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Films that unfold like stage plays, including extensive dialogue and taking place mostly in a single location are not exactly easy to handle, since, usually, they lack the movement and speed that is associated with cinema. Nevertheless, Sidhartha Shiva, the former winner of a National and a Kerala State film award for “Ain” tries his hand on the particular approach, while passing from a number of genres.

The Spark is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema

Sundharma runs a home pastry shop and her job has just started to pick up, with the orders coming one after the other, and her even having an app for her services, even if some issues here and there do appear. Since she does everything by herself though, she needs an assistant and asks her best friend and biggest supporter to suggest someone, which is what eventually brings young Alma to her house.

EntertainmentThe show features an ensemble cast that includes Suhasini, Miya, Suresh Krishna, Maniyanpilla Raju, Balachandran Chullikad, Vishnu Govindan, Sidhartha Siva, and Rahul Riji Nair in pivotal roles.After launching critically acclaimed originals in Tamil and Telugu, digital streaming platform Sony Liv has ventured into Malayalam with a political drama titled Jai Mahendran. The show focuses on the life of Mahendran, a manipulative officer who believes in getting things done through powerplay and by use of his influence within the system. However, his freedom within the office comes to a halt and his ideologies get challenged, as he becomes the victim of the same powerplay. In an attempt to safeguard his job and restore his reputation, he plans to sabotage an entire system to his advantage. Jai Mahendran is helmed by the national and state award-winning filmmaker Rahul Riji Nair as writer, producer, and showrunner, and Srikanth Mohan as the director.

Champion Campion

The Sydney Film Festival will present ‘Jane Campion – Her Way,’ a retrospective of films by the pioneering director. Campion herself will appear in conversation with David Stratton on June 10 at the 2023 edition of the festival, its 70th anniversary presentation (June 7-18).

Held in association with Acmi and the National Film and Sound Archive, ‘Jane Campion – Her Way’ will encompass screenings of all nine of Campion’s feature films, as well as a selection of her short films. The selection will go on to tour the Acmi in Melbourne (June 15 – July 2) and at Nfsa in Canberra (July 20-30).

“For our 70th edition, we wanted to present a retrospective commensurate with the milestone, reflecting the audacious and boundary pushing filmmaking synonymous with our festival and region. Campion is a ground-breaking filmmaker who has made a profound impact on cinema with her daring and unforgettable films,” said Sydney Film Festival director Nashen Moodley.

MollywoodThe film, which was denied a certificate by the Kerala Censor Board of Film Certification (Cbfc) was later given the nod by a revising committee.Tnm StaffVarthamanam, starring Parvathy Thiruvothu in the lead, will have a theatrical release on March 12 at 300 theatres across the country. The film, which was denied certificate by the regional Censor Board of Film Certification (Cbfc) in Kerala was later given the go-ahead by the revising committee of the Central Censor Board. The movie, directed by Sidhartha Siva, is written by writer and Congress politician Aryadan Shoukath. It deals with the struggles faced by a young Muslim woman from Kerala who lands in a Delhi based campus to research on the freedom fighter Mohammed Abdu Rahiman. The film is set against the current political situation in the country. The story is about how the students belonging to different political parties come together despite their differences to convey secular ideas,...

MollywoodScheduled to hit the screens on March 4, the film stars Mammootty as Father Benedict, a former priest who has a special interest in crime investigations.Digital NativeThe second teaser of the upcoming Mammootty starrer The Priest, directed by debutant Jofin T Chacko, was released by its makers on Saturday. Mammootty plays the titular role in the film, which also marks actor Manju Warrier’s first collaboration with the superstar. Scheduled to hit the screens on March 4, the film stars Mammootty as Father Benedict, a former priest who has a special interest in crime investigations. Manju Warrier, the leading lady, is said to be playing a strong character in the film. The film also stars Baby Monica, Nikhila Vimal and Saniya Iyappan. The technical crew of The Priest comprises Jofin T Chacko as the writer, Shyam Menon and Deepu Pradeep for screenplay, Rahul Raj for music, Akhil George for cranking the...

Flix FlashbackIn 2018, the director of 'The Great Indian Kitchen' took on religion, Christianity in particular, through the eyes of a young boy.CrisThe strict Math teacher announces a test for the next day. Students who do not score more than 70% in the test will need to bring their parents to the school. Ousepachan (Adhish Praveen) and his two friends are worried. The only way the test can be avoided is if a former president who has been unwell for a while passes away and the school declares a holiday. Ousepachan tells his two friends to pray hard, that there’s nothing that can’t happen if you pray with trust in god. The next morning, at the school assembly, it is announced that the former president has passed away and it will be a school holiday. But the next working day, the friends tell Ousepachan that the dreaded test will happen that day.

MollywoodThe makers of the movie have confirmed the release date through the new posters.Digital NativeSuraj Venjaramoodu and Nimisha Sajayan, who were seen playing a couple in Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, are back together again on the silver screen. The on-screen pair are expecting the release of The Great Indian Kitchen, which will be streamed online on January 15 on NeeStream, an Ott platform. The makers of the movie have confirmed the release date through the new posters. Written and directed by Jeo Baby, the film’s technical crew includes Salu K Thomas for camerawork, Francis Louis for editing and Sooraj S Kurup for music. The film is bankrolled by Dijo Augustine, Jomon Jacob, Vishnu Rajan and Sajin S Raj. Released on June 30, 2017 Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum had a dream run at the box office with the audiences loving it. The thriller, directed by Dileesh Pothen, had Fahadh Faasil in the lead role and his...

MollywoodThe film, directed by B Unnikrishnan, has Mohanlal playing the title character while the female lead will be played by Shraddha Srinath.Digital NativeThe first look poster of Mohanlal’s upcoming film Neyyattinkara Gopante Aaraattu shows him entering a black vintage car. The car -- Mercedes-Benz 300 Sel 6.3 -- plays an important role in the film, directed by filmmaker-producer B Unnikrishnan. This extremely luxurious car was produced by Mercedes Benz between 1968 and 1972. The model used in the film had marked the beginning of the super saloon-style we know today. Apparently, Gopan (Mohanlal) travels from Neyyattinkara to Palakkad in this black Mercedes, with the registration number 2255, on an assignment. What happens in the journey forms the crux of the film. Actor Shraddha Srinath will be making a comeback into the Malayalam film industry after five years. Reportedly, Shraddha will be playing the Revenue Divisional Officer in the film. The cast will also have Saikumar,...

ControversyAryadan Shoukath, Congress politician and scriptwriter of the film, reacted to a censor board member’s controversial tweet against him.Tnm StaffRoshan Mathew and Parvathy in 'Varthamanam'Varthamanam, a Malayalam film with Parvathy Thiruvothu in the lead, has been rejected permission for screening by the Kerala regional office of the Censor Board of Film Certification. The film, directed by Sidhartha Siva, is about a young woman from Kozhikode who goes to the Jawaharlal Nehru University (Jnu) to research a freedom fighter, and the issues she has to face in her journey. “It is set against the Delhi campus of the Jnu and the student movement there. It shows how all of them come together despite political differences, and shows very secular ideas,” Aryadan Shoukath, a senior Congress leader and the film's scriptwriter and producer told Tnm. “We have received a notice from the board that the film has been sent to a revising committee.

MollywoodThe actor had sustained internal injuries during the shooting of the film ‘Kala’.Digital NativeAfter spending a few days at the hospital for an injury, actor Tovino Thomas has returned to the sets of his upcoming film Kaanekkaane. It was during the filming of a fight sequence for Kala that the actor sustained internal injuries and had to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a private hospital in Kerala. He recovered well but was advised complete rest following which he was out of action for three weeks. About the injury, Tovino told in an earlier interview to the Times of India that he had ignored the initial pain and continued working but the pain from a second injury was beyond his tolerance level. Now completely back to form, Tovino joined the sets of Kaanekkaane to a rousing reception. The film is directed by Manu Ashokan and scripted by Bobby-Sanjay.

Tollywood Telugu actor Sree Vishnu released the poster for the Telugu dubbed version of the Malayalam film. Digital NativeActors Jayaram and Vijay Sethupathi teamed up for the Malayalam film Marconi Mathai, which was released in 2019. Directed by Sanil Kalathil, the film marked the debut of Vijay Sethupathi in Malayalam cinema. Athmiya Rajan, who is known for her role in Joseph, was seen playing the female lead in the film. The film is now being dubbed into Telugu with the title Radio Madhav. The first look poster of the Telugu version was released by actor Sree Vishnu. Sharing the poster on Twitter, Sree Vishnu wrote, "Happy to launch the Telugu title of super hit Malayalam film #RadioMadhav. Looking forward to its release." Happy to launch the Telugu title of super hit Malayalam film #RadioMadhav. Looking forward to its release @VijaySethuOffl #Jayaram @shamna_kasim #SanilKalathil #AthmiyaRajan #TiniTom #JoyMathew @bhashyasree @born_director @krishna_swam pic.

MollywoodThe film will be directed by Manu Ashokan, who made his debut with the Parvathy starrer ‘Uyare’.Digital NativeFollowing the success of his debut directorial Uyare, Manu Ashokan is all set to team up again with the same writers - Bobby and Sanjay again. Titled Kaanekkaane, Tovino Thomas and Aishwarya Lekshmi have been roped in to play the lead pair in this flick with Suraj Venjaramoodu, Shruti Ramachandran, Prem Prakash, and Rony David Raj in supporting roles. Confirming the news about his new venture, director Manu Ashokan said in an interview to cinema express that though he was initially doubtful about doing a project during the pandemic, producer Tr Shamsudheen was very insistent about completing the screenplay. Through discussions and conference calls, they managed to do it. The technical crew of this film will include Ranjin Raj to compose the music for Vinayak Sasikumar's lyrics while Alby Antony has...

MollywoodDirected by Basil Joseph, the film has Tovino playing a superhero.Digital NativeThe makers of the upcoming Tovino Thomas starrer Minnal Murali have released the first look poster of the film in five languages. The dark-themed poster shows Tovino in a black shirt and white mundu, his face covered in a red scarf, running with what looks like a notebook or diary in his hand. The background shows a moonlit night with several people marching on a beach with flaming torches and huge fires burning far away. A press note from the filmmakers states: “The big budget super hero flick is produced by Sophia Paul under the banner of Weekend Blockbusters, is directed by Basil Joseph and has Sameer Thahir handling cinematography. The team has roped in Hollywood sensation Vlad Rimburg as the action director, who has been a part of international hits like the Will Smith starrer Gemini Man,...

MollywoodThe film is directed by Sidhartha Siva and written by Aryadan Shoukath. Digital NativeThe first look poster of the upcoming Malayalam film Varthamanam, with Parvathy Thiruvothu in the lead, was released by megastar Mammootty through his social media page. Mammootty wrote, "Unveiling the first look poster of #Varthamanam Directed by Sidhartha Siva , Starring Parvathy Thiruvothu ! Best wishes to the entire team (sic)." Actors Tovino Thomas and Nivin Pauly also shared the first look poster online. Varthamanam is directed by Sidhartha Siva, actor and director of critically acclaimed films such as 101 Chodyangal and Ain. The first look poster of Varthamanam has Parvathy clad in a hijab. Varthamanam is bankrolled by Benzy Nazar and Aryadan Shoukath under the banner of Benzy productions. Aryadan Shoukath, politician and story writer, has written the script of the film. Cinematographer Alakappan is cranking the lens for Varthamanam while Shameer Muhammed is handling the editing department. Pandit...

MollywoodThe film is directed by Sidhartha Siva and written by Aryadan Shoukath. Digital NativeThe first look poster of the upcoming Malayalam film Varthamanam, with Parvathy Thiruvothu in the lead, was released by megastar Mammootty through his social media page. Mammootty wrote, "Unveiling the first look poster of #Varthamanam Directed by Sidhartha Siva , Starring Parvathy Thiruvothu ! Best wishes to the entire team (sic)." Actors Tovino Thomas and Nivin Pauly also shared the first look poster online. Varthamanam is directed by Sidhartha Siva, actor and director of critically acclaimed films such as 101 Chodyangal and Ain. The first look poster of Varthamanam has Parvathy clad in a hijab. Varthamanam is bankrolled by Benzy Nazar and Aryadan Shoukath under the banner of Benzy productions. Aryadan Shoukath, politician and story writer, has written the script of the film. Cinematographer Alakappan is cranking the lens for Varthamanam while Shameer Muhammed is handling the editing department. Pandit...

MollywoodThe film is about a short young man getting a job as a police constable on compassionate grounds.Digital NativeKrishna Sankar / Courtesy -- Ajith Vishnu / FacebookThe Malayalam movie Kochaal has actor Krishna Sankar playing the title role and the shooting is in progress. The title means a short person and it is a film about a young man getting a job as a police constable on compassionate grounds after the death of his father. Shine Tom Chacko plays Tinker Babu, the son of a pork butcher, in this flick. The other important role in this flick is that of the police commissioner, which is played by Murali Gopy. Sharafudheen, Indrans, Srikanth Murali and Renji Panicker also form part of the cast. Kochaal will mark the directorial debut of Shyam Mohan. The film's pooja was held at Kochi and went on floors on December 23. The technical crew of this film includes...

MollywoodDirected by Jijo Joseph, the film has Siju Wilson and Leona Lishoy playing the lead roles. Digital NativeThe first look poster of the Malayalam film Varayan was released online by Manju Warrier recently. The poster shows the film’s main lead Siju Wilson sporting long hair and in brown robes, dressed like Jesus Christ, and is captioned “Terror behind the smile”. Manju Warrier wrote, “Good luck to Satyam Cinemas and the entire team of #varayan.” Directed by Jijo Joseph, Varayan has Siju Wilson and Leona Lishoy playing the lead roles. Jude Anthany Joseph plays a pivotal role in this flick as well. Ag Premachandran is bankrolling the film under his banner Satyam Cinemas. Besides Varayan slated for release this year, Siju Wilson also has Mariyam Vannu Vilakkoothi, Innu Muthal and Upacharapoorvam Gunda Jayan in his kitty. Mariyam Vannu Vilakkoothi is directed by Jenith Kachappilly and he has co-written the film in association with Arun Padathu.

MollywoodDirected by Jijo Joseph, the film has Siju Wilson and Leona Lishoy playing the lead roles. Digital NativeThe first look poster of the Malayalam film Varayan was released online by Manju Warrier recently. The poster shows the film’s main lead Siju Wilson sporting long hair and in brown robes, dressed like Jesus Christ, and is captioned “Terror behind the smile”. Manju Warrier wrote, “Good luck to Satyam Cinemas and the entire team of #varayan.” Directed by Jijo Joseph, Varayan has Siju Wilson and Leona Lishoy playing the lead roles. Jude Anthany Joseph plays a pivotal role in this flick as well. Ag Premachandran is bankrolling the film under his banner Satyam Cinemas. Besides Varayan slated for release this year, Siju Wilson also has Mariyam Vannu Vilakkoothi, Innu Muthal and Upacharapoorvam Gunda Jayan in his kitty. Mariyam Vannu Vilakkoothi is directed by Jenith Kachappilly and he has co-written the film in association with Arun Padathu.

MollywoodThe film, directed by Jenith Kachappilly, has in its cast Siju Wilson, Krishna Shankar, Althaf Salim and Shabareesh Varma, all of whom were part of ‘Premam’.Digital NativeDulquer Salmaan released the second look poster of Mariyam Vannu Vilakkoodhi on his social media page and it has garnered the attention of the cinephiles on a big scale. The second look poster is interesting and shows the lead characters struggling with a huge pizza! Mariyam Vannu Vilakkoodhi is directed by Jenith Kachappilly and he has co-written the film with Arun Padathu. The film’s cast comprises Basil Joseph, Althaf Salim, Baiju, Siju Wilson, Sv Krishna Shankar, Sethu Lakshmi, Sidhartha Siva, Shabareesh Varma, Shiyas Ka, and Irena Mihalkovich. Mariyam Vannu Vilakkoodhi is bankrolled by Rajesh Augustine with Srijith Babu, Captain Bipin Rajendran, and Sunil Kumar Vakeel co-producing it. The technical crew of the film includes Prashant Pillai for music, Vinayak Sasikumar for lyrics,...

InterviewIn 2009, director Ranjith called Murali to train theatre actors for 'Paleri Manikyam' and since then, he's been regularly conducting acting workshops.Neelima MenonMurali Menon graduated from the Thrissur School of Drama and Fine Arts in the '80s and did theatre in Europe for over two decades. He likes to call himself a theatre actor though he wouldn’t ideally advise any of his students to pursue it. “I love theatre. Though I am fond of cinema, I am not very keen on acting in cinema," he says. Back home, he joined Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s Kathapurushan as an associate director, as well as his friend and School of Drama classmate Shyamaprasad’s films. He thinks Adoor and Shyam are very good at working with actors. Towards 2007, he was invited to train participants for a reality show called Vanitha Rathnam. Before that, he had already started doing theatre workshops as part of personality development.

MollywoodThis film would have made sense if the genre had been sci-fi and there was a scientific explanation for why all the middle-aged adults behave like pimply teenagers.Sowmya RajendranMarconi Mathai, directed by Sanil Kalathil, would have been a cute film if the protagonists had been giggly 15-year-olds in the 1940s who are discovering love for the first time. The shy hero who does not know how to profess his love to the wide-eyed, innocent heroine. The naughty friends who encourage him to express his feelings and rag him as he blushes and blunders through his emotions. The shy hero doing silly things to win the heroine's attention. Ah, those remarkable black-and-white high school days! But unfortunately, Marconi Mathai is not about pimply teenagers; it is a film about fully grown, middle-aged adults in the year 2019. To be clear, the genre is not science fiction. There is no explanation for...