Latest news with #Ponman
Hindustan Times
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Thudarum to Alappuzha Gymkhana: Where to watch the best Malayalam movies of 2025 on OTT?
The first half of 2025 saw the release of several Malayalam films. Few, nevertheless, were able to leave a lasting impression on viewers or earn decent profits at the box office. After more than 40 days of a successful theatrical run, the majority of these hits made their OTT debut. The top Malayalam films of 2025 are listed here, along with where to watch them online. Posters of Thudarum and Rekhachithram Watch Malayalam's latest hits such as Alappuzha Gymkhana, Maranamass, Prince and Family and more on OTTplay Premium The public as well as critics appreciated this film, which was directed by Tharun Moorthy of Saudi Vellaka fame. Mohanlal's most recent movie, which made over ₹ 100 crore at the global box office, received accolades for its compelling story and outstanding performances. Rekhachithram (SonyLIV) The movie became the first Malayalam film to become a box office success in 2025. The story of a missing woman in the late 1980s is the focus of the investigation. Rekhachithram received plaudits for its ability to blend cinematic elements into an investigative thriller and its lead actors' nuanced performances. L2: Empuraan (JioHotstar) Prithviraj and Mohanlal's second installment of the trilogy, L2 Empuraan, after the 2019 box office blockbuster Lucifer, went on to rank among the highest-grossing Malayalam films of this year. Amidst controversies, the thriller appealed to the audience with its action sequences. Alappuzha Gymkhana (Sony LIV) The comedy and boxing scenes in the movie received plenty of attention. Alappuzha Gymkhana, which made its OTT premiere after a successful run in theatres, is a light-hearted story about a group of friends and their bromance amidst a boxing championship competition. Officer on Duty (Netflix) From a compelling storyline by Shahi Kabir to the outstanding performances by the cast, the movie had all the viewer could want in a good thriller. Officer on Duty maintains a realistic narrative while also cramming in plenty of action and intriguing scenes. Ponman (JioHotstar) Ponman ranks high among all the recent Malayalam films because it seamlessly blends emotional scenes with thriller aspects in its narrative. The Basil Joseph film proved to be one of the year's most critically acclaimed films thanks to phenomenal performances and plot. Pravinkoodu Shappu (Sony LIV) This film skilfully combines a gripping narrative with strong acting to create an engaging viewing experience for the audience. This movie, which features Soubin Shahir and Basil Joseph in the key roles, also has a dark comic undertone. Padakkalam (JioHotstar) Padakkalam, which centres on the concept of body-swapping, contains a number of humorous sequences. After its OTT release, the fantasy thriller—which was an unexpected hit in theaters—received even more recognition. Also Read: Love Malayalam thrillers? Here are a few films that you should not miss on OTT
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bigg Boss Malayalam 7: Commoner's promo likely to drop on June 21?
The buzz around Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 is reaching a fever pitch as fans eagerly await the next big announcement from the makers. Ever since the show's logo was unveiled on May 21, on host Mohanlal's birthday, there has been a noticeable silence from the production team, fueling curiosity and speculation among viewers. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Amidst growing anticipation, the channel airing the show recently shared a mysterious social media post with the date "June 21" accompanied by a simple "wait and watch" message. This cryptic update has set the rumour mills spinning, with fans and followers divided on what the announcement could be. A large section of fans is confident that the much-awaited commoner entry promo will be released on Saturday, June 21, marking the official call for public participation. However, not everyone is convinced. Another group of viewers believes the post could be related to the world television premiere of Ponman, 's recent blockbuster. Despite the divided opinions, sources close to the production team have hinted that a Bigg Boss-related update is indeed on the way. While the exact nature of the announcement remains under wraps, insiders suggest that fans won't be disappointed. Meanwhile, speculation about the contestant list is heating up online. Actors Anumol, , and Jishin Mohan are among the names doing the rounds on social media as potential participants. While the official contestant list is yet to be revealed, excitement continues to grow. Adding to the buzz, it has also been confirmed that the Bigg Boss Malayalam 7 set is being constructed at EVP Film City in Chennai, maintaining continuity with previous seasons.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vimal joins hands with 'Ponman' makers for a rural comedy entertainer, shoot begins in Karaikudi
Actor Vimal is all set to headline a new rural-based comedy entertainer, produced by Ajith Vinayaka Films, marking the production house's entry into Tamil cinema. The film will be directed by debutant duo Elson Eldhose and Manish K. Thoppil, and the story will revolve around life in a village with a strong dose of humor. The project was officially launched with a simple pooja ceremony in Karaikudi, attended by the cast and crew. Malayalam production house makes Kollywood debut The production house, known for the production of ten successful Malayalam films, which includes recent hits like 'Kakacherry' and 'Ponman', is now stepping into the Tamil film industry with this grand project. According to News 18, the production team has promised a magnificent and high-quality film, which is planned to be made on a grand budget with Vimal playing the lead and Mulai Arasi as the female lead. Supporting roles include prominent actors such as 'Viduthalai' Chethan and 'Paruthiveeran' Saravanan. A fun-filled entertainer for all ages The directorial duo stated that the film aims to appeal to audiences of all ages, from kids to elders, as a complete family entertainer filled with comedy. Basil George and Akash V. Paul have shaped the script in collaboration, while Sudhi Krishna has worked on the screenplay. Giju Sunny (known for her work in 'Parking') is handling the cinematography, and Justin Prabhakaran taking care of the film's music. 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 Filming plan and upcoming announcements The team plans to complete the filming in a single stretch in Karaikudi and its surrounding areas while maintaining the authentic rural environment. The dialogues are written by Francis Nelson Xavier and Marudhu Periasamy. The film's title and the first-look poster will be unveiled soon through official announcements, which will increase the enthusiasm among fans and the industry.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tovino Thomas trolls Basil Joseph: ‘Did you think you'd be spared, kid?; Check post here
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Mollywood actors Basil Joseph and Tovino Thomas hold a special bond off-screen, and recently, a throwback video of the 'Minnal Murali' director has taken the internet by storm. A childhood video of filmmaker and actor Basil Joseph, taken from the popular Malayalam quiz show, has gone viral, becoming a social media sensation. Basil Joseph's birthday celebrations The clip, affectionately dubbed the 'Kuthippokkal' video due to Basil's lively expressions and mannerisms, has long been a source of internet memes and affectionate trolling. As it made the rounds yet again, fans and celebrities alike joined the fun, reacting to the now-iconic footage of ninth-grade Basil competing with full intensity. Basil shares a childhood photo in response Responding to the renewed attention, Basil took to social media and posted a throwback photo from his childhood, showing him holding a guitar. Alongside it, he cheekily wrote, 'Not just Ashwamedham, had a bit of music in me too, guys.' Celebs join the fun with witty comments Basil's post triggered a wave of hilarious celebrity reactions. Actor Tovino Thomas, who shares a close friendship with Basil, commented, "സ്വയം കീഴടങ്ങിയാൽ വെറുതെ വിടുമെന്ന് കരുതിയോ കുഞ്ഞേ?" ('Did you think you'd be spared just because you surrendered willingly, kid?') Actor Siju Sunny joined in, asking, 'So that means another song is coming? Was this on Kochu TV?' ("അപ്പൊ ഒരു പാട്ട് കൂടി വരാൻ ഉണ്ടെന്ന് മനസ്സിലായി. കൊച്ചു ടീവീൽ ആണോ?") Veteran actor Suresh Krishna added his own twist with, 'Didn't know… no one told me anything,' referring to a movie dialogue. Check out the post here. Basil Joseph's work front On the work front, Basil Joseph was last seen in the crime comedy film 'Pravinkoodu Shappu', which received decent reviews from the audience. His recent film 'Maranamass' also received much acclaim from the audiences who love black humor. Basil Joseph's previous successful outing was the drama movie 'Ponman' , which was based on GR Indugopan's novel 'Naalanchu Cheruppakkar'. 'Ponman' received much praise from the audiences even after its OTT release. Meanwhile, Tovino Thomas was recently seen in the crime thriller film 'Narivetta'. Receiving decent reviews from the audiences, 'Narivetta' performed well at the box office.
New Indian Express
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Interview: Music ace Justin Varghese on his trip from 'Thanneer Mathan' days to 'Thetti' drift
Which musicians have inspired you most over the years? Any all-time favourites whose works you keep going back to? It is very difficult for me to name any artist in that context, because when I mention someone, I might have forgotten about some other artist who has influenced me greatly. That would make me feel bad. Every musician influences me. Even artists who aren't very popular. You see, there are songs that people heavily criticise, but become hits. We might like the song, but might be too embarrassed to admit it, and agree with the mass opinion. We would then listen to those songs in private. Even in those songs, there is some kind of magic that the music director has hidden. I try to find that out when I listen to it. The most amount of songs that I have cried listening to and loved listening to would probably be those by Vidyasagar, Ouseppachan, Johnson Master, S P Venkatesh, etc. I love so many songs of S P Venkatesh. Most of the hit tracks at one time were his. But when I make music, it is not their songs that inspire me the most. I listen to a lot of songs, and it is a mix of all these that influence me when I make something new. I have worked the most with Bijibal. Sometimes when I make some new songs, it would sound similar to what he had given me to program for me long before. I would then tell him about it. I try not to get inspired by my contemporaries. But I listen to and enjoy everyone's songs. I would call or text them in appreciation. I think all the music directors in the industry right now have a great rapport. It's really nice. Sushin had called me the other day. He quipped 'thetti' the moment I picked up the call! Similarly, I had texted Jakes when Thudarum was released. When Alappuzha Gymkhana was released, I contacted Vishnu. He had called me on learning that K S Chithra sang for my track in Ponman. There are so many instances like these. At a global level, again, I have been inspired by so many artists. I don't even remember the first phonk track I listened to. I have listened to hundreds of phonk tracks by various artists. I have been influenced by so many people. If you look at the playlist I am listening to right now, I might not even have the faintest idea of who these artists are. I follow many random artists because I like their work, and I think that is how you get exposed to new music, and that is how you get new ideas as well. There was a Bhojpuri track that was recently a hit. I was inspired by it. I had incorporated elements of that in Haydole (Painkili). I did that song in 10 minutes. I sang some gibberish too (laughs). Basically, I am inspired by all things music. Not copying a piece of music just as it is. But drawing ideas. There is a base pattern that Ilayaraaja used for Thumbi vaa. It is still being discussed. It is an idea for generations. I aspire to create music like that. I am an average musician who is still exploring, trying to learn.
