Criticism of the IFFI Wednesday, November 30, 2005 | AY
Only four days have passed since the commencement of International Film Festival of India and complains have already started coming in. Even before the festival began, many were surprised by the absence of Blessy’s ‘Kaazcha’ from all the important categories. Even after the festival began, many South-Indian directors are complaining of unfair treatment to their films. Director Jayaraj’s ‘Deivanaamathil’ is one of the few Malayalam films that were selected for the festival. He lamented the Bollywood domination at the festivals. Jayaraj further adds that the festival lacks the seriousness of a world-class event and even suggested that the organizers should shift the venue to New Delhi.
Aandavan Wednesday, November 30, 2005 | AY
Aandavan is the name of the new film starring Kalabhavan Mani in the lead role. The film’s shooting began recently in Ernakulam. In the film, he plays the role of Murugan, a gangster. Sindhu Menon is the heroine. She is playing the role of a Police Officer. Akbar Jose is directing the film. Story is by Rajesh Jayaram, screenplay and dialogues by Girish Kumar. The rest of the cast includes Anand, Jagadi, Salim Kumar and others.
Unique project by the govt Wednesday, November 30, 2005 | AY
State Education Minister E.T. Mohammed Basheer has informed that the Kerala government has introduced an E-library project in each educational institution to equip the students to explore the vast potential of the emerging e-learning system. Under the CD Library project, each school would be provided with a packet of 150 VCDs, each containing educational programmes for a duration of one hour. The CDs, each costing Rs 200, would be given to schools at a subsidised rate of Rs 40 each. Eighty per cent of the CDs were related to the SSLC curricula. He said an educational and career portal http://www.keralasiet.com would be launched by the SIET by January next year.
Lion Tuesday, November 29, 2005 | AY
'Lion' directed by Joshi has Dileep and Kavya Madhavan doin the lead role. The film has Shammi Thilakan, Jagathy, Suvarna and Bindu Panicker in the cast. The film has music by Deepak Dev, cinematography by P Sukumar. The story is of a Balagangadhara Menon, played by Kalasala Babu, who is the party chief and head of KDF party. His son KrishnaKumar is the youth leader of the party played by Dileep. Menon is the education minister. His two son-in-laws are an IPS officer and an IAS officer. Both the sons-in-law misuse the power of the father-in-law and this irks Krishnakumar who takes a stance against his father.
Launch of the cruise soon Tuesday, November 29, 2005 | AY
The cruise-cum-ferry proposed by Marco Shipping LLC between Dubai and Cochin in Kerala is likely to be launched by the end of next month, according to a Cochin Port Trust (CPT) statement. The release said that the port had decided to extend certain concessions in port charges to the Marco Shipping in order to make the service sustainable. The concession has been given, as the service is found be beneficial to large number of Non-Resident Keralties, especially those in the low-paid category. The Non-Resident Keralites Affairs department of Government of Kerala has also agreed to extend financial assistance to make available passenger amenities in the passenger terminal. The shipping company is particular about the quality of services since the earlier ferry service lacked even minimum facilities.
Character Digambaran is well appreciated Monday, November 28, 2005 | AY
Manoj K Jayan who is very well appreciated for his performance in ‘Ananthabhadram’ is very excited about the way the audience has responded to the film and his character in particular. His character as Digambaran has earned him accolades from all quarters. Meanwhile, he is currently doing a Tamil offbeat film titled ‘Sringaram’ with director Sarada Ramanathan. He also has another Malayalam film in the offing with Mohanlal titled ‘Mahasamudram’.
IBS has signed a deal with Shell International Monday, November 28, 2005 | AY
IBS Software Services (IBS,) based in Kerala's Technopark has inked a long-term deal with Shell International, to provide it with logistics and infrastructure support in its operating companies worldwide. Set up here at Technopark in 1997, IBS is a leading supplier of software products and services to the global travel transportation and logistics (TTL) industries. The logistics and infrastructure support provided by iLogistics span planning, preparation and delivery across the petroleum lifecycle and covers storage, inventory and materials management as well as the transportation of people, goods and waste by air, sea and land. Shell companies have operations in more than 145 countries with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production.
Chintamani Kola Case Sunday, November 27, 2005 | AY
Actress Khushboo, who has recently got herself in a mess by commenting on pre marital sex, has been signed up for a movie in Malayalam. Director Shaji Kailash is the director. Suresh Gopi is the hero. The movie has been titled 'Chintamani Kola Case'. Suresh Gopi is at present completing his movie with Shaji Kailash. The title of the movie is Tiger. Chintamani Kola Case will commence once Tiger is completed.
Kerala bags most prizes at athletics Sunday, November 27, 2005 | AY
Kerala athletes took the spotlight with a string of gold medals on a partially rain-affected day in the SRM-National junior athletics championship at the Nehru stadium on Saturday. Leading the way was the Kollam S.N. College girl P.K. Priya in the girls' under-18 long jump event. She may have failed to break the six metre barrier but there was none to best her 5.94m effort. Tamil Nadu's S. Radhika came closest with a 5.90. V.B. Bineesh came first for the under-20: 400m hudles. J Saranya for the under-16: Shotput. Geetha Roby for the Under-20: 400m hurdles.
New kerala MP takes oath to work for the people of Kerala Saturday, November 26, 2005 | AY
Newly elected MP from Kerala, Pannyan Ravindran, who was sworn-in Friday, found his first day in the chaos-hit Lok Sabha "very disappointing". Ravindran, 58, a Communist Party of India (CPI) member elected from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in the Nov 19 by-poll, said he had come to parliament with great expectations. The Lok Sabha was Friday adjourned just a few minutes after Ravindran took oath, with the ruling and opposition benches indulging in slogan shouting inside the house, leading to pandemonium. The uproar in the house left Ravindran, who does not have any previous parliament or legislative assembly experience, totally clueless.
Keralites feels govt didnt do its part to save Kutty Saturday, November 26, 2005 | AY
The body of Border Roads Organisation employee Maniappan Raman Kutty, who was killed by the Taliban militia in Afghanisatn, was flown to his native place in Kerala from here on an Indin Airlines flight this morning. Kutty's body was found by a roadside in Nimroz province of Delaram in Afghanistan two days ago. The body, flown in here from Kabul last evening, will be taken to Chingoli village in Allapuzha for cremation to take place later in the day. The state feels the Union government failed to respond adequately to the situation. Keralites feel it is ironic that despite being a Muslim League leader from the state, Ahmed had not responded well to the situation. Congressman and Rajya Sabha MP from Kerala, K Vayalar Ravi, admitted that the government had failed to communicate to people what it did to save Kutty.
Eight keralites honoured abroad Wednesday, November 23, 2005 | AY
Eight non resident keralites have been felicitated for their outstanding achievements in their field of specialisation and for their service to the community. They were honored at a gala banquet held at the Kerala Center at Elmont in Long Island, near New York city attended by about 300 members of the Indian-American community, mostly Keralites. Those who were honored at the November 12 event were, Dr Pulickel Ajayan, the Henry Burlage Professor of Engineering, Poet Jayan Kalappurakal Cherian from Queens, NY. Dr Lizzy Kappen from Boston received the award in the field of Health, Dr Shree K Nayar of New York City. Dr Thomas Kodenkandath of North Grafton, Mass., an outstanding Scientist and gifted cartoonist, was given a Special Recognition certificate. Prem Panicker was part of a five-member group along with Ajit Balakrishnan, founder Rediff.com. He is currently serving as the editor of India Abroad. Hari Sreenivasan and Anthony Thaliath from Atlanta was also recognised.
Mohanlal as carpenter Tuesday, November 22, 2005 | AY
Mohanlal is teaming up with director Sathyan Anthikad after a gap of ten years. This team had given some memorable family entertainers. Mohanlal recently shifted to action roles and now he is shifting back to family entertainers. The first attempt is Thanmatra directed by Blessy where he plays a middle class government employee; in Sathyan’s film he plays a carpenter. Sathyan is writing the screenplay himself and developing the subject. Work will start on January 1st and release is scheduled on March 23rd.
Kutty's body flown to Kerala Tuesday, November 22, 2005 | AY
The body of slain Border Roads Organisation driver Maniyappan Raman Kutty was flown to his native place. Kutty's body, which was flown here from Kabul, was airlifted to Thiruvananthapuram in an Indian Airlines flight IC-167. The mortal remains of the 36-year-old driver would be taken to Chingoli village in Alappuzha for cremation.
LDF leads over UDF Tuesday, November 22, 2005 | AY
The Left Democratic Front is all set to retain the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat as CPI's Pannyan Raveendran established a comfortable lead of over 16,000 votes over V S Sivakumar of Congress. The LDF nominee was leading all but seven assembly segments in the sprawling constituency covering the state capital and adjoining rural areas. The BJP, which put up an impressive performance in 2004 in the seat by garnering 2.28 lakh votes, is in for a pathetic drubbing as its nominee C K Padmanabhan is far behind the LDF and UDF. The by-poll was necessitated by the death of CPI stalwart and former Chief Minister P K Vasudevan Nair, who wrested the seat from the Congress in 2004. The fledgling Democratic Indira Congress,led by veteran K Karunakaran, has pledged its total support to LDF.
Sheelavathy Monday, November 21, 2005 | AY
It is very difficult to come across heroine-centric films these days, with heroes ruling the film industry. Actress Kavya Madhavan is lucky to get heroine oriented movies. She has got a good role in a film titled ‘Sheelavathy’. She plays the role of a girl who is born and brought up in Calcutta but lands up in a remote village of Kerala for job. Sunil is acting opposite Kavya in the film and Sarath directs it. The director said that the actress’ performance in the film is great. He added that she has proved her worth yet again with this film. Ramesh Narayanan is scoring the music and the shooting of the film was mostly done in Kuttanad and Palghat.
Underwater tourism soon to be a reality in Kerala Monday, November 21, 2005 | AY
The Government of Kerala is becoming more innovative, in the areas of Beach and Backwater tourism. The latest is first-ever submarine tourism; the project will soon become a reality in Kochi. With this the tourists visiting Kochi will be able to have a glimpse of the varied colourful underwater flora and fauna. It will take a nominal amount of rupees 2,000 (about 45 dollars) per person for a 45 minutes unforgettable experience under seawater. This project will be a joint effort by the Kerala State Inland Navigation Corporation and the Pioneer Underwater Tours. Experts from United Kingdom (UK) will be flown here to train Indians for this purpose. The tourist submarine is expected to be launched in December after getting clearance from the Director General of Shipping. Modern life-support systems, including oxygen facility and environmental control systems would also be available. There will be very high frequency radio communication system, through- water communications, underwater video and obstacle avoidance sonar systems too.
Kerala gangrape leader surrenders Monday, November 21, 2005 | AY
One of the seven students who allegedly gangraped a first-year nursing student of the School of Medical Education (SME) at Kottayam in Kerala has surrendered. Kottayam district’s superintendent of police S.Sreejith said that Ranjith, the third-year nursing student who surrendered on Saturday confessed to the crime during interrogation but gave no details. Earlier, two other students named by the victim as well as the school's principal who was accused of tampering with evidence were arrested. The 17-year-old girl has complained that on October 21, the senior students, led by Ranjith, accosted her while she was leaving the school’s office, took her to a lab, gave her some sweet-tasting sedatives and raped her in the name of ragging. The school did not report the case until November 9 though she was admitted for counselling on October 31.Adding drama to the case, some classmates of the accused told reporters in Kochi and refuted the victim's allegations.
Counting of votes on Tuesday Sunday, November 20, 2005 | AY
The counting of votes for the by-election in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency will be done on an Assembly constituency basis in seven centres from 8 a.m. on Tuesday. The postal votes will be counted at the Collectorate from 8 a.m. the same day. There will be six counting tables there. The application for passes for the counting agents in each centre should be submitted to the Assistant Returning Officers concerned three days prior to counting day. The application should be accompanied by two copies of the counting agents' photograph. The application for passes for the counting agents in the postal vote counting centre should be submitted to the District Collector.
IT expo in Kochi Sunday, November 20, 2005 | AY
A three-day All India Exhibition providing an opportunity to people to experience new trends in the field of Information and Technology, will be held here from November 24. Leading companies will exhibit their products and technological innovations. The society started functioning in 1990 with only 10 members, following a sustained growth pattern the society, now has a membership of over 300 computer training institutions spread all over Kerala and other parts of the country. There will be 120 stalls at the exhibition.
Swarajanmam award for Yesudas Sunday, November 20, 2005 | AY
Leading playback singer K J Yesudas has been chosen for the Swarajanmam award, instituted by the Aluva-based Sangeetha Sabha (TASS). TASS, celebrating its golden jubilee, has also decided to honour Mr K Muhammadali, MLA, Malayalam actor Dileep, former Kuwait ambassador B M C Nair, Kathakali artiste Kalamandalam Kesavan, pen books proprietor poly K Ayyambilly, leading ENT specialist Dr Tony Fernandez and Meenakshi Ramakrishanan in recognition of their contributions in the field of politics, social, art, literature and industry. The awards would be presented to them on November 21 at a function to launch its golden jubilee celebrations.
Naran experiences success Saturday, November 19, 2005 | AY
Mohanlal's fans were only too glad to celebrate the much-awaited success of his latest film 'Naran'. Celebrations began on the sets of his new film 'Thanmatra'. The film's unit joined him in the fanfare. Members of the Kozhikode chapter of his fan club were present. At Kasargode, his fans celebrated the 50th day of 'Naran' by feeding the inmates of an old-age home. Mohanlal's next release is going to be 'Vadakkomnathan'. The film had completed its Censor certifications and will soon hit the theaters.
Kannur airport project Saturday, November 19, 2005 | AY
Cochin is the state's second entry-port to foreign carriers and is poised to welcome the first A380 flight to India when the super jumbo is launched sometime next year. Calicut, in the state's northern region - Malabar - is the third international airport where a new terminal is nearing completion. And, spade work on Kerala's fourth international airport, at Kannur, is in hand after the in-principle go ahead from the centre. Kerala's Kannur airport project figured largely at the recently held Malabar Travel and Tourism Mart in Calicut not only in the business sessions but also during social functions. Kannur will not only supplement air travel facilities for Keralites working in the Gulf but will also go a long way in opening up Malabar to leisure seekers from the rest of the country, and particularly from neighbouring Karnataka's Coorg region. Kannur, he said, is a city of excellence for handlooms with huge exports. Cargo will be a special feature of the new airport. He estimated that air cargo that could be lifted from Kannur could be of the order of 40,000 tonnes annually, mainly with spices and textiles. The new airport may cost Rs 640 crore. For financing, the options would be the Cochin model of public-private sector partnership or BOT.
Diabetes increasing across the state Saturday, November 19, 2005 | AY
Kerala is facing a huge challenge these days in the form of growing incidence of diabetes. Kerala has now begun a unique campaign in the capital of Kerala, in the wake of acquiring the dubious status of being the epicentre of the country's diabetic population. Some estimates say close to Rs 5000 crore are spent each year to treat diabetes in the state, whose annual budget is just a little higher at Rs 5600 crore. The government is more concerned with preventing infectious diseases like Malaria and TB. But considering the complications, death and expenditure it is thousand times more complicated. The reasons for high rate of diabetes are a rapidly changing life style and a growing geriatric population.
Kerala defeated by Maharashtra Saturday, November 19, 2005 | AY
A chance strike by Reuben D’Souza in the second half helped Maharashtra fight past the defending champions Kerala in the first semifinal of the national football championship for Santosh Trophy here tonight. The all important goal in the 49th minute by Mumbai club Golden Gunners’ striker proved Kerala their lucky hunting ground yet again, as they have won two of their three-titles in this State. Five-time champions Kerala, who played in the last five finals successively, failed to repeat the history of 1973 before the best turnout in the galleries. Kerala had put it across Maharashtra in the semifinals of 1973 here and finally won the trophy. Though Kerala tried their best for an equaliser, even old horse I M Vijayan, trying for a last minute gasp, the goal eluded them.
Priyadarshan to appear on screen Thursday, November 17, 2005 | AY
Ten years ago, Mohanlal and Revathy had acted in ‘Kilukkam’. The film turned out to be a major hit. Now, the film’s sequel is getting ready. Mohanlal and Jagadhi are going to make special appearances in the sequele. Sandhya Mohan is directing the sequel, named ‘Kilukkam Kilukilukkam’. Udaykrishnan and Sibi K Thomas wrote the screenplay. Priyadarshan is going to act in this film, as a director.
DGP denies change of probe team in college ragging case Thursday, November 17, 2005 | AY
Faced with stiff opposition from various political parties, the police in Kerala today allegedly 'withdrew' a decision to hand over to a new team the probe in the sexual assault case of a nursing student on the pretext of ragging. The clarification came in the wake of allegation by top leaders of the CPI(M) and others that the Home Department was scuttling the investigation to save the culprits involved in the brutal sexual assault case. Meanwhile, Kerala Congress (Secular) leader P C George disputed the claim of the police that there was no change in the probe team. He claimed the order of the DGP ''D4-95786/05 dtd 16/11/05'' to the DIG and SP as saying ''you are here by directed to form a special team headed by a Dy SP for further investigation of crime No 513/05 of Gandhinagar police station''.
CM woos US IT majors Thursday, November 17, 2005 | AY
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, called for more private investments in the state's IT sector and asked IT majors in US and other countries to consider Kerala for expanding their operations. Inaugurating the Leela IT park, Kerala's first IT park in the private sector at nearby Kakkanad, he said the state was emerging as one of the most sought after IT destinations in the country. He stated that Kochi was likely to emerge as the leading IT destination among Tier-II cities in the country. With the state government envisaging manifold increase in the investments in the sector, many initiatives like liberalised labour laws and single window clearance have been implemented, he said and many key players like Larsen & Tubro, Wipro, Infosys and the Leela group have already come in. Outsources Partners International (OPI), a leading BPO firm, had taken up the entire space of 1.37 lakh square feet space at the Leela park.
"Ananthabhadram" screened using satellite technology Wednesday, November 16, 2005 | AY
Santosh Sivan's first directorial venture in Malayalam Ananthabhadram which he has photographed too, has aroused a lot of curiosity among film buffs. The sensuously picturised song sequences are considered an added attraction. The film has hit the theaters and stars Prithviraj, Manoj K Jayan, Kalabhavan Mani, Kavya Madhavan and the sizzling Riya Sen. A first for the film is that it's the first time that a Malayalam film has been screened at a theater using satellite technology instead of the conventional prints. 'It's a grandma's tale and centers on the transmigration of souls' says Sivan. He also added that it would be dubbed in Tamil too.
Leela group has new business ventures in Kerala Wednesday, November 16, 2005 | AY
Rs 500 crore is planned to be pumped by hospitality and garment industry major Leela Group, in Kerala, across various fields like IT infrastructure, hotels and apparel manufacturing. The group reckons Kochi as one of the emerging destinations for ITES particularly business process outsourcing. Its first building of 1.37 lakh sq.ft Infopark in Kochi will be occupied by Outsource Partners International, a BPO company. The group is planning to construct two more building of 3.5 lakh sq ft. each in the Infopark. The other major area of investment will be the hotel it took over recently at Kovalam in Thiruvananthapuram. The company is planning to renovate the building at a cost of Rs 170 crore. The group is also interested in the proposed airport project at Kannur.
Schools bags for LKG, UKG students abolished Wednesday, November 16, 2005 | AY
The Kerala Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) today said that carrying of school bags by students of LKG and UKG should be dispensed with saying carrying bags with undue weight was "gross violation of human rights." The direction in this regard was issued by the Commission, headed by Acting Chairperson Justice V P Mohan Kumar, when applications by A K Menon of Thrissur and Mukesh Jain of Mattancherry, seeking to reduce the weight of school bags, came up before the Commission at its sitting at nearby Aluva. Carrying of bags with undue weight has a negative effect on the interest of the children.
Mayookham Tuesday, November 15, 2005 | AY
Mayookham's story revolves around Unnithan (Saiju), the only son of Vasudevan Namboothiri(Nedumudi Venu). Unnithan becomes the ring leader of the local band of hoodlums. All efforts to reform him are futile. In the course of their reckless lives, the gang members insult Indira (Mamta), who had come to the local temple with her friend to worship. She had just returned from Australia, and was the only daughter of Dr. Balakrishnan (Sai Kumar). Indira does not get provoked because she recognizes Unni as her close childhood friend, even though he does not remember her. Her recollections of early childhood and her understanding of the present predicament of Unni's family, draw her to him, eventually changing him into a new person. Hariharan himself has written the script, the film becomes slow-paced and boring. The subject and events take a long time to unfold. The only saving grace is Mamta who does a good job. Music and cinematography is above average.
Narayans ashes brought to hometown Tuesday, November 15, 2005 | AY
The mortal remains of former president K.R. Narayanan arrived in the state capital Monday on its way to his hometown at Uzhavoor near Kottayam. Narayanan passed away at the Army Hospital in New Delhi last week. He was 85. Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy received the urn box and at the airport which was followed by a guard of honour by the Kerala Police. From the airport, the urn was taken in a special bus and was kept at the Durbar Hall of the state secretariat, a stone's throw from the University College where Narayanan studied from 1940-43. Later the bus began its journey to Kottayam where it would be kept at a private hall till Tuesday morning when it would be taken to his home in Uzhavoor. The ashes would be buried next to the place where his parents were cremated.
A new energy drink in Kerala Tuesday, November 15, 2005 | AY
Heinz, the makers of Complan, launched 'Complan Family', a new energy drink, in Kerala, promising nutrition and good health for every member of the family. Based on the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) specified by ICMR and United States Food and Nutrition Board, 'Complan Family' is scientifically formulated to meet the individual requirements of every member of the family. The new Complan had been fortified with range of vitamins and minerals in a balanced proportion for health and vitality. Complan Family is specially created in two variants - Delicious Malt and Lite. Complete family delicious malt was a special formulation, having low fat derived from plant origin, making it cholesterol-free. Complan Family Lite, available in a malt taste, is fat-free, has no cholesterol and no added sugar.
Mammooty and Pavithran works together Monday, November 14, 2005 | AY
Mamooty and Pavithran are coming together after a long gap. Yaro oru aal, Uppu and Utharam were the films directed by Pavithran. In Utharam, the actor was Mammooty. Now Pavithran is doing his next film based on the novel Orathu written by Kakkanadan.The film has music by Yusuf Ali Kacheri, background score by Hyder Ali, cinematography by Madhu Ambat. The film has a long lineup of actors, which include Bhanupriya and Jayabharathi. Sangham films produce the film.
Sabarimala temple opens tomorrow Monday, November 14, 2005 | AY
The Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala will be opened on Tuesday (November 15) afternoon for the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrim season beginning the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrischikom on Wednesday. The initiation of M. Sukumaran Namboodiri of Viyyur Moothedathu Mana in Thrissur as new Sabarimala Melsanthi will take place at the Sopanam of the temple on Tuesday evening. P.K. Jayaraj of Madhathumpada Varikkattu Madhom in Thrissur will be installed as new Melsanthi at the Malikappuram Devi Temple the same night. The Tantri, Kantaru Mohanaru, will perform kalasabhishekom by pouring holy waters on the new Melsanthis as part of the installation ceremony. The pujas will begin with Ganapati homam on Wednesday morning.
Maximum scholarships for girl child bagged by Kerala Monday, November 14, 2005 | AY
Kerala has bagged more than half of the 1,062 postgraduate scholarships for the single girl child introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Among the total scholarships -- introduced for promoting education of the girl child and small families -- 544 have been awarded to Kerala. Tamil Nadu comes second with 182 awards. The UGC, based on the recent initiative of the ministry of human resource development, had introduced the 'Post-Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child' with the purpose of supporting higher education through scholarship to girls who happen to be the only child in their families. The selected girls would be given Rs 2,000 a month. Besides, no tuition fees will be charged from such girls if they pursue their post graduation in the selected colleges under the UGC.
Nilavu Sunday, November 13, 2005 | AY
Lenin Rajendran is getting ready to make a film in Malayalam.'Nilavu' is the name of the film. There are talks that he might bring Tamil director Cheran to star in the lead role. But nothing has been confirmed yet. The story of 'Nilavu' is going to revolve around the heroine, Meera Jasmine.
Mammooty and Meera pair up Saturday, November 12, 2005 | AY
Meera Jasmine and Mammooty have come together for a film. Sathyan Anthikad will direct the movie, a comedy based one with a social message. Mammooty is on the top of the world with his success in Rajamanickam. With Mammooty creating wonders with his underplayed performance, this movie is sure to entertain people.
Kanal Saturday, November 12, 2005 | AY
Whenever Mohanlal acts tough roles in rustic backdrops, the film is well received by the public. Mohanlal is Balaraman, the lorry driver in Viji Thampi’s "Kanal" (burning coal), set in Chitaoyikal village, where bamboo is harvested for 6 months. Balaraman, the lorry driver, who is very tough, hard-hearted, with a dangerous past and a man of few words, comes to the village during this period. Predictably, a girl in the village, played by Padmapriya, manages to melt his heart.
Sequele of Kashmiram on the way Saturday, November 12, 2005 | AY
Kashmiram is coming in Part II, wait for the sequel! This sequel will be made by producer Suresh Kumar and directed by Shaji Kailas, Suresh Gopi continues as the hero, in the role of a commando. Shooting begins early next year.
Mohanlal values friendship Wednesday, November 9, 2005 | AY
Mohanlal is one actor for whom personal relationship and friendship count more than anything else. Govindan Kutty, the producer of the film 'Vadakkumnathan' is a close friend of Mohanlal who had gone broke while completing the film. Now the star has bailed him out by agreeing to complete the film without getting his full remuneration. The buzz is that Govindan Kutty has only paid the actor 50 percent of the promised salary. Vadakkumnathan is almost complete and the last song was recently picturised at Ottapalam on Diwali day. Now the film will release on November 17.
Mohanlal gets Meera Vasudev as his heroine Tuesday, November 8, 2005 | AY
Meera Vasudevan, who acted in insignificant Tamil films, is now acting as leading lady in Mohanlal film directed by Blessy. Blessy’s film is an autobiographical look of a govt. employee who takes ill. Nedumudi Venu and Balachandra Menon play important roles in the film which has music by Mohan Sithara and cinematography by Sethu Sriram.
Mohanlal and Sathyan Andhikaad works together Monday, November 7, 2005 | AY
Sathyan Andhikaad is busy lending the final touches for his film with Mohanlal in the lead. In all probabilities, the film's shooting will begin in December. Mohanlal and he have worked in 19 films together. Sathyan knows what the audience expects from them and they are going to give it to them this time too. He hope that there is not going to be any change in it.
Rashtram Sunday, November 6, 2005 | AY
Anil C Menon is going to direct Suresh Gopi in his next film, 'Rashtram'. Suresh Gopi will begin working in the film as soon as he completes his projects with Shaji Kailash. There were initial reports that Gopika was going to be the heroine. But, she has been replaced with Laya. Laya had acted with the likes of Mohanlal, Mammooty and Jayaram in her films. In her fourth film in Malayalam, she is starring with Suresh Gopi.
Inspector Garuda Sunday, November 6, 2005 | AY
Johnny Anthony is getting ready to direct Dileep in 'Inspector Garuda’. 'Inspector Garuda’ is going to be a full-length comedy film like ‘CID Moosa’. Johnny Anthony is currently busy with the pre-production works of his new film Mammooty. As soon as he completes the Mammooty project, he’ll start working on Dileep’s new film.
Idea to remake Chaandupottu in Tamil, dropped Sunday, November 6, 2005 | AY
Vikram now has his eye on Dileep’s ‘Chaandupottu’, the story of an effeminate man who finally settles scores with the villains. Vikram had asked his favorite director Bala to direct the remake in Tamil. Vikram and Bala go a long way back when it comes to making hit films. Vikram’s first superhit film ‘Sethu’ was directed by Bala. ‘Pitamagan’, the film that got Vikram the national award for best actor, was also directed by Bala. But Bala had refused to direct the remake. He says he is not interested in working on remakes.
Swetha Nachappa getting famous in Kerala Sunday, November 6, 2005 | AY
In Ranji Panikkar’s Bharathchandran IPS there is a scene in which Suresh Gopi grills Swetha Nachappa, a fellow IPS officer from Karnataka police who has underworld links. The Sweta Nachappa character has become popular among the Kerala audience as she looks sexy and glamourous as she sips scotch and smoked a cigar and aggressively withstood Bharathchandran’s provocative grilling. The girl who played Swetha in the film is actually a Tamil girl Akhila who is Bangalore based and has done half a dozen Kannada films like Thriller, and recent Aham Premasmi. Now Swetha is flooded with offers from Malayalam and is touted to be “the next big thing”.
Kerala overall champion in Junior Athletics meet Saturday, November 5, 2005 | JJ
Kerala got overall team championship in National Federation Cup Junior Athletics Championship which was held at the S H College grounds in Kochi. Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh attained second and third respectively. Kerala got an aggregate of 276 points whereas Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh got 202 points and 106 points. Kerala was also champions in both the girls and boys sections with 169 points and 107 points.
Kerala escaped innings defeat by virtue of rain Saturday, November 5, 2005 | JJ
Kerala escaped innings defeat by virtue of rain in the Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy under-22 cricket championship. The championship is being played at Bangalore at the IAF grounds. Karnataka scored 342 in the first inning. Kerala scored 160 in its first innings and were at 134 for seven on the third and final day when rain helped Kerala avoid inning defeat. Karnataka claimed two points for its first innings lead. Brief Score Karnataka 342 drew with Kerala 160 in 1st Inning (Udit B. Patel four for 32) & 134 for seven in 2nd Inning (Raiphy Vincent 46).
CBI officials raids Karippur International Airport Friday, November 4, 2005 | JJ
The Central Bureau of Investigation raided Karippur International Airport and seized large amount of unaccounted money and incriminating documents from the Airport and houses of some Customs officials. The raid was carried by team of CBI officials led by CBI DYSP V Nanda Kumar Menon and which started around 2300 hrs yesterday, was conducted following widespread complaints of alleged corruption charges against the officials. A case has been registered against the customs officials.
State Television awards for the 2004 announced Friday, November 4, 2005 | JJ
State Television awards for the 2004 were announced. The announcement was made by State Minister for Cultural Affairs A P Anilkumar at a press meet along with jury member and chairman, well-known writer M Mukundan. Prem Prakesh won the best actor award and Sreevidya best actress award for their performance in teleserial 'Avicharitham'. 'Avicharitham' and 'Tree of Life', both telecast in Asianet, were selected as best teleserial and telefilm respectively. Best storywriter award was won by P A Muhammed Koya for the teleserial 'Sulthanveedu' in Kairali TV while K K Rajeev bagged best director award for 'Avicharitham'. India Vision television's Bhagath Chandran has been adjudged best newsreader and Surya TV's Biju Pankaj the best investigative journalist for the Kerala State Television Award-2004. Sangeetha Mohan of Asianet is the best compere while Anjana of India Vision is the best commentator. Gopikrishnan of Asianet was selected best interviewer.
Kerala Muslims celebrates Eid - ul - Fitr today Friday, November 4, 2005 | JJ
Kerala Muslims celebrates Eid-ul-Fitr today. Eid means "happiness” and is the most joyous festival in Muslim calendar. Eid-ul-Fitr is the first day after the month-long fasting of Ramadan. It takes place on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the lunar calendar. Believers offer Eid namaz in mosques and specially arranged Idgahs across the state. Kerala Governor R L Bhatia, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, and Muslim League leader Panakkad Syid Muhammadali Shihab Thangal, greeted people.
USA the largest tourist market for India Thursday, November 3, 2005 | AA
An analysis of tourist arrivals for the year 2004 has shown that USA has become the largest tourist market for India surpassing the UK, the leader so far. Now, USA has 15.5% share in the country’s total tourist arrivals followed by UK, 14.8%. France and Canada have almost same percentage of share of 4%. Foreign tourist arrivals in the country till September this year has registered an increase of 15.2%. During the period, 26,41,607 foreign tourists visited the country while the number was 22,93,297 during the corresponding period during last year. Foreign exchange earnings, in rupees term, also recorded a growth of 20.6% during January-September, 05. Total earnings during the period was Rs. 18,3792.7 million.
Medical Tourism getting promoted in Kerala Thursday, November 3, 2005 | AA
Medical Tourism as an industry has begun to assume a concrete shape with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Tourism have started joint initiatives to solve the intricacies involved. Recently Dr.Anbumani Ramdoss, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Ms.Renuka Choudhury, Union Minister of State for Tourism held a meeting for the purpose.
Centre lists rural charm of Kerala in its new website Thursday, November 3, 2005 | AA
The Ministry of Tourism has launched an exclusive website on rural destinations - www.exploreruralindia.org. Destinations from Kerala including Aranmula and Kumbalangi are featured in the website. Every rural community in the country has its own folklore, craft and cultural tradition, which can provide a unique experience to the visitors. The Ministry of Tourism has identified more than 50 villages and released financial assistance of 5 million rupees each for development of infrastructure.
Centre picks Kerala destinations for development Thursday, November 3, 2005 | AA
Beaches in Kovalam, Ernakulam and Alappuzha in Kerala have been selected for an eco- tourism development project of the Union Ministry of Tourism. Around twelve other destinations from different parts of the country have also been selected for the project. The ministry has sanctioned around 2780 million for various eco-tourism projects during the period 2002- 2005.
Katrina will be Mammooty's pair Wednesday, November 2, 2005 | AY
Super model Katrina Kaif, who recently won the award for the most beautiful lips in India, is all set in act in South Indian movies. Now, Katrina is going to star in a Malayalam film with Mammooty. She is making her debut in Malayalam films with ‘Balram vs Taradas’. She is currently starring in a Telugu film with Balakrishna in the lead.
Mamtha is the much talked about fresh face Tuesday, November 1, 2005 | AY
Pretty girl Mamtha has everything that a big heroine should have. Now, people are talking that she would rightly replace Nayanthara who has moved to Tamil. Mamtha has got three good roles in ‘Bus Conductor’, ‘Khaki’ and Suresh Gopi’s next film even as her debut film ‘Mayookham’ is awaiting its release. This is indeed the reward for being Hariharan’s chosen one.This Bangalore based beauty was brought up in Bahrain. She has the grace to carry both the traditional and modern costumes with equal ease.
Veteran playback singer P Leela passes away Tuesday, November 1, 2005 | JJ
Veteran playback singer P Leela passes away at the age of 76. Leela died in private hospital in Chennai this morning where she was undergoing treatment for pneumonia and asthma. P Leela had sung over 1,000 songs in Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada and Telugu languages under top music directors. Ms Jayalalithaa chieh minister of Tamil Nadu said ''Though she made a name herself in playback singing for films in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu and captured a place in the hearts in thousands of fans by the sweetness of her melodious voice, it is perhaps in her devotional songs that she poured out her soul. The deep spirituality and extremely moving renditions of the 'Harinamakeerthanam,' 'Narayaneeyam' and 'Gnanappana' mesmerised thousands of devotees all over the country.''
AP defeats Kerala by an inning in under-15 game Tuesday, November 1, 2005 | JJ
Andhra Pradesh scored an innings victory over Kerala in the three-day South Zone under-15 Poly Umrigar Cricket tournament being played at the SAG Ground at Margao on Monday. Off-spinner S.M. Bhasha of Andhra Pradesh led the team to victory by his bowling figure of nine wickets for 72 runs.
