Latest news with #PrakashVarma
Hans India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Mohanlal dazzles in gender-fluid avatar for jewellery brand
In a bold and unconventional move, Vinsmera Jewels has turned heads across the nation by choosing Malayalam superstar Mohanlal as the face of their latest campaign — not as the usual masculine brand ambassador, but as a hero embracing a gender-fluid persona. The celebrated actor appears in the new ad flaunting the brand's jewellery with elegance, challenging the long-held tradition of featuring only women in jewellery advertisements. Directed by acclaimed ad filmmaker Prakash Varma, the advertisement subverts norms and expectations with a narrative that's both playful and progressive. In the ad, Mohanlal plays a fictional version of himself who slyly steals jewellery from a film set, only to lock himself inside his vanity van and adorn himself with the sparkling gold and diamond pieces. It's a refreshing departure from the hyper-masculine portrayals that dominate media, and a powerful statement on fluid expression and breaking gender norms. This daring campaign is drawing comparisons with the strategies of other leading jewellery brands like Kalyan Jewellers, Malabar Gold, and Jos Alukkas — all of whom also feature male brand ambassadors. However, none have dared to explore such a bold, inclusive, and gender-defying concept in their promotions. Vinsmera's campaign, led by Mohanlal, is setting a new precedent. What makes this effort all the more compelling is the fact that Mohanlal, one of the most respected and versatile actors in Indian cinema, chose to lend his image to such a path-breaking concept. Known widely as the 'Complete Actor,' Mohanlal once again proves why he deserves that title — his willingness to experiment and take creative risks is winning hearts across demographics. The ad's director Prakash Varma, who recently made his acting debut as the antagonist in the Mohanlal-starrer Thudarum, brings a nuanced vision to the commercial. His unique storytelling approach helped elevate the concept beyond a simple marketing gimmick into a thoughtful commentary on identity and self-expression. Unsurprisingly, the ad has gone viral on social media, with netizens and fans alike showering praise on both Mohanlal and Vinsmera Jewels for their courage and creativity. Hashtags like #Mohanlal, #VinsmeraJewels, and #BreakingNorms are trending, with users applauding the actor's bold choice and hailing the campaign as a much-needed breath of fresh air in brand storytelling. In a time when many leading men in Indian cinema cling to hypermasculine and action-heavy roles, Mohanlal's move is being celebrated as not only brave but revolutionary. He has once again proved that acting is not just about fitting into molds — it's about breaking them. With this ad, Vinsmera Jewels hasn't just marketed their product — they've made a statement. And thanks to Mohanlal, that statement is echoing across the country with resounding applause.
The Hindu
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Thudarum' on OTT: When and where to watch Mohanlal's blockbuster
Malayalam movie Thudarum, starring Mohanlal, is set for its OTT release. Directed by Tharun Moorthy, the movie has had a sensational run at the box office. Thudarum, which hit the screens on April 25, 2025, reunited the evergreen pair of Mohanlal and Shobhana on the big screen after 15 years. The two has acted together in more than 50 Malayalam movies. A family drama with enough thriller elements, Thudarum follows the Drishyam template of an ordinary man ready to go any lengths to save his family. Mohanlal plays Benz aka Shanmugham, a taxi driver who is extremely fond of his car, a black Ambassador. The movie will stream on JioHotstar from May 30, 2025. Thudarum, which has plenty of nostalgic references to the die hard fans of Mohanlal, is further helped by the powerful performance of debutant Prakash Varma, who essays the antagonist. Prakash Varma, a well-known name in the world of advertising, was praised by critics and fans alike after the film's release. Produced by M Renjith under the banner Rejaputhra Visual Media, Thudarum made history by becoming the first Malayalam film to cross ₹100 crore at the Kerala box office. Having become the second fastest Malayalam movie to collect a worldwide gross of ₹100 crore, Thudarum has so far earned more than ₹200 crore at the global box office. The movie also stars Maniyanpillai Raju, Binu Pappu, Irshad Ali, Farhaan Faasil and Aarsha Baiju. In the film, written by K R Sunil and Moorthy, the police seizes taxi driver Shanmughan's car, and he goes to great lengths to get it back. However, his attempts lead to an unexpected revelation. ALSO READ:Mohanlal's 'Thudarum' becomes highest-grossing film in Kerala, surpasses '2018' The Hindu review of the film said, 'The lack of a convincing antagonist with well-written lines and a weighty background story has been sorely felt in some recent mainstream films. But, here we have someone who stands on an almost equal footing with the hero, challenging him at every corner and making it seem like a fight which is hard to win. This is one factor which helps Thudarum even when it gets caught in a run-of-the-mill revenge drama plot near the end.'
New Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Prakash Varma Interview: I'll pursue roles that scare or challenge me
Known for masterminding iconic campaigns like the You and I, in this Beautiful World for Hutch and the legendary ZooZoo for Vodafone, ad guru Prakash Varma stunned audiences with his maiden acting gig in the recently released film Thudarum—and what an entry it turned out to be! Playing one of the most detestable antagonists in recent Malayalam cinema, Prakash's portrayal of George Mathan, a seemingly friendly senior police officer with a hidden sinister side, in this emotionally charged thriller sent chills down spines. Right from the first show of Thudarum, people wanted to know more about this actor. While he enjoyed donning the cloak of anonymity despite his towering stature as an ad filmmaker, Thudarum has changed that status quo. His face is everywhere, and with good reason. As the Mohanlal-starrer continues to run to packed houses, we caught up with him to chat about his leap into acting, the art of storytelling, working alongside his childhood inspirations, and more. Excerpts:
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘George sir' aka Prakash Varma shares his experience on working with Mohanlal: My hero, my inspiration, my mentor
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) While Mohanlal 's emotionally gripping performance in ' Thudarum ' continues to earn widespread acclaim, another name is steadily making waves—Prakash Varma, who plays the composed yet chilling antagonist, Inspector George Sir . Impressive performance Prakash Varma 's portrayal of the calculating police officer is being celebrated for its restraint and depth, standing out in a film packed with powerful performances. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3 Reasons to Plug This Into Your Home Today elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo Audiences have been particularly captivated by George Sir's now-iconic line—'Hello'—delivered with an eerie calm that lingers long after the scene fades. Without relying on over-the-top villainy, Prakash Varma managed to instill unease with his stillness, gaze, and quiet intensity. Critics and fans alike have praised how his performance balanced perfectly with Mohanlal's emotionally driven Shanmugham. Thudarum | Song - Kondattam 'The simple act of caring is heroic' Taking to Instagram, Prakash Varma shared a candid behind-the-scenes moment with Mohanlal, writing, 'The simple act of caring is heroic' - Edward Albert (actor) 'My experience with 'Thudarum' is nothing short of magical. I found myself, I found a new home and a new family. Gratitude is the only feeling I have. My biggest bounty is what I got from Lalettan. He is my hero, my inspiration, my mentor, my brother, a teacher and a friend. Here is a glimpse of our invaluable shooting moments where he cared for me more than I can describe or could imagine. Forever grateful. Varma aka George Sir Hello.' One of the best films of this year Directed with a gripping mix of emotion and suspense, 'Thudarum' follows Shanmugham (Mohanlal), a humble taxi driver, whose life spirals after a drug case leads to the seizure of his vehicle and the mysterious disappearance of his son. Alongside Shobana as Lalitha, and now with Prakash Varma's breakout act, the film is being hailed as one of the most impactful Malayalam releases of the year. Meanwhile, Tharun Moorthy has announced his next film titled 'Torpedo'.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Watch: Mohanlal turns on the beast mode between ‘Action' and ‘Cut' in ‘Thudarum'
continues to prove why he is considered one of Indian cinema's finest performers. ' Thudarum ' BTS video Director recently shared a gripping behind-the-scenes (BTS) video from the sets of 'Thudarum', showcasing the actor's effortless transformation into character during an intense action sequence. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Mohanlal's quick transformation Set against the backdrop of a gritty scene, the video captures Mohanlal stepping into action mode in the blink of an eye. With minimal cues, he transitions from his natural self to a fully-formed character, radiating authority and intensity. The scene also features actor , and the two are seen sharing the frame in what promises to be a high-stakes moment in the film. Thudarum | Song - Kondattam Tharun Moorthy, known for his grounded storytelling and authentic filmmaking style, captioned the post to emphasize the energy Mohanlal brings to the screen. His caption read, 'The Unassailable Thespian @mohanlal.' 'That Smile' The performance left even the crew in awe. Actor Farhaan Faasil's comment on the video — simply stating, 'That smile' — added to the intrigue surrounding the scene, hinting at the emotional layers in the narrative. One netizen commented, 'That shivering after action, after that shivering he is switching into the character completely.' Another comment read, 'Transition after action call.' A third comment read, 'The Master mode on after hearing Action.' Thudarum, which marks the collaboration between Mohanlal and Tharun Moorthy for the first time, is receiving magnificent reviews from the audiences for its gripping screenplay in a simple and predictable storyline. George sir takes on the charge Not only Mohanlal, the debutant actor Prakash Varma is getting much adulation for his stunning performance in the movie. From his unique 'Hello' introduction to his stunning performance as an antagonist, Prakash Varma has already become a favourite among the Malayali audiences. The film also features Shobana in the female lead.
