Latest news with #Gaganachari
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Padakkalam' to ‘Gaganachari': Anime influence in Malayalam cinema
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) A few years ago, if someone said anime would start influencing Malayalam cinema, you might've raised an eyebrow. After all, Malayalam films have always leaned into realism — intimate stories, everyday people, quiet emotional punches. But things are shifting. Slowly, subtly — and surprisingly. It's not like characters are sprouting blue hair or shouting attack names. But something's changing. The colors. The moods. The tone. You can almost feel it — especially if you've grown up watching anime. A different kind of visual energy Take 'Padakkalam'. On the surface, it's a Malayalam film. But visually? It's bold. Loud. Almost too bright at times — in a good way. Characters are a little exaggerated, scenes are cut with sharp energy, and the storytelling has this vibrant, kinetic feel. For anyone who's spent hours binging 'My Hero Academia' or 'Jujutsu Kaisen', it hits familiar nerves. Padakkalam - Official Trailer It's the kind of film that feels like it was made by someone who's spent some time in anime worlds — or at least deeply respects them. "Me and director Manu are hardcore anime fans" - 'Padakkalam' writer Nithin C Babu Recently in the Kerala Pop Con meet, the 'Padakkalam' writer Nithin C Babu revealed that he and the director Manu Swaraj are hardcore anime fans. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Halapitan: Beautiful New Senior Apartments with Two Bedrooms Senior Apartments | Search Ads Search Now Undo He said, "We are hardcore anime and DC fans. There are several easter eggs and One Piece action figures in 'Padakkalam'. The 'One Piece' fans may know about Arlong Park and in it, there is an entry sequence of Luffy and gang which is exactly used in a sequence in 'Padakkalam'. It is replicated shot by shot in 'Padakkalam'. We are that much dedicated in putting all such references in the movie." The writer further said that they didnt take the references randomly but they had inserted it intentionally. (Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Gaganachari is weird — and that's the point Then you've got Gaganachari. A sci-fi mockumentary from Kerala? Ten years ago, that sentence wouldn't even make sense. But here it is — funny, eccentric, dystopian. If you squint, it feels like something from 'Cowboy Bebop' or 'FLCL'. It jumps genres without apology. That's straight out of anime's playbook. "Maniyan Chittappan' will be a combo of 'Rick and Morty' and 'Doctor Strange' - Arun Chandu Talking to Film Companion, the 'Gaganachari' director Arun Chandu said that the next part of the movie which is called 'Maniyan Chittappan' will have the influence of the series 'Rick and Morty' (even though it's not an anime). He said, "Maniyan Chittappan' will focus on the adventures of a mad scientist." Dubs made a difference Here's what a lot of people don't realize — anime is now available dubbed in Malayalam. Over a dozen series, including Attack on Titan and Chainsaw Man, have local versions. That's huge. Kids in Thrissur or Kozhikode are growing up with the same characters Tokyo teens love. And when those kids become filmmakers? Well, don't be surprised if those influences sneak into the screen. Reddit's already ahead of the curve You should see some of the fan theories and wishlists floating around online. One person wants 'Erased' adapted as a Malayalam thriller. Another pitched Lijo Jose Pellissery directing a live-action horror inspired by' Junji Ito'. Are these real projects? No. But the fact that people are dreaming like this says a lot. There's an appetite. A hunger to blend the worlds. Morality tales, Malayalam style Here's the kicker. You don't have to change Malayalam cinema too much to align with anime. Look at 'Minnal Murali'. A small-town guy with superpowers, figuring out how not to mess it all up? That could be any number of anime plots. Themes like justice, identity, loss — both formats love digging into them. With the increasing love for anime among the Malayali audiences and many of them turning to filmmakers, it can be expected that there will be more of anime references in Malayalam cinema in future.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jagathy Sreekumar arrives in Kochi to attend the AMMA General Body Meet.
After a near-fatal accident in 2012, actor Jagathy Sreekumar took a break from Malayalam cinema . On Sunday, he made an appearance at the general assembly of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists in Kochi. All of the artists who were in attendance came to ask about the renowned actor's health greeted him after he was assisted to the venue by his son. According to the a report in On Manorama, Jagathy smiled in response and thanked everyone who spoke to him. Jagathy, who appeared briefly in the fifth installment of the K Madhu-directed "CBI" serial, will have a significant role in the Malayalam science fiction film "Vala," which is directed by Arun Chandu, who previously directed the critically acclaimed "Gaganachari." On Saturday, Jagathy also made news when he happened to encounter Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan while traveling to Kochi. Veteran actor Madhu, meanwhile, participated in Sunday's video conference to attend the AMMA general body meeting. The actor talked about how AMMA remained united despite attempts by outside forces to dismantle it. According to him, many associations have dealt with similar problems and have only been able to overcome them thanks to member cooperation. He also expressed how happy he was to be able to participate in the meeting from home. According to the reports, the meet was held to make a significant decision about the association's leadership, at the 31st general body was conveyed in Kochi. Following an uproar of accusations against important panel members, Mohanlal , who was chosen president of the executive committee the previous year, resigned. Mohanlal is only willing to lead the panel if the ad hoc committee—which was established following the executive committee's mass resignation—is permitted to remain. The majority of members believe it would be a waste of time to hold another election, thus they are not eager for it. The general body will also make a significant decision about the producers' association's proposed anti-drug policy.
New Indian Express
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Basil Joseph and Vineeth Sreenivasan join zombie film Vala
Basil Joseph and Vineeth Sreenivasan are part of the ensemble cast of Vala, the upcoming zombie film helmed by Gaganachari director Arun Chandu. Their involvement was revealed through an exclusive four-minute sneak peek screened at Kerala PopCon 2025, a pop culture convention held in Kochi on Sunday. The makers have stated that the aforementioned glimpse will be released to the public later this week. Vala marks the return of veteran actor Jagathy Sreekumar in a significant role. He plays Professor Ambili, also referred to as Uncle Luna.R, a wheelchair-bound, tech-savvy character modelled on the English theoretical physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking. A character poster featuring Jagathy in a post-apocalyptic setting was released earlier on his birthday. Director Arun, speaking to CE, confirmed that the first schedule of the film's principal photography has been completed, with the next schedule slated to begin in June. The film is now planned for release in 2026. Co-written by Arun and Tyler Durden, it reunites several members of the team behind the State Award-winning mockumentary Gaganachari.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Masthishka Maranam: ‘Masthishka Maranam: Simon's Memories' first look out! Krishand's film promises a unique science fiction flick
The first look poster of director Krishand's upcoming film ' Masthishka Maranam : Simon's Memories ' has been released. Produced by Vinayaka Ajith under the banner of Ajith Vinayaka Films, the film's full title is 'Masthishka Maranam – A Frankenbiting of Simon's Memories'. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Cooking a unique science fiction flick Following his critically acclaimed and widely appreciated films Aavasavyuham and Purusha Pretham, Krishand is returning with this new venture, which is also a science fiction film. This project marks a collaboration between Ajith Vinayaka Films and Krishand Films after the film 'Gaganachari'. Gaganachari | Song - Mohini An interesting plot in Krishand's style Masthishka Maranam is said to be a mind-bending comedy thriller that follows a grieving father who enters a virtual reality memory game in an attempt to reconnect with his lost child. Stunning cast The cast includes Rajisha Vijayan, Niranj Maniyanpilla Raju, Jagadish, Suresh Krishna, Nandu, Divya Prabha, Ann Jamille Saleem, Shanthi Balachandran, Vishnu Agasthya, Sanju Sivaram, Shambhu, Sai Gayatri, Sreenath Babu, Manoj Kana, Sins Shan, Mithun Venugopal, Sachin Joseph, Ashly Isaac, Anoop Mohandas, and Jain Andrews. Impressive crew The technical crew of 'Masthishka Maranam: Simon's Memories' includes Prayag Mukundan as the cinematographer, Warkey handling the music, Nikhil Prabhakar as the chief associate director, and Ranjith Karunakaran as the project designer. Art direction is jointly helmed by Krishand and Alvin Joseph, with makeup by Arshad Varkala and stunt choreography by Shravan Sathya. Divya Jobi is in charge of costume design, while Nikhil Surendran serves as the chief associate cinematographer. The production team features Rahul Menon as the chief executive producer and Jayesh L R as the executive producer. Arjun Menon (CanPro) is the colorist, Kiran V S handles stills, Aromal Payyannur is the production manager, and Shabari is the PRO.
