Kerala News Archive: June 2006

Mammooty - Fazil film in October
Friday, June 30, 2006 | MP

Popular film director Fazil is teaming up with Mammootty for his next project. This noted filmmaker has has won 4 State awards under the best film category.Fazil had earlier produced many hits with Mammooty like Poovinu Puthiya Poonthennal, Pappayude Swantham Appoos etc. Mammooty is said to be playing the role of a robber in this Fazil film. The film is likely to start shooting in October this year.

Chief Secretary to look into lapses on minority status in colleges
Friday, June 30, 2006 | MP

Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said that Kerala Chief Secretary would look into the lapses on part of the government officials for expressing the government's stance on the issue relating to the minority status to self-financing professional colleges.The National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions has conferred minority status to six of the professional colleges in the state. However the government wanted the minority status to be limited only to appropriate educational institutions and had requested the Commission to extend one month's time to express government's views on the policy decisions.But the Commission's order coming through has raised doubts about lapses occured in the government's part in communicating the matter.

Sabarimala temple authorities set for inquiry
Thursday, June 29, 2006 | MP

In view of the recent controversy surrounding the Sabarimala temple after an actress admitting that she had entered the temple and touched the idol against the traditional rules of the temple, the Ayyappa temple authorities are set for an inquiry into the matter."We are not ruling out anything. Our board will meet on July 7 and we will decide on a probe into the entire episode," said Travancore Devaswom Board Commissioner. Meanwhile the temple authorities are even preparing for performing purification rituals to restore the sanctity of the temple after an astrologer suggested corrective rituals which could take up to two years.

Ore Kadal
Thursday, June 29, 2006 | MP

Ore Kadal is a filmy adaptation inspired from a Bengali novel.The film is directed by popular Malayalam tele filmmaker, Shyamprasad who has made entry into big screens with the film Agnisakshi which was again a film adapted from a novel. Superstar Mammooty will play the lead character in the film. Ore Kadal is said to be a serious film produced by Vindhyan under the banner of Rasika entertainments. More details on the project is awaited.

Blessy-Mohanlal film to be shot in Kolkatta
Wednesday, June 28, 2006 | MP

Noted Malayalam filmmaker Blessy who has made popular hits like Kazcha and Thanmatra is preparing for his next untitled film . After the roaring success of Thanmatra, the director is teaming up with superstar Mohanlal again. Blessy who comes up with strange strorylines tells an all together different concept in his new film. The film unfolds a crime investigation told on the backdrop of the busy streets of Kolkotta city.The film produced by Century films will be entirely shot in Kolkatta.

2 lakh jobs in IT over next 5 years: VS
Wednesday, June 28, 2006 | MP

The LDF government headed by V S Achuthanandan has repeatedly assured that his government would target the creation of 2 lakh jobs in the IT sector over the next five years. He also said that the government would set up more IT parks in other districts like Kozhikode, Kannur, Palakkad, Thrissur and Kottayam. He also added that more companies had come forward for investments in the state and informed that already 10 firms has newly started operating in Technopark since LDF government came into power.

Gold business in State to be hit with tax hike
Tuesday, June 27, 2006 | MP

Gold jwellery shops in the state strongly opposed to the state government's proposal on the hike in goldprices. About 4,000 gold shop owners staged protest against the move by closing down their shutters on Monday. According to them gold business in the state would be badly hit with the rise in sales tax (from 1% to 4%) in addition to the increase in compound fee(from 115% to 200%)on gold ornaments. This would even force customers to go for alternate options of buying gold from nearby states like Tamilnadu and Karnataka where the tax rates remain at 1%.

Scriptwriter, Unnikrishanan turns director
Tuesday, June 27, 2006 | MP

Scriptwriter, B Unnikrishanan is foraying into film direction like many other script writers. He is following filmmakers like Renjith, Sreenivasan,Lohitadas who had taken this route before. His directorial debut will have action hero Suresh Gopi playing the lead. Unnikrishnan known for action thriller scripts like Shivam, Tiger will also have this film too an action entertainer told on underworld and mafia.

Joshy film, Pothenvava to start in August
Monday, June 26, 2006 | MP

Joshy's Mammootty film, Pothenvava is set to begin from August. The duo who has delivered many hits are teaming up after a long gap. The shooting of the film will start from Aug 5th and the entire shooting will be done in a single schedule. Lal Creations produces the film. The cast also has Nedumudi Venu, Gopika. Also favourite pop singer, Usha Uthup plays a key role playing Mammooty's mother in the film. The film is likely to reach theaters before Ramzan.

Kerala houseboat business on a high
Monday, June 26, 2006 | MP

The houseboat trips in Kerala backwaters are on a high even with the mansoon season. These 'Kettuvallams' of Kerala have gained wide popularity even among international tourists for the sheer joy and experience these giant boats offers.Presently there are over 300 houseboats operating in the backwaters of Alappuzha and Kottayam districts.It has gained popularity with house boats schedueld even for conducting business meetings, film shooting etc. Backed with the heavy promotion by the state tourism, the houseboat bookings for this year are said to be as high as 50% during the mansoons which is otherwise considered an offseason. Thanks to the State tourism Department which is projecting the luxurious house boat cruises as a part of its tourism campaign.

Prajapathy
Sunday, June 25, 2006 | MP

Director Renjith's latest flick, Prajapathy is a movie based on fueudal fights between families. The film excels with Mammootty's power packed performance which also marks the actor back in a serious role after a series of comedy tracks.Nedumudi Venu with negative shades is equally interesting.Heroine Aditi Rao who plays lady love has nothing much to offer with the script.Other casts are Sreenivasan,Siddique,Seema,Abu Salem, T.G.Ravi, Maniyanpillai Raju etc. The film has some punchy dialoges and thrilling fight sequences. But the story line is quite monotonus with many sequencs reminding one of earlier Ranjith films told on similar backdrop.
More about Prajapathy here

Emigration services in Kerala largely affected
Sunday, June 25, 2006 | MP

With the recent central government's suspension of two emigration officers in Kerala, the emigration services in the state has almost come to a standstill at the Protector of Emigrants Office (PoE) at Thiruvanthapuram. The officials were suspended from PoE for alleged corrupt practises in the office dealings. With this those seeking emigration clearances from the emigration offices for employment abroad is largely affected by the service delays. The Overseas Recruitment Travel Agents Association and the Pravasi Development Society has come forward asking Center government to resume normal operations at the PoE.

Revised Budget: Taxes on gold,luxury items
Saturday, June 24, 2006 | MP

As per the revised budget presented by the ruling LDF government, luxury items and gold are to cost more with more taxes imposed on these items. The 2006-07 budget showed an overall deficit of more than Rs7.16bn. In a move to increase on the revenue, tax on gold ornaments would go up from 1% to 4%. The 2006-07 budget showed an overall deficit of more than Rs7.16bn. Cable TV operators are also imposed with a 5% tax. Besides a 20% tax will be imposed on home aplliances like dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators, building materials, health drinks, soft drinks etc.

Keerthichakra in Tamil as Aran
Saturday, June 24, 2006 | MP

Mohanlal's upcoming film, Keerthichakra is going to Tamil as well.Apart from Malayalam, the film is set to make a simultaneous release in the Tamil industry. Plot on the backdrop of Kargil war, the Tamil version of the film is titled Aran and has a mix of Tamil and Malayalam artists featuring in it. Mohanlal plays the lead role of an army officer with casts like Jeevan, Gopika, Lakshmi Gopalsamy, Reema Sen, Biju Menon, Shammi Thilakan, Innocent among others. Aran will be the superstar's third film in Tamil after 'Iruvar' and 'Popkorn'. The film is likely to reach theaters in July-August.

Indian Airlines starts direct Kuwait-Thiruvananthapuram flights
Friday, June 23, 2006 | AA

The Indian Airlines has started direct services between Kuwait and Thiruvananthapuram. Initially the service will be on a weekly basis and would be increased to two by October. The flight would depart from Kuwait on Wednesday night to reach Thiruvananthapuram on 10.00 am next day. The flight would depart from Thiruvananthapuram 1.45 pm to reach Kuwait at 6:00. The direct services are launched to meet the rush due to summer vacation for schools.

EC not required for matriculates
Friday, June 23, 2006 | AA

Overseas jobseekers with a basic qualification of matriculation will be soon excluded the requirement for emigration clearance, said Mr. Vayalar Ravi, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs. A proposal in this regard got cleared from the ministries of Overseas Indian Affairs, External affairs and Home and is now pending before the Committee of Secretaries. The change will be in effect from next month. The number of countries to which emigration clearance is required will be brought down to 17 from 138. Clearance is required to seventeen countries, which includes Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Sultanate of Oman, Jordan, Yemen, Libya, Malaysia and Thailand since labour laws in unorganised sectors in these countries are not comprehensive.

Malaysia to open visa office in Mumbai
Friday, June 23, 2006 | AA

The Government of Malaysia has decided to open a visa office in Mumbai, said Mr. Y.A.B. Dato' Sri Haji Mohd. Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia. Multiple entry visas would also be issued to make the travel of Indian nationals to Malaysia easier. The Deputy Prime Minister was addressing a meeting jointly organised by the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) in New Delhi recently.

Government to release land for aircraft maintenance base
Friday, June 23, 2006 | AA

The State Government would release land for the proposed aircraft maintenance base by Air India near the Thiruvananthapuram International airport. A decision in principle in this regard was taken at a high level meeting presided by the Chief Minister Mr. V.S. Achuthanandan. It was decided in the meeting to immediately release 15 acres of land to the Air India. Mr. M. Vijayakumar, Minister for Law; Mr. Mullakkara Ratnakaran, Minister for Agriculture; Mr. Mathew T. Thomas, Minister for Transport; Mr. Panniyan Raveendran, M.P., Mr. V. Surendran Pillai, M.L.A.; Ms. Sheela Thomas, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister; Mr. N. Ayyappan, District Collector; Mr. H.A. Munaff, Regional Manager, Air India; Mr. S.S. Potty and Mr. Sarathchandra Prasad, Trade Union leaders also attended the meeting. Earlier the Chief Minister had held a discussion in this regard with Mr. V. Thulasidas, Chairman and Managing Director of Air India.

CM assures full support to the IT industry
Friday, June 23, 2006 | AA

CM assures full support to the IT industry

The Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr. V. S Achuthanandan, who is in charge of the Information Technology Department, has assured full support to the IT industry in the State. The new Government would examine the inadequacies existing in the IT sector of Kerala, and will extend all possible help to create more employment opportunities in the sector. This statement was made following the CM’s meeting with a delegation from the Technopark based US Technology Resources on 19-05-06. Officials of the company informed the Chief Minister that they plan to recruit another 15,000 professionals within a period of 5 years, out of which 2,000 would be recruited during the current year. The company had recently been allotted 36 acres of land near the Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram where a campus is being set up. In a similar exercise, officials of Infosys also called upon Chief Minister, Mr. V. S. Achuthanandan and discussed Infosys’s growth plans in Thiruvananthapuram. Infosys Technologies Chief Operating Officer Mr. S. Gopalakrishnan and Vice President & Infosys Thiruvananthapuram Head, Mr. Krishnamoorthy Ananthasivam represented Infosys in the meeting.

Dileep plays advocate
Friday, June 23, 2006 | MP

Dileep is playing the role of an advocate in Johnny Antony's upcoming film, Batman. This is another promising role for Dileep who is teaming up with Johny Antony after the director's runaway success of Thuruppu Gulan. The duo had earlier produced hits like CID Moosa, Kochi Rajavu etc. The film is also noticable with the presence of popular actress Asin, making a comeback to Malayalam films after a long gap.

Professional Colleges Bill tabled in Assembly
Friday, June 23, 2006 | MP

Amidst strong objection from the opposition,the LDF proposed Kerala Professional Colleges Bill for regulation of fee structure in professional colleges in the state has been tabled in the Assembly. The Bill was presented by Education Minister on Thursday.The new law seeks prohibition of capitation fees and measures to ensure quity and excellence in professional education. The Bill proposes 85% of admissions in colleges based on merit and on fees as determined by a Regulatory Committee.The Minister also said that the Government would urge the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions to review and cancel the minority status given to the self-financing professional colleges in the State.

Producers queue up for Payyamvalli Chantu
Thursday, June 22, 2006 | MP

Payyamvalli Chantu is Hariharan's epic film in the lines of Mammooty's all time classic, Vadakkan Veera Gatha. Mammootty is playing the character of Chantu in this film too. M. T Vasudevan Nair pens the script. Though the film is in its initial phase of work, expectations are high with the M.T-Hariharan-Mammootty trio teaming up for another success. So are the producers who are lining up for this esteemed project. Three production houses are known to be competing for the film- Liberty, Gokulam Films and Swargachitra. The producer is yet to be finalised, says Hariharan who also remarked that the film's possible producer should first agree with the preconditions and demands put forward by him and the screenplay writer.

Disclosure of budget: Opposition stage walk out
Thursday, June 22, 2006 | MP

Staging protest over alleged disclosures of budget proposals by the Finance Minister to the media, Kerala's Opposition party, UDF walked out of the State Assembly. Kerala Congress (M) leader K.M. Mani alleged that the Finance Minister has disclosed details on tax proposals and sought for an adjournment motion. He argued that the Minister's conduct was against the law and demanded a probe into the issue. To this the Finance Minister responded saying,"I have not specifically mentioned anything on the exact tax proposals for any particular items." Not satisfied witht he reply,opposition walked out ofthe Assembly.

Govt set to focus on tourism in North Kerala
Wednesday, June 21, 2006 | MP

Kerala government is set to boost tourism in the state and Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan revealed that the state has witnessed a 16% growth in its tourism revenues. He also unveiled plans to focus tourism development in North Kerala with govt set to spend more on tourism infrastructure in the northern Malabar regions.The tourism investments in N Kerala is Rs 30 crore in 2005-2006 as compared to Rs4 cr in 2002-03.The minister has also proposed on promoting the Muzhappilangad beach in Kannur district as a tourist spot.

Lohi's Dileep film for Ramzan
Tuesday, June 20, 2006 | MP

Filmmaker Lohitadas is teaming up with actor Dileep again for his next project which is projected for Ramzan release. The duo had worked together for films including the director's debut project Joker and later Suthradharan. The director's favorite actress, Meera Jasmine is said to play the female lead in this film too against speculations that Lohi was not in good terms with Meera. The film is expected to reach theaters by October mid.

Chota Mumbai
Tuesday, June 20, 2006 | MP

Chota MUmbai is directed by young talent Anwar Rasheed who made mega hit with his debutant film, Rajamanikyam. The director's next film has superstar Mohanlal playing the hero. Maniyanpillai Raju is producing Chota Mumbai under the banner of Sreebhadra films. Story is written by the director himself but the script and other details are yet to be announced. The film is slated for 2007 release.

No waiver in sales tax on fuel hike: Govt
Tuesday, June 20, 2006 | MP

Kerala government has made its stand clear on the recent fule hike saying that there would be no cut in the sales tax on the increased prices. Also saying that he was concerned over the fuel price hike, Chief Minister Achutanandan said that it had a bad impact impact on the common man but ruled out any possibility on waiving the sales tax as suggested by the Congress. Instead he wanted the Union Government to rollback the price hike in the first place and accused that the Center's argument on cutting ST was to do distract people from the real problems.

Don
Monday, June 19, 2006 | MP

Don is the new project in the offing from the action director,Shaji Kailas who is teaming up with actor Dileep for the first time. Chandrakumar under the banner of Malavika Films produces the film. J.Pallaserry is the script writer for the film, which tells the story of an ordinary man who gets trapped with the underworld. He is falsely accused with charges of comitting a murder and end up in jail. And circumstances turns him to an underworld don.Sanjeev Sankar does the choreography. The film is said to be an action packed thriller with enough excitements promised from a new combination. This big buget film is getting readied as Dileep's Onam release.

New bill to ensure social justice in colleges:VS
Monday, June 19, 2006 | MP

Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan has maintained that the upcoming new bill on the self financing professional colleges was to make certain that social justice is provided in the fee structure while giving admissions in the colleges. He also said that the Bill will make provisions to help students from the economically backward society seek higher education.A special cabinet meeting was also called upon to approve on the draft of the Self-Financing Professional College bill that is to be introduced in the Assembly session.

Elavancherry overjoyed at Tharoor's nomination
Sunday, June 18, 2006 | MP

The small village of Elavancherry of Pallakkad district in Kerala, is already excited with the announcement of Shashi Tharoor's nomination to the United Nation's Secretary General post. His family and people of his native are happy that he was nominated to the top post and they look forward to see him elected to the chief post of the world body. Tharoor's parents hails from Palakkad. Tharoor,though born in London and educated abroad still pays occasional visits to Kerala where his maternal uncle and grandmother resides at Elavancherry near Kollengode.

Crystal Pyramid Award for Adoor
Sunday, June 18, 2006 | MP

Renowned Malayalam director Adoor Gopalakrishnan who has given many a contributions to the Indian cinema was honoured by the famous London based South Asian Cinema Foundation. The Institute has awarded Adoor with the ‘Crystal Pyramid Award’,an Award for Excellence in Cinema. The award was given away to Adoor by the Indian High Commissioner in London, Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, amidst the presence of distinguished guests at a function held in Nehru Center. A book on the popular filmmaker called 'Adoor to Adoor' was also launched thereafter.

Kurien, Rajan, Ismail nominated for RS Seats
Saturday, June 17, 2006 | MP

Three of the leaders of political parties from Kerala has filed the nominations for the upcoming bye-polls for the Rajys Sabha seats, scheduled for June 26th. They are P.J Kurien of Congress,P.R. Rajan of CPI(M)and K. E. Ismail of CPI. However with noone else being nominated for the seats and the deadline for filing of papers ending on Friday, the three of the candidates are set to win the posts with elections being a mere formality.

Janmam
Saturday, June 17, 2006 | MP

Popular Malayalam director Joshi is making a film with Suresh Gopi in the lead. The film is titled Janmam.Actress Gopika will play the heroine in the film. Karthika plays the supporting role. Nayantara who disappeared from Malayalam films for a while is making a special appearance as real life actress in the film. The film is progressing with its shooting in Pollachi and hero Suresh Gopi even met with an accident while shooting for a fight sequence in the film.

V K Prakash makes first digital movie
Friday, June 16, 2006 | MP

V K Prakash has made the first digital movie of India, the first to use the technology of its kind with his Malayalam film, Moonamathoral. The importance of this technology is that the film is being made and projected digitally in theaters giving the images more clarity and depth. Besides the movie is shot using a digital high definition camera and could be transmitted simultaneously in theaters using satellite signals which could bring down the film production costs significantly. The filmmaker had earlier made films like Mullavalliyum Thenmavum, The Police etc. Moonamathoral tells a thriller story with actor Jayaram, Jyothirmayi playing the lead roles. The film will reach theaters in June.

Some major IT projects are before the govt: CM
Friday, June 16, 2006 | MP

Chief Minister V S Achutanandan has indicated that some major IT infrastructure projects were put forward before the state and the government was studying further on it. However he didnt disclose the details of the projects."Some big projects are before the government and we are studying them," said CM who maintained that his government was focussed on bringing more job oppurtunities to the state.And when asked about the West Bengal's government's attempt to take away the Dubai Internet City project CM remarked 'let it go to Bengal' saying that LDF was opposing the project in the first place and its stand on the issue will not change.

Vadakkumnathan songs gains popularity
Thursday, June 15, 2006 | MP

The songs of the recent Mohanlal starrer film, Vadakkumnathan is gaining popularity among the music lovers of Kerala. The songs were composed by the late music director Raveendran, his last works indeed. Gireesh Puthenchery pens the lyrics.The music album has eight tracks, rich with classical music tunes. It has songs sung by renowned singers like K J Yesudas, Chitra, M.G. Sreekumar,Biju Narayanan etc. Of all the tracks, the song 'Kalabham tharam' sung by K S Chitra and Biju Narayanan is the favourite of the album which holds top among the music charts. 'Oru kili pattu moolave' duet by Yesudas and Chitra is also a favoured song among the audience.

Govt not to consider entrance test of pvt mgmts
Thursday, June 15, 2006 | MP

Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said that the government would no more consider the entrance examinations conducted by private managements for admissions to professional colleges. Addressing a press conference he asserted that the self-financing colleges must follow the Common Entrance Examinations rank lists for admitting students to its colleges and there was no need to have seperate tests for students intake to the private colleges. He also wanted these managments to follow the LDF's newly proposed policy on fees structure. Meanwhile the private engg colleges management responded that they would not heed to the government's decision and go ahead with its its own seperate entrance tests as authored to them by the Supreme Court.

Shaji N Karun to take Hindi film on Ravi Varma
Wednesday, June 14, 2006 | MP

Acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker Shaji N. Karun is making a Hindi film on the greatest painter from Kerala, Raja Ravi Varma. Shaji has given many contributions to the Malayalam cinema with films like Piravi, Swaham, Vanaprastam bagging many national and international awards. The film on Ravi Varma titled Suryamukhi will deal on the relationship between the model and artist and Bollywood actress Maduri Dixit will play the character of the model in the film.

SSLC Save A Year exams from June 22-26
Wednesday, June 14, 2006 | MP

Save a Year (SAY) examination for the S.S.L.C. students will be held from June 22 to 26. The exams are meant for students who had failed the March 2006 SSLC exams and this will be applicable to both the new and old schemes. The exams will be held at selected centres under the educational districts. This time around the education dept has made relaxation in rules allowing students who failed in three papers appear for the SAY exams and hence a significant increase in the number of students are likely this year. The hall tickets will be distributed on June 19-20. However the dates of publication of results are yet to be announced.

Valmeekam
Tuesday, June 13, 2006 | MP

Valmeekam is from debutant director John Ditto. Manoj K Jayan plays dual roles as the hero in the film. He plays a cruel police officer and a religious monk.The story of the film is based on social relevant incidents that took place during the 1975's emergency period which even led to police custodial death of an engineering student. Meera Vasudevan of Thanmatra fame is the female lead. This is her third Malayalam film after Thanmatra and Kali. Other casts are Sai Kumar, Vineet Kumar, Shimmy Thilakan, Jaya Krishnana etc. Rajaram is the script writer.Cinematograpgy by K P Nambyathiri.

Govt for Rs 1000 cr investments in state tourism
Tuesday, June 13, 2006 | MP

The LDF government in power has mega plans set to boost the tourism industry in the state. The State government has announced Rs 1000 crore investments for the tourism sector in Kerala which is likely to create 50,000 jobs in the industry. This was informed by State Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. Kerala which witnessed over 20% growth in its international tourist flow in the last year will aim at attracting more global tourists from South Asian countries and the US. Besides focusing on medical tourism, eco tourism, Ayurveda tourism etc., the tourism dept is also promoting innovative concepts like 'Farm Tourism' that would focus on connecting the traditional agricultural and industrial sectors.

Bhavana has no time to spare in Malayalam
Monday, June 12, 2006 | MP

Actress Bhavana is too busy with offers in Tamil that she has no more timeto spare for Malayalam films. She has handful of offers in Tamil and busy with projects like Aarya, veyyil etc. She is doing a film with Dileep lately in Chess, but have no more time for any other projects in Malayalam right now. She even had to decline offers like Joshy's Pothanvava and another Suresh Gopi film due to other commitments in Tamil. This Malayalam girl is quite impressed with her success in Tamil and seems to have a promising career in the South filmdom.

IA to operate more flights to Qatar
Monday, June 12, 2006 | MP

With increased demand from vaccation travellers, Indian Airlines has plans to increase the frequency of their flights operating between Kerala and Qatar. Presently IA offers daily services from Doha to Kochi and Kozhikode sectors and the airlines is seeing a significant growth in its passenger flow as much as 12-15% rise this year coinciding with the summer period.With the schools closing for summer holidays, this is likely to go up with more expats travelling home for annual vaccations. To meet the holdiay rush of this popular travel season, IA has plans to operate more services to points in Kerala.

Pardeshi
Sunday, June 11, 2006 | MP

Pardeshi is a take on the life of Pakistani Muslims in Kerala who get to live with fears during the partiton times. The film directed by P.T.Kunju Mohammed is said to be a serious film which protrays the real life stories of such people told on the backdrop of Malappuram district. Mohanlal plays the hero of the film. Antony Perumbavoor will produce the film.Sreenivasan, Vijayaraghavan,Reshmi Gopalaswamy,Sweta Mohan etc casts in the film.There are said to be three heroines in the film. Shooting is set to start in Ottapalam from next week onwards.

BJP state unit to hold party elections
Sunday, June 11, 2006 | MP

BJP State President P S Sreedharan Pilla has said that the party will hold elections for its new office bearers shortly. The district and block level elections will be held in August and the new Party President for the Kerala unit will be chosen by September. Besides BJP will also elect its state representatives to the national council during the polls. The party elections in the state are being held after three years now, said the BJP chief.

Chandy lashes on LDF policies
Saturday, June 10, 2006 | MP

Opposition leader Oommen Chandy lashed on the ruling LDF government's policies on the issue of fuelprice hike. Responding to the proposed hike in the fuel prices,he said that LDF government has not done any proper steps to deal with the situation. He demanded that the government waive the sales tax of petrol and diesel on the increased amount to minimise the burden on the common man. He also criticised the opposition saying that LDF which demanded on reducing the sales tax while in Opposition, was now being hesitant to do so while in power.

Soccer effect on superstar films
Saturday, June 10, 2006 | MP

With the Soccer World Cup kicking off on Friday, football fans across Kerala are on the game excitement. The superstars of Malayalam films too are doing their bit to keep up the spirit of their fans. Superstar Mohanlal who is currently on the sets of Mahasamudram was seen playing a football match as a part of the film's shooting in University stadium in Thiruvanathapuram. Not the least Mammootty too appeared in a photo shoot in Kochi wearing the football jerseys of popular teams like Brazil, Argentina etc. And it was Prajapathy's director who roped in the star in soccer jerseys to catch the attention of the football crazy fans, North Keralites in particular which is also the actor's dominant area. It’s obvious that the filmmakers are doing their best for drawing the audience to the theaters for the world cup season.

Aanachantham
Friday, June 9, 2006 | MP

Aanachantham from filmmaker Jayaraj is soon going on floors by June mid. The film has Jayaram playing the lead role of an animal lover, elephant in particular. Sreenivasan is the other lead character in the film. Other casts are Nedumudi Venu, Sai Kumar, Jagathy, Innocent, Cochin Haneefa, Salim Kumar, Captain Raju, Kaviyoor Ponnama etc. Sudheesh John is the script writer.Swagath Films produces the film while Seven Arts has the distributor rights.

Air India to set up engg base in Tvm
Friday, June 9, 2006 | MP

India's official carrier Air India has plans to set up its engineering base at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. This was informed by Chairman and Managing Director of Air India, Mr V Thulasidas. He also said that the Kerala Government has promised 15 acres of land for Air India's proposed aircraft maintenance unit to be set up in Tvm. "Several other states are trying for the same, but we will not lose the opportunity,' said Chief Minister Achuthanandan on the prospect. Thulasidas also informed that Air-India and Indian(earlier Indian Airlines) were also seeking a merger in the near furture. But he maintained that even after the merger the new airline would continue to operate budget services such as Air India Express.

Fuel price hike: More strikes to hit Kerala
Thursday, June 8, 2006 | MP

With most of the political parties opposing the price hike on petroleum products, more strikes are set to hit Kerala on the coming days. Ruling party, LDF has already called for a one day strike in Kerala on June 13th to protest on the Center government's decison on fuel price hikes. BJP had called for a state wide strike on June 9th. The Morter Transport worker's Union is also staging a 'vehicle strike' on the same day.

Photographer
Thursday, June 8, 2006 | MP

Photographer as the name suggest is a take on the incidents of life through the lens of a photographer. Renjan Pramod is the director of the film. Mohanlal plays the title role of the main character in the film. The film is told on the backdrop of tribal communities inspired from the Muthanga incident. Noted cameraman Azhagappan does the camerawork. Johnson scores music while Kaithapram is the lyricist. Photographer is viewed as a political thriller and the project recently had its launch.

More Mammootty-Sreeni films in the offing
Wednesday, June 7, 2006 | MP

Actor-cum writer cum director Sreenivasan has seen together with Mammootty in many a successful films. Of late the two were seen in I V Sasi's Balram Vs Taradas. There are more in the offing where Sreenivasan will share broader roles with Mammootty on screen. Both the upcoming films of Mammooty, 'Prajapathy' and Joemon's, 'Bhargavacharitham Moonnam Khandam' has Sreenivasan playing significant roles. Prajapati is themed on a feudal story in which Sreenivasan plays a character Ali Raghavan against that of Mammooty's. While Joemon's is an action comedy entertainer and Sreenivasan himself is the script writer for the film. He plays a lead character of a psychiatrist, who treats a notorious don Bhargavan enacted by Mammootty.

Govt for changes in Common Entrance exams
Wednesday, June 7, 2006 | MP

The State Education Minister M A Baby has said that the government has proposed to make changes to the current format of common entrance examination for admissions to professional courses in Kerala. The new system of exams will be likely from the next academic year onwards. He added that the changes were being considered for making the exams more scientific. The decision on doing away with the minimum qualification marks as eligibility for appearing the exams are also on consideration, he said.

Payyampalli Chandu
Tuesday, June 6, 2006 | MP

Payyampalli Chandu is another big movie in the lines of the great Malayalam film, 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha'. The same leading crew of Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha is teaming up together for the potrayal of another historic character, Payyampalli Chandu of the traditional Vadakkan Pattukal of Kerala folklore. Mammootty's portrayal of Chandu character had earned him National Award that year and this talented actor will now play the lead character and title role of Payyampalli Chandu for this Hariharan film too. M.T Vasudevan Nair is back again as the script writer. The film is believed to have significant usage of Kalaripayttu, the Kerala's ancient martial art. Gokulam Gopalan is producing the film whichis projected for 2007 release. And one can hope the best out of this Hariharan - M.T- Mammoooty team who gave exceptional movies that helped gain respect of Malayalam films in Indian cinema.

SBT likely to open branch in Muscat
Tuesday, June 6, 2006 | MP

Kerala's leading bank and member of India's largest banking group,State Bank of Travancore (SBT) has plans to extend its services to the people in the Gulf region. SBT is looking out for opening a branch in Muscat in Oman. Moreover the bank is preparing to set up its representative offices in the UAE and Saudi Arabia which are eventually said to function as full fledged banks. SBT currently provides special loan schemes for the NRIs including housing, car, education, mortgage loans.

Surya Kireedom
Monday, June 5, 2006 | MP

Director George Kithu is making a horror film titled, Surya Kireedom which is progressing with its shooting. The film tells the story of a young girl whose body is possesesed by the ghost of another woman who had a suicidal death.Irajit plays the male lead in the film. Other casts are Unni Sivapal, Nithy Das, Ramya Nabeesan, Shammi Thilakan, Vijay Menon, Nishanth Sagar, Mammu Koya etc.Babu Janardhanan writes the story for the film. T Haridas and Devadas Makkancherry jointly produces the film.

CPM state unit recognises VS role in elections
Monday, June 5, 2006 | MP

It was Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan who had a moral edge over others when the state committee unit of CPI(M) has come to an end. The State panel in its election review report has recognised that the involvement of veteran leader V S Achuthanandan as a reason of the LDF's win in the elections.The report acknowledged Achuthanandan's efforts on his campaign against the UDF's rule and the various issues he had addressed during his tenure as an opposition leader.

Cong wants inquiry on Maithri Housing scheme
Sunday, June 4, 2006 | MP

Kerala's opposition party, Congress has demanded for an inquiry on the 'Maithri Housing scheme' of the Kerala State Housing Board for the alleged irregularities that occurred during the then Public Works Minister’s term in the LDF Ministry from 1996-2001. Though the Housing Board had recommended a vigilance probe into the issue, a decision on this was not taken up yet, said KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala. He also added that he had sought for a detailed investigation on the matter and wanted the Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan to take immediate action in view of the CM's committed campaign against corruption.

Mahasamudram at final leg of shooting
Sunday, June 4, 2006 | MP

Superstar Mohanlal's upcoming film, Mahasamudram has entered its final leg of shooting. Mohanlal plays a fisherman in the film and the actor is currently busy shooting with the sea side scenes at the beaches in Thiruvanathapuram. Actress Laila pairs with him. The film which suffered repeated delays in its release is finally slated to hit theaters during Onam. This is a film from first time director Dr. S Janardhanan, and is produced by Sureshkumar of Revathy Kalamandir.

Bypoll to three RS seats from Kerala on June 26
Saturday, June 3, 2006 | MP

The bye- elections to three Rajya Sabha seats from Kerala will be held on June 26.This was informed by the Election Commission on Friday. This will include elections to the posts which are currently held by M.P. Abdussamad Samadani of Muslim League and P.J. Kurien of Congress which will go away on July 1st. The other seat is that of N.K. Premachandran of RSP which fell vacant after his resignation following his election to the Kerala Assembly. As per schedule nominations will start on June 9 and the polling would take place on June 26.

Dileep to fund for film of Amma; Joshy to direct
Saturday, June 3, 2006 | MP

The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (Amma) is finally set to make a film of its own. The move by Amma is expected to bring in more financial aid to the artists association. This is the first project of Amma,and the film will be directed by popular Malayalam director Joshy. Actor Dileep will fund the production cost of the film for Amma who said that he took up the project as Amma was in need of a lot of money. "Stage programmes are no longer organised and I thought a film would be a solution. The first round of payments to the directors and others has already been made," said Dileep. The film will feature many of the stars from the Malayalam film industry who will perform without accepting any fees.

Mansoon vigorous; Heavy damages state wide
Friday, June 2, 2006 | MP

The South West mansoon is vigorous in Kerala causing heavy damages to houses and crop lands across the state. The coastal regions of Kollam, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha districts are worst hit by the mansoon fury. Kozhikode, Kottayam, Trissur, Wayanad and Idukki districts also largely affected by the heavy rains. Death toll has reached 11 and propery and damage losses of over Rs.50 million has been estimated so far. The government has announced Rs.60 million towards the relief and rehabilitation works and two weeks of free ration for those affected by the mansoon rains.

Suresh Gopi to enact Pazhassi Raja
Friday, June 2, 2006 | MP

Actor Suresh Gopi is all set to perform the epic heroic character, Pazhassiraja on the big screens. Malayalam filmmaker Lenin Rajendran is teaming up with Suresh Gopi for a take on the life of this legendary hero of Kerala history who lived in the 17th Century. Lenin himself will write the script for the film. The duo has last worked together for the film,'Kulam'. The film on Pazassiraja is likely to start by September this year and will be mainly shot in Wayanad.

Amaran
Thursday, June 1, 2006 | MP

Amaran is director I V Sasi's new project after his recent film, Balram Vs. Taradas.Suresh Gopi is playing the lead role in the film.The title of the movie has been suggested by the actor himself and there are also speculations that Suresh himself is penning the story. A.K.Saajan who has teamed up with Suresh Gopi lately in thrillers like Lanka, Chinthamony Kola Case etc is the script writer for Amaran. Srichakra films produces the film.

Govt seek law on self financing colleges
Thursday, June 1, 2006 | MP

Kerala's Chief Minister V.S Achuthanandan has said that his government would seek to bring in a fresh legislation for controlling the fee structure in the self financing colleges in the state.He maintained that the move was intended to ensure that higher education was not denied to those students who came from economically weaker sections in the society. This also comes in wake of the Supreme Court ruling that the self financing colleges could collect fees at the rates fixed by the Justic K.T. Thomas Commission. But the LDF government insists that 50% of the seats in these self-financing colleges should be allowed to students at the fee rates instructed by the state government.

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