Latest news with #CinemaBandi
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Rag Mayur, the accidental actor
Tell us how it all began. I started with theatre while juggling multiple roles — writing, directing, and even working as a film critic for six to seven years. I had all this energy and love for cinema but didn't know how to channel it. I was also working an IT job at the time. In 2016, I made a short film titled Rama Kanavemira, which unexpectedly went viral with over two million views. That gave me the clarity that acting was where I truly belonged. I stopped writing, focused on acting, joined theatre workshops, and began auditioning for films like Mahanati and Dear Comrade — wherever I saw potential in the directors. Then came Cinema Bandi. I first acted in the demo version, but usually, demo actors don't make it to the final film. Thankfully, Raj & DK insisted we continue and that became my first major break. The response was overwhelming. We got messages from Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka... we had to use Google Translate to read the reviews! It finally felt like I had arrived. You've often mentioned Tharun Bhascker as a dream collaborator in your earlier interviews. What was that experience like? None of my interviews are complete without mentioning Tharun Bhascker, and rightly so. Cinema Bandi brought a niche following, but Keedaa Cola made me recognisable even among auto drivers and cabbies. After Cinema Bandi, Tharun messaged me on Instagram and that alone felt surreal. I had auditioned for Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi and was rejected, but five years later, I got Keedaa Cola. He's incredibly humble, encouraging, and believes in creative freedom. After two ad films, he called me in for Keedaa Cola, and that became one of my most cherished projects.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
‘Yatra Naryastu' from ‘Paradha' gets released, creates buzz
Director Praveen Kandregula, who made a mark with Cinema Bandi, is returning with an emotionally intense and culturally rooted film titled Paradha. Produced by the acclaimed duo Raj and DK—best known for The Family Man—the film is jointly backed by Vijay Donkada, Sreenivasulu PV, and Sridhar Makkuva under the Ananda Media banner. Starring Anupama Parameswaran in a powerful lead role, Paradha also features Darshana Rajendran, Sangitha, and Rag Mayur in significant parts. The film is slated for a theatrical release on August 22. To mark the announcement, the makers unveiled the film's first single, Yatra Naryastu. Composed by Gopi Sundar, the track is a tribute to the resilience and divinity of women. Vanamali's meaningful lyrics combined with Anurag Kulkarni's stirring vocals create an emotionally charged and spiritually rich experience. The visuals accompanying the song are poignant — featuring Anupama in a white saree, exuding grief and strength as she undergoes a painful village tradition, while her family mourns silently. The scenes reflect the emotional and societal challenges faced by women in rural communities. The film's poster, featuring Anupama draped in a traditional saree with a goddess idol in the backdrop, hints at the film's spiritual undertone and female-led narrative. The promotional content so far has been met with an enthusiastic response. Paradha promises a blend of cultural authenticity, emotional depth, and a strong message on women's empowerment. The cinematography is handled by Mridul Sujit Sen, with editing by Dharmendra Kakarala. Expectations are high as Praveen Kandregula collaborates with Raj and DK for a story rooted in tradition yet relevant to contemporary conversations.
The Wire
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Wire
Soothravakyam Continues to Captivate Audiences in Second Week, Set for Australia Release on July 17, 2025
Kochi, July 16, 2025 – Cinema Bandi's Soothravakyam, a heartwarming Malayalam drama-thriller, has triumphantly entered its second week in theaters, continuing to win hearts with its compelling narrative and unexpected twists. The film, which premiered globally on July 11, 2025, across 14 countries, is now gearing up for its much-anticipated release in Australia on July 17, 2025, bringing the movie to an even wider audience. Distributed by Zineeverse Motion Pictures Pvt. Ltd., this debut feature by director Eugien Jos Chirammel has struck a chord with viewers worldwide, earning praise for its emotional depth, great performances and storytelling. The film's gripping plot, centered around Christo Xavier (Shine Tom Chacko), a police officer who doubles as a mathematics tutor for local students, has been lauded for its fresh take on human relationships and community dynamics. Audiences have been particularly taken by the film's unpredictable twists, which have left theatergoers both surprised and deeply moved. 'I didn't see that coming,' shared one viewer on social media, echoing the sentiment of many who have been captivated by the film's ability to blend light-hearted moments with intense, thought-provoking drama. The narrative's shift from a heartwarming premise to a darker, more complex exploration of trust, friendship, and resilience has kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Shine Tom Chacko's portrayal of Christo Xavier has been a standout, with critics showering praise on his nuanced performance. His ability to embody both the warmth of a mentor and the authority of a police officer has been described as 'a masterclass in versatility' by reviewers. One critic noted, 'Chacko brings a rare authenticity to Christo, making him both relatable and inspiring.' His performance has been a key factor in the film's emotional resonance, drawing viewers into the story of a man who defies stereotypes about law enforcement by fostering hope and education in his community. The ensemble cast, including Vincy Aloshious, Deepak Parambol, Binoj Villya, Meenakshi Madhavi, Nazeef, Anagha, and Divya M. Nair, has also received widespread acclaim for their touching performances. Vincy Aloshious, as Nimisha, a schoolteacher navigating her own challenges, delivers a heartfelt portrayal that complements Chacko's intensity. Deepak Parambol's complex role as Vivek has been described as 'gut-wrenching,' adding depth to the film's exploration of family dynamics. One of the film's most celebrated aspects is its depiction of a police officer running free tuition classes at a police station, a concept that has resonated deeply with audiences. This unique narrative thread, which challenges conventional perceptions of law enforcement, has been praised for its originality. Viewers have expressed admiration for how the film portrays police officers as allies who uplift their communities, with one audience member stating, 'The respect between Christo and his students is so beautifully shown—it's a story we don't often see.' Internationally, Soothravakyam has garnered a warm response, with audiences in the Gulf region and beyond embracing its universal themes of compassion and unity. The film's vibrant cinematography by Sreeram Chandrasekharan, capturing Kerala's lush landscapes, and its soulful soundtrack by Jean P Johnson, and team, with lyrics by Manu Manjith, have further enhanced its global appeal. Producer Srikanth Kandragula, who also plays a pivotal role as police in the film, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support. 'Soothravakyam is a story that reflects the strength of community and the power of human connection. I'm thrilled that it has reached all sections of society, and I want to thank the Malayali audience for their unwavering support and for appreciating good cinema,' he said. Srikanth's dual role as producer and actor underscores his commitment to the project. The background score has been hailed as a unique element that elevates the viewing experience. Zineeverse Motion Pictures, the film's distributor, shared their pride in the film's global success. 'We are immensely proud to bring Soothravakyam to audiences in 15 countries, including its upcoming release in Australia. This film is a testament to the power of storytelling that transcends borders, and we are honored to be its distributors,' said a Zineeverse spokesperson. Their collaboration with Century Cinemas, Lifeline Films, 2G Entertainment, and Pharas Filmco Motion Pictures has ensured the film's reach across diverse markets, making it a significant milestone for Malayalam cinema. As Soothravakyam continues its theatrical run and prepares for its Australian release, it remains a celebration of hope, resilience, and the beauty of human relationships. The film's ability to weave values, sentiment and suspense into a nostalgic narrative has made it a must-watch, proving that stories rooted in the everyday can have a profound impact. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI
New Indian Express
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Uppu Kappurambu Movie Review: A rollicking, light-footed satire with oodles of cinematic energy
Uppu Kappurambu Movie Review: When we first meet Apoorva (Keerthy Suresh) in Uppu Kappurambu, she is sobbing like a baby. This is not how any sane grown-up would behave, you might think — and a character on the sidelines notes this too. And yet, minutes later, we see Apoorva as a village head, mustering all her strength and channeling her father's wisdom to solve the problems of people who are out there merely to test her mettle. It's not merely a village head on dias anymore, but a theatre novice who must keep the audience hooked at any cost. There is a delightful fearlessness to Keerthy Suresh's comedy in this film, especially in these portions as she goes no-holds-barred in her physical comedy. This is the make-or-break sequence for the film — if you find yourself attuned to Keerthy in this sequence alone, chances are you will probably like Uppu Kappurambu in its all zany entirety. I really did. Directed by Ani IV Sasi, Uppu Kappurambu is set in 1992 and in a fictional village of Chitti Jayapuram where people have their own set of customs, preferring to bury their deceased instead of cremating them. At some point in near future, as the local graveyard keeper Chinna (Suhas) notes, the village will run out of burial space. Cinema Bandi fame Vasanth Maringanti concocts this outlandish premise, and uses the opportunity to offer light-hearted satire on plenty of things at once. There's commentary on the class barrier, the rich's perennial need to prove their superiority at all points, even in the cemetery. The main conflict kicks in because of an old drunkard's zeal to concoct a strong toddy, and test the masculinity of his drinking buddies. The film even makes a light comment on patriarchy, although the writer also makes it clear Apoorva is equally a victim of prejudices due to her own limited wit. Cast: Suhas, Keerthy Suresh, Rameshwari, Babu Mohan, Shatru Director: Ani IV Sasi Streaming on: Prime Video These elements of satire and slapstick merge effectively with Ani IV Sasi's directorial style that tilt towards the sensory, giving great emphasis to visual rhythm. That's indeed what sets Uppu Kappurambu apart. Ani, in collaboration with cinematographer Divakar Mani, brings a vibrant cinematic energy to the proceedings, where how the visuals unfold remain equally interesting as what events transpire. It's a richly laid out universe, with many quirky figures on the fringes, always alive and active, giving the narrative a well-rounded atmosphere (A young lovebirds' couple can always be seen flirting, no matter what the situation around them). There is an impressive blend of physical comedy and clever satire at work here. And yet, despite the largely cartoonish tone at hand, the film also refuses to spoonfeed its viewers. There are elaborate anecdotes and backstories narrated to us at a frantic speed. There is a running gag about three ageing subordinates fighting over an umbrella that evokes laughs purely on account of how bizarre it is.
The Hindu
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Screenwriter Vasanth Maringanti discusses quitting his software job to write ‘Uppu Kapurambu' and ‘Subham'
'Writing is a full-time job; not everyone takes to it with the intention of becoming a director,' says Vasanth Maringanti. Vasanth is the screenwriter of Telugu indie films Cinema Bandi and Subham. His next work, Uppu Kapurambu directed by Ani IV Sasi and starring Keerthy Suresh and Suhas, will stream on Amazon Prime Video from July 4. Cinema Bandi was a charming story of villagers trying their hand at filmmaking when they chance upon a high-end camera. A one-line idea from director Praveen Kandregula and Vasanth, along with Praveen and co-writer Krishna Pratyusha, turned it into an uplifting comedy drama. The recently-released horror comedy Subham, produced by Samantha Ruth Prabhu, was written by Vasanth in collaboration with filmmaker Raj Nidimoru, and explored the possibility of women being possessed while watching television soaps. In between all the laughter, the narrative worked as a commentary on gender dynamics. 'I would observe how my grandmother and others were emotionally drawn towards serials. I exaggerated that situation in a work of fiction,' Vasanth explains. Graveyard woes Uppu Kapurambu emerged when Vasanth read a news article about the lack of graveyard space in a region. 'I lead a boring life, so I try to make my stories far more interesting,' Vasanth says with a laugh, during this interview in Hyderabad. 'I wrote Uppu… in a month and a half, my fastest yet. More than just a story, how people react to a situation interests me.' Screenwriting was a natural progression of Vasanth's interest in writing. He wrote short stories in school and remembers finding a diary from 1997 in which he had penned a two-page story titled 'Dracula'. Growing up in Kakinada, like many youngsters in the Telugu states, he too studied engineering. While in college, he wrote, 'The Day After My Death,' on a whim. 'It was a bad book,' he says with a chuckle. 'I approached a store that prints wedding cards and asked if they would publish it if I paid them. Nearly 150 copies were printed and I circulated them among my family and friends.' Vasanth worked as a software engineer for 14 years with five leading MNCs. Simultaneously, he began blogging. 'All through that time, I wanted to quit,' he says. 'Writing was my escape and during that period, I wanted to assess if people enjoyed reading what I wrote. The feedback I received for my blogs helped me understand that.' He also worked on a book which was rejected by several publishing houses. A chance conversation with actor-director Anish Kuruvilla through Facebook served as a turning point. 'Anish showed interest and said the story could be an interesting film. He was kind enough to talk to me about the basics of screenwriting,' he recalls. The first step Vasanth began reading books on screenwriting and watched movies to understand screenplays. In 2017, Praveen Kandregula, then an aspiring filmmaker, made an enquiry for screenwriters in Bengaluru via social media. 'A friend suggested my name. Incidentally, Praveen and I were working in the same city and lived two kilometres apart. He narrated the one-line story of Cinema Bandi and I sensed it would not only be entertaining, but also garner critical acclaim. That is how my journey in cinema began.' Cinema Bandi streamed directly on Netflix during the pandemic. Six months later, Vasanth quit his job. 'I began getting calls from industry folks for screenwriting, but my full-time job was a limitation.' The decision to quit a well-paying job was not easy. He credits his wife for holding the fort until he found his footing in cinema. 'She is a mobile phone app developer; we have two children and it was not easy for me to let go of an assured monthly salary.' Test of patience Vasanth had grown up admiring the works of writers Mullapudi Venkataramana and Yandamuri Veerendranath, as well as writer-directors Bapu and Jandhyala. Now working on the screenplays of two new films, Vasanth says the most challenging aspect of being a screenwriter is to have the faith and patience until a screenplay is approved and a film goes on the floors. The recognition for Subham motivated him to explore writing further. 'Samantha's name being associated with the film and a theatrical release has meant instant recognition for all of us. The other day at a store, the owner introduced me to his wife and daughter as 'Subham writer', and they told me how much they enjoyed the film. It made my day.' As to the pertinent question of whether screenwriting pays bills, Vasanth pauses and answers, 'Initially it is not easy, but after one or two projects, it definitely gets better.' He also adds that direction is not in his scheme of things, at least for now. 'Many writers turn directors either for monetary reasons or when they think their stories are not being transformed accurately on screen.' Writing is what he set out to do and he is happy in that pursuit.
