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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.
Hindustan Times
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Novak Djokovic gets Pushpa makeover as Wimbledon drops Allu Arjun-inspired post, gets a thumbs up from the actor
Malayalam cinema's 2025 first half showcased hidden gems like Identity, Pravinkoodu Shappu, and Daveed. These films, featuring Tovino Thomas, Basil Joseph, and Antony Varghese, offer unique narratives, compelling performances, and intriguing storylines beyond box office success.
Hindustan Times
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Sahil Vaid: 'Watched myself in The Hunt like a fanboy'
Malayalam cinema's 2025 first half showcased hidden gems like Identity, Pravinkoodu Shappu, and Daveed. These films, featuring Tovino Thomas, Basil Joseph, and Antony Varghese, offer unique narratives, compelling performances, and intriguing storylines beyond box office success.
Hindustan Times
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Malayalam films from the first half of 2025 that deserve more attention
The year 2025 saw some stellar successes for Malayalam cinema with the likes of Empuraan, Thudarum, Rekhachithram and Alappuzha Gymkhana raking in good numbers at the box office. But the year also witnessed several other films that did not quite win the box office game but deserve to be watched, nevertheless. From Tovino Thomas' Identity to Basil Joseph-led Pravinkoodu Shappu, here are some of the Malayalam films from the first half of 2025 that deserves your attention (at least in the OTT space). Tovino Thomas' Identity, Basil Joseph-led Pravinkoodu Shappu Explore Malayalam cinema with OTTplay Premium - Stream Alappuzha Gymkhana, Prince and Family and all the latest releases right now! Popular actor Tovino Thomas rang in the New Year for Malayalam cinema with Identity, the first major release of 2025. A sketch artist, a cop and an eyewitness of a crime form the crux of the story as they try to trace the identity of the killer. But the narrative holds many surprises and twists along with the way that looked a tad too much by the end. But the director duo of Akhil Paul and Anas Khan should be appreciated for the technically sound film, which is powered by some slick action sequences, a thrilling car chase and sharp performances. Trisha Krishnan and Vinay Rai, who are both predominantly Tamil actors, play key roles in the film. Pravinkoodu Shappu Malayalam actor-filmmaker Basil Joseph turned a cop for Pravinkoodu Shappu. A grim toddy shop is at the centre of this film. Its owner is found dead in the middle of the shop one night, with all those present at the toddy shop becoming suspects. Watch out for how Basil Joseph's CI Santhosh cracks cases, purely based on wit and deductions without resorting to violent ways. Soubin Shahir, Chemban Vinod Jose, and Chandini Sreedharan play other key roles in the film. Daveed Malayalam actor Antony Varghese, popularly known as Pepe to his fans, stars as Aashiq Abu in Daveed. When one of his gigs as a bouncer goes wrong, Aashiq Abu finds that he has to take on an international boxing champ in the ring. The action-packed movie also gives space for Abu's family, and his lovely interactions with his daughter. Lijomol Jose and Vijayaraghavan play other key roles in Daveed, which is helmed by filmmaker Govind Vishnu. Maranamass Another Basil Joseph-starrer but the one that sees him on the other side of the law. He plays Luke PP, the Gen Z brat, who is causing quite a lot of trouble to his townspeople. So, when a serial killer is feared to be among them, they suspect Luke to be the criminal. And as fate would have it, Luke boards a bus with a serial killer, a corpse, and his former girlfriend, setting the stage for an intriguing ride. The situational comedy and the quirky characters drive this film, which deserves to be watched at least once.
Hindustan Times
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Love Malayalam thrillers? Here are intriguing films that you should not miss out on OTT
Malayalam has released several thrillers over the years that are notable for a variety of reasons, including their plots and performances. Some of these films focus on a crime investigation, while others feature captivating narratives that intrigue the audience from start to finish. If you enjoy watching Malayalam thrillers, you should not miss these flicks on OTT. Ela Veezha Poonchira, Kunchacko Boban's Anjaam Pathiraa Stream Malayalam's latest thrillers such as Pravinkoodu Shappu, Rekhachithram and more on OTTplay Premium Anjaam Pathiraa (Sun NXT, OTTplay Premium) A serial killer is at large, brutally killing police officers. Anwar, a consulting criminologist, joins the investigative team in order to find the offender. As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that the case is about seeking retribution for the wrongs done to the culprit's family. Kunchacko Boban stars in the lead role in this film, helmed by Midhun Manuel Thomas. Ela Veezha Poonchira (Amazon Prime Video) The main characters of the movie are police constable Madhu and another officer who are assigned to the hilltop. The plot twist starts when a woman's body parts are discovered strewn about in the region they are on duty. The movie's climax is popular for shocking audiences. Noted screenwriter Shahi Kabir has helmed this film, which features Soubin Shahir in the lead role. Rekhachithram (Sony LIV, OTTplay Premium) Starring Asif Ali, the movie centres on Vivek Gopinath, who looks into the disappearance of an actress during a 1985 movie shoot and a mysterious skeleton they retrieve in a forest. Buried secrets come to light as he investigates, exposing a crime that was kept hidden for 40 years. Anaswara Rajan plays the other key role in this film. Joseph (Amazon Prime Video) A retired police officer who is renowned for his investigative skills is portrayed in the film. He discovers a criminal case involving organ trafficking after his wife passes away in an accident. This is among actor Joju George's finest performances to date. Vettah (Sun NXT, OTTplay Premium) The inquiry into the disappearance of an actress is the primary focus of the film. The investigating officers deal with an offender who confesses to the crime but then begins to play mind tricks and refuses to disclose anything about the case to anyone else. The plot and performances of Manju Warrier, Kunchacko Boban, and Indrajith Sukumaran were lauded by moviegoers. Grandmaster (Sun NXT, OTTplay Premium) An IPS officer named Chandrasekhar is challenged by a serial killer, who chooses victims based on alphabetical order, in this movie. He progressively overcomes the disappointment of his split from his wife and works on the most challenging case of his career. In this thriller, Mohanlal portrays Chandrashekhar.
