THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony has ordered an investigation into the recent seizure of two brand-new hi-tech digital video cameras from the gunman of Crime DIG Tomin Thachankary at the Nedumbasseri airport. At a post-cabinet briefing, Antony said the DGP had been asked to investigate into the matter. According to sources, the DIG was returning from Singapore to Kochi via Chennai where his gunman Babukuttan joined him. The Customs officials at the airport intercepted Babukuttan as he was carrying a huge bag. However, Thachankary checked out through the international channel. Investigations were on to find out whether the cameras were bought from Singapore by Thachankary. The official is reportedly running a state-of-the-art studio in Kochi. Thachankary's previous foreign trips would also be brought under the purview of the inquiry. He had reportedly travelled to Singapore about ten times in the last few months. Several entries in his passport state that he was taking hi-tech equipment for reprair on most of these trips, the sources added.
Thursday, January 31, 2002
Antony not for confrontation with Karunakaran
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony, who came under sharp criticism from veteran Congress leader K Karunakaran over the functioning of the government, said he did not want to enter into a confrontation with the latter. ''He is one of the seniormost leaders of the Congress and it is not fair to put restrictions on him from making statements,'' Antony told newspersons here. Referring to Karunakaran's demand that the Chief Minister should name the Congressmen, if any, involved in the recent communal clashes, Antony said his statement on the involvement of activists of major parties in the clashes in Pathanamthitta and Kozhikode was not meant to hurt anybody. ''I just wanted to expose the dangerous trend,'' he added. Earlier, Antony, following the criticism by Karunakaran, had said that he himself was not satisfied with the functioning of his government.
Thursday, January 31, 2002
Indian cinema revolves around teenage romance: Revathy
KOCHI: Indian cinema basically revolves around teenage romance and the base of 80 per cent of film stories in the country is based on this formula, well-known actress Revathy, who made her directorial debut with "Mitr-My friend" in English, said on Wednesday. Revathy, here in connection with the shooting of her Malayalam film "Nandanam", said:"I like to do more interesting and more challenging roles." "Acting is my passion and if I get good character roles, I will act," Revathy, who has acted in over 125 films in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi, said. "There are a lot of actresses and female singers, but on the technical side there are very few women. I think it will be encouraging for other girls to enter the technical side of films," she told a press meet, organised by the Ernakulam Press Club.ئ On "Mitr", she said the film had been shot by primarily an all-women technical crew. The screenplay was by Priya and Sudha, also the assistant director of the film. The cinematographer was Fowzia while Bhavatharini, musical maestro illayaraja's daughter, the music director. Besides, the editing was done by Bina and lyrics by noted lyricist Thamarai, she said. Revathy said her film was shot in California's Silicon Valley and in and around San Francisco. The film's shooting was completed in 33 days, she said. To a query, she said songs were not the only reason for the success of a film. "In the recent past stories have made a film a success and not the music," she said. "Mitr" is not an art film. The film had eight songs in the background and had humour. "Mitr" is a story about an NRI family, settled in America for 18 years. The main cast of the film included actress Shobana and veteran model Nasir Abdullah as the lead pair. Preeti Vissa, a debutant, had enacted the role as the American-born child of the couple. The film is scheduled for release on February 14, Revathy said.
Thursday, January 31, 2002
"Dany" selected for John Abraham award for the Best Film of 2001
Dany, a socio-political film set in the post-colonial period in Kerala, directed by T.V. Chandran and starring Mammootty, has been selected for this year's John Abraham award for the Best Film of the Year 2001. The award is instituted by the Kerala chapter of the Federation of Film Societies of India (FFSI).
Thursday, January 31, 2002
Sarika Kamal Haasan made her first public appearance to launch "PopCorn" starring Mohanlal
Sarika Kamal Haasan made her first public appearance to launch actor director producer Nazar's film PopCarn starring Mohanlal - Simran in the lead. Sarika, who was recuperating from her accidental fall a few months ago, had not attended any public functions so far. Akshara and dad Kamal Haasan too were present on the occasion. Yuvan Shankar Raja and his unit played a number from the film. Mohanlal sporting a French beard was present with his wife and son. Kamila Nazar welcomed the guests.
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
A new pair of heroes in Malayalam cinema!
A new pair of heroes in Malayalam cinema! And the names have just been announced. They are lucky not just because they are born to film personalities but successful film directors are casting them in their movies. Contemporary heroes are not attracting the younger generation. The themes are repetitive and the stars have become stale. An established director like Shaji Kailas had recently commented that he could not think of any different role for Mohan Lal And Mammootty. In the last five years Malayalam cinema could contribute only a Dileep and Kunchako Boban. But it seems they may also join the bandwagon of superstars soon: stale! Ranjith and Fazil have announced their ventures. Ranjith is ready for his next directorial venture and the Pooja was held in Calicut some time ago. Prithvi Raj, son of late Sukumaran, was selected for the key role. Sukumaran, a successful actor of the late seventies did a number of unforgettable characters, of artistic and commercial nature. Hope Prithvi does something worthwhile like his father. Fazil who is considered as the most popular director is introducing his son Fahad in his new film. This is a teen-age love story that he is writing and directing. He is producing it also. Fazil always created a sort of history with each film he brought out right from Manjil Virinja Pookkal which gave Mohanlal to Malayalam screen. Let us wish Fahad and Prithvi a strong and successful presence in Malayalam cinema.
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
I was never in an ivory tower as an actor -Ganesan
"I was never in an ivory tower as an actor and that"s why people elected me. I never spent a luxurious life eating and drinking in exclusive elite clubs and star hotels. My father used to say that I should never select friends who are higher to us in any respect. In distress they will not help us." Ganesan, the first cine actor in Kerala to become a minister.
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
I write poems when I am alone -Abhirami
"I write poems when I am alone. When I pen the thoughts that come to my mind they become poems." Abhirami, actress
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
It is not true that I fell unconscious -Kalabhavan Mani
"It is not true that I fell unconscious (when he heard he did not get the state award for the best actor). It was the media, which spread the rumor." Kalabhavan Mani, Actor
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
Cinema is a kind of dissection -Sreenivasan
"I share the idea of Lumiere brothers. Cinema is meant to entertain people. If we think we can correct people of their shortcomings, we are in a fool"s paradise. Cinema is a kind of dissection. If people feel that they are being exposed, that is enough." Sreenivasan, actor-director.
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
Savitriyude Aranjanam
One more story written by novelist M Mukundan is coming to silver screen. Savitriyude Aranjanam a rustic story takes Malayalam cinema back to literature for its resources. It tells the story of a girl and her golden girdle. One can say that it was tied to the girl's life itself rather than to her waist. It has been there around her waist since childhood. It was lost and found. It was modified when she became a young buxom woman. She wanted the girdle with her forever. It was her life. When once she lost the girdle her mother searched all over the village. Her father did not even finish his lunch when he heard about it. He ran to the village pond where Savitri had her morning bath. Savitri was overjoyed when her father retrieved it from the pond. It was so dear that she did not remove the girdle even though it cut into her flesh when she became plump. And just think of her grief when her husband snatched it from her beautiful waistline one night…and the shame she was subjected to when the whole village comes to know about the incident! The incident shatters the family. Sure this story has to be read rather than be watched in a film to enjoy its literary quality. Well let us hope the essence comes out dexterously and takes up a fine cinematic form. Mohan Kupleri directs this film and he is introducing Aswathi as grown up Savitri. Govardhan and P F Mathews have written the script. Innocent takes up an important character that of Ramunni. Jagathy Sreekumar, Kalabhavan Mani, Mamukkoya, Agastin, Indrans, Salim Kumar, Narayanankutty, Harisree Asokan are all in the cast. All the artists are comedians and it makes this film different. The shooting of the film is progressing in Shornur.
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
4 BJP activists hurt in clashes
KASARGOD: Four BJP activists were hurt following attack by a group of persons allegedly CPM workers at Mavungal near Kanhangad on Monday. In retaliation, a bunk owned by a CPM activist was set on fire by BJP workers in the area. The injured BJP workers A Ratheesh,19 ,Sunilkumar,25 ,Mani,19 and V Ratheesh,20 who were admitted to the district hospital Kanhangad said they were attacked by a group of CPM men last night without any provocation. The police force led by Kanhangad ASP P Vijayan prevented further untoward incidents by pacifying the belligerent groups. Meanwhile, in another incident an IUML supporter who sustained serious injuries was rushed to a private hospital in Mangalore. Mohammed Kunhi, belonging to Athiranjil near Kanhangad was attacked allegedly by CPM men in connection with the removal of CPM flag which was raised in the town as part of the party’s State conference.
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
Eviction of occupants stayed
KOCHI: A division bench of the Kerala High Court on Wednesday stayed eviction of over 1000 occupants of surplus land in Raroth village in Ambayathode in Kozhikode district. The order in this regard was issued by Chief Justice B N Srikrishna and Justice G Shashidharan while admitting a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by three MLAs _ former Minister C K Nanu, Mathai Chacko and P P Ramakrishnan. The bench directed the authorities not to evict the occupants of land till Feb 19. The eviction proceedings had been initiated as per the direction of another division bench on a contempt petition. In 1989, the Malabar Produce and Rubber Company had surrendered the 126 acres excess land to the government.It was occupied by 1415 occupants in 1995.
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
Home Department calls for more details of Tomin Thachankary’s foreign visits
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: DGP W J Dawson has asked ADGP (Crime) M G A Raman who is inquiring into the issue of seizure of video cameras from the gunman of DIG (Crime) Tomin Thachankary to bring the police officer’s previous foreign trips also within the purview of his inquiry. Sources said that the DGP’s directive came in the wake of the Home Department’s query to the police headquarters on the details of his earlier foreign trips. The ADGP (Crime) would also investigate whether the officer had taken prior permission of the superior officers before leaving the station on the previous occasions. When contacted, DGP Dawson said that he had entrusted the ADGP (Crime), under whom Thachankary is working, to collect details of his earlier visits, including the leave taken for the purpose. ‘‘I have asked the ADGP to complete the probe at the earliest. As soon as I get the report it will be forwarded to the Home Department,’’ he said adding that appropriate action would be initiated on the basis of the findings of the report. Dawson said that the department took the issue seriously as it involved a senior police officer. He, however, refused to say whether the officer would be shifted from his present posting in view of the inquiry. ‘‘It is up to the Government,’’ Dawson said. Sources said that the inquiry officer was also likely to probe the circumstances under which the DIG had undertaken the visits abroad in the past and the purpose of these trips. Being an all-India service officer, the visits, even if personal, required to be looked into in detail in view of the video camera episode, they added. The DGP had earlier sought a full report from the ADGP (Crime) in connection with the detention of Tomin Thachankary’s gunman Babukuttan with video cameras at the Nedumbassery International Airport on January 22. The Customs has also asked Air India to furnish full travel details of Thachankary’s recent visit to Singapore. The details sought by the Customs include the number of bags Thachankary had carried with him when he left Kochi for Singapore. It also wants to know whether Babukuttan was carrying any bag with him when he boarded the flight at Chennai.
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
Kerala govt must take effective steps to nab 100 pak nationals
KOCHI: Kerala government must take effective steps to nab 100 Pakistani nationals, who are presumed to have overstayed in the state on expiry of their travel documents and send them back to Pakistan, BJP National vice-president, V Rama Rao said. Speaking to reporters here, Rao said under the present circumstances, the government must take a 'serious note' of the statement made by Union Minister of State for Home, Vidyasagar Rao, that over 100 Pakistani nationals had overstayed in Kerala. Hereafter, Kerala should not allow insiders or outsiders to use the soil for their 'anti-National' acitivities, he said. Rao said the BJP's Kerala unit was making 'conscious' efforts to reach out to the Muslim and christian communities. As part of this plan, the BJP had decided to hold series of meetings with the members of different minority communties, particularly those who were away from BJP, he said. Replying to a query, he said the party's sincere effort would be to dispel any misconceptions about it and take them into its fold.
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
Kutty murder case: 3 acquitted
KOCHI: A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on Monday acquitted three brothers who had allegedly burned their elder brother on the funeral pyre. Manikkathazha Joseph (Ousepachan), Sebastian and George of Kanichar had been convicted and sentenced to undergo life imprisonment by the Thalassery Sessions Court for allegedly murdering their elder brother Kutty (Francis). According to the prosecution, Kutty, an alcoholic, had swindled large assets he inherited from his father and was staying in the hut of one of the accused. One day the accused invited Kutty to their tharavad where they were waiting, ready with a funeral pyre. When Kutty came to the house, they beat him and as he fell down tied his hands and legs and put him in the blazing fire. Kutty, who sustained more than 90 per cent burns, ran away from the pyre and fell down near the residence of a neighbour. According to the defence version, Kutty’s was a case of suicide.
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
Film Critics' award for `Sesham', `Megha Malhar'
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: "Sesham" and "Megha Malhar" have bagged the P R S Pillai award of Film Critics' Association for the best films of 2001. At a news conference here, association president Thekkinkadu Joseph said "Sesham" director T K Rajeev Kumar was adjudged the best director. Director Kamal would receive a special award for his venture "Megha Malhar". "Kannaki" directed by Jayaraj was named the second best film. Jayaraj would also receive a special award. Jayaram and Geethu Mohandas were named the best actor and actress for their performance in êiSeshamêr. Balachandra Menon was named `Chalachitra Ratnam' for his all-round contribution to Malayalam cinema. A special jury award would be conferred on Nedumudi Venu for his roles in "Jeevan Mashai" and "Ishtam". The movie, "The Guard" would also receive a special award. Sree Kumaran Thampi, S Janaki, KPAC Sunny would receive the Chalachitra Pratibha awards. OTHER AWARDS: Second best actor and actress to Rajan P Dev for "Karumadikuttan" and Bindu Panicker for "Sutradharan", best child-artiste for Sreeram Sethunath for êiMookuthiêr, best story award for Suresh Poduval, best screenplay award to Kamal for Megha Malhar, best lyricist to O N V Kurup. Ramesh Narayanan was adjudged the best music director for "Megha Malhar", M G Sreekumar and Sujatha Mohan the best male and female playback singers. Best cinematographer award went to M J Radhakrishnan for "Kannaki" and "Theerthadanam", best art director award to Nemom Pushparaj, best sound recording award to Simon Selvaraj, best make-up award to Pattanam Rashid, best costume designer award to Velayudhan Kizhillam, best dance director award to Kumar Shanti, best dubbing to Nithuna Nelvin. Best children's film award went to "Pularvettam" and best short film award to "Rhythm of Symbols" and "Sayanthanathinde Padavakal". Navya Nair bagged the best newcomer award for "Sundarapurushan". T N Gopakumar for "Jeevan Mashai" and G R Kannan for "Theerthadanam" were adjudged the best new directors. "Ravanaprabhu" was voted the best popular film and "Oru Navadarshanam" by Aravindan Vallachira named the best book on films. P K Pillai award for the best writer has gone to A Chandrashekhar and C K Soman award for film journalism has gone to Hari Neendakara.
Monday, January 28, 2002
In Kerala, many are grandmothers at 40
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Believe it or not, scores of women in one district of Kerala are grandmothers already by the age of 40. In the Muslim dominated Malapurram district, 36 percent of the women are married off before they attain the age of 18. As a result, the number of grandmothers at age 40 is on the high side. This has been revealed in a study by the Bangalore-based Institute for Social and Economic Change and the Kochi-based Centre for Socio Economic and Environmental Studies. What is interesting is that while the state figures say that 9.1 percent of girls in Kerala are married off before they attain 18 - the legal marriageable age for women, Malapurram leads the way with 36 percent followed by Kannur (19 percent), Kasargode (18), Kozhikode (14) and Palghat (10). But in districts like Alapuzha, Ernakulam, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta there was not a single case of girls being married off young. Also in Malapurram, nine percent of men get married before becoming 21 years old - the legal age for marriage for men. Likewise 36 percent of families in this district have three or more children -- a state record. Malapurram is not only the most populated district but also has the highest number of schools. Provisional population figures for 2000-01 puts the figure at 34,93,000. S Irudayarajan, a senior demographer and professor at the Centre for Development Studies, says most of them are primary and middle level schools and there is a great need for high schools. But a worry plaguing the rest of the state is that fertility rate has gone down, more divorces are taking place and fewer Kerala women are getting married.
Monday, January 28, 2002
Yesudas reverses role, listens to Marad riot victims
KOZHIKODE: Women and children burst into tears as renowned singer K J Yesudas, donning the role of a good samaritan, listened to their woes in Marad Beach near Beypore in northern Kerala. "Make this a holy place where all live in tolerance. Smile should spring on your faces," he said, while paying visit to the houses of the riot victims. Emotional scenes were witnessed as a large number of women and children gathered around the famed musician and recounted their nightmarish experiences. Many of them wept inconsolably. Yesudas, who over the years has strived for communal amity through various efforts, later addressed a prayer session organised by an organisation working for prohibition. In riots earlier in January, five people were killed, 20 others injured and houses and country-boats destroyed. He called upon the people to love each other and forget the horrific incidents of the past. "All religions teach us to love each other. We have no right to punish anybody. That is only for the almighty to do," he said. One should not make this land a hell with hatred and violence, he added.
Sunday, January 27, 2002
Sucide in Kerala, all time high
KOZHIKODE: More than 32 out of every one lakh people in Kerala killed themselves in 2000. The chilling figures are from a survey of National Crime Records Bureau, which will be released shortly. To be precise, their number was 32.1 per one lakh population. The survey says the highest number of suicides in the same year was reported in the hilly Wayanad district - 54.6, per one lakh population. Thiruvananthapuram came second with 46.73 people among one lakh committing suicide. This was followed by Idukki district with 46. The suicide rates in Kozhikode, Thrissur and Palakkad were over 26, while it remained a lowest of 16.3 in Muslim-dominated Malappuram district. The national average was just over 11 in the same year. Of a total of 9304 persons who committed suicide in the State, 1562 were farmers, says the survey. A notable increase in suicide rate among housewives was also noticed. Their number came to 1547. Retired employees stood the lowest among the segments - just one per cent. An alarming indication of the finding of the survey is that most of those who committed suicide were aged below 45 years, comprising the back bone of the society. Unemployment led 22 per cent among them to end their lives. While 21 per cent committed suicide due to family problems, 14 per cent did it following financial crises. Mental and physical illness compelled others to take their own lives. ‘Thanal’, an organisation functioning exclusively for preventing suicides, here, has received many SOS calls. As many as 172 persons have contacted the organisation for help, which began functioning only in November 2001. Another 110 persons have contacted the organisation over telephone. Thanal director, Dr P N Sureshkumar, said that strong religious beliefs could dissuade people from committing suicide. ‘‘That is why the tendency is found to be relatively less in Malappuram district,’’ he said.
Sunday, January 27, 2002
Mishap at Tvm engineering college: Disciplinary action likely against student
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Disciplinary action might be initiated by the college authorities against Anex Raju, a fourth semester civil engineering student of the College of Engineering here, in connection with the mishap on the college campus that left a girl student seriously injured. According to authorities, the college council, which is to meet on Tuesday, will discuss the issue. ‘‘We normally take action based on complaints from students and ask the police to intervene, if necessary. But this is an extraordinary situation and the police have already registered a case in connection with the incident. We will see if any disciplinary action is to be initiated by the college against the student, in addition to the ongoing police probe. Anyhow, we don’t think he will be coming to the college in the near future,’’ they said. Meanwhile, Amita’s condition continued to be very critical at the Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit of Medical College Hospital. ‘‘We are doing whatever is possible to revive her. The next few days will be crucial,’’ a senior doctor said. The engineering college authorities are planning to set up a parking lot near the entrance to prevent vehicles from being taken into the campus and near the main building. ‘‘Orders have already been issued to clear the area and the parking lot should be ready within a week,’’ they said. Anex Raju had surrendered before the traffic police yesterday and was let off on bail after he presented two sureties. The bike which he was riding has also been seized. Anex’s statement was also recorded by the police authorities. The police said that Anex, while admitting to rash driving, had said that he did not intend to harm Amita Shankar. Meanwhile, City Police Commissioner Rajan Singh has advised the college authorities to keep a close watch on troublemakers among the students and to initiate immediate measures to ensure discipline on the campus. Incidents such as the one at the engineering college are not rare in city colleges. Rash driving by outsiders on the campus had led to a similar incident at Mar Ivanios College where a youth was seriously injured after being hit by a car driven by outsiders.
Sunday, January 27, 2002
Marad violence: Arrests cross 150
KOZHIKODE: Police have arrested as many as 151 persons so far in 115 cases in connection with the violence at Marad Beach early this month. This include 58 in murder cases, nine in murder attempt cases, 95 in arson and dacoity, three in dacoity, 16 for destroying fishing boats and 25 in rioting cases. All have been remanded. Police sources said the arrest in five murder cases have been completed barring one person. The DIG (Kannur Range) B S Muhammed Yasin has given direction to the city Police Commissioner to initiate security proceedings against all the accused under Section 107. The police are also attempting to include them in the rowdy sheet. Besides, all police stations under the Kannur Range are preparing a list of all the activists of fundamentalist outfits like the NDF, PDP, RSS, the Hindu Aikya Vedi and the Muslim Aikya Vedi, with all the details including their postal address.
Saturday, January 26, 2002
R-Day celebrated peacefully
KOCHI: Amid tight security, flag hoisting and cultural functions were held in various parts of the district on Saturday marking the 53rd Republic Day celebrations of the nation. Minister for SC/ST Welfare M A Kuttappan unfurled the national Tri-Colour at the Republic Day function held in the Maharaja's College Ground, which was followed by a parade of all the Army divisions. All functions went off peacefully, thanks to the strict security measures taken by the police. Sniffer dogs were deployed at all major venues to check for any signs of sabotage and the entire police force had been put on high alert. In his Republic Day message, Kuttappan exhorted the people to stand united at the time of crisis. ``Though India has made remarkable progress in every field after gaining independence, there are many anti-social elements whose sole aim is to destroy the very fabric of the nation''. He said at this juncture when the country was facing both internal and external crisis, it was imperative that the people unite together to put up an impregnable front to the enemies. Trophies were given to the platoons that performed best in the Republic Day parade. In the armed category, NCC Senior Division Naval Wing won the trophy, while in the unarmed category, NCC Army wing Junior Division (Girls) won. The others who won trophies are St Joseph's High School, Chakiath (scouts), St Antony's High School, Ernakulam (guides), Junior Red Cross of Girls' High School, Ernakulam (Red Cross). The ever-rolling trophy for the best platoon went to NCC Senior Division Naval Wing. MLAs K Babu, Dominic Presentation, former MP Dr Henry Austin, District Collector Gyanesh Kumar, City Police Commissioner Y Anil Kumar, ADM-in-Charge Mini Antony, Deputy Collector (housing) Johnson K George were also present at the function. The Naval Base celebrated Republic Day with a ceremonial parade comprising a 50-men Colour Guard and 30 platoons including six armed platoons and one platoon of the Sea Cadet Corps. The President's Colours were also included in the parade. Vice-Admiral Harinder Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, reviewed the parade. During the function the Admiral gave away the Chief of Naval Staff Commendation to six officers and nine sailors. Various Aviation trophies for the year 2000-2001 were also awarded. INAS-312 was adjudged as the Best Air Squadron, INS Ranvir got the Best Flight trophy, while INAS-310 got the Best Operational Squadron Trophy. Addressing the parade, the Admiral reminded everyone of the current security situation and to remain in a high state of alertness and exercise vigilance at all times. ``It is important for all units to be fully geared up to face any eventualities,'' he added. Among those present in parade were Chief of Staff Rear Admiral R P Suthan. A wreath laying ceremony was held before the parade to honour those who had died in action. The Republic Day function on the High Court premises began at 9 am with the unfurling of the National Flag by Chief Justice B N Srikrishna. In his address, the Chief Justice reiterated that the pendency of cases in the Court would be reduced. High Court Judges, advocates and officers participated in the function, which concluded with various cultural programmes. The Republic Day was celebrated by Kochi Refineries Ltd (KRL) in a solemn manner. K L Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director of KRL, unfurled the Tri-Colour at the entrance of the refinery at Ambalamugal in the presence of KRL employees. Later in the day, KRL donated essential medicines to the Thiruvankulam Primar Health Centre as part of the celebrations. John Minu Mathew, Deputy General Manager (Projects), KRL, handed over the medicines to E V Thankappan, president, Thiruvankulam grama panchayat.
Saturday, January 26, 2002
Governor asks people to fight corruption
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Governor, Sukhdev Singh Kang, on Saturday said internal dissensions and political confrontations were impeding the country's progress and asked citizens to fight the social malaise of corruption and its pervading manifestations. Speaking after unfurling the national flag at the Republic Day parade at the university stadium here, he said we should not give up ethics and morality in the mad pursuit of wealth and success. "Can we let down the confidence the common man has reposed on us," he asked. Describing 2001 as an year of relentless cross-border terrorism, he said the attacks on Jammu and Kashmir assembly and on Parliament were essentially brutal assaults on our democracy, our way of life which we cherished as sacred. Kang regretted that disgraceful clashes on communal and religious lines had occurred of late in Kerala, the most socially forward state in the country. It was time Malayalees woke up against this trend and imbibed the spirit of compassion, tolerance and love for peace. He said the inadequate representation of women in the newly constituted state assembly was an aspect `that does not become Kerala,' which had always been in the vanguard of literacy, education and all that is progressive on the political, social and cultural fronts. Kang said the spate of calamities Kerala witnessed last year revealed an impressive feature of our citizens. Ordinary people acted promptly to save the lives of fellowmen disregarding the consequences that could befall them, at the train accident site at Kadalundi and during landslides in Idukki and Amboori. Kang had a word of praise for the state government which launched an ambitious programme to provide adivasis (tribals) with land and assistance. But the government was unable to come to the help of farmers, severely hit by the fall in prices of agricultural produce, due to financial constraints. The Governor asked public servants not to forget that they formed only a minuscule of the population, enjoying too many benefits at the expense of public well-being. "We are here to serve the people, the tax-payers of the country and they are our real masters," he said. The Chief Minister, A K Antony, assembly speaker, Vakkom Purushothaman, Industries Minister, P K Kunhalikutty and KPCC president, K Muraleedharan, were among those present.
Saturday, January 26, 2002
Padma Bhushan for Yesudas, K K Venugopal
NEW DELHI: President K R Narayanan has announced five Padma Vibhushan, 27 Padma Bhushan and 66 Padma Shri awards. Singer K J Yesudas and barrister K K Venugopal are among the recipients of Padma Bhushan and V K Madhavankutty, vice-president, Asianet, among the Padma Shri awardees. Padma Vibhushan awards were won by Andhra Pradesh Governor C Rangarajan(economics), Gangubai Hangal (art - classical vocal music), Hubli, Karnataka, Pandit Kishan Maharaj (art - instrumental music), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Kishori Amonkar, (art - Hindustani classical music), Mumbai, Maharashtra and Soli Jehangir Sorabjee (public affairs - law), Delhi. R V Perumal, science and engineering, Thiruvananthapuram, got Padma Bhushan. Dr B N Suresh, science and engineering, Thiruvananthapuram and Prof N Balakrishnan, science and engineering, Bangalore, are among the Padma Shri awardees.
Saturday, January 26, 2002
Yesudas to visit riot-hit Marad beach on Sunday
KOZHIKODE: Legendary playback singer K J Yesudas will visit the riot-hit areas of Marad beach, on Sunday morning. This was announced by T P Dasan, the secretary of the reception committee here on Friday. ‘‘Yesudas himself has expressed his wish to meet the common people in Marad, and listen to their grievances,’’ he said. CIVIC RECEON: Yesudas, who has completed four decades as a playback singer, will be accorded a civic reception at Tagore Centenary Hall here, on Sunday. Eminent personalities from different walks of life will offer felicitations to the singer who made his debut in films in 1961, said the organisers at a Press conference here. Yesudas will also spend a few minutes with the students of the Baburaj Music Academy on the same day. The function will conclude with the Carnatic and Hindustani vocal concerts presented by the teachers and students of the academy.
Saturday, January 26, 2002
Padma Bhushan for Yesudas, K K Venugopal
NEW DELHI: President K R Narayanan has announced five Padma Vibhushan, 27 Padma Bhushan and 66 Padma Shri awards. Singer K J Yesudas and barrister K K Venugopal are among the recipients of Padma Bhushan and V K Madhavankutty, vice-president, Asianet, among the Padma Shri awardees. Padma Vibhushan awards were won by Andhra Pradesh Governor C Rangarajan(economics), Gangubai Hangal (art - classical vocal music), Hubli, Karnataka, Pandit Kishan Maharaj (art - instrumental music), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Kishori Amonkar, (art - Hindustani classical music), Mumbai, Maharashtra and Soli Jehangir Sorabjee (public affairs - law), Delhi. R V Perumal, science and engineering, Thiruvananthapuram, got Padma Bhushan. Dr B N Suresh, science and engineering, Thiruvananthapuram and Prof N Balakrishnan, science and engineering, Bangalore, are among the Padma Shri awardees.
Friday, January 25, 2002
Karunakaran try to settle scores with Antony
KOCHI: The recent utterances and political manoeuvrings of senior Congress leader K Karunakaran, culminating in his meeting with party president Sonia Gandhi in Delhi on Wednesday armed with a grievance list against Chief Minister A K Antony, unmistakably reveal one thing -- the octogenarian leader is out to make good governance difficult for Antony and settle scores with the latter for ousting him from chief ministership in 1995. It seems that Karunakaran browses the morning newspapers these days with the sole intention of picking up a campaign point to beat Antony with. In the role of an Antony-baiter, he even excels Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan. Ever since Antony took over the reins of Government, Karunakaran has gone to town criticising each and every action of the Government as if he had vowed not to leave Antony in peace even for a single day. When there were communal disturbances in a couple of places in the State, Karunakaran was quick to pick holes in Antony's handling of the police machinery. When Antony made a candid admission that all major parties, including the Congress, were involved in the communal disturbances, Karunakaran again found fault with Antony for putting his own party in the dock. When Antony sought to implement the unanimous decision of the UDF high power committee on austerity measures to which Karunakaran was also a party, the latter again lambasted Antony for antogonising the Government servants. Now Karunakaran is stealthily trying to pit the Government servants against Antony by demanding restoration of the benefits taken away from them. Karunakaran's frequent innuendos that ``my Government had handled such issues in a better way'', ``I would have acted differently'', etc were clearly intended to drive home the point that he is still not old enough to replace Antony as Chief Minister and that given a chance he could offer better governance. Karunakaran obviously has two courses of action in mind to achieve his nefarious designs. One is to make things so difficult for Antony as to force him to quit in frustration, leaving the chair warm for Karunakaran. Since Antony is known to act on impulse, as he did quit chief ministership and central ministership at the drop of a hat in 1978 and 1994, Karunakaran hopes to exploit this Achilles' heel of Antony to his advantage. If this gameplan doesn't work out, alternatively Karunakaran won't even mind marshalling the might of his group and engaging in an open confrontation with Antony, even if that leads to the fall of the UDF Government. But realisation has dawned on Karunakaran, though belatedly, that Antony of today is not the Antony of 1978. Bitter experiences of the past have made Antony more worldly- wise. Antony seems determined to no longer let his heart rule his head and give up power without an earnest try. The bold policy initiatives taken by him of late and his plainspeaking on the involvement of his own party in the communal disturbances reveal that this time he means business, come what may. Afterall, what is Karunakaran bargaining for in the late evening of his life and eventful political career? Politics has given him all meterial comforts. Nobody even came in the way of realising his dynastic ambitions by installing his son and daughter in coveted positions. In fact, even when the UDF is yet to finalise nominees for chairpersonships of boards and corporations, the only appointment undemurringly cleared by the UDF leadership was that of Karunakaran's daughter, Padmaja, as KTDC chairperson. Karunakaran should know that the UDF's return to power last Maywas facilitated not only by a negative vote against the LDF Government but also by the assertion of the popular will to give Antony, known for his unblemished image and unimpeachable integrity, one more chance to rule the State. The people who elected the UDF to power certainly expect this Government to deliver the promised goods. The State is in the throes of the worst- ever financial crisis and it can ill-afford political instability and directionlessness at this critical juncture. All those who have a stake in the future of this State expect Karunakaran to behave like an elder statesman, rather than meddling in the petty game of rocking the Government, that enjoys a massive mandate, from within.
Friday, January 25, 2002
BPL slashes airtime rates in Kerala
KOCHI: Over a week after the BSNL cut the STD rates, BPL Mobile has slashed the airtime rates to a flat Rs 3.50 per minute for the pre-paid and Rs 2 for the post-paid customers in Kerala. The changes in the airtime rates in July 2001 gave a major boost to the subscription and the company intends to continue the momentum with the new prices, R A Venkitachalam, chief operating officer of the company for Kerala and Tamil Nadu, told mediapersons here on Thursday. In the postpaid pricing, it has introduced single flat rate for outgoing and incoming airtime usage of Rs 2 and Rs 2.50 per minute on the new plans of monthly rent of Rs 675 and Rs 375 respectively. The two plans get free incoming minutes of 100 and 25 respectively. In the Rs 675 plan, the incoming will be free on Friday while in the other plan it will be free on Friday on payment of Rs 50. The happy hours, which give freetime between 10 pm and 8 am will be available on payment of Rs 100 for both schemes. The other facilities, like mobile to mobile incoming and call wait and call hold and CLIP, will be free for both schemes. In the pre-paid section, there are two packages of Rs 500 and Rs 1250 (mots-Roamfree) with STD and ISD facility, for which the outgoing and incoming rates have been fixed as Rs 3.50. There will be 50 per cent discounts for usage between 10 pm and 8 am. The mobile to mobile incoming, call wait and call hold and CLIP systems will be free. The existing BPL Mobile subscribers can avail of the new pricing by enrolling at mobile assist at 800 and 999 for postpaid subscribers and 567 and 999 for mots customers. The company will have three recharge coupons with MRP of Rs 300, Rs400 and Rs 500 with recharge fees of Rs 100, Rs 50 and Rs 25 respectively. The Rs 1250 package will be brought down Rs 999 soon. K A Mohammed Salim, deputy chief operating officer of BPL Mobile, Kerala and R Suresh Kumar, head of marketing and channel sales, of the company in Kerala, were also present at the news conference.
Friday, January 25, 2002
Bimbi murder case: All acquitted
KOTTAYAM: All the three accused in the Changanaserry Bimbi murder case were acquitted by the Additional District Sessions Court. The accused K R Rajesh of Kochupurayil, Vadavathoor, Rajeev R Chandran of Saravana Bhavan, Puzhavath, Changanaserry and Nazeer of Ovolil Inchiparambil, Changanaserry were set free by Additional Sessions Judge K Ramakrishnan after finding that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond doubt. Bimbi, an ABVP activist, was allegedly killed by a group of SFI activists in October, 1996. SFI activists, who were marching through the town after a clash with ABVP activists in the NSS College, Changanaserry on October 17, spotted Bimbi and attacked him. Bimbi was coming home after attending his classes at the IHRD centre, Puthupally. A grievously injured Bimbi breathed his last at the Medical College Hospital here four days later. He was the son of Chidambaram Pillai. Lawyers’ Suresh Babu Thomas and C S Ajayan appeared for the accused in the case.
Friday, January 25, 2002
Break free from traditions: Balamuralikrishna
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Balamuralikrishna's musical genius has made it ridiculously easy for him to break free of the fetters imposed by tradition. He experiments freely and sees no reason to change. ``If everyone sings in the same manner, how would you differentiate one singer from the other? It will be so difficult to identify singers. I like to experiment, simple as that. I have been criticised for that, but I choose to take note of only criticism that is constructive,'' the vocalist told reporters at a press conference organised in connection with the Nishagandhi Dance and Music Festival where he will perform on Friday. ``Those who cling on to tradition did so only because they want to escape from other things, including new trends. As in all other things, tradition is only the base of Carnatic music. It is like the blueprint of a house. The blueprint never tells you everything. You have to build on that,'' Balamuralikrishna said. The vocalist has done it all, be it in the field of classical music or in films. ``To me, they are two separate entities. In classical music, you are interacting with the audience while in film music you are singing to bring out the magic of the visuals on screen,'' he said, in reply to a question. There are many talented youngsters on the scene now, the veteran singer said. ``I only wish that they do not go for instant fame. It is easy to become popular in today's times. Even a 30-minute programme on television can make one a star. One should not fall into the trap.'' The singer has all along held that Carnatic music is the ultimate. ``If you are a good Carnatic vocalist, you can handle any genre of music from anywhere in the world. Carnatic music has more depth than
Friday, January 25, 2002
Kerala failed to utilise Rs 67 cr
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Rural Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today disclosed that the State had failed to utilise Rs 67.25 crore of the total fund provided by his ministry under the Centre-sponsored rural development schemes during the last financial year (2000- 01). As per the new guidelines, this amount would be deducted from Rs 227 crore allotted for the current year (2001-02) as unspent amount of the previous year and would be treated as the next year’s opening balance. Talking to mediapersons here, after reviewing the progress of the schemes in the State, the Minister said that of the total fund sanctioned for the current year the State had so far availed of only Rs 102 crore and ‘‘on the basis of the review, it would be possible to release an amount of Rs 155 crore.’’ He asked the State Government to gear up its official machinery for the full utilisation of funds, especially in view of the decision not to release any money for the current year after the close of February. Rural Development Minister C F Thomas, Local Self-Government Minister Cherkalam Abdullah, Irrigation Minister T M Jacob and Food and Civil Supplies Minister G Karthikeyan also attended the review meeting. ‘‘I told the State ministers that politics is not at all a criteria in allotting funds for developmental projects. My co-operation is based on your success in implementing it,’’ he added. He also said that he told the ministers that he was not fully satisfied with the progress in the implementation of the projects in the State. He, however, said that there was scope for availing additional funds under certain schemes if proposals as per the guidelines were submitted well in time. The Minister said that many districts in the State were yet to submit their proposals for availing the funds. According to him, in the case of Indira Awaz Yojana for which Rs 24 crore has been sanctioned, the State Government was yet to submit proposals for the release of second instalment for Alappuzha, Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur districts and provided clarification on proposals of Ernakulam, Idukki, Kollam, and Kottayam districts. Similarly, he said, the Government had not submitted utilisation certificate of the amount already released last year and submit proposals for release of funds for the current year under the Prime Minister’s Grameen Awaz Yojana for which Rs 8 crore had been sanctioned for the State. He said that in the case of Rural Water Supply Schemes (Rs 32 crore), the State Government had to rectify the deficiencies in the proposal for release of second instalment. For Prime Minister’s Grameen Sadak Yojana (Rs 20 crore), the Government would have to spend at least Rs 10 crore for getting the fund from the Centre. During the review, the Minister found that Alappuzha district was yet to submit proposals under the National Oldage Pension Fund for which Rs 4 crore had been earmarked. Similarly, the Government had to rectify deficiencies in the proposals of Ernakulam, Kottayam, Thrissur and Wayanad districts. He said that though Rs 2.62 crore had been released under the National Family Benefit Scheme for the State, the expenditure was only 34 per cent of the available fund. Palakkad, Idukki and Thrissur were yet to claim the second instalment. He said that the progress of expenditure indicated by the State Government revealed that funds had not been disbursed in time even though it was reported that a large number of beneficiaries had been waiting for the it. The Minister said that under the food for work scheme (Jawahar Grama Savek Yojana) for which Rs 3.08 crore had been earmarked, the Government was yet to lift 15 per cent of the rice already released to the State. According to him, in addition to the above projects, the ministry had taken up the following projects on the request of the State Government. The ministry has further cleared proposals for total Sanitation Campaign in Thiruvananthapruam, Alappuzha, Malappuraram and Wayand. Besides this, the ministry had cleared the extension of Nirmal-2000 and an amount of Rs 97.88 lakh had been released. He also said that the ministry would give a grant of Rs 75 lakh to the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) for training representatives of panchayat raj institutions.
Friday, January 25, 2002
Engg student seriously injured in campus mishap
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ajitha Sankar, 20, a student of College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram, was seriously injured when she was knocked down by a speeding motorcycle on the college campus this morning. Anax Raju, 22, a fourth semester Civil Engineering student was riding the bike. A fourth semester Industrial Engineering student, Ajitha was admitted to the Medical College Hospital. She is now at the Neuro Intensive Care Unit of the hospital and has been put on ventilator. Ajitha is the daughter of Rajashekharan and Lalitha, both are engineers with the Bharath Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) here and natives of Kumarapuram. Her brother is a software engineer with Infotex, Mysore. Another student, Rekha Mohan, 19, who had suffered minor injury in the incident was let off after having given first aid at the Medical College Hospital. Medical College police told this paper that Anax Raju was not arrested so far. The police said that he was on a dare-devil speed when accident occur.
Friday, January 25, 2002
Kerala may enter alliance with Dubai cyber city
DUBAI: Kerala might set up a free zone in the state that will be used by companies of the Dubai Internet City (DIC) for their back-office operations. P K Kunjalikutty, Kerala's Minister for Finance and IT, who is in Dubai to attend the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) conference, said the state would study the possibility of an alliance between DIC and a technology park in Kerala. The cooperation also envisages setting up an exclusive IT export-processing zone (EPZ) in Kerala with DIC as a partner. DIC is the world's first IT and telecommunications centre to have been built inside a free trade zone. Kunjalikutty said many companies in DIC have shown an interest in setting up a sort of back-office in Kerala because of cost advantages. He said various non-residents Keralites in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have shown interest in the proposal, and the exclusive zone might be a joint venture in which the state government could be a partner. The minister said financial difficulties faced by the government wouldn't impact investment in Kerala as the government had roped in private players in infrastructure projects. About the mushrooming of a large number of technology parks in the state, Kunjalikutty said the government did not find it necessary to confine the parks to any particular location. He, however, said Kochi, due to its ideal location -- with an international airport and a major port situated there -- would be the government's "focus area." Kunjalikutty said entrepreneurs would be encouraged to set up private technology parks wherever they wanted in the state. "I am getting many responses from non-resident Keralites in Dubai, who are eager to invest in such exclusive IT parks," he said. The minister said he was also pursuing a proposal initiated earlier on cooperation between Sharjah and Kerala to boost industrial investment. He said Kerala had not been performing well on the software and IT front in the last three years, and the aim was to rectify this and push for growth in the sector. Kunjalikutty unveiled a policy on IT in December to promote the sector through various incentives.
Friday, January 25, 2002
I am selective now: S Janaki
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: She’s every bit as humble as they come. Not without reason does Yesudas touch her feet and she’s called Janakiamma by one and all. ‘Bhasmakuri’ on her forehead, the veteran singer greeted with folded hands the mediapersons at the face-to-face programme at Press Club here. Giggling, almost childlike, she often had the media breaking out in guffaws at her comments. The singer said that she sang select songs these days but for no particular reason. ‘‘I sing when anyone approaches me.’’ She said there had been instances when she had left without recording a song because it had double meanings and despite her requests, the lyrics were not changed. Her ability to sing like a five-year-old child or a 14-year-old adolescent lad, she said, was God’s gift. ‘‘A singer should sing as the situation demands. If she’s required to sing for a vamp trying to attract the hero, she should make her voice sound sexy.’’ While melody in other languages had suffered owing to the use of excessive gadgetry, Malayalam songs had managed to retain it and many even had a classical tinge, she said. Today, producers want songs which have the viewers glued to their seats. Too many songs also make people put them out of their memory fast, she said. The singer said that she had not learnt classical music, except for a year when she was ten. Nor did she ever practise. But she had recorded a classical cassette and had sung Thyagaraja kirtanas and those by Shyama Shastri Deekshitar. Having sung 15,000 songs, she had only words of praise for the new crop of singers. ‘‘They do practise classical and light music. Chitra sings classical music well and Sujata is learning. But they have this natural gift, for without it however much one learns classical music it is of no avail,’’ she said. The younger generation, however, could not match the the old-timers, she added. The new singers also have access to facilities, unlike us, she said. ‘‘I remember having stopped outside a hotel just to hear a song of Lata Manageshkar and then having waited for the next number to play.’’ She felt that recording song after song without much rehearsal had really affected the quality of music owing to technological advancement. ‘‘Everyone records on separate tracks which are later mixed together.’’ Remixes and changing the tempo of the song while keeping the tune same don’t go down well with her. Being original while drawing ideas from others was the best way to learn, she said. ‘‘After all, everyone aspires to be like someone else.’’ Voice should be taken care of, but she did not believe in going to extreme lengths for it. She said she stayed away from oily and cold stuff like icecreams but loved hot and spicy eatables.
Thursday, January 24, 2002
Krishna GopalaKrishna
Krishna Gopalakrishna is an unusual film that traces the past of a senior citizen. The story is etched out beautifully and the film stands apart from the usual clutter. Balachandra Menon does his part very well. He has acted out very well the different stages in the life of Gopalakrishnan, but sometimes one begins to feel that he could have found some other, younger actor to portray Gopalakrishnan's early youth rather than do it himself. The story revolves around Gopalakrishnan, an elderly, rich, physically and emotionally shattered man lands up in 'Mukthy', an ashram run by a swamiji (Lal). While there, he hires a young girl Gayathri (Geethu Mohandas) who writes down his autobiography, as he narrates it. Therein starts a journey into Gopalakrishnan's past. Right from his childhood,he begins to live life not as he wishes, but according to the wishes, whims and desires of others - ranging from his father in his childhood to his wife Bhama (Indraja) and sons in later years. Thus, his dream remains unfulfilled and he spoils his own life. The film winds past characters and incidents to arrive at a fitting climax. All the others in the cast including Indraja, Mini Nair, Siddique, Manoj.K.Jayan, Lal, Sreenivasan, Geethu Mohandas,Kalpana etc have done full justice to their respective characters. Indraja deserves special mention for portraying the character of Bhama. Lyrics penned by Bichchu Thirumala and set to tune by Balachandra Menon himself are alluring and among the songs, "Mannum kallum vaari thinnum,Kalla Kanna..." stands out. Darshan Raman does good work of the background score while Azhagappan scores with excellent cinematography. It is Menon himself who has done the editing, story, screenplay and dialogues in addition to the direction and it is indeed remarkable that he has done all his jobs perfectly.
Thursday, January 24, 2002
DIG's gunman caught smuggling video cameras
KOCHI: The gunman of Tomin Thachankary, DIG, Crime, Ernakulam, was apprehended by the Customs Intelligence on Tuesday at the Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, for illegally carrying two brand new hi-tech digital video cameras. Highly- placed sources told this website's newspaper that the gunman, head constable Babukuttan, was accompanying the DIG who was returning from Singapore to Kochi on board flight AI 857 Chennai-Kochi-Dubai. Babukuttan had joined Tomin at Chennai where the latter had deplaned in transit from Singapore en route to Kochi. The gunman had booked in as a domestic passenger and flew in with Tomin, who till recently was an informal consultant of CPM-controlled Kairali TV, even while remaining close to top Congress leaders. But the Customs officials intercepted Babukuttan at the airport after finding him carrying a huge bag. The bag contained two Sony digital video cameras, accessories and cables. Sources further said Tomin checked out through the international channel even as Babukuttan was prevented at the domestic channel. However, no one could confirm whether the cameras were bought from Singapore by Tomin, who runs a state-of-the-art studio near Vyttila. On questioning, Babukuttan told the Customs that the bag containing cameras was given to him at the Chennai airport by a stranger who said he would return immediately. As the ``stranger'' didn't return till departure time, he claims to have boarded the flight with the bag ``hoping to hand over it on board''. ``But I couldn't find him on board. So I thought of handing it over at Kochi. I was waiting for him at the airport,'' he said in his statement. ``This is a cock and bull story. Do you believe that a policeman will carry an unidentified baggage on board given the present security restrictions? If he has deliberately done it, then he should be punished for violating a basic aviation security norm,'' a top official pointed out. ``This is nothing but a deliberate effort to downplay the incident. This a grave issue simply because it involves a high-ranking police official. Moreover, he is a frequent flier between Kochi and Singapore. A proper probe is needed to clear all lingering doubts,'' a Customs official said. Sources said Tomin has travelled to Singapore about 10 times in the last few months. ``His passport will reveal that. There are several entries stating that he was taking hi-tech equipment for repair on most of these trips,'' sources said.
Thursday, January 24, 2002
Bombs recovered from Republic Day venue in Kollam
KOLLAM: Two powerful country bombs were recovered on Wednesday from the Lal Bahadur stadium here, the venue of Saturday's Republic Day functions in this district of Kerala. The bombs were found by workers, engaged in maintanence work in connection with the function. A bomb disposal squad immediately rushed to the spot and defused the bombs, each weiging 250 gms. Preliminary examination found that the bombs were made of aluminium and gun powder. Police said security in the stadium had been tightened following the incident. Raids were carried out in several lodges and other areas in the city to nab suspicious elements, police added.
Thursday, January 24, 2002
State hits record high in suicide rates, says study
KOZHIKODE: More than 32 out of every one lakh people in Kerala killed themselves in 2000. The chilling figures are from a survey of National Crime Records Bureau, which will be released shortly. To be precise, their number was 32.1 per one lakh population. The survey says the highest number of suicides in the same year was reported in the hilly Wayanad district - 54.6, per one lakh population. Thiruvananthapuram came second with 46.73 people among one lakh committing suicide. This was followed by Idukki district with 46. The suicide rates in Kozhikode, Thrissur and Palakkad were over 26, while it remained a lowest of 16.3 in Muslim-dominated Malappuram district. The national average was just over 11 in the same year. Of a total of 9304 persons who committed suicide in the State, 1562 were farmers, says the survey. A notable increase in suicide rate among housewives was also noticed. Their number came to 1547. Retired employees stood the lowest among the segments - just one per cent. An alarmng indication of the finding of the survey is that most of those who committed suicide were aged below 45 years, comprising the back bone of the society. Unemployment led 22 per cent among them to end their lives. While 21 per cent committed suicide due to family problems, 14 per cent did it following financial crises. Mental and physical illness compelled others to take their own lives. `Thanal', an organisation functioning exclusively for preventing suicides, here, has received many SOS calls. As many as 172 persons have contacted the organisation for help, which began functioning only in November 2001. Another 110 persons, including females, have contacted the organisation over telephone. ``As part of our effort to bring down the suicide rates, we plan to conduct a public awareness programme here on January 25,'' Thanal director, Dr P N Sureshkumar, said. According to him, strong religious beliefs could dissuade people from committing suicide. ``That is why the tendency is found to be relatively less in the Malappuram district," he added.
Thursday, January 24, 2002
Renji Panickker's House Attacked
KOCHI: Miscreants gatecrashed into the residence of Malayalam film script writer Renji Panickker and damaged the window panes of his house and car on Tuesday night, police said. Panickker, who was in the house along with another person, said he had been receiving threatening calls whenever films scripted by him were released. However, he had not given any due importance to that. His family was away at the time of the incident. 'Praja', a Mohanlal-Aishwarya starrer, for which he has written the script, is currently playing in the city. A case has been registered by police and further investigations are on.
Wednesday, January 23, 2002
Vasundhararaje offers tulabharam at Guruvayur Temple
GURUVAYUR: Union Minister of State for Industry Vasundhararaje Scindia today offered tulabharam at the Sri Krishna temple here by remitting the cost of sugar that equalled her body-weight in a large balance hung in the precincts of the famous shrine. The Minister weighed 61 kg and the cost of an equivalent quantity of sugar, Rs 700.33, was paid to the temple authorities.
Wednesday, January 23, 2002
Quit KPCC chief post, BJP tells Murali
PATAHANAMTHITTA: BJP district president V N Unni today demanded the resignation of K Muraleedharan from the post of KPCC president in the wake of the Chief Minister’s open declaration about the involvement of Congress workers in the December 7 violence in Pathanamthitta. Unni said here that the KPCC president had blamed the BJP for unleashing violence and ruled out the role of Congress activists in the incident. He said that in the wake of the Chief Minister’s open declaration, the DCC leadership should suspend the Congress workers, who were named in the violent incidents, from the party.
Wednesday, January 23, 2002
Husband of Nadapuram victim speaks out, in agony
NADAPURAM: His life has never been the same ever since the fateful day on January 13, 2001, when a gang of marauders gate-crashed into his house in Nadapuram where his wife and children were living. The gang destroyed everything. Including the modesty of his wife. P Muhammed was in Dubai when the news reached him. From there he watched helplessly his wife’s story being narrated, with enough spices added, by self-seeking politicians who made it an issue during the Assembly polls. Back home three months ago, Muhammed saw that his wife’s plight has not changed a bit, though those who ‘celebrated’ his wife’s tragedy is in power now. Those who made a beeline to his house to express sympathy are no longer there. Ministers, writers and social activists seem to have lost interest in her case. ‘‘The UDF leadership has a moral commitment to compensate our losses since it is the front which gained from my wife’s plight. I am told that it would not have fetched all the 100 seats, had it not made my wife’s case an election issue,’’ says an agitated Muhammed. He is particularly upset over an audio cassette released by the UDF narrating his wife’s harrowing experience. ‘‘I even wanted to sue them for the cassette but I was dissuaded by my lawyer.’’ Muhammed is yet to get a single paise as compensation. ‘‘Worse, no UDF or IUML leader turned up after they assumed power. When I was in Dubai, E Ahamed came to the cultural centre there. He hugged me and said everything will be okay. But I never saw him again after that,’’ he says. A battalion of UDF leaders including A K Antony and Oommen Chandy had come to his house to console the woman. ‘‘But after the election, they had not even cared to telephone. My family has been living at the mercy of others. They shifted from house to house. Now we are living in a house provided by a man who felt sympathy for us,’’ he says. His house at Thevamparamba is completely damaged in repeated attacks. He does not want to live there even if the house is reconstructed as he still faces animosity from his neighbours. ‘‘There were some policemen posted near my house. But they were withdrawn after the UDF came to power. Even now, the police in Nadapuram are controlled by the CPM.’’ ‘‘Before I go back to the Gulf I want to construct at least a little hut for my family in some remote corner. I had written to my friends in the Gulf to help me. I will accept financial assistance from any one,’’ says Muhammed. The local IUML committee had collected an amount of Rs 8 lakh for the relief work in Nadapuram. It had even reconstructed some houses which were damaged in the violence. Everything came to a standstill after the State committee took over the task of collecting funds. There is strong resentment among a section of the IUML workers against the apathy of the leadership towards Nadapuram. ‘‘The State leadership wants to get out of the imbroglio because it thinks that the Nadapuram issue has blotted the party’s secular credentials,’’ says a local IUML leader. He points to the relief work at Marad beach where the government is making an all-out attempt to restore normality. ‘‘At least half of the concern shown towards Marad victims should have been shown to the hapless victims at Nadapuram,’’ he says. IUML all-India secretary E Ahamed and district secretary P K K Bava refused to comment on the issue. But, Women’s League State president Khamarunnisa Anwar said she did not know that Muhammed and family were in need of financial help. ‘‘As far as we know, they are rich enough to take care of themselves,’’ she said.
Wednesday, January 23, 2002
India's biggest oil tanker to be floated on Wednesday
KOCHI: The ninth large vessel constructed by the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the 93,000 DWT 'M T Maharshi Parashuram', for the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) will be floated out at a function to be held at the shipyard on Wednesday. CSL Chairman and Managing Director Commodore M K Murthy told mediapersons here on Tuesday that CSL was making efforts to deliver the ship ahead of the scheduled date of July 22, 2002. The work started in September 2000 and the CSL has taken only just over 15 months to float the vessel. The double hull tanker is 237 metre long and has 10 cargo tanks to carry 1 lakh cubic metre crude oil and eight water ballast tanks for carrying 36,000 cubic metre of sea water. The ship, fitted with 14,900 HP engine to attain a speed of 14.5 knots, when commissioned will supply oil from the Gulf countries to the refineries in the west coast and Haldia. The cost of the vessel is $34.4 million which translates to Rs 164 crore. Murthy said the higher sales tax payable to the State Government would further increase the construction cost of the vessel. The competitors abroad do not have to pay sales tax while the shipyard has not been given any protection against this. The ship will be floated by Kalpana Srivastava, wife of P K Srivastava, Chairman and Managing Director of SCI, who will be the chief guest at the function. The CSL has made a net profit of Rs 24 crore on a turnover of Rs 220 crore for nine month period which ended on December 31, 2001. It is expecting to end the year with a net profit of Rs 31 crore this year as compared to Rs 38.49 crore of last year mainly because of a dearth of repair orders. As against a repair income target of Rs 150 crore for the year, only Rs 100 crore has been achieved. Murthy said ship repair is a cyclical one with a boom followed by a fall in orders. Last year, the CSL had notched up a repair income of Rs 181.33 crore. At present the CSL is negotiating for one DCI ship and two ONGC vessels for repair. The present privatisation plans will not affect the ship-building activities of CSL, he said. He said the 30 per cent subsidy given for the ship-building by the Government would continue as long as the tax structure is different from that of foreign countries.
Wednesday, January 23, 2002
2001 - The Year of Shakeela
2001 was the year of Shakeela. Out of the 99 films released last year, 40 featured Shakeela! Some calls her the 'dream girl', and some others 'vampire'. We have quite a few trade groups those really believe Shakeela saved the industry from total wreck. However, mainstream filmmakers strongly resent this stand. They argue that the real Malayalam cinema retraced steps that are hard to cover again. The Shakeela trend even persuaded a good number of class theatres to show soft porn films there by deviating from showing 'decent films' which drove women out of public cine halls. That is true. But it is also true that mainstream films with a heavy dose of stunts performed by super stars were also equally responsible for keeping women away from theatres. During that period mainstream films became unpredictable in the sense that viewers could not decide whether the theme handled a familial subject or an underground, blood-splashing saga. Good family entertainers were accidental. Out of the 97 films, only Meghasandesam, Karumadikuttan , Kattu Vannu Vilichappol, Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka, Theerthatanam, Ishtam, Achaneyaanenikkishtam, Sutradharan, and Meghamalhar handled themes acceptable to a wide range of viewers including women. But most of the films failed to offer the viewers a different emotional experience. Some films had the problems of casting. Women viewers did not approve of certain actors in certain roles. Suresh Gopi was never accepted by majority of women. Well that was not a problem for him. But when he could not satisfy his usual fans he was literally deserted. There were a number of films banked on star fans like Kakkakuyil, Ravanaprabhu, Rakshasarajaavu , Dubai, Nariman, and Randaam Bhavam. This year saw the magic of the superstars miserably waning in some cases. Mammootty could not save Dubai and Mohan Lal Unnathangalil.
Wednesday, January 23, 2002
Highlights of 2001
99 films released in 2001. Shakeela featured in 40+. There were only 2 Mammootty films while Mohan Lal appeared in 4. Suresh Gopi had 5 films and Jayaram 6. Dileep had 5 and 4 were hits while Kunchako Boban had only 2. Biju Menon acted in three films. He did a hero role in Meghamalhar with Samyuktha. Samyuktha Varma acted in 5 films. Kavya Madhavan had 3 films. Vani Viswanath descended from last year's image of action heroine. She had only 2 films Nandini, Manya, Aathira had three films each. A number of young actresses came this year, among them Navya Nair (Ishtam ), Nithya das (Ee Parakkum Thalika ), Sindhu Menon (Uthaman ), Aswathi (Theerthatanam ), Vasundhara Das (Ravanaprabhu ), Asin (Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka ), Meera Jasmin (Sutradharan ), Arzoo (Kakkakuyil ) were heroines. Navya Nair and Nitya Das it seems are going to stay in movies for their films were success. They have a screen appeal and talent and were accepted by the viewers.
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
Kannaki
Jayaraj has selected Geethu Mohandas, Kalabhavan Mani and Manoj K Jayan also for his film Kannaki, a desi adaptation of Cleopatra by William Shakespeare. Earlier he had selected Nanditha Das as the heroine.It will have stunts and dance sequences by Thyagarajan and Raju Sundaram. Costumes are by his wife, Sabitha Jayaraj.
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
Dubai -Audio Review
Film: Dubai Cast: Mammooty, Anjala Zhaveri Director: Joshi Music: Vidysagar Company: Magnasound Price: Rs.50/- As the film has been entirely shot in Dubai (which justifies its title), it has a good dose of Hindi ghazals and Urdu couplets. Vidyasagar has done a good job in the song Khuda ek hi hai sung by new singers, but the fast racy song Mukin mudil by Sreekumar is bound to be the most popular song of the film. Yet another number by the same singer is the catchy Veyambal kannil neendum. The music can be called average.
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
Top Songs - (3rd week january 2002)
'Ariyaathe ariyaathe pavizha vaarthinkalariyaathe' Film: Ravanaprabhu Lyrics: Gireesh Puthanchery Music: Suresh Peters. Play back: Jayachandran, Sujatha 'Kandu kandu kandilla kettu kettu kettilla' Film: Ishtam Lyrics: Kaithapuram Music: Mohan Sithara Playback: Yesudas 'Aakaasadeepangal' Film: Ravanaprabhu Playback: Yesudas 'Salabham vazhimaaru' Film: Achaneyaanenikkishtam Lyrics: S Ramesan Nair Music: M G Radhakrishnan Playback: M G Sreekumar 'Souparnikamritha veechikal paadum' Film: Theerthatanam Lyrics/Music: Kaithapuram Playback: Yesudas 'Oru narupushpamay en neerkku neelunna' Film: Meghamalhar Lyrics: O N V Kurup Music: Ramesh Narayanan Playback: Yesudas
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
Top at the Box Office
Film: Praja Director: Joshi Script: Ranji Panikkar Cast: Mohanlal, Aiswarya Houseful in 35 Theatres in Kerala. Opinion: Crowd puller, appealing to Mohanlal fans. Film: Oneman Show Director: Shafi Script: Rafi Mecartin Cast: Jayaram, Samyuktha Varma, Manya, Mukesh, Lal, Kalabhavan Mani. Fairly good collection. Opinion: Good comedy sequences, high entertainment value, Highlight: Kotipathy show by Mukesh Film: Sutradharan Dir/Script: Lohita das Cast: Dileep, Meera Jasmin, Bindu Panikkar Opinion: No novelty, Climax weak. Highlight: Performance of Bindu Panikkar is excellent. Meera Jasmine is good. Film: Megha Malhar Dir/Script: Kamal Cast: Biju Menon, Samyuktha Varma, Siddique, Sreenath, and Poornima Mohan Opinion: High, Artistic, A sweet love story with a family touch. Picking up in collection. Highlight: Good performance by Biju Menon and Samyuktha Varma. Film: Ishtam Dir: Sibi Malayil 65th day in Trivandrum and other centers. Film: Jagapoka A mimicry oriented cinema with mimicry artists as main actors 20th day in some centers.
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
Vasundara
Q: How did you feel while making Hey Ram? A: It was quite an amazing experience. Kamal Haasan is a great actor and he made me feel so comfortable. This doesn`t mean he`s not an amazing director. Also in terms of the role, it was a very complex and a challenging role, and to make a newcomer to do this role was a challenge in itself, and he did a wonderful job of it. Q: What are your hobbies? A: I like moving around, travelling, camping, participating in nature sports. I love outdoor sports like white whitewater rafting. Also I love music. Music is a part of my life and I can`t imagine my life without music. Q: Given a choice would you go in for acting or music? A: Music, because I never really thought about acting till the time that I actually started acting in Hey Ram. For me music has always been the focus of my life. Q: From now, where? A: Now it`s more movies, more music. And now that Meri Jaan is out, it`s like my portfolio in the music world. I am also starring in Aks and a tri-lingual film called Little John. I have done about 15 Tamil films, 3 Telugu films and from now it`s going to be movies and music at par with each other. Q: A lot of people who have heard your voice say it`s different yet similar to Shubha Mudgal`s. What do you -have to say to that? A: I can`t ever dream to compare myself to Shubha Mudgal. I don`t have such a high pitched voice and it`s got a different texture. Q: Can you tell us about your experience while making your music album? A: I had a great time while shooting this video, mainly because in my video team the eldest was 28. The director was was 25 and everyone was in the age group of 23-25. For a lot of people it was the first time - like for the choreographer, the director etc. It was a good learning experience. Q: Did you face any problems while shooting this video? A: On day one itself we had some technical problems and we had to finish the shoot in four days. This was a difficult task, but we had to do it, as otherwise, we would have run into money problems, but we still managed to do it, and it was a fantastic video. Q: What kind of movies are you interested in now? A: I`m open to all kind of movies. I like to be called a multi-lingual person, as I can speak English, Tamil, Telugu, Spanish, Kannada and for me language is not a problem and neither a barrier.
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
Mohanlal
'Pranavam pictures' was his home production company. He produced some films that became hits. Then he formed his own distribution set up called 'Pranav pictures'. But he had to terminate his projects and concentrate on acting after the production of the prestigious Indo-French film Vanaprastham directed by Shaji N Karun. Though it went around the world in many international film festivals, it did not fetch money. He incurred a huge loss of 2 crores. However he cherishes the moment in Cannes when the audience stood in respectful silence after watching the film. The art form, the actors and specially Mohan Lal were highly appreciated. While he concentrates on acting, he hopes Vanaprastham would bring him the money slowly through international TV channels. Recently he was in Trivandrum to attend a press conference, where he revealed his intention to get into TV production. His company, Visual Magic, intends to produce children's films in association with Asianet communications. He is on to DVD production also. Here we have Mohan Lal in a short interview; Can you tell us about your new company 'Visual magic'? Is it going to concentrate only on TV programs? Yes. We aim at TV. 'We' here means Asianet and Visual Magic Ltd. My friends are also into this project. What is your first project? It is TV adaptation of 'Ithihyamala' (it is a celebrated book of legends in Malayalam. It deals with real stories about temple elephants, magicians, practitioners of traditional village medicine etc.) I have been dreaming about picturising those stories for our children. I love children's films. Unfortunately we do not have good and enough children's films in Malayalam. Are you going to produce children's films? Yes, we hope to produce it without delay. My friends, P Balachandran and T K Rajeev Kumar are also into it. Earlier, there was nobody to lead them or encourage them. We discussed this topic seriously and the company was formed. How do you plan to shoot 'Ithihyamala'? There are a number of stories in that book. Each story will be told in five episodes. We are engaging the best directors in Malayalam to do it. We will get a panel of directors. We expect the series to go on air in January 2002. Malayalam channels have good audience in and outside Kerala and in some foreign countries.Children's film will come in the next phase. T K Rajeev Kumar will direct this. I have some other projects in mind. I have one more project for children, an exclusive children' website. Courtesy: Indiainfo.com
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
Vinayan accused of story lifting again
Isn't it a fact that success not only brings fame but enemies as well? Or what other reason one can cite when director Vinayan is accused of story lifting each time he announces a film, which usually follows a 'hit' by him! Barely he announced his next film Uriyadaappenninu Oomappayyan ('A dumb bridegroom for the mute bride') there came news that Vinayan is at it again. One should not become so jealous of a director who only spins hits at a time when the Malayalam film industry is at a standstill. We should be thankful to Vinayan and Shakeela for their artistic efforts, which have prevented a total closure of cine houses in Kerala. No one should doubt his originality. His imagination. There may be others who lack basic talents and imagination but no, not Vinayan. When his first film Akaasaganga was released Benny P Nayarambalm a scriptwriter claimed that it was he who wrote the story. Vinayan says it was his grandma who narrated it to him when he was a young boy! Well he cannot produce a better proof, for sure. Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum was entangled in a same scenario. Writer Saratchandran claimed he gave the story idea to Kalabhavan Mani and the latter in turn gave it to Vinayan. If at all compensation was paid to Sarath, as an out of court settlement then, it was only to avoid a nuisance! In this context the latest accusation from Satyanath, a scriptwriter and TV producer (of 'Mahilasamajam' in Surya TV) can only be considered, as a harassment of artistic kind against a successful director, is not it? Well if Satyanath, as he claims, had really bought the story rights from a Tamil (movie Sollaamale) he also is justified in announcing his film as Uriyaadum Pennine Oomappayyan (A dumb bridegroom for talkative girl). After all, Malayali's will get an original story and also a duplicate one. So what is there to complain about then folks?
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
Meghmalar best film, Mohanlal best actor - Viewers Award, National Film Academy
Mohanlal is the best actor, Suhasini Best Actress. Bharath Mohanlal has been selected as the best actor for the sixth viewers Award of the National Film Academy for his performance in 'Ravanaprabhu'. Academy Director Nithyanand and Jury Member P.Bhaskaran announced that Suhasini got the best actress award for her performance in 'Theerthadanam'. Meghmalar has been selected as the best film -its director Kamal bagged the best director award. M.T.Vasudevan Nair obtained the best script award for Theerthadanam. Suresh Gopi too got a special award for his performance in Sundhara Purushan. Eee Parakkum Thalika has been the most popular movie. Kochin Haneefa is the best supporting actor for his role in a number of movies. Bindu Panikkar got the best supporting actress award for her role in 'Suthradaran'. Navya Nair was selected as the best debutant actress for her performance in Ishtam. The awards would be given at a function to be held in Baharin in September.
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
I am deceived by Malayalam producers - Shakeela
Guess what? Soon, Shakeela is not going to star in any more Malayalam films. Reason. She feels that she had been badly deceived by all those Malayalam producers and directors who have made millions of rupees because of her. She's now conciliating on Tamil and Telugu Movies.
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
Mammooty
Mammooty's first Hindi movie 'Dhartiputra" bombed miserably. He readily accepted 'Dhartiputra' as the biggest mistake of his career. And he also accepted that maybe he was not the Hindi material. But now he's all set to try one more time. The title hasn't been declared yet. Second Hindi movie, right? Wrong. Third. My first was a movie for children. Then came 'Dhartiputra'. Now, this one. It has almost become a challenge for me. 'Ambedkar' was made in Hindi. Then this new movie should be your fourth one? 'Ambedkar' was an English movie. It was dubbed and released in Hindi. How was 'Ambedkar'? I hadn't even seen the real Ambedkar. Everything I portrayed in the movie was my own perception of what the real Ambedkar would have been like. He was a very loveable and dignified person. So, there was lot of pressure to not exaggerate. No such thing for this project though. Does a talented actor like you have anything at all to do in Hindi movie? I'm not going to restrict myself to any language or movie, because cinema is my dream, my profession, my life, and my breath. In short, it saturates the cell of my body. There is a story going around that you weren't given a fair deal in 'Ambedkar' If you are talking about publicity or release. Then I'll have to tell you that it is out of my field of focus. My work ends with the end of my shooting. I don't interfere with other people's work. I had put my time, effort, energy and even money into 'Ambedkar'. Money too? Not exactly, like that. But, for that movie I had to sacrifice other offers. That way. But I think it is an honor to have enacted the role of Ambedkar. I was able to take him to the hearts of the viewers. And it brought me my third National Award too. Will the new movie bring you the fourth award? Who knows? I play the role of a serious criminal lawyer. Are you trying to create the same fan following in Hindi as you have in Malayalam. Yes. When I started acting in Malayalam, the actor in me had first begun to grow. Then I stepped into Tamil and Telugu. Why don't you make your own movies to like Kamal does? I'm not all that smart like Kamal is. Long, long time ago I did have a desire to make a movie. It didn't materialize. You feel safe in Malayalam, don't you? Nobody, including me, is safe anywhere. Every time the camera starts rolling, an actor is put to test. What do you feel about Hindi actor? Very able people. But nobody is utilizing those skills. How far has the competition between you and Mohanlal reached? Competition?(Laughs). We don't have any competition between us. Actually, we are very good friends. Moreover, I've gained a foothold in other languages too. There is enough space for the two of us here. Do you act for purely for your artistic needs, without any monetary payments too? Matter of fact I did. D.P.Chandran's 'Danny' was one such project. The total production cost for the movie was Rs.32 lakhs. I'd acted for no payment with only an agreement to receive a part of the earnings when the picture gets released.
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
The Guard
Actors - Kalabhavan Mani Banner - Green Dragon Movie Scene Story, Producer - Sabitha Jayaraj Direction - Hakim The movie stars Jayaraj's favourite actor Kalabhavan Mani. According to the actor, this was his most strenuous role, amidst insect bites, mosquito bites, bad food, and dense jungles. But, Kalabhavan Mani considers it his for brine that he got the opportunity to do this role. Appu Kuttan Nair (Mani) is a forest guard. An honest one. The movie is a chronicle of this one man's battle against illicit liquor makers and poachers. He is assisted by two occupants of a nearby Adhivasi colony - a similar friend called Ramu and an elephant called Kalikeshan. Mani had rendered four songs in this movie. This should go well with his fans. The picture was shot in the interiors of the jungle. The main message of this movie is to love the jungles and its animal occupants. Good one to watch. Especially if you're a passionate fighter for animal rights.
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
I would like to have 5 kids -Manya
"Five is my lucky number. So, I would like to have 5 kids." - Manya
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
Only 4 movies a year - Innocent
From now on, I'm not going to act in more than 4 movies a year. There are more important things to do in the society than Movies" - Innocent.
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
I'm looking for a good looking, trustworthy young man - Meena
"An actress is no different from an ordinary woman. Like her, an actress too has her joys and her sorrows. She didn't arrive from the story. She is a woman too. It's her fame that makes even inconsequential incidents in her life a very big news. These small events get blown out of proportion". That's the reason, according to Meena, behind the not-so-happy lives that so many of her female colleagues live. "Right now, I've attained the marriageable age. I'm looking for a good looking, trustworthy young man. He should be able to stand on his own two feet. The moment my mother brings a man who fits this description, I'm ready to marry him," she stopped.
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
Grandmother
Cast - Jagadheesh, Athira, K.P.A.C Lalitha, Mala, Shaalu Menon, Rosaline, Kannur Shrilatha, Kalabhavan Mani Banner - Seven Star Direction - Sunil Kalyaniamma had raised eight children and with age fast catching up with her. She has to somehow find ways to again be the center of the drama that is life. This often ends up in creating misunderstanding and fights between the members. The only fears that haunt Kalyaniamma are the fears of loneliness and fear of being neglected. Sensing her insecurities, her children fix a home nurse, Usha, for her. Grandma hates her. Slowly Usha works through the blocks. A desire crept into her - she wanted Usha to marry her youngest son, Gopikuttan. When this was happening, Gopikuttan was seriously considering a matrimony proposal from another girl and the marriage was fixed. Kalyaniamma didn't like that - How she goes ahead and fulfills her desire forms the rest of the story. K.P.A.C Lalitha plays the Grandmother. Athira plays the home nurse. Jagadheesh (Gopikuttan), Mala, Shaalu Menon, Rosaline, Kannur Shrilatha, Kalabhavan Mani and others form the rest of the cast.
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
Directors Rafi-Mercartin
Thenkasipattanam is the biggest hit of 2001. Its directors Rafi-Mercartin are now directing the film in Tamil with Sarath Kumar and Napolean. Samyuktha, the numero uno of Kerala filmdom, makes her debut in Tamil with this film. Excerpts... Q: When did your friendship and working together start? Rafi: We met for the first time in Kaloor near Kochi when we worked in a Mimicry Troupe. We were their writers. We used to work together on the mimicry script. We used to give new items every day for the performers. During that period Sidiq-Lal used to visit our troupe. When this troupe closed down they asked us to join them. They took us under their wing and introduced us to a producer. We wrote the script for Mr & Mrs, a film of two neighbours and their wives competing with each other. The film script was ready but the producer had no money. Finally we got a producer and it had an okay run. Next came Kaladharan, Ellarum Chollunu, Aniyan Bava Chethan Bava, all had our screnplay. Top directors like Rajsenan and Sajan were our regulars. We got the tag that we are as good as Sidiq-Lal. Q: are you as good as they are? Rafi: Ofcourse not. We have a long way to go. Mercartin: It has amazed us that their films have comedy, action, sentiment and dance in the right mix. The most wonderful thing is that they carry an entire film without it dragging. Q: Why is it that you are not able to do the same? Rafi: We are doing our best. Q: When did you step into direction? Rafi: In fact it was Sidiq-Lal who said that they will produce a film and we two will direct. The first film was Superman. Imagine two producers and two directors!(laughs) Mercartin: Next was Punjabi House, a big hit which was followed by Satyam Sivam Sundaram which was a flop. We bounced back with Thenkasipattanam. Q: The storyline of Thenkasipattanam is not believable. Its the case with many of your films. Rafi: The job of the director is to make the public believe that 90 percent is fact and 10 percent is fiction. Mercartin: We pick up threads from everything including newspaper reports and expand. Q: Who among you is the dominant personality? Rafi: Sometimes I suggest an idea which he rejects and I accept some of his ideas readily. And it is the other way round as well. Mercartin: Its team work. We see our films in the theatres with the audience. We understand our flaws then. What we had thought would click has flopped while something we did not expect to work is a major hit. We know where our flaws are and we discuss further and correct them in our next film. Q: Your story ideas? Rafi: In films you dont need a full story like a novel. An incident can lead up to many other intresting incidents which will form a story. Mercartin: We used to read newspapers and create skits for mimicry artistes. We are doing the same now on a big canvass. Q: That is why some sections of the film industry say that your films are mimicry films? Rafi: Doing mimicry alone on screen will flop. Why should people come to theatres to watch mimicry? Mercartin: Its not easy to make people laugh. We can create tragic situations at the drop of a hat. You cannot expect people to laugh at slipping on the bannana peel anymore. Charlie Chaplin too faced riducule but today he is hailed as a man who gave social messages through his films. The public are not foolish to accept comedy easily. In a cynical state like Kerala where satire is on the forefront it is very difficult to make people laugh.
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
Kuberan
Work has begun on Dileep's new movie "Kuberan" in Ooty. The movie is being directed by Sundar Das. He also happens to be the director to have cast Dileep for the first time in a lead role.
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
Director Fazil's son to turn hero
Fazil who introduced many new talent to the big screen like Shankar, Mohanlal, Poornima Jayaram, Nadia Moidu, Kunchacko Boban and Shalini is soon to introduce his son Fahad as the hero in his next film. He had planned the film as a commemoration of his 25th year in filmdom. Keen on working with rank newcomers in this film, just like he did in his debut film Manjil Virenja Pookal, he chose Priya Nair (Miss Chennai) as the heroine. But the search for a hero dragged on for over a year. After a visiting journalist suggested it, Fazil decided to take on his son as the hero, but was vetoed by his wife and daughter who wanted him to complete his education. The idea was dropped. Later, Fazil shot a portion of the film Aniyathi Pravu (Kathalukku Mariyathai) with Fahad and saw the rushes in the company of Sidiq-Lal and other wellwishers. All of them gave the green signal. By then, the opposition from home had also cooled. Now, Fahad is a hero and his father Fazil is soon to start filming the love story.
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
Tabu
Tabu is synonymous with sensitive performances, accolades and awards. With a successful Chandni Bar to her credit in 2001, this Hyderabad girl comes up with another winner. This time teamed with Ex Ms Universe Sushmita Sen in Meghna Gulzar's debut directorial Filhaal, which deals with relationships and surrogate motherhood. Sensitive, sensible and soft spoken, Tabu talks about her forthcoming film Filhaal. You gave a hard-hitting performance, which has been commercially and critically acclaimed. Did you expect Chandni Bar to be such a great success? No neither my director Madhur nor I expected the film to create the kind of wave it ultimately created. We had of course made it with lot of sincerity and conviction but we never thought that Indian film industry would never forget Chandni Bar. To achieve success without a hero without songs is credible. We took a risk by making a film, which didn't have anything commercial, or any masalas from the usual cinema. In that respect it has defied a lot of convention. I am happy about that. It is ok to do such films and get critical acclaim. But when it is successful it makes me more proud to be a part of Chandni Bar. It was a courageous attempt on the part of the producer, director and the entire crew. Today after making you stand as an actress, would you be comfortable doing a commercial Hindi film? I can be happy and comfortable doing anything. But it happens with most of the creative people that after reaching a certain stage in life, doing good roles and great stories, if I don't have anything to give to a role, a film or if I don't have anything to create then I think I will be unfair to the film and the script. I should feel like becoming the character, which is happening in most of my movies. What made you choose Filhaal? Was it due to the fact that Meghna is Gulzar saab's daughter? I have not done Filhaal just because Meghna is Gulzar saab's daughter. Of course I liked the subject and she has the basic sensibility to handle such a subject, about cinema and lots of other things. She had her reasons about why she wanted a scene in a particular way, why she wanted the dialogue and costume. I liked the depth my character has and the ups and downs she faces. Nothing is frivolous in the film. Every emotion runs deep. Once you have the basic confidence and trust in anyone, you feel you can leave yourself in that person's hands. I had met her during Hu Tu Tu when she was assisting her father. She was such a kid then and I would boss her around and she would willingly do everything I told her to do (laughs). She was more stressed out than anyone else organizing everything. She has learnt the right things about life and cinema. She has lived in that atmosphere of good cinema. She has an aptitude for learning too. New generation directors are clearer and it is better as it save lot of time and effort on the actor's part. What is Filhaal about? Filhaal is basically about relationships, the finer aspects of it. There are four people who are the main characters in the film- Sanjay Suri, Sushmita, Palash and me. The story revolves around the four of us and how everything is interconnected. How one relationship affects the other and like a circle the chain reaction occurs. There are no melodramatic situations but real ones which lead to one thing which leads to another thing and how it all comes back to one bundle of energy that binds them together. Tell us about your character. Rewa is not loud but quiet. You could say she is quite like me. She is strong when she wants to take a stand. She is sensitive to things and is a deeper person than the usual woman is. Is the film teaching something? I don't it is being made with the intention of teaching or preaching. It is just a simple story of how complex relationships can get. Filhaal so much.
Monday, January 21, 2002
7000 litres of spirit seized; 2 held
PALAKKAD: The Palakkad South police seized 7000 litres of spirit from a lorry which was intercepted, after a hot chase, near the Mangalam bridge and also arrested two persons in this connection. The lorry was proceeding from Bangalore to Ernakulam and initially it was directed to stop at Kannanoor but when it proceeded without halting the vehicle was chased down. The spirit was stacked in 200 cans each with a capacity of 35 litres. The arrested persons include Jawahar alias Balu, 42, of Annanagar in Darapuram who was the driver and Senthil Kumar, 30, son of Balakrishnan of Avinashi who was the cleaner. The police team was led by Sub-Inspector Shashidharan and Assistant Sub-Inspector Chenthamara
Monday, January 21, 2002
Sabarimala temple closed as pilgrim season ends
PATHANAMTHITTA: The Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala was closed on Sunday morning, marking the conclusion of the 67-day pilgrim season. The rituals in connection with the closing of sanctum sanctorum began in the morning with the opening of the nada at 5.30 am. Temple tantri Kandararu Mohanaru conducted the Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathi Homam. After the Ganapathi Homam, the Thiruvabharanam procession left the Sopanam for its return journey to Pandalam. Melshanti A R Raman Nampoothiri conducted poojas, including Bhasmabhishekam, in connection with the closing of the nada. Around 7.20 am, the nada was closed after the Harivarasanam. The representative of the Pandalam raja, P Kerala Varma Raja, as per the traditional practices, alone had darshan of the Lord on the closing day on Sunday.
Monday, January 21, 2002
New Movies to hit the screen soon!
Following are the ones to hit the screen shortly. 1. 'Jagadi Jagadheesh in Town' which has both Jagadi and Jagadeesh playing dual roles should have been released by now. 2. Mammooty's 'Danny' - This was slated for a Christmas - New Year release, but had been postponed. Well, it should be available now. 3. Jayaram's Prabhu starrer 'Malayali Maaman Vanakkam'. 4. Director Jayaraj's 'Kannagi' starring Nandita Das. 5. Balachandra Menon's 'Krishna Gopalakrishnaa'
Monday, January 21, 2002
Mammootty's Evolution as a Thinker
"Malayalam cinema now needs more socialism. There should be more reality based stars coming up." Says Mammootty. Its not necessary that just because Mammooty had become the chairman of Kairal TV, he should become a communist too. He was one of the people who believed that an artist should have no political leanings. He'd once said that an artist's only political indication should be towards art. Art has no politics. Mammootty continued, "Soon, there will be Mini theatres with a capacity of not more than ten people at a time. That is where all further growth will happen". "The greatest curse on Indian cinema is stardom. Mega star, superstar, action star, comedy star,… many stars. When 2 or 3 files of a new actor become hits, he is soon classified under one of these "Star" categories. Soon, he is alienated from the common people. Thus, cinema ends up becoming the property of a few" This is what Mammootty wants removed. Why remove mega stars and superstars from Malayalam Cinema? If this socialite attitude is to be followed, then, soon, acting will end up as a part time hobby. A side business. This would only lower the quality and standards. But still, the idea is worth experimenting with.
Monday, January 21, 2002
Newface Navya Nair
Navya Nair is yet another promising actress for Malayalam, whose first film, 'Ishtam', starring Dileep, is a hit. She was the 'Kala-thilakam' in the youth festival of Aleppey district. She has achieved so many prizes in the State youth festival also. Navya, who passed her 10th std with distinction, is not at all behind in her studies also. Being the heroine of a popular star like Dileep at this very young age (only 15 years now!), She is in a very excited mood now and let's have a little chat with her: What's your role in 'Ishtam'? I'm playing the role of a cowardly character who is leaving for states due to the ragging in her college. Later comes back as a bold person. Do you like this field? Of Course. Everybody says that you are performing well without making the problems of a new face. That's very simple. Sibi Sir and Others will show me what to do before each take. All what I've to do is just imitate the same. Who is your favorite hero? Shah Rukh Khan. But, as a romantic hero, I like Madhavan very much. Those beautiful eyes......, lips. In 'Ishtam', there are a lot of romantic scenes. while acting in those scenes did you really feel romantic? I don't know. There's a scene in 'Ishtam' in which I say 'I Love U' to Dileepettan. Did you feel 'anything' at that time? Hm...... a little bit of shame. Have anybody told you 'I Love U' yet? Oh....., who's there to say in my 'girls school'! Then........, my girl friends would often say: "I like you very much Chechi.....". What do you enjoy most in your life? If you don't make fun of me......., I'll tell you - eating chocolate and icecreams......! Your hobbies? Sleeping, listening music, then...... I usually watch Manchu Chechi's acting. Future plans......? I'd like to be an engineer.
Monday, January 21, 2002
'Swarnam's Director Bhadran
As the second movie of his three movie package deal with Mohanlal, Director Bhadran is busy with 'Swarnam', produced by Good knight Films. The first of the three movies was 'Sfatigam' which revolved around the father-son relationship. The father was a teacher with lots of dreams about his son. The son finds himself bound by these dreams and struggles to establish his identity and things of that kind. 'Swarnam' has agricultural scenario as its backdrop. The Third movie will have business as its backdrop. Bhadran was to cast Mohanlal in a non-negative role. 'I don't believe that Mohanlal depends solely on his director. He absorbs everything and when he starts delivering it on screen, even the directors are caught unawares'. Any memories of casting Mohanlal as a non-villain? I remember the preview show of 'Poovaninyu'. Mohanlal's mother was watching it. Towards the end of the screening. She remarked, "Oh I've been waiting so long to see my son in a role like this." What look you so long to come up with another movie after 'Olympian Antony' I normally give a huge gap between movies. The producers' money decides my fate. So, I'm not going to play around or take uncalculated risks with it. The actor should be immensely satisfied. And thirdly, I'll have to be proud of it. Money matters, doesn't it? If it did, I would have made 'Sfatigam' in Telugu. Lot of people were ready with their advices on how the second half should be. But I stuck to my story. Your dream movie? I want to make a movie on family, the intricacies of relationships. That would be my dream movie. How do you choose your subjects? Cinema is not alienated with real life. Cinema is based on real life. Cinema has its origin in real life incidents. What's your speciality? I govern myself. Right from my childhood, I'm incapable of sitting still for a moment. Your favorite personalities? Yesudas and Mohanlal. I regret that I couldn't be one of them. Even in my 48th year of existence. I wish I could be like them. Mohanlal's air of relaxed self-assurance, I try to cultivate it. Not happening yet. Have you ever been in love? Like everybody, I dreamt of having beautiful women swoon for me. And, let me confess, I had a female fan following too whom I was in college.
Monday, January 21, 2002
Adoor Gopala Krishnan
Ever since the Motion Picture Academy was started, controversy had been following it like a shadow. To be the President of something like that is not easy. Adoor Gopala Krishnan is the next Chairman of this academy. Soon, under his leadership, the world is going to see the next International Film Festival of India. Anything special this time at the IFFI. No we are not going to focus on quantity. This time, stress will be on quality. We plan to start an "Audience Award" this time. The award would be decided by delegates. Who would become a delegate? Professionals who are associated with cinema. Associates of film societies, University students… anybody. Season tickets and individual show tickets will be available. Delegates get to vote. There will be about 5000 delegates. The movie selected by them gets the audience award. There's an accusation that most of the international movies featured last year were third class movies and that most of these were produced after paying money to them. Will there be such accusations this time too? The accusation is not entirely true. There were some good movies too. The movies that arrive should not be directly screened. They need to be checked and only good ones should be selected and screened. When quality is enforced, the number of movies will come down. Last time, screening started everyday at 8.30 in the morning and went on till 9.30 at night. This time, it would start at 10.00 A.M. There will only be 4 movies a day. Its better to show a few good movies and leave a happy audience than showing plenty of trash and leaving them disappointed. There is a myth that such film festivals are only for 'intellectuals' and bureaucrats. Will the ordinary cine goer be left at the gates this time too? Delegate passes are given just to stop that from happening. There won't be any nepotism either. None of that "I know some one important so I'll get the pass" business. People who really want to watch good movies will get to see them. I raised this issue with the committee. And, thus time, even committee members will have to buy the tickets. Surprisingly, the members didn't raise any objections to this. IFFI's objective is to spread the pleasure of watching good movies and learning from good movies. But a festival like this would mean that only a handful of people in the state get to watch it. What about the people in the rest of the state. That's the specialty of Kerala. A true fan of good movies has to only board the night train to Tiruvanantapuram. Next morning, he reaches Tiruvanantapuram. There is no point in complaining that Tiruvanantapuram is very far. It is not Delhi or Kolkotta. Each time a festival happens in Tiruvanantapuram, its not Malayalees alone that participate. There are people coming in from Madurai, Nagarcoil, Bangalore etc. There is a demand to fix a permanent venue for such festivals because then the festival gets associated with that place. Like the Cannes Film Festival. This time Tiruvananthapuram has been chosen because it has four state run movie halls. These theatres have experience of screening movies for such film festivals. So many festivals later, when we look back, they seem to have had no effect on the standard of our movies. Look at it this way. Good movies get publicity. There's motivation to produce such good ones. You're talking about Art films. Then the mainstream commercial movies are left out, aren't they? I expected that mainstream cinema has, then more people would make such good movies. People who were here yesterday are not here today. People who are making movies today will not necessarily be here tomorrow. Cinema is like a temple as the side of the road. People come and go. Our movie people have the potential to complete with international talents. They just don't want to try that hard. Would you agree that academies like these are for intellects alone? Academy doesn't differentiate between mainstream and side stream movies. It shouldn't. It works for the betterment of this industry. Film festivals is one such effort. This time's film festival with feature K.G.George's pictures is the Retrospective show, there will also be a collection of write ups, interviews, documentaries about him. Another objective of such academies is to preserve old film prints. This will require lot of money. These shouldn't be much delay in getting this done. Why did you accept this position now? Was never after such recognition. But, the academy needed someone who could bring in changes. I took it. When is your new movie going to start? Can't say anything now. I want to start it this month. Script was written 3 years ago. Suddenly I find myself in this academy. Again, the new movie got delayed. But, I'm not postponing it this time. I'll be starting it shortly.
Monday, January 21, 2002
Company
"This film is expected to be another "Sathya" for Ramgopal Verma" says the P.R.O of "Company" and media consultant, Raviprakash "The movie is to be released in April this year", he says. The movie stars Mohanlal, Ajay Devgan, Manisha Koirala and others. Shooting has been completed. Release date hasn't been decided yet. The PR man says that Mohanlal has delivered a stunning performance. So have others. The movie also has Vijay Oberoi (Son of Suresh Oberoi)
Monday, January 21, 2002
Samyuktha Verma
Will Samyuktha fit into Manju's shoes? By S. Joseph It all happened suddenly: One day she was sitting in a quaint tile-roofed classroom in Sree Kerala Varma College, Thrissur and the next day she was signing up for the lead female role in a movie by one of the most reputed Malayalam directors, Satyan Anthikkad. Life is so enjoyably strange for this tender teenager of the film sets. And she is happy. Why not? Samyukta Varma's entry into movies was accidental, when Anthikkad signed her for his Veendum Chila Veettukaryangal, to replace Manju Warrier, that brilliantly gifted teenage queen of the screen, who with the enigmatic performance in her debut Sallapam, stole the hearts of Malayalis. Samyukta's first film proved a runaway success, elevating her as a bright star into the firmament of Malayalam movie world, along with Divya Unni. In a sense, Samyukta's initiation into movies was similar to that of Manju, who retired when she was at the zenith of her profession, after marrying her first hero and lover Dileep. Manju's rise to the top ranks of the Malayalam star list was abrupt after the phenomenal success of Sallapam. That was a movie where the heroine carried a lot of weight. Samyukta's Bhavana in the Anthikkad film was equally strong: As the image of an intelligent, responsible and poor girl fated to roam the streets as a door-to-door promo agent, Bhavana was tailor-made for Manju. With Veettukaryangal, Samyukta was catapulted into a busy movie life and stardom. And Samyukta respects Manju. "
