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Scroll.in
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scroll.in
Start the week with a film: In ‘Moonwalk', Michael Jackson comes to Kerala
Moonwalk is the latest Malayalam film to invite you on a stroll with its characters. Vinod AK's movie has its share of energetic scenes (the theme is dancing, after all), but what lingers are the moments of camaraderie, the small touches, the observational humour. In a small town in Kerala in the 1980s, a group of teenagers falls in love – with Michael Jackson and his breakdancing. When they watch the dance troupe Zoom Boys perform at a local event, they are smitten with the fluid moves, the manner in which limbs bend at will and most of all, the moonwalking. The young men set out to become moonwalkers themselves. They grow out their hair and practise hard. Their studies suffer. Some of them have disapproving parents. At least two members of the group are older, and from a lower class and caste, which invites scorn. There is time for love too, this time of the human kind. Adoring looks and big smiles are exchanged between boys and girls who find ways to be free from social restrictions. Moonwalk was released in Kerala earlier this year and is now being streamed on JioHotstar. Written by Vinod AK, Mathew Varghese and Sunil Gopalakrishnan, the film isn't as well put together as, say, Manjummel Boys or Alappuzha Gymkhana. There's a randomness to the sequences, and an irksome habit of cutting away from the dance routines, especially in the extended climax. But Moonwalk has its modest pleasures too. The acting is as beautiful as the dancing. The film evokes nostalgia for analogue technology (cassette tapes, video cassettes, Walkmans) and 1980s fashion (mullets abound). Composer Prashant Pillai cleverly finds ways to compensate for the inability to use any of Michael Jackson's music by coming up with his own synth-heavy songs. There are cute moments at the tailor and the hairdresser, who effortlessly adapt to the new craze. The 116-minute movie doesn't try to be ground-breaking. Rather, Moonwalk is a sweet slice-of-life story about an American phenomenon entering the consciousness of a faraway place and transforming it. In paying tribute to Michael Jackson, the movie's dancers find themselves too – a point Moonwalk makes in its own minor way. Play
Mint
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
How small southern films are quietly winning without stars or hype
Even as the Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu film industries reel under a lean spell, a clutch of small- and mid-budget films, particularly from the south, has helped the business stay afloat. Trade experts say the success of movies like Tourist Family, Dragon and Alappuzha Gymkhana in Tamil and Malayalam has brought some respite, thanks to their connection with regional audiences and emotionally engaging storytelling. Despite limited marketing and relatively less familiar faces, these films have managed to draw audiences to theatres, signaling a shift in the traditionally star-driven ecosystem. What's also helping is the reasonably priced tickets in southern theatres, which encourage viewers to take chances on lesser-known titles instead of waiting for big-budget tentpoles. Tourist Family, a Tamil comedy-drama, grossed ₹72.58 crore in India against a budget of ₹16 crore. Dragon, a comedy film starring upcoming actor Pradeep Ranganathan, is one of the biggest hits in the language so far this year, with domestic earnings of over ₹120 crore on a ₹35 crore budget. Alappuzha Gymkhana, a Malayalam-language sports film with no big names, clocked ₹52.23 crore on a budget of ₹12 crore. 'Southern film industries continue to deliver content that is culturally rooted, emotionally engaging and authentic to local sensibilities. We've often seen cinema from the south offer a space where storytelling, performance and word-of-mouth can drive a film's success, regardless of scale," said Ashish Saksena, chief operating officer-cinemas, BookMyShow. This trend has also led to the rise of a fresh crop of actors like Naslen, Mamitha Baiju, Sajin Gopu, Pradeep Ranganathan, Manikandan, and Teja Sajja, who are gaining prominence this year, building on their fan following. Despite lower budgets, south Indian films follow the commercial template of dialogues, action and big-screen, cinematic sensibilities well, said Ashutosh Agarwal, owner of Star World Cinemas in Uttar Pradesh. 'Everywhere in India, people basically want to watch commercial films with songs, drama and action and the word-of-mouth will be positive even if it is a small budget film," Agarwal said. A relatively lesser-known face doesn't make a difference, he said. "Nobody in the Hindi belt knew of Prabhas before Baahubali or of Yash before KGF, and it was these films that turned them into stars. According to industry experts, the struggle for small and mid-budget films in drawing audiences is more specific to Hindi cinema due to its urban content and ticket prices. 'If your content is seen as talking down to audiences and the prices remain high, there will obviously be a disconnect," said Rahul Puri, managing director, Mukta Arts and Mukta A2 Cinemas. 'Southern cinema, on the other hand, doesn't do that."
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Thoomanju Polente': 'Bombay Positive' song feels like a warm hug with a hint of something deeper
The new video song 'Thoomanju Polente' from Bombay Positive dropped quietly this week — and somehow, that suits it. It's not loud, not flashy. But by the time it's done, you've probably played it twice. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Maybe more. Bombay Positive - Thoomanju Polente Video | Lukman Avaran, Pragya Nagra | Ranjin Raj | Vijay Yesudas Lukman and Pragya: A pair that just works There's a kind of magic when onscreen couples don't act like they're in love — they just are. and Pragya Nagra bring that kind of energy here. You don't see the lines. You just see two people... comfortable with each other. It's sweet, but not sugary. Soft, but not dull. They walk through frames like they're walking through memories. And that's rare. No forced expressions, no showy moves. It feels honest. The song? Simple. lovely. unshakeable Composer Ranjin Raj has a knack for staying out of the way and letting the feeling breathe. This one's no exception. 'Thoomanju Polente' is stitched together gently — just voice, melody, mood. and Rithika Sudheer sound like they're humming to themselves, not performing for applause. Qalb | Song - Alappuzha Mullakal The lyrics, by BK Harinarayanan, feel familiar in a comforting way. No metaphors that need decoding. Just plain truth. A special nod to Roopa Revathi's violin — it appears exactly where it needs to, no more, no less. And that restraint? That's the real strength of the track. About the film Director Jeevan Kottayi may have named the film Bombay Positive, and the title does carry warmth. But the first look and the visual tones say more. There's something layered underneath — maybe conflict, maybe quiet pain — and the music hints at it too. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With Lukman and Binu Pappu teaming up again, expectations are fair. But if this song is any clue, 'Bombay Positive' might just offer something deeper than a feel-good ride. It might offer reflection. On the other hand, Lukman was recently seen in the Naslen starrer 'Alappuzha Gymkhana' which turned out to be a superhit.
Hindustan Times
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Malayalam films from the first half of 2025 that deserve more attention
The year 2025 saw some stellar successes for Malayalam cinema with the likes of Empuraan, Thudarum, Rekhachithram and Alappuzha Gymkhana raking in good numbers at the box office. But the year also witnessed several other films that did not quite win the box office game but deserve to be watched, nevertheless. From Tovino Thomas' Identity to Basil Joseph-led Pravinkoodu Shappu, here are some of the Malayalam films from the first half of 2025 that deserves your attention (at least in the OTT space). Tovino Thomas' Identity, Basil Joseph-led Pravinkoodu Shappu Explore Malayalam cinema with OTTplay Premium - Stream Alappuzha Gymkhana, Prince and Family and all the latest releases right now! Popular actor Tovino Thomas rang in the New Year for Malayalam cinema with Identity, the first major release of 2025. A sketch artist, a cop and an eyewitness of a crime form the crux of the story as they try to trace the identity of the killer. But the narrative holds many surprises and twists along with the way that looked a tad too much by the end. But the director duo of Akhil Paul and Anas Khan should be appreciated for the technically sound film, which is powered by some slick action sequences, a thrilling car chase and sharp performances. Trisha Krishnan and Vinay Rai, who are both predominantly Tamil actors, play key roles in the film. Pravinkoodu Shappu Malayalam actor-filmmaker Basil Joseph turned a cop for Pravinkoodu Shappu. A grim toddy shop is at the centre of this film. Its owner is found dead in the middle of the shop one night, with all those present at the toddy shop becoming suspects. Watch out for how Basil Joseph's CI Santhosh cracks cases, purely based on wit and deductions without resorting to violent ways. Soubin Shahir, Chemban Vinod Jose, and Chandini Sreedharan play other key roles in the film. Daveed Malayalam actor Antony Varghese, popularly known as Pepe to his fans, stars as Aashiq Abu in Daveed. When one of his gigs as a bouncer goes wrong, Aashiq Abu finds that he has to take on an international boxing champ in the ring. The action-packed movie also gives space for Abu's family, and his lovely interactions with his daughter. Lijomol Jose and Vijayaraghavan play other key roles in Daveed, which is helmed by filmmaker Govind Vishnu. Maranamass Another Basil Joseph-starrer but the one that sees him on the other side of the law. He plays Luke PP, the Gen Z brat, who is causing quite a lot of trouble to his townspeople. So, when a serial killer is feared to be among them, they suspect Luke to be the criminal. And as fate would have it, Luke boards a bus with a serial killer, a corpse, and his former girlfriend, setting the stage for an intriguing ride. The situational comedy and the quirky characters drive this film, which deserves to be watched at least once.
Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Shine Tom Chacko opens up about Mammootty's support after his father's death: ‘He told me not to let grief consume me'
Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko was involved in a tragic road accident while travelling with his family in Salem on 6 June. The accident claimed the life of his father, CP Chacko, while Shine sustained multiple injuries. In a recent interview with Cue Studio, the actor opened up about the harrowing experience and expressed gratitude for Mammootty's unwavering support in the aftermath. Shine Tom Chacko recalls Mammootty's advice after his father's death. Shine Tom Chacko recalled how he had recently replaced his smoking habit with biscuits, even waking up in the middle of the night to ask his father for some while travelling with his family. He shared that the next thing he remembered was seeing his father after the accident — a heartbreaking moment, as his father never spoke to them again. The actor recalled how Mammootty supported him after his father's death and said, 'He didn't say much, but he said exactly what I needed to hear. He told me not to let grief consume me, to stay grounded.' He added, 'Mammukka himself was going through a difficult time but still took the effort to call. He told me he never saw me as a troublesome boy. He said you just have to change certain things. Everything will be fine. We'll change and move forward, and everything else will follow.' About the accident Shine was travelling with his father, mother, brother, and driver when their car crashed. The actor suffered multiple fractures, and his mother, brother, and driver also sustained injuries. According to a report in Manorama, the crash took place near Palakottai, close to Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu. Despite being taken to hospital, CP Chacko succumbed to his injuries. Shine Tom Chacko's recent and upcoming films The actor was last seen in the Malayalam sports film Alappuzha Gymkhana, directed and produced by Khalid Rahman. He will next be seen in the film Soothravakyam. Helmed by Eugien Kos Chirammel, the film has been postponed to 11 July. Taking to Instagram, the film's producer, Srikanth Kandragula, posted a statement that read: 'Dear Film Lovers, Due to certain technical reasons, the release date of our upcoming film 'Soothravakyam' has been rescheduled. The movie will now hit theatres worldwide on July 11.'
