Latest news with #Padakkalam
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How directorial debuts are shaping Malayalam cinema
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) It's always a refreshing feeling to watch a movie directed by a debutant filmmaker, and the reasons are plenty. Coming to the Malayalam film industry, it has always opened doors to debutant filmmakers, and needless to say majority of them have proved their talent. Let's take a look at how the directorial debuts are shaping Malayalam cinema . Bringing something new to the table This is one of the major advantages of having a debut director on board. Every story has a common factor, and how it changes is the way it is presented to the audiences, and these debut directors like Manu Swaraj ('Padakkalam'), Sreeraj Sreenivasan ('Pravinkoodu Shappu'), and many others have infused a different and unique story treatment, which makes it special. Padakkalam - Official Trailer (Picture Courtesy: Facebook) 'The first thing about Joju is that he has conviction' - 'Pani' actress Abhaya Hiranmayi At the very end of 2024, the actor Joju George proved that he is not only a talented actor but also a genius filmmaker. Through his directorial debut 'Pani', Joju George proved that a Korean gangster thriller style can be infused in a normal Indian style gangster movie. Many sequences in the film prove that Joju knows his game. In an exclusive interview with the 'Pani' actress Abhaya Hiranmayi, she told, 'The first thing about Joju is that he has conviction. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gentle Japanese hair growth method for men and women's scalp Hair's Rich Learn More Undo That's his best quality. He's got so much going on—directing, acting, producing—his mind is everywhere. He has a kind of craziness on set, but he has conviction in everything he does. He knows what he wants and communicates it to everyone, whether they're comfortable with their dialogues or scenes. His kind of friendship on set is something amazing. I understood that he could do even more directing in the future.' Not everything was a success While several newcomers impressed the audiences with their directorial debut films, the legendary actor Mohanlal disappointed with his directorial debut movie 'Barroz'. Although the efforts were praiseworthy, the overdramatic style and several loopholes made 'Barroz' a tiring watch even for those who were keen to witness Mohanlal's directorial style. Many of the other films, like 'Bazooka' 'ID: The Fake', 'Secret', and others, also failed to impress the audiences. (Picture Courtesy: Facebook) 'Mohanlal was hurt by 'Barroz' failure - Producer Shibu Baby John In a talk with Mathrubhumi, the producer Shibu Baby John revealed that Mohanlal was hurt by the failure of his directorial debut. He said, 'Mohanlal was hurt by 'Barroz' failure. Audiences, including Mohanlal fans, were not interested in the film.' In another media interaction, Mohanlal said, 'The responsibility of taking a film forward lies with the audience. I see 'Barroz' as something significant that is being given back to society after four decades. Everyone who has watched the film has enjoyed it. However, some people haven't even seen the movie yet, coming forward to criticize it. I am someone who accepts criticism. But when you criticize something, you should understand it well. This is simply a different experiment from me and my exceptionally talented team.' Opportunities for new filmmakers There is, obviously, a wide scope for new filmmakers to showcase their talents, but what matters is whether they can keep up with the interests of the audiences through their storytelling style. For example, Jithu Madhavan's 'Romancham' can be simply categorized as a horror comedy film, but what makes it different is the treatment. Never in any sequence, the director try to bring out the ghost in the movie, apart from teasing the viewers with small elements that surely work. In short, there is surely no specific formula for the success of a film, nor can one definitely confirm that a debut director will be able to pull off successful films only. It all matters whether you are able to tell a story differently and give it good traction.
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.
Pink Villa
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Prince and Family OTT Verdict: Box office, Twitter review of Dileep, Dhyan Sreenivasan's Malayalam comedy drama
Prince and Family hit JioHotstar on June 20 onwards, after completing a successful theatrical run. The movie is directed by a debutant filmmaker Binto Stephen and received mixed reviews at the time of its theatrical release. And now, within a day of its launch on OTT, social media has already been filled with reviews left by audiences who watched the film online. Here's how they felt about the movie. Prince and Family OTT verdict Well, a majority of viewers agreed that Prince and Family is a decent movie which can indeed be enjoyed with family and within a varied age group. The film's starting, as many have credited, was so well woven that none of the viewers were able to comprehend what was next in store for them. Nonetheless, there were still some traces of poor direction and disappointing writing in some quite evident places. Actor Dileep's performance was well-rounded and has been tagged as the driving force of the entire narrative. His perfect comic timing and charm attempted to outlive certain flaws like 'being cringey' and 'forced humor'. Other than him, many viewers felt that the remaining choice of cast appeared to be questionable since they did not put forth much of an effort for the joint appeal of the movie. The second half as per the audience was tedious and far-stretched, and any attempt at sending across a meaningful message was overridden. Absence of real humor and the use of outdated themes are some of the most common flaws pointed out by the netizens after watching Prince and Family on-screen. Prince and Family box office response Well, the movie appeared as the top performer in Kerala in terms of box office numbers, surpassing many Malayalam films which were released subsequently. Prince and Family outgrossed movies like Padakkalam and Sarkeet at the box office and grossed over Rs. 5.25 crore within just 5 days of release. It is only topped by Mohanlal 's Thudarum among other latest releases.
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Alappuzha Gymkhana actor Sandeep Pradeep on whether trolls affected his bond with Naslen
Sandeep Pradeep is among the new crop of Malayalam actors who has been hogging much attention these days, thanks to two of his latest releases – Naslen-starrer Alappuzha Gymkhana and Padakkalam. But as Padakklam started getting more traction online, it led to online discussions and trolls that Sandeep could pose a challenge to Naslen, who has already established himself as a young Malayalam star with Premalu. Yet to watch Alappuzha Gymkhana and Premalu? Tune into OTTplay Premium and catch all the fun Malayalam films right now Naslen leads the 2025 Malayalam film Alappuzha Gymkhana, which features Sandeep Pradeep as his friend Valuth Sharif. In a recent chat with The Cue Studio, Sandeep addressed the trolls that drew comparisons with the two young actors. Reacting to this, Sandeep said that there are a lot of such discussions on social media, but he doesn't delve too much into it. Explaining further, 'Naslen is a very popular star, and he has been around for quite some time now. I just came now. When a new person comes in, it would naturally lead to comparisons.' Naslen, who made a mark with his debut as a schoolboy in Thanneer Mathan Dinangal, went on to do notable roles in films such as Home before catapulating to fame with Premalu, which also starred Mamitha Baiju. Reacting to his Alappuzha Gymkhana star's popularity, Sandeep said, 'Naslen is in the frontline of heroes in the teenage category. After that only, we all came. I hope more people come. Anyways, our friendship hasn't been affected in any way because of all this.' Sandeep Pradeep joined Naslen in director Khalid Rahman's film, Alappuzha Gymkhana, a buddy sports comedy. The film revolves around Jojo (Naslen) who along with his friends try to secure college admission by participating in sports competition after failing in their plus-two exams. You can stream Alappuzha Gymkhana on SonyLiv and OTTplay Premium in multiple languages, including Hindi. Sandeep also played one of the lead roles in Padakkalam, which also featured Malayalam actors Suraj Venjaramoodu, and Sharaf U Dheen. The film, which weaves in fantasy elements, is streaming on JioHotstar.
Hindustan Times
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Alappuzha Gymkhana star Sandeep Pradeep on performing the body-swap sequences in Padakkalam
Malayalam actor Sandeep Pradeep is enjoying the attention he is receiving for Padakkalam in addition to the success of his most recent movie, Alappuzha Gymkhana. Many people have praised his portrayal of Jithin in this fantasy thriller as a complex and enjoyable performance. The Falimy star talked about his experience working on the body swap scenes in the film in an exclusive interview. Watch Malayalam's latest flicks such as Alappuzha Gymkhana, Maranamass and more on OTTplay Premium Sandeep underlined that his impressive act was made possible by the performances of his fellow actors. "We were familiar with these characters from reading the script, but during filming, all of their eccentricities were revealed. When the performances started, we were able to understand each character better," he stated. The rising star continued by saying that both Sharaf U Dheen and Suraj Venjaramoodu had incorporated their unique styles into their roles. "If I portrayed the body swap moments in my own way, there was a potential I would make mistakes. So all I did was do my best to replicate what they accomplished in a convincing way," he continued. Effective communication, both on and off screen, greatly improved their performances, the Padinettam Padi actor added. After making a decent run in theatres, the fantasy thriller is now getting further recognition after making its digital debut this week on JioHotstar. Sandeep said that his top goal is to stay in the industry because he does not now have the luxury of screening the scripts that are presented to him. The actor stated that he could not be adamant about portraying a specific character or acting in a specific genre. He went on to say that he hopes to be in quality films that will not let the viewers down. Sandeep is currently working on Kishkindha Kaandam-fame Dinjith Ayyathan's next directorial. He is currently in talks for a couple other projects, which are likely to be revealed shortly.
