with Rajinikanth and created a pan Indian effect as Kattappa in Bahubali was not overwhelmed. He put forth a question to Lokesh – Pay me X amount if I am just coming as just an actor in entire or part of film or X amount less than that if I am the main villain. Lokesh is still yet to recover from this question. On the subject of Villain , we are told that Director Ameer role in Vaadivaasal is of a main antagonist through and this was what Vetrimaaran had told the director- actor about his role. Ameer wanted an assurance as the talk was that on Surya’s behest, Ameer role was chopped.

Mammootty - Prithviraj in Parvathy direction - BIG B back in KBC

It is almost sure that Parvathy Thiruvoth will turn director and that Mammooty is part of it and now the addition is that Prithviraj will be also be in it. This is the second major actress from Malayalam who is likely to turn director. The other is Geethu Mohandas and she has Rocky Bhai Yash as hero. Earlier it was a buzz that Mammootty is playing a negative role in the film. We are not sure about it. Parvathy to Tamil audience is still Poo Parvathy and widely known for Bangalore Days that was a Pan South Indian hit. She acted with Mammootty in Puzhu and with Prithviraj in Koode. Both films were directed by woman directors – Ratheena directed Puzhu and Anjali Menon was behind Koode.

Big B is back as the master of Kaun Banega Crorepati. Many of us including myself heard the announcement with a lump in the throat, AB saying that he biding good bye to the show as all good things have to come to an end. The parting episode was sort of signaling that even Big B can get tired. To many of us in our late sixties, he is our role model. Man, who fought death and then faced bankruptcy and bounced back with KBC to be the LEGEND. Now Sony video began with Amitabh’s heartfelt remark as the past season came to an end. However, as it closes voice can be heard, stating, “Har aarambh ka ant taye hai magar apnon ke pyar mein jo anand hai.. to har ant ke baad shubharambh nishchit hai (Every beginning is destined to have an end, but the joy in people's love insures a restart after every finish).” Sony announced that registration for KBC 16 will begin on April 26. The caption read, “Aisa mila pyar ki laut raha hai fir ek baar (There was so much love that we've come back once again) #KaunBanegaCrorepati.. shuru ho rahe hai #KBCRegistrations 26 April raat 9 baje (The registrations start 9 pm on April 26) @amitabhbachchan #KBConSonyTV #KBC16 #kbcisback.” He later said, “Gunja jo aapke pyar ka shankhnaad, to aana padega fir (If the sound of your love echoes, I will have to come again).” Amitabh Bachchan will be honoured with the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar award, Music maestro A R Rahman will receive the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar for contribution to Indian music

STR haircut for Thug Life - Mammooty v/s Kamal Haasan on June 13

Kamal Haasan v/s Mammootty on June 13th and STR is in Mumbai for a makeover to join Thug Life. The meeting between Oscar winner Alfonso Curano with Thug Life team in Chennai is another Kamal linked news. STR was sporting a long hair for the film produced by Kamal banner. The film has not move forward and now STR has joined Thug Life and he will replacing Dulquar Salmaan or Jeyam Ravi. Both these actors had to drop out as Kamal’s political engagements made the schedules go hatwire. STR is in Mumbai for a makeover and that includes a hair styling. So does it mean that STR film is on back burner ? Now as we had reported that Indian 2 will release on June 13th and that too when all media outlets had only to say what Lyca had put out that it was a June release. ( https://southfilmy.blogspot.com/2024/04/kamal-indian-2-and-rajinikanth.html). Now we have a great battle on June 13th. Mammooty Turbo is coming on same date and announced by Mega Star himself. After a few offbeat films that won him acclaim from critics and audience, Mammootty is back to mass masala. So Kerala market is going to be difficult for Indian 2. Alfonso Cuaron the Oscar winner was in Chennai and Kamal hosted a lunch at his Alwarpet home and got Mani Ratinam, A R Rahman ,Ravi K Chandran, Siddharth and beau Aditi along with Kamal’s Man Friday Mahendran to talk about CINEMA. Alfonso apart from Best Direction has bagged award in Editing and Cinematography !!!.. He directed Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Bramayugam is Kerala's Kantara as trends nationally

From what we hear from trade circles in Kerala ands Tamil Nadu, Mammootty Brahmayugam is all probability going to be what Kantara was for Kannada filmdom and Rishab Shetty. This will be the first Rs 100 crore film for Mammootty says a trade analyst. This outlook is not based on the first four day collections within Kerala but the trends that are showing in other regional language industries and the audience. Even though the producers had planned to dub the film in Tamil and Telugu and also Hindi and have a release in all languages. The film was touted to be a costly venture and that too in a B&W format. After Valiban hit dirt, the makers cut the hype and talk veered around the costumes of Mammootty being only four dhotis. The posters too did not help either. It was Mammoootty at his worst looking. A week before releases a low budget Premalu and in no time is turning out to be a blockbuster The situation was such that if Brahmayugam failed to average at box office, theatres would increase Premalu shows. With Premalu breathing down the neck and a cynical crowd waiting to see if Brahmayugam was another Valiban, the rest as they say is history. The other day we had reported how the film was doing in Tamil Nadu in first four days. So was the case in Hyderabad. Now Sithara Entertainments has picked the film for two Telugu speaking States. From what we hear is that the film’s Hindi opening is on the cards. We were not able to ascertain whether the OTT deal was clinched before theatre release. As Nanpakal of Mammootty got quite a good response on OTT, in all probability the deal would have closed before release. Sashikanth had in the past made his money through out of the box subject films and made on a limited budget. So far Irudhi Suttru could be termed a money spinner for the banner, Sashikant with Brahmayugam would get into Rs 100 crore club. The word-of-mouth publicity and media reviews are positive, it is only matter of time before the film becomes another iconic film.

Master exact copy of Malayalam Mudra - Boney confirms Suriya film - Shankar daughter marries Papa's AD

Today there is lot of film mews that is linked between Kerala and Tamil Nadu film industries. Biggest news is that Brahmayugam starring Mammootty and shot in B&W that was released last Friday has collected Rs 15 crores in three days. For one the film is produced by Shashikanth of YNot Studios who produced any Tamil films including Tamil Padam. He is currently directing a film on Test cricket with Nayanthara. Yet another link is that the film on Sunday alone from Tamil Nadu grossed Rs 26 lakhs and from 38 screens. From Thursday till Sunday, the film took Rs 73 lakhs from Tamil Nadu. It seems that Mamootty film took three days to get the life time collection of Mohanlal’s Valibban. Now the fight between Lal’s Valiban and Brahmayugam has moved to OTT. Valiban is coming on Friday on OTT and Lal fans say that it will break the digital world figures. Asianet will have a World Priemiere.

Now Akshay on X has compiled scenes and plot of Malayalam film Mudra and Vijay Master to show that literally it was a scene by scene copy by Lokesh of the 1989 Mammooty film Mudra. Story was by Lohitadas. Speaking about Vijay, one news is cinematographer Manikantan’s daughter Abyukta is acting in GOAT. Manikantan has worked for Shankar ( Anniyan), Mani Ratnam ( Raavanan) and Priyadarshan ( Billu Barber). Artist V Jeevananathan is eldest brother of Manikantan. As we are on Shankar, the news that the Director’s daughter who divorced her cricketeer huby is tying the knot with one of Papa’s assistants. Many are lauding it as the greatness of the Director in allowing this union to take place !!!. The AD Tharun Karthik is a singer- music Director and a Editor, we are told.

Boney Kapoor has confirmed that his daughter Jhanvi will be part of Ram Charan forthcoming film with Buchi Babu. She is already part of Jr NTR Devara. He also added that Jhanvi will do a Tamil film with Suriya.