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Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dulquer Salmaan turns 42: From 'Ustad Hotel' to 'Lucky Baskhar', a look at his iconic movies
Actor Dulquer Salmaan, popularly known as DQ, turned 42 on July 28. Known for his hits across Indian languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, Salmaan has explored various roles, be it a die-hard romantic, a ruthless gangster and everything in between. Some of the most prominent hits Salmaan has delivered include the Malayalam hits Ustad Hotel, Charlie, Bangalore Days, the Tamil and Telugu romantic flicks O Kadhal Kanmani (remade as OK Jaanu in Hindi) and Sita Ramam, the thriller drama Lucky Baskhar and the acclaimed Netflix series Guns and Gulaabs. Son of the veteran actor Mammootty, Salmaan is a nepo kid, but he has the effort and the hits to show alongside his name. Let's take a look at some of his biggest hits, across languages. 'Ustad Hotel' The movie that marked Salmaan's arrival on the big stage, aided by a stellar cast that packs a hefty cinematic punch. Directed by Anjali Menon, Ustad Hotel often ranks among movie lists that people tend to revisit. Salmaan plays Faizi, a sous chef educated abroad who discovers the bond with his grandfather when he decides to work at the latter's restaurant and help revive it. In addition, Salmaan goes on a journey of self discovery. Menen, Thilakan and Salmaan bring to life their wonderfully written roles in this feel-good Malayalam movie that was a box-office hit and wowed critics. 'Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi' This road adventure Malayalam film has acquired cult status over the years. Two friends (Dulquer Salmaan and Sunny Wayne) go on a road trip across India, from the south to the north-east, and the experiences along the way shape them. Poignant and entertaining, the movie directed by Sameer Thahir is often credited with the rise of the biker culture in the south Indian state of Kerala. 'Bangalore Days' For long considered the bellwether of feel-good movies in Malayalam, Anjali Menon's Bangalore Days (2014) featured an array of stars — Salmaan, Fahadh Faasil, Nivin Pauly, Nazriya Nazim and Parvathy Thiruvothu — and an engaging story of three cousins who move from Kerala to Bengaluru. Salmaan plays Aju, who starts off on the wrong foot with his brother-in-law (played by a restrained Faasil), but finds love and destiny in the city. Salmaan, Nazim and Pauly portray the affectionate cousins in this heartwarming tale of people discovering roots in the metro. 'O Kadhal Kanmani' Directed by Mani Ratnam, this 2015 Tamil movie saw Salmaan paired alongside Nithya Menen once again and was praised for its charming and realistic portrayal of present-day romance. Salmaan plays Adhi, a video-game developer who falls head over heels with Tara (Menen) in Mumbai. The two clearly like each other but want to prioritise their careers, and grapple with questions like live-in relationship or marriage. Aside from Salmaan and Menen's performances, OK Kanmani is also remembered for AR Rahman's effervescent music score. 'Lucky Baskhar' One of Salmaan's biggest hits, the Telugu movie sees him portray Baskhar, a banker from the early 1990s, who wants to break free of middle-class living. Salmaan's character moves into the grey moral zone, ready to bend rules and turn the blind eye if it means buying fancy goods for his school-going kid and supporting his wife's business. Directed by Venky Atluri, Lucky Baskhar boasts an ensemble cast, including Meenakshi Chaudhary, Tinnu Anand, Sai Kumar and Ramki, and is best known for it realistic portrayal of Mumbai in the 1990s (think the Premier Padmini taxis, the Harshad Mehta financial scandal, among others) and a riveting finale. Other honourable mentions: Comrade in America (Malayalam), Kamaatipaadam (Malayalam) Charlie (Malayalam), Sita Ramam (Telugu), Karvaan (Hindi), Vaayai Moodi Pesavum (Tamil), Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal (Tamil).
Khaleej Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'Felt like a perfect welcome': Khalid Al Ameri on his Malayalam film debut
When you think of Emirati pop culture, very few names capture your imagination quite like Khalid Al Ameri. For years, the content creator has chronicled the quirks and contradictions of life in the Gulf region with humour, heart, and an infectious sense of curiosity. But this weekend, when news broke that he would be making his film debut — of all places, in a Malayalam action-comedy — the Internet was set abuzz. Beyond just an influencer-turned-actor headline, it felt like a cultural crossover we didn't know we needed. Even more intriguing? The film, Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies, is being produced by Dubai-based filmmaker Shihan Shoukath. A Cannes-recognised storyteller, Shihan's debut short film Deadline won Best Original Story at the World Film Festival. Since then, he has co-founded Reel World Entertainment, a production company rooted in cross-cultural storytelling. And with Chatha Pacha, the production house aims to set the tone for a bold new chapter in Malayalam cinema — one that straddles the line between nostalgia, larger-than-life madness, and a deeply rooted emotional core. 'I was having a conversation with Shihan about a crossover film when he suggested I fly over to Kochi and spend a few days on set, just to learn about the industry and how things work,' Khalid tells Khaleej Times. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies (@chathapachathefilm) 'That alone was exciting for me. I love learning more about the industry. But then he surprised me by offering a cameo in Chatha Pacha. I've never done anything like this before, so it felt like the perfect welcome to the industry," he adds. For Khalid, it was also about stepping into a world he'd long admired from afar. 'The South Indian film industry is such a rich, powerful world built on incredible creativity and storytelling. I feel lucky to have experienced even a small part of it.' Surprise collab or long-time brewing? Speaking of the collaboration, Shihan adds, 'Khalid's actually a good friend and we've been in conversation for a while now about doing something together, especially a Malayalam film. The more we spoke, the more it started to feel real. When Chatha Pacha came along, I just knew there was this perfect window where he could come in and make a moment truly memorable.' As for what that role actually looks like? 'Without giving too much away, what I'll say is, audiences are definitely going to get the Khalid they love, but also see him in a way they've never seen before,' he shares. Though brief, Khalid's appearance marks a meaningful cultural crossover — a further nod to the UAE-India artistic bond that continues to grow stronger. "His short cameo isn't just for the sake of it, it actually plays into the mood and the movement of the scene. And yeah, there's definitely going to be a cheer in theatres when he shows up, especially in the UAE!" Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies, starring Roshan Mathew, Arjun Ashokan, Vishak Nair, and Ishan Shoukath (Dubai-based actor last seen in Marco), is slated for theatrical release later this year.
Khaleej Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'JSK vs State of Kerala' gets new release date after legal battle over film's title
After weeks of controversy over the film's title, the makers of Suresh Gopi's JSK vs State of Kerala have finally announced the movie's new release date. It was earlier stated to release on June 20. Granted a U/A 16+ rating by India's censor board, actor-lawmaker Suresh Gopi took to Instagram to share that the movie will now release on July 17. While sharing the new release date, the makers wrote, "Behind every delay... have a truth worth fighting for." and in the end that truth shall always prevail !!! JANAKI V v/s STATE OF KERALA. U/A 16+ CERTIFICATION WORLDWIDE RELEASE ON JULY 17TH." View this post on Instagram A post shared by JANAKI V/S STATE OF KERALA (@jskthemovie) The release of the Malayalam movie Janaki vs State of Kerala starring Union Minister and superstar Gopi was stalled following a demand from the censor board for a film title change. As per the film's makers, the censor board asked them to change the name Janaki, saying it also refers to the Hindu goddess Sita. The movie tells the story of a woman who faced assault and mounts a legal fight against the state. The board reportedly said that god's name should not be given to a woman who was assaulted. The film's release was scheduled for June 20. The regional office of Central Board for Film Certification in Thiruvananthapuram had cleared the film with a U/A certificate. The film was later forwarded to the CBFC headquarters in Mumbai, where officials demanded a change in the title. If the film's title is changed, many dialogues in the film mentioning the name will also need to be changed, its makers said. In response to this, the makers moved the Kerala High Court to challenge the demand. Later, Malayalam cinema and television artistes under the umbrella of AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Actors), Producers Association and FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala) protested in front of the regional office of Central Bureau of Film Certification at Chitranjali Studio complex at Thiruvallam in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram.
Khaleej Times
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Mohanlal to next play a cop in movie helmed by debutant
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal began 2025 with the political thriller L2: Empuraan, a sequel to his 2019 blockbuster Lucifer, that featured a barrage of leading Indian actors and struck box office gold. He followed that up with Thudarum, the thriller that had its makers laughing to the bank and wowing critics and analysts. On July 9, the actor took to social media to announce his latest project, tentatively titled L 365, which will be directed by debutant Austin Dan Thomas, who starred in the 2022 action comedy Thallumaala. While other details of the movie's crew are under wraps, Mohanlal said Retheesh Ravi will be its writer. L 365, or Mohanlal's 365th movie in the lead (yes, you read that right), will be produced by Ashiq Usman under the banner Ashiq Usman Productions. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mohanlal (@mohanlal) The cop movie genre, however, isn't new to Mohanlal. Ram Gopal Varma's Company might be the first port of call for many cinema buffs referencing the actor's cop roles. As Inspector General Veerappalli Srinivasan, Mohanlal's role, which seeks to eliminate Mumbai's criminal gangs, lent gravitas to the 2002 crime drama. But he has essayed many prominent roles as the man protecting the law. Be it the cult classic Malayalam comedy Pattinapravesham (1988) to 2017's Villain or the Tamil action thriller Unnaipol Oruvan (2009) that sees him face off against Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal has donned the khaki on screen with aplomb. The evergreen hit Kireedam (1989), in which his dreams to become a police officer come crashing at the last minute, is a constant recall in Kerala's pop culture, thanks to his moving and nuanced portrayal. Mohanlal's hits of 2025, however, saw him portray law breakers. In L2: Empuraan, he reprised his role of Stephen Nedumpally, a smuggler who sets out to protect his homeland, whereas in Thudarum, he explores his darker side following an adversity. What kind of a cop will Mohanlal portray in L 365? Watch this space for further developments.
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Mammootty's illustrious five-decade-long career now part of BA History syllabus at the Kochi college he studied in
Malayalam star Mammootty's five-decade-long contribution to cinema can now be studied as a course at a Kochi college. According to a report by OnManorama, Mammootty's career can be studied under the History of Malayalam Cinema module at Maharaja's College in Kerala. (Also Read: Shine Tom Chacko opens up about Mammootty's support after his father's death: 'He told me not to let grief consume me') Mammootty was included in a course with other dignitaries at a Kochi college. According to the report, students of BA History at Maharaja's College will study Mammotty's life, career, and influence on cinema. The chapter Sensing Celluloid: History of Malayalam Cinema explores his life and career in detail. Interestingly, Mammootty is also an alumnus of the college. Mohanlal, Sathyan, Prem Nazir, Madhu, Jayan, Sheela, Sharadha, Adoor Gopalakrishnan and Padmarajan are also part of the chapter. The curriculum reportedly also honours regional icons who contributed to Kerala's cultural and social landscape. The syllabus will be implemented from the 2025-26 academic year. Recent work This year, Mammootty starred in Gautham Vasudev Menon's Malayalam debut, Dominic and the Ladies' Purse, and debut director Deeno Dennis' action film Bazooka. He will soon play Cyanide Mohan in a film he's producing titled Kalamkaval, directed by Jithin K Jose. He also stars in a Mahesh Narayanan-directorial, which also stars Mohanlal, Fahadh Faasil and Nayanthara. He has yet to announce any other upcoming projects amid a health scare. Mohanlal prayed for Mammootty's well-being at Sabarimala in March this year, drawing the ire of some Muslim leaders. Mammootty's friend and Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas spoke to Reporter TV in June and said, 'Mammootty is suffering from a minor health complication and is currently receiving treatment. He is okay, and I just had a phone conversation with him. Even though we have been friends for quite a long time, we were never the kind of people who talked much about our personal lives. However, in recent days, we have been sharing such details as well.'
