Latest news with #Malayalam-speaking
Hindustan Times
05-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
‘Why is she even here?': Canara Bank official faces backlash for not understanding Kannada. Watch
A video shot inside a Canara Bank branch in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, has gone viral, reigniting debates over language use in public services. In the video, the woman, who claims she doesn't know English, questions a Malayalam-speaking staff member at the counter.(X/@PrishaSargam) The footage shows a Kannada-speaking woman confronting a bank official over their inability to assist her in the local language. In the video, the woman, who claims she doesn't know English, questions a Malayalam-speaking staff member's presence at the counter, saying, 'Why is she here if she can't understand Kannada?' The manager is seen speaking to another official in Malayalam while the customer demands answers about money deducted from her account without prior notice. (Also Read: Bengaluru man wants to pay you to drive better with UPI rewards and AI compliments) Watch video here: 'She wasn't even cordial with me,' the woman says in the video. 'When I tried asking, she started making weird faces.' The bank official, seen intervening in the situation, responds, 'You were not cordial either". How did X users react? The video has sparked divided reactions online. While some users expressed solidarity with the customer, others accused her of escalating a non-issue for social media attention. 'What do you want, information or a viral video?' one comment read. Another added, 'Someone is already assisting her in Kannada. What's the problem then?' However, a large section of users rallied behind the woman's concern, questioning the bank's hiring practices. A user wrote, 'As customers, we expect to be served respectfully and in a language we're comfortable with. After all, it's our money that keeps the bank running. Public sector banks like Canara Bank were nationalised to serve all citizens, not just a few' 'Why aren't locals being given job opportunities?' and 'If you're operating in Karnataka, you must be able to serve in Kannada' were common refrains. In response to the backlash, Canara Bank's official handle on X (formerly Twitter) issued a statement affirming its commitment to Kannada and its customers. 'Kannada is our foundation, your support is our strength,' the statement read. 'For Canara Bank, Karnataka is not just a state, it is our birthplace. Kannada is not merely a language to us, it is a feeling, a pride. We are committed to providing services in the local language at every branch in the state.' The bank added that in today's multilingual India, staff may come from different states, but 'our heart always resonates with our customers.' This comes after a viral video from SBI's Surya Nagar (Anekal Taluk) branch in Bengaluru showed a heated exchange in which a branch manager refused to speak Kannada with a local customer. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the behaviour as 'strongly condemnable' and praised the bank's swift action. The controversy reignited a broader debate over language rights, with citizens and leaders, including MP Tejasvi Surya and former Infosys director Mohandas Pai, urging that public-facing institutions must serve customers in Kannada or risk alienating the local population (Also Read: 'No roads, no rage': Viral Bengaluru post claims 99.99% drop in road rage, triggers laugh riot)
Mint
05-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Canara Bank employee in Karnataka fails to speak Kannada, furious customer asks, 'why is she here?'
A video recorded inside a Canara Bank branch in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, has gone viral, once again sparking discussions about language use in public services. The clip shows a Kannada-speaking woman confronting a bank employee who could not assist her in the local language. In the footage, the woman- who says she doesn't know English - questions why a Malayalam-speaking staff member is handling the counter. She asks, 'Why is she here if she can't understand Kannada?' Meanwhile, the branch manager is seen speaking in Malayalam to another employee, as the customer demands an explanation for money being deducted from her account without any prior notice. 'She wasn't even cordial with me,' the woman says in the video. 'When I tried asking, she started making weird faces.' The bank official, who steps in during the dispute, replies, 'You were not cordial either." The video has divided opinion online. Some users supported the customer, while others accused her of creating unnecessary drama for social media attention. One person commented, 'What do you want, information or a viral video?' Another wrote, 'Someone is already assisting her in Kannada. What's the problem then?' However, many users backed the woman's concerns and raised questions about the bank's recruitment practices. One user posted, 'As customers, we expect to be served respectfully and in a language we're comfortable with. After all, it's our money that keeps the bank running. Public sector banks like Canara Bank were nationalised to serve all citizens, not just a few.' Phrases like 'Why aren't locals being given job opportunities?' and 'If you're operating in Karnataka, you must be able to serve in Kannada' were repeated by several users. Responding to the criticism, Canara Bank's official X (formerly Twitter) account shared a statement reaffirming its commitment to Kannada and its customers. The statement read, 'Kannada is our foundation, your support is our strength. For Canara Bank, Karnataka is not just a state, it is our birthplace. Kannada is not merely a language to us, it is a feeling, a pride. We are committed to providing services in the local language at every branch in the state.' The bank further added that while staff members may come from various parts of India, 'our heart always resonates with our customers.' This incident follows another viral video from SBI's Surya Nagar branch in Bengaluru (Anekal Taluk), where a branch manager reportedly refused to speak Kannada with a local customer. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called the behaviour 'strongly condemnable' and praised the bank for taking prompt action.
Economic Times
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
From Moonwalk to Kuttante Shinigami: Watch these Malayalam OTT releases on Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar
Malayalam-speaking audiences can anticipate a diverse range of South Indian stories this July, spanning genres from coming-of-age nostalgia in 'Moonwalk' to spiritual fantasy in 'Kuttante Shinigami.' Dubbed versions of Tamil and Telugu films like 'Good Wife,' 'Uppu Kappurambu,' and 'Madras Matinee' further enrich the viewing options, offering courtroom drama, dark comedy, and slow-burn emotional narratives. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Moonwalk Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Good Wife (Malayalam dub) Uppu Kappurambu (Malayalam dub) Madras Matinee (Malayalam dub) From small-town chaos and courtroom battles to retro nostalgia and fantasy rooted in folklore, July 2025 is bringing a refreshing wave of South Indian stories to Malayalam-speaking audiences. With dubbed versions and originals arriving on multiple platforms, viewers now have access to some of the year's most anticipated titles — all from the comfort of home. Whether you're in the mood for sharp satire or soul-stirring drama, here's a curated list of Malayalam OTT releases to stream this on: JioHotstar | Release date: July 8, 2025Set in 1980s Kerala, Moonwalk is a coming-of-age film inspired by real events. It follows a group of teenagers who become enamoured with Michael Jackson's music and dance — especially break-dancing — and dream of mastering his moves. Directed by debutant Vinod A. K., the film offers a vibrant mix of youth culture, nostalgia, and rebellion. Featuring Anunath, Rishi Kainikkara, and others, Moonwalk brings retro fashion, emotions, and music to life. Prashant Pillai's soundtrack blends vintage vibes with rhythmic energy, making this a fun, feel-good film for music lovers and 80s buffs platform: TBA | Release date: TBAIndrans and Jaffer Idukki headline this one-of-a-kind Malayalam fantasy drama that dives into the spiritual and the surreal. Kuttante Shinigami, directed by Rasheed Parakkal, tells the story of a farmer named Kuttan whose life spirals into the unknown after meeting a mysterious figure trained in Japanese Shinigami philosophy. With Indrans portraying a scholar of mythical beings that represent death, the film fuses Kerala's rural landscape with Japanese mysticism. An unusual genre blend of fantasy, humour, and folklore, this one is for cinephiles looking to explore something experimental yet rooted in on: JioHotstar | Release date: July 4, 2025This Tamil-origin courtroom drama arrives in Malayalam, bringing with it a deeply emotional story of resilience. Good Wife, directed by Revathy and led by Priyamani, is the story of Tarunika, a woman forced to return to her career as a lawyer after her husband's scandal shakes their long marriage. As she faces public judgment, personal heartbreak, and complex legal cases, she reclaims her voice through sheer determination. Adapted from the popular American series, this Indian remake retains the spirit of the original while adding cultural authenticity and fresh gravitas through Priyamani's layered on: Prime Video | Release date: July 4, 2025Dark comedy meets village chaos in Uppu Kappurambu, a Telugu satire that's also available in Malayalam. Set in the early 90s in the fictional town of Chitti Jayapuram, the film revolves around a graveyard crisis that spirals into a full-blown community scandal. Keerthy Suresh plays Apoorva, an awkward but well-meaning government official, while Suhas plays Chinna, a devoted graveyard caretaker. Together, they face bizarre bureaucracy and superstitions in a comedy that skewers small-town dysfunction. Directed by Ani IV Sasi, the film offers a rare blend of humour and social commentary — with a relatable local on: SunNXT, OTTplay Premium | Release date: July 4, 2025If you love slow-burn dramas with emotional undercurrents, Madras Matinee will be your comfort watch this July. Set around a single-screen theatre in a small Tamil town, the film follows the life of a struggling sci-fi writer who rediscovers storytelling through the lives of everyday people. Featuring Sathyaraj, Kaali Venkat, and Roshini Haripriyan, the film has heart and soul in every frame. Now available in Malayalam, this moving tale captures the charm of forgotten cinema halls and the bittersweet experiences of ordinary folks — all wrapped in warmth, nostalgia, and quiet beauty.
India Today
01-07-2025
- India Today
Reddit user finds father after 20 years, thanks Bengaluru community for help
A Reddit post turned into a real-life connection when a user searching for their father, whom they hadn't seen since the age of two, finally spoke to him, thanks to helpful strangers user recently experienced what many can only hope for: an emotional reconnection with their father after more than two had turned to the r/Bengaluru community for help, posting under the title: "Looking for My Father - He Worked at Poornima Travels, Majestic, Bengaluru in 1998. Any Leads Would Mean the World to Me."advertisement They shared that their father had worked at Poornima Travels in Bengaluru around 1998 and was originally from Kerala. 'I'm trying to find my father, who worked at Poornima Travels in Majestic, Bengaluru, around the year 1998. He must be 45 to 50 years old now. He is originally from Kerala, but was working in Bengaluru at that time.'My parents separated when I was just 2 years old, and I've never had the chance to know him,' they staff at the travel agency had refused to share any contact details, prompting the user to reach out to Redditors who might know someone from that the post, they added, 'Even the smallest lead could help me find him.' And the internet a look at the post here:advertisementSoon, users began reacting with encouragement and advice. Several suggested emailing Poornima Travels' customer service with detailed information. Others offered more unconventional tips, like visiting old offices or speaking with locals in the area or back in Kerala.'Hey there. First of all, I sincerely wish you success in your quest to connect with your father. I'm dropping this suggestion here because I couldn't see any indication of it having been attempted based on your inputs above. Hence, please forgive me for being presumptuous. Did you try writing them an email through their customer care ID?' a user added, 'That could eventually make its way to the owner or someone who has access to the relevant information. Incase you plan to do so, please make sure you factor in all possible information you can provide so the likelihood of it reaching someone dropping the request internally due to lack there of is minimal. Wishing you success once again.'One user even encouraged the original poster by writing, 'I wish Reddit does its great thing now.'Two days later, it a heartwarming update, the user wrote, 'I finally found my dad and my entire family. Sadly, my grandparents and my dad's brother are no longer alive. Only one uncle is still around.'advertisementThey connected over the phone with help from a Malayalam-speaking friend. The call, as they described, was full of emotions. 'My dad cried when he heard my voice. I found out that he never remarried. He is currently working in Chennai and hasn't been to Kerala for the past four years,' the user concluded the update with heartfelt gratitude: 'It was such an emotional moment, and I'm incredibly grateful - I got the information through Reddit.'See the update here:For this Reddit user, what began as a hopeful internet post ended with something equally powerful: a phone call that reconnected a family after 20 long years.- Ends
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'This is Karma': Suresh Gopi backs Anupama Parameswaran, recalls how the Malayalam industry once ignored Simran, Asin, and Nayanthara
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Actor-politician Suresh Gopi has spoken out in support of actress Anupama Parameswaran after she revealed the discrimination and trolling she endured in the Malayalam film industry. Anupama had recently shared in a promotional event for the 'JSK' movie how several within the industry had dismissed her acting abilities, while she also faced harsh online trolling from within the Malayalam-speaking community. 'Anupama spoke from the heart,' says Suresh Gopi As reported by On Manorama, reacting to her emotional statements, Suresh Gopi said, 'Anupama spoke from the heart… And this is not the first time something like this has happened, Anupama.' He pointed out that this pattern of overlooking talent isn't new in Malayalam cinema. Drawing from past examples, he cited actress Simran, who was once ignored by the Malayalam industry, only to later become a sought-after name. 'I know the truth—Simran was one such actress who was disregarded and let go by the Malayalam industry. But later, I personally know of top directors who went after her, hoping to cast her as the lead in Malayalam films,' he said. Unni Mukundan shares a picture with Suresh Gopi 'It will happen in your life too': Suresh Gopi encourages Anupama. Suresh Gopi went on to mention other female actors who faced similar marginalization early on but later found massive success. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play Chess on Your PC, Free Play Classic Chess Install Now Undo 'Asin, Nayanthara—all of them blossomed into leading ladies admired across multiple languages. The same will happen in Anupama's life too. This is what we call karma. It is bound to happen. My prayers are with her,' he concluded. About 'JSK' On the work front, Suresh Gopi is all set for his legal thriller movie 'JSK,' which also stars Anupama Parameswaran in the female lead. 'Janaki vs State of Kerala,' aka JSK, is directed by Pravin Narayanan and stars Suresh Gopi, Anupama Parameswaran, Divya Pillai, Shruti Ramachandran, and many others in pivotal roles.
