Kerala assembly remembers Narasimha Rao Saturday, January 29, 2005 | Editor
Kerala assembly remembers Narasimha Rao Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 28, 2005
The Kerala assembly Friday paid a tribute to former prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao who died last month.
Members from across political parties called Rao the architect of India's economic reforms.
Assembly Speaker Therambil Ramakrishnan said Rao was a great administrator and a scholar. "His diplomacy in handling sensitive issues was his forte," he said.
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said Rao recognised India's potential to become an economic power and it was his vision that helped the country reach where it is today.
Leaders praised Rao for the political acumen with which he completed a full term in office despite not having a majority in the Lok Sabha.
Rao died on Dec 23 in New Delhi of a cardiac arrest. He was 83 and had been ill.
[Indo-Asian News Service]
Kerala CM denies misuse of tsunami relief funds Saturday, January 29, 2005 | Editor
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today denied reports that the money contributed towards tsunami relief was misused by his government.
''It is not true. Not a single rupee that comes in for tsunami relief will be used for any other purpose,'' he said, while addressing an all-party meeting on the tsunami disaster.
A sum of Rs 15.22 crore had been collected under the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for tsunami relief, he said, adding that houses would be constructed for the affected families in the tsunami-hit coastal region.
However, veteran Congress leader K Karunakaran criticised the Government for lapses in tsunami relief operations.
[Agency]
Grading system proved to be a success in Kerala: Basheer Saturday, January 29, 2005 | Editor
Kerala Education Minister E T Muhammed Basheer today said the Kerala experiment with grading system and continuous evaluation had already proved to be a success.
Inaugurating an international conference on '''examination reforms for quality'' organised by the Council of Boards of School Education (COBSE) here, he said there would be greater emphasis on teacher training, parent awareness and helpline programmes when grading system was implemented.
B S Baswan, Education Secretary to the Government of India, who presided over the session, stressed the need for education to be market-oriented and evaluation to be objective.
Addressing the conference, Sajen Peter, Secretary to the General Education Department of Kerala, said consensus and joint action of the education boards were necessary for initiating exam reforms.
COBSE is a voluntary association of all the school Boards in the country. CBSE, ICSE and all State Boards of Education are its members.
[Agency]
Karunakaran supporters boycott Congress meet Saturday, January 29, 2005 | Editor
Fourteen Kerala MLAs of the Congress skipped the official party meeting Thursday and gathered at veteran leader K. Karunakaran's home here.
Karunakaran's son K. Muraleedharan said their party faction would also boycott the three-day assembly discussion to the governor's address beginning Jan 31.
"This is the first step in our protest against Chief Minister Oommen Chandy for being sidelined," he said after the meeting, which coincided with the Congress parliamentary party meeting.
Muraleedharan said the faction would demand the party's organisational elections as per schedule and send a delegation to Chandy with its grievances.
Karunakaran too went after Chandy. At an all-party meeting here Thursday, he criticised the rehabilitation programme for tsunami survivors.
Karunakaran's fight with former chief minister A.K. Antony is no news. He isn't sparing Chandy either. Last week, Karunakaran made statements to the effect that Chandy was no better than Antony.
Udayananu Tharam Saturday, January 29, 2005 | Editor
Director Roshan Andrew Producer Karunakaran Music Deepak Dev Cast Mohanlal, Meena, Sreenivasan, Jagathy, Lohithadas
It’s the time to rejoice. The moribund Malayalam cinema has come alive with Rosshan Andrrews Udayananu Tharam as it is one of the best films in recent times that have combined mainstream film aesthetics with international cinematic sensibilities.
Udayananu Tharam marks the directorial debut of Rosshan Andrrews, a long time struggling assistant director who has taken some incidents from his life and along with Sreenivasan has come out with a solid script and screenplay that makes it work with the masses.
It is a light-hearted comedy that takes a satirical look at the tinsel town. It depicts the struggles of Udayabhanu brilliantly portrayed by Mohanlal who is an assistant director and script writer aspiring to make it big but thwarted in his attempts by a scheming friend and junior artist Rajappan Thengamoodu ( Sreenivasan ) who steals his script to become a superstar!
Udayananu Tharam is nothing more than a look at the seamy side of film making and machinations in the reel world. But the film works because Rosshan Andrrews chose to talk about a world and people he knows about firsthand. The characters look real and the conversations sounds real. What sails the film through is it sense of humour and a riveting climax.
Lights, Camera, Action…. Its Showtime, folks! Udayabhanu (Mohanlal) is a struggling script writer and has been an assistant to big directors like Pratapan (Lohitadas). Udayan is an honest, hard-working, disciplined and a do-gooder to friends and struggling junior artists like Rafique (Salim Kumar). Now Udayan has just completed the script of his maiden film which he considers “to be a masterpiece with a stunning climax”.
Enter Rajappan Thengumoodu (Sreenivasan) a scheming junior artist who has shown his “face” in a few films without any dialogues. He gatecrashes into Udayan’s one-room upper floor and requests him to provide a place to stay for a few days, as he was thrown out of his previous accommodation as he ran out of money. Rajappan also pleads with Udayan to cast him as the hero in his debut film, but Udayan says: “with his ugly face and lack of acting abilities it would be a foolish move”.
Soon Rajappan steals Udayan’s “masterpiece”, makes a Xerox and approaches a leading producer (Cochin Haneefa), with the script who takes him to a top director Pratapan. Nobody wants to cast Rajappan as the hero, but he insists that if his script has to be used, he has to be the hero. So Pratapan reluctantly makes him the hero and the film becomes a super hit!
Rajappan changes his name to Saroj Kumar and gets groomed in acting and dancing from the famous Pachalam Bhasi (Jagathy) and becomes a superstar. Meanwhile Udayan learns about Rajappan’s treachery, but he can do little about it. At the same time leading actress Madhumati (Meena) who was groomed by Udayan (shades of Lohitadas- Meera Jasmine relationship) has fallen out with her wicked brother and father (Janardanan) who was using her like a milch cow. She finds solace and peace with Udayan who is much older to her. One day Madhumati walks out of her house and moves in with Udayan as his wife.
The industry blames Udayan for curtailing Madhumati’s acting career and he becomes a wreck without reaching anywhere. Saroj Kumar and his assistant thwart all Udayan’s moves and soon Madhumati walks out on him. Then Baby Kutty (Mukesh) a producer and admirer of Udayan who was to produce his “masterpiece” save him from alcoholism and rehabilitate him. Baby Kutty is willing to give him one more chance, but the distributors want him to cast top hero Saroj Kumar.
Finally Udayan compromises as Baby Kutty says – “there are no permanent friends or enemies in the film industry”. But the evil and petty minded Saroj Kumar decide to make life miserable for Udayan during the making of the film and in the end walks out without doing the climax scene! What follows is the actual racy climax of the film with a great twist, which the viewers have to find out.
The most refreshing thing about Udayananu Tharam is that it is not made like a typical Mohanlal mass masala and does not have a larger than life characters, punch lines, item numbers or exaggerated heroism. Writer Sreenivasan and director Rosshan traces Udayan’s dreams and progresses in a realistic manner. The wry passages and the swipes at the superstars are gingerly executed.
If Udayananu Tharam works, it is because of the finely calibrated performance of Mohanlal. He laces his portrayal brilliantly as a loser who triumphs in the last reel with humour, dry wit, pathos which makes the character endearing. And Sreenivasan is the perfect foil as the scheming cunning sleaze ball superstar. What a power house of talent, Sreenivasan is, as an actor and writer.
Meena is splendid, pitching her act just right as the actress who gets milked by her family. Top line work is elicited from S.Kumar’s camera work, which makes Ramji Rao studio’s in Hyderabad look like a foreign location. Deepak Dev’s music is soothing and appropriate to the story.
The film harks back to the golden era of Malayalam cinema of the late 70’s and early 80’s when you had writers directors like Padmarajan and Bharathan, who made meaningful films within the commercial format. Don’t Miss it.
Verdict- Excellent
Iruvattam Manavatty Saturday, January 29, 2005 | Editor
Director Sanal Music Alphonse Cast Kunchakko Boban, Kalabhavan Mani, Kavya, Madhu
Boban Kunchakko and director Sanal last made Priyam which was a light hearted romantic entertainer ripped off from the Aamir Khan-Juhi Chawla starrer Hum Hai Rahi Pyaar Kaa which was a big hit. Now after three years they are back with Iruvattam Manavatty which looks like a simpler version of Lingusamy’s Tamil filmRun.
Sanal completely skewers the brain with his expositions (on the lack of it) on love and violence. It is hard to tell you what the film is all about. Here’s why…. Gautham (Boban) is a veterinary doctor who goes to Kannur on election duty as he is a government servant. During the elections he meets Bhumika (Kavya) and as in many potboilers, it is love at first sight.
But Bhumika does not reciprocate Gautham’s approaches even after our doctor dreams two duets with her! And you don’t have to be Albert Einstein to guess that the girl is not ready for romance as she has a tough father Korathu Raghavan(Kalabhavan Mani), a local MLA and a communist who has promised rowdy Hareendran (Madhu Warrier) that he will get Bhumika married to him!
Hareendran is in hiding as he has killed Raghavan’s opponents and our heroine is scared of him and is slow in responding to Gautham’s overtures. Meanwhile there is another suitor, a medical doctor Sudhir (Nishant Sagar) but when he knows that Bhumika is in love with Gautham, he sequels to the MLA and he soon fixes the marriage with Hareendran. But on the wedding day, the lovers elope with the girl’s father and fiancée hot on their trail which leads to a violent climax.
Kaithapuram’s lyrics tuned by Alphonse are largely influenced by Tamil hits. Kalabhavan Mani is reduced to a buffoon villain these days, while Madhu Warrier just can’t look tough as he is expected to be. Boban is good as a cool guy who turns serious in the climax and Kavya is just ok. But pray, why do Malayalam directors try to ape Tamil and Bollywood films shamelessly?
Verdict: Average
Mammootty to do another sequel! Saturday, January 29, 2005 | Editor
Mammootty, the top star in Malayalam is a busy man. Now after CBI and Vatsalyam (what was Vesham, but a sequel), the actor has agreed to do a sequel of Kottayam Kunjachan, a hit action oriented comedy film of 1990.
Kottayam Kunjachan was a super hit and Mammootty as a Syrian Christian character was very popular. The film was written by Dennis Joseph and directed by Suresh Babu. Now the sequel will be done by the same pair.
So will all blockbusters of Mamootty films like Avanazhi have sequels?
Mammootty bags film critics award Saturday, January 29, 2005 | Editor
IANS THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Superstar Mammootty has been awarded the prestigious Chalachitra Ratnam by the Kerala Film Critics Association.
Mammootty has been given the award for completing his silver jubilee in Malayalam films and for his stellar performance in films in 2004. The 28th edition of the awards were announced here Friday by association general secretary Manarakyam Baby. These awards, one of the most prestigious in the Malayalam film industry, do not carry any cash prize. Upcoming superstar Dileep has been adjudged the best actor for his sensitive portrayal of an engineer in the film "Kathaveshesam".
"Perumazha Kalam" and "Kazhcha" were joint winners in the best film category while Gitu Mohandas and Kavya Madhavan shared the best actress award for their roles in "Akale" and "Perumazha Kalam" respectively.
Kamal, who directed "Perumazha Kalam", was declared best director.
"Akale", directed by Shyama Prasad was selected as the second best film. Ace comedian Mamu Koya and yesteryears glamour actress Ambika were selected as the second best actor and actress respectively.
Master Yash who mesmerised film audiences in "Kazhcha" was awarded best child artiste and its director Blessy won a special mention award.
Suryanelli case: Women's groups to appeal in SC Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor
Women's organisation ''Sthreevedi'' has decided to form a ''defence committee'' with the support of all like-minded rights activists to go in for an appeal in the Supreme Court on the sensational Suryanelli sex scandal case and other sex racket cases.
Talking to newsmen, Sthreevedi' leaders K Ajitha and Mercy Alexander said a meeting would be convened here on February five to form the panel with the support of advocates, rights activists and environmentalists to fight the sex scandal cases.
Besides, the activists of the organisation would take out a march to the Assembly in Thiruvananthapuram on thursday, when the House meets for the budget session.
After meeting the victim at her residence in Idukki district yesterday the leaders of the organisation, however, wanted the Government to go in for appeal against the High Court order so that it did not set a precedent. ''If the Government fails to do so, we will launch intense agitation and challenge the order in the Apex court,'' they said.
Recently, the High Court had set aside the conviction and sentence of the 35 accused in the case, awarded by the Additional Sessions Court, Kottayam.
While upholding the conviction of prime accused Advocate S S Dharmarajan, the court reduced his sentence to five years imprisonment from lifer, in the case relating to the sexual harassment of 17-year-old girl from Suryanelli in Idukki district.
''The judgement will cause serious impact in the society. Where will we go for justice now? Other pillars of the democracy had already been into sabotaging such sex racket cases,'' Ajitha said.
[Agency]
State announces cash award to volleyball team Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 26, 2005
The Kerala Government today announced cash awards to the members of its women's team that lifted the Senior National volleyball trophy after a gap of 19 years.
All the team members, who reached here today from Chennai to a rousing welcome, will be given Rs 10,000 each, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told newspersons here after a meeting of the State Cabinet.
The Chief Minister also congratulated the team which won the 53rd national volleyball title by beating Railways 26-24, 11-25, 25-22, 15-8 in the finals on Sunday.
[Agency]
US expert for land resources centre in Kerala Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 26, 2005
Dr Hari Eswaran, Director of World Soil Resources at the US Department of Agriculture, today stressed the need for setting up a land resources centre in Kerala to check land degradation in the State.
Participating in a Meet-the-Press programme organised by the Press Club here, he said such a centre would help bring together government departments connected with soil survey, conservation and testing.
The centre should be well funded and equipped to handle farm level problems and should assess and monitor land resources, besides helping to develop policies and programmes of the Ministry of Agriculture, he said.
Stressing the need for investigating non-traditional crops in the State, Dr Eswaran said too much emphasis had been given to traditional crops like coconut, tapioca, cashew and rubber.
[Agency]
Kerala bans all lotteries Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor
Kerala Tuesday banned all lotteries, a day after the Supreme Court ordered that the government should obey its stay on a directive banning lotteries of other states.
The government ban affects all lotteries, including online lotteries, lotteries of other states and its own state lottery that fetches a revenue of Rs.300 million ($6.8 million) yearly.
"We had no other option, either we had to allow lotteries including online lotteries or we had to go for a full ban including our own lottery," Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said.
"We are fighting against the Supreme Court order and we would reconsider today's decision if we win the case," he said after the weekly cabinet meeting.
The last draw for lotteries in the state would take place Tuesday and there would be no more lottery tickets on sale in Kerala from Wednesday.
The Lotteries Department, which employed 47 gazetted officers and 406 non-gazetted officers, would also be wound up.
"All of them would be redeployed in other government departments," said Chandy.
The decision would also render jobless around 20,000 lottery ticket sellers in the state.
"We know this is going to create a problem for those who eke a living by selling tickets. We have decided that all these people, especially the handicapped, would be rehabilitated.
"We have asked the finance department to work out a welfare scheme for such people," said Chandy.
Many people, especially from the lower income bracket, had got addicted to buying lottery tickets and spending much of their hard earned money expecting to get rich overnight.
[IANS]
This is a low profile job: RAW chief Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor
P.K. Hormese Tharakan, the new chief of India's external intelligence agency, has said this assignment would be a "low profile" one.
"The new job is a low profile one unlike my present job," Tharakan, who was director general of police in Kerala, told IANS here Wednesday.
He was named the new chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) Tuesday.
Tharakan is the first Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Kerala cadre to be appointed head of the RAW.
He earlier served for 21 years with RAW in New Delhi and he is due to retire in June.
Since he took over as chief of Kerala Police in June 2003, Tharakan led from the front and did his best to give a new face to the police force.
S. Sankaran Nair, another Keralite, has also headed the RAW in the 1970s.
[Agency]
Kerala bags seven National Tourism awards Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor
Kerala, one of the forerunners in Tourism, today retained its supremacy, bagging the highest number of seven awards in the National Tourism Awards announced here today by the Tourism ministry.
The 'God's Own Country" clinched the awards of excellence for outstanding performances in various tourism segments, including the best marketed and promoted state.
E L Bharat Bhushan, Principal Secretary, Kerala Tourism and B Suman, Kerala Tourism Director, received the 'Gold Plated Elephant" Awards from Tourism Minister Renuka Chowdhury at a function here today.
Besides the coveted award for best marketed and promoted state, Kerala's East Fort at Thiruvananthapuram was adjudged the best maintained tourist-friendly monument.
"A Day with the masters," a package tour of the Kerala Kalamandalam, the seat of Kerala's art and culture, at Thrissur won the most innovative tourism project award.
Kerala Tourism's theme brochure "Life in a new light" won the award for the best promotional literature and "Panchakarma," a book on Ayurveda picked up the Best Publishing Award.
The best audio-visual award was won by 'Symphony Celestial," a VCD on classical art forms. Apart from the excellence awards, Kerala also bagged the national award for the best four-star hotel, which went to Taj Garden Retreat, Varkala, near Thiruvananthapuram.
"This outstanding achievement would not have been possible but for the trade, which in addition to creating innovative products and services, worked closely with the government in the marketing and promoting the destination, Kerala Tourism Minister K C Venugopal told UNI over the telephone.
Bharat Bhushan said the awards were a tribute to Kerala tourism's stress on sustainable development of tourism and its focussed promotional strategies. This would definitely be a big boost for the state to strive harder.
Tourism is increasingly becoming the mainstay industry of Kerala, offering several lakh job opportunities,besides bringing in big investments, contributing much to the state's annual revenue and attracting valuable foreign exchange earnings. The state is one of the few that is constantly exploring avenues for further tourism growth. Besides, several new products like Media and Information Centre for Education (MICE), monsoon and pilgrim tourism, the state has launched several events like the Kerala Travel Mart, International Boat Show to promote the state in the Indian and International Markets.
[Agency]
Governor praises people over tsunami handling Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor
Kerala Governor R.L. Bhatia Wednesday complimented the people for handling the tsunami tragedy that hit the state a month ago.
Addressing the Republic Day celebrations here, he said it was time to see tsunami warning centres come up in the state.
Present on the occasion were Chief minister Oommen Chandy and senior government officials.
Elsewhere in the state, ministers took the salute at all the 14 district headquarters.
Kerala was one of the southern states hit hard by the Dec 26 tsunami disaster.
[Indo-Asian News Service]
Chief Minister voices support for NRI voting rights Saturday, January 22, 2005 | Editor
Chief Minister voices support for NRI voting rights
According to the Chief Minister Mr. Ommen Chandy, the Government will strongly support the exercising of franchise by Malayalees in the Gulf.
The Chief Minister was briefing the media after participating in a discussion on 'Expatriates in the Gulf' on the second day of the 3rd Pravasi Bharatiya Divas held in Mumbai.
Following the discussions, suggestions of the Kerala Government will be conveyed to the Union Government in a week's time on the issue of voting rights to Malayalees in the Gulf region, the Chief Minister said. Among the suggestions, important ones will be the inclusion of the names and passport number of Gulf Malayalees in the voters' list.
Adding further to the cause of NRIs, the Chief Minister said that an NRI Cell will be opened by Kerala Police to look after the complaints and cases of Gulf Malayalees, and a training centre for those planning to go abroad from Kerala will be opened in Chennai and NOIDA, besides Kerala.
Chief Minister takes initiative at Gulf NRI investor meet Saturday, January 22, 2005 | Editor
Chief Minister takes initiative at Gulf NRI investor meet
The third Pravasi Bharatiya Divas meet held last week in Mumbai witnessed the Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr. Oommen Chandy taking the initiative to bring into focus the need for implementing several urgent and useful measures for the NRI community, and also some productive steps to fulfill the aspirations of non-resident Indians, especially in the Gulf.
While addressing a special session 'Kerala – Infinite Opportunities,' organized by NORKA, Mr. Oommen Chandy referred to issues related to starting of flight services at affordable rates to the Gulf sector; problems pertaining to voting; and the issue of dual citizenship.
During the course of the discussion, Mr. Oommen Chandy brought the attention of the participants to the recently granted permission to private airlines in India for extending their services to foreign countries, other than the Gulf region. The permission should also be given to the private airline companies to operate in the Gulf region, which currently has an annual movement of about 9 lakh Malayalees, the Chief Minister said.
Mr. Oommen Chandy recalled that, almost half of the Gulf NRIs are Malayalees, who have made major contributions to the economy of Kerala. The Chief Minister said that the Government of Kerala would explore the possibility of forming a private airline company to operate services to countries in the Gulf. This, he said, will be modelled after the private venture initiative, which is running the International Airport in Kochi. The idea to form a private airline company was originally mooted by the well-known NRI industrialist, Mr. M. A. Yusuf Ali, to which the Chief Minister said that, he was not giving any assurance to the proposal, but will certainly consider the feasibility of such a project.
On the prevailing political scenario in Kerala, the Chief Minister said that Kerala would soon implement stringent laws that would discourage frequent strikes that disrupt the normal life and economy of the State. There is a need to revive the industrial climate of Kerala, which would be made possible through increased foreign investment and collaboration with the local people. The State needs more overseas investments to start joint ventures especially in areas like infrastructure development, setting up of technoparks, ports and tourism, the Chief Minister added.
Others who participated in the discussion on 'Kerala – Infinite Opportunities' include, the Malaysian Minister, Mr. Sami Velu, Chairman of ROOTS, Mr. M. M. Hassan, Chief Secretary, Kerala, Mr. Babu Jacob, Secretary for Non-resident Keralites' Affairs, Mr. Jiji Thomson, Managing Director of KSIDC, Mr. P. H. Kurian and KINFRA Chairman, Mr. G. C. Gopala Pillai.
PM assures dual citizenship to NRIs Saturday, January 22, 2005 | Editor
The third Pravasi Bharatiya Divas had a spirited opening, when the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Manmohan Singh assured non-residents Indians with the offer of dual citizenship by the Government of India in his inaugural address. The offer would be applicable to all Indians who have migrated to foreign countries after January 26, 1950. Permission of the foreign governments, where the NRIs currently reside will also be considered while sanctioning the dual citizenship.
Acknowledging the yeoman services of Indian diaspora in his speech, Mr. Manmohan Singh said, "the sun cannot set on the empire of Indian minds who live all across the globe." The prime minister took the opportunity to emphasize the continuation of economic reforms in the country and also gave assurance that the Union Government would not hesitate to step in and to take necessary steps for finding solutions to job-related issues of NRIs. The Prime Minister made a special appeal to the NRI community to become part of the relief and reconstruction work being undertaken by the Union Government to bring back the victims of Tsunami disaster back to normal life.
The Surinam Vice-President, Mr. Jules Rattankoemar Ajodhia was the Chief Guest during the inaugural ceremony of the third Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
The Minister for Non-resident Indian Affairs, Mr. Jagdish Tytler welcomed the gathering. Mr. Tytler while addressing the plenary session on the subject "Initiatives for the Diaspora" said that the investments and properties of NRIs in the country of their birth would be safeguarded.
Following the inauguration, several discussions were held, which were attended by the Vice-President of Mauritius, Mr. Bundhun, Union Minister for Finance, Mr. P. Chidambaram, Education Minister of Singapore, Mr. T. Shanmugharatnam, Principal Secretary of Prime Minister, Mr. T. K .A. Nair, UN Under Secretary General, Mr. Shashi Taroor, noted industrialists, Mr. Ratan Tata and Mr. Rahul Bajaj, Chairman of State Bank of India, Mr. A. K. Puravar, Mr. Sam Pitroda, Mr. Vjay Amritraj and a host of other eminent personalities.
The Kerala contingent that attended the third Pravasi Bharatiya Divas include the Chairman of ROOTS-NRK Development Initiative, Mr. M. M. Hassan, Chief Secretary, Mr. Babu Jacob, Secretary for Non-resident Keralites' Affairs, Mr. Jiji Thomson, and Principal Secretary for Tourism, Mr. E. K. Bharat Bhushan.
Around 2000 non-resident Indians from 70 odd countries participated in the 3-days meet held in Mumbai.
35 exonerated in Kerala sexual exploitation case Friday, January 21, 2005 | Editor
35 exonerated in Kerala sexual exploitation case Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 20, 2005
A division bench of the Kerala High Court Thursday exonerated all but one of the 36 accused in an eight-year old case of sexual exploitation of a young girl in the state.
A two-member division bench consisting of Justice K.A. Abdul Gafoor and Justice R. Basanth pronounced the verdict in the infamous Suryanelli sex case in which a 16-year-old girl of Idukki district was sexually exploited by several people in 1996.
The bench said the prosecution had failed miserably to prove the conspiracy of the accused.
Regarding the allegation of rape, the court ruled that it could not be said that there was no consent on the girl's part.
The first accused S.S. Dharmarajan was sentenced to five years imprisonment and a fine of Rs.25,000 imposed by the court. Dharmarajan was sentenced under Section 366A and 372 of the Indian Penal Code on charges of procuring a minor girl and selling a minor for prostitution.
Reacting to the verdict, women activist K. Ajitha said that the verdict was a shocking one and this could have far-reaching social implications.
" The verdict is going to become a tool for all those who are involved in the sex mafia. It is really shocking", said Ajitha.
The court ordered that the fine would be handed over to the victim and, if not paid, he would have to undergo an extra year of imprisonment.
In 1999, three years after the incident took place, the then chief minister E.K. Nayanar had set up the state's first-ever special court to deal with the case.
The inquiry had found out that 36 people were involved and brought the culprits to book.
On Sep 6, 2000, the special court sentenced the 36 people to rigorous imprisonment for varying terms.
Soon after the sentence, the accused were let off on bail by the high court.
The accused then filed separate appeals against the special court verdict on which the division bench gave the verdict Thursday, letting all but one go.
The victim was given a government job by the Nayanar government.
'Stabbed' in eye by teacher's flying pen, boy recovers Friday, January 21, 2005 | Editor
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 20, 2005
An eight-year-old Kerala boy, who was injured in the eye after his teacher threw a pen at him, is convalescing after an emergency surgery, doctors here said.
Al Amin was seriously injured Tuesday when Sheriefa, his Arabic teacher at the Kandala Government School just outside this state capital, threw an "open pen" at him, police said.
Dr. Thomas George at the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology said there was fortunately no infection in the eye.
"It was a major injury because the cornea was torn and the cataract lens was also damaged. A second surgery would be performed after two weeks if there is an emergency," George told IANS.
He said the hospital received several similar cases when the "Ramayana" serial was screened on television some years ago.
As for the teacher, a case has been registered against her after Al Amin's father complained to the police.
"We have charged the teacher with causing a body injury to the boy and she is to be arrested any time now. She can get bail if she wants. The exact time of arrest would depend on getting a report from the hospital," said a police official.
Sheriefa has been suspended after the incident.
[IANS]
Tourists avoiding tsunami-hit shores flock to Kerala Friday, January 21, 2005 | Editor
Kozhikode, Jan 20, 2005
Tourism industry in Kerala has been the gainer with many foreign tourists deciding to skip tsunami-battered Indian ocean coastlines.
Over 90 visitors, many of them from Britain, reached the Beypore port here in a cruise ship ''MS Island Sky'', which canclled its trip to Sri Lanka where thousands of people died in the December 26 tragedy.
They were received by Kozhikode Collector Rachana Shah and other officials.
After visiting various tourist destinations in the state, and Mysore city in neighbouring Karnataka, they will return to Beypore tomorrow for their onward voyage to Chennai.
The entourage reached the shore in small tugs named 'Zodiacs', after anchoring their ship in the deep sea.
Beypore witnessed landing of such a travel ship after more than a decade.
[Agency]
Centre in favour of maintaining existing emigration rules: Ahamed Friday, January 21, 2005 | Editor
The Centre does not propose to make any amendments to the existing Indian Emigration Rules, especially with regard to sponsorship of job seekers, Union Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed said today.
Talking to mediapersons at the airport here, he said his Ministry had, however, sought opinions in this regard from State Chief Ministers.
Ahamed, who was on his way to Dubai, was reacting to demands made by travel agents and recruitment agencies for amendments to the existing emigration rules in the wake of penal actions against those involved in illegal recruitments for overseas employments, especially in cases where the hapless aspirants had to face incarcerations in foreign lands in the absence of proper sponsorship certificates.
Job seekers from Kerala, who had a large presence in the Gulf countries, had often been at the receiving end of the stringent emigration rules in the migrating countries.
[Agency]
Govt to drop charges in Palmolein case Friday, January 21, 2005 | Editor
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said , the government would drop all the prosecution charges in the palm oil case in which former chief minister K Karunakaran is one of the prime accused.This was announced by Chief Minister while briefing the media persons after the weekly cabinet meeting.
A Food Research Institute will be set by the Government at Konni in Pathanamthitta district. A Council for Food Research has been set up under the Presidentship of the Chief Minister for the purpose.
The ministers of food, finance, agriculture and industries would be the vice-presidents of the council, said Chandy.
The Chief Minister was vague about the details about the FRI project."Hundred acres of land will be provided by the state government for the FRI.
The FRI is meant to explore the possibilities and potential in the food sector. We are waiting for the clearance of the union government," said Chandy.
Government also declared cash award for the sports stars those who participated in the National Games.
The contruction of houses at Idavanakad will start tomorrow and therehabilitation of tsunami victims will be completed within three months,Chief Minister said .
[Agency]
Kochi to host Indo-Pak one-day international Friday, January 21, 2005 | Editor
BCCI's Programmes and Fixtures Committee, chaired by BCCI Vice President Kamal Morarka, selected Kochi, Vishakhapatnam, Kanpur, Jamshedpur and Delhi as the venues for the five one-day internationals to be played after the Test series.
Mohali, Ahmedabad and Bangalore would host India's three Test matches against Pakistan next month, the Cricket Board announced today.
"The venues will now have to be cleared by the Indian Government and the dates would be finalised soon," BCCI Secretary S K Nair told reporters here today.
The venues and dates of the warm-up matches would be finalised later, Nair said.
[IANS]
Kerala General Budget for 2005-06 to be presented on Feb. 4 Friday, January 21, 2005 | Editor
Kerala General Budget for 2005-06 to be presented on Feb. 4 Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 21, 2005
The Kerala State budget proposals for 2005-06 will be presented in the State Assembly on February four during the Budget Session, beginning on January 27.
As per the 'calendar of sittings' announced by the Legislature Secretariat here this evening, the Appropriation Bill in respect of the Budget proposals will be taken up on March 30.
The budget session, convened early to make up for the single-day winter session, will be opened with the address by Governor R.L. Bhatia on January 27.
The discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor's address would be held on February one and two. The budget proposals for 2005-06, the Final Supplementary Financial Statement for 2004-05 and Statements for Excess Grants for some earlier years would be tabled in the House on February four. The general discussion on the proposals will begin on February seven.
The House will be adjourned for a break from February ten to 28 and resume the budget session from March one to April six. The winter session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly was adjourned sine die on the opening day last month following vociferous opposition demands for the resignation of Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty, who has since stepped down.
[Agency]
Shakeela: Stripped of oomph! Friday, January 21, 2005 | Editor
What is sauce for the goose is not sauce for the gander. No wonder, countless fans of oomph girl Shakeela are shocked at her decision.
Well, the news is that Shakeela, who triggered a tsunami of softporn in Malayalam films, is going in for an image recast. There was a time when films used to run to packed houses merely on the strength of Shakeela's sizzling item numbers. Such was her popularity at one stage that even films of superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal were put to shade.
Then, Shakeela got tired of it all, and vowed never to return to Malayalam movies! The bosomy belle migrated to Telugu and Tamil screens to do character and comic roles.
Now, she is back in Kollywood. But this time around, it is in a new avatar. No more skin shows, no more titillating tales.
Finding it difficult to digest? It is true nevertheless. Shakeela is actually playing a nun in the film Abhaya Theeram being directed by newcomer Alex Thangachen. The movie revolves around an orphanage of AIDS-affected children. And Shakeela is its in-charge.
The million dollar question is: will Shakeela's fans, fed on a staple of sizzlers, accept the vamp's attempt at turning a new leaf in her reel life? Time alone can tell.
Rambha returns to the roots Friday, January 21, 2005 | Editor
By P. Sreekumaran
In one of those delicious ironies, ravishing Rambha has returned to her roots: Malayalam films.
It was way back in 1992 that Amritha, (that was Rambha's original name) the belle from Andhra, began her career. Her first film: ‘Sargam’ in Malayalam.
Luckily for her, it was a smashing hit. However, expectations that roles would automatically come to her were belied.
The downswing in her fortunes forced Rambha to migrate to Telugu and Tamil film worlds. And she was a big hit there.
But as it happens so often, luck deserted her again. A desperate Rambha had to do even item numbers for sheer survival.
Invasion of new and younger heroines was one reason that resulted in Rambha being eased out of meaty roles in Tollywood and Kollywood.
That's when she took the decision to be back in Mollywood. And lo and behold! Rambha, who in the meantime burned her fingers by producing a film "Three Roses", has landed a plum role almost immediately.
The glam girl, who in between acted with Govinda in two Hindi films, will play the heroine in Dilip's next film "Kochi Rajavu". She also figures in a Bengali film featuring Mithun Chakraborty .
Incidentally, the two Malayalam films she did in Mollywood in 2003 and 2004 were big hits. In 2003 she was superstar Mammootty 's love angle in "Chronic Bachelor". It clicked at the box office.
Then, in 2004, she co-starred with Jayaram in "Mayilattam", again a huge success.
So, this is the third time that Rambha has returned to where it all began. And she seems set to enjoy success again, this time in the company of Dileep, who also needs a hit after a lacklustre 2004.
It is not all that black as the name denotes. Yes, ‘Black’ is certainly a film with a difference. And director Renjith deserves credit for creating a visually vibrant underworld of Kochi.
The pivot of the storyline is Karikkamuri Shanmugham (Mammootty), a contract killer who goes about his job with ruthless efficiency. David Carlos Padaveedan (Lal), a lawyer who masterminds the operations of the underworld, is his friend, philosopher and guide. Into this murky world enters police inspector Ashok (Rahman) whose mission is to track down the desperadoes bedeviling the city and City Police Commissioner (Babu Antony).
Shanmugham is picked up by the Marxist Party secretary (Janardhanan) and put in an orphanage. Shanmugham grows into a toughie, steeled by the rigors of a life in the slums.
Life takes an unexpected turn for Shanmugham who is entrusted with the care of a girl by the party secretary. To his surprise, Shanmugham learns that the girl is none other than his own daughter. The family picture is complete when a woman, Anandam (Sona Nair) whose husband dies in police custody, enters Shanmugham’s life.
Then begins the transformation of the killer. The hitman now wants to bid good-bye to his dubious past and turn a new life. Needless to say, this is not to the liking of Padaveedan, who lets loose his boys to bump off Shanmugham. Interestingly, Shanmugham is a cop-turned-killer, who develops a soft corner for Ashok hunting for the hitmen of Kochi.
The rest of the story deals with how Shanmugham sheds his violent past, and leads a peaceful life.
Renjith has succeeded in creating the grim ambience of the underworld. Though the film cannot boast of thematic novelty, the director manages to hold the attention of the audience to the unfolding of a macabre drama punctuated with scenes of street fights, killings and violence.
The film certainly is not for the softhearted. No wonder, it has put off women. But the youngsters are flocking to the theatre in large numbers.
Mammootty essays the lead role with effortless ease. The ruthlessness of the gangster and the subsequent yearning for a normal life have all been portrayed with the master’s touch expected of an artiste of Mammootty’s caliber. It is Mammootty at his restrained best. Janardhanan excels as the party secretary. Sona Nair makes her presence felt as Anandam.
Special mention must be made of Rahman who plays the police inspector. It is a comeback film for Rahman, who looks convincing. Shreya Reddy does not have much to do in a deglamourised role.
Interestingly, the film has only one song: “Ambalakara Thechikavil Pooram”, rendered well by M.G.Sreekumar. The picturisation of the song, choreographed by Brinda, on Rahman and Meenakshi is good. The music by Alex Paul, particularly the background score is effective and meshes well with the mood of the movie.
If you have a stomach for violence, Black won’t disappoint you. It does have shades of Ramgopal Varma’s “Company”. The pace could have been faster. The climax too looked a bit contrived. Still, eminently watchable.
No matter how good you are, you cannot carry a film on the strength of comedy alone. And young actor Dileep, who is very good at essaying comedy, learns this lesson at a heavy cost in his latest film. Rasikan: the entertainer is anything but entertaining.
Director Lal Jose must also share part of the blame for the flop of Rasikan. Jose seems to have lost the surety of touch he displayed in his earlier hit Meesa Madhavan featuring Dileep. As if all this was not enough, Murali Krishnan's story is weak, the script even more so.
Even Vidyasagar's music is a letdown. All that the immensely popular music director has been able to do is rehash his old hits and present them as fresh tunes! No wonder, the songs leave the audience cold. That was another reason why Rasikan failed to enthuse the Dileep fans.
The story is nothing much to write home about. Sivankutty (Dileep) is a big fan of Mega star Mohanlal. A part-time mechanic, Sivankutty ekes out a living selling tickets of Mohanlal films in the black. It is a happy-go-lucky life, which he shares with a retinue of friends.
It is at this stage that comely Karishma (Haripriya) walks into his life. Karishma is an engineering student who happens to be staying in a hostel near Sivankutty's house. In no time, Sivankutty is bowled over by Karishma's curls and charms. Love blossoms.
But there is a third angle to the romantic saga. Sivankutty's cousin Thanki (Samvrutha) is in silent love with him too. Of course, Sivankutty is blissfully unaware of Thanki's feelings for him.
Then comes the turning point in Sivankutty's life. A local dada, Bhaskaran (Murali Krishnan) kills a policeman and ends up in jail. Beside herself with grief, the policeman's mother goes mad.
Since Bhaskaran was a terror in the village, no one is ready to testify against him. But the pitiable plight of the old woman moves Sivankutty, who musters courage to give evidence against the toughie. A pep talk by the local inspector Kapil Dev (Biju menon) also gives Sivankutty the courage to take on the dada. Needless to say, the daring deed makes him a hero in the village.
The euphoria wears off quickly. Soon Sivankutty learns to his horror that Bhaskaran is out on parole. The 'hero' develops cold feet! What follows is the climax featuring a burly Bhaskaran and scared-out-of-his-wits Sivankutty.
As usual Dileep, a natural comedian, does full justice to his role. His sense of timing is, as always, immaculate. But even Dileep at his comical best fails to save the film mainly because of the weak story. To boot, he gets no support from his co-stars: Haripriya, who fails to impress, and an expressionless Samvrutha.
The failure of the film cannot but cause deep concern for Dileep. The year 2004 was bad for the talented star, who had a fabulous run in 2003. With the solitary exception of ‘Runway’, all his other films flopped in 2004, among them Kathavasheshan directed by TV Chandran. The chubby-faced actor is desperately looking for a hit. Hopefully, things will be better for debonair Dileep in 2005.
Verdict: Avoidable.
Deyvanamathil Thursday, January 20, 2005 | Editor
Ameer a naxalite believed that a better world could be had only after a bloody revolution. He was hated by society and seen only as a cruel man. It was only Sameera who understood him and knew that under his rough exterior lay a heart that was tender. Sameera weaned him away from the world of violence. He regretted his early ways but then life had something else in store. Prithiviraj plays Ameer and Bhavana is Sameera. Cinematography is by national award winner Sunny Joseph who teams up for the first time with director Jayaraj. Producer Aryadan Shaukath who produced Padam Onnu Oru Vilapam which got Meera Jasmine the national award, has written the story, screenplay and dialogues. The shooting took place in late music director A T Ummer's house in Thalasseri. For the first time Bhavana plays a Muslim girl. Music is by Kaithpraman Vishwanathan and editing is by national award winner Beena Paul. The film will be released in March.
Kavya with Mohanlal! Thursday, January 20, 2005 | Editor
Kavya Madhavan has finally agreed to play a role in a Mohanlal film not as heroine, but as his younger sister in Vadakkumnathan directed by Shajun Karial. Kavya who is just 22 is much younger than the superstar and was refusing offers to act opposite him. Now in Vadakkumnathan she has a very important role and after doing family entertainers and larger-than-life roles, Mohanlal is doing this full length musical, which has music by Raveendran.
Vadakkumnathan has Padmapriya as Mohanlal’s heroine.
Malayalam cinema tried to break out of its mould last year Thursday, January 20, 2005 | Editor
Malayalam cinema tried to break out of its mould last year
Last year was one of the better years for Malayalam cinema. It was an year in which Malayalam cinema tried to explore new areas, methods and talents. Look at some of the significant films made last year and it will be evident: Kazhcha, Kathavaseshan, Sancharam, Akale, and Perumazhakkalam.
‘Kazhcha’ was the most popular film among the lot. It tells the story of an orphan who strays into Kerala by chance, and his relationship with a film projectionist. The film proved that economy, focus and difference matters, for it was received both as a ‘good’ and popular film — a rare distinction in Malayalam where films often get closeted. It also showed the way with regard to production discipline, which is something the industry has been talking about for long. With only Mammootty at the centre, all other characters were lesser known figures drawn from theatre and tele-serials.
‘Kathavaseshan’ and ‘Perumazhakalam’ deal with the theme of the effect of communalism and violence — one about the male side and other about women who are the ultimate targets of social violence. ‘Kathavaseshan’ was also an indicator of the maturing of a star like Dileep (who also produced the film).
Apparently, this film was Dileep’s attempt to create a niche of his own, before being relegated into stereotypical characters and roles. ‘Kathavaseshan’ was about the shame of being alive in times like these. With the communal violence of Gujarat in the background, it tells the story of a ‘respectable’ man from Kerala who realises the impossibility of remaining human in contemporary India. Both in terms of its narrative style, location and cast, it tried to stand apart, trying to break the ‘art film’ taboos on casting stars and use of songs.
‘Perumazhakalam’ focuses on two women - both wives of gulf employees, and victims of the happenings in the male world. It was an attempt to look at the other side of violence and revenge, where it’s always a question of survival, love, care, forbearance and forgiveness.
Shyamaprasad’s ‘Akale’ is an adaptation of Glass Menagerie with Prithviraj and Geethu Mohandas in lead roles. It was an attempt to make a ‘period film’ of sorts, with a writer looking back at his life and its twists and turns. Liji’s ‘Sancharam’ could be described as the first major attempt to tell a lesbian story in the Kerala milieu. The film didn’t get the attention it deserved. But it was a daring attempt by a debutant filmmaker, which will be discussed in the years to come.
A look at the films made last year would reveal that the ‘Shakeela wave’ has receded. Thematically, Malayalam cinema tried to explore new areas. Films like ‘Vismayathumbathu’, ‘Aparichithan,’ ‘Chathikkatha Chanthu’ and ‘Vellinakshatram’ were attempts to explore the para-normal and ghostly worlds, both as a genre and as a spoof. ‘4 the People’, ‘Black’ and ‘Quotation’ tried to revive the youth/underworld genre, while ‘Yanam’ and ‘Nerkunere’ were attempts to make ‘art’ films.
All this show that something is happening in Malayalam cinema after a long time. The year also witnessed the tragic departure of Soundarya, Jose Pellissery and Sivaji. Actor Prathapachandran and the veteran, Nagavally R.S. Kurup bid us farewell. They wove our dreams and were its very stuff. Adieu to all of them.
Bhavana Thursday, January 20, 2005 | Editor
Bhavana
Her debut film Nammal was such a phenomenal hit that it had the industry pundits nodding in appreciation. Bhavana had arrived! Her screen presence and realistic portrayal of the role made sure that all eyes were transfixed on this exceptionally talented newcomer. An electrifying assortment of hits followed, and she became the first choice on every producer's wish-list.
Q: Take us back to the sets of Nammal, in which you acted with a bunch of newcomers. Being a new entrant yourself, how was your experience with these artistes?
A: Nammal was a very brave venture on the part of Kamal, as it featured a cast with very little acting experience to fall back on. In fact, most of the artistes including, Siddarth and Jishnu, were performing for the very first time on a movie set. So, though I was a newcomer myself, I was at east right from the start. There were very few retakes, as all of us were very comfortable with each other's style of doing things. But off the sets, I did find myself being questioned by a lot of my friends and relatives, who claimed that entire cast of new actors would never be accepted, especially in Malayalam cinema, where viewers tend to be very selective about their preferences. This got me thinking but I decided to give it a go and concentrate on the job at hand. Looking back on those initial days of uncertainty, I can now safely say that I was able to get the better of the tricky situation.
Q: But you are widely reported to have been disappointed at being given the 'ugly back make-up look' for your character Parimalam, in the movie. You were even said to have been worried that people might think that you have an undesirable complexion in real life. Your comments?
A: Yes, it was so, and I was very, very disappointed at first. The director had told me that everything would be okay. But soon after the make-up test, I had a good look in the mirror, and to be honest, I was shocked ... shattered. I told my father that I could not go ahead with such a badly made-up character. But he would not listen. Finally, the director himself approached me and explained at length, that doing such 'different' roles was what acting was all about. I thought about it and reluctantly agreed. Even at the premiere and other screenings of the movie, people would go up to my co-actors and tell then that they had done an excellent job and wished them all the best for the future. But not me, In fact, even my close relatives kept making fun of me, saying that I would not get any more offers from producers, as nobody would recognize me for my efforts in my debut role. I knew that they were just teasing me, but I could not help but feel sorry for myself. But as time went by, I felt this strange attraction towards my character in the movie - not for her looks, but for here role and how I had managed to essay it so convincingly. Somewhere deep inside, I realized that my talent would click. My happiness at being honoured at the Kerala State Film Awards is simple indescribable. I was over the moon as I began to realize that my director was right. The character might have started out in a supporting role, but it emerged to be the centre of attraction of the movie. So, I never really had much problems adjusting to the 'brownish' make-up in my next film, Kisan.
Q: So, when did your true complexion come to light on screen?
A: To be frank, I wanted to be an actress for as long as I can remember. I still recall telling my mother of this ambition. But I was not really sure about pursuing it as a career. During my school days, however, I realized that I was more inclined towards spending my time in dance classes than studying, simple because I loved to dance. It is from here that my interest progressed towards acting. And the rest, as they say is history!
Q: What about education? How far have progressed your academics?
A: I was very much your average student all along, and never had any aspiration to become a doctor or anything of that sort. I felt that I could not get very far with my studies, as my interests lay elsewhere. So, I am going to go ahead and write my First and Second year. Once those results come out, I am planning to pursue my degree privately.
Q: Your father- Balachandran - a renowned cameraman, who is well known for his unique cinematography. Do you feel that you had an edge over other newcomers as your father was already in the industry?
A: My father had always encouraged me to pursue my interests, so he kept advising me to participate in dance competitions and so on, whenever a new opportunity came my way. He was always there to cheer me on. But I have to make it clear that I never got into this industry because of him, or through any of his contacts, as many would still like to believe.
Q: You have got a strong regional (Trichur) accent. Do you find it difficult to adjust to the requirements of your directors who might prefer a more 'normal' pronunciation?
A: There were no such problems at first. But when it came to the recent hit, Swpnakoodu, my director asked me to speak in a more general style, as this was what was required by the character. I realized that he was right, so I made a conscious effort to modify my delivery and make it sound as natural as I could. Luckily, I had very little trouble adjusting to the flow, and there were no retakes in this regard.
Q: So what do you do when you are not acting, signing autographs, attending premiers or giving interviews?
A: I never had a fixed hobby as such - stamp-collecting, chess or anything of that sort. I simply used to spend my free time watching television, listening to some relaxing music and chatting for hours and hours with my friends over the phone. That was before I started out as an actress. Now, I mainly spend the little leisure time that I get wasting movies ... old movies in particular.
Q: That much be rally boring...
A: No, no ... I am not the dull or anything. Its just that by watching these movies, I get to learn a lot about the different aspects of my profession - how those actors played their roles, how they managed to keep up their image, their sudden change of expressions with regards to the situation ... those little details that might miss the average viewer's eye. To me, it is all about refining my skills and waking up every morning knowing that I have learnt something new.
Q: What was the reaction of your friends and colleagues, now that you are a big star?
A: I visited the school where I completed my Class 120, right after the release of CID Moosa. All my teachers and junior school mates were very happy to see me and kept teasing me, saying that I was one among them just a few years back, and now I was acting alongside all the handsome actors in the industry. They seemed proud of my accomplishments and very supportive of my future prospects. My friends still call me and tell me what they think about a particular character and point out to something they think I should improve upon. I am very open to such criticism. It means a lot to me.
Q: So, what does the future hold?
A: Well, its not in my hands or anyone else's. I feel that life itself is one big movie that is played out over an individual's life-span. There are heights: there are lows .... ups and downs, and thankfully, loads of pleasant surprises on the way. So my philosophy is to just wait and see what happens.
Mammootty films saved Kerala box office Thursday, January 20, 2005 | Editor
Mammootty films saved Kerala box office
It is superstars like Mammootty and Mohanlal who played knights in shining armour to Kerala's film industry in distress.
Of the few films that had a successful run here last year, most were Mammootty starrers.
The six big hits of 2004 included three of Mammootty films and two Mohanlal starrers. The biggest hit "4 The People", however, starred newcomers.
Mammootty, who has been in the industry for the past 25 years, drew the crowds in the most talked-about film of 2004 "Kaazhcha". After a long time, one saw Mammootty the actor and not Mammootty the superstar.
"Sethurama Iyer CBI", where Mammootty played sleuth, and action flick "Black" were his other hits.
Mohanlal had two hits in "Naatturajavu" and "Mambazhakalam". However, he also had flops like "Vamanapuram Bus Route" and "Vismayathumbathu".
Dileep's sole box-office hit, "Runway", failed to salvage the year for him. Even Priyadarshan could not garner him a hit in "Vettam". His own home production "Kathavaseshan", directed by T.V. Chandran, bombed at the box office though critics loved its offbeat theme.
Dileep's other critically acclaimed film, Kamal's "Perumazhakalam", was also panned by the masses.
Jayasurya's "Chathikatha Chandu" scored a hit where all other young actors failed miserably.
Bharath became a rage in Kerala with the biggest hit of 2004, "4 The People". His magical dance to the tune of "Lajjavathiye" song had all youngsters tapping their feet.
Sibi Malayil loses his magic touch! Thursday, January 20, 2005 | Editor
What happens when two films with the same storyline hits the screens on the same day? One with the bigger star will scrape through while the other will sink without a trace- and that’s what happened to Mammootty’s Vesham and Jayaram’s Amritham. Both the films released for Christmas and Jayaram’s Amritham has taken a beating at the Kerala box-office. This Sibi Malayil directed family entertainer had Padmapriya, Arun and Bhavana in supporting roles and the story was about a sacrificing elder brother who dotes on his family especially his younger brother.
Amritham failed to take an opening and in smaller stations like Chalakudy, the film was holdover on the first day itself! Now theatres in Kerala are trying to drag it so that it can complete two weeks! It looks like Sibi Malayil, one time hit director has run out of stock. His formula of family stories with emotional twists are not working with today’s audience and his earlier release Jalolsavam was also a washout.
Amtritham is working like slow poison for Jayaram and is a major setback to his career.
India Today Thursday, January 20, 2005 | Editor
Dileep is going to star in a new film named 'India Today'. Rajbabu is going to direct the film for Superstar Films. Four heroines are presently being considered for the role.
Well-known fashion designer Joseph Mahi is making his debut as the film's producer. He also had designed costumes for Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu films. Dileep plays the role of a Palghat Brahman in the film. Four actresses considered for the heroines role are - Kavya Madhavan, Sonia Agarwal, Sada and Richa Palod. The heroine will be finalized on the basis of date-availability. Producer Mahi says, "The screenplay is ready, we have decided the locations too. When Dileep's dates become available, we will start shooting the film."
The film also has Gopika in an important role. Others include Jagadi Shreekumar, Indrajit, Rajan P Dev and more.
Which is tastier? Chick or chicken Wednesday, January 12, 2005 | Editor
KOCHI: Kicking off a `small-is-palatable' campaign, the Poultry Development and Promotion Council (PDPC) has splashed nationwide a new theory of relativity: The weight of the chicken is inversely proportional to the taste of the dish.
This is not for fishing in `tsunamied' waters, they say. ``But just to create awareness that only small chicken makes a big tasty dish.''
But even when the council justifies this as just an information drive to ensure the best product for the chicken-consuming population, poultry farmers in Kerala have put their feet down on this and have even raised suspicions about the move.
The campaign says that the small chicken is easy to cook as the bird is young, tender and has less fibre.
Bromark, a cooperative movement of broiler farmers, has launched this campaign for the council. The consumers are asked to go for chicken weighing not more than 1.8 kg, to ensure that the dressed chicken weighs between 900 gm and 1100 gm, and also to go for the whole chicken (not the one that has been cut into pieces).
The council is reported to have launched this in 1994. But why this mega campaign after 10 years? ``This is because we've been receiving complaints from consumers regarding the sale of big chicken, which do not end up as tasty dish,'' said Manjesh Kumar Jadav, deputy general manager, PDPC. He added that the big-chicken concept is more in South India, especially Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
But the poultry farmers in the State are not at all pleased with the same and suggest that some lobbying is definitely part of it. ``This is not a welcome move, irrespective of the agency behind the campaign, especially in Kerala where the consumers go for dressed chicken weighing not less than 1.5 kg. Even the catering services ensure that the meat weighs that much,'' said Sebastian, a poultry farmer from Udayamperoor.
Some of them suggest that this could be a marketing strategy adopted by big players in the field, some of which have a market share of 80 percent, to do away with excess production.
The farmers stress that this is not going to work in Kerala, for, in parts of South Kerala, like Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Thiruvalla and Changanassery, the consumers ensure that the meat weighs at least 2 kg, while those in the northern parts of the State go for at least 1.5 kg.
``We feel that this campaign speaks for the competition involved in the field. There is no control over the production of chicks and the campaign could be just a means to sell off the excess produce,'' commented the owner of a poultry farm in Chalakkudy.
Meanwhile, experts have pointed out that the PDPC claim that big chick would taste inferior on account of having more fibre content cannot be justified. ``There is not much difference in the fibre content in the 2 kg-chicken, which are bred in around seven weeks' time and sold here, and in the 1.8-kg variety prescribed by the PDPC,'' said Dr A.Jalaludeen, director, Centre for Advanced Studies in Poultry Science, Mannuthy.
KANNUR: It was a verdict which the CPM might never have expected from the apex court. The annulment of the election of its candidate from the party citadel, Koothuparamba, has turned out to be the biggest setback to the CPM in recent political history.
The CPM has already launched a damage-control exercise on the basis of the legal niceties involved in the case. A public campaign to explain the facts of the case to party workers and the people is also in the offing, according to party sources here.
It was following a police firing on the AKG Centre in Thiruvananthapuram on December 8, 1991, that the CPM organised widespread demonstrations and a bandh in the State. P Jayarajan, who was a district secretariat member of the CPM then, and 16 other party workers were accused of attacking the post office and telephone exchange at Koothuparamba. The Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Koothuparamba sentenced only Jayarajan, the first accused in the case, to imprisonment for a total period of 29 months under various Sections of IPC, in April 1997.
He was sentenced to imprisonment for one month under Section 143 of IPC, six months under 148, 6 months under 353, one month under 447 and three months under 427 and 12 months for destruction of public property. The court had clearly stated that he should undergo imprisonment for a total period of 29 months.
The District Court at Thalassery reduced the sentence to imprisonment for one year only on July 25, 2001. An appeal over this verdict is now under the consideration of the High Court.
At the time of filing nomination papers for the Assembly constituency in May 2001, Congress candidate K Prabhakaran came up with objections to the candidature of P. Jayarajan on the basis of the Koothuparamba court judgement sentencing him to 29 months imprisonment. The returning officer accepted the argument of Jayarajan that he was sentenced to imprisonment under various sections and the maximum imprisonment given to him was only 12 months.
After the polls, Prabhakaran filed an election petition in the High Court raising the same objection. The High court upheld the decision of the returning officer. It is this decision of the HC that the SC has now rejected.
Four dies in road accident in Kozhikode Wednesday, January 12, 2005 | Editor
Four persons were killed many injured, many of them women and children, in two separate road accidents in Kozhikode district.
Three people were killed and 45 injured, when an overloaded bus overturned after hitting a tree at Poonur near Balussery. The bus was proceeding to Thamarasserry from Perambra, police said. The injured have been admitted to various hospitals.
In the other accident, one person was killed and 16 injured when a tourist bus collided with a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation Bus at Eranhippalam.
Police identified the dead as Saidali, Sebastian, both natives of the district and Lingadwarai from Kanyakumari and Ramesh, the cleaner of the tourist bus.
The Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) today decided to go on an agitation along with other like-minded organisations in the country, demanding immediate constitution of a wage board for journalists and non-journalists.
A decision to this effect was taken at a working committee meeting of the Union held here, a release said.
Accusing Union Labour Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao of adopting dual stand, the meeting said the Minister, who had promised to constitute a wage board soon, made a 'U-turn' by opposing it in the Rajya Sabha.
The Union said it would formulate action plans along with other organisations to force the government to constitute the wage board, which was long overdue.
On the attack on newspersons in the state recently, the KUWJ said it would only cooperate with the judicial probe into the case if the government initiated action against the Muslim League activists allegedly involved in the assault and the ''false'' case registered against scribes was withdrawn, the release added.
Kerala planning airline to Middle East Wednesday, January 12, 2005 | Editor
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy is looking into demands that Kerala operate an airline to the Middle East with the support of non-resident Keralites (NRKs).
"When I was in Mumbai last week attending the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas function, a large number of NRKs asked me to look into the possibility of the Kerala government starting an airline to the Middle East with the support of NRKs," Chandy told IANS.
"I have asked the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) managing director, V.J. Kurian, to prepare a feasibility report.
"What we intend to do is to first prepare a report on whether it is going to be feasible and, if so, then we would form a company like CIAL with private participation," said Chandy.
Chandy also added that he has been told that the probable cost would be around Rs.5 billion, which includes the cost of a minimum of four aircraft.
"To start with, four aircraft could be leased, thereby reducing the initial investment," said Chandy.
He is hopeful that things will work out because of the presence of 1.5 million Keralites in the Middle East who would only be too glad to help set up an airline catering to them.
Nayanar was lucky, I was not: Former Kerala CM Antony Wednesday, January 12, 2005 | Editor
[Kerala, India]: Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 11 : Former Kerala chief minister A.K. Antony Tuesday said he has not been as lucky as Marxist leader and former chief minister E.K. Nayanar as far as public criticism goes.
"Nayanar used to make statements attacking media, party members, officials and people (but he got away)," Antony said in a lighter vein after releasing a book on Nayanar here. "However, I was not spared for just one remark."
Nayanar, a leader of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), was known for his curt remarks and was particularly contemptuous of journalists.
Once when Nayanar was asked about increasing rapes in Kerala, he shot back: "In the West, rape is like drinking tea. It happens every day."
On another occasion, when he was questioned about securing temples in the wake of idol thefts, Nayanar quipped, "Why should God require security?"
Antony told the meeting: "What all Nayanar said! But I was not as fortunate as he was."
Antony was recalling the outburst in Kerala following his comment in 2003 that the state's minorities were always raising demands.
Both the Christian and Muslim communities were up in arms after this comment.
"Don't you all recall how many times I was burnt in effigy all across the state after I made that remark?" Antony asked, sending the audience into titters.
Indo-Asian News Service
Pak releases six Kerala fishermen Wednesday, January 12, 2005 | Editor
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 11: Six fishermen from Kerala, detained in a prison in Pakistan for about an year, have been released and are on their way home, according to the World Forum of Fisher People (WFFP).
The fishermen were freed due to the intervention of the Central and state governments and also because of lobbying by human rights groups in India and Pakistan, Thomas Kocherry of WFFP said here today.
The Pakistan Coast Guard caught the fishermen in May last after the boat on which they set off from Muscat strayed into Pakistan's territorial waters.
The Kerala government had repeatedly brought the matter to the Centre's notice and the family members of the detained fishermen had observed a fast here a few months back.
Those released from the jail were Joboy Pascas, Jesudasan Raju, Joseph Vincent (all from Anjuthengu), Stanly Aloysius, Vincent Joseph and Jose Verghese (from Kummbalam).
Those who took up the fishermen's cause in Pakistan included B N Kutty, a Keralite settled down in that country, and Fr Gulfam. The Pakistan Fisherfolk Federation had also supported the efforts, Kocherry said. (Agencies)
Call for multi-speciality hospital in West Kochi Tuesday, January 11, 2005 | Editor
THOPPUMPADY: Bishop Joseph Kureethara Foundation president Austin Paul on Monday asked the GCDA to set up a multi-speciality hospital in West Kochi.
‘‘In spite of being a thickly-populated area, West Kochi doesn’t have a major hospital and the people here have to go to Ernakulam for proper treatment,’’ Austin Paul said.
He was speaking at the Bishop Joseph Kureethara remembrance meet held here under the aegis of the Foundation.
Austin Paul also noted that setting up of a multi-specialty hospital in West Kochi had been the unfulfilled dream of the late Bishop. Earlier, GCDA chairman Antony Isaac inaugurated the meet.
KLCA president Felix J.Pulloodan, former Deputy Mayor P.C.Vensuslavos, K.G.Joseph, K.J.Xavier, E.P.Antony, Joseph Madamakkal, Tomy Maliakkal, Mathew Valiaparambil and Antony Kurisingal spoke on the occasion.
Karunakaran lashes out at Hindu unity call Tuesday, January 11, 2005 | Editor
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress leader K Karunakaran on Monday hit out at the call for larger Hindu unity by the NSS and the SNDP Yogam.
Karunakaran told a news conference here that the growing tendency to communalise the political fabric of the State by community-based organisations was ‘‘alarming’’. ‘‘Such an open discussion of a communal agenda was never witnessed by the State before,’’ he said.
Terming the move as ‘‘undesirable’’, Karunakaran said that the State, on the contrary, had a tradition of fighting such tendencies.
The Chandy Government too was not spared by the Congress leader. Karunakaran said the Government had not been able to coordinate the rehabilitation work in tsunami-hit areas and utilise the assistance offered by institutions like the Mata Amritanandamayi Mutt.
Expressing doubts whether the funds collected by various agencies reached the victims, he said that there was no monitoring on the part of the Government in this regard.
US parents outsource maths tuition to teachers in Kerala Tuesday, January 11, 2005 | Editor
KOCHI: Twice in a week, Ann Maria, a sixth grader at Silver Oak Elementary School, California logs on to the internet from home after school hours. Ann is not chatting up her friends.
She is connecting to her personal tutor, already online, armed with headset and a pen mouse sitting in a call centre like cubicle almost a timezone away in Panampillynagar, Kochi, Kerala.
Your neighbourhood tuition teacher, riding on the Information Technology Enabled Service (ITES) wave, has gone global and his monthly pay packet turned meatier __ the 17 teachers who work with the Growing Star Infotech (P) Ltd would testify. The firm a subsidiary of California-based Growing Stars Inc went online in January last year.
``We started with three teachers and around 10 students. There are 17 teachers now and around 160 students,'' says Bina George, Manager HR and Administration.
The service is for students from grade three to grade twelve and those who take the Scholastic Aptitude Test for college admission. The business, a brainchild of US-based NRKs Biju Mathew and Saji Philip, is rapidly expanding and is in a hiring mode.
Growing Stars currently has a 57-seater facility, but feels it may need more space as they expand. The shift starts at 4.30 in the morning and ends by 12.30 pm.
One reason for the high growth rate could be that personalised tuition in US is highly expensive. ``We started of with Indian students. But we have now around 60 American students and every one is happy because they are bettering the grades,'' says Bina. The only hitch is the accent of the tutors which is being taken care of with help from a language trainer.
The approach to the students and teaching is also different. ``We have asked them not to shout at or scold the students,'' says Lila Bai Nair, Academic Director.
here is a huge demand for Mathematics and recently for English. tuition in science subjects started recently.
The whiteboard software interface that is installed at the student and tutor ends help in easy exchange of voice and data. The pen mouse along with the writing tablet offers an interactive atmosphere where teachers can view and correct what a student writes.
