Latest news with #SaltN'Pepper
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
‘I believe in creative freedom, everyone should fight for it'
The two years at Kalady transformed me as a filmmaker and as a person. Syam (Pushkaran) often says that the person who went to Kalady and the one who returned are two different individuals. Other friends of mine have also said the same. While I can't pinpoint exactly how I've changed, others have remarked on the difference. Perhaps it's my outlook and understanding of things that have changed. After my time at Kalady, I started finding the happiness and satisfaction in my work that I had been missing as an assistant director. When I returned, I began landing roles in films like 'Salt N' Pepper' and resumed work as an assistant director. This time around, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Was it at Kalady that you realised you had an actor in you? I had no plan to act in movies. I didn't even believe I could act. But at Kalady, it was compulsory. We have to cooperate with plays by others. That's how I started acting in some plays. Gopan Chidambaram (writer-scenarist) was a teacher there. After my first play, 'Gopan maash' started praising my acting. From that moment, I started gaining confidence in my acting. That was when they (the makers of 'Salt N' Pepper') called me to act in the movie, saying I had the 'look' of a director. Had I not acted in the plays at Kalady, I would have declined the role. Did your family support your dreams of becoming a filmmaker? To be honest, their support wasn't exactly unconditional. They were happy I had secured a job in Bengaluru after studies. When I started pursuing filmmaking, I told them I was taking a one-year break, citing stress. However, one year turned into two, and slowly, family pressure began to mount. They'd try to dissuade me from taking to the film industry, but eventually, they came round to accept it as my calling and supported me wholeheartedly. Growing up, I was a huge film enthusiast and my father would often criticise movies for not being realistic. Whenever the family sat down to watch a film, my father would start criticising. He'd say things like, 'This will only happen in a movie.' Looking back, maybe he was trying to discourage me from pursuing filmmaking. His realistic feedback was often traumatic. Whenever I watch a bad scene in any film, I worry he's going to judge it... (smiles). So, your father's critique of unrealistic elements in films shaped the realistic tone of your own work… Possibly. There's a lingering thought in my mind that I should make realistic films, driven by a deep-seated fear of his criticism. His comments left a lasting impression. Even now, maybe I'm trying to avoid his disapproval. What does your father think of your work now? His perception has completely changed, he's now a huge film enthusiast! He watches all my movies in cinemas and even gives feedback. Your roles in most films too are close to real-life characters, except perhaps 'Secretary Avaran' (in Rifle Club). How do you choose your roles? I think I receive roles that fit my persona. I've also gravitated towards realistic characters. My physique might also be a factor, as I don't fit the typical 'hero' mould. I'm more comfortable playing characters that feel authentic and rooted in real life. When it comes to more unconventional or larger-than-life roles, I rely heavily on my trust in the director. If I believe in their vision, I'll take on a role like 'Secretary Avaran' or the character in 'Trance'. Trust is key for me... if I'm unsure about a role, I'll hesitate.
New Indian Express
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Mathew Thomas-starrer Lovely postpones release date
Lovely , the upcoming 3D fantasy comedy-drama starring Mathew Thomas, is now set to hit theatres on May 9. The film was originally slated for release on April 4, before being postponed to May 2 and subsequently to its new date. Written and directed by Dileesh Karunakaran (formerly known as Dileesh Nair), it marks his return to direction after his debut feature Tamaar Padaar . Dileesh is also known for co-writing popular films such as Salt N' Pepper, Da Thadiya, Idukki Gold, and Mayaanadhi . Centred around a talking housefly, Lovely also stars Manoj K Jayan, KPAC Leela, Appan-fame Radhika, Ashwathy Manoharan, Prashanth Murali, and Ganga Meera. Its music is composed by Vishnu Vijay, with editing by Kiran Das. Notably, director Aashiq Abu made his debut as a cinematographer in this film, before the release of his 2024 directorial Rifle Club . Mathew was last seen in the Tamil film Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam , the third directorial venture of actor Dhanush.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
No VIPs or celebs. Malayalam actress Archana Kavi celebrates housewarming with migrant workers who built her home
Owning a dream house is a milestone many aspire to—a space built with love, memories, and comfort. For Malayalam actress Archana Kavi, this dream was not just about her own aspirations but about creating a peaceful haven for her parents in their beloved hometown of Kannur . The actress recently shared glimpses of the housewarming ceremony on social media, capturing precious moments with her family and the team of workers who helped bring the home to her post, Archana expressed how fulfilling it felt to build a retirement home for her parents, calling it something truly special. She shared a series of snapshots: one with all the workers together, moments of planning the decor, her family friend Bijoy handing over the keys, a blessing ceremony, a playful reference to the movie Baahubali, and a loving tribute to Meher, whom she called their queen. The home has been designed in the traditional Kerala architectural style, reflecting her family's roots and cultural warmth. For years, Archana and her family had been based in Delhi, making this return to Kerala all the more Kavi began her film career with Lal Jose 's Neelathamara and went on to star in popular films like Mummy and Me, Salt N' Pepper, and Honey Bee . She was last seen in the 2025 film Identity, opposite Tovino Thomas , Trisha Krishnan and Vinay Rai. It was released on 2 January 2025, received mixed to positive reviews from critics, and performed moderately well at the box office, emerging as an average hit.
