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India Today
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
The Hunt actor Shafeeq Mustafa on playing Sivarasan, understanding LTTE politics
For Malayalam actor Shafeeq Mustafa, landing the role of Sivarasan in SonyLIV's 'The Hunt - The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination' was more than just a career breakthrough - it was validation of a long-cherished dream that began in school dramas and survived a three-year stint in the series, based on the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, has brought Shafeeq widespread recognition for his portrayal of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) operative. "The response to 'The Hunt' was phenomenal, and many complimented my performance as Sivarasan in the show. Some of them even said, 'you're going to stay here'. I feel so happy and relieved," he shared in his exclusive interview with India Today director Nagesh Kukunoor offered him the role, Shafeeq knew the opportunity was significant. "I knew that there will be a lot of scope for me as an actor and that I should perform well. I should be genuine to the role offered to me. I was lucky to work with Nagesh [Kukunoor] sir. That was my initial thought," he remarked. The physical transformation for the role was intense - Shafeeq had to gain 5-6 kilograms in just 20 days. "I had only 20 days from the day I got selected for the role and the first day of shooting. Nagesh sir told me that I needed to put on weight for the role. I could manage only 5-6 kgs," he costume requirements proved equally challenging: "I had to wear lenses and prosthetics for the role of Sivarasan. If you wear that for a long time, your eyes get irritated and start getting watery. That was the most difficult part of wearing the one-eyed get up." To prepare for the complex role, Shafeeq immersed himself in research. "Before 'The Hunt', I had watched 'Deepan' at IFFK (International Film Festival of Kerala). I also watched Madhavan's 'Kannathil Muthamittal'. I hadn't watched any other films on Rajiv Gandhi's case. But, I saw the videos, documentaries and news clips from that time. I also watched the interviews of LTTE. I had deep conversations with my friends in the media."The collaboration with veteran director Nagesh Kukunoor was a learning experience. "Nagesh sir used to teach me how to emote for every scene. If I had performed a different way, he would explain to me what he wanted. I had most scenes with South actors and the experience was enjoyable. Everyone helped me,' he on his experience, Shafeeq noted that while the suicide scene was his favourite during filming, "When I watched the show on the screen, it was the gun shooting scene that made go wow." The series has not only established him as a serious actor but also fulfilled a long-time dream. "It was my long-time dream to become an actor. I want to do it as long as possible."Shafeeq maintained a clear distinction between his craft and politics. When asked if he had developed any opinion on Sivarasan and the functioning of the LTTE, he said, "My sole aim was to do the character [of Sivarasan] properly. I am an actor first, so I did not form any opinion on politics involved. I wanted to perform the character to the best of my abilities."advertisementShafeeq's path to acting wasn't straightforward. Recalling the time he decided to pursue acting as a career, he stated, "When I was in school, I was a part of many dramas. I then worked in the Gulf for three years. A few of my friends were into movies. One of my friends, who was trying to become a director, advised me to stay there as I had the skill. In 2015, I came back to Kerala and, since then, I have been trying my hand at Malayalam movies."Before 'The Hunt', his filmography included small roles in the Malayalam film Ayyappanum Koshiyum, short films, and music videos. He explained, "This was my first big opportunity. Before 'The Hunt', I played small roles in the Malayalam film Ayyappanum Koshiyum, short films and music videos. When I was trying hard to get into movies, I received this opportunity. So, I had no thoughts. Nagesh sir and his team are the reason for me to pick this. I was not hesitant."advertisementWith 'The Hunt' behind him, Shafeeq is being selective about future projects. Explaining his decision, he said, "I had acted in an independent film, but I am not sure if it will have a theatrical release. I am in talks for more projects, but hasn't finalised anything as of now. But, I have made a decision that I should start choosing my characters properly. My friends have been advising me to choose my roles carefully from now on."His ambitions extend beyond regional cinema: "I want to act in Malayalam, Tamil and all languages. I am open to doing all roles, be it a character role or a lead."'The Hunt' is streaming on SonyLIV.- Ends
India Today
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Churuli director Lijo Jose rubbishes Joju George's non-payment claims, shares proof
Malayalam director Lijo JoSe Pellissery issued a statement addressing actor Joju George's claims over non-payment of dues for his cameo in 'Churuli'. In a note on Facebook, the filmmaker shared the proof of his payment to Joju George and explained that the film still hasn't been released in theatres because of the A certificate given to it by the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC).advertisementWritten in Malayalam, his Facebook post read, "To my dear Joju, this clarification is being issued considering the disappointment caused to our producer friends." He mentioned that the film has an A certificate and still hasn't seen the light of the day, as he attached the proof of the a look: Stating that there is a High Court order against the film regarding its use of explicit dialogue, he also emphasised that none of them associated with 'Churuli' misled Joju George during the film's 'Malaikottai Vaaliban' director also clarified that "I don't remember anyone misleading Joju during the film. Thankan Chettan (character played by Joju George) has a good understanding of this language," he then added that 'Churuli' is streaming on SonyLIV and shared the proof of the transaction with Joju George for his three-day call sheet. The filmmaker also added that 'Churuli' will definitely release in theatres if there is a perfect clarification stemmed from actor Joju George's latest interview with The New Indian Express. He alleged that he was not paid for the film and violated the terms by not releasing the uncensored version in theatres. 'Churuli', directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, is written by S Hareesh. The film also features Vinay Forrt, Chemban Vinod Jose, Soubin Shahir and Jaffar Idukki in pivotal roles, with Joju George in a cameo. After the film premiered at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in February 2021, it was later released on SonyLiv on November 19, 2021.- Ends
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Lijo Jose Pellissery responds to Joju George's allegation; shares proof of payment for 'Churuli' cameo
Picture Credit: Facebook Malayalam filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery shared a social media post following actor Joju George 's claims about unpaid dues for his cameo appearance in the 2021 film 'Churuli'. Taking to Facebook, the director issued a detailed statement along with payment receipts to clarify the matter and defend the film's production team. Joju George, in a recent interview with The New Indian Express, alleged that he was not compensated for his role in 'Churuli' and that the film was released on OTT without following the agreed-upon terms, including a theatrical release. Reacting to the controversy, Lijo wrote a note in Malayalam, saying, "To my dear Joju, this clarification is being issued considering the disappointment caused to our producer friends. " In his post, the filmmaker also provided a copy of the receipt as proof that Joju George was indeed paid for his three-day call sheet. Lijo made it clear that all necessary payments were made and that there was no miscommunication or deception involved during the shooting. He further elaborated that the film had received an 'A' certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which made the theatrical release a challenge. Due to this certification and an existing High Court order regarding the film's usage of explicit language, the makers had to opt for an OTT release. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Worst Home Items That People Own, Ranked CleverClassic Undo 'Churuli' eventually premiered on SonyLIV on November 19, 2021, after its initial screening at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in February 2021. Addressing Joju George's concern about not being informed about the film's language and content, Lijo wrote, "We do not recall misleading Joju at any point during the filming process. Thankan Chettan (his character) is someone who has a good understanding of this kind of language." He also added that despite the OTT release, the team is still open to a theatrical run for 'Churuli' when the right opportunity arises. Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery and written by S. Hareesh, Churuli stars Vinay Forrt, Chemban Vinod Jose, Soubin Shahir , and Jaffar Idukki in lead roles, with Joju George in a cameo appearance.
New Indian Express
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Pattth Movie Review: A delightfully breezy mockumentary about songs, stories and memories
If you've followed Jithin Issac Thomas for a while, you'll know his films usually come with a heavy dose of discomfort. Attention Please, Pra. Thoo. Mu. and Rekha were dark, unsettling and steeped in emotional unease. So when Pattth rolls in like a cool breeze on a lazy Sunday, you may find yourself checking twice to see if it is from the same filmmaker. It is, just in a much lighter, groovier mood. Premiered at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in 2024, Pattth is, quite simply, a mockumentary about two people trying to track down the origins of a song. That's it. But what makes this little film pop is how it refuses to be weighed down by its own premise. It sets out on a quest and keeps tripping into detours, side stories, accidental truths and a whole lot of delightful people who all swear the song belongs to them. In a world where tracks go viral, get chopped into reels, and bounce across continents without anyone knowing where they came from, this feels timely, cheeky and oddly touching. Director: Jithin Issac Thomas Cast: Ashik Safiya Aboobakker, Gauthami Lekshmi Gopan Pattth's vibe is clear from the get-go. It is not here to flex intellectual muscle. It is here to wander, wonder and maybe hum along. Gauthami Lekshmi Gopan plays Anupama, a curious documentary filmmaker with a genuine fascination for where the tune began. Alongside her is Ashik Safiya Aboobakker's Unni, who is more laidback, slightly chaotic and always a beat behind but just as invested in the journey. Together, they make for an excellent screen duo, their banter feeling less like scripted lines and more like a couple genuinely figuring things out over breakfast and badly brewed coffee. One of the neat little tricks Jithin pulls is with the way the film looks. The documentary interviews are shot in a 4:3 vignette frame, giving them a vintage, almost archival feel. In contrast, the scenes featuring Anupama and Unni are clean and more contemporary. It's a clever way to separate myth from reality without shouting about it.
Economic Times
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
From Pattth to Alappuzha Gymkhana. Check out these latest Malayalam OTT releases on Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar
Pattth Alappuzha Gymkhana Thudarum Vadakkan Jerry June kicks off with a wave of exciting Malayalam OTT releases that promise everything from gripping thrillers to heartwarming dramas. Whether you're into eerie island mysteries, soulful hill-town tales, or slice-of-life stories packed with emotion, there's something new to binge across platforms like ManoramaMAX, SonyLIV, JioHotstar, Aha Tamil, and SimplySouth. With critically acclaimed festival picks, theatrical hits, and under-the-radar gems all dropping this week, now's the perfect time to update your watchlist. Here's a quick look at what's streaming and why you shouldn't miss 6The much-talked-about drama Pattth starts streaming on ManoramaMAX from June 6, 2025. The film made waves after premiering at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in 2024, grabbing attention for its sharp screenplay and layered storytelling. Written and directed by Jithin Issac Thomas , Pattth promises an immersive experience for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking 5After a successful run in theatres, the Naslen-led Alappuzha Gymkhana is all set to hit SonyLIV on June 5, 2025. This youthful drama blends raw energy with strong storytelling, making it appealing across generations. Set in the heart of Kerala's culture-rich Alappuzha, the film highlights local social dynamics in a way that feels personal yet widely relatable. Expect authenticity, emotion, and a plot that stays with takes you on an emotional journey set in the peaceful hill town of Ranni. With themes of connection and personal struggle, this one's for those who enjoy a bit of soul-searching cinema. The setting itself plays a key role, almost like another character in the story, shaping both the narrative and the people in Tamil, OTTplay PremiumJune 6, 2025In Vadakkan, things take a spooky turn when a paranormal investigator lands on a mysterious Kerala island after a string of strange deaths. But what he uncovers is way darker than expected. Featuring Kannada actor Kishore alongside Shruthy Menon and Merin Philip, this Tamil-dubbed Malayalam thriller (directed by Sajeed A.) is packed with technical brilliance and suspense that'll keep you hooked till the credits is the kind of feel-good film you didn't know you needed. With a healthy dose of humour and heart, it follows quirky yet lovable characters as they navigate life's little ups and downs. Streaming now on SimplySouth (since May 30, 2025), the film stars Kottayam Nazeer, Pramod Velliyanad, and others in roles that bring warmth and charm to the screen.
