Thiruvananthapuram: Eminent Malayalam film actor Bharat Gopi, who mesmerised the audience with his versatile talent, died in a private hospital here on Tuesday following cardiac problems, family sources said.

Gopi, 71, is survived by wife, son and a daughter.

Gopi suffered a heart attack last week at a shooting location in Alappuzha and was brought here two days back for specialised treatment.

Making his debut in a minor role in Adoor Gopalakrishnan' `Swayamvaram,' Gopi made it big with his lead role in the director's next film `Kodiyettam' which earned him the Bharat award for best actor.

Kerala Speaker K. Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan and Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly Oommen Chandy condoled the death of veteran film actor Bharat Gopi, who died at a private hospital here on Tuesday.

In his condolence message, Radhakrishnan said the Malayalam film industry had lost a great actor.

Gopi was a versatile actor and had left an imprint in the minds of film lovers through his profound acting. His death was also a loss to the Malayalam theatre, he said.

In his condolence message, Chandy said Gopi was an actor who would always be remembered for his proven acting style.

Apart from the political leaders, the Malayalam filmdom also condoled the demise.

Known as Gopiettan to all in the Kerala film industry, he began his career as a theatre actor.

Gopi made his film debut with Adoor Gopalakrishnan's first movie Swayamvaram in 1972 and went on to star in popular films like Ormakkayi, Yavanika, Panchavadippalam and Aadaminte Vaariyell.Gopi's portrayal of a villager in the film Kodiyettam in 1977 won him the National Film Award for Best Actor. He was also awarded Padmasri in 1991.

Gopi's portrayal of a villager in the film Kodiyettam in 1977 won him the National Film Award for Best Actor. He was also awarded Padmasri in 1991.

Born in 1937 in Chirayankil in Thiruvananthapuram district, Gopi acted in nearly a hundred films in his long career, but he was choosy about the roles he wanted to play. He also acted in two Hindi movies, Aghaat and Satah Se Udta Admi.

Gopi was paralysed by a stroke at the prime of his career in 1986. However, he went on to act in more than two dozen films.

Gopi also produced and directed a few films, including Mammootty-starrer Padhyam.

Mammootty said he was shocked to hear of Gopi's death.

The Malayalam superstar said: "There has been only one Gopi and he can never ever be replaced. I have acted in several films with him and was also fortunate to play the lead role in the film Padhayam which he produced after he came back to the industry after suffering a stroke. His space can never be filled."

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Big releases lined up
Saturday, 19 January, 2008

As usual big releases are lined up around the holiday season. This time the big releases headed for the Republic day weekend are Renji Panicker's Mamootty starrer Raudram and Mohanlal's 'College Kumaran' directed by Thulasidas. The other film awaiting release this month is Blessy's Dileep film, Calcutta News. Raudram has Mamootty back in a police officer's role while Mohanlal film is a pure campus film. Blessy film is said to be a romantic entertainer extensively shot in Kolkatta.
--MP

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'Staying Alive' being screened at IFFK
Thursday, 3 January, 2008

Shemaroo Entertainment's forthcoming film – Staying Alive - directed by 'Ananth Mahadevan' is being screened at the 12th International Film Festival of Kerala [IFFK].

Staying Alive starring Saurabh Shukla and the Director himself, is based on a true story of a journalist and an underworld kingpin. Both of them share a room in the intensive cardiac care at a hospital owing to heart attack. While one scoffs at death because he is seasoned as it is his third attack, the other is totally petrified on suffering his first. The film is about being grateful at the joy of just staying alive.

Staying Alive has been earlier screened at 'Bite the Mango Festival' at Bradford UK and at IFFK there will be two screenings of the movie. Staying Alive will be visiting lot more other prestigious festivals before the formal release of the film.

The Kerala State Chalachitra Academy annually hosts IFFK at Thiruvananthapuram which is recognized by the International Federation of Film Archives [FIAF], thus making it part of a prestigious circle of specialized festivals.

Director Ananth Mahadevan shares his thoughts, 'Staying alive is a tribute to great cinema makers, who have inspired me to make a movie of this kind. Based on a true story, this film is absolutely an original piece of art, with no reference points anywhere. The underlying message of the film being - are all of us making our lives worth living, as we are staying alive – will certainly make a difference in the lives of our audiences'.

At a preview screening of the film, Staying Alive was reviewed as, 'A deeply moving chamber piece . . . lucid yet sparse emotionalism of two incompatible men. Staying Alive is a film that makes you thankful for the gift of life and cinema.'

The 12th IFFK 2007 is currently being held from 7th – 14 th December 2007, showcasing the films of famous directors from across the globe and films of many other directors too are being screened in various sections. The jury includes ten distinguished members across the world from the film fraternity who have a tough choice to make, in order to give away the festivals six awards and one audience prize.

Over the years, the festival has attracted an ever increasing number of entries. Several luminaries of the film world and the media, both from within the country and abroad, attend the festival.

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Plan For 'Chocolate' Sequel
Sunday, 16 December, 2007

AJ: Director Shafi is planning to make a sequel of his super hit movie 'Chocolate'. The first part of 'Chocolate' was about a young man who is forced to study in a women's college by his mother and its aftermaths. The second part under planning will present the opposite that is about a girl student who ends up studying in a men's college. Shafi is planning to repeat the same star cast in the sequel too.

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Christmas Lineup Ready
Thursday, 13 December, 2007

AJ: Four films are expected to release during this Christmas. Dilip's Romeo directed by Rajasenan will release on December 14. Vimala Raman and Samvrutha are the two heroines of the film. Sibi Malayi's Flash with Mohanlal, Parvathy, Indrajit, will release on December 20. Katha Parayumbol has Mammootty, Sreenisavan, Meena and many others. The film is directed by Mohanan.Raj Babu's Kangaroo

with Prithviraj, Kavya Madhavan, Jayasurya. The Christmas battle at the box-office is the biggest Malayalam cinema has seen in recent times

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Balachandra Menon Bags Prem Nazir Award
Wednesday, 12 December, 2007

AJ: Famous actor, director Balachandra Menon will be honoured with this year's Prem Nazir award. The award, initiated by the Prem Nazir foundation, will be given to this national award winner for his wholesome contribution to Malayalam cinema.

Balachandra Menon is famous for his proficiency in all most all

fields of film making, including direction, music, acting, and editing. He has been the winner of national award for best acting in 'Samantharangal'. He is at present busy with his latest production 'De Ingottu Nokkiye' which has Jayasuriya in the lead.

The presentation will be made by the state chief minister V S Achuthanandan on the 16th of this month, in a function organised

by the foundation.

Labels: Awards, News

IFFK Opens With 'Buddha Collapsed in Shame'
Sunday, 9 December, 2007

AJ: The twelfth International Film Festival of Kerala, has been formally inaugurated by Kamal Hassan in a glittering ceremony in Nishaganthi Open Air Auditorium, which was attended by around five thousand film friendly delegates. Personalities including Mohanlal and Chilean director Miguil Littin were the centre of attraction in the star studded function. Famous personalities of the erstwhile Malayalam cinema were also honored in the function

After the inaugural ceremony IFFK 2007, opens proudlyby Hana Makhmalbaf was screened. Jury chairman Jiri Menzel has been replaced by Iranian director Jafar Panahi while Cuban film director Rigoberto Lopez has been added to the panel. The other members of the jury include an African actor cum director Naki Sy Savene, Polish scriptwriter Agnieska Holland and veteran Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah.The competition section of these years IFFK has 14 films,including' 'Naalu Pennungal' by Adoor Gopalakrishnan and 'Parades'i by P T Kunjumuhammed.

Labels: Awards, News

Renji - Renjith Teams Up
Thursday, 6 December, 2007

AJ: Renjith is planning to make a film on the character of Nanda Gopal Maarar, the guest role that Mammootty did in the mega hit Mohanlal film 'Narasimham'. The film scripted by Renji Panikkar who did a story based on this character. The film will be an investigative thriller, which will start its shooting after the completion of the full scripts.

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Pakru Enters Guinness Book
Wednesday, 5 December, 2007

AJ: Ajayakumar, popularly known in the filmy circuit as 'Undapakru', has managed to get into the Guinness book of world records. The citation was made for being the shortest actor who appeared in a normal full length character in a feature film. Pakru only 76 centimeters tall, was the lead actor in Vinayan's 'Albhutha Dweep' which also shown him in the built up of a normal man of 6 feet height.

The actor who debuted through the children's film 'Ambili Ammavan'' in 1984, was Gajendran, the young king of the dwarfs in a peculiar island, in 'Aldutha Dweep', the film which was released in 2005. He received the state awards last year for his performance in this film. Last year he also fetched Tamil Nadu state awards for his performance in the film 'Dishyum'. Pakru's accomplishment is cited in 167th page of 2008' Guinness book.

Labels: News

Actor Ravi Menon Pases Away
Saturday, 24 November, 2007

AJ: Actor Ravi Menon, who got famous through 'Nirmalyam, passed away of cardiac arrest at the Alshif Hospital in Perinthalmanna. He was 57. He is a native of Palakkad Sreekrishnapuram. His acting in films like Manthrikam, Shalini Ente Kootukari and Indrajalam were brilliant. His body has been taken to his native place.

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Lal Jose's 'Mulla' Going To Start
Tuesday, 20 November, 2007

AJ: Director Lal Jose will start his new film with Dileep titled 'Mulla'. Manju Nandakumar, the popular compere of the super hit TV programme 'Star Singer' will debut opposite Dileep through the film. The film also will introduce Rani Bashina and Shruthy to Malayalam Cinema. Biju Menon, Innocent, Salimkumar and Rizabava also will make their appearance.The film scripted by Sindhuraj, the music department handled by Vidhyasagar and Vayalar Sharath. The film is being planned in the banner of Sagar Balaji Productions.

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Siddique Debuts In Hindi
Friday, 16 November, 2007

AJ: Super hit director Siddique is all set to direct a hindi film for Good Knight Mohan. The flick which will mark his debut in Hindi will start once Good Night Mohan's new venture 'Gouri' with new comers gets completed. Siddique who has the most impressive records for creating hits in Malayalam has been evading the industry for a few years. The director now busy with his new film in Tamil titled 'Sadhu Mirandaal' with Prasanna, Kavya Madhavan and Sheela in the lead roles.

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Shaji Kailas Directing Horror Movie
Tuesday, 13 November, 2007

AJ: Super hit action film director in Malayalam, Shaji Kailas trying for an image change. He is getting ready to direct his first ever horror movie. His new movie scrippted veteran script writer Kaloor Dennis. The discussion on the film are under way at Kochi. The other cast and technical support to the film are yet to be finalized. Recently the director, completed his latest Suresh Gopi film 'Boot' finished just 22 days.The film scripted by Rajesh Jayaraman will get to theatres by the end of this month.

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Animation film on Lord Ayyappa
Saturday, 10 November, 2007

US-based producer Nalin Singh is planning to take an animation film on Lord Ayyappa. The new project which was just kicked off by the City-based production house Increation, in association with Sai Raksha Entertainment and India tales, will feature the story of Lord Ayyappa in 90 minutes. Titled 'Manikkantan' the plot will be narrated as seen through the eyes of a little girl and her pet parrot. The animation film will be directed by Reji Syane. Ilayaraja for composing all the five songs for the film. Suresh Gopi, Thilakan, Siddique, Sukumari and others, will lend their voices for the characters in the movie.

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Priyan Back To Malayalam
Wednesday, 31 October, 2007

AJ: After a long gap Priyadarshan coming back to Malayalam. He plans
to direct a film in the scripts of M.T. Vasudevan Nair. The film will
feature his favorite actor Mohanlal in the lead. Priyan's latest hindi
film 'Bhool hulaiyya' turned big hit in bollywood. The director is
now busy with his new tamil movie 'Kanchipuram'.

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Jishnu plans a come back
Monday, 29 October, 2007

AJ: Jishnu, one of the hero of super hit film 'Nammal' is looking for
a come back. He will be playing the lead role in 'Njaan'. His new
film directed by debutante Nazar Azeez. The film will be produced
under the banner of Jyothi films by P.Nandakumar, the producer of
'Madhuranombarakattu'. Jishnu will be also seen in 'Kaliyodam'
directed by Babu Cherthala, which will start its shooting this month
end at Wagamon.

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Priyan Remaking 'Ishtan' In Hindi
Wednesday, 24 October, 2007

AJ: After the success of latest film 'Bhool Bhulaiyya' a remake of 'Manichithrathaazhu', Priyadarshan going to remade another super hit Malayalam movie (Ishtam) in Hindi. The original which was directed by Sibi Malayil had Dileep and Navya Nair in lead roles. In the Hindi version Akshay Kumar would play the lead character, and Malayalam actor P. Sreekumar, playing the hero's father, the role played in the original by Nedumudi Venu.

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Menon Back To Direction

AJ: Balachandramenon is finally back to directing films after a decade. His new film title 'Dhe Ingottu Nokkiye'. The pooja and recording of the film was held at the avenue centre at Panampilly Nagar. Menon is planning to present a few new faces, through this new film. Movie will be produced by A V A Anoop and will be distributed by Vaishakha films. Music department is handled by Bichu Thirumala and M Jayachandran.

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'Raudram' Final Schedule Started
Monday, 22 October, 2007

Director Renji Panikkar's 'Raudram' final schedule started. Mammootty play the role of Assistant Police commissioner, Narendran, who is a industrious, trust worthy officer. 'Raudram' which is all set to reach theatres on November 29 will have an extended third schedule which will be completed in two more weeks. The film also have Rajen P Dev, Sai Kumar, Vijaya Raghavan, Shammi Thilakan, Janardanan, Jaffer are also in important roles. The film scripted by Renji Panikkar and the film is produced and distributed by Marikkar films.

Labels: Film, Mammootty, News, Raudram

Suresh Gopi In Anil C Menon's 'Collector'

AJ: Anil C Menon's 'Collector' which Suresh Gopi in th lead,going to start next month. The film which had him in the title role will have a schedule to be shot at Dubai. Suresh had been earlier with the director in last years 'Rashtram' which was a moderate success. The film scripted by Rajesh Jayaraman, who had earlier penned for Suresh Gopi's 'Time'. Suresh Gopi now busy in the sets of 'The Boot' directed by Shaji Kailas.

Labels: News, Previews, Suresh-Gopi

Jayaraj's 'Of The People' Started

AJ: Director Jayaraj started his new film, 'Of The People' (3rd part of 4 The People). Arun, Arjun and Padmakumar in the lead, while debutant Anjali plays the heroine. Sabitha Jayaraj, Jayaraj's wife as the other heroine in the film. Leading the crusade against the corruption in society, this film also is against the widespread anomalies in the higher education sector and self financing colleges. The film's musical department handled by Vinu Thomas. Story and screenplay by debutant Sreekumar Shreyas. The film will hit the screens by end of November.

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Mammootty's 'Katha Parayumpol’ Started

Mammootty's Christmas release Katha Parayumbol started at Thodupuzha. The film scripted by Sreenivasan, tells about the relation between a filmy superstar and his old friends who are presently a parallel college teacher and a barber. Sreenivasan, Jagathy,Innocent, Meena, Salim Kumar are appearing important roles. The film produced by Sreenivasan and Mukesh in the banner of Lumiere films is directed by debutante Mohan.

Labels: Katha-Parayumpol, Mammootty, News

Rikshskaaran

Kavya finally will pair with Mammoottyin the new movie "Rikshskaaran" directed by M.Padmakumar. Kavya will be paired as the heroine for the first time opposite Mammootty. Kavya is playing the role of Advocate Indulekha in the film , which is expected to hit the floors by the last week of November. After this film she will again appear with Mammootty in the K.K Raajeev's Chempakaraman.

Labels: Film, Kavya-Madhavan, Mammootty, News, Previews

Kalabhavan Mani In 'Kerala Police'

Kalabhavan Mani is doing lead role in a new film titled 'Kerala Police'. After the great success of 'Ben Johnson', Mani is again donning a police role in a new film Directed by Chandrasekhar and Scripted by Vinnoo Narayan. Nedumudi Venu, Innocent, Siddhique, Vijayaraghavan, Shammy Thilakan, Augustine, Suraj, Aishwarya and Muktha are also the part of the cast. The movie will be produced by D.K.M. Group, Bangalore. Film will start in a month’s time.

Labels: Kalabhavan-Mani, News

Mohanlal in Shafi's New Movie

Super hit director Shafi planning to make a film with Mohanlal. The film will be scripted by Rafi -Mecartin after their recent hit with Lal 'Hello'. The sponsors of Mohanlal's American the show, Thara Arts and and Mohanlal's home production company, Aashirvaad cinemas are producing the film. Discussion is going on about the chances of shooting the movie in fifty days in US. The other cast and crew of this film are yet to be fixed.

Labels: Mohanlal, News

Mammootty's New Film 'Mayabazaar’

Debutante Thomas Sebastian directing a film with Mammootty in the for lead has named it 'Mayabazaar'. Thomas who plans to present the star in a novel theme is also introducing another scriptwriter Govind Vijayan, through this film. The film produced by Sachi s. Mangalam in the banner of Aakhil Films. The shoot for this film will start by the end of next March. Thomas Sebastian has been a long time associate of directors like Sibi Malayail, Blessy and Sundardas.

Labels: Film, Mammootty, Mayabazaar, News, Previews

Mammootty's 'Katha Parayumpol’ Started

AA: Mammootty's Christmas release'Katha Parayumbol’startedat Thodupuzha. The film scripted by Sreenivasan, tells about the relation between a filmy superstar and his old friends who are presently a parallel college teacher and a barber. Sreenivasan,Jagathy,Innocent,Meena, Salim Kumar are appearing important roles. The film produced by Sreenivasan and Mukesh in the banner of Lumiere films is directed by debutante Mohan.

Labels: Film, Katha-Parayumpol, Mammootty, News