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February 2002
Thursday, February 28, 2002
6 hurt in clashes in Kannur
At least six people were injured in clashes involving CPI(M) and RSS workers near the Jagannath Temple at Thalassery in Kannur district. Police said four RSS workers were attacked with sticks and swords allegedly by CPM supporters when they were returning after the temple festival. The injured--Prajesh, Jinesh, Shaji and Sushee -- were admitted to the Thalassery Government hospital. In a suspected sequel to the incident, two CPI(M) workers were attacked in the same area with swords allegedly by the BJP workers. The injured -- Bipin and Shanil -- were admitted to the Cooperative Hospital, Thalassery. However, the situation was now under control, police added.
Thursday, February 28, 2002
Jap warships at Kochi
Jap warships at Kochi Six Japanese warships called on at the kochi port today on a routine visit. This is the first time that the warships from Japan have arrived here, Naval sources said. The Japanese ambassador to india, Hirosshi Hir Bayashi and the defence attache col Saito were present at the port to receive the ships, said to be destroyers. The ships were returning after extending support to the US naval ships in its operations in Afghanistan. The destroyers, which were received by Commodore P P Singh, would be leaving on mar one, the sources added.
Thursday, February 28, 2002
Thousands participate in Pongala festival
Thousands of women from different part of the state participated in the Pongala festival at the famous Attukal Bhgavathi temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Women offered "pongal" a dish made of rice, jaggery and scrapped coconut after cooking in an earthen pots during an auspcious time in the afternoon. Women were lined up from the wee hours of the day on both sides of all roads leading to the temple from about 6 km to prepare the pongal, as the temple and nearby areas had been occupied by people who came much earlier. Elaborate arrangements were made by temple authorities to the devotees who came for the festival. Transport corporation ran special services to clear the rush. Many social organisations arranged free food and drinking water facilities to the devotees in various places. The legend is that Kannagi, who destroyed the city of Madurai with the power of her righteousness had rested at the place where the temple now stands and a few local women offered pongal to Kannagi and pacified her.
Thursday, February 28, 2002
SSLC examinations in April
Kerala education minister, Nalakath Soopy, has asserted that the 10th standard SSLC examinations would he held in April at any cost. If the indefinite strike by government teachers and employees continues, alternate arrangements would be made for conducting the examinations, he told mediapersonnel here after attending a function. The qualifying examinations for Plus two teachers would be held on Mar 17 as scheduled, he said adding if needed, government was prepared to even make security arrangements to conduct the examination. The government was considering the possiblity of unifying the various varsities in the state. Arrangements in this regard were on, he said. The minister also denied the various allegations raised against him and came down on the media for not carrying his version.
Wednesday, February 27, 2002
Is Malayalam Cinema is in for good days?
If the past one-month is anything to go by, Malayalam Cinema is in for good days. The signs and Symptoms? For one thing - a rush of new faces and the encouragement they're receiving from some very established names in the field. Now that Vinayan, Ranjith, I.V.Sashi have completed their films with newcomers, Fazil can't be far behind. Only Shaji Kailash is free from this bug. He's started his new movie. But, it doesn't have too many newcomers. Mammooty's back from the US to sign up for a Malayalam film after 'Raksha raajaavu', he had been busy flirting with Tamil and Hindi films. Right now, his new film is in some trouble. It had been so ever since it started. The director wants technicians from Bollywood, just because he's doing a Mammooty film. There's an intense debate going on between the director and the producer. The producer is not all that willing to spend big bucks on a relatively inexperienced director. Somewhere in between, work has managed to start. Mohanalal is in Hyderabad for his 'Onnaman'. 'Suthradhaaran' didn't draw much positive review, but Dileep consoles himself by the publicity the film managed to get for him. Now, he has all his hopes pinned on 'Mazathuli killukkam'. Dubbings have been completed and the movie is almost ready to be released. After 'Kuberan', his next film should be with Lal Jose. With 'Malayaala Maamanu Vanakkam', Jayaram is busy greeting his Tamil maamans. A film based on Mother Theresa has had its preview at Ernakulam. Tailpiece: There was an ad in the print media recently. The advertiser was on the lookout for a binLaden look alike. This was for the movie 'War and Love'. Maybe the storywriter should explain to us dumb heads how exactly Osama was related to the Kargil war.
Wednesday, February 27, 2002
Meera Jasmine goes to Tamil
After 'Suthradhaaran', Meera Jasmine has signed up a film in Tamil for none other than K.Balachander in his 101st film. Film has two heroes - the brother of 'Disco' Shanti and dance master Prasanna. A Mumbai based model is also slated to star with her.
Wednesday, February 27, 2002
Budget fails to lift white good 'sales'
KOCHI: With less than two days to go before the Union Budget, the sales of consumer durables are yet to take off. But this time, the drop in sales are attributed mainly due to economic recession in the State rather than the expectations of sops from the Budget. "There are some buyers who wait, expecting the prices (of consumer durables) to decline after the Budget," said Raghunath, business manager of Whirlpool of India Ltd. According to him, there are talks of import duties on components to come down after the Budget. However, it will take at least three to four months for the companies to reduce the prices. Alapatt Super Shoppe floor manager Mosubikh said there had been a drop in sales of consumer durables during the last two years before the Budget. This year also there is a drop in sales, it has more to do with the economic situation prevailing in the State than with the outcome of the Budget. "The situation is different from the previous years. The sales have been severely hit due to the economic recession," he said. Alapatt Super Shoppe is the dealers of Kelvinator, Whirlpool, LG, Samsung and BPL (refrigerators), Sony, Onida, Samsung (TVs), and Voltas, Kenstar and Samsung (air-conditioners). Another dealer of consumer durables, Home Appliances, attributed the drastic fall in the sales due to the worsening economic situation in the State. "I don't think the situation will improve unless the finances of the people improve," said Vijesh, sales executive of the company. To make matters worse, the traders said the ongoing strike by the Government employees and teachers had had an impact on sales of consumer durables. "We have been seeing a fall in the sales over the last few months. Ever since the strike was launched, there is a drastic fall in sales in the Southern districts of Thiruvanthapuram and Kollam, where the concentration of Government employees are highest," said Raghunath, manager of Whirlpool.
Wednesday, February 27, 2002
24-Hour stir by Govt hospital doctors, staff on March 6
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The indefinite strike of employees and teachers seems set to intensify with the major trade unions barring INTUC on Tuesday deciding to organise a general strike in the State on March 5 and the doctors and staff of Government hospitals a 24-hour strike on March 6. Chief Minister A K Antony stuck to his stand that the talks with striking employees would be futile as the Government simply did not have the money to restore the curtailed benefits. While the general strike of trade unions will be for 24 hours from March 4 midnight, the strike of doctors and hospital staff will also be for 24 hours from 8 am on March 6. The general strike decision was taken at a meeting presided over by INTUC State president Suresh Babu and was attended by the leaders of the CITU, AITUC, BMS, UTUC, UTUC (LS), KTUC (J), NLO, TUCI and INLC. Clarifying INTUC's position on the general strike, Suresh told this website's newspaper that "no decision was taken regarding general strike at the meeting. Agitation is not on our agenda as it is not the only way to find a solution to the problem. We are trying to utilise other channels to resolve the present impasse." The legislature party meetings of various political parties are scheduled to take place on February 28 and March 1. With the preparations for the ensuing Assembly session affected, the meetings are likely to place a formula before the Government to end the strike. In a related development, the representatives of Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Associaton (KGMCTA) met Health Minister P Sankaran and served a strike notice. As part of the strike, the doctors would stay away from VIP duty, Assembly duty, pre-clinical and practical classes and ward clinics on March 6. The association threatened the Government that in the event of disciplinary action against the doctors, it would be forced to paralyse the entire medical sector. The Kerala Government Hospital Employees Association, in a statement, said that the hospital staff including those posted for casualty services, would go on strike on March 6. While 25 employees were arrested under ESMA, many others were taken into custody under IPC sections for various offences in the State on the 21st day of the strike. There was no substantial increase in the attendance percentage. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that the second cut in the annual Plan size was proof, if it was needed, that the financial situation was alarming. The striking employees should come to terms with reality and get back to work, he said, adding that the CITU, DYFI and SFI workers were indulging in violence as part of the strike even though the CPM has said that it would not take part in the agitation. Antony also launched a scathing attack on Mayors, municipal chairmen and panchayat secretaries for taking part in the strike. "I can understand the employees agitating but what are these people doing. It's like the State Cabinet going on leave in protest against the decisions of the Centre. Is this what we gain from decentralisation. The Attukal Pongala is taking place and what is the corporation doing," he thundered. In a statement, the Congress-led SETO has asked Congress MLAs to clarify their stand on the agitation in view of the UDF Government's failure to hold negotiations with the agitating employees' organisations. It criticised the dubious stand of certain party leaders on the strike issue. The SETO also condemned the Government for taking five leaders of the Finance Secretariat Association into custody, under ESMA. In a statement, the Kerala NGO Association president Kambara Narayanan said that the Ministers, instead of competing with each other on issuing statements, should intervene to find an amicable settlment to the strike. The members of Kerala Healh Inspectors Union held a dharna in front of the Secretariat and an all-religion prayer meeting to urge the Government to hold negotiations with the striking employees.
Wednesday, February 27, 2002
64% oppose strike, says survey
KOZHIKODE: The public at large are not amused by either the continuing stir by Government employees or the Government decision to prune their benefits, indicated a sample survey conducted by students of the Mass Communication department of Calicut University. The survey, covering 216 independent respondents in Kozhikode and Thrissur with an equal proportion of men and women among them, threw up the finding that 64 per cent opposed the strike, while the remaining 36 per cent supported it. However, only 49 per cent supported the Government decision to prune benefits, and 51 per cent opposed it. While 60 per cent of the respondents were all for the employees calling off the stir and going to the conciliation table, 40 per cent felt they ought to continue the stir and hold discussions simultaneously. The survey had excluded the striking employees and their kin, and included the unemployed and the farming community among those covered.
Wednesday, February 27, 2002
No testing time for SSLC students, thanks to head mistress
ALAPPUZHA: When the student community of the government schools is facing an uncertain future due to the indefinite strike of the teachers, the SSLC students in Alappuzha Government Model Girls High School are an exception. The house of the school headmistress, D Viyajalakshmi, had been converted into a school. Model examination for the SSLC students started at the classroom in the headmistress’s house today. Vijayalakshmi said that, of the 65 SSLC students, 50 attended the model examination today. The students and their parents were taken into confidence about the need to attend the classes, she said. According to Vijayalakshmi, the majority of the students in this government school is from the financially poor families. They are depending on this school due to their inability to spent huge amount for education at private schools. When the government employees and teachers started their indefinite strike, the SSLC students were asked to attend the classes at the residence of the headmistress. All the subjects for the examination have been covered by the teachers before the strike. However, the revision was conducted at the house of headmistress after the teachers started agitation. Vijayalakshmi said that all the teachers, who are on strike, cooperated with the effort to help the students in preparing for the SSLC examination. The teachers, who were handling various subjects, took classes on the days of strike. However, the teachers have not gone to school or signed the attendance register. The SSLC pass percentage in the Model Girls High School last year was 55. Vijayalakshmi said that special classes were conducted at her residence to make sure that the pass percentage does not go down this year.
Wednesday, February 27, 2002
Traders feel pinch of agitation, offer off-season discounts
KOCHI: In sheer contrast to their conviction that the stir by the Government employees and teachers is uncalled for, the mushrooming discount sale banners before the shops lining the MG Road seem to indicate that the traders have started feeling the pinch of the agitation. Discount sales are a rarity this time of the year with no major festivals like Onam or Christmas round the corner. Though Bakrid was there, it does not usually attract big sales. But the strike, at the time of general recession, has forced traders to seek alternate ways to boost sales. "The sales is down by almost 50 per cent. Through discount we can only attract persons going to the other shops," says K N Marzook, president of Kerala Textile and Garment Dealers Association and owner of some textile showrooms in the city. According to him, there was no Bakrid sales. The sluggish phase has happened when the prices of garments have come down actually. "Despite the slump in sales, we are holding on to defeat the strike by the Government employees," he adds Evidently, such attitude is because of other benefits to the traders from the strike including payment of Sales Tax returns without harassment by the Sales Tax officers. But it is argued that the strain of dwindling sales may reflect on the small traders. The margin free markets which weaned away the business of many a shop in the city have also been hit. "There has been 30 per cent dip in the sales of margin free shops in Ernakulam. This is acute in the case of certain items including Horlicks and Bournvita," says N Ravikumar, managing director of Margin Free Markets Pvt. Ltd. The Supplyco supermarkets have also witnessed a 20 per cent reduction in business. The hotels haven't been affected that badly. But in certain pockets, the hotels are not getting the normal crowds of customers. Divakara Pai, operating a restaurant in the bypass, avers that there has been a decline in the arrival of customers after the strike started. Earlier, the people going to Secretariat in Thiruvanthapuram used to drop in for a bite. That crowd is conspicuously absent now. He is planning to start a fast food joint before the hotel to attract more customers. According to Jose Mohan, secretary of Kerala Hotel and Restaurants Association, the recession and the strike have combined to adversely affect the sales in the hotels to a small extent. But he feels it won't make much impact. The consumer durables like fridges, washing machines and mixers have not recorded much fall, according to a major white goods dealer. But the companies manufacturing the consumer durables feel there is a slide in demand.
Wednesday, February 27, 2002
US groom for actress Divya Unni
Malayalam actress Divya Unni is now all set to tie the knot with a Malayali settled in the US. According to the buzz, she is to get engaged in March and the wedding is to take place in August this year. The actress, who made her debut in Malayalam and went on to act in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films, says that she would like to continue acting after her wedding too, but ultimately, the decision would be her husband's. Going by recent statistics, most of our actresses who married American grooms and left to get 'settled' there, either bounced back to act or came back with husband in tow to re-enter filmdom. Hope Divya is an exception. Wishing her a happy married life!
Wednesday, February 27, 2002
'Innovate or die' - Kamal
Even Kamal wouldn't have thought that his 'Meghamalhaar' would turn out to be a trend setting love story. Just when the industry was sinking into further destruction, this low budget movie breathed life into it. 'I'm not in favour of making big budget movie breathed life into it and having it stagnate. I belong to the low budget crowd. The budget should be something that Malayalam cinema could bear. Lot of movie makers forget this and face failure. When I got the opportunity, I used it. How did 'Meghamalhaar' happen? I should say that 'Chakram' had sown the seeds for 'Meghamalhar'. Even when I was working an 'Chakram', I knew that this wouldn't be one of Mohanlal's best films, but the way the film began to turn out, I was soon convinced that it was one of the worst films I've ever done. I was disappointed. I couldn't utilize a bundle of talents like Mohanlal properly. I was hurt. I had some commitments with the producer of that film, Johnny Sagarika. He had invested lot of money in that movie. In spite of everything, we pushed on. But, sadly, the film is still not made. That was when I wanted to make a movie on my own terms. That idea began to intensify. Just about this, Mathru bhoomi people approached me and gave me all the liberty to do a movie on my own terms. I didn't hesitate for a second. I got ready to make a movie for the target audience that I had in mind. That was how 'Meghamalhaar' happened. I'm extremely happy that people liked this movie too. Extremely satisfied. Why did people like this movie so much? 'Megha malhaar' is a love story. Everybody falls in love. Love doesn't necessarily have to be mutual. It doesn't have to be with living beings alone. There are so many things and feelings in this universe that we could fall in love with. This is a story of 2 people who had never expressed their love for each other, but cherish it and had buried it somewhere deep in their hearts. Then they meet after ages. How different was making 'Meghamalhaar' for you? Cinema is a profession. But, lately, had stopped giving the satisfaction you'd get when you read a good book. Only those movies that touch the hearts stand the test of time. Bharatan's and Padhmarajan's movies are good examples. When I myself want to see those masterpieces again and again, I believed that the viewers feel the same way too. What's the reason for the current stagnation in Malayalam cinema? Only when moviemakers become good viewers can they make good movies. They should be able to predict the tastes of the viewers and make movies accordingly. The problem is the moment a movie becomes a hit, these moviemakers start copying it. They should learn not to pounce at trends. A hit needs a good story and screenplay too, doesn't it. I participate one hundred percent in the story creation 'Meghamalhar' is the first film after 'Krishna Kudiyil Oru Pranayakaalathu' for which I'm doing the screenplay. Where's Malayalam cinema going? For the past 20 years, we have been seeing the same faces. Same set of technicians. People like me are choice less too. We have to think up something new within these parameters alone. If we can't, we'll be thrown out of the field. Cinema supports only those people who cater to the needs of the new generation viewers. New films? The one with Ajay Devgan and Mahima Chowdry, called 'Rahe na Rahe Hum' is almost complete. Next month, I start directing Dileep for a Sargam Kabeer movie. Then, there is a film with newcomers.
Wednesday, February 27, 2002
Critics Award 2001
The film critics Association's P.R.S Pillai Memorial Awards have been declared. Gold medal for the best movie is shared by two movies - 'Shesham' and 'Megamalhaar' The director of 'Shesham', D.K.Rajeev Kumar gets the award for the best director. The director of 'Meghamalhaar', Kamal, gets a special award in the same category. Second best, film award goes to Jayaraj's 'Kannagi'. Best actor and actress awards go to Jayaram and Geethu Mohandas for 'Shesham' Supporting actor and actress awards go to Rajan P.Dev (Karumadikuttan) and Bindu Panikkar ('Suthradhaaran') Best Child actor - Shriram Sethunath ('Mookuthi') Best Story - Suresh Pothuvaal ('Achchaneyaaneniku Ishtam') Best Screenplay - Kamal ('Meghamalhar') Best Song Composition (Lyrics) - O.N.V.Kurup ('Meghamalhaar' and 'Pularvettu') Best Music Composition - Ramesh Narayanan ('Meghamalhaar') Best Male Singer - Sujatha Mohan Best New Face - Navya Nair Most popular Film - 'Ravanaprabhu' Special Jury Award for Nedumudi Venu Another special award was given to Jayaraj's 'The Guard' for having made the movie with only one actor.
Wednesday, February 27, 2002
Music Review : Company
If it comes to devicing titles for a movie then no one can defy Mr. Ram Gopal Verma. Shiva, Raat, Drohi, Rangeela, Daud, Satya, Mast, Jungle and now Company - which seems to be the most innovative of all. As is the trend today, even Company has a caption attached to it - A Law and Order Enterprise. Now this is something interesting. Ajay Devgan who last played an underworld DON in Thakshak returns to a hard hitting action-dramatic stuff after playing a series of softy roles in Raju Chacha, Yeh Raaste Hai Pyaar Ke and Tera Mera Saath Rahen. Vivek Oberoi - Suresh Oberoi's son makes his debut in this Boney Kapoor Presentation. If grapevine is to be believed, Ajay and Vivek portray the real life story of underworld Dons. Manisha Koirala and Antara Mali (Mast, Khiladi 420) are the love interests of both the actors. Seema 'Bandit queen' Biswas is another important character of the Company. Top Malayalam actor Mohan Lal inacts the role of a South Indian Police Officer out to nab the two dons. Isha Koppikar who was last seen in Fiza and Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabat is the 'Khallas Girl'. Sandeep Chowta who gave music for Mast, Jungle and Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya scores the music of Company. 'Khallas' (and it's Remix) by Asha Bhonsle, Sudesh Bhonsle and Sapna Awasthi is conceived 110% in RD Burman's mode and should prove to be the USP of Company - both movie wise and audio wise. It is a good composition overall with lyrics by Nitin Raikwar and its unique choreography should enable it to be popular. Isha Koppikar has never looked so HOT before and one wouldn't be suprised if the seats for the front benchers start getting booked very well in advance just for this number. A HIT all the way. There are two love songs 'Tumse Kitna' and 'Pyar Pyar Mein' and it is Altaf Raja's 'Tumse Kitna' which is quite impressive. He gets his first break for a major banner after singing for endless forgettable B-Grade flicks and he doesn't waste his chance here. Sandeep Chowta's techno beats do a turnaround where Altaf's style remains the same but the track in totality is designed for more wider audience. Taabish Romani's lyrics are nothing ground breaking but are good. Probably for the first time in his career, Sandeep Chowta does a routine song in an even more routine style in 'Pyar Pyar Mein' by Sonali Vajpaye and Babul Supriyo which is a regular 'bambaiya prem geet' about the chanting of 'Pehle Do They Ab Ek Ho Gaye'. Fine but very unlike Sandeep. 'Aankhon Mein' is one track which is most uncharacteristic of a Ram Gopal movie song. It is a very slow and a subtle number which has just a soft piano and a guitar in the background. Sowmya Rao does a tough job so very wonderfully as entire number is hung on her support with minimal of music instruments in the background. Taabish Romani lyrics make an impact but the tough part is that the song will be identified by only those who have a liking for such a 'Ghazal' number. A song for a limited audience. 'Ganda Hi' has very different (and quite strange !!!) lyrics by Sandeep Sahni and has equally unusual music. The rendering of this haunting number is done by Sandeep himself. As like AR Rehman's tracks, even this track does take some to be absorbed. First of all it is sung in such a husky tone that it has to be heard very carefully to understand the lyrics. Secondly, it is a very unconventional narration of the underworld happenings and the backstabbings that take place there. Very very situational song which you won't be singing to your sweetheart or the beloved. 'A Shot Of Company' - The Law and Order Theme and 'Malik's Soul' - Instrumental are the background musical pieces which are good but again for the select audience. 'A Shot Of Company' is more of a Hollywood flick background movie style where the revolver sound deserves a special attention. 'Malik's Soul' is a kind of piece from the background music of say - Satya or Asoka. Most of the tracks of Company are situational and should flow well with the narrative of the movie. Case in point being Khallas, A Shot of Company, Malik's Soul and Ganda Hai. Other than 'Khallas' and 'Tumse Kitna', Company is nothing but a 'Khallas'
Monday, February 25, 2002
DYFI supports strike, takes out rally
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Hundreds of activists of the pro-Marxist DYFI took out a march from the secretariat to the official residence of Chief Minister A K Antony demanding immediate settlement to the 20-day old strike by employees and teachers organisations. The DYFI men who were blocked at the Devaswom Board junction, tried to break the police cordon and proceed to the nearby Cliff House, the residence of the Chief Minister, but their efforts were frustrated by the police. Though the CPI (M) leadership had on several occasions said that they would not give a lead to the strike, but happenings in the state pointed to the reverse. DYFI president E Sasidharan who inaugurated the dharna at Devaswom Board junction, declared that they would continue their active support to the strike. He also announced that the DYFI would resort other methods of agitation including blocking the Chief minister on the road.
Monday, February 25, 2002
Untamed wildfire destroys more areas near Sabarimala
PATTAMANTHITTA: A large forest tract at Sabarimala 'Poonkavanam' which falls in the Periyar Tiger Reserve has been destroyed in an unabated wildfire. Huge columns of smoke were billowing from the Poonkavanam, Bimmaram and Manakkayam Forest areas that come under Vadasserikkara and Ranni Forest Ranges. The fire had spread to the interior areas. The smoke could be seen rising from the ''Periyar Tiger Reserve Area'' opposite to the Attathode Girijan colony today. In the absence of ''selection felling'' and ''clear felling,'' uprooted trees worth lakhs were reduced to ashes in the Periyar Tiger Reserve and Ranni Forest Division. Kollam Forest Conservator R R Sukla said due to financial crunch, enough fire-lines could not be made inside the dense forests. He added that forest protection committees with people's participation had been trying hard to control the blaze. Forest Minister K Sudhakaran would conduct a personal inquiry into the fire engulfing the Sabarimala Poonkavanam today and visit the affected areas. Chief Conservator of Forests K Surendran Achary along with Mr Sukla inspected the affected areas on Sunday.
Monday, February 25, 2002
AIR launches DTH radio service
All India Radio on Wednesday announced the launch of direct- to-home satellite radio service that would be available in Indian sub-continent and several countries in South East Asia. To begin with, the 24-hour digital service - available from February 27 - would air a mix of news and entertainment programmes from the two FM channels - FM1 and FM2. The service can be received through a digital satellite receiver. The receivers are currently being manufactured by several international and Indian companies and come at price range between Rs 5,000 and Rs 15,000. At present, there is a small base of around 25,000 digital receivers in the country that is expected to grow exponentially as prices of receivers go down. The service would be available to both fixed and mobile users without any need for tuning of the receivers. The direct-to-home satellite radio service would be part of WorldSpace Radio's platform that currently airs 25 channels. For the purpose, AIR has hired transponder space at AsiaStar satellite and would be using VSNL's service to uplink programmes from Singapore. According to T R Malakar, director general, All India Radio, there are plans to introduce new programmes for the service based on feedback from audiences. "On any given day, over 30 crore Indians tune in to AIR's service. With launch of this new service, we hope to add to this number," he said. AIR officials said that the service would offer CD quality audio and help target a larger audience profile than what is reached by FM stations.
Monday, February 25, 2002
Arrests under ESMA continue
At least 13 persons were arrested and charged under ESMA on Monday, as protest marches, dharnas and picketing marked the 20th day of the indefinite strike by government employees and teachers. In a related development, 12 officials of the Kerala State Legislative Assembly, including 3 under secretaries, were suspended for disrupting those who reported on duty at the legislative complex. Official sources on Monday evening said that more than 100 persons have been arrested across the state in connection with the employees' stir, during the past 24 hours. Reports from different parts of the State indicate that there has been further fall in the overall attendance position in government offices and educational institutions of the State on the twentieth day of the strike. As part of their decision to intensify the agitation, employees picketed the State Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram and government offices in other places on Monday. Reports indicate that police had to use 'mild force' to contain the unruly mob in certain places. In Thiruvananthapuram, hundreds of DYFI activists marched to the official residence of Chief Minister A.K. Antony on Monday morning. They resorted to dharna when stopped by the police at Devaswom Board junction and were later arrested and removed from the scene. Meanwhile INFARM leader, Father Mathew Vadakkemuri was slightly injured when protestors clashed in front of the State Secretariat in the morning. The incident occurred when a group of poultry farmers, led by Fr. Vadakkemuri raised slogans against government employees sitting in dharna in front of the Secretariat. Police had to use force to control the situation.
Monday, February 25, 2002
'Karunakaran has hidden agenda' -G. Karthikeyan
The State Cultural Minister G. Karthikeyan has said that the ongoing employees' strike may create unrest in the society and even lead to 'class war' in future. Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, Karthikeyan said that the Opposition and trade unions have converted the strike into a political battle. He accused that the CPM and its cadres were fully involved in the agitation, contrary to the claims made by CPM State Secretary Pinarayi Vijayan. Karthikeyan, repeating a charge levelled by the Chief Minister, said that the salaried class, which is a privileged section of the society, is blackmailing the general public and the government using their organised strength. 'Karunakaran has hidden agenda' Referring to K. Karunakaran's criticism over the handling of the strike, Karthikeyan said that the senior Congress leader always had a hidden agenda. "In order to fulfill that hidden agenda, Karunakaran uses every single issue that comes across," Karthikeyan said, refusing to elaborate further.
Monday, February 25, 2002
Will Malayalee Mamanu Vanakkam revive the sagging Kerala box office?
Will Malayalee Mamanu Vanakkam revive the sagging Kerala box office? ‘Yes’ seems to be the answer from those who saw the film. The Rajasenan directed comedy caper is sure to create waves at the box office. The unique aspect of Malayalee Mamanu Vanakkam is that the film has a mixture of Malayalam and Tamil dialogues, which by itself will create a lot of mirth. Added to that the Tamil stars Prabhu and Roja fit into their respective roles as they are Tamilians in the film. But the icing on the cake is our ‘desi’ Jim Carrey, Jayaram who is extraordinary in the film. After all he is the comedy king of Malayalam! For the sake of Malayalam industry, which has not seen a super hit for the last few months, we hope the film will create some magic at the box office.
Monday, February 25, 2002
Movie Preview: Danny
Mammootty’s off beat film Danny is produced and directed by T.V.Chandran. The film opens during pre-independence period (1930) and ends in the year 2000. Danny (Mammootty) is a singer in the church choir. Danny’s best friend is his saxophone and he goes to sing in houses and functions. During a wedding he falls in love with a girl, but when his friend Fredy (Siddique) brings another proposal for him, he agrees and marries Clara. They have a daughter soon, but Danny’s happiness is short lived, as one day Clara leaves home with her daughter, leaving a note to Danny. While telling the story of Danny, director has bought the then liberation struggle to bring down the first communist government in Kerala as a background. Mammootty has lived the character of Danny. Producer – director T.V.Chandran says that the film will be another feather on Mammootty’s cap, and is going to be appreciated by one and all. The cast also includes Vani Viswanath, Mallika Sarabai, Sreekumar, Vijayaraghavan and Poornima Mohan.
Monday, February 25, 2002
Movie Preview: Phantom Pailey
Mammotty’s action packed new film is Phantom Pailey in which he plays a stuntman who acts as a dupe of established Bollywood stars. Pailey (Mammootty) has come from Irutupetta, a small village in rural Kerala to Mumbai and made a name for him. He had come originally to Mumbai with the hope of making it big in Bollywood as an actor. But after many failed attempts, he becomes a stuntman who becomes the dupe for big stars. Due to his dare devil stunts he gets the name Phantom Pailey! But one day while shooting a helicopter fight scene, he falls down and gets injured. Pailey understands that once a stuntman gets injured, his career ends, but he is made of different stuff. He decides to take a break and then come back to Mumbai. So he goes to a backward rural village of Kerala-Tamilnadu border, called Pallikara where his younger brother Josekutty, is an officer at the local dam. But Pailey’s real ambition is to rejuvenate himself and get his wound healed and then go back to Mumbai. Soon after his arrival an earthquake and landslide happens in the village and he gets involved in a fight between the locals and outsiders. Malavika is the heroine of the film which has also Innocent, Jagathy, Nedumudi Venu and Cochin Haneefa. Biju Varkey directs the film. The highlight of the film is the music of Deva. The film is due for release on April 14.
Monday, February 25, 2002
Movie Preview: Kuberan
Director Sundar Das Producer Menaka Suresh Kuberan is Revathy Kalamandir’s film under production. The story is about a young man, Siddhartan (Dileep) from a tribal village Kudagu, who comes in search of a job to Ooty. He manages to get a job in an art studio. Siddhartan’s only ambition in life is to become rich. As a part of his get rich plan, he hires a palace and stays there for a few days, as a Kuberan(millionaire). Suddently Siddhartan’s carefully laid out plans goes awry, when Pooja (Samyuktha Varma) arrives at the palace. She is the owner of the palace and has come for a holiday. But soon her holiday turns nightmare as she tries to throw out Siddharthan from the palace. This leads to more confusion, and soon his lover (Uma) comes in search of him from Kudagu. According to Sundar Das, the film is a rip roaring comedy, with never a dull moment. Menaka Suresh produces the film. The cast also includes Jagathy Sreekumar, Kalabhavan Mani, Harisri Asokan and Cochin Haneefa. The story is by V.C.Ashok. Salu George is the cameraman and Mohan Sithara tunes the lyrics of Gireesh Puthencheri. The editing is by Bhuminathan. The film is due for release on April 5th.
Monday, February 25, 2002
Movie Review: Gift Of God
Director Shaji Thaikadan Producer K.J.Jacob Cast Mini Nair, Gopakumar After a long time a Christian religious movie based on the actual life and time of Mother Theresa, Gift Of God has hit the screen. It is a reasonably well-made Christian propaganda film, which must have been funded by the church. It is early 1910 in Yugoslavia, where Mother Theresa was born as Agnus. Her father was in the construction business but goes bust after the First World War. Agnus has a sister Agatha and brother Lazar, who were drawn towards worldly pleasures. But Agnus the youngest of the three had some divine inspiration from her birth and chose to follow the way of the Lord. She becomes a Christian missionary and comes to India, to the dirty and squalid Calcutta in January 1926. She joins the Leatra convent and becomes a nun who changes the life of poor and impoverished people of Calcutta. Agnus now changes her name to Theresa and works for the down trodden and provides food and shelter for even leprosy patients. The rest of the film is how she becomes Mother Theresa and is chronicled up to her death in 1997. Mini Nair as Mother Theresa is a revelation, and she has done a good job. The rest of the cast is only there to eulogise Mother Theresa. Shaji Thaikadan seems to have done his homework well and has come out with a film to please the church and the Christians. Verdict: Christian Propaganda
Monday, February 25, 2002
Movie Review: Mazhathulli Kilukkam
No two ways about it. Dileep has dished out another comedy with lots of sentiments mixed together in Mazhathulli Kilukkam. The idea of directors Akbar and Jose is to create a story around the image of Dileep and make it commercially viable. Soloman alias Soman (Dileep) comes to a hill station to be the manager of an estate in Coorg. He reaches the house on top of a hill-‘Swargam’ where he finds that only two old women, both retired teachers live alone with a cook and a home nurse to look after them. Alice (Sarada) and Anna (Bharati) are sisters who are spinsters and they own the huge estate. The home nurse, Sophie (Navya Nair), cook (Sukumari), her son (Cochin Haneefa) and the priest (Nedumudi Venu) are the only people close to them. Soman takes charge as the manager and soon wins over the two oldies. He realizes that they are two angels and he tries to bring back joy into their morbid life. Soon, Soman becomes the apple of their eye and they both consider him as their own son. Meanwhile he falls in love with the home nurse Sophie with whom he had regular fights. Their wedding is fixed and the sisters give away all their wealth to both of them. But, Soman has a dark and disturbing past. He is the main accused in a murder case and actually he is hiding from the police. What is his past? Why does Sophie turn against him? And what happens to the two old ladies? All this is told in a mind-spinning climax, which turns out to be hysterical. The film is a rehash of a couple of old Mohanlal hits like Namukku Parkkan Munthiri Thoppukal, Chitram and even Mammootty’s Kathodu Kathoram. The directors Akbar and Jose has tried to built the story around Dileep’s comedy image, but the comedy track of Cochin Haneefa and Salim Kumar combination has come out with some stale jokes, which have already been seen in many other films. But the highlight of the film is Sarada and Bharathi, who are simply fantastic stealing the show from Dileep&Co. Dileep has a tailor made role for him while Navya Nair has proved once again that she can be the successor to Manju Warrier’s throne. Music of Suresh Peter is disappointing. Verdict: Watchable
Monday, February 25, 2002
The New Dreamboat
Good News!Malayalam Cinema has at last found a great looking macho hunk. We are talking about late Sukumaran’s son, Prithviraj who is the hero of Ranjit’s new film Nandanam. Those who saw the rushes of the film are saying that this six foot handsome hunk can not only act, but has an amazing screen presence.The 20 something Prithviraj has already created a flutter among teenyboppers in Kerala and is sure to be the new pin up boy. When director Ranjit saw Prithviraj in a home video shot by director Fazil, he decided to launch him. Said Ranjit, Pritvi has the looks, height, baritone voice and a smashing screen presence. But now what the hunk needs is oodles of luck to make Nandanam a hit. Already the producers are queuing outside his house in Trivandrum, but our guy is not signing any new contracts. It is wait and watch policy till Nandanam is released on Vishu day (April 14).
Monday, February 25, 2002
The Bollywood Take Over
It is alarming but true. At a youth festival in Kozhikode when asked to name their five favourite heroes, the participants listed out names of Bollywood stars like, Salman, Shah Rukh, Bobby, Hrithik and Aamir. There was no mention of a Mohanlal, Mammootty or Dileep. Their argument was that Malayalee stars could never be pin-up boys. Some very unkind remarks were made about our superstars, who they say are too old, flabby, and over the hill. What attracts them to Bollywood stars are their looks, body, and dancing capabilities. Taking the cue, almost all barber shops and small eating joints and department stores in Kerala have only pin-up’s of Bollywood stars. Bollywood and Tamil films are eating into the collection of what little is left of Malayalam films. And collections of films like K3G, Lagaan, or even a Raaz is very good. According to Roy Augustine of Celebrate Films, a leading distributor, Hindi films are a safe bet in Kerala. The younger generation visit the theatre only when a Bollywood film is released and the heroes in these films are their role models.
Monday, February 25, 2002
Interview: Divya Unni
We have been hearing reports that you are planning to continue your studies? I passed my plus-two with good marks and I am planning to pursue further studies in the same college (St Theresa, in Ernakulam). I want to do a course in communications in English. I feel that studies are important. Films may come and go, but education remains. You have enough money to live a comfortable life without having to work, so why go for studies? We have to earn for ourselves even if we are self sufficient. Although my father is working with the Cochin Shipyard and my mother is a school teacher, it did not stop me from working. Won’t studies seem boring after a stint with films? It’s only if you are sitting idle that things seem boring. After films, this (studies) is a welcome relief to me. Besides, my friends give me great company. While shooting, who accompanies you to the sets? It used to be my mother but her leave is over and now my father has taken a long leave to come with me for the shoots. Do you look after your finances or someone else takes care of them for you? I have no idea of accounts. My father looks after that department. Whenever I want something, all I have to do is to ask for it. Like recently I bought a computer and these days I am learning how to surf the internet and send e-mails to my friends. How do you react to allegations that you charge a bomb for your dance recitals? What's the harm in it? My master comes from Chennai to teach me and he has to be paid plus my parents have invested heavily in my dance classes so I find nothing wromg in asking for a big amount. Films,dance,public functions..have you thought about your future moves? In my life everything has happened without any planning and so I leave everything to destiny to take it's own course.
Monday, February 25, 2002
Interview: Shalini
When actress Shalini got married to Super Star Ajith Kumar, it was the best thing that could happen to two of the most-loved stars in the Tamil film industry. For Shalini, who has been acting ever since she was a kid and never had 'marriage' on her laundry list of priorities, this was a decision that she surprised herself with. She’s back after her Europe-America honeymoon, she’s glowing, there’s a new light in her eyes and she’s never looked happier. We caught up with her and grilled her on how it’s been so far and what her future plans are: So you’re back from your honeymoon! Tell us all about it. Oh, we had the best time ever. We went to seven countries in Europe and each one was more beautiful than the other. The only hitch was that it was an organized tour and the timings and schedule were painful. I had to carry my own luggage most of the time (I’ve never done that all my life!). But Ajith has promised me another honeymoon – a more relaxed one this time. How do you find married life? It’s a new world. I’m learning a lot of new things – like how to manage a house and how to cook. I am also trying to manage Ajith’s office, A K International. And I am doing my BBA through correspondence. What was the most romantic thing Ajith’s done for you? It’s too personal to tell you! And you for him? Maybe you should ask him! Tell us something about Ajith that very few people know! He’s a brilliant cook. But it sometimes irritates me – if he has spare time, he escapes to the kitchen and starts cooking! Its all for me though, so I’m not complaining. So how do you and Ajith address each other? Oh, we use lots of names really. But I usually call him ‘Baby’ and he calls me ‘Sweetie’. How have your fans reacted to your decision to quit films? In the most obvious way. They want me to get back to films. What are your other passions? I love singing. I have learnt carnatic music, and might resume learning it. I even sang a song in the film ‘Amarkalam’. I’m not an awfully good singer, though! How about taking up singing? You’ve already proved yourself in ‘Amarkalam’ and you have contemporaries like Meena cutting albums? What do you say? I honestly don’t know. I’m not keeping myself closed to anything now. What is your all-time favourite film? (Frowns and thinks hard) There are so many, but since you’ve asked, the first thing that comes to my mind is ‘Face off’. And Nicholas Cage is my favourite actor. What kind of food do you like? Any kind! My favourites however are sweets. I’m not much of a chocolate freak but any other sweet is ok with me. What are your future plans? I’m not quite sure yet. There are so many things I could do. But I’m taking things slowly now. One thing at a time – so, right now its studies and managing the home.
Monday, February 25, 2002
Mohanlal and Mamootty: No takers?
Kerala filmdom once revolved around Mamootty and Mohanlal, the two Superstars. For more than 20 years, they ruled the roost and without them it was near to impossible for a director to give a hit. Now Mamootty has only one Malayalam film on the floor and Mohanlal, whose `Onnaman' is releasing in April 14, has no other film in Malayalam. Mamootty, the first superstar of Malayalam filmdom, today charges RS 60 lakh for a film and a movie of his costs Rs 1.20 crore. The advance from theatres, satellite, video and other language rights fetch Rs 50 lakh before the start of the movie. If the movie is a hit the producer makes Rs 4 crore in the first year run. These statistics were turned upside down by a few producers and directors. The budget began to touch an all-time high of Rs 6-7 crore and the returns quite predictably made the proposition a loss. Dubai, a film shot entirely in Dubai with Mamootty, cost a whopping Rs 4 crore. The film ran for only two weeks in the theatres. Mohanlal charges Rs 90 lakh for a film and the production cost is Rs 1.5 crore to give the producer a profit of Rs 7 crores in a one year run. Ravana Prabhu, the last release of Mohanlal's, touched an all-time high production cost of Rs 6 crore. It has reached its 50th day and has barely managed to recover half of its investment. Appachan, the top financier-distributor of many a Mohanlal films, says: " No more big budgets. The C class theatre region has vanished and theatre collections are coming down. It's no more the salability of stars. Today a film's life span is one year and we have to make our money in that time. The days of re-runs are over. Audiocassette sales are down because of TV channels." Mamootty, on the other hand, tried to bridge the gap between art and commercial films. While he charged nothing for art movies and hoped for awards, the commercial scene was hitting an all-time low. Two years back, he had an average hit in Valiyettan, in which he played the role of an angry muscle flexing zamindar. Today, Danny, a film directed by national award winning director T V Chandran and produced by R Mohan (who produced Chandni Bar), is lying in the cans. Phantom Pylee and `Chronic Bachelor' with Mamootty in the lead were shelved till Appachan agreed to buy them only if they were made within Rs 3 crore. The giant superstar egos do not allow them to lower their rates for Malayalam but they sign a Tamil film for Rs 20 lakhs. Villain turned director Nazar, who has delivered only flops, has signed Mohanlal for his Tamil film. Lal has not charged anything for Ram Gopal Varma's Hindi film, Company. Mamootty, who acted as big brother to lesser-known Tamil actor Murali in Anandaam, has signed as many as eight films in a similar role shows the desperation. Shafaq, the Hindi film starring Mamootty and Raveena Tandon, had an abrupt pack-up because the producer had no money. The bottomline for Tamil producers to sign these stars is that they come cheap and the presence of these `Mallu' heroes get them some extra moolah from the Kerala region. If only these two talented actors saw the writing on the wall and got rid of their superstar hang-ups, they and the industry would flourish
Sunday, February 24, 2002
'Vasanthi Luxmi Pinnayum Nanum' in Hindi?
It was virtually the film of the year in 2000. Rated as one of the very few films to be a 'real' gold mine for its distributors... 'Vasanthi Luxmi Pinnayum Nanum' was director Vinayan's triumph.. For those of you who didn't see this fascinating film starring Kalabhavan Mani in the lead role of a blind man, you can catch its Tamil version Kaasi again directed by Vinayan. Vikram who has done the lead role has played it differently from Mani. Vikram has not done the conventional onscreen blind man with black glasses or sporting a vacant stare.He has his eyes open and and keeps batting them throughout. Kalabhavan Mani, who is a mimicry artiste from the Cochin Kalabhavan troupe did the role to perfection, but somehow he never got the best actor award. He had to settle for the special award instead. Vinayan who has given hits in rapid succession in Malayalam is now venturing into Tamil as a director. Says Vinayan, "When we were weighing the options of whether Mani should do it in Tamil also or maybe someone else, Vikram offered to do this role free. Each time I was in the city he would come and see me and act out different variations of the role. This dedication and interest was what struck me. He voluntarily brought about changes in his physique and refused to go in for contact lenses. I think this kind of commitment is something very rare in today's generation". Vikram is thrilled with the way the film shaped up. Music, by Mohan Sithara in the original, was a big hit. In Tamil, Illayaraja composed the music. Says Vinayan , " Comparing Vikram to Mani, I would say Vikram is a better actor. Mani has done this blind man's act on stage before." Incidentally Kaasi was one of the few year end hits in Tamil in 2001. Director Vinayan's stock is pretty high now. Vinayan has confirmed the report that he might do the remake of 'Vasanthi Luxmi Pinnayum Nanum' in Hindi with Aamir Khan. Said Vinayan, "My friend Dilip in Mumbai had given the VCD to Aamir who saw it and he liked it very much. He then called me over. He said that for a film like this, it was not possible to do it on a remuneration basis. He said that he will produce and act in this film. He also said that the role will have to be changed from the blind street singer to that of a blind singer in the train." The latest buzz is that actor Vikram has decided to star in Vinayan's next Tamil film, which is a remake of the Malayalam film 'Karumadikuttan'.Again it was Kalabhavan Mani who played the title role in the original.
Saturday, February 23, 2002
Interview: Actress Samyuktha Varma
Actress Samyuktha Varma started her career as heroine in 'Veendum Chila Veetu Karayangal' opposite Jayaram and was an instant hit with the Kerala masses. Her performances in 'Mazha' and 'Maduranombarakattu' got her the State Award. Her latest film 'Meghamalahaar' is a hit and in it, she co-stars with Biju Menon her real life lover. Here's actress Samyuktha Varma in a quick chat with Hansazone... Q: Is it true that you are marrying actor Biju Menon? A: Yes. We are getting married. Both our parents have agreed to it. Q: Is that why you returned the advance amount to a producer? A: The reason I returned the advance is different. The subject changed and my character in the film too changed. I did not want to do the rehashed role and so I returned the money. There was no other reason. Q: After marriage, is it goodbye to films? A:Marriage? Yes, I will be marrying but I cannot say when. Getting married and settling down is probably the most natural wish of every girl. Whether I act or not, is something that will be decided later. Q: You have acted in the Malayalam version of 'Thenkasipattinam'. When it was remade in Telugu you refused to act in it, but now, you have accepted the Tamil version? A: I have a fear of doing other language films. I don't know the language and I am not sure about how the artistes in that language will treat me. For the Tamil version it was different because Rafi-Mercartin, the directors, are known to me. Q: Have your fears vanished now? A: Sarathkumar and Napoleon have been extremely friendly. They report on time to the sets and have no ego hassles. I think the stories about the Tamil filmdom were false. Q: So, is it more Tamil films now? A: Why not?
Friday, February 22, 2002
Strike turns violent in Kozhikode CJM grants bail to ESMA detainee
KOZHIKODE: In an unprecedented development the Chief Judicial Magistrate here on Thursday granted bail to a person arrested under ESMA. Nadakkavu police arrested Mohammed Haris, City Rationing Officer (South), for ‘persuading others to participate’ in the strike by Government employees and teachers, at his residence yesterday night. Haris was produced before the Magistrate on Thursday who released him on bail. It is said that Haris is on leave as he is due to retire this month. Strike turned violent in various places in the city. Strike supporters damaged one tractor and two lorries which were used for removing garbage. The driver of the tractor was injured in the incident. He has been admitted to the Beach Hospital. The work-to-rule strike by Government hospital staff continued on Thursday also. The strike has affected the routine activities of the hospitals. As the doctors are on strike only emergency operations are conducted at the Beach Hospital. Meanwhile, NGO Association district committee has condemned the arrest of SETO leaders. A procession was taken in the city against the arrest. The FETO also protested the arrest. The working committee meeting of the Malabar Produce Merchants Association has asked the employees to withdraw the strike.
Friday, February 22, 2002
Unions supporting Muslim League withdraw from stir, 18 arrests under ESMA
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as the strike by Government employees and teachers entered the 16th day on Thursday, cracks developed in the wall of unity that the various service organisations had built up with the unions supporting the Muslim League announcing their decision to pull out of the agitation. In another development, the trade unions' discussion to decide on the date for the proposed general strike, which had been scheduled for Thursday, was put off as the INTUC stayed away. The service organisations that have pulled out of the agitation are State Employees' Union, State Gazetted Officers' Union and the Panchayat Employees' Union. The decision to withdraw from the strike followed discussions the leaders of these unions had with Muslim League supremo Panakkad Mohammed Ali Shihab Thangal, Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty and Education Minister Nalakath Soopy. The Government would be hoping that the decision of these organisations would make other unions supporting the UDF to follow suit. Meanwhile, the police on Thursday removed SETO leaders Mangad Rajendran, Kambara Narayanan, Ayira Sasi, Joseph, Sivakumar, A K Sadiq, Chidambaram, Bhuvanendran Nair, Ramachandran Nair, Satheesh Kumar, Sundaresan and Sujai who shouted slogans against the Government in front of the north gate of the Secretariat. According to SETO Action Council convener K Sudevan, these leaders later launched a fast at the Cantonment police station protesting against the ``refusal of the police to record their arrest''. SETO has decided to take out demonstrations and hold dharnas in taluk and district headquarters tomorrow in protest against the police action. Meanwhile, the trade unions' meeting which was put off till Friday is likely to call for a general strike on February 25 even if unions supporting the UDF stay away from the meeting. The meeting was to be held today but the INTUC stayed off alleging that the proposal to call for a general strike was politically motivated. The average attendance in Government offices on Thursday rose marginally to 20.98 per cent from 20.57 per cent recorded on Wednesday. In schools, the attendance percentage was 41.95. Eighteen arrests under ESMA, three of them in Thiruvananthapuram, were reported today. Ten employees of Government presses in different parts of the State were suspended for unauthorised absence from work as part of the agitation. The Government also banned agitations in the Ports Department after activities in the department were declared as essential services. Meanwhile, Kerala Government Doctors Joint Action Council leaders, who met Chief Minister A K Antony on Thursday and appealed to him to take steps to end the employees' agitation, have decided to go ahead with their Secretariat march on February 25 to express solidarity with the ongoing agitation. The mode of agitation will be decided at the meeting of the action council on that day, the leaders said. Akhila Kerala Government Ayurveda College Adhyapaka Sanghatana said that the strike in ayurveda colleges was total. Meanwhile, KPCC vice-president M A Shanavaz, in a statement here, has called upon the agitating Government employees and teachers to unconditionally withdraw the strike. ``The strike will end only when the employees realise the gravity of the State's financial crisis and withdraw from the agitation on their own. Those leading the agitation should think whether it is wise to continue with an agitation that has caused untold miseries for both the common man as well as the employees themselves,'' he said. ``Each employee has lost between Rs 2000 and Rs 9,900 due to the agitation. It would be unwise to fall into the trap of the CPM which does not have the history of making a success of even one agitation it has led. The CPM has always tried to exploit the disenchantment among the employees that follows every failed agitation. That is the party's strategy this time too and it is actually looking forward to the failure of the agitation,'' Shanavaz said.
Friday, February 22, 2002
Who is lying: CPM or CM?
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Who is lying? Is it CPM or Chief Minister A K Antony? While accusing the Chief Minister and the UDF Government of implementing the reform package of Asian Development Bank, CPM seems to be unaware of those claims made by the previous LDF Government and its secretariat member and then Finance Minister T Sivadasa Menon owning up the paternity of ‘‘ADB baby.’’ Presenting his last Budget, Sivadasa Menon went to the extent that ‘‘the Asian Development Bank project could not fructify before I demit office but we have brought it to fruition.’’ Rueing the days while in power, Sivadasa Menon had also commented at a press conference after the pathetic defeat of LDF in elections that the new UDF Government must be confident that it can overcome the financial crisis with the ADB loan which his Government had successfully negotiated. Following are excerpts from the last three Budget speeches of Sivadasa Menon. Budget Speech 2001-2002: ‘‘The House is aware of the major role that externally aided projects play in accelerating the economic development of the State. As per the Government of India norms, 30 per cent of assistance is made available to all States as grant and 70 per cent is made available as a loan. When this Government came to power, the share of Kerala in total externally aided projects was a paltry 0.39 per cent. It speaks of volumes of the attention paid by the previous Government to muster resources because due to concerted efforts made by this Government we have been successful in cornering major projects with substantial outlay. The Asian Development Bank project could not fructify before I demit office but we have brought it to fruition. It will be the largest single project made available to the State with an outlay of US $ 800 m. The project is awaiting the approval of the ADB Board.’’ Budget speech 2000-2001: ‘‘In my last Budget speech, I had expressed the hope that Government will be able to garner substantial resources through the Asian Development Bank. Unfortunately, the sanctions imposed in the wake of India’s nuclear trials have delayed this. But ADB has now resumed the dialogue with the Government. We are very hopeful that the agreement between ADB and our Government can be signed in 2000-2001 itself. This will be a development that would have far-reaching implications for the growth of our State.’’ Budget speech 1999-2000: ‘‘The share of Kerala in external aid is abysmally low. Such aid is the cheapest source of funds and 30 per cent of this assistance is disbursed as grant and 70 per cent as loan. The weighted rate of interest would only be around 9 per cent. The terms of repayment are easy and spread over a longer duration. We have guided our energies towards availing such assistance. The Asian Development Bank is in the process of finalising the inclusion of Kerala in its scheme for State assistance. The Bank has selected only two other States – Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh – as yet for such financing. Assistance would be forthcoming for schemes in the power sector, road sector, decentralised planning and reforms in public finance and administration including the public sector. We expect an assistance not less than Rs 4,000 crore in the next four years. We are indeed hopeful that we will be able to get Rs 500 crore as grant for Technical Assistance in 1999-2000 itself.’’
Friday, February 22, 2002
Superstar Mammootty's daughter wins gold medal
Surmi, the eldest daughter of Kerala superstar Mammootty has passed her Bachelor's Degree (Fine Arts) with a First Rank and a Gold Medal to boot. She is a student of Stella Maris College, Chennai. An accomplished painter, Surmi had earlier held an exhibition of her paintings in the college. The superstar's son Salman Dulquar is a student at the University of Business Studies. Guess a superstar begets a superstar, right?
Thursday, February 21, 2002
Dilip-Urvasi Sharada film to release soon
Dilip-Urvasi Sharada film to release soon Click to enlarge photo The Malayalam film Mazhathulikilukam directed by Akbar-Jose starring actor Dilip and Urvasi Sharadha is scheduled for release on February 22. Distributed by Sargam Speed, the film is expected to give a fillip to Dilip's career since his last film Suthradharan did not do well at the box office. Akbar-Jose, who are assistants of director Kamal, have made a good family entertainer with actress Urvasi Sharadha and Bharathi in key roles. Navya Nair is the heroine. Cinematography is by P Sugumar and music by Suresh Peters. The film is produced by Ravi Kottarakara who produced the hit film Dost. On February 22, actor Jayaram's Sesham directed by Rajiv Kumar and T V Chandran's Danny will also be ready for release in Kerala.
Thursday, February 21, 2002
Will it be 3rd time lucky for Mammooty?
Some dreams never die. Like Saurav Ganguly wanting to win matches with his bat. Like Jayalalithaa hoping to have no cases against her name. Like Mammooty becoming successful in Bollywood. Whether the first two happens or not, the third one actually might. For, the Malayalam superstar is giving a shot at Bollywood again, notwithstanding the fact that his two previous attempts have come a cropper. Actually, only Dharthiputra was really an attempt, the second one Ambedkar did not belong to mainstream films. Anyway, this time around Mammooty is playing a detective lawyer in the yet to be named movie. As far as the role goes, it is right up Mammooty’s alley, as he has played the character of an investigator in Malayalam movies so much that he might actually be feeling like one. "Yes," Mammooty smiles, "I like playing such roles. I am comfortable with that". What are his expectations in Hindi now? "Truth be told, I have no expectations this time. The film just happened and I am taking as it comes". Mammooty does not mind accepting that Dharthiputra was a big mistake. "As a film, it was pretty ordinary. But far more ordinary films have clicked at the box office". His second Hindi (dubbed from English original) movie, Ambedkar, however offers him memories that are far more pleasant. It brought him his third National award. "It was quite a challenge to portray a person who was real but whom you had not met. I guess I did a decent job," says Mammooty. But why does he keep tilting at Bollywood? "It is slightly wrong to say that. I don’t go after Hindi films. To be sure, there is more money and fame there. But I am not a person to be restricted by language. Tomorrow, if I get a good film in Bengali or Oriya, I would take that," he explains. "Actually," Mammooty points out, "my life is centered around cinema. So, there is no such thing as a barrier". Is this search for different languages a reflection of an unsafe state of mind? Mammooty laughs. "I think no actor can take himself to be safe anywhere. Every film is a test". Does he intend making films on his own? "I nurtured such ideas for some time. But some where down the line, I lost it. But on and off, such ideas do crop up. You never know what will happen when". As we said, some dreams never die.
Thursday, February 21, 2002
You too, Dileep?
We came. We acted. We shifted. This has been the current trend among the stars of Malluwood. Mammooty, Mohanlal, Jeyaram, Mukesh Suresh Gopi and now it is Dileep who's switching to Tamil movies. Rajyam, is Dileep's tamil debut but he is not the hero of the movie. He is playing the younger brother of the hero Vijayakanth. Newcomer Priyanka Trivedi is cast opposite Dileep. Inevitably, the question crops up as to why Dileep took up such an offer? And that too, as a second hero? But the news from Dileep's camp is predicatable and reasonable. Dileep has been quoted as saying that the offer was very good and that the whole team was very respectable. "I am happy that I am making my debut in Tamil with such a team," he says. In fact, Dileep has said that though he has been cast as only the second hero, his role is very powerful and is the fulcrum of the movie. Back at Malluwood, they are still talking about Dileep's cross-over. But the actor insists that his mind is still on Malayalam films. Something that disturbs the minds of the audience of Malluwood is the almost predictable trend that the heroes inevitably try their hand at Tamil films the moment they attain some stature For one, obviously the money is higher there. In fact, rumours have it that Dileep was almost paid the double of what he receives as a hero in Malaylaam films for his Tamil movie. Next, industry watchers say, is the fact that Kollywood is much more glamorous and one is assured of more publicity. The working conditions and facilities are doubtless better there. In the event, it is little surprise that Malayalam actors, actresses and directors are crossing ranks pretty regularly, they say. Coming back to Dileep, the acctor has not quite made up his mind as to whether he would like to act in Tamil films regularly or just have a fling occasionally. But both the models are before him. For instance, Mammooty and Jeyaram are pretty regular customers in Tamil. Somebody like Mohanlal dabbles in Tamil only when the offer is really good. Dileep, sources insist, is not averse to taking either of the paths. He is said to be weighing his options. As of now, he does not want to commit himself pretty hastily. "I do not want to rush into anything. I will take it as it comes," he says. Before he starts taking as it comes, he has to know how the Tamil audience take him as he comes to them later this year.
Thursday, February 21, 2002
Tamil, the new flavour in Malayalam
Call it herd mentality. Call it lemmings syndrome. Call it what you may. But in filmdom, it is inevitable. If a movie becomes a hit with a particular theme, then countless movies with the same theme will follow till the whole idea is beaten to death. In Malayalam, you had crime and suspense thrillers ruling the roost for some time. Then you had nderworld action flicks. Now suddenly, there is a growing trend towards films set in Tamil Nadu. It all started with Tenkasi Pattinam. It became such a rollicking hit that it has almost spawned a new genre of films: Those set in Tamil Nadu or have a Tamil character in them. Following TP, you had Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka . The latest release, One-Man Show, is set in Tamil Nadu’s Pollachi. Now another movie is on the pipeline with the Malayalam-Tamil cocktail. Directed by Rajasenan, the new film is Malayalee Maamanu Vanaakkam. The film has Jayaram playing the hero. Tamil actor Prabhu, son of doyen Sivaji Ganesan, is cast in an important role, and Tamil actress Roja is the heroine. It is a hybrid movie, accepts director Rajasenan. But he disagrees that it is so because it is the fad of the day. Once you see the movie you will understand how organic the Tamil-Malayali mix is, he adds. Organic or not, it makes lot of business sense to make such ‘dualistic’ films. For one, it is almost bilingual. So, you can release it in both the States. Even if you do not do that, you can then take the other easy route, dubbing. There is also a lot of commercial leverage to be had. The producer can make lot of money on audio rights in two languages. The director can improve his ratings in two States. Ditto for the actors and actresses. It is a two-in-one offer, really, says an expert industry hand. The point however is this phenomenon is unique to South India. South India, with four different languages, but connected to each other in some way or the other, presents an ideal opportunity for creative directors to spin a yarn or two around it. You see a lot of connection between Telugu and Kannada film, says Hariprasad. This phenomenon will continue as long as the audience lap it up. The directors will doubtless look to something else once this idea grows stale, he points out. However, till then, Tamil will be the flavour in Malayalam.
Thursday, February 21, 2002
Kalpana: Jest do it
Never mind the politically incorrectness of the observation: Kalpana has a well-honed funny bone. The only problem is the thing around the bone. But trust Kalpana to laugh off such platitudinous comments. In fact, she has been doing only that, and in process, made fans laugh it out. And it is little surprise that she is the most successful comedienne around. She is such a raging hit in both Malayalam and Tamil that she can actually fit to the latest ad line for Victor bikes, more smiles per hour. But the story about how Kalpana ended up as a comedy artiste is not so funny. In fact, it is far from it. Like every wide-eyed girl who arrives in tinsel town, Kalpana also came with visions of making it big as a heroine. She did. No, she overdid. And literally, too. Cast as a plumpy and rotund housewife in the Tamil film Chinnaveedu, Kalpana wanted to look the part. So, she ate a lot of fatty foods. She looked perfect in the role. Everybody praised her for that. The twist in the tale came when it became difficult to shed off the excess kilos on her person. It was a huge weight to carry, in more ways than one. "It was the most difficult period of my life," Kalpana says with no touch of bitterness now. "Just I was hoping to sign more films as a heroine, I got rejected because of my bulk". Lesser mortals would have felt crushed. But not Kalpana. She took things on the chin, worked the disadvantage into advantage. "It was my luck that in Malayalam there were many comedy films, mostly slapstick, being made at that time. So I easily fit myself into that slot," she says without intending any pun. Soon, she was on her way. She was in almost all films, which was intended to bring a smile on the fans’ faces. What impressed most people were her innate sense of humour and the inimitable timing sense. Perhaps, it was in her genes. Her more famous sister Urvasi was also known for that. "All the three of us (the other sister being Kalaranjani) had that flair. I don’t know what to put that down to," she says simplistically. Initially, her success was limited to Malayalam. "Being my mother tongue, it almost flowed seamlessly. Then came Tamil. I am also comfortable with that language." (Her recent Tamil films Dum, Dum, Dum and Pammal K Sambandam are testimony to that). Among her many fans is Kamal Hassan who has cast her in many of his films. "I am happy with comedy. Of course, I will also take up serious roles if offered. But there is more satisfaction in humour. That way, you really make the fans happy." she explains. Truly, jest desserts.
Thursday, February 21, 2002
Nothing cliched about Meera
Meera Jasmine is an enigma. She is so enigmatic that she accepts the description without any protest. I like the air of unpredictability and suspense, she says dramatically. And she has been true to her words so far, the few months she has spent in the industry. Introduced by Faazil in Sutradharan, which bombed at the box-office, Meera Jasmine has found her name, more often, in the gossip columns. But that is not my fault. When people put out news about you without cross-checking, what can you do? Meera protests. But, true to type, she says, sometimes it hurts. Especially when it is about the family. Meera is particularly cut up with the reports that she has fallen out with her father and mother and is pursuing a career in films only against their wishes. True, my family is highly orthodox. But I have come to acting only with their knowledge and approval. But keeping in with the aura of mystery around her, Meera refuses to dwell further on her family or her studies (The college in Changanachery where she was studying was also reportedly opposed to her acting in films). I guess that is immaterial to you. I think I am entitled to some privacy, she says calmly without betraying any anger. Though she is intent on acting, there are also reports that she has refused offers from many topline directors and producers. I do not want to get into them. I refused a couple of films because of my commitment in my first film. Now I am ready for other films. This story about me not signing new films is again concocted, she says, this time clearly betraying her anger. Meera is likely to act in a Tamil film under the baton of the ace director K Balachander The discussions are over, she says cryptically. On her films in Malayalam itself, the actress is said have got offers from Vinayan and Renjith. But then again, there is no confirmation either from her side or from the others. I don’t like to sign up films, just for the heck for it. If that had been the case, I would have had at least 8 films in my hand now. The thing is I want people to appreciate my acting. So I am extremely careful in taking up new projects. Meera surely is not cliched or politically correct like other actresses. Whether her films are exciting or not, Meera Jasmine surely is.
Thursday, February 21, 2002
Eyes baby Nandita
Chatting up with Nandita Das can be a dicey affair. It is not a simple prospect of you asking a question and then listen to her answer it. It is much more that that. The answers to your questions come from two fronts-- her mouth as well as eyes. And you cannot afford to miss them, both as articulate as they come. If Ian Fleming is still around, and were he to write a novel on her, it will doubtlessly be named For her eyes only. But Nandita Das was cast by the master director Jeyaraj in Kannagi (it has just hit the screens in Kerala) not just because of her eyes. She is a consummate actress, one of the best of our times, he gushes. The film, a take off on Antony and Cleopatra, has won critics’ approval but has only evoked a lukewarm response at the box-office. Not that the film is a mainline commercial venture, still public acclaim is something that cannot be trifled at. But Nandita Das has a contrary view. A hit need not have got anything to do with good cinema, she says assertively but without giving the impression that she is judgmental about popular cinema. I don’t do mainline films simply because I am not comfortable with its matrix. (Her only major mainline venture Aks in Hindi did not do well, but she saw that role as an offbeat challenge). Ergo, her search for sensible cinema and sensitive roles has taken her to the South and East. Her first venture in Tamil, Azhagi, has been classified a hit (It is a cute film about emotions and relationships). Nandita is sold out on Malayalam films and the general culture here. The situation here is much more healthy. Here you have a larger literature to make films from. The stories are also about larger life, she says. I was introduced to Malayalam films at film festivals. Their resonance and reality have always struck me. It is earthy without being mundane. There is also a brooding quality to them, she adds. Jeyaraj is a real master of his art and craft, Nandita points out. Right at the start, he said that the film was a highly Malayalamised version of Antony and Cleopatra. So the idea for me was to get the nuances right. Since the emotions involved were universal, in the end, it was rather easy, she explains about her role. Nandita is loath to talk about her plans. I don’t eat and drink films. I will do films as long as I am comfortable with it. Right now, I am enjoying it. The moment I don’t have that feeling, I will pack my bags and do something else, she says with conviction. Truly, this ‘eyes maiden’ will never melt.
Thursday, February 21, 2002
Railway porter’s leg severed in accident
KOCHI: In a freak accident, one of the legs of a porter employed at the South Railway Station was severed and the other suffered fracture after he fell into the tracks while trying to board the Tea Garden Express on Tuesday night. Sebastian, 42, was rushed to Specialists Hospital here were an emergency operation was performed on him. Sebastian, a native of Panangad, was trying to secure seat for a passenger when the mishap occurred, sources said.
Thursday, February 21, 2002
Kerala strike continues, Govt not to budge
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Government was not in a financial position to arrive at a compromise with the striking employees and concede their demands, Chief Minister A K Antony said here on Wednesday. "It is not because government is adamant, but it has no means to meet the requirements of the employees," he told reporters after a cabinet meeting. Asked why government was unwilling to hold talks with the unions, Antony said "we are always ready for talks, but the question is what is to be discussed. Let wiser counsel prevail on the striking employees and the stir be called off." On whether steps like curtailing employees benefits have any connection with the proposed ADB loan, he said the steps were for rescuing the state from disaster. Negotiations with ADB for the loan were continuing, he added. The official machinery continued to remain paralysed as the strike by government employees and teachers entered the 15th day. Meanwhile, hundreds of employees and family members laid siege to the secretariat to press their demand for restoration of curtailed benefits. Inaugurating the dharna, leader of the Opposition in the Assembly V S Achuthanandan asked Government to give up its adamant posture and seek ways to end the strike. A section of government doctors also began a work-to-rule agitation to express solidarity with the striking employees. The relay fast by workers of the UDF of teachers and service fora in front of the secretariat continued for the third day. Activists of federation of employees and teachers organisations, Yuva Morcha and Kerala Students Congress also staged demonstrations in support of the strike. Police said 16 persons were held under ESMA since Tuesday night, taking the total number of ESMA arrests to 130. The strike's impact on normal life has so far been marginal, as essential services and utilities have been exempted. Lakhs of parents across the state are also worried about the future of their wards as SSLC and other examinations are fast approaching with teachers still staying away from work. Meanwhile, the state Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty said government would not bow before the organisational might of the employees. After releasing a CD ROM consisting of government orders concerning industries department, he said it would send a wrong message to investors, if the employees demands were conceded. Government was trying to change the "negative perception" about Kerala that the state was not a conducive place for investments. He claimed that the steps to deal with the strike were getting wholehearted support from all sections of society. The state 'Vyapara Vayvsayi Samathi' asked the government to negotiate with striking employees, adding the stir had affected business in the state.
Thursday, February 21, 2002
The Return of Family Entertainers
Families are slowly rediscovering their way back to the theatres. 'Meghamalhar', 'One Man Show' and 'Ishtam' proclaim that message. 'Ishtam' initially opened with low collections, but when news got out that this movie is worth watching with families, crowd began trickling in. It then grew. 'Meghamalhar' had a predominant female crowd. The movie managed to shatter the myth that extra marital affairs based stories are either vulgar or flops. Kamal has proved that a clean good movie could be made on any controversial topic. Though the hero and heroine still had love for each other, they hold it back in order to preserve the sanctity of family. Of the movies expected to be released shortly, Balachandra Menon's 'Krishna Gopalakrishna' is a family entertainer. Other movies that are expected this year carry the same tone too. 'Nandanam' (which launches Fazil's son in the lead role) Dileep's 'Mazathulikkilukkam', 'Vinayan's 'Uriyaadapenninu Oomapaiyan', 'Sarithriyude Aranyaanam', Sundardas' 'Kuberan', Haridas' 'Magic Lamp', Jameendar' and more. The fall of popularity of Shakeela movies has stopped production of many such flicks. Malayalam cinema has realized another thing - larger than life heroes and character are insufficient to get people to come to the theatres. People have become tired of mega serials too? The response to this switch in tastes has been good from the theatre owners too. Poor infrastructure, lack of air conditioning, door less and lamp less toilets, halls that were occupied by cats and rats and lizards - these were also responsible in holding family audience away. When Shakeela wave was raging, it was usually men who thronged at the theatres, so they didn't quiet care about these. Now, attention in shifting towards these lack of facilities. Hopefully, this will improve now.
Monday, February 18, 2002
Movie Review : Mitr-My Friend
MITR - MY FRIEND, directed by Revathy, is a heart-warming story of an N.R.I. family settled in America for 18 years. U.S. born and bred Prithvi (Nasir Abdullah) marries Lakshmi (Shobhana) from a small town in India. As Prithvi immerses himself in his profession, Lakshmi gets busy with her daughter Divya (Preeti Vissa). When Divya grows up, the generation gap between her mother and her almost tear their relationship apart. Divya rebels against her mother's 'foolish Indian traditions' and Lakshmi cannot understand the 'western attitude', late nights and an American boyfriend. Prithvi is too busy to actively share Lakshmi's concern. With time, Prithvi's attention towards Lakshmi has also lessened, with him taking her for granted. Lakshmi's search for companionship in an alien land leads her to Internet chat rooms, where she meets 'Mitr' - an online stranger who becomes her friend. Lakshmi's loneliness brings her closer to 'Mitr', someone whom she can chide in her native tongue, confide in with candour and through whom, ultimately, re-discover herself. The movie depicts how this small fragmented family slowly re-invent their relationship with each other. Lakshmi learns to live life anew, Prithvi starts to bond with Divya as a friend instead of a father and Divya accepts her mother, her own Indian identity and her new status as her mother's best friend. The story of the film is simple and so is the narration. But the fault lies with the lethargic pace the story moves at. The narrative is too slow-paced, which is why it fails to leave the desired impact. On the script level as well, the film has a couple of flaws. It is hard to digest Lakshmi, an educated woman and settled in the U.S., acting in a conservative manner. Moreover, for the common man, the 'chatting' bit will be hard to digest. Although a few emotional scenes do strike a chord, you don't feel for Lakshmi in the end. Also, her daughter's change of heart looks too sudden. Even the climax is tame. On the technical side, the dubbing is not up to the mark. Cinematography is all right. The U.S. locales are eye-filling. Music is below par. Performance-wise, Shobhana is first-rate. Nasir Adbullah manages to make his presence felt. Preeti Vissa does a fair job. On the whole, MITR-MY FRIEND has some chances at select theatres of metros only. At other centres, it faces an uphill task. Rating:- *.
Sunday, February 17, 2002
Movie Review: Sesham
Unquestionably, Sesham is a step in the right direction. While approaching a subject that requires sensitivity and restraint, writer, director Rajeev Kumar sketches and probes the tenuous realms that separate the sane from the insane. Will society accept a man who has spent a good part of his life in a mental asylum? Meera, (Geetu Mohandas) fresh out of the Film Institute wants to do an offbeat documentary on a mental asylum and its inmates. She stumbles upon Lonappan (Jayaram) a lovable inmate who is walking on the thin line between insanity and sanity. He runs his life according to the dictates of his alarm clock. Meera gets fascinated with the child like Lonappan and makes him the protagonist of the story that she is shooting. She takes him out of the asylum and tries to rehabilitate him, but the society rejects him. And in a gut-wrenching climax, Lonappan comes back to the asylum where he belongs. Meera gets an international award for her debut film and here the story ends, leaving a lump in your throat. No two ways about it, Rajeev Kumar consolidates his reputation as one of the finest upcoming directors of Malayalam cinema today. Both, as a writer and director he narrates the plot with simplicity and clarity. Technically the camera work of Rajeev Ravi is commendable and so is Sreekar Prasad’s crispy editing. Jayaram lives the role of Lonappan and the actor has come up with one of his best performance till date. The effect is that of an actor who has grasped the complex nuances of screen acting. Geetu Mohandas is also outstanding as Meera stealing some of the scenes with her spontaneity and vivacity. For connoisseurs of quality cinema, Sesham is a must-see film Verdict: Class Act
Sunday, February 17, 2002
Film critics TV awards 2001announced
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The film critics TV awards for the year 2001 has been announced. Aakashathile Paravakal directed by Madhupal and produced by Visual Media Co-operative Society for Kairali Channel bagged the P Sukumaran memorial gold medal for the best serial. Chandanamarathile Sarpam produced by Kamalasanan Kallikkadu was adjudged the second best serial and Kallikkadu Ramachandran got the best director award for the same. Avasthantharangal produced by Ram Prakash won the best mega serial award for the year 2001. Jude Attipetti was selected as the best director award for the same. Nizhalukal directed by Shajiyem was adjudged the second best mega serial. Krishna Kumar won the best actor award in the serial section for his performance in Kaanappurangal and Poornima Parameswaran bagged the best actress award for her performance in Aakashathile Paravakal. The best actor in mega serial section was Nedumudi Venu for his performance in Avasthantharangal and Anila Sreekumar bagged the best actress award for her performance in Gandharvayamam. December Mist directed by Saji Surendran for Kairali TV bagged the award for the best telefilm. The award for the second best telefilm was shared by Swakeeyam directed by Anil Thomas for Surya TV and Swathanthriam directed by Rajeev Krishnan. The best actor and actress award in telefilm section were bagged by T R Gopakumar and Beena Antony respectively. The awards were adjudged by a jury comprising of Dr George Onakkur as chairman, Thekkinkadu Joseph, M F Thomas, Prof V Sunderesan and Prof Joseph Mathew Pala as members. The awards were announced by the jury members at a press conference here today.
Sunday, February 17, 2002
107th Maramon convention begins today
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The historic 107th Maramon convention begins today on the sand-bed of river Pampa near Kozhencherry. Philipose Mar Chrysostem Mar Thoma Metropolitan, the supereme head of Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, will formally inaugurate the largest Christian religious meet in Asia at a function to be held at 2.30 pm. Geevarghese Mar Athanasius, President of the Malankara Marthoma Suvisesha Prasanga Sangham, which organises the annual week-long convention will preside over the inaugural function. The opening discourse of the convention will be delivered on the occasion by famous evangelist Martin Paul Alphonse from USA. The Maramon convention began as an offshoot of the missionary zeal of Mar Thoma Church in 1895 giving expression to the then prevailing reformist surge. A massive thatched pandal which could accommodate one lakh people has been constructed on the sandbed for the convention purpose. This year's main speakers are Martin Paul Alphonse, Valsan Thampu, C L Furtados, Bishop Thomas Samuel and Bishop Sam Mathew. The convention will conclude February 24.
Sunday, February 17, 2002
Government employees to intensify agitation
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The pro-ruling State Employees Teachers Organisation (SETO) announced that it would intensify the 11-day-old strike from Monday. As a part of the intensification of the agitation, all the government offices would be picketed and no one would be allowed to report for duty. "Our plan is to court arrest and fill the jails from Monday," SETO action council convener Sudevan told newsmen here today. Asked about the Lok Ayuktha's direction to the government to hold talks with the striking employees, Sudevan said that the direction was for the government and it was not applicable to the striking employees. Replying to a question, he said the government had saved just Rs 10 crore through the stoppage of leave encashment. At the same time, the government had already lost Rs 120 crore due to ineffective functioning of check posts during the period of strike in the past ten days.
Sunday, February 17, 2002
Review: Malayali Mamanu Vanakkam
Direction: Rajasenan Script: Udayakrishna-Sibi K Thomas Producer: Kaliyoor Sasi, B.Rakesh Cast: Jayaram, Jagathi, Prabhu, Kalabhavan Mani, Roja, Suja Karthika and Sree vidya A pale successor to Melepparambil Anveedu which was set against the backdrop of Tamil culture, Malayali Mamanu Vanakkam, Rajasenan’s latest offering, turns out to be a tale of same old stereotypes. It is a formula ridden fare where the story line does not progress beyond the beaten track. Infact, this film appears to be a combination of several blockbusters of the same team. The director doesn’t know how to put it in a new bottle. The stereotypes, from Jayaram’s role as an impish, lovable, merry-maker to the central theme are the bane of this formula ridden fare. Jayaram, who has established his own screen persona creating his own distinct slot as a crowd-puller with powerful performances does not generate much interest due to the oft-repeated story line. The plot unfolds as Anandakuttan (Jayaram) who belongs to Anandamangalam Tharavadu arrives at Kovilpatti, a tiny village in the rural interiors of Tamil Nadu with his uncle Kesu {Jagathi) His mission is to bring his sister back to Kerala for enabling her to attend his wedding. Anandavally (Shobha) who had eloped with a Tamilian Thirupathi Perumal (Kalabhavan Mani) was ostracized from the aristocratic family because of the bad reputation she had brought to it. Disguised as headload workers, Kuttan and Kesu enter the terrain of the rugged landlord. Perumal’s daughter Parvathi (Roja) falls in love with Anandakuttan. Here the story takes some interesting twists and turns because of the culture shock experienced by the protagonist. But it could have been better etched if the director was gifted with imagination. The prevailing custom of marrying the daughter of elder sister practiced by the Tamil families in the rural pockets is not acceptable in Kerala as it is considered as incest or social taboo. Perumal is determined to get her married to Kannayya (Prabhu) a ruffian. In order to save Parvati from the savagely boisterous fiancé, Kuttan runs away with her and arrives at his ancestral home where the efforts are on for the marriage. Enraged by the unexpected turn of incidents, Perumal requests Kannayya to wreck vengeance on Kuttan in the same manner in which Kuttan’s father had reacted in the remote past while eloping with Anandavalli. The climax is not handled with much care and conviction. All it requires is more than a little willing suspension of disbelief. All the actors in this film including Prabhu do not come up with commendable performances that they can be proud of in the future. Suja Karthika is just another pretty doll and she has nothing to do in this film. The music by Suresh Peters tends to be routine. Rajasenan fails in his attempt to bring the audience to the peaks of humour. Chances are that this won’t be a box office smash. The tried and tested narrative material at his disposal does not come to the rescue.
Sunday, February 17, 2002
Preview: "Nizhalkkuthu" by Adoor'
Shooting of Adoor's latest film 'Nizhalkkuthu' is progressing in Kanyakumari. The Master craftsman of Indian Cinema, Sri Adoor Gopalakrishnan is a great storyteller. He is traveling half a century back in time in order to tell a story of social relevance. The story of executioners employed by the King of State of Travancore. At that time, executioners were brought from Nagarkoil. A family from a particular section of the society was chosen for execution of convicts by hanging. For this cruel act of service to the state they were given hefty amount and land exempted from tax by the King. It compensated their sin and guilt. Every execution made the family richer by another priceless agricultural land. When the family attained aristocratic status they felt that they are doing something wretched and wanted to get out of it. But they were bond to the State. They cannot backtrack now after all these years they were enjoying the fortunes from the king. The family started engaging economically backward members of the community for meager wages while receiving huge emoluments from the king themselves. The practice of hanging came to a stop gradually and executioners became jobless. Nobody engaged them for any other jobs. Their life became miserable. Adoor is unveiling a griping story in this background. The last executioner had died a decade ago. He was a proxy executioner to the appointed family. While he had executed a dozen prisoners in Travancore before and after independence he, it was told that, could not even kill a chicken outside his professional life! He died in absolute poverty. He lived to see the death of four of his ten sons. This story of people marginalized thus is the subject of Adoor film Nizhalkkuthu. The anguish and conflicts of Kaliyappan, the protagonist of this story is presented by Oduvil Unnikrishnan. Sukumari portrays the role of Kaliyappan's wife. Adoor wanted a forlorn area to shoot the film for the family of Kaliyappan who lived in a godforsaken place away from civilization. He did find a place in Kanyakumari district that was a part of Kerala before reorganization of linguistics states in India. Adoor shoots his film in Pottankulam a village with practically no modern facilities. The dress, customs, beliefs, dialect and many other factors of the period have been studied well by Adoor. Tamil folk music is incorporated in to this film.
Sunday, February 17, 2002
Mohanlal: The Desperate Supremo Wants A Hit
Kerala's Superstar Mohanlal might be earning plaudits as an actor par excellence and his performance on stage as karna might have thrilled the critics but his box office ratings have dropped miserably and hit the lowest with Praja's flop. The superstar reached the pinnacle with Narasimham, which broke all box office records last year. The movie, which was out and out action stuff, with the hero in a role, which would have suited more to Rajanikanth, was a major success. The success of Narasimham proved to be a curse in disguise, for him. After seeing Lal in such a big action movie, audience could not accept his films that followed, in which he was seen in soft and sober roles. So, after Narasimham, Lal did not have any hit to his credit and gave a series of flops. The first in the series was Fazil’s Life is beautiful, which had Lal in the role of a married man and the movie had no dishum dishum… scenes. The audience, which had seen Lal as a toughie in Narasimham, could not take him as a soft guy in Life Is Beautiful. So, the movie bombed at the box office. Next came I V Sasi's Sraddha, though being an action film, it still bombed because it could not rise to the audience’s expectations.Then came Devadoothan of Sibi, in which Lal was a music composer. For the first time a Mohanlal film stopped its run in the first week itself. A miserable flop, indeed! The producer had to sell his theatre and his house. Now its Kaakkakuyil directed by Priyadarshan, backed by Sargachitra Appachan, the man with Midas touch. The team of Priyadarshan –Mohan Lal has always done wonders but this time their magic also did not work. Kaakkakuyil has unfortunately been termed as a super flop by the trade. The grapevine says that the producer is pumping in money to keep the film going but the word is got out that Lal ‘s box office is in a bad shape. He desperately needs a hit to regain his box office position. Kamal, who was ready with a subject of Lohitadas with Lal as a lorry driver and with no fights, is now rewriting the subject to make it into an action-oriented stuff. Thampi Kannathanam, who made potboilers with Lal, is doing a film, which is nothing but to boost the heroism.Will all these films save the Star’s sinking career? Let’s see!
Sunday, February 17, 2002
And the awards pour in...
It is award time in Kerala! All dailies have news about some award ceremony or the other. There are the literary awards, socio-cultural activity awards, children's gallantry awards, journalists awards, veterans awards…and the list goes on. It is cine award season now. The rule of the game is that one organization awaits the other to announce its awards. But all these organizations want to conclude their award ceremony before the State Government announces its list. There are big business houses and small time organizations, non-existent and real ones among these organizations. Awards consist of real cash and sometimes-empty envelopes are handed over to the winners. There are duly appointed juries and gallop polls to decide the award winners. TV channels and publishing houses have constituted film awards and business houses sponsor these awards. The biggest is 'Asianet-Lux' cine awards with higher prize money. Followed by the 'Mathrubhumi-Medimix' award with a fairly good amount as prize money. Asianet makes it a big event for they get a good stage show for their channel. Mathrubhumi-Medimix award function is also big affair as it is staged in an open-air auditorium with free admission to general public. This year the first agency to come out with the award is National Film Academy in Trivandrum. Arya award The prestigious 'Arya' award constituted in the name of late Ramu Kariat director of 'Chemmeen' announced this week went to director Kamal. Critics award Critics Association (Trivandrum) has announced its Silver Jubilee Awards for best films and artists for the year 2001. P R S Pillai, former Chairman of Kerala State Film Development Corporation, found this organisation, which is popular for its promotion of good films The film critics' association awards are fairly a big affair since it covers a vast category. It gives away 40 and odd awards every year. The best picture award this year was shared by Shesham and Meghamalhar . Both films were co produced by Asianet with partners Bloomer maze pictures (former film) and Mathrubhumi (later). T K Rajeev Kumar was judged the best director for Shesham and Kamal special award. The second best picture was Kannaki directed by Jayaraj in which Nandita Das is in the lead role. Shesham and Kannaki are yet to be released, while Meghamalhar had a good box office run in theatres in upper (north) half of Kerala. Jayaraj got a special award. Ravanaprabhu was declared as the popular film by the jury. The best actor and actress awards went to Jayaram and Githu Mohandas for their performance in Shesham , (See Indiainfo archives movies-Malayalam for information on this film). The other awards Actor second best - Rajan P Dev - Karumaadikkuttan Actress second best - Bindu Panikkar - Sutradharan Child artist - Sree Ram - Mookkuthi Story - Suresh Poduval -Achaneyaanenikkishtam Script - Kamal -Meghamalhar Lyrics - O N V Kurup Meghamalhar Music - Ramesh Narayan - Meghamalhar Playback - M G Sreekumar - Salabham & Chandanamani Playback - Sujatha Mohan - Perariyam & Thile Ithile Camera M J Radhakrishnan Kannaki & Theertahadanam Editing - Beena Paul - Meghamalhar Art - Nemom Pushparaj - Kannaki & Jeevan Moshay Children's film - Pularvettam by Harikumar Short film - Rhythm of symbols by P K Sreenivasan New artist - Navya Nair - Ishtam New director - T N Gopakumar - Jeevan Moshay New director - Kannan - Theertahadanam Book Asian cinema - Navadarsanam by Dr Aravindan Best article on film to A Chandrasekhar in, Chitrbhumi Special awards Contribution to Malayalam cinema: Chalchitraratnam to Balachandra Menon Chalachitraprathibha to Sreekumaran Thampi, S Janaki, and KPAC Sunny
Saturday, February 16, 2002
Hundreds turn up for jobs as Kerala strike continue
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Hundreds are thronging centres where the administration is giving out jobs to keep the state functioning smoothly in the face of a strike by half-a-million government employees. Already hundreds have been employed to clean up the state capital as the garbage collectors have joined the strike -- which entered its tenth day Friday -- to protest cuts in perquisites as part of a cost-slashing drive. There was commotion at the Nandavanam Police Camp here Friday where the jobless came in large numbers to seek recruitment. Policemen had to turn them away. When pandemonium broke out, the police had to detain several of the jobseekers for a while. They were later released. Preeta Kumari, a graduate from the outskirts of the state capital, told : "We all hope that the government goes ahead with the decision of recruiting people like us on a temporary basis. Hundreds like us who have no other means for a living are prepared to take up any work. "All these years we have been suffering while the government employees are getting their salaries for no work. For Kerala to go ahead, we have to end such strikes," she said. Kumari succinctly summed up the public sentiment in Kerala, where anger with the strikers has been steadily rising. The office of Chief Minister A K Antony said attendance at the state secretariat, which had crossed the 500 mark Thursday, picked up further Friday as the government made it clear it would hire fresh recruits and terminate the services of the strikers. "This is the same with other districts also and close to 30 percent attendance has been recorded from government offices across the state," said an official. Antony said his government is determined to recruit the unemployed to replace the strikers. "An order is being issued asking all district administrators and secretaries to go ahead with taking people like typists and confidential assistants from the employment exchanges. How long can official work suffer?" asked an official. Meanwhile, Health Minister P Sankaran said that if doctors and nurses in state-run health facilities join the strike as threatened on February 18, the government would have no option but to take action against them under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA). "Health is one sector where no such strikes can be afforded," Sankaran said. "In case an emergency situation arises, there are hundreds of doctors and nurses willing to take up duty at all government hospitals in the state. Instructions have gone out to all officials concerned to see that operation theatres and supply of essential medical supplies do not get interrupted if the staff go on strike." Five more strikers were arrested Friday under ESMA. "This is being done purposely to hit the morale of the striking employees," said a government employee who has joined the strike.
Saturday, February 16, 2002
HC grants bail to 5 held under ESMA
KOCHI: The fangs of ESMA have fallen. The Kerala High Court on Friday granted bail to five persons arrested under the Kerala Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) for taking part in the ongoing strike by Government employees. Justice G Sasidharan, held that section 6 of the Act which provided that a person arrested under the Act "shall not be granted bail by a police officer or a court", did not take away powers of the High Court to grant bail. While granting bail to T M Thomas, V C Sputnic and Pushpamgathan, all employees of State Water Transport Department, K T Thampi, Inspecting Assistant Commissioner (Intelligence), Commercial Taxes, and M Mohanan, an employee of Thrissur District Treasury, the court interdicted them from obstructing others from attending duty. Further condition of bail is that they should execute a bond for Rs 25,000 each with two solvent sureties each in the like sum. The Single Judge followed the view expressed by a Bench, consisting of Chief Justice B N Srikrishna and Justice G Sivarajan: "A Statute cannot infringe the power of this court under Article 226, which now has been held to be part of the basic feature of the Constitution in this country" and that, as and when somebody approaches this court in its writ jurisdiction, the issue of bail could be considered in the light of the facts and circumstances of such case. The Judge also also followed a 1998 Supreme Court decision that the provision under which a bail application is filed was not relevant and that it did not debar the High Court from exercising its jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution. The court considered the argument advanced by Advocate P Vijaya Bhanu who appeared for M Mohanan that the bar under section 6 of ESMA is applicable only to "a court" proceeding under section 437 of the code and not to the High Court or the Sessions Court proceeding under section 439 of the code. The court considered the argument of Advocate Mathew Zachariach, who appeared for the other four applicants, that section 6 of the Act violated the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution, as it provided for an unspecified period without bail. The court also considered the argument of Mathew Zachariah that the provision is hit by Article 23 of the Constitution which prohibits forced labour. Forced labour means any extraction of labour by using force in whatsoever mode. Here, the State is trying to force the employees to work against their will and hence such work amounts to forced labour. The Advocate General argued that the court should impose a condition for grant of bail that they should give undertaking that they would not repeat the same offence (resorting to strike). But the counsels refused to give such an undertaking stating that any such undertaking would amount to forced labour hit by Article 23 of the Constitution.
Saturday, February 16, 2002
Lok Ayukta tells staff to suspend stir
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Lok Ayukta on Friday asked the Government employees and teachers to suspend their strike for ten days from February 18 and directed the Government to convene a conference of the presidents and secretaries of the striking organisations on or before February 20 for a dialogue and settlement of the disputes. In their suo motu order, Lok Ayukta Justice P C Balakrishna Menon, Upa Lok Ayukta Justice T V Ramakrishnan and Upa Lok Ayukta Justice Bhaskaran Nambiar clarified that the Government would be free to invite representatives of political parties, if found necessary, and also the high placed officers in charge of Home, Finance, Taxes etc. They said that the Chief Secretary could consider the names of the representatives of the service organsiations to whom notices had to be issued for the conference. The Government should convey the record of the discussion and decisions taken at the meeting to them on or before February 25, they said in the order. The order pointed out that the State was in dire financial crisis and the strike would only add to the miserable financial conditions and the ultimate sufferers would be the common people. This had been widely reported by both the print and the electronic media. ``We, therefore, take cognisance of these reports and initiate suo motu with a view to uphold the rule of law under section 7 (1) of Kerala Lok Ayukta Act,'' they added.
Saturday, February 16, 2002
Surjeet lambasts BJP; sober on Cong
KANNUR: CPM general secretary Harkishen Singh Surjeet has said that the BJP-led Government at the Centre had torn asunder the secular, democratic fabric and the federal structure of the nation to implement its communal political agenda. Inaugurating the State conference of the CPM at the `Chadayan Govindan Nagar' (Dinesh auditorium) here on Friday morning, Surjeet accused the Union Government headed by the BJP of bringing back to the fore the Ram temple issue with the aim of promoting its political agenda. The CPM leader devoted much of his time to lambast the BJP in the course of his long speech even as he appeared sober in his attacks on the Congress. Pointing out that the Govt had allotted land for the construction of the Ram temple and allowed the construction of the temple at the disputed site even as the Supreme Court was yet to pronounce its verdict on the issue, Harkishen Singh Surjeet recalled that the whole country had agreed earlier to abide by the decision of the court in this regard. Alleging that the efforts to construct the Ram temple were taking place with the silent support of Prime Minister A B Vajpayee, Surjeet said the NDA had mentioned the construction of the temple nowhere in its manifesto. Coming to power making use of the political vacuum caused by 45 years of Congress rule in the country, the BJP was trying to mix up religion with governance, and communalising the history of the nation, he said. Predicting that the BJP would suffer serious setbacks in the ongoing State Assembly elections, especially in UP, Surjeet called upon the people to fight against the ``criminal saffron policies of the BJP-led Government.'' Criticising the policy of globalisation and liberalisation initiated by the Congress government and pursued by the NDA Government, he said the costly assets of the nat |
