A parade for release dates

As the strikes are almost over, Mollywood is suddenly left with a multitude of films, getting ready to take a go in the theatres within a few weeks. 'Oru Marubhoomi Kadha' (Mohanlal-Bhavana) 'Venicele Vyapari' (Mammootty-Kavya Madhavan) , 'Beautiful' (Jayasurya-Meghnaraj), 'Asuravithu' (Asif Ali-Samvrutha Sunil) ,'Innanu Aa Kalyanam' (Rajasenan) are movies that will be on theaters in a short while.

The producers who had been waiting with these films in their cans for quite some time has already been inflicted by some losses due to inability to go for a right release at the right dates. Movies like 'Oru Marubhoomikkadha' and 'Venicile Vyapari' has already spent lakhs on their pre-publicity which has already went in vain. Now that if they won't propel a different looking campaign at the time of the release, moviegoers are not likely to get the feel of a fresh release.

Anyhow, the balance sheet of the strike will include the constituting of a Joint Consultation Committee (JCC) with members from the FEFKA, AMMA and KFPA which will meet every fortnight. JCC will conduct a pre-analysis of the commercial viability of a movie, to help the producers who are not familiar with production and distribution aspects.
  
The other important outcome is the shifting of the release of the superstar films originally slated for Bakrid, which is likely to upset the release of many more in the future including the big budget flicks 'Casanova' and 'King and commissioner'. Reports are that they will be pushed to January or even March of 2012.

Rasul to unite Mammootty and Big B

One of the best known technicians of Indian cinema, Resul Pookutty, had always expressed his interest in directing films. In fact he had one project going five years ago which got shelved due to financial reasons. Resul was then planning to make a movie out of the famous novel by Anand- ' Govardhan's Travels' with Mammootty as the hero. It was then planned in three languages, but the last minute crisis led the master technician to concentrate back on his sound engineering business.

But now Resul is taking more active steps to realise his dream. This time he will be bringing in Megastar Mammootty and none other than 'Big B'- Amitabh Batchchan for the first time together for his movie. The flick will tell the emotional story about a father -son relationship and will use the best of the technicians from Bollywood. As there are many more international projects coming his way, Resul will start working on his debut directorial venture only after completing his current assignments.

Mammootty to be 'Kallakaamukan'

• Mammootty, and his romantic hero image in Joshy's 'Kuettettan' cannot be forgotten in a hurry.
  
  Now, years after 'Kuttettan', the Megastar gets ready to play a romantic hero of a different kind in Johny Antony's new film that has been titled 'Kallakaamukan'.
  
  Udaykrishna and Siby K Thomas would pen the script of 'Kallakaamukan'. The film would be produced by Milan Jaleel.
  
  Johny is currently busy shooting for the Prithviraj film 'Masters'. The shoot of 'Kallakaamukan' would start by mid 2012.

Release of Mammootty and Mohanlal films delayed by a month!

The strike that had brought the entire Malayalam film industry to a standstill is finally drawing to a close.

However, two films - that of Mammootty and Mohanlal - that were expected to be released in November, have been postponed to December, following the strike.

Mammootty's 'Venicile Vyapari' and Mohanlal's 'Arabiyum Ottakavum P Madhavan Nairum' were to reach the theatres by mid November.

However, both these films have been declared as Christmas releases now. 'Arabiyum Ottakavum P Madhavan Nairum' will be released a week before Christmas, while 'Venicile Vyapari' would be released on Dec.23.

Kaniha to be Mammootty's heroine again

• Lal directed Mammootty film 'Cobra' has remained in the news for several reasons, and one of them has been the film's heroines.
  
  At first it was reported that Padmapriya has been cast opposite Lal and that Lekshmi Rai would be Mammootty's pair in the film.
  
  Later Lekshmi Rai was out of the picture, and Sruthi Ramakrishnan, was rumoured to have been roped in instead of Lekshmi.
  
  And now, Lekshmi Rai is back in the film, and would be Lal's heroine. Sruthi Ramakrishnan is not a part of the project, and Kaniha would be seen opposite Mammootty in the film.
  
  Kaniha and Mammootty were seen together earlier in films like 'Pazhassi Raja' and 'Drona 2010'.

I am not a real superstar

Megastar Mammooty has requested all his fans to stop referring  him as a superstar. Mammootty believes that the word, as of now, has turned a little bit offensive, as many accusations are now inflicted upon the superstars. Megastar Mammooty was answering the actor Tini Tom as he referred Mammooty to be the only real superstar of Malayalam film industry.

In the new scenario,superstars seem to be the cause of all the problems in our industry. They are now blamed for dominating the industry, not allowing younger stars to come up. They are also accused for running after younger heroines on screens, who are half of their age. And so Mammootty like himself to be called as an actor, rather than an superstar.

Mammootty is currently in the sets of 'The king and the Commissioner' at Hyderabad, in which he will be sharing the screens with Sureshgopi after a long time.

Mammootty and Kamal Hassan with Mohanlal in 'Randamoozham'

Hariharan's 'Randamoozham' might be one of the biggest of multi starrers ever produced. 

If rumours are to be believed, along with Mohanlal who would be seen in the key role of Bheeman, Mammootty and Kamal Hassan might also be making special appearances in the film.

Mammootty in all probability would don the role of Karnan, while Kamal might appear in the role of Duryodhan.

The film that is based on a script by M T Vasudevan Nair, would be produced by Gokulam Gopalan.

Film industry strike might be called off soon

• The film industry strike that has almost brought the entire cinema business in the state to a stand still might very well be soon called off.
  
  The Exhibitors Association has agreed to release films from the 25th of this month, if producers agree not to wide release their films.
  
  Liberty Basheer, the President of the Exhibitors' Association says that the want a film to be released only in seventy centers. 
  
  The Producers' Associatio meanwhile had decided to restart the shooting of the films that have been stalled due to the strike.

Malayalam movie industry in throes of crisis

Constant tiffs among film organisations and escalating costs have led to a crisis in the Malayalam movie industry, known for classics like "Perumthachan" and "Ajayan" and stalwarts such as Mammootty and Mohanlal.

The industry can boast of making the first 3D film in India, "My Dear Kuttichathan", and the first cinemascope film in southern India titled "Thacholi Ambu". But after scaling great heights in the 1980s and 1990s, it is now going downhill.

In one sentence, if one has to describe the present status of the Malayalam film industry, the answer is "chaotic".

At the heart of this downfall are strikes and conflicts -- for the past four days shootings have come to a grinding halt. The Kerala Film Producers Association has decided to suspend work after its pleas to reduce cost of production fell on deaf ears.

Suresh Kumar, a veteran producer, who has been in this business for the past three decades, said they have no other option because if the industry has to survive, then costs have to be slashed.

"How many of you know that in this calendar year, out of 70 films that have been released, six ended up in the red, and 30 films have had a collection of less than Rs.1 million? This is the sorry state of affairs of producers," said Kumar.

In 1990, there were 1,400 theatres in the state, but today just 470 cinema halls are operational.

Theatre owners are divided into two groups - Film Exhibitors Federation and the Film Exhibitors Association.

The Federation represents about 295 theatres, located in 70 business districts, and these screen all new movies.

The Association basically has theatre owners who have moviehalls in smaller towns and villages which are not allowed to screen new releases and where there is not too much crowd.

From Nov 1, the theatre owners, who are members of the Federation, have been on the war path after the state government threatened to cancel the service charge of Rs.2 on per ticket sold.

Because of this, the Federation is not screening any Malayalam movie, as a result superstars Mammootty's and Mohanlal's new films, which were supposed to come out last month, have been deferred indefinitely.

The situation worsened after the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), which has 19 organisations under it, including those for drivers and directors, announced they would have to produce films themselves to get rid of the problem.

"We would welcome directors turning producers because it would make them understand the pains of a producer. The crux of the issue is that many established directors prefer to work with first-time producers because then no questions are asked and the new producers act as mere 'cashiers'," said a producer on condition of anonymity.

"I am a producer and I have been in this field for a while and as a producer I question each and every financial transaction."

Incidentally, the industry showed a consensus only when the new Oommen Chandy government assumed office in May and decided to give the film portfolio to actor-turned-politician K.B. Ganesh Kumar.

But Kumar is finding the constant squabbles and ego clashes tiresome.

"We will certainly have a discussion to see how production costs can be cut down and for this I will meet up with the Producers' Association and representatives of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists," said the minister.

He has also made it clear that there would be no discussions with theatre owners till they resume film screening.

But theatre owners, who are members of the Federation, are not happy with the minister's decision to charge an additional Rs.3 on every ticket sold to set up a producers' welfare fund.

"He said if this is not done, he will withdraw the Rs.2 service charge that the theatre owners charge on every ticket. We said it would be unfair to burden us and then face the wrath of moviegoers because the price of the ticket would further go up. If we are pressurised, then we would have no other option but to close down theatres," said a theatre owner on condition of anonymity.

Theatres under the Federation will decide whether to go on indefinite strike at a meeting Nov 19.

A R Rahman to compose the music of 'Randamoozham'

Hariharan's magnum opus in the making 'Randamoozham' has hogged all the news headlines of late.

It has been revealed that the film would be the costliest film ever in the history of Malayalam cinema, and would have the best technicians lending support.

And what more could we ask for when the music of the film would be composed by none other than Oscar winner A R Rahman?

With Rahman joining the crew of 'Randamoozham', the anticipations surround the film have gone up even further. Shoot of the film is expected to start by mid 2012.

'Cobra' starts at Chalakkudy

• Mammootty's new film 'Cobra' that would be directed by Lal has commenced its shoot at Chalakkudy.
  
  Though the shoot has started yesterday, Mammootty would be joining the sets of 'Cobra' only after completing 'The King and the Commissioner'.
  
  Lal would also be seen in a parallel role along with Mammootty in the film. Maniyanpillai Raju, Lalu Alex, Salim Kumar and Kunchan would offer support. 
  
  Padmapriya and Sruthi Ramakrishnan would be the heroines.
  
  Lal hopes to regain his box office success record that was tarnished by his last film 'Tournament', with 'Cobra'.

Mammookka, back with student scholarships

Megastar Mammootty is one actor who is ever busy organising charity activities for the people who really wants a support. His 'Care and Share foundation' has in the past organised many such initiatives, helping a lot in distress. Last day, the megastar was seen at Karunyashramam at Thoppe near Kakkanad, offering a scholarship to the nursing student Mamtha, who lives in the poor home. This was the state wide inauguration of Care and Share's 'Vidhyamritham' project aiming to help the students from poorer backgrounds with merit scholarships so that they can achieve heights in academics.

'Vidharymritham' project is devised to help the students who pass plus two with high marks enabling themselves to join the professional courses in merit seats. Every student who has already applied for the scholarship has been considered for the year's economic support. The scholarship amount for others will be delivered in their houses in a short while.

In a very unofficial function that followed, Mammootty himself described the details about the project. He also spent quite some time with the inmates of the 'Karunyasramam'. Care and Share vice chairman Geevarghese Yohannan, Fr. Thomas Kurien marottipuzha, Robert kuriakkose, George Sebastian, and M G M.

Lal and Mammootty for 'Randaamoozham'

The script for the  biggest movie ever to hit the Mollywood screen is almost ready . Yes' the wait for the completion of the scripts of 'Randaamozham' is over as the best screenwriter of our times , M T Vasudevan Nair is giving the final touches to the scripts. And the buzz is that the makers has zeroed in the most versatile actor of our times, Mohanlal to do the lead character of Bheeman, who is always poised to play the second hero in his entire life.
                 
Know who will be appearing in the role of his big opponent Duryodhana?.Yes, in  the biggest casting coup ever, Malayalees personal pride Mammootty will appear as in the role of Duryodhana in the movie which will be produced by Gokulam Gopalan.The movie will be biggest ever production in terms of budgets and technical finesse, for which the makers will engage the best from Indian and  Hollywood. Veteran director Hariharan, who is well versed in treating historical movies will call the shots for the magnum opus film which will start its initial production activities in 2012.
                
We are sure that this news will be stunner for all the proud lovers of  Mollywood who will start eagerly waiting from now on  for that 'Gadha yudhham' between Bheema and Duryodhaha (lal and Mammootty), which will be undoubtedly one of the best climax thrills of the movie.

The king at Delhi

The shoot for the new movie 'The king and the Commissioner' has restarted at Delhi.Featuring Mammootty and Sureshgopi in the title roles, the movie will complete most of the sequences except the climax at Delhi. This second schedule of shoots will go on till the 10th of November, after which director Shaji kailas will plan the climax.Produced by Anto Joseph in the banner of Emperor cinema, 'The king and the commissioner' is all set to become the final big release of the year , greeting the viewers this Christmas.

Megastar MammootT who is currently shooting for the movie at the capital city  found time to pay a visit to the Union Defence minister A K Antony.The meeting between the two most eminent of the  malayalees went on for twenty minutes. Mammootty also invited the minister  for his son's marriage that is scheduled for the last week of December.

Inspire award for Mammootty and Navya

Mammootty was named the bets actor in the second Inspire Award announced yesterday. While his 'Pranchiyettan and the Saint' was selected as the best picture of 2010, Navya Nairbagged the award for the best actress for he performance in the movie 'Sadgamaya' and 'Yugapurushan'.While Harikumar was selected as the best director for 'Sadgamaya',  Late Mohan Raghavan was named the best debutante director for his 'T D Dasan, Std VI B.The other awards announced are listed below Best Script writer: Ranjith (Prachiyettan And The Saint),Second Best Actor: Biju Menon (Meriykkundoru Kunjaadu),Second Best Actress: Shwetha Menon (TD Dasan STD 6 B),Best Comedian: Suraj Venjarummoodu (Various Films),Popular Director: Lal Jose,Popular Film: Elsamma Enna Aankutty,Film with Social Awareness: Soofi Paranja Kadha,Best Lyricist: Rafeeq Ahammed,Best Musician: Berny- Ignatious (Meriykkundoru Kunjaadu),Best Male Singer: Afsal (Kaaryasthan),Best Female Singer: Manjari (Various Films),Best Cinematographer: Pradeep Nair (Cocktail),Best Editor: Mahesh Narayan (Aatmakadha),Special Jury Award: Thalaivasal Vijay,Best Make Up man: Pattanam Rasheed (Kuttysrank),Best Costume Designer: Saji Kunnamkulam (Elsamma Enna Aankutty),Best Art Director: K Krishnankutty (Yugapurushan),Production Controller: Shaji Pattikkara,Best Film Journalist: M S Das Maattumantha,Best Film based TV Programme: Movie Bazar (Amrita TV) Nivin Pauly and Akhila Sasidharan got award for Best debutante artists   The awards will be given away in a colourful function that will be held at Kaloor stadium on the 5th of November.

Padmapriya in 'kobra'

After a few years from their last hit together, Padmapriya will one again unite with Mammootty for a the new movie. The latest reports suggests that Padmapriya will play the female lead together with Lekshmy Rai for the new movie 'Kobara' which will have Lal and Mammootty doing the heroes. Directed and produced by Lal, 'Kobra will have Mammootty as Raja while Lal will appear as kari and the movie will tell the intense bonding between there two.  A comedy action thriller in the scripts of Lal, 'Kobara' will be jointly produced by Playhouse and Lal movies.

Rafi and Mecartin get a script ready for Sunil Babu

• Directors Rafi and Mecartin, whose last film with Mammootty 'Love in Singapore' had earned much flak, would soon be scripting another film for the Megastar.
  
  This film too would have the trademark Rafi Mecartin comic stamp all over it.
  
  It would be directed by newcomer Sunil Babu. This film is expected to be one of Mammootty's major projects in 2012.
  
  The film would be produced by Rajan Thaliparambu under the banner of Horizon Entertainment.

Mammootty-Shaji Kailas- A K Saajan to team up

Though their last two films, 'Drona' and 'August15 ended up as big disasters,Megastar  Mammootty still  seems to love the company of director Shaji Kailas. Both of them are currently shooting for their latest multistarrer 'The King and the commissioner ' at Delhi.

Anyhow, the latest reports are that 2012 will feature one more film of Mammootty with Shaji Kailas, this time in the scripts of A K Saajan. This project is expected to be funded by actor Vijayakumar.A K Saajan who is currently completing his third film as director- 'Asuravithu' with Aasif Ali as the hero will soon start writing for this new movie.

Meanwhile, the initials suggestions are that the scripts of  ' The King and the Commissioner' holds enough mettle to create a fair success at the B O. Let us wait and see whether the movie will end the loosing streak of its lead actor and director.