Shining star

Kamalini Mukherjee makes her Malayalam film debut opposite superstar Mammootty in KUTTY SHRANKU, directed by Shaji N Karun, writes KK Moidu

Bengali beauty Kamalini won the hearts of audience by performing a tiny role in maiden Tamil venture Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu. Although her expectation of the role in Kamal Hassan starrer was very high, it was only five minutes long. Her performance in the hit song Parthamudhal Nale of Haris Jayaraj won rave reviews which made her noticeable in the Tamil industry.
Kamalini was flooded with offers from Tamil film industry after Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu. The only role accepted by Kamalini was that of Cheran, a homely girl with love for tradition and values in Pirivom Santhippom. But the director of the film Karu Pazhaniappan changed the heroine and Kamalini was replaced by Sneha.
The good-looking actress Kamalini established herself as a leading heroine in the Telugu industry by playing female leads in Meenakshi, Godavari, Style etc. before her entry into the Tamil film industry.
She is a graduate in English Literature and her original name is Roshni. She completed a workshop on theatre in Mumbai. Theatre artist turned model Kamalini made her acting debut in Hindi film Phir Milenge. Actor-director Revathi offered her a role in Phir Milenge by noticing the advertisement featuringg Kamalini. Salman Khan and Shilpa Shetty played the lead roles in the film. Phir Milenge, the second directorial venture of Revathi revolved around the subject of AIDS. Kamalini played a RJ's role in the film as the heroine's younger sister. The film bombed at the box office and leading offers from the Hindi film industry didn't knock at her door.
Kamalini made her Telugu debut opposite Raja in Sekhar Kammula's Anand. She played the role of an independent modern woman and the movie was one of the biggest hit of the year and won half-a-dozen Nandhi Awards. She won the Best Actress Nandhi Award from the Andhra Pradesh Government. Her acting ability once again gained her the female lead in Sekhar Kammulas hit film Godawari. The stupendous success of Pellaindi Kaani, Classmates etc. which she played heroine roles made her a busy actress of the Telugu industry.
Kamalini was the love interest of power star Pawan Kalyan in Jalsa. Other two heroine roles were played by Ileana D'Cruz and Parvathi Melton. Jalsa was one of the biggest hit of the year in Telugu industry and also Pawan's career.
Kamalini plays the female lead in forthcoming Telugu film Brahmanandam Drama Company directed by E Srikanth. Sivaji, Ravi Krishna and Brahmanandam play important roles in the film. The film is a remake of Hindi film Bhagam Bhaga starring Akshay Kumar and Govinda.
However, the 28 year old actress Kamalini had enough luck to play the heroine role of megastar Mammootty in her debut Malayalam film Kutty Shranku directed by veteran craftsman Shaji N Karun.
The top ranking Malayalam actor Mammootty and the award winning director Shaji N Karun is working in the film industry for more than three decades, but they are teaming up for first time in entertaining the people in Kutty Shranku. The film tells the story of the protagonist in three different viewpoints of three women. The fourth Malayalam film of Shaji is different from his earlier art house label films Piravi, Swaham and Vanaprastham.
Kutty Shranku produced under the banner of Big Motion Pictures is the maiden Malayalam production venture of Reliance Entertainment owned by Anil Ambani. Kutty Shranku set in the early 60's tells the story of a boat driver, who runs a parcel service to and from Kodungaloor-Kollam in the back waters of Kerala. He is a freewheeler and has no home or religion. Nobody knows his whereabouts, but he has three paramour's in three places on the route and each of them have a different type of relationship with him. These three concubines were not aware about the others and meet for the first time after the mysterious death of the protagonist.
Kamalini is one of the secret lovers of the protagonist. She is the daughter of the popular Chavittu Natakam Aasan in the film. She is also the heroine of the dance drama in which Shranku, played by Mammootty, is the hero. Other two heroines, Sreelankan actress Meenakumari is a mute girl in the film and Padmapriya appears as a rich girl, but accepts Buddhism.
Mammootty plays the protagonist role in three different characters in three styles in a single movie. Mammootty will sing a Chavittu Natakam based song for the film directed by renowned director Shaji N Karun. The visual of the song which starts with Karikkutty...ente kalel, performed on screen by Mammootty and Suresh Krishna has already shot by Shaji N Karun. Isaac Thomas Kottukapally is the music director of the film, which has an entire backdrop of Chavittu Natakam — the folklore dance drama of Northern Kerala. Siddique and Rajeev Kalamasserry plays important roles in the film.
Kamalini had the luck to play an entirely different role in her debut Malayalam film opposite Mammootty. Her role in the film has ample scope for performance and the veteran director Shaji N Karun will definitely utilise her talent. But only few heroines from other states like Padmapriya continued their career in Malayalam. Others like Amrita Rao, Katrina Kaif, Parvati Melton etc. who paired opposite superstars in earlier hit films, disappeared from the Malayalam film industry after a couple of films.

Onam bonanza

Onam has failed to bring a rich harvest of Malayalam movie releases of big banners this year, writes KK Moidu.



Front-line Malayalam superstars Mammootty, Mohanlal and Dileep has disappointed the fans without any new releases for the Onam Festival. Most of the big banners has postponed their new releases to forthcoming Eid, which comes couple of weeks after the Onam. This is the first Onam in the history of Malayalam cinema, without any new releases of the reigning superstars. One of the main reason for not releasing superstar films in the Onam season is the coinciding with Ramadan. The harvest festival of Kerala, Onam, leaves the theatres with small banner films from upcoming heros except Prithviraj and Suresh Gopi.
According to reports, half-a-dozen movies releasing on the Onam festival of the year are Thirakkatha, Thalappaavu, Thaavalam, Sultan, Chempada and Apoorva.
Although Mammootty, Mohanlal and Dileep are not able to satisfy their fans, young hero Prithviraj will have two new releases Thirakkatha and Thalappaavu.

Thirakkatha

The most important attraction of the Onam is Prithviraj starrer Thirakkatha directed by his mentor Renjith. The film has more chance to win in the Onam race. Thirakkatha tells the inner story of filmdom and earlier films of the same subject like Udhayanaanu Thaaram and recently released Kadha Paryumbol were well accepted by the audience. Prithviraj plays a director's role in Thirakkatha as Akbar Ahamed, who is facing criticism for plagiarising story for his film. Prithviraj made his debut half-a-decade before in Nandanam directed by Renjith. Although Prithviraj has delivered many superhit films in a short period, Renjith, who has created superhits with superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal has failed to deliver a hit for the last couple of years.
However, his forthcoming film Thirakadha is a musical love story and it will be noticed for its commercial ingredients. The film features two leading heroines Priyamani and Samvrutha. Priyamani is returning to the Malayalam screen after an interval by playing a glamorous role as Malavika. Priyamani made her Malayalam debut opposite Prithviraj in Sathyam and the National Award winning actress has achieved success as a heroine in Tamil and Telugu.
Music director Sarath composed the tunes for the film. He returns to the Malayalam industry after five years. But he is very popular in Kerala and won the hearts of mini screen audience as a judge in Idea Star Singer airing on Asianet. Nishant Sagar plays a pivotal role in the film as cinematographer Kevin Paul. Thirakkatha is produced by Varnachithra Subair and Renjith's Capital Theatres.

Thalappaavu

Prithviraj dons the lead as naxal Joseph, that has shades of the real-life naxalite Varghese, who was shot dead in the forests in the 70's. Madhupal's maiden directorial venture Thalappaavu scripted by Babu Janardhan goes deep into the life of a naxalite youth Joseph and police constable Raveendran Pillai. Both of them share a very good relation but circumstances forced Pillai to kill Joseph, as a part of his duty. But after years, the incident haunts Pillai and he revealed the truth behind the death of Joseph.
Lal is playing the role of constable Raveendran Pillai. Other roles of the film are played by Dhanya Mary, Jagathy Sreekumar, Sreejith Ravi, Maniyanpilla Raju and Manuraj. Atul Kulkarni makes his Malayalam debut by playing a key role in the film.
Thalappaavu produced by Mohan under the banner of Civic Cinemas is distributed by Lal Creations. Alex Paul scores for the film music and Azhagappan is the cinematographer.

Thaavalam.

Although Suresh Gopi is going through a lean patch in his career without any hits but his hands are full with offers. Suresh Gopi plays the lead in Thaavalam directed by debutante Baiju and produced by Mummy Century under the banner of BMC Productions. Newcomer Ratya plays the heroine role in the film. Thaavalam is all about the background of a graveyard in Kerala and Tamil Nadu border. Theni and Vipin Mohan cranks the camera.
Navya Nair plays a key role in the film and other artistes are Jagathy Sreekumar, Cochin Haneefa, Riyaz Khan, Bijukuttan, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Bindu Panicker, Manraj, etc.
Kaithapram Viswanath tunes for the lyrics penned by Gireesh Puthencherry and Sudhamshu.

Sultan

Sultan based on the plot by Gopi Manisseril is the third film of young hero Vinoo Mohan. He won acclaims for his previous ventures Nivedhyam and Cycle. Sultan directed by Sree Prakash is a campus film and Vinoo plays the role of medico Sivarajan. His fiancee also studies in the same medical college. Other artistes of the film are Sandhya, Roma, Lalu Alex, Vijay Raghavan, Jagathy and Salim Kumar.
The stroy is written by Vinod Guruvayoor and Jayan Sivapuram. Lyrics are penned by Kaithapram are set to music by M Jayachandran. Produced by Gopi Manasseri under the banner of Abhirami Krishna Productions banner.
Vinoo Mohan, the grandson of late Kottarakkara made his debut on Lohithadas directed Nivedhyam. The success of his second film Cycle earned him plenty of offers and he is to play the lead in Achante Makan, Adhithi, Devo Bhava etc.
Vinoo Mohan is foraying into neighbouring Tamil industry by playing one of the lead in Basha fame Suresh Krishna's film. Bharath plays the other hero's role in the film and the film tells the story of friendship.

Chempada

The action thriller Chempada is the directorial debut of Robin Thirumala. The male lead of the film is played by Tamil actor Bala, who has done memorable performance in Big B and Kalabham. Sreedevika, who disappeared from the Malayalam films for half-a-decade is returning to the industry by playing the heroine role. She is one of the busiest heroine in the Kannada industry and has paired with leading Kannada heros.
Sanu, Anu Anand, Ronson Vincent and John Jacob play other important roles in the film. The action entertainer Chempada on the back drop of a music troop Red Army imagines mysterious activities other than music.

Apoorva

Apoorva is noticed by the directorial debut of an eighteen year old student Nithin Ramakrishnan. The first year student of Thrissur Law College has earlier created news by grabbing awards by making short films like Niranglude Kottaram and Amrithvarshini. His maiden venture Apoorva is an attempt to present the love and social commitment among students. The film is produced by Dr Samson and Dr Ramakrishnan under the banner of Gauri creations. The director Nithin himself pens the story. Vidhyadharan master tunes for the film and produced under the banner of Gowry Creations.
Apoorva has lot of newcomers like Sanjeev, Helen, Ajay Sathyan along with popular actor Kalabhavan Mani, Vimala Raman, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Innocent etc. Tamil comedian Senthil will also play an important role in the film.
Among the six Onam releases, Prithviraj starrer Thirakkatha directed by Renjith will have more chance of winning the Onam race. Thirakkatha will be noted by the fresh story and the presence of leading heroines like Priyamani and Samvrutha.
Will the young and upcoming hero Bala's Chempada and Vinoo Mohan's Sultan will make any challenge for Suresh Gopi's Thaavalam and Prithviraj's Thirakadha and Thalappavu? Will the teenage director Nithin create a new history in Malayalam cinema?
If the Onam releases can't attract crowds at the box office, the forthcoming Eid releases of superstars like Mohanlal's Kurukshetra, Mamootty's Maya Bazaar and the all-star movie Twenty Twenty is sure to win the heart of audience.

Dream debut

Small screen fame Sohanlal makes his silver screen directorial debut with Orkkuka Vallappozhum featuring Thilakan in the lead role, writes KK Moidu

Young director Sohanlal won the hearts of small screen audience by producing and directing tele films, talk shows, reality shows etc. Sohanlal, the brain behind Raga Ratnam Junior, ventures into the big screen and legendary actor Thilakan plays the lead in his maiden venture Orkkuka Vallappozhum. Sohanlal himself pens the script of the film and debutante Shilpa Bala plays the role of the heroine. The film will be produced by Vinu YS under the banner of God's Own Movies. M Jayachandran tunes music and the audience will get an opportunity to listen to the late Malayalam poet and lyricist P Bhaskaran's poem in the film. Director Sohanlal armed with a PG Diploma in Web Design and BA Literature came into the limelight in 2006 with the tele-cinema Neermathalathinte Pookkal. It was based on the famous book Neermathalampootha Kaalam of Kamala Suraiya better known as Madhavikkutty aka Kamala Das. Neermathalathinte Pookkal is a poignant expression of the memories of celebrated Indian female writer and poet Kamala Das. Praveena played Kamala Das's role in her thirties in the telefilm. The famous Nalappat ancestral house at Punnayoorkulam in Thrissur and the pomegranate tree featured in Neermathalampootha Kaalam has created a nostalgic feeling for all the readers. Neermathalathinte Pookkal aired on Amrita TV, not only won critical acclaim but also fetched many best director awards for Sohanlal like Federation For Better Films Award, Kerala Film Audience Council Award, Film City Award and Prem Nazir Foundations Ist TV Award. Sohanlal created news earlier with his work Pedakam based on famous French author Guy de Maupassant's story. He secured a place in the hearts of mini screen viewers and won several best telefilm director awards for Pedakam like Malayalam Television Viewers Award, Sri Chithira Thirunal Smaraka Award, Hi-Tech Cinemaghala Award, Kerala Film Critic Special Jury Award and Kerala State Special Jury Award. Sohanlal was born on Nov.14, 1976 at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He started his career at an early age as a production assistant and script writer in Doordarshan. He has been associated with all the major TV Channels in Kerala like Asianet, Kairali, Jeevan, Indiavision and Amrita TV in his more than a decade mini screen career. He, a gulf returnee, is currently working as the senior programme producer and promo in-charge of Amrita TV. He has shown courage to produce and direct programmes like Raga Ratnam Junior aired on Amrita TV. The prime time show Raga Ratnam Junior continued the airing on Amrita TV even after the final episodes because of the viewer's demand. His other production venture Cinema Vicharana for Amrita TV won him the Thikkurussi Foundation Award for Best Film Based Programme in 2005. Cinema Vicharana anchored by actress Cuckoo Parameswaran was different from other regular cinema programmes on the TV channels. It was all about film personalities. The audience also got an opportunity to question and criticise the film makers and analyse their work and contributions to the industry. Sohanlal won best music programme producer award from Kerala Film and Audience Council Award, Minnalai TV Award and CIL Award for Chitranjali aired on Amrita TV. The musical programme was a tribute to the greatest classical film songs of Bollywood. Kerala's musicians rendered the great Hindi classic songs they heard in their favourite super hit films of the past few decades in the programme. Sohanlal entertained the mini screen audience for the past ten years and has succeeded in winning the hearts of people in most of his works. Instead of going for a safe bet at the box-office, he has shown courage for crafting a meaningful film with Thilakan in the lead. Though Thilakan is a talented actor and proved his excellence in all the roles given to him so far, he was rarely cast in lead roles and only few directors have utilised the National Award Winner actor skillfully. Ace actor Thilakan has given life to thousands of characters in his long span of more than five decades career as an actor. He is one of the finest actors of the Indian screen. He became a full time actor in 1955 after he was expelled from college. He sharpened his acting skills during this period and formed a drama troupe Mundakkayam Nataka Samithy with few friends. The veteran actor has completed his Golden Jubilee in acting and worked with famous drama troupes like KPAC, Kalidasa Kala Kendra, Changanasserry Geetha and PJ Antony's troupe. His realistic acting and the special dialogue delivery has made him a favourite. Although he worked with leading drama troupes in Kerala, his entry into filmdom made him a household name in Kerala. He started his cinema career by doing a small role in Ulkadal. However, his lead role as a drunkard, Kallu Varkey, in Kolangal and his role in Yavanika established him as an actor. He won the State Award for his roles in Yavanika, Santhanagopalam and Gamanam in 1981, 1995 and 1998 respectively. He received the second Best Actor National Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Rithubedham. Thilakan played the lead in National Award winning film Ekantham last year and the actor was considered for the Best Actor National Award for his performance in the film and lost to none other than Big B. Thilakan was earlier examined for National Best Actor Award for his role in Perumthachan. His other notable films are Veendum Chila Veettukaryangal, Vendor Daniel, My Dear Muthachan, Godfather, Amritam Gamaya, Kireedam, Sphadikam, Moonnam Pakkam, Namukku Parkkan Munthiri Thoppukal, Mookilla Rajyathu, Kattu Kuthira etc. Although he appears in the news headlines for one reason or the other, he was not getting many offers from cinema because of an unofficial boycott. The veteran actor will be back by playing a lead as a 75-year-old character Sethu Madhavan in Orkkuka Vallappozhum. His role as Sethu Madhavan — who tracks back his life to the age of innocence — has ample scope for performance. Hope the debutante director Sohanlal will use the immense talent of Thilakan, which other veteran film-makers failed to do.

BEGINNING THE ASCENT-LAL JOSE

Lal Jose breaks free from the familiar mould of low-budget films with Cousins, that features Mohanlal and Prithviraj in lead roles. KK Moidu writes

Can a low-budget film without any star attractions create box office history in the superstar-dominated Malayalam film industry? This possibility cannot be ruled out, if Lal Jose is in the directorial seat.
This very successful director has proven his ability to the industry, not once but twice, with colossal hits like Meesa Madhavan and Classmates. He created box office history with these low-budget films without depending on superstars. He was even daring enough to cast an established screen comedian like Salim Kumar in the lead role in Achanurangatha Veedu. Although, the film didn’t pull in the crowds, it was appreciated for its presentation and the artistes’ performance. Salim Kumar won the Kerala State film award for the second best actor for portraying Samuel, a widower with three young daughters and a government employee on the verge of retirement.
However, in his forthcoming film, Cousins, Lal Jose has trodden a more tested path and cast two front-line heroes Mohanlal and Prithviraj. Needless to add, the film will also not be a low-budget venture taking into consideration the remuneration of the highest paid actor of the Malayalam industry, Mohanlal. The handsome young Prithviraj will be an equally big draw in the film.
Lal Jose filled in the details about the project when he was here in the UAE for the film’s discussions. The film is based on a script by Dubai-based Homeopath, Dr. Iqbal Kuttippuram.
Surprisingly, Lal Jose made his directorial debut a decade ago with the other superstar of Malayalam films Mammootty in Oru Maravathoor Kanavu and Cousins will be his first film with Mohanlal. Also Prithviraj will be sharing screen space with Mohanlal for the first time.
Lal Jose set the record straight and denied chasing Mohanlal because of his superstar status. “It’s just that the role perfectly suits Mohanlal.” He also reminded that “of the three biggest hits of the Malayalam film industry – Narasimham, Meesa Madhavan and Classmates – with the exception of Mohanlal starrer Narasimham, directed by Shaji Kailas, the other two films were directed by him. Explaining his lack of fascination for superstars he said films with superstars always managed impressive initial collections, but to keep the cash registers ringing the film had to rise up to the expectations of a superstar’s fans.”
As an example he cites the Mammootty starrer Pattalam. Mammootty fans didn’t like fact that in the film he portrayed an army officer with a comical shade and Jose even received threats over the phone for doing so. Voicing despair, Lal Jose says: “The original war scenes in the film, which are very rare in Malayalam films, went unnoticed.” Jose added “while making films with actors like Sreenivasan we have no such difficulties. Because he does not have any fans associations and there is no need to satisfy anybody, except the audience.”
Lal Jose has to his credit 11 films, as an independent director. Meesa Madhavan and Classmates made him a favourite of the audience. Even more experienced directors with more films to their credit have not succeeded like him in winning the hearts of people from all walks of life. The success of these blockbuster films propelled young actors Dileep and Prithviraj to superstardom.
His other successful films like Oru Maravathur Kanavu, Chandranudikkunna Dikkil, Chanthupottu, Arabikkatha underscored his credentials as a master craftsman. He has also introduced many talented actresses to the industry like Kavya Madhavan. Actresses like Samvrutha Sunil, Muktha and Meera Nandan, who made their debut in Lal Jose’s box office flops like Rasikan, Achanurangatha Veedu and Mulla, not only received offers from the local film industry but also from outside the state.
Lal Jose blames a TV channel for the downturn in Mulla’s box office collections. Dileep plays the lead in this recently released film. Lal Jose said, “initially it was only a few women from the audience who didn’t like the fact that the hero loses a leg in the film’s climax. The film was running successfully at the box office. But after a week, a TV channel ran down the movie as a disgrace in Lal Jose’s otherwise chequered career. This wrong assessment and negative comment about the film badly affected the box office collections.” A TV channel showed a clipping from an African film, and claimed the scene had similarity to one scene from Mulla. Lal Jose complained “these media didn’t utter a word against their favourites, whose films were similar to films of other Indian languages and Hollywood films.”
Lal Jose attributes much of his success to the care accorded to avoiding stereotypes. Cousins tells the story of farmers. The Lal Jose-Dr. Iqbal Kuttippuram team earlier gave Arabikkatha with Sreenivasan in the lead. Lal Jose introduced a Chinese national, Chang Shu Min, opposite Sreenivasan in the film. This was a first in the history of Malayalam cinema.
Not surprisingly, audience expectations are at an all-time high for Cousins, because in addition to the Lal Jose-Dr. Iqbal Kuttippuram partnership it features crowd-pullers like Mohanlal and Prithviraj in the lead. The two actors play cousins and the film revolves around their relations. As the only living members of a family, wiped out in an accident, the cousins maintain an extraordinary bond. Circumstances, however, force one of them to leave the village and settle in the city but he returns to village later. The film will also have two heroines, of which one will be a new face.
Having been a long-time assistant of director Kamal, whose films are known for their quality music, Lal Jose has admirably continued this glorious tradition. Catchy songs have been one of the highlights of his films. Chinga Maasam (Meesa Madhavan), Thirike Njan (Arabikkatha), Ente Kalbile (Classmates), Omana Puzha (Chanthupottu) being some of the outstanding examples. A newcomer will score the music of Cousins. His earlier finds like music director Biji Bal (Arabikkatha) have proven their talent in their very first film itself.
Lal Jose himself had no prior links with the film industry when he joined it. He belongs to a middle class family in Vallapad, Thrissur district. Both his parents were teachers and his entry into films was purely accidental. After completing his education from Ottappalam he dreamt of finding a job in the Gulf. Before joining a photo studio in Gulf, he went to Chennai to learn manual colour film processing, which would enable him to earn more money during his spare time.
However, his friendship with film personalities in Chennai changed his life for ever. He joined veteran director Kamal as a temporary assistant for just one film, but on the director’s insistence continued to assist him in 16 films. After he finished his first film, Lal Jose’s father arrived in Chennai with the visa, but by then the young Lal Jose was mesmerised by the magic of cinema refused to go along with his father. His father then requested Kamal to intervene and advise his son to go to the Gulf, but Kamal supported Lal Jose and the father had to return disappointed. Meanwhile, Lal Jose also assisted other directors like Thampy Kannanthanam, Vinayan, KK Haridas etc.
At present, Lal Jose is busy with his maiden Tamil directorial venture Mazhai Vara Pokuthu, featuring Daniel Balaji and Priya Mani in the lead. Only after completing the film, he will start work on Cousins. Jose said he is confident about his Tamil debut doing well, although Daniel Balaji is no top-notch superstar. Similarly, Lal Jose is willing to make Malayalam films with new heroes, as long as he is able to find producers for the projects.
Lal Jose says: “Cinema is my passion, my life and I dream cinema.” He is not shy of admitting that he dreams of worldwide acclaim and winning an award at the Cannes Film Festival. When asked whether being a director in regional cinema would be a hindrance in scaling these heights of fame, he said: “My dreams were always big and that is why I achieved at least this much and reached this position.” He plans to make his debut in Bollywood before setting his sights on Hollywood and if he succeeds regional cinema will have something to be proud of.

kkmoidusharjah: Honours for Talent-Vijay

kkmoidusharjah: Honours for Talent-Vijay

Into the heart of darkness

Into the heart of darkness



Acclaimed director TV Chandran’s forthcoming film VILAAPANGALKKAPPURAM focuses on the Gujarat riots, writes KK Moidu



Very few directors dare to touch the sensitive issues. A few of them gather courage to make a film out of this. In today’s era, where films are made to entertain the audience, TV Chandran — a veteran director — is making a film on the Godhra riots. Chandran is returning to the industry after a hiatus of three years. The film Vilaapangalkkappuram focuses on the plight and helplesness of a Muslim girl who manages to survive the communal riots of Gujarat. Chandran once again prefers a feminine story with a heavy dose of satire.
Vilaapangalkkappuram is picturised on the notorious Godhra incident and the film delves deep into the life of minorities of post riots Godhra area of Gujarat. Vilaapangalkkappuram is the story of a Muslim teenager, Sahira, who tries to recuperate from her terrible past. Her father, from Kerala had a small shop in Gujarat. The rioters plundered the shop and killed him, and gang raped his wife and daughter. Sahira manages to escape Gujarat soon after the massacre and reaches Kozhikode, Kerala, in an extremely pathetic and vulnerable condition.
Upon reaching Kerala, she meets with Dr Gopinath and Dr Mary Varghese, who help her to overcome her troubled past. Sahira’s arrival in Kozhikode as a victim of communal riots from Gujarat attracts the State media’s attention. She becomes hot topic for newsmakers. Others, like social activists, politicians and religious leaders shows great concern for her for their own benefit and try to exploit her tragic situation. None of them tries to understand the real problems of Sahira, except for Dr Gopinath and Dr Mary Varghese.
After some time resilient Sahira goes back to Gujarat and fight for the rights of the women victims of the riots.
Sahira’s role is played by Veyyil fame Priyanka Nair. Biju Menon does the role of Dr Gopinath and former heroine Suhasini returns to Malayalam screen after an interval as Dr Mary. Other prominent roles are played by Thilakan, Sreeraman, MR Gopakumar, Indrans, Praveena, Zeenath, Santha Devi and Nilambur Aysha. MJ Radhakrishnan is the cinematographer and the film is edited by Bina Paul.
Aryadan Shoukath produces the film under the banner of Clear Image. Shaukath is the son of Aryadan Mohammed — a senior Congress leader and former state minister. Shoukath has earlier written and produced Paadam Onnu Oru Vilapam, which was directed by none other than TV Chandran. The film won the National Award for Social Welfare. Meera Jasmine — who played the role of Shahina, also bagged the National Award for the best actress for the film.
TV Chandran is a seasoned director in making quality films on meaningful subjects. He is one of the few directors who don’t waste talent by making commercial potboilers with run-of-the-mill subjects. TV Chandran’s films often revolve around socially relevant subjects and have references to history, with an undertone of politics. He is a veteran at creating art house cinemas, he succeeds in making each of his films in a different way and always gives a clear message to people through his works.
He is an expert in making films on poignant issues faced by the weaker section of society. His earlier films won the hearts of cinegoers by picturising a village woman’s anger against a landlord in Mankamma. He depicted a rebellious young lady in Susanna.
His earlier movies like Ponthan Mada, Danny, Susanna, Paadam Onnu Oru Vilapam etc, have won prestigious awards for himself as well as for the artistes.
TV Chandran started his career as an actor in PA Backer’s Kabani Nadi Chuvannappol and later joined as an assistant to Backer and John Abraham. His work has fetched him many awards and his movies are a regular feature at major film festivals in India and abroad.
In his three decades of film career, he has directed only a dozen of films. But his brilliance in narration has fetched him huge fan following.
His first attempt came in 1979 when he directed Krishnan Kutty. His Alicinte Anveshanangal released in 1989 won second Best Film State Award . The film narrates the story of Alice who spends most of life in travel to search for her missing husband. The film won a competition entry at Locarno International Film Festival and was shown in Indian Panorama at the International Film Festival of India.
It was Ponthan Mada, based on two short stories Ponthan Mada and Sheema Thampuran by CV Sreeraman, that earned the director national and international recognition.
Ponthan Mada not only fetched him National Award for the best director but the lead actor of the film, Mammootty, also bagged the National Award for Best Actor. The film also received the Best Music Director and Best Cameraman Awards and participated at Pessaro Film Festival and Indian Panorama at the International Film Festival of India, Bombay.
His last directorial venture was a Tamil film, Aadum Koothu which reveals the life of an ordinary college girl, Manimekhala. She all of a sudden started to see what others can’t and that complicated her life. The Cheran-Navya Nair starrer was a disaster at the box-office but won National Award for th Best film in Tamil in 2005. Ace director TV Chandran earlier won the National Award for the Best Malayalam film for Ormakal Undayirikkanam, Mankamma and Danny in 1995, 1997 and 2001, respectively.
The latest Vilaapangalkkapuram will add another feather to the cap of Chandran for making another brave film. Needless to say, only few producers like Aryadan Shoukath and directors like TV Chandran nowadays show the courage to make films like Vilaapangalkkappuram. The reason is that these art labelled films are not favourite for the audience and would not be even profitable for the produers as well. But the director like Chandran and the producer like Shoukath are hardly bothered about the outcome of the film. Box-office had to do nothing with their creativity. They just let the creativity flow in the proper direction.

A NEW LOOK AT RELATIONSHIPS:KARTHIGAI-SAMIKSHA AND MALAVIKA

A new look at relationships

Telugu director Veera's maiden Tamil venture KARTHIGAI features two heroines Samiksha and Malavika opposite Vikramaditya, writes KK Moidu

Karthigai is a family entertainer and tells the story of relationships. The film with a high dose of sentiment is based on the bond between a father, son and his siblings. M Anjeneya forays into the Tamil industry by producing the big budget film Karthigai under the banner of Siddi Vinayagar Films Multimedia. M Anjaneya has produced superhit Telugu films with leading actors.
Director Veera makes his Tamil entry by directing Karthigai. He himself pens the story and screenplay of the film and dialogues are by Velumani. Veera has crafted around a dozen Telugu films.
The hero of the film is Whistle fame Vikramaditya. He romances vivacious Samiksha and sparkling Malavika in Karthigai. The rest of the support cast comprises Suman, Kadhal Dhandapani, Suman Shetty, Rani and Satyan. Award winning Telugu hero Srihari, the husband of former item girl disco Shanti plays a pivotal role in the film. Deva scores music for the lyrics of Snegan. Ashokraj is the choreographer and T Rajender is the cinematographer.
The shooting for the first schedule of the film was completed in Bangkok, which include three songs with Vikramaditya and Malavika, Vikramaditya and Samiksha and both the heroines and the hero. The other locations of the film are Rameshwaram, Dhanushkodi and Kodaikkanal.
One of the heroine roles of the film is played by Samiksha, the pretty model-turned-actress. She is making a comeback to the Tamil industry as the love interest of Vikramditya in Karthigai. Mumbai based model, Samiksha made her debut in the Telugu film 143 and it was an average grosser. But her Tamil debut opposite Navdeep in the entertaining Arindhum Ariyamalum directed by Vishnuvardhan, a box office hit. Samiksha's role in Arindhum Ariyamalum has only little scope to show her skills.
But her outstanding performance and the success of the movie made the industry notice her. As expected, after the success of the film, leading offers did not knock at her door. The superhit movie couldn't made the cute and tall actress a sought after heroine. She was featured in minuscule roles in subsequent films. She performed item numbers in few films but that could not help her to fulfill her dream to become a front-line heroine.
Samiksha appeared in a couple of scenes and also performed a hot number in the Srikant-Meera Jasmine starrer Mercury Pookkal directed by SS Stanley. The film which tells the story of a couple who don't agree with each other was well accepted by the audience. In Manadodu Mazhaiklam, directed by Arputhan, Samiksha played second fiddle to Nithya Das and that also could not revive her fortune. Samiksha appeared in a glamorous and performance oriented role opposite Shaam in musical hit Manadodu Mazhaiklam. She also paired opposite Karan for the racy number in a college campus in Thee Nagar directed by Thirumalai.
Samiksha couldn't achieve success as a heroine or a second heroine in the industry, where Malayalam heroines rule the roost. She enacted the role played by Jyothika in the Kannada remake of Manmadhan. Silambarasan and Jyotika-starrer Tamil film Manmadhan was a superhit and the film was a turning point and a big break in Simbu's career.
Samiksha made her Hindi debut in the comedy film Mr Hot and Mr Kool and tried her luck in television serials. She became a favourite for the audience after her portrayal of a 21-year-old sweet natured Muslim girl in the Sahara One serial Zaara.
Unlike Samiksha, the other heroine of the film Malavika has been a Fair and Lovely cream model girl. The Bangalore girl was born as Shweta Konnur on July 19, 1979. She came into the limelight with her debut Tamil film Unnai Thedi opposite Ajith. The blockbuster film directed by Sundar C was dubbed into Telugu as Premato Pilicha. She repeated her success in the multi-starrer Tamil film Anandha Poongatre starring Ajith, Karthik and Meena. She proved her acting skills in Rojavanam and hatrick victory put her name in the list of top heroines of the industry.
But success was elusive and the box office disaster of Pooporika Varukirom ruined her heroine dreams. She failed to deliver any hits for the next two years and was stamped as an unlucky actress. The only hit in this period for the gorgeous heroine was Seenu opposite Karthik directed by veteran P Vasu. Malavika hit the Telugu and Hindi silver screen with Priya Nestama and CU at 9 respectively. But the films did not have much sale value even at the multiplexes.
Malavika performed an item number in Surya-Jyothika starrer Tamil film Perazhagan. It was the remake of Malayalam superhit Kunjikoonan. Surya played a double role in the film, one as an ugly looking youth with a hunch back and buck teeths and t he other role as a handsome, rough college student. Surya's double role was enacted by Dileep in the original.
Malavika had the luck to share screen space with legendary heroes like Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan in Chandramukhi and Vasool Raja MBBS respectively. Her item number for the hit-song 'valameenukum' in Chithiram Pesuthadi was a turnaround for her and she was flooded with offers. Her role in Thiruttu Payale as a married lady suffering in Jeevan's hands cemented her place in the industry. Her pairing opposite Jeeva as one of the heroines in Naan Avanillai also was a big success at the box office.
Malavika made a tremendous start to her movie career as a heroine opposite crowdpuller Ajith and enjoyed great success as a leading lady in initial films. She failed to repeat the magic of success after three films. Although she tried her luck in Telugu and Hindi films, she couldn't be a saleable heroine there also. The desperate actress was obliged to perform item numbers for surviving in the industry. Her cameo appearance in films kept the audience on the edge of their seats and directors mainly depended her, not as a heroine, but as an item girl.
Although Malavika has not played the heroine of many superstars, she has had glamorous cameo appearances in superhit films of heroes like Rajinikanth, Kamal Hassan, Vijay, Vijayakanth, Arjun, Surya etc. She continued her presence in the industry after her marriage with Sumesh and had more offers than any other single heroines.
Will the audience welcome Malavika's role as a heroine in Karthigai and will Samiksha fetch stardom on her second arrival? The audience expect the leading producer and director of Telugu films to extract a heart-wrenching performance from the artistes in their maiden Tamil venture.
Will Vikramaditya repeat his earlier success of Whistle and Tholaipesi in Karthigai? Cinegoers are eagerly awaiting Karthigai to watch if it is different from other films based on the frequently told stories of relationships.