Latest news with #Bramayugam
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Box office flops, unforgettable characters: When characters won, but the films didn't
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Ever been in a condition where you really loved a movie character, but not the movie? Then we are on the same line here. Especially in Malayalam cinema, there have been several impressive characters that still rule social media, but the films actually failed to impress the audiences. Performances outshine the film Some directors care a lot for their characters in the movie, even more than the actual script. In some ways, there is a rule that the audience should be able to connect to the character, and then only the script will work, as the viewers will be emotionally invested in a particular character or a group of characters. But this can go wrong in many ways, as even if the character seems to be interesting, the script fails to impress. Take, for example, Suraj Venjaramoodu's character Dasamoolam Daamu from Mammootty's 'Chattambinaadu'. All thanks to Suraj's stunning performance, Dasamoolam Daamu still rules social media in memes, trolls, and others. Coming to the film 'Chattambi Naadu', did it work well? A strong 'NO' would be the answer. (Picture Courtesy: Facebook) 'Sometimes, even a full-length character goes unnoticed' - Actress Amalda Liz Bramayugam - Official Trailer In an exclusive interview with ETimes, the actress Amalda Liz opened up about the same topic. Speaking about her Yakshi role in Mammootty's 'Bramayugam', she says, 'The desire to portray a 'Yakshi' role has always been within me, so when Rahul Sadasivan, the director, reached out, we immediately bonded over this particular character. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo We delved into character sketches and other preparatory measures that aided me in shaping my role. Subsequently, we conducted numerous look tests and trial shoots. Additionally, I had already envisioned the character's essence in post-production, which further facilitated my preparation process.' Amalda further said, 'Watching 'Bramayugam' made it clear to me that it's undoubtedly a classic in the horror genre of Malayalam cinema. Also, sometimes, even with a full-length character, it can go unnoticed, but this kind of response to my short-length character was unexpected.' Meanwhile, 'Bramayugam' is a classic example of how characters and story also go hand in hand and impress the audience. Even Amalda Liz's brief Yakshi character stays with you for long after the end credits roll. 'Playing a character from Vaikom Muhammad Basheer's story really excited me' - Pooja Mohanraj Aashiq Abu's 'Neelavelicham', which is a remake of the Prem Nazir starrer by the same name, unfortunately flopped at the box office. While the original film has several memorable characters, why did the remake, which was filled with the same characters, failed to impress? Here, the issue was with the storyline and execution, for sure. 'Neelavelicham's story would have been definitely impressive decades back, but now? No. In an exclusive interview with ETimes, the actress Pooja Mohanraj who played the role of Latha in 'Neelavelicham' said, 'When I got roped in for the role of Bhargavi's friend character Latha, people were asking me two extreme things. One section among them was actually afraid of whether the remake of such a classic film 'Bhargavi Nilayam' would work well and another section said to me that this film is going to be a magnificent one. Playing a character from Vaikom Muhammad Basheer's story really excited me.' In short, there are several examples ranging from Mohanlal's character Mathew Manjooran in B Unnikrishnan's 'Villain' to Mammootty's Bilal John Kurishingal ('Big B' reportedly didn't do well at the box office). Suvh movies may have flopped, but their characters shine.
Pink Villa
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Nikita Roy Review: Sonakshi Sinha's battle against superstition in this psycho-thriller falls flat, fades fast
Name: Nikita Roy Director: Kush Sinha Cast: Sonakshi Sinha, Paresh Rawal, Suhail Nayyar Writers: Belal Khalique, Pavan Kirpalani, Neel Mohanty Rating: 2/5 Plot Set against the backdrop of London, Nikita Roy (Sonakshi Sinha) is on a mission to solve the murder of her brother, Sanal Roy (Arjun Rampal). The siblings are part of a community committed to debunking superstitious beliefs and dismantling the lucrative businesses that thrive on them. Their investigation directs them straight to the powerful godman Amar Dev (Paresh Rawal). Unfortunately, they're completely on their own in this battle. The story hinges on whether Nikita can peel off the godman's carefully constructed mask. What Works What works for Nikita Roy is that it doesn't fall into the preachy or melodramatic tone. A few eerie scenes, enhanced by a chilling background score, manage to deliver goosebumps. The editing is crisp, and the real drama kicks in post-interval, so hang tight through the first half's slow build-up. What Doesn't The film begins like a whodunnit, then tries to convince you it's a horror, only to pivot into thriller territory - yes, it's as confusing as it sounds. There are definite echoes of Saurabh Shukla 's storyline from PK. Setting the supernatural drama in London doesn't quite land either. The Indian audience is more likely to associate superstition with rustic villages tucked away in coastal or desert regions. With masterpieces like Bramayugam and Tumbbad raising the bar for thrillers, Nikita Roy feels out of place. If the comparisons seem off, it's because the storyline is, too. Performances Given the right push, Sonakshi Sinha can really bring her A-game, she's proven that in Lootera and Dahaad. Here, as Nikita Roy, she's okay-ish. I kept waiting for that raw, unfiltered breakdown, some moment of explosive grief or rage, but it was all too muted for the situation. Suhail Nayyar as Jolly, a social media star and hopelessly in love with Nikita is... perplexing. It's unclear whether his irritating British accent was intentional, but it annoys after a point. I lost count of how many times he said "alright" in that exaggerated tone. Paresh Rawal is a legendary actor, an undeniable asset to Indian cinema, but Nikita Roy won't be the film remembered for showcasing his talent. A crossover conversation between Amar Dev and Kaanji Bhai from Oh My God in some alternate universe would be far more entertaining and would definitely burn through more popcorn. Arjun Rampal's special appearance as Sanal Roy is visually pleasing (if nothing else), and a shoutout to Kalliroi Tziafeta (Freya), who proves her mettle with just a few minutes of screen time. Final Verdict With a tighter, more cohesive script, Nikita Roy could've done justice to Kush Sinha's direction. Watch it only if you're a die-hard Sonakshi Sinha fan. Otherwise, a one-time watch would do you no harm.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Dies Irae' poster sparks cult and Illuminati theories: Pranav Mohanlal's horror film creates online buzz— Read more.
On Pranav Mohanlal 's birthday, the makers of his upcoming horror film 'Dies Irae' released a mysterious poster that quickly went viral. The dark visuals and hidden symbols in the poster sparked online discussions among fans. Release of a new poster for the upcoming film On 13th July 2025, Malayalam actor Pranav Mohanlal celebrated his birthday with a major announcement, the midnight release of a new poster for his upcoming horror film, 'Dies Irae.' The film's team chose this specific occasion to generate buzz, and it certainly worked. The poster immediately caught attention online for its intense and mysterious look, and it is creating speculation and theories across social media platforms. About the poster The poster is designed with a deep red color tone, creating a dark, haunting atmosphere. At the center, Pranav is seen with a rugged and intense look, and behind him, there's a striking goat-like figure with glowing red eyes. Fans also noticed that the poster features three pairs of legs on the floor, hinting at the possibility of victims or ritualistic elements in the film. Soon after the poster's release, discussions on social media began surfacing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo Some users speculated that Pranav's character might be a cult member, possibly one who seduces and sacrifices women, pointing out that two other women seem to be lying unconscious or dead behind him. Others focused on the goat figure, linking it to Illuminati or occult symbolism. Some interpreted it as a metaphor for sin, darkness, or even ancient evil, showing how the poster had opened the door to many possible storylines and hidden meanings. Buzz around the film The buzz around 'Dies Irae' grew not just because of the visuals, but also due to the director involved—Rahul Sadasivan, known for well-received Malayalam horror films like 'Bhoothakaalam' and 'Bramayugam.' People also recalled Vineeth Sreenivasan's earlier comment that although Pranav Mohanlal may not be a conventionally strong actor, he fits best in dark and intense roles. The film is scheduled to release on 31st October 2025, which is Halloween, a fitting date for a horror movie.
New Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Pranav Mohanlal's 'Dies Irae' poster ignites online buzz with cult and illuminati theories
On the occasion of Pranav Mohanlal's birthday, 13 July 2025, the makers of his upcoming Malayalam horror film Dies Irae unveiled a striking new poster, instantly setting social media abuzz. Featuring Pranav in a rugged, intense avatar, the red-tinted poster has prompted fans and netizens to put on their detective hats, offering wild and intriguing theories ranging from 'cult member' speculation to 'Illuminati' references. Dies Irae, helmed by acclaimed horror filmmaker Rahul Sadasivan known for Bhoothakaalam and Bramayugam stars Pranav in the lead. The new poster, which dropped at midnight, shows three mysterious pairs of legs in the background, leading several fans to suggest that Pranav's character may be involved in sinister rituals. 'Is he some sort of cult member sacrificing women he seduces??? You can see two other women on the floor. Damn interesting, Rahul Sadasivan so no doubts on the quality,' read one Reddit comment that has since gained traction.
Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Malayalam cinema's most beloved ‘yakshi', who also shared screen with Mammootty and Prithviraj, took her own life at 22; was in Class 8 when she debuted
The Malayalam film industry loves to make horror movies. Well, to be precise, it loves to make movies featuring yakshis (ghosts of deceased women). Until recently, when it began exploring the horror genre more inventively with films like Bhoothakaalam (2022) and Bramayugam (2024), yakshis were the go-to trope Malayalam filmmakers relied on to induce fear in audiences. Despite such stories often hitting the screens, a few movies remain particularly beloved to Malayalees, one among which is director Vinayan's Aakasha Ganga (1999). Not because it was a path-breaking horror film, but because it used an already hackneyed trope well and delivered genuine chills, the movie remains a fan favourite. And the thanks here is due to actor Mayoori, who played Ganga — a dasi (servant) girl murdered by the patriarch of a royal household over her romantic relationship with his son and who returns as a yakshi to avenge her death by eliminating all the men in the family. Although actor Divya Unni played the woman who becomes possessed by Ganga's spirit, effectively becoming the face of the ghost for most part in the movie, the real Ganga appears on screen often, etching Mayoori's image in the hearts of audiences forever. Nonetheless, Aakasha Ganga was not the only film that brought Mayoori recognition. In fact, she impressed audiences in nearly every movie she appeared in, no matter how big or small her role. That's why Mayoori is still remembered even 20 years after she took her own life at the age of just 22. Born in Kolkata in 1983 to a Tamil couple, Mayoori (née Shalini) made her film debut while she was in Class 8. She landed the female lead role in her first film, director Keyaar's Kumbakonam Gopalu, opposite Pandiarajan. Despite being just a teenager, her mature performance as a nurse and her striking beauty impressed audiences and opened a flood of opportunities. The same year, she made her Malayalam debut as one of the five central female characters in Sibi Malayil's blockbuster romantic comedy Summer in Bethlehem (1998), starring Suresh Gopi, Manju Warrier and Jayaram, with Mohanlal in a striking cameo. Despite the film's many key characters, Mayoori effortlessly left a lasting impression, which led to more Malayalam offers. Over the next two years, she worked exclusively in Malayalam, appearing in several major films. Besides Aakasha Ganga and Bharya Veettil Paramasukham (1999), she acted opposite then-heartthrob Kunchacko Boban in Chandamama (1999) and Prem Poojari (1999). Though she wasn't the female lead in either, her performances as Annie and Chanchal, respectively, were widely noticed, thanks in large part to her expressive face and starry eyes. In legendary filmmaker AK Lohithadas' hard-hitting family drama Arayannangalude Veedu (2000), she played Ragini, with whom Mammootty's character Raveendranath was in love in his youth. Unlike her earlier characters, Ragini was far more emotionally demanding and layered. As with most Lohithadas creations, the role required the actor to tap into deep emotions, and Mayoori did so brilliantly, underscoring that she couldn't be confined to any single type. Though she later appeared in Summer Palace (2000) and Chethaaram (2001), those films did not earn her the same recognition. She then worked in the Kannada film Neela (2001) in a small role before shifting focus to Tamil, where she had a key part in Whistle (2003). In Selvaraghavan's 7G Rainbow Colony (2004), she made a special appearance in the song 'Naam Vayathukku Vandhom'. Subsequently, she acted in Silambarasan TR's Manmadhan (2004) and Sarathkumar's Aai (2004), but neither film truly explored her potential. That same year, she played a significant role in the Kannada film Sarvabhouma (2004), appearing alongside superstar Shivarajkumar. Portraying the wife of one of his two characters, she delivered a solid performance in both the younger and elderly getups. In 2005, she appeared in a small role in KV Anand's Tamil film Kana Kandaen, sharing the screen with Prithviraj Sukumaran, which unfortunately became her final screen appearance. Soon after the film's release, she was found hanging in her Anna Nagar residence on June 16, 2005, ending her life at just 22. Though the exact reason behind her decision is still not known, there were reports that she struggled with depression, allegedly linked to a rumoured stomach cancer diagnosis. However, no family member ever confirmed this. 'No one has any role in my death. I am leaving because I have lost hope in life,' she reportedly wrote in a letter to her brother abroad, according to Manorama Online. A sensitive child who entered the world of cinema as a teenager, it was also rumoured that the dark realities of the film industry took a toll on her mental health. Many colleagues recalled seeing her after shoots, sitting in her room playing with dolls, underscoring that she was still a kid at heart. Reports also suggest that on numerous occasions, Mayoori faced the heartbreak of being promised a role only to find out later that someone else had been cast in her place. This, too, is believed to have caused her deep distress. But the true reason remains a mystery to this day. Actor Sangeetha Krish, who shared the screen with Mayoori in Summer in Bethlehem, once told Kerala Kaumudi Weekly, 'Mayoori was three years younger to me and was a foolish one. Only after asking me, she used to even tie her hair. Once the shooting is over, she will be with her toys in her room. She later died by suicide. Personal and film lives are entirely different. One needs to be flexible to carry the two together.' Though she worked in cinema for just seven years, Mayoori remains an unforgettable presence for audiences, especially Malayalees. Whenever we hear songs like 'Puthu mazhayayi vannu nee', 'Confusion Theerkaname', 'Devaragame Mele', or 'Manassin Manichimizhil', her breathtaking face comes flooding back to our minds. Thanks to her exceptional talent, that face will never fade.
